Donald Trump’s team made news this week by suddenly cancelling a planned interview with CBS’s “60 Minutes”. The interview was intended to be a critical part of the network’s upcoming election special, featuring both the Republican and Democratic presidential candidates. While Vice President Kamala Harris accepted her invitation, Trump’s campaign opted to withdraw.
The CBS news program stated that for more than half a century, “60 Minutes” has offered interview opportunities to both major party candidates during election campaigns. The Trump campaign initially agreed to an interview with correspondent Scott Pelley but later changed their minds. CBS noted that their standing invitation for former President Donald Trump to appear on “60 Minutes” still stands, despite the campaign’s decision not to go ahead with the interview.
This unexpected decision has elicited responses from both sides. Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung disputed CBS’ account, stating, “They begged for an interview, and despite initial discussions, nothing was ever scheduled or locked in.” Cheung also mentioned that CBS demanded live fact-checking during the interview, a move he claimed was “unprecedented” and was a factor in the decision to withdraw.
The Trump campaign has had previous encounters of tension with the news program. In 2020, Trump abruptly ended an interview with “60 Minutes” correspondent Lesley Stahl due to his frustration with the questions. The then-president also withdrew from a second interview planned for the same period, expressing his displeasure with the “tough” line of questioning.
The Harris campaign quickly responded to the development. Senior adviser David Plouffe criticized Trump on “X”, insinuating that the former president is avoiding both the debate stage and “60 Minutes.” Plouffe also highlighted Trump’s recent conduct at rallies, where he made contentious comments about Harris, as evidence of his evasion of challenging situations.
This development carries weight as the upcoming election special, slated to broadcast Monday, October 7, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET, is one of the last chances for voters to see both candidates in a significant broadcast setting. Trump’s withdrawal leaves only Harris listed for an interview, with the prime-time broadcast featuring her conversation with correspondent Bill Whitaker. Despite not ruling out future appearances entirely, Trump’s campaign has also not committed to a second debate, despite calls from the Harris campaign for another showdown.
The argument over fact-checking has become a main point of disagreement. Cheung insisted that CBS’ demand for live fact-checking was a dealbreaker for the Trump campaign. Sources knowledgeable about the planned interview disclosed that it was scheduled to take place at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Florida and then continue at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. CBS has not commented on these specifics.
Despite the complication, CBS has assured that the election special will continue as planned, focusing on Harris’ interview and her campaign activities. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate, is also anticipated to appear.
