Former President Donald Trump has fiercely criticized CBS and its long-running newsmagazine, 60 Minutes, following its latest broadcasts on Ukraine and Greenland. Trump took to his Truth Social platform to express his dissatisfaction, accusing the network of unfair and defamatory coverage. He called for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to impose harsh penalties on CBS for what he described as unlawful actions. The comments come amid ongoing legal disputes between Trump and CBS, including a $20 billion lawsuit over an edited interview with Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.
Trump’s Outrage Over CBS’s Coverage
In a post shared on Truth Social, Trump expressed his anger over the way 60 Minutes has handled his public image, claiming the show frequently targets him in a derogatory manner. “Almost every week, 60 Minutes mentions the name ‘TRUMP’ in a derogatory and defamatory way,” Trump wrote. He singled out the network’s recent segment, which he called “the worst yet,” accusing CBS of crossing a line in its coverage.
Trump, a frequent critic of mainstream media, also voiced his displeasure with the portrayal of his administration on the show, claiming that 60 Minutes had become a “dishonest political operative” rather than a trusted news outlet. He went further, calling for FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to take action against CBS, demanding “maximum fines and punishment” for the network’s alleged unlawful behavior.
Ongoing Legal Dispute Between Trump and CBS
Trump’s legal conflict with CBS is rooted in a $20 billion lawsuit that accuses the network of manipulating an interview with Kamala Harris. The lawsuit stems from the 2024 Democratic presidential candidate’s interview, which Trump claims was edited to make Harris appear more favorable. CBS has denied the allegations, asserting that the interview was edited for clarity and context.
In addition to the lawsuit, Trump’s legal team has reportedly engaged in settlement talks with CBS and its parent company, ViacomCBS. The dispute has caught the attention of federal regulators, with the FCC launching an investigation into the network’s practices. This is not the first time CBS has faced scrutiny over its coverage, as the network has also been involved in ongoing legal battles with other media organizations, including ABC News, NBC, and PBS.
60 Minutes Coverage of Ukraine and Greenland
Despite the legal drama, 60 Minutes continues to cover critical global issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. In its latest episode, correspondent Scott Pelley traveled to Ukraine to conduct an interview with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The interview, conducted at a site of a Russian missile attack that killed nine children, aired on Sunday. Zelenskyy used the opportunity to express his strong condemnation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him a “terrorist” and asserting that he holds “100%” hatred for the Russian leader due to the invasion.
Zelenskyy also invited Trump to visit Ukraine, urging him to see the devastation firsthand. “You should come here to see what’s happening,” Zelenskyy said. His remarks added fuel to the already heated political discourse surrounding the war in Ukraine and the U.S. response.
In addition to the Ukraine report, 60 Minutes correspondent Jon Wertheim traveled to Greenland to investigate local reactions to Trump’s past attempts to purchase the island. Wertheim’s report highlighted the mixed feelings many Greenlanders have about Trump’s ambitions and the geopolitical implications of his interest in the territory.
Trump’s Claims of Media Bias
Trump’s condemnation of 60 Minutes is part of his broader narrative that the mainstream media is biased against him. Over the years, he has frequently criticized news outlets for what he perceives as unfair coverage of his administration and personal life. In his social media message, he stated that 60 Minutes had abandoned its journalistic integrity and now serves as a political tool. “They must be held responsible for what they’ve done, and are doing,” Trump wrote.
Trump’s accusations of media bias come as he continues to prepare for the 2024 presidential election, in which he is seeking a second term in office. His remarks about CBS and 60 Minutes are likely to fuel further debate over the role of the media in shaping public perception of political figures.
