### CBS's 60 Minutes Faces Backlash After Last-Minute Pull of Trump Deportation Segment In a surprising turn of events, CBS's "60 Minutes" canceled a segment that was set to air on December 22, 2025, which focused on the Trump administration's deportation of migrants to a notorious prison in El Salvador. The decision, made by the network's new editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss, came just hours before the broadcast, leading to significant criticism from both within CBS and the public. The segment was intended to highlight the alleged inhumane treatment of detainees at the CECOT prison, raising questions about the editorial integrity of CBS News and the influence of political considerations on journalistic decisions. ### Breakdown of the Situation: Key Elements 1. **Cancellation Details**: - The segment was pulled at the order of Bari Weiss, who sought to include perspectives from the Trump administration before airing the story [https://apnews.com/article/60-minutes-trump-weiss-cecot-56c68d45c3d6bc7183f23aa285a70719]. - Weiss stated that the story was not ready for broadcast due to missing context and critical voices [https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/bari-weiss-defends-pulling-60-minutes-cecot-prison-trump-white-house-1236614776]. 2. **Internal and External Reactions**: - The decision sparked outrage among CBS staff, with some accusing Weiss of making a politically motivated choice to appease Trump [https://www.thedailybeast.com/details-raise-alarm-about-timing-of-pulled-60-minutes-show]. - Critics publicly condemned the move, labeling it as censorship and a betrayal of journalistic principles [https://www.mediaite.com/media/critics-lash-out-at-bari-weiss-after-60-minutes-yanks-segment-on-trump-deportations-last-minute-shame-shame-shame]. 3. **Context of the Segment**: - The segment was to feature interviews with Venezuelan migrants who had been deported to the CECOT prison, known for its harsh conditions [https://www.masslive.com/news/2025/12/cbs-news-pulls-60-minutes-story-on-trump-deportations.html]. - The abrupt cancellation raised questions about the editorial independence of CBS News under Weiss's leadership, especially given her recent appointment and the political climate surrounding Trump [https://newrepublic.com/post/204702/60-minutes-staff-uproar-bari-weiss-pro-trump-censorship-cbs]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Public and Staff Backlash**: - Numerous articles highlighted the internal revolt at CBS, with staff members expressing their discontent over the decision [https://www.tampafp.com/political-kill-switch-revolt-at-60-minutes-after-weiss-spikes-trump-deportation-story]. - Weiss's justification for the cancellation was met with skepticism, as many believed it was a direct response to political pressure rather than a genuine editorial concern [https://www.indy100.com/news/cbs-60-minutes-episode-axed-trump]. - **Historical Context**: - This incident is not isolated; it follows a pattern of media outlets facing scrutiny over their handling of politically sensitive stories, particularly those involving the Trump administration [https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a69839067/cbs-news-60-minutes-venezuela-bari-weiss]. ### Conclusion: Implications of the Cancellation The last-minute cancellation of the "60 Minutes" segment on Trump deportations has raised significant concerns about the integrity of CBS News under Bari Weiss's leadership. 1. **Editorial Independence at Stake**: The decision to pull the segment appears to be influenced by political considerations rather than journalistic standards, leading to accusations of censorship [https://www.newrepublic.com/post/204708/bari-weiss-reaction-cbs-60-minutes-trump-deportations]. 2. **Impact on Public Trust**: Such actions may undermine public trust in CBS as a credible news source, particularly in a politically charged environment [https://www.kjzz.org/npr-top-stories/2025-12-21/cbs-news-chief-bari-weiss-pulls-60-minutes-story-sparking-outcry]. 3. **Future of Investigative Journalism**: The incident raises broader questions about the future of investigative journalism in the face of political pressures and the need for media outlets to maintain their independence [https://www.wral.com/news/ap/56c68-60-minutes-holds-off-on-airing-critical-piece-on-trump-deportation-policy]. In summary, the abrupt cancellation of the "60 Minutes" segment not only highlights the challenges faced by media organizations in navigating political landscapes but also serves as a critical reminder of the importance of editorial integrity in journalism.