and New York Times, the settlement was agreed - with the help of mediator - so as to not affect Paramount's planned merger with Skydance Media, which the Federal Communications Commission has been reviewing and therefore Trump technically has the power to halt.

During the month-long settlement talks, some CBS News executives including chief executive Wendy McMahon have left their roles, due to their unwillingness to issue an apology to Trump.

There were also reportedly concerns over whether paying to settle the lawsuit could be viewed as bribing a public official.

A spokesman for Trump's legal team said the settlement was "another win for the American people as he, once again, holds the Fake News media accountable for their wrongdoing and deceit."

He added that CBS and Paramount "realised the strength of this historic case."

CBS has said the broadcast was "not doctored or deceitful".

The Paramount settlement follows a decision by Walt Disney-owned ABC News to settle a defamation case brought by Trump.