Raskin to investigate Trump's influence on edited ‘60 Minutes’ interview

If Democrats regain control of the House in next years midterm elections, the influence of former President Trump on American media is expected to become a key focus for congressional oversight. With subpoena authority, Democratic lawmakers could intensify investigations into the former president and his administrations attempts to shape press coverage. However, House Democrats are already taking action.

In late November, Representatives Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Frank Pallone of New Jersey accused CBS parent company, Paramount Skydance, of obstructing their inquiry into alleged bribery related to the Trump administrations approval of the companys merger earlier this year. On Wednesday, Raskin revealed a new investigation targeting CBS recently appointed conservative ombudsman, Kenneth Weinstein, over selective editing in a 60 Minutes interview with Donald Trump.

The interview, broadcast in early November, was heavily trimmed, excluding segments in which Trump discussed CBS paying him millions to settle a lawsuit over edits to a 2024 interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris. Additional cuts removed Trump praising CBS News pro-MAGA editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and highlighting pro-Trump billionaires Larry Ellison and his son, who largely control Paramount Skydance.

Transcripts indicate that Trump instructed the network to omit some of his answers, which were excluded from the final broadcast. Segments left out also included Trumps evasive response regarding alleged corruption tied to his pardon of a Chinese crypto executive with business links to his family.

In a letter to Weinstein, Raskin wrote that Trump forced CBS to install a monitor to police newsroom decisions and guard against anti-Trump biasthe farcical Orwellian role you now fill as CBS News Ombudsman. He added, It now seems President Trump has successfully influenced CBS to edit his own 60 Minutes interview in a misleading and corrupt manner.

Raskins letter requests all documents and communications regarding the Trump interview, including input from Paramount executives, CBS corporate leadership, or external parties. It also seeks a briefing on CBS News editorial policies and independence.

CBS News has not responded to requests for comment.

Beyond the federal investigation, California state lawmakers are examining Paramount Skydances settlement with Trump and whether it may have violated state bribery and unfair competition laws.

Analysis: The Growing Scrutiny on Trump and CBS

The ongoing investigations into former President Trump’s influence over American media are entering a more aggressive phase. House Democrats, if they regain control, could use subpoena power to deepen oversight, focusing on the intersection of politics and media ownership.

Recent actions by Representatives Jamie Raskin and Frank Pallone highlight how media companies like CBS and its parent, Paramount Skydance, are under scrutiny for potential obstruction and selective reporting. Allegations include the editing of a “60 Minutes” interview with Trump, removal of segments discussing payments and praise of pro-Trump figures, and instructions from Trump himself on content omissions.

Raskin’s ongoing inquiry requests full documentation of communications surrounding the interview and insight into CBS News’ editorial independence. This extends beyond federal oversight, as California lawmakers are exploring potential violations of state bribery and competition laws.

The situation underscores an emerging dynamic: political influence on major media outlets is now a focal point for lawmakers, combining legal, regulatory, and ethical considerations in the evolving relationship between media and political power.

Sources:

• Raskin to probe Trump influence over edited ‘60 Minutes’ interview

Author: Ethan Caldwell
Ethan Caldwell is an experienced reporter with 10 years covering international news. He specializes in politics and economics, with strong investigative journalism and analytical writing skills.