Full Breakdown
Trump Critiques CBS's "60 Minutes" Under New Ownership
12/17/2025, 11:35:33 AM
Core Narrative: Trump's Discontent with CBS's "60 Minutes" After Ownership Change
President Donald Trump has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with CBS's "60 Minutes," claiming that the program has treated him worse since the network's ownership transitioned to Paramount. His comments come amid ongoing tensions related to a recent interview featuring Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, which he criticized for its content and the network's editorial choices.
Background & Context: Ownership Changes at CBS
In August 2024, CBS's parent company, Paramount, merged with Skydance Media, appointing David Ellison as the new CEO. Following this merger, Ellison selected Bari Weiss, known for her critiques of perceived liberal bias in mainstream media, to lead CBS News. This leadership change has coincided with Trump's ongoing grievances regarding media coverage.
Trump's Criticism of "60 Minutes"
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “For those people that think I am close with the new owners of CBS, please understand that ‘60 Minutes’ has treated me far worse since the so-called 'takeover,' than they have ever treated me before. If they are friends, I’d hate to see my enemies!” He further criticized the network for airing an interview with Greene, suggesting that the new ownership was no better than the previous one, which had previously settled a lawsuit with him for $16 million related to a "60 Minutes" interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris.
Official Statements & Responses
Trump's remarks highlight his belief that CBS's new leadership has not improved the network's treatment of him. He has also indicated that he feels a disconnect with the Ellisons, despite previously praising David Ellison as a “great person.” In response to the airing of the Greene interview, Trump suggested that the new management had failed to align with his expectations, stating, “They are no better than the old ownership, who just paid me millions of Dollars for FAKE REPORTING about your favorite President, ME!”
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of Trump's statements argue that his ongoing grievances with "60 Minutes" reflect a broader pattern of his contentious relationship with the media. Some observers suggest that his comments may be an attempt to exert influence over CBS's new leadership amid Paramount's efforts to secure his approval for its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with "60 Minutes," sources indicate that the Ellisons have attempted to manage the fallout from the Greene interview. Reports suggest that David Ellison and other executives were unaware of the interview's content until it aired, raising questions about their level of control over CBS's editorial decisions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “For those people that think I am close with the new owners of CBS, please understand that ‘60 Minutes’ has treated me far worse since the so-called 'takeover,' than they have ever treated me before. If they are friends, I’d hate to see my enemies!” — Donald Trump, Former President
- “CBS STAFFERS ABUZZ AS BARI WEISS REPORTEDLY SET TO JOIN NETWORK'S TOP BRASS, 'NOBODY KNOWS' WHAT TO EXPECT "My real problem with the show, however, wasn’t the low IQ traitor [Greene], it was that the new ownership of 60 Minutes, Paramount, would allow a show like this to air.” — Donald Trump, Former President
- “I think you have a great new leader, frankly, because the young woman that’s leading your whole enterprise is a great, from what I know, I don’t know her, but I hear she’s a great person.” — Donald Trump, Former President
What's Next
As Paramount continues its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, the dynamics between Trump and CBS's new leadership may evolve, particularly as the network navigates its editorial direction under Bari Weiss. Further developments in this media landscape are anticipated as both parties seek to manage their public relations and business interests.
