60 Minutes recently broadcast a segment on Trump administration deportations that had been removed from the show’s schedule a month earlier, sparking a public dispute over political influence. Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi did not mention her disagreement with CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss in the story, which focused on deportees sent to El Salvador’s harsh CECOT prison.

Alfonsi informed her 60 Minutes colleagues that the decision to pull the segment was political rather than editorial, as per Weiss’s directive. The story aired on Sunday did not feature on-camera interviews with Trump administration officials but included statements from the White House and Department of Homeland Security that were not part of the original piece.

Despite repeated attempts to secure on-camera interviews with key administration personnel since November, 60 Minutes was consistently rebuffed. CBS News clarified that they had always intended to air the CECOT piece, emphasizing their commitment to independence and storytelling.

The controversy surrounding the sidelined story raised concerns among critics, suggesting that Weiss’s leadership appointment signaled an attempt to appease the Trump administration. Despite the segment being removed from the December broadcast, an online version mistakenly surfaced before being replaced with the final approved content.

The revised story included updated details such as the U.S. raid leading to the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro. The administration’s refusal to provide detailed records on deported migrants to El Salvador was also highlighted. Additionally, photos of tattoos worn by migrants were shared, revealing insights into their backgrounds.

Following Weiss’s tenure, CBS News saw increased visibility of Trump administration officials in interviews she facilitated. Notably, President Trump’s interview with Norah O’Donnell on 60 Minutes in November and recent interactions with CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil underscored evolving dynamics between CBS and the administration.

The relationship between CBS and the administration has seen shifts, with instances of contentious exchanges like threats of legal action if interviews are not aired in full. Trump’s past objections to interview edits, such as releasing unedited transcripts, have added to the ongoing debate over media coverage and political influence.