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Trump Calls CNN ‘Scum’ – But Why Are Billion-Dollar Media Houses Handing Him Victory

Paramount’s $16M settlement and rising lawsuits show how Donald Trump’s war on the press isn’t just loud—it’s shockingly effective. As critics warn of a crumbling Fourth Estate, some media giants appear to be trading truth for survival.

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Trump’s War on the Media: How $16M Deals and Billionaire Silence Are Eroding Press Freedom
Donald Trump cuts the mic cord marked “Breaking News” while media outlets scramble to protect profits over press freedom

What once looked like bluster now feels like blueprint. Donald Trump, back in the Oval Office for a second term, is waging a calculated war against the media—and alarmingly, he might be winning.

His tactics are no longer confined to angry tweets or press conference tantrums. They now include multi-million-dollar settlements, legal threats, and unprecedented intimidation tactics. But perhaps most concerning? The quiet compliance of America’s biggest media corporations.

The $16 Million Silence: Paramount Folds, Trump Gains

The latest chapter in this media meltdown unfolded when Paramount Global agreed to a $16 million settlement with Trump. The issue? An alleged bias in CBS’s “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris during the 2024 campaign. Trump, without any hard evidence, claimed the segment was edited unfairly.

Media watchdogs dismissed the claim as standard editorial procedure. But Paramount, owned by the Redstone family, has more than journalistic pride to protect—it has an $8 billion merger with Skydance Studios pending regulatory approval. And that approval lies in the hands of the Trump administration.

“It’s not just a payoff—it’s a playbook,” said Bob Corn-Revere from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. “This opens the door to the White House becoming the editor-in-chief of American journalism.”

From Buzz to Bribery? Sanders, Warren Sound the Alarm

The reaction from prominent Democrats has been swift and furious.

Bernie Sanders called it a “dark day for independent journalism,” warning that Trump’s “authoritarian slide” is being actively aided by billionaires prioritizing stock portfolios over democracy.

Elizabeth Warren went further, calling the Paramount payout potentially “bribery in plain sight.” She, along with Senators Sanders and Ron Wyden, issued a stern warning to Paramount CEO Shari Redstone, citing the federal bribery statute.

But in Trump’s America, warnings from the opposition may no longer carry weight—especially when media barons seem more eager to placate power than challenge it.

Media’s Muted Resistance: Billionaires Rewriting the Narrative

In a move that would’ve once shocked the nation, outlets once hailed for investigative courage are falling silent. The Washington Post and Los Angeles Times—owned by Jeff Bezos and Patrick Soon-Shiong, respectively—have pulled back on anti-Trump editorial stances. Resignation letters from senior staff go unanswered, while opinion pages grow increasingly MAGA-friendly.

“A generation ago, this would’ve been unthinkable,” said Bob Thompson, media professor at Syracuse University. “Today, media is just another chess piece on the billionaire’s board.”

Even CNN, long a Trump punching bag, now faces criminal prosecution threats. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused the network of encouraging undocumented immigrants to evade law enforcement, citing their coverage of an app used to alert users about ICE operations.

“We’re going to actually go after them,” she said. Trump added that CNN’s reporting on U.S. bombing missions should also be “examined.”

And then came his line:
“CNN is scum. MSDNC is scum. The New York Times is scum. They’re bad people. They’re sick.”

The Press Under Siege, the People in the Dark

This isn’t just about billionaire ego. It’s about the erosion of the American public’s right to truth.

Trump’s legal war on media now targets everyone from Disney’s ABC (another $16M settlement) to Iowa pollster Ann Selzer, whom he accused of “fraud” over unfavorable poll results. Even the Associated Press hasn’t been spared—banned from the White House for refusing to adopt his newly invented name for the Gulf of Mexico: “Gulf of America.”

In AP’s place? A rotating cast of unvetted “media influencers” whose main qualification seems to be sycophancy.

