Trump's complaint, filed against Paramount and CBS in a federal court in Texas, seeks at least $20 billion in damages. The lawsuit has been widely described as frivolous, but it appears that Paramount is motivated to settle the case while it seeks the Trump administration's approval for a merger with Skydance.

Redstone had become increasingly concerned over a handful of “60 Minutes” stories that drew criticism from the president and the Federal Communications Commission, sources said.