Wendy McMahon, CBS News president and CEO announced her resignation on May 19, 2025, citing irreconcilable differences with parent company Paramount Global over the network’s future direction.

Her departure revealed in a tense memo to staff, follows months of turmoil linked to a $20 billion lawsuit from President Donald Trump and internal disputes over a potential settlement.

McMahon, 50, expressed frustration with Paramount’s handling of Trump’s lawsuit, which alleges deceptive editing in a 2024 “60 Minutes” interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Both McMahon and former “60 Minutes” executive producer Bill Owens, who resigned last month opposed settling the suit viewing it as a threat to journalistic integrity.

Sources suggest Paramount’s push for a settlement is tied to its $8 billion merger with Skydance Media, which requires regulatory approval.

“It’s become clear that the company and I do not agree on the path forward,” McMahon wrote. “It’s time for me to move on and for this organization to move forward with new leadership.” Despite challenges, including declining ratings for “CBS Evening News,” she called her two-year tenure “one of the most meaningful chapters” of her career.

McMahon’s exit, first hinted at by insiders three months ago, marks the second high-profile departure from CBS News in weeks, raising concerns about the network’s stability. Employees fear a “purge” is underway with one correspondent noting a loss of morale.

Paramount CEO George Cheeks praised McMahon’s contributions, particularly in expanding local news and digital platforms, but did not address her criticisms.

Lawsuit widely dismissed by legal experts as frivolous, accuses CBS of manipulating the Harris interview to favor Democrats in the 2024 election. Trump recently escalated his claims, alleging the edits harmed his Truth Social platform’s viewership.

As settlement talks continue, McMahon’s resignation signals deeper tensions between CBS News and Paramount’s corporate priorities.

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CBS has no immediate plans to replace McMahon, with news and stations divisions now reporting directly to Cheeks. Industry observers view her departure as a pivotal moment for CBS News, potentially reshaping its editorial direction amid ongoing legal and financial pressures.