Trump Comments on CBS News Management Changes
President Trump has expressed his approval of the recent management changes at CBS News, including the appointment of a polarizing journalist as editor-in-chief, following Skydance’s acquisition of the media giant earlier this summer.
During a lengthy interview with the network on Sunday night, Trump mentioned, “In fact, ’60 Minutes’ paid me a lot of money,” referring to his ongoing lawsuit against CBS. This award marks the first time in years that it has been awarded to a journalist from the station.
He also remarked, “And you don’t have to wear this. I don’t want to embarrass you, and I’m sure you don’t. You have a great leader. Frankly, who are the young women leading your business, who, as far as I know, are excellent leaders?”
The president was talking about Bari Weiss, a former New York Times columnist who left the paper in 2020 after voicing her criticisms and later established her own media company, supported by critics of mainstream media. Last month, Weiss was hired by Paramount’s CEO David Ellison, son of tech mogul and Trump ally Larry Ellison.
Trump added, “I don’t know her, but I hear she’s a wonderful person. But on ’60 Minutes,’ they made me pay a lot because I took her with me.” He then referred to Kamala Harris, claiming, “Two nights before the election, it was so problematic that it changed the election. They gave us a new answer, and they compensated me a lot for it.”
Last year, Trump initiated a lawsuit against CBS regarding the “60 Minutes” interview, alleging that the network edited the segment to make him look unfavorable.
Paramount reached a $16 million settlement with him shortly before its merger with Skydance was approved by the FCC during the Trump administration. As part of the agreement with the FCC, Paramount vowed to adjust CBS News’s editorial direction to include what it termed “diverse” perspectives.
Trump and his supporters frequently criticize mainstream media and broadcast networks, with some suggesting that the administration should take additional steps to ensure these organizations serve the “public interest.”
“There should be no fake news,” Trump stated during the “60 Minutes” segment. “Legitimate news is necessary, and I believe that’s happening. I see encouraging developments in the news. Honestly, I think one of the best things is this show and the new ownership at CBS. I believe this is a significant advancement for a free and open press in a long time.”
