CBS News Heavily Edits Donald Trump's 60 Minutes Interview, Omitting Claim About Network Compensating Him Large Funds

This broadcast network program the long-running news magazine significantly trimmed an interview featuring the former president that aired Sunday night, marking the initial sit-down with the program since 2019.

The former president sat down with correspondent Norah O’Donnell for 90 minutes, yet merely about 28 minutes were broadcast. A complete transcript from the discussion subsequently published, together with an extended online version from the interview.

These cuts stand out since, precisely 12 months before Trump's appearance with O’Donnell in Florida, he filed suit against the network regarding post-production changes from another 60 Minutes interview with then-Vice President the vice president, which he alleged had been manipulated to benefit her campaign during the race.

Although numerous legal experts widely dismissed the legal action as “meritless” and improbable to succeed on free speech grounds, the broadcaster settled with the president for millions this past summer. As part of the settlement, CBS had agreed to publish full records of future interviews of presidential candidates.

During the opening of Sunday’s show, O’Donnell reminded viewers that the parent company resolved Trump’s lawsuit, adding that “the settlement did not include an apology or expression of regret”.

During the interview, in a clip that did not air, Trump needled CBS over the settlement restating his claims against the network.

“In fact the program paid me a substantial sum. You need not include this, because I don’t wanna cause you discomfort, and I’m sure you’re not,” the president stated. “But the show had to compensate me a large amount because they removed her answer from the segment which was damaging, it was decisive, two nights prior to voting. They inserted a new answer in. They compensated me a lot of money for that. We cannot tolerate false reporting. You’ve gotta have legit news. I believe this is occurring.”

During another un-aired portion from the discussion, Trump commended the acquisition of CBS to new owners noting the broadcaster's recently appointed head, the journalist, was a “excellent addition”.

The US president said he didn’t know the editor, but told the interviewer: “I hear she is impressive.

“I think you've acquired a great new leader, frankly, who’s the young woman that’s leading your whole enterprise, is a great – from what I know,” he remarked.

The president was especially enthusiastic in complimenting David Ellison and his father, Larry, the recent purchaser of the network's parent firm, Paramount Global, via their firm Skydance Media.

“In my opinion one of the best things recently is this show and the change in ownership, CBS under new management,” the president said. “I believe it is a major improvement that’s happened for years to a free and open and good press.”

O’Donnell offered no direct reply to the president’s comments concerning the editor and the Ellisons.

Among Trump’s many answers that were edited out were several comments questioning the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election, which he said “had been manipulated and stolen”.

At one point in the interview, in a part omitted from the broadcast, the president attempted to persuade the journalist to admit that crime was down in the capital, her place of residence.