CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss removed an investigative segment from a scheduled "60 Minutes" broadcast focusing on alleged conditions at an El Salvador detention center. The segment, which concerned Venezuelan migrants sent to the facility by the Trump administration, was slated for broadcast approximately 36 hours before its scheduled air date in March. The decision prompted a dissenting internal email from the story's correspondent, Sharyn Alfonsi, while a CBS spokesperson indicated the story would air at a later date.
Segment Removal and Stated Rationale
Bari Weiss communicated internally to colleagues that the segment required an on-the-record comment from a Trump administration official to proceed, according to anonymous sources familiar with internal network events. The decision was made early on a Saturday morning, with CBS publicly announcing the removal late Sunday afternoon, two hours before the segment's scheduled broadcast. "60 Minutes" segments are typically produced over several weeks or months.
Correspondent's Response
Sharyn Alfonsi, the correspondent for the story, expressed her disagreement with the decision in an email sent to "60 Minutes" colleagues. In her email, Alfonsi stated her belief that the decision was "not an editorial decision, it is a political one." She added that she and her team had sought comments and interviews from the Department of Homeland Security, the White House, and the State Department. Alfonsi asserted, "Government silence is a statement, not a VETO," and argued that if an administration's refusal to participate becomes a valid reason to spike a story, it would grant them a "kill switch" for inconvenient reporting.
A CBS spokesperson declined to comment directly on the matter but noted that a revised programming announcement stated the story would air at a later date.
Segment Development and Promotion
The segment had undergone multiple formal reviews involving senior producers, news executives, and legal and standards divisions. Prior to its removal, CBS News' publicity team had issued a press release promoting the story. The original announcement mentioned an examination of CECOT, an El Salvadoran prison, and described "brutal and tortuous conditions" that recently released deportees reportedly endured. A video promotion for the segment was also broadcast and shared on social media; both the video and the original press release have since been removed or revised.
Context: Leadership Changes and Prior Litigation
This incident follows a period of leadership transition and legal matters involving CBS. Last year, Donald Trump initiated a lawsuit against CBS regarding the editing of a "60 Minutes" interview. The network's then-news chief and a top executive at "60 Minutes" resigned earlier this year as settlement talks progressed. Paramount's previous owners subsequently paid Mr. Trump $16 million to settle the case, a settlement that did not include an apology or admission of wrongdoing.
Ms. Weiss's appointment to CBS News this year coincided with the acquisition of Paramount Global by David Ellison's Skydance Media. David Ellison's father, Oracle founder Larry Ellison, is a financial supporter and adviser to former President Trump. During the summer, David Ellison had assured federal broadcast regulators that CBS would become more receptive to conservative perspectives as he sought federal approval for the acquisition of CBS's parent company.
Ms. Weiss joined CBS News in October following Skydance Media's acquisition of her online publication, The Free Press, whose content has since been integrated into the CBS News website. Weiss founded The Free Press on the premise that a segment of mainstream media exhibits a liberal bias. She has stated that news organizations can regain public trust by fostering debate between center-right and center-left perspectives.
Editorial Discussions and Terminology
During an earlier review of the CECOT report, Ms. Weiss had reportedly objected to the use of "Venezuelan migrants" to describe the individuals, favoring the term "illegal immigrants," which has been used by the Trump administration. It was noted that many individuals sent to the Salvadoran prison had reportedly applied for asylum and were awaiting decisions on their applications, and not all were in the country illegally.
Donald Trump has also commented on Truth Social regarding the new Paramount owners, without naming them, following a recent "60 Minutes" episode that featured Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former ally-turned-critic. Trump stated, "THEY ARE NO BETTER THAN THE OLD OWNERSHIP, who just paid me millions of Dollars for FAKE REPORTING about your favorite President, ME! Since they bought it, 60 Minutes has actually gotten WORSE!"
Weiss's Role at CBS News
The role at CBS News marks Ms. Weiss's first within television. She continues to serve as editor of The Free Press. She has recently conducted high-profile interviews on CBS, including with conservative activist Erika Kirk, and has announced plans for further newsmaker interviews on CBS, including with Vice President JD Vance and Maryland Governor Wes Moore.