CBS News has responded to accusations of deceptive editing in a recent “60 Minutes” interview with Vice President Kamala Harris.

The network is refuting claims made by former President Donald Trump. CBS states that the editing aimed to streamline Harris’ response while preserving its accuracy and clearness.

The dispute started after the interview with Harris was broadcast earlier this month. Two different answers to the same question were aired on separate CBS programs. Trump and his supporters immediately noted the difference, alleging the network altered the interview to make the Democratic nominee seem more skilled.

In a statement issued on Sunday evening, CBS News responded to the growing criticism: “Former President Donald Trump is accusing ’60 Minutes’ of deceitful editing of our Oct. 7, 2024 interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. That is false.”

The network clarified that an extended part of Harris’ response was given to “Face the Nation,” while a briefer version was broadcast on “60 Minutes.” CBS News stressed that both segments included the “Same question. Same answer,” but highlighted different parts of the response.

CBS News justified its editing approach, stating, “When we edit any interview, whether a politician, an athlete, or movie star, we strive to be clear, accurate, and on point. The portion of her answer on “60 Minutes” was more succinct, which allows time for other subjects in a wide-ranging 21-minute-long segment.”

The interview centered on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with Harris responding to questions about U.S. relations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A teaser clip of Harris’ interview, lasting almost two and a half minutes, was initially shown on “Face the Nation” on October 6. However, her response was shortened to a single sentence in the “60 Minutes” broadcast the next day.

Trump, who had turned down an invitation to appear in the “60 Minutes” pre-election special, used social media to criticize Harris and the network. He claimed that Harris gave a “horrible, incompetent answer.” He accused CBS News of substituting it with “a much shorter answer that you had to do with a totally different subject, which also didn’t make sense, but it wasn’t as incompetent.”

Trump has hinted at legal action, suggesting his intention to subpoena their records to probe the extent of the supposed editing. Trump campaign spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, interpreted CBS News’ statement not as a denial but an admission of the alleged actions.

In reaction to the escalating controversy, CBS News reiterated its open invitation for Trump to appear on “60 Minutes.” The network expressed its willingness to host him to discuss national issues and the Harris interview.

The scandal has added layers with the disclosure that CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon had previously contributed more than $6,000 to Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign and Democratic fundraising platforms while working at ABC. It bears mentioning that CBS News employees are forbidden from making political donations. McMahon did not have a direct role in editing the Harris interview.

FCC chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has commented on Trump’s demands to revoke CBS’s broadcast license. Rosenworcel observed that while repeated attacks on broadcast stations by the former President may be frequent, threats against freedom of speech are severe and should not be ignored. She underscored that the FCC does not retract licenses due to political disagreements over content or coverage.

The incident, with both sides holding their grounds, has rekindled debates about media bias, editorial choices, and the accountability of news organizations in political coverage.