The California State Senate has launched an investigation into Paramount Global's ongoing discussions with President Donald Trump to settle his $20 billion lawsuit against CBS. In a Friday letter, the state's lawmakers invited former "60 Minutes" executive producer Bill Owens and former CBS News president Wendy McMahon to testify as part of the probe.

California state senators are investigating Paramount over the reported $15 million it offered President Donald Trump to settle his lawsuit against the company — and they’re inviting top former employees to speak out.

Two California state senators have called for a hearing on the settlement talks between Paramount Global and President Trump, alleging that such a deal would amount to a bribe in order to obtain regulatory approval for the studio’s merger with Skydance Media.