CBS’s “60 Minutes” has ignited a firestorm of criticism from right-wing circles following a segment scrutinizing President-elect Donald Trump’s recent cabinet nominations. The program, anchored by Scott Pelley, delved into the backgrounds of several nominees, questioning their qualifications and experience for the roles they’ve been selected to fill.
In the November 17, 2024 episode, Pelley highlighted that several nominees, including Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, Matt Gaetz for Attorney General, and Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, lacked substantial government experience.
Pelley also pointed out controversies associated with some nominees, such as allegations against Gaetz, suggesting that these factors could pose challenges during the Senate confirmation process.
The segment drew immediate backlash from Trump’s supporters. Steven Cheung, the incoming White House Communications Director, labeled the coverage as “disgusting bias & unhinged ‘reporting’ that is out of touch with everyday Americans who voted for President Trump.”
Elon Musk, a prominent Trump supporter and head of the newly-formed Department of Government Efficiency, also weighed in, stating that “no Republican should ever interview with CBS News again” and described the segment as “leftist, trash propaganda.”
The controversy isn’t limited to media criticism. Trump’s transition team has faced scrutiny for not completing the necessary paperwork to initiate security clearances and background checks for the nominees, potentially complicating the vetting process.
Another Trump ally, Press Secretary nominee Karoline Leavitt, defended the nominations, pointing out that the Pentagon employs many individuals with “decades of ‘government experience’ who have failed audits.”
The segment’s timing coincides with Republicans securing a House majority, placing additional scrutiny on the confirmation process for Trump’s cabinet picks. Democrats and Republicans have expressed reservations about several nominees’ qualifications, suggesting potentially challenging Senate confirmation hearings ahead.
Since its inception in 1968, CBS’s “60 Minutes” has established a reputation for delivering in-depth investigative journalism and compelling storytelling. The program has consistently tackled a wide array of topics, from political scandals to social issues, earning numerous accolades, including 25 Peabody Awards for excellence in television broadcasting.
Despite these critiques, “60 Minutes” remains a significant force in American journalism, continually striving to inform the public through investigative reporting.