CBS News is facing challenges securing guests willing to criticize Donald Trump, particularly under the new leadership of Bari Weiss. A recent “60 Minutes” episode on Trump’s pardon of Changpeng Zhao, founder of Binance, highlighted this issue, as numerous individuals involved declined on-camera interviews due to fear of retribution. Former Justice Department officials, like Elizabeth Oyer, expressed concern over the use of presidential pardons, while CBS News faced criticism for its new editorial direction and a Trump-friendly CEO. This follows the controversial appointment of conservative commentator Bari Weiss and a recent interview with Trump.
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In a recent “60 Minutes” interview, Donald Trump requested that a segment where he discussed being paid by CBS, due to their editing of a Kamala Harris interview, be edited out. He simultaneously criticized CBS for editing Harris, showcasing his contradictory approach to the media. The interview further revealed Trump’s admission of pardoning a cryptocurrency executive, seemingly influenced by his sons’ financial interests, while claiming others should be jailed for a similar action. Trump also expressed support for increased violence by law enforcement, while displaying a complete disconnect from reality. The article suggests these actions reflect a pattern of hypocrisy and self-serving behavior.
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CBS omitted a section of Donald Trump’s “60 Minutes” interview where he boasted about receiving a multi-million dollar payout from Paramount, the network’s parent company, potentially to avoid embarrassment. This omission followed a settlement where CBS paid Trump $16 million to settle a suit alleging deceptive editing of a previous interview. The merger of Paramount-Skydance, now led by the son of a Trump ally, was approved shortly after the settlement, sparking criticism of CBS’s actions. The network has since undergone restructuring, including the appointment of conservative figures and an ombudsman, raising concerns about potential bias and a shift in editorial direction.
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During a recent interview, portions of Donald Trump’s contentious exchange with Norah O’Donnell regarding a pardoned crypto billionaire were omitted from both the televised and extended online versions of the “60 Minutes” broadcast. While the initial segment about the pardon was included, the subsequent heated reaction from Trump, when questioned about potential corruption, was not. Furthermore, Trump’s remarks about a financial settlement he received from CBS, following a lawsuit regarding a Kamala Harris interview, were also excluded from both broadcast versions.
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Paramount Global has agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit filed by Donald Trump related to a “60 Minutes” interview, a settlement that does not include an apology. As part of the agreement, “60 Minutes” will release transcripts of interviews with eligible U.S. presidential candidates after airing, with potential redactions. The settlement has been met with strong criticism from press organizations, who decry it as a threat to press freedom and an act of capitulation. The lawsuit accused CBS of election interference and sought $10 billion in damages, but the company initially denied the claims before initiating settlement talks.
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Paramount Global agreed to pay $16 million to settle President Trump’s lawsuit over edits to a “60 Minutes” interview, allocating the funds to his future presidential library. The settlement avoided a potentially costly legal battle, though it prompted criticism from First Amendment experts. This deal was seen as a way to facilitate Paramount’s sale to Skydance Media, a deal that still requires FCC approval. As part of the agreement, “60 Minutes” will release interview transcripts with presidential candidates after airing, with redactions for legal or national security.
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President Trump’s $20 billion lawsuit against Paramount Global over a “60 Minutes” segment featuring Kamala Harris alleges deceptive editing that violated Texas consumer protection laws. Paramount’s motion to dismiss, citing First Amendment protection, was opposed by Trump’s legal team, arguing the editing constituted commercial speech damaging to Trump’s businesses. Settlement talks, involving a Paramount offer of $15 million rejected by Trump, are ongoing, amidst threats of further lawsuits from Trump’s lawyers. The case’s complexities intersect with Paramount’s pending merger with Skydance Media, raising concerns among some senators despite assurances of separation from the lawsuit by the FCC.
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A recent 60 Minutes exposé detailed Donald Trump’s campaign of retribution against major law firms. Trump’s executive orders, aimed at firms representing his opponents, have been described as an assault on the legal profession, with some firms facing financial repercussions and others pressured into pro bono work for the administration. A federal judge deemed one such order unconstitutional, while lawyers involved have likened Trump’s actions to mob tactics and bribery. The segment also revealed that Paramount, 60 Minutes’ parent company, faced pressure to temper criticism of Trump, leading to the departure of the show’s longtime chief.
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This Sunday, 60 Minutes will air a segment criticizing President Trump’s intimidation tactics against law firms, despite being embroiled in a legal battle with him. The segment highlights Trump’s use of executive orders to target firms he accuses of “weaponizing” the justice system. This action comes amidst the recent departure of 60 Minutes’ executive producer, Bill Owens, who cited CBS’s alleged pandering to Trump and interference with editorial independence. The president, meanwhile, has declared his lawsuit against 60 Minutes and CBS a “true WINNER,” claiming fraud. The timing of the segment is particularly noteworthy given Paramount Global’s pending merger requiring presidential approval.
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Scott Pelley, in a “60 Minutes” broadcast, criticized Paramount’s increased content oversight, linking it to the company’s pursuit of a merger requiring Trump administration approval. This oversight, Pelley explained, prompted executive producer Bill Owens’ resignation, as Owens felt it compromised the show’s journalistic independence. Pelley defended Owens’ actions, highlighting his commitment to accurate and fair reporting, even on controversial topics like the Trump administration and the Israel-Gaza conflict. The situation underscores concerns about potential interference in editorial decisions driven by business considerations.
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John Q. Hosedrinker