“This is about control—narrative control,” said Clayton Weimers, director of Reporters Without Borders. “You’re either playing ball with Trump or being locked out.”

A Perfect Storm: Business Collapse Meets Political Control

Journalism is not just under political attack—it’s also in economic freefall. Regional newspapers are vanishing, digital newsrooms like BuzzFeed, Vice News, and HuffPost have withered, and traditional ad revenue has been devoured by AI-driven platforms and social media.

The few that remain? Often arms of multinational corporations, more interested in brand safety than First Amendment principles.

Fox News, still owned by the Murdoch family, remains an exception—its audience and ad revenues soaring in the Trump-aligned media ecosystem.

“The Fourth Estate is collapsing before our eyes,” said Thompson. “And instead of fighting, too many are folding.”

Where Do We Go From Here?

At this moment, independent journalism stands at a crossroads. Will billion-dollar media corporations choose integrity over influence? Or will they continue to trade silence for survival?

One thing is certain: Donald Trump has figured out how to turn the watchdog into a lapdog—and he’s doing it in plain sight.

Politics

Trump Announces Donald Trump Jr.’s Engagement at White House Holiday Party

President reveals his eldest son’s engagement to Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson during festive White House gathering

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Trump Announces Donald Trump Jr.’s Engagement at White House Holiday Event
Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson, whose engagement was announced at a White House holiday party

President Donald Trump announced on Monday night that his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., is engaged, using a White House holiday party to share the family news. The engagement was later confirmed by a spokesperson for Trump Jr., who said the proposal took place over the weekend.

Trump Jr. is engaged to Bettina Anderson, a Palm Beach socialite who has drawn public attention over the past year as speculation about their relationship grew during the president’s election campaign.

The announcement, made in front of guests at the White House, immediately brought renewed focus to the couple, whose appearances together had previously fueled tabloid and political chatter.

Proposal confirmed, reaction shared online

A video of the moment, shared on social media by Trump ally Laura Loomer, captured Trump Jr. speaking shortly after the announcement.

Trump Announces Donald Trump Jr.’s Engagement at White House Holiday Event


“I’m not usually at a loss for words, because I’m usually doing the ranting and raving really well,” Trump Jr. said in the clip. “I want to thank Bettina for that one word: ‘Yes.’”

A spokesperson later confirmed that Trump Jr. proposed to Anderson over the weekend.

A relationship that gained public attention

Trump Jr. and Anderson were first seen together publicly earlier this year during a Trump family trip to Scotland, where they joined the president for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at a new golf course and attended an event announcing a trade deal.

Anderson, who maintains an active social media presence, has described herself with characteristic humor in her Instagram bio as:
“Just your typical stay at home mom … only I don’t do household chores … or have a husband … or have kids.”

Trump Jr.’s previous marriages and engagements

Donald Trump Jr. has been married before. He proposed to his first wife, Vanessa Trump, in 2004, and the couple were married at Mar-a-Lago in 2005. Vanessa Trump filed for divorce in 2018 after more than a decade of marriage.

Trump Announces Donald Trump Jr.’s Engagement at White House Holiday Event


He was also previously engaged to Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News personality who later served as finance chair of the Trump campaign during the 2020 presidential race.

Despite their breakup, Guilfoyle has remained close to the Trump family. During the period of speculation surrounding Trump Jr.’s relationship with Anderson, then president-elect Trump named Guilfoyle as his choice for US ambassador to Greece, a role she currently holds.

Family moment at the White House

The engagement announcement added a personal note to the White House holiday celebrations, blending family milestones with the traditional end-of-year festivities.

While no wedding details have been released, the public confirmation marks a new chapter for Trump Jr., whose personal life has often played out in the public eye alongside his prominent political role and frequent media appearances.

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Donald Trump Jr. announces engagement at the White House… “I want to thank Bettina for one word: Yes”

From a quiet Palm Beach romance to a surprise White House moment, Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson make it official

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Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson announce engagement at the White House
Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson attend a gala in Palm Beach months before announcing their engagement

In a moment that blended politics, family, and personal celebration, Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson have announced their engagement — and the setting made it even more symbolic.

