“60 Minutes” Pulls Controversial Trump Deportation Story Before Airing
CBS News’ acclaimed program “60 Minutes” canceled a scheduled segment on the Trump administration’s deportations to El Salvador just hours before its broadcast. This decision, directed by newly appointed editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, is generating significant discussion about editorial discretion in news reporting.
The withdrawal of the story, which featured correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi interviewing deportees held in a notorious Salvadoran prison, raises questions about the role of perspective in journalistic storytelling, especially concerning controversial topics like immigration policy. The repercussions of this decision extend beyond CBS, potentially affecting public trust in media reporting.
Key Developments
- The story was scheduled to air on Sunday but was pulled two hours before airtime.
- Bari Weiss aimed to include a viewpoint from the Trump administration before airing the report.
- Sharyn Alfonsi asserted the piece was fully accurate and had received all necessary approvals.
- Weiss indicated that the story would eventually be aired when it meets her standards for context and completeness.
Full Report
Controversial Decision
The segment focused on the experiences of immigrants deported to El Salvador, including accounts from individuals held in the country’s notorious CECOT prison. The decision to not air this piece was made by Bari Weiss, who recently took over as CBS News’ editor-in-chief following a leadership change at CBS’s parent company, Paramount. According to reports, Weiss believed that the story needed additional viewpoints, specifically from the Trump administration, leading to its last-minute cancellation.
Internal Reaction
In an email to colleagues, Alfonsi expressed her disappointment, emphasizing that the report had met all editorial standards and legal checks. She criticized the decision to withdraw it as being politically motivated rather than a legitimate editorial choice. This situation puts further scrutiny on Weiss’s leadership as she navigates balancing journalistic integrity with editorial direction.
Weiss’ Statement
In response to the criticism surrounding the decision, Weiss stated that her role includes ensuring the highest quality of storytelling. She mentioned that holding stories for various reasons, such as lacking sufficient context or critical voices, is standard practice in newsrooms. Weiss expressed her anticipation for airing Alfonsi’s piece once it meets her standards.
Context & Previous Events
This incident follows President Trump’s vocal criticism of “60 Minutes,” including a lawsuit over a past interview with Kamala Harris, which was resolved earlier this summer. Weiss’s recent appointment brings additional attention to editorial choices at CBS News, especially regarding sensitive political themes.
