60 Minutes aired a report on Sunday concerning deportations during the Trump administration, which had been removed from the schedule a month earlier, sparking internal disputes over political influences. Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi did not mention her disagreement with CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss in the story covering deportees sent to El Salvador’s CECOT prison.
After the segment was pulled at Weiss’s directive on December 21, Alfonsi informed her 60 Minutes colleagues that it was a political rather than an editorial decision. Weiss contended that the report did not adequately represent the administration’s perspective or build upon previous reporting by other news outlets. The story broadcast on Sunday did not feature on-camera interviews with Trump administration officials but did include statements from the White House and Department of Homeland Security that were not included in Alfonsi’s original piece.
Alfonsi revealed that since November, 60 Minutes had tried multiple times to conduct on-camera interviews with key Trump administration figures for their story, but all requests were declined. CBS News stated that they had always intended to air the CECOT piece, emphasizing their commitment to journalistic independence and impactful storytelling.
Alfonsi’s report was the second segment on the show, following Cecilia Vega’s report on ICE enforcement and protests in Minneapolis. The decision to sideline Alfonsi’s story had drawn criticism, with some suggesting Weiss’s appointment was an effort by new corporate leadership at CBS to appease Trump supporters.
Despite being pulled from the broadcast in December, Alfonsi’s original story mistakenly appeared online. The article remained unchanged, including footage of President Trump and remarks from the White House press secretary. Alfonsi updated the introduction to reference a recent U.S. raid leading to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and included comments from the administration regarding the lack of detailed records on deported migrants to El Salvador.
The relationship between CBS and the administration had evolved since Weiss’s arrival, with more appearances of Trump officials on CBS News programs. The New York Times reported that threats of legal action were made after an interview with Trump, ultimately leading to the full airing of the interview. Trump has previously raised concerns about the editing of his interviews, including releasing unedited transcripts of past conversations.
