On Sunday, CBS’s 60 Minutes aired a segment on deportation policies under the Trump administration that had previously faced political controversy. This segment was initially removed from the show in December 2021, sparking internal conflict at CBS News.
Return of the Controversial Segment
The story, reported by correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi, focused on deportees from the U.S. who were sent to El Salvador’s CECOT prison, known for its harsh conditions. Alfonsi indicated that the decision to pull the segment was politically motivated, claiming it was not a matter of editorial discretion. In an earlier communication, she mentioned that CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss judged the report as lacking sufficient balance regarding the administration’s perspective.
Content of the Segment
While the recent airing did not include any on-camera interviews with Trump administration officials, it featured statements from the White House and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These statements had not been part of the earlier version that was shelved. Alfonsi noted the administration’s refusal to provide on-camera interviews was intended to undermine the story’s impact.
- The segment aired on January 3, 2023.
- It included comments from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a tour in El Salvador.
- Key statements highlighted deported individuals classified by the DHS as “heinous monsters”.
Political and Editorial Pressures
The initial omission of Alfonsi’s story became a flashpoint for critics who alleged that Weiss’s appointment, as a leader with no significant prior experience in television news, was influenced by corporate leadership attempting to align with the Trump administration. Despite this, CBS maintained a commitment to air Alfonsi’s work, claiming the delays were part of a standard readiness process.
The Evolving Relationship between CBS and the Trump Administration
Since Weiss took the helm, Trump administration officials have appeared more frequently on CBS, suggesting a new dynamic in their relationship. Recently, President Trump participated in an unedited interview with CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil, reinforcing a trend toward increased visibility for the administration on the network.
This evolving scenario illustrates the intersection of journalism and politics, as news outlets navigate pressures that affect their reporting on controversial issues like Trump’s deportation policies. The return of the 60 Minutes segment serves as a reminder of these ongoing complexities.