The news was revealed on December 15 at the White House, with President Donald Trump himself sharing the announcement publicly. A short video of the moment, later circulated on X, captured Donald Trump Jr. struggling — unusually — to find the right words.

“I’m not usually at a loss for words, because I’m usually doing the ranting and raving really well,” Trump Jr. said with a smile. “I want to thank Bettina for that one word: ‘Yes.’”

(Donald Trump Jr.)
(Donald Trump)

Standing beside him, Anderson appeared visibly emotional as she shared her own reaction.

“This has been the most unforgettable weekend,” she said. “I get to marry the love of my life, and I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.”

From low-key beginnings to center stage

The couple’s relationship first came into public view in August 2024, when they were spotted together at a brunch in Palm Beach, Florida. At the time, the pairing raised eyebrows, as Trump Jr. was still publicly linked to Kimberly Guilfoyle.

By December 2024, sources confirmed that Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle had quietly parted ways, ending an engagement that began in 2020. Shortly afterward, Trump Jr. and Anderson’s relationship became more visible — and increasingly serious.

(Kimberly Guilfoyle)

Anderson joined Trump Jr. for key family moments, including New Year’s Eve at Mar-a-Lago and President Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, signaling her growing role within the Trump family circle.

AA1SqmaL Daily Global Diary - Authentic Global News


(Mar-a-Lago)

A new chapter after a long personal journey

Donald Trump Jr., 47, was previously married to Vanessa Trump, with whom he shares five children — Kai, Donald III, Tristan, Spencer, and Chloe. The couple divorced in 2018 after 12 years of marriage.

(Vanessa Trump)

Sources close to the family have described Anderson as a stabilizing presence in Trump Jr.’s life, noting that the relationship developed gradually but with clear intention. One insider previously told PEOPLE that the two “could go the distance.”

Who is Bettina Anderson?

Bettina Anderson is no stranger to high-profile circles, but her public identity extends well beyond society events. She is the daughter of philanthropists Harry Loy Anderson Jr. and Inger Anderson, and is deeply involved in charitable and advocacy work.

(Bettina Anderson )
(Hope for Depression Research Foundation)

She is a prominent supporter of the Hope for Depression Research Foundation, founded by Audrey Gruss, and is actively involved in Project Paradise, a Florida-based conservation initiative. Anderson also volunteers weekly with the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County, reflecting a long-term commitment to education and community development.

What comes next

While no wedding date has been announced, the engagement marks a significant new chapter for both Trump Jr. and Anderson — one that has unfolded under intense public scrutiny but appears grounded in mutual admiration and shared values.

For now, the couple has asked for privacy as they celebrate the milestone. But with a White House announcement and a presidential seal hovering over their engagement story, one thing is certain: this will remain one of the most talked-about political-society unions of the year.

For more Update – DAILYGLOBALDIARY

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“Egg on Their Face”: DOJ’s Failed Trump Revenge Prosecutions Trigger Legal Embarrassment

From dismissed indictments to grand jury rejections, the Justice Department’s attempts to prosecute Trump critics have unraveled in dramatic fashion

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“Egg on Their Face”: DOJ’s Failed Trump Revenge Prosecutions Trigger Legal Embarrassment
The U.S. Department of Justice faces mounting criticism after repeated legal failures in high-profile Trump-linked prosecutions

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is facing growing scrutiny and embarrassment after a string of high-profile failures tied to attempts to prosecute critics of President Donald Trump. What was meant to project strength and accountability has instead exposed deep cracks in federal prosecution strategy, according to legal experts and former prosecutors.

In a sequence of setbacks rarely seen in modern federal law enforcement, the DOJ has suffered dismissed indictments, blocked evidence, and, most strikingly, two federal grand juries refusing to indict one of its key targets — New York Attorney General Letitia James.

