Investigate CBS/Paramount for firing Colbert
Petition to Congress:
We urge you to investigate CBS and Paramount in order to see if anti-bribery laws were broken in their settlement with Trump and if the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s show was politically motivated.
Stephen Colbert criticized CBS/Paramount’s decision to pay out $16 million to Trump in order to settle a "meritless" lawsuit1— calling it a "big, fat bribe."2 Days later Paramount canceled Colbert’s show.
Trump celebrated the news saying, "I absolutely love that Colbert got fired."3
Trump’s attacks on the free press have been relentless. When big media corporations like Paramount give in to these attacks with multi-million dollar payouts, it empowers Trump and has a chilling effect on free speech. The public deserves to know if Colbert’s firing was politically motivated, and the extent of the corruption at the center of Paramount’s dealings with Trump.
Sign the petition: Call on Congress to launch an investigation into CBS/Paramount’s settlement with Trump and the firing of Stephen Colbert!
Senator Elizabeth Warren called Paramount’s settlement with Trump a "deal that looks like bribery."4
Central to the controversial decision by Paramount executives is its pending multi-billion merger with another giant corporation, Skydance. "Did Skydance make a secret side deal with Donald Trump so he’d approve its $8 BILLION merger with Paramount?" Senator Warren asked.5 Colbert highlighted this very clear conflict of interest when he spoke out against Paramount. We need answers.
Ultra-rich media executives handing even greater control over the country to Trump is a serious threat to our democracy — especially as they silence some of America’s most high profile political commentators, journalists, and comedians. All against the backdrop of a multi-billion dollar corporate merger.
Sign the petition: Investigate CBS/Paramount for firing Colbert! Congress has a duty to see if Paramount broke anti-bribery laws by settling with Trump.
Sources:
- The Washington Post, "CBS owner Paramount settles Trump lawsuit over Harris interview for $16M,” July 2, 2025.
- The Guardian, “Writers’ union urges investigation into Paramount move to cancel Colbert show,” July 18, 2025.
- Yahoo News, “Fox News Host Says CBS’ Trump Suck-Up Tarnished Network,” July 20, 2025.
- Sen Warren on X, “CBS canceled Colbert’s show just THREE DAYS after Colbert called out CBS parent company Paramount...” July 17, 2025.
- Sen Warren on X, "Did Skydance make a secret side deal with Donald Trump so he’d approve its $8 BILLION merger with Paramount?” July 21, 2025.