60 Minutes recently aired a segment on Trump administration deportations that had been removed from the show’s schedule a month ago, sparking internal controversy over alleged political pressures. Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi did not mention her disagreement with CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss in the piece, which focused on deportees sent to El Salvador’s harsh CECOT prison.
The segment, initially pulled on Weiss’s directive, was criticized by Alfonsi as a political rather than an editorial decision. Weiss argued that the story did not adequately represent the administration’s stance or build on previous reporting by other news outlets. Despite lacking on-camera interviews with Trump administration officials, the aired story included statements from the White House and Department of Homeland Security not featured in Alfonsi’s original version.
Alfonsi revealed that 60 Minutes had repeatedly sought on-camera interviews with key Trump officials since November, all of which were declined. CBS News affirmed its commitment to airing the CECOT piece, emphasizing its independence and storytelling prowess.
The controversy surrounding the sidelined story heightened tensions, with critics suggesting Weiss’s appointment signaled network favoritism towards Trump. Although initially removed from the broadcast, Alfonsi’s original report was mistakenly made available online by Global Television, allowing viewers to compare it with the final aired version.
The segment’s content remained consistent, featuring remarks from President Trump and White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt on the CECOT prison. Alfonsi updated the story’s introduction to include a recent U.S. raid leading to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and included the administration’s explanation for not providing detailed migrant records for El Salvador.
The relationship between CBS and the administration has evolved since Weiss’s tenure, with increased visibility of Trump officials on CBS News. Notably, President Trump’s full interview with new CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil was aired following a warning from Leavitt. The decision to air the unedited interview was a departure from typical evening news practices.
President Trump has previously raised concerns over the editing of his interviews, including releasing unedited transcripts of past interactions with 60 Minutes.
