Levitt Warns CBS Over Trump Interview Broadcast

White House press secretary Caroline Levitt has cautioned CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil that the upcoming interview with President Donald Trump must be aired in full. If not, the network could potentially face legal action.

Audio captured moments after Trump’s meeting with Dokoupil in Michigan revealed Levitt relaying a message from Trump: he insisted the interview shouldn’t be edited. “He said, ‘Make sure you don’t cut the ribbon and make sure the interview is completely public,'” Levitt stated, according to the recorded remarks.

Dokoupil acknowledged, “Yes, we are doing it, yes,” reflecting a clear understanding of Trump’s directive.

Levitt further relayed Trump’s sentiments, indicating that he joked about legal action: “If you don’t give me your all, I’m going to sue to get you fired.” Some CBS staff present perceived this as a lighthearted comment. Dokoupil, in response, humorously noted, “He says that all the time!” Executive producer Kim Harvey added, “Oh, wow, I get it!”

A CBS News spokesperson confirmed the decision to air the interview verbatim upon scheduling. As noted, the White House emphasized that the public deserves to see the full interview without edits, with Levitt stating, “The American people have the right to see President Trump’s entire interview, unedited and uncut.”

This isn’t the first time Trump has been involved in a legal dispute with CBS. He previously sued over a “60 Minutes” segment featuring former Vice President Kamala Harris, claiming that the editing and two-night airing amounted to election interference, which CBS eventually settled prior to a merger involving its parent companies.

During the interview, Trump addressed the economic situation, suggesting to Dokoupil that if Harris had won, he likely wouldn’t have his current job. “You probably don’t have a job right now,” Trump said. He remarked, “Our country is booming right now. We’re the hottest country in the world.” He also made mention of David Ellison, the new head of CBS’s parent company, in a slightly ironic tone.

As the meeting wrapped up, Dokoupil had a little back-and-forth with the president, asserting, “I think I will take this job even if other people win,” to which Trump humorously replied, “Yes, but the salary is low.”