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In a recent development, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a warning regarding President Donald Trump’s interview with CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil. She emphasized that CBS must air the interview in its entirety or face potential legal consequences.
The warning followed the interview, which took place in Michigan. According to a recording obtained by The New York Times, Leavitt stated on Trump’s behalf, “Make sure you guys don’t cut the tape, make sure the interview is out in full.”
The facts
Leavitt’s warning included a stern message: “If it’s not out in full, we’ll sue your a– off