UPDATE: CBS’s iconic news program 60 Minutes has dramatically pulled a segment on the Trump administration’s deportation of Venezuelan migrants, just two hours before airing on December 21, 2025. This last-minute decision has ignited a firestorm of accusations against new CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss, with claims of censorship and political influence swirling through social media.
The segment, titled “Inside CECOT,” was set to expose the harrowing experiences of Venezuelan men who were deceived into believing they were being deported home, only to be sent to the notorious CECOT prison in El Salvador. In a surprising announcement, 60 Minutes notified viewers that the segment would not air as scheduled, stating, “The broadcast lineup for tonight’s edition of 60 Minutes has been updated.”
The abrupt change follows a week of promotional buildup, in which CBS highlighted the segment’s focus on the Trump administration’s controversial deportation policies. The segment was expected to feature correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi discussing the brutal conditions faced by deported migrants in CECOT, a prison known for its harsh environment.
According to insiders, CBS determined that the segment “needed additional reporting.” However, an email leak from Alfonsi to fellow correspondents revealed her belief that the story was “spiked” by Weiss for political reasons, rather than for journalistic integrity. “Our story was screened five times and cleared by both CBS attorneys and Standards and Practices. It is factually correct,” she stated in the email, raising concerns about government influence over media narratives.
The decision has drawn outrage from viewers and journalists alike. Notable liberal reporter Krystal Ball expressed her dismay on Bluesky, claiming, “Bari’s CBS pulled their CECOT report, which included interviews with migrants who were tortured.” Many on social media echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the implications of censorship in journalism.
Critics have also pointed out the unprecedented nature of such a schedule change for 60 Minutes. One user remarked, “I don’t recall 60 Minutes ever announcing a scheduled story would not be broadcast like this.” The backlash intensified as many expressed their disappointment in a long-standing institution that had been a staple of investigative journalism for over 55 years.
The controversy surrounding the segment comes just days after former President Donald Trump praised the new owners of CBS during a rally in North Carolina, suggesting a potential influence over CBS’s editorial direction. “I love the new owners of CBS,” Trump stated, although he criticized 60 Minutes for their treatment of him. The timing of the segment’s cancellation raises questions about the relationship between CBS management and the Trump administration.
As the fallout continues, viewers are left wondering what this means for the future of investigative journalism at CBS. The network has faced scrutiny over Weiss’s short tenure, with some insiders labeling her leadership as problematic and inexperienced. Critics are calling for transparency and accountability, stating that the public deserves to know why critical stories are being shelved at the last minute.
CBS has not provided further details regarding the future airing of the “Inside CECOT” segment. As the situation develops, audiences are encouraged to monitor updates on this unfolding story. The implications of this decision could reverberate through the industry, shaping viewer perceptions and trust in media outlets.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
