“60 Minutes” Airs Controversial Trump Deportation Story After Internal Dispute
TL/DR –
“60 Minutes” has aired a previously pulled story about Trump administration deportations that involved a dispute between correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi and CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss. The segment, which discusses deportees sent to a harsh prison in El Salvador, was initially removed from the lineup in December on Weiss’s orders, with Alfonsi asserting that it was a political decision, not an editorial one. The aired version included statements from the White House and Department of Homeland Security that were not part of the original story, while also noting that Trump administration officials declined requests for on-camera interviews.
“60 Minutes” airs pulled report on Trump deportation
“60 Minutes” on Sunday broadcasted a story about Trump administration deportations that was previously removed from its lineup, sparking an internal dispute over alleged political pressure.
Reporter Sharyn Alfonsi, while covering the CECOT prison in El Salvador, made no mention of her disagreement with CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss. Alfonsi had expressed that the decision to withdraw the segment was politically influenced, not editorial.
The story aired included statements from the White House and Department of Homeland Security, which were previously omitted. “60 Minutes” had continuously sought for on-camera interviews with Trump administration officials, which were consistently declined.
CBS insists on airing the piece
According to a statement from CBS News, the network always intended to air the “60 Minutes” CECOT piece. The segment was among those meant to highlight the network’s independent storytelling.
The decision to delay the CECOT story was criticized, especially given the appointment of Weiss, a newcomer to television news, which critics saw as an attempt to please Trump.
Alfonsi’s original story accidentally went online, enabling viewers to compare it with what was eventually broadcasted. The story was unchanged, but the introduction was updated to include recent events and administration comments.
CBS-Trump administration relationship changes
Since Weiss’ appointment, CBS News has seen increased visibility of Trump administration officials. The president was interviewed on “60 Minutes” in November.
Last week, after an interview with the president, CBS was reportedly threatened with a lawsuit if it didn’t air the exchange in full. CBS aired all 13 minutes of the interview, an unusual step for a half-hour newscast.
Trump has previously objected to how his interviews have been edited, including releasing an unedited transcript of a “60 Minutes” interview in 2020.
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