Trump Accuses CBS of Editing Scandal in 60 Minutes Broadcast

Former President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of the CBS network, calling for its broadcast license to be revoked following an incident involving the network’s “60 Minutes” program. Trump alleges that the network engaged in improper editing practices during the airing of an interview featuring his political opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump described CBS’s actions as “an UNPRECEDENTED SCANDAL” and “a FAKE NEWS SCAM,” claiming these actions were illegal. The controversy emerged after “60 Minutes” aired a shortened and edited version of Harris’s exchange with correspondent Bill Whitaker concerning U.S. influence over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The aired segment, which was approximately one minute and ten seconds long, contrasted with a longer version, lasting two minutes and 24 seconds, previously shown as a preview on CBS’s “Face the Nation.” The unedited version included a detailed and at times disjointed answer from Harris about the Middle East conflict, which was mocked by the Trump campaign as “word salad.”

CBS later posted the complete exchange on its YouTube channel. Trump, however, criticized the network’s editing decisions, suggesting they indicated bias and manipulation, collaborating with the Democratic Party. “TAKE AWAY THE CBS LICENSE,” Trump stated, further alleging “fraud” against the network.

The editing decision attracted significant criticism from conservative groups on social media, although it is a common practice for networks to edit interviews to fit broadcast time constraints. Harris’s campaign distanced itself from the editing controversy, stating that they did not have control over CBS’s editorial decisions and referring inquiries to the network.

CBS and “60 Minutes” have yet to respond to multiple requests for comment regarding the situation.

This incident marks a significant turnaround in Trump’s relationship with “60 Minutes.” Previously, Trump had agreed to be interviewed by the show but later withdrew, reportedly due to concerns about potential fact-checking. Despite his current criticism, Trump was once a fan of the show, according to an anonymous friend who revealed in 2017 that Trump often recorded it on his DVR, referring to it as one of his media obsessions.