Hollywood actor and prominent activist George Clooney has launched a scathing critique of two major American television networks, accusing them of failing the public by choosing to settle costly defamation lawsuits brought by former President Donald Trump.
Clooney's Blunt Critique of Network Settlements
In comments reported on Tuesday 30 December 2025, Clooney argued that both ABC and CBS made a profound error by agreeing to financial settlements rather than challenging Trump's lawsuits in court. He suggested the networks should have told the former president to "go f*** yourself".
Clooney revealed that ABC paid Trump $15 million to settle its case, while Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS, paid a staggering $16 million. The latter settlement is now under scrutiny, with House Democrats investigating whether the payment could be construed as a potential "bribe."
Warning Over a "MAGA-Friendly" Direction
The actor expressed particular concern about the editorial direction of CBS News under its new editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss. Clooney claimed Weiss is "dismantling" the network and steering its journalism towards a "MAGA-friendly" path, a reference to Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan.
Drawing a parallel to his own role as legendary broadcaster Edward R. Murrow in the film Good Night, and Good Luck, Clooney stressed his deep worry about the state of the free press. He emphasised the public's growing difficulty in discerning reality and accused some journalists of abandoning their core mission to hold power to account, labelling this a "very trying time."
A Personal History and a Broader Fear
Clooney, who noted he once knew Donald Trump well, insisted that legally contesting the lawsuits, rather than settling, would have ultimately left the United States in a stronger position. His intervention highlights a growing anxiety among media figures about the chilling effect of litigation and financial pressure on investigative reporting.
The actor's comments underscore a significant moment for media integrity, where the financial might of political figures can potentially influence newsroom decisions. Clooney's stark message serves as a rallying cry for journalists to resist such pressures, regardless of the cost.
