Trump accuses CBS of election fraud over Kamala Harris’ interview edits. CBS denies wrongdoing, airing the unedited version to counter claims.
Trump Accuses CBS of Media Manipulation
US President Donald Trump has accused CBS News of committing the “biggest broadcasting scandal in history.” He claims that the network edited an interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris in a way that misled the public and influenced the outcome of the 2024 election.
Allegations of Editing and Election Interference
Trump vented to his social network, Truth Social, over how CBS’ news program 60 Minutes aired interview responses from its vice president.
The network corrected Harris’ comments by replacing them with “completely different, far better answers taken from another place in the same interview,” an action Trump tagged as “election-changing stuff and outright fraud in the last election.”
CBS Defends Editing Practices
In response, CBS aired an unedited version of the interview, denying any wrongdoing. The network explained that editing is a standard practice used to ensure clarity and conciseness within the constraints of broadcast television. CBS insisted that all edits were guided by journalistic integrity and the goal of informing the public.
Trump Calls for CBS License Revocation
In spite of a frantic attempt by CBS to prove him wrong, Trump was unyielding to changing his views. He insisted that CBS be stripped of its broadcast license and called for an immediate shutdown of 60 Minutes. “The cheats at 60 Minutes should be fired,” he wrote. He continued questioning if CBS had been bribed to commit what he called “fraud.”
A History of Conflicts with the Press
Trump has long been at odds with the mainstream media. During his presidency and beyond, he has often attacked networks such as CBS and MSNBC for their perceived bias, even calling for their licenses to be revoked. This latest controversy is part of his ongoing battle with major news organizations.
The Political Fallout
The accusations have sparked widespread debate. Trump’s supporters see this as further proof of media corruption, while his critics argue he is undermining trust in journalism. The issue raises concerns about media influence in elections and whether networks should be held more accountable for their reporting practices.
What Happens Next?
With the 2024 election now over and Trump returned to the presidency, the battle over media ethics is far from over. There may be more calls for increased regulation of political coverage, and media organizations will likely continue to defend their practices. As Trump continues to press his claims, this battle between the White House and major news outlets is expected to heat up.