The most damaging blow came on December 11, when a second grand jury declined to issue charges against James, just days after another grand jury rejected the same effort. Her attorney, Abbe Lowell, called the outcome “unprecedented,” a sentiment echoed by multiple former federal prosecutors.

“Egg on Their Face”: DOJ’s Failed Trump Revenge Prosecutions Trigger Legal Embarrassment


Earlier indictments against both James and former FBI Director James Comey were thrown out after a federal judge ruled that the special prosecutor who brought the cases, Lindsey Halligan, had been unlawfully appointed. Adding to the DOJ’s woes, a judge also blocked prosecutors from using key evidence against Comey, citing possible constitutional violations.

“This is an embarrassment,” said Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor. “The last thing you want to be as a prosecutor is to be on the defensive — and that’s exactly what’s happening here.”

Trump’s Longstanding Vendettas

Trump’s hostility toward both Comey and James dates back years. He fired Comey in 2017 while the FBI was investigating potential links between Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia. James later sued Trump in 2022 for civil fraud related to his real estate business, a case that deeply angered the former president.

In a September 20 social media post, Trump openly called for the prosecution of Comey, James, and Sen. Adam Schiff of California. While investigations were launched, results have been deeply underwhelming.

An NBC News report revealed that the DOJ’s investigation into Schiff has stalled entirely, with internal probes reportedly underway to examine how the case was mishandled. The DOJ has declined to comment on its performance in these matters.

Loyalty Over Experience

According to multiple reports, career prosecutors — including the interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia — had previously concluded the evidence against James and Comey was too weak to sustain charges. Trump publicly criticized and fired the U.S. attorney, later urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to appoint Lindsey Halligan, his former personal lawyer, despite her lack of prosecutorial experience.

Bondi acted swiftly, and Halligan secured indictments against both Comey and James. But the cases quickly collapsed.

In Comey’s case, Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick described a “disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps,” including possible violations of the Fourth Amendment. Judge Cameron McGowan Currie, a Clinton appointee, ultimately dismissed all charges after ruling Halligan’s appointment unlawful.

“The prosecutions haven’t amounted to much in court,” said Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond. “Except to harass them — which may have been the point.”

Grand Jury Rejections: A Rare Humiliation

Perhaps the most humiliating moment for the DOJ came when two separate grand juries rejected efforts to re-indict Letitia James. Legal experts stress how extraordinary this is.

Former federal prosecutor Mitchell Epner said he sought hundreds of indictments in his career and failed only once. “To go before two grand juries in a week and fail both times is humiliating and a repudiation of the prosecution,” he said.

Barbara McQuade, former U.S. attorney under President Barack Obama, was even more blunt:
“When prosecutors are selected based on loyalty rather than experience and integrity, this is the sort of garbage we can expect.”

“Egg on Their Face”: DOJ’s Failed Trump Revenge Prosecutions Trigger Legal Embarrassment


Comey Case Still on Shaky Ground

The DOJ has suggested it may try to re-indict Comey, but significant hurdles remain. A federal judge has temporarily blocked prosecutors from using key evidence obtained during a separate 2017 investigation, ruling it may have been seized unconstitutionally.

Even if that hurdle is cleared, prosecutors face another problem: time. The original indictment was issued just days before the statute of limitations expired. Comey’s defense team argues that because the indictment was void, the government cannot rely on the usual six-month extension for refiling charges.

“The DOJ — and Halligan in particular — have egg on their face,” Rahmani said. “These are massive failures by the Justice Department.”

A Pattern of Collapse

What emerges from this saga is not just a legal defeat, but a broader institutional reckoning. From judicial rebukes to grand jury resistance, the DOJ’s efforts against Trump’s perceived enemies have collapsed under scrutiny.

Instead of delivering accountability, the prosecutions have raised uncomfortable questions about politicization, competence, and abuse of power — questions that now hang heavily over the Justice Department itself.

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