60 Minutes aired a segment on Sunday that delved into Trump administration deportations, which had been removed from the program’s schedule a month earlier, sparking internal tensions over possible political influences. Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi did not mention her disagreement with CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss in the piece focusing on deportees sent to El Salvador’s harsh CECOT prison.
When the segment was removed from the December 21 episode on Weiss’s directive, Alfonsi informed her 60 Minutes colleagues that the decision was politically motivated rather than an editorial one. Weiss contended that the story did not adequately represent the administration’s stance or build upon previous reporting by other news outlets.
Although the story aired on Sunday did not feature on-camera interviews with Trump administration officials, it did include statements from the White House and Department of Homeland Security that were not part of Alfonsi’s initial version. Alfonsi mentioned that despite numerous attempts since November to secure on-camera interviews with key officials, they declined the requests.
CBS News stated that it had always intended to broadcast the CECOT piece on 60 Minutes once it was finalized, emphasizing the network’s commitment to independence and impactful storytelling. Alfonsi’s report was the second segment on Sunday’s show, following Cecilia Vega’s report on ICE enforcement efforts in Minneapolis and the ensuing protests.
The decision to shelve Alfonsi’s CECOT story initially drew criticism, with some suggesting Weiss’s appointment signified an effort by the network’s new leadership to appease Trump. Despite being pulled from the broadcast in December, the original story mistakenly appeared online, enabling viewers to compare it to the final version that aired on 60 Minutes.
Alfonsi’s updated report included a new introduction highlighting the U.S. raid leading to the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, now held in U.S. custody. Additionally, the administration provided details and photos of migrants sent to El Salvador, including tattoos on two individuals, one of which featured a swastika.
Following Weiss’s appointment, Trump administration officials have had increased visibility on CBS News, with some interviews facilitated by her. Notably, President Trump was interviewed by Norah O’Donnell on 60 Minutes in November. Recent interactions between the administration and CBS, including threats of legal action if interviews are not aired in full, have underscored the evolving relationship between the two entities.
Trump’s past objections to interview editing practices were highlighted, including his release of an unedited transcript of a 60 Minutes interview conducted in 2020 by Lesley Stahl.