White House Press Secretary Warns CBS News of Potential Lawsuit Over Trump Interview
In a shocking display of presidential pressure, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has been caught on tape warning CBS News that they could face legal action if they fail to broadcast an interview with President Donald Trump in its entirety. The exchange, which took place ahead of the interview earlier this week, highlights the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and major news outlets.Leavitt's Warning: 'Make Sure You Guys Don't Cut the Tape'
According to an audio recording obtained by The New York Times, Leavitt relayed a direct message from President Trump to CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil. She told him that Trump wanted the interview to be aired in full and warned that if it wasn't, 'we'll sue your a** off.' Dokoupil responded with a chuckle, saying, 'He always says that!' However, Leavitt's comments were not taken lightly by CBS News, which ultimately decided to air the interview unedited.
A History of Litigation: Trump's Track Record Against the Press
This is not the first time President Trump has threatened litigation against a major news outlet. In 2024, he sued CBS News over its editing of a 60 Minutes interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. The lawsuit alleged that the edits were intended to 'confuse, deceive, and mislead the public' and sway the election. While the case was settled out of court for $16 million, it highlights Trump's willingness to use litigation as a tool to silence critical reporting.
A Shift in Power: The Impact of Corporate Change on CBS News
The dispute between Trump and CBS News comes at a time when the network is undergoing significant corporate changes. In the summer, Paramount – CBS's parent company – was acquired by Skydance, which is led by David Ellison, the son of Trump ally Larry Ellison. The acquisition has raised concerns about editorial direction and the potential for censorship within the network.
A Decline in Public Trust: The Media's Struggle to Regain Credibility
The exchange between Leavitt and Dokoupil highlights a broader issue facing the media industry – a decline in public trust. According to CBS News anchor Tony Dokoupil, 'People do not trust us like they used to.' This sentiment is echoed by President Trump, who has publicly criticized CBS News for its reporting practices.
The warning from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and major news outlets. As the media continues to navigate this challenging landscape, it's essential to remember that the public has a right to know – and that includes unedited interviews with the President.
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