Story perspectives

Trump slams CBS journalist, pardons fraud convicts

6/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump called CBS journalist Scott Pelley “terrible” and part of a “crooked, stupid” group on a podcast recorded the day before Pelley's June 2, 2026 firing.
CBS executives David M. Russell and Nick Bilton said Pelley's conduct amounted to ambush, hostility and misconduct, justifying his dismissal.
Trump has also issued pardons and commutations to fraud convicts Philip Esformes and Lawrence Duran.

History

Historical Context

On December 19 1998 the House approved two impeachment articles against President Bill Clinton for perjury and obstruction of justice after the Starr Report revealed his Lewinsky testimony. He became the second president, after Andrew Johnson, to face a Senate trial, showing how personal scandals can trigger constitutional checks. Donald Trump’s impeachments in 2019 and 2021 later reinforced this pattern of congressional oversight of executive conduct.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump called CBS journalist Scott Pelley “terrible” and part of a “crooked, stupid” group on a podcast recorded the day before Pelley's June 2, 2026 firing.
CBS executives David M. Russell and Nick Bilton said Pelley's conduct amounted to ambush, hostility and misconduct, justifying his dismissal.
Trump has also issued pardons and commutations to fraud convicts Philip Esformes and Lawrence Duran.

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