CBS News’ flagship program 60 Minutes pulled a story about Trump-era deportations to El Salvador just hours before it was set to air, according to an email from correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi.
Story Pulled by New Editor-in-Chief
The story, which detailed deportees sent to El Salvador’s notorious CECOT prison in Tecoluca, was held because new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss sought additional perspective from the Trump administration. An email sent to colleagues on Saturday revealed that Weiss had decided not to air the segment.
Sharyn Alfonsi said the piece had passed all internal checks. “In my view, pulling it now — after every rigorous internal check has been met is not an editorial decision, it is a political one.” The shift was publicly announced two hours before the broadcast aired.
Background on the Deportation Story
The interview featured Alfonsi speaking to individuals who had been deported to CECOT, a mega-prison in El Salvador. Weiss told The New York Times that her role is to ensure stories are the best they can be. “My job is to make sure that all the stories we publish are the best they can be. Holding stories that aren’t ready for whatever reason – that they lack sufficient context, say, or that they are missing critical voices – happens every day in every newsroom.” She added, “I look forward to airing Alfonsi’s piece when it’s ready.”
Reactions and Context
President Donald Trump has been sharply critical of “60 Minutes.” He sued the network last fall over its interview with then-Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, which was settled this summer, and recently complained about the show’s interview with former ally turned foe Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Paramount agreed to pay $16 million to settle Trump’s lawsuit over a CBS “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris.
Key Takeaways
- CBS News pulled the Trump-era deportation story hours before airing, citing editorial direction.
- The decision was made by new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, who said she was seeking additional context.
- The move has drawn scrutiny of Weiss’s leadership amid ongoing criticism from President Trump.
The abrupt cancellation highlights the tension between editorial standards and political pressures within the network.
