Full Breakdown
Anderson Cooper Leaves “60 Minutes” After Two Decades as CBS News Faces Editorial Turmoil
5/18/2026, 6:05:46 AM
The Farewell Broadcast
On May 17 2026, Anderson Cooper aired his final “60 Minutes” segment after a twenty-year run. In a special “Overtime” piece he praised the show’s independence and explained his departure.
Background
“60 Minutes” launched in 1968 and remains a top-rated newsmagazine. Cooper joined in 2006 under a joint CBS-CNN arrangement. In October, Bari Weiss became CBS News editor-in-chief, and Skydance CEO David Ellison took controlling ownership of CBS. Under Weiss, the program faced editorial disputes, notably the December pull of a segment on El Salvador’s CECOT prison and a $16 million settlement with former President Trump over a 2024 interview edit.
Timeline
- 1968 – “60 Minutes” debut.
- 2006 – Cooper becomes correspondent.
- October – Weiss appointed editor-in-chief.
- December – CECOT segment pulled.
- February 2026 – Cooper announces exit.
- May 17 2026 – Final broadcast.
Data Snapshot
Cooper’s tenure spanned 20 years; his sons are Wyatt (4) and Sebastian (6). He earned five Emmys, the latest in 2020. “60 Minutes” consistently ranks among the highest-rated broadcast news programs, drawing a large weekly audience. CBS settled a $16 million lawsuit with Trump over a 2024 interview edit, requiring transcript releases.
Why It Matters
Cooper’s departure highlights the strain of juggling network anchoring with investigative reporting and raises questions about editorial changes that could affect the program’s long-standing independence. Viewers’ trust in the show’s impartiality is a key factor in its sustained high ratings.
Official Statements & Responses
CBS thanked Cooper, noted his wish to spend more time with family, and said the show remains open for his return. CBS explained the CECOT story was delayed for additional reporting and principal interviews. Weiss said the delay reflected editorial readiness, not politics. CBS also confirmed the $16 million settlement with Trump, noting the agreement includes releasing interview transcripts.
Criticism & Opposition
Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi called the CECOT pull a political move, contradicting CBS’s editorial explanation. Staff reports note Weiss reassigned Lesley Stahl’s interview with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Major Garrett, prompting concerns that veteran journalists are being sidelined. Additional complaints cite a pattern of top-down editorial changes under Weiss.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Cooper cites family reasons for leaving, while some insiders suggest discomfort with Weiss’s direction. CBS attributes the CECOT delay to reporting needs; Alfonsi describes it as political. Weiss has not publicly addressed the criticism. No official clarification on future staffing or editorial policy changes has been provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ “I hope 60 Minutes remains 60 Minutes.” — Anderson Cooper, 60 Minutes Overtime
- “I think the independence of 60 Minutes has been critical.” — Anderson Cooper, 60 Minutes Overtime
- “I've got a 4-year-old and a just now 6-year-old, and I want to spend as much time with them as I can while they still want to spend time with me,” — Anderson Cooper, 60 Minutes Overtime
- “The bar is high,” — Anderson Cooper, 60 Minutes Overtime
What Lies Ahead
Cooper will keep anchoring “Anderson Cooper 360°” on CNN. CBS plans to continue “60 Minutes” with its current team while the Weiss-Ellison leadership reviews editorial policies and considers potential staffing adjustments.
