Trump vs 60 Minutes: Attacks on the Press
- Lesley Stahl, a veteran journalist with CBS News, recently discussed her experiences covering Watergate, the Trump administration, and the evolving landscape of "60 Minutes." Stahl joined CBS News...
- Stahl addressed the pressures facing CBS News, particularly those related to Paramount Global's potential merger with Skydance. Shari Redstone, Paramount's controlling shareholder, is reportedly seeking a deal with...
- Stahl noted the recent resignations of Bill Owens,executive producer of "60 Minutes," and Wendy McMahon,CEO of CBS News,citing disagreements with corporate leadership.
Lesley Stahl, a seasoned veteran of CBS News, sheds light on the relentless attacks on the press during the Trump era, particularly those aimed at “60 Minutes.” She details her experiences navigating the challenges of covering both Watergate and the Trump administration, offering an insider’s perspective on the pressures exerted on journalists.The piece further examines the impact of corporate maneuvers, such as the potential Paramount Global merger, and thier effects on journalistic integrity and the future of news. Stahl also touches upon the lawsuit faced by ”60 Minutes” and the reported settlement offers. Dive deep into the nuances of media scrutiny, including a look at the influence of key figures. News Directory 3 brings forth this captivating narrative, providing a glimpse into the evolving dynamics of news reporting. Discover what’s next for the iconic journalist.
Lesley Stahl reflects on CBS News, Trump era, and ”60 Minutes” pressures
Updated May 31, 2025
Lesley Stahl, a veteran journalist with CBS News, recently discussed her experiences covering Watergate, the Trump administration, and the evolving landscape of “60 Minutes.” Stahl joined CBS News during the Watergate scandal and later served as a White House correspondent. With 13 Emmy awards, she is the senior journalist at “60 Minutes.”
Stahl addressed the pressures facing CBS News, particularly those related to Paramount Global’s potential merger with Skydance. Shari Redstone, Paramount’s controlling shareholder, is reportedly seeking a deal with Skydance, backed by Larry Ellison. However, Donald Trump’s $20 billion lawsuit against “60 Minutes,” alleging biased editing of an interview with Kamala Harris, complicates matters. There are reports that Paramount offered Trump $15 million to settle, but he refused.
Stahl noted the recent resignations of Bill Owens,executive producer of “60 Minutes,” and Wendy McMahon,CEO of CBS News,citing disagreements with corporate leadership. She also drew parallels to Jeff Bezos’s actions at the Washington Post and Disney’s settlement with Trump, suggesting a trend of accommodating the former president.
Reflecting on her early days at CBS News, Stahl recalled the influence of the “Edward R.Murrow Boys,” who emphasized fairness and holding people accountable. she described her first assignment covering Watergate, which she got because she was a new, affirmative-action hire.
Stahl recounted an instance during Watergate when Walter Cronkite, then the CBS anchorman, aired a 14-minute segment on the story. The White House reportedly pressured William Paley, then the owner of CBS, leading to Cronkite’s subsequent segment being cut in half.
Regarding her interviews with Donald Trump, Stahl recalled an early interview with Trump and Mike Pence, during which she observed Trump directing Pence’s responses.