The White House is expressing discontent over CBS News’s hiring of Jeremy Adler, a former aide to Liz Cheney, who has been a prominent critic of President Trump. Cheney, once a top-ranking Republican in the House, was removed from her leadership role in 2021 and has been vocal against Trump, especially following the events of January 6. Adler, who worked as her spokesperson during the Jan. 6 investigation, is set to join CBS News’s press team, and the White House is not pleased with this move.
A White House official criticized CBS’s decision, stating that Adler has a history of seeking legal action against Trump. This feedback underscores ongoing tensions between the administration and the network. Last year, CBS faced backlash after settling a lawsuit from Trump regarding their handling of a “60 Minutes” interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, which he claimed interfered in the upcoming election.
The irony here is that CBS has been perceived by some on the left as catering to Trump’s interests, particularly after Paramount’s CEO, who is known to have a good relationship with the former president, appointed Bari Weiss as the network’s top editor. However, Adler’s hiring has shifted perceptions again, leading to claims it could be seen as a retaliatory act against Trump.
Meanwhile, Cheney’s position within the Republican Party has shifted significantly over time. She became increasingly isolated from her peers after her critical stance towards Trump intensified, particularly after the Capitol riot. Along with Adam Kinzinger, she became a notable figure on the Democratic-led committee investigating the January 6 events, gaining media attention in the process.
Cheney’s vocal opposition to Trump not only led to her downfall within the Republican leadership but also her defeat in the 2022 midterms against Harriet Hageman, who was backed by Trump. Recently, Cheney and her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, voiced support for Harris during the 2024 election campaign, further complicating her relationship with the Republican base.
