Bari Weiss, head of CBS News, addressed staff in a Christmas Eve email, urging them to focus on restoring public trust in journalism. This message follows significant backlash over her decision to cancel an episode of the acclaimed program, 60 Minutes, which was set to cover President Donald Trump‘s deportation efforts. The segment, titled “Inside CECOT,” featured interviews with Venezuelan deportees and was shelved just hours before its scheduled airing on December 24, 2025.
In her email, Weiss emphasized the importance of regaining trust, stating, “Right now, the majority of Americans say they do not trust the press. It isn’t because they’re crazy.” She explained that to win back this trust, CBS News must undertake more rigorous reporting and ensure comprehensive coverage of contentious topics. Weiss’s decision to delay the airing of the 60 Minutes segment was defended as a necessary step to ensure fairness and thoroughness.
Critics quickly responded to Weiss’s email, questioning its appropriateness during the holiday season. Historian Kevin M. Kruse remarked on social media, “Bari Weiss, who made her career sowing distrust in mainstream media, is now pretending other people did that and she’s here to right the ship.” Actor Bill Corbett criticized Weiss for her perceived self-victimization, while strategist Steve Schmidt likened her leadership to that of the captain of the RMS Titanic, suggesting she is out of her depth.
The backlash from within CBS has reportedly been severe, with some staff expressing frustration and threatening to resign. “People are threatening to quit over this,” noted a source familiar with the situation. Weiss’s email, titled “Building Trust,” aimed to reassure staff of their mission while acknowledging the challenges posed by political pressures and public scrutiny.
In the shelved segment, Sharyn Alfonsi interviewed deportees from the notorious El Salvador prison, CECOT. The interviewees provided harrowing accounts of their experiences, describing torture and inhumane conditions. Alfonsi later contended that the piece met all journalistic standards and was factually accurate, expressing her disappointment at the decision to cancel it after multiple reviews.
Alfonsi stated in a strongly-worded internal email that the segment had undergone five screenings and received clearance from CBS attorneys. She asserted, “In my view, pulling it now, after every rigorous internal check has been met, is not an editorial decision; it is a political one.” Weiss, however, maintained that her decision was based on the need for further research, insisting that “fresh, thought-provoking content” should be the guiding principle for CBS News.
The controversy surrounding this incident has drawn attention from various quarters, including political figures. Stephen Miller, deputy chief of staff for policy at the White House, called for the dismissal of producers involved in the segment, labeling it a “hatchet job” aimed at garnering sympathy for gang members. He criticized the portrayal of individuals associated with the Tren de Aragua gang, arguing that it misrepresented their actions and intentions.
Despite the internal and external criticism, Weiss has remained steadfast in her commitment to journalistic integrity. She concluded her email by wishing staff a Merry Christmas and acknowledging those working over the holiday. The message was signed by CBS News President Tom Cibrowski and other senior editors.
As CBS News navigates this challenging period, the focus remains on the broader implications for trust in journalism. Weiss’s leadership and editorial choices will be scrutinized as the network seeks to balance public expectations with the demands of comprehensive reporting.
