The CBS program “60 Minutes,” anchored by Scott Pelley, has sparked an uproar from conservative factions after a segment examining President-elect Donald Trump’s recent cabinet nominations. The episode dove into the histories of various nominees, scrutinizing their suitability and experience for the roles they have been chosen to fulfill.
On the November 17, 2024 episode, Pelley underscored that many nominees, such as Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, Matt Gaetz for Attorney General, and Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, do not possess considerable government experience.
Pelley also brought up controversies connected to some nominees, like allegations against Gaetz, indicating that these elements could present obstacles during the Senate confirmation process. (Gaetz later withdrew his name from the nomination.)
The segment immediately drew criticism from Trump’s supporters. Steven Cheung, the future White House Communications Director, denounced the coverage as “disgusting bias & unhinged ‘reporting’ that is out of touch with everyday Americans who voted for President Trump.”
Notable Trump supporter and leader of the recently established Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk, also chimed in, stating that “no Republican should ever interview with CBS News again” and branded the segment as “leftist, trash propaganda.”
The furor is not confined to media criticism. Trump’s transition team has been under scrutiny for failing to complete the required paperwork to kickstart security clearances and background checks for the nominees, which could potentially disrupt the vetting process.
Another ally of Trump, Press Secretary nominee Karoline Leavitt, defended the nominations, noting that the Pentagon employs many individuals with “decades of ‘government experience’ who have failed audits.”
The timing of the segment coincides with the Republicans gaining a majority in the House, which puts additional focus on the confirmation process for Trump’s cabinet selections. Both Democrats and Republicans have expressed concerns over several nominees’ qualifications, hinting at potentially challenging Senate confirmation hearings in the future.
Since its creation in 1968, CBS’s “60 Minutes” has built a reputation for delivering comprehensive investigative journalism and captivating storytelling. The show has consistently tackled a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from political scandals to societal issues, and has earned numerous accolades, including 25 Peabody Awards for excellence in television broadcasting.
Despite facing criticism, “60 Minutes” continues to be a major player in American journalism, consistently aiming to educate the public through investigative reporting.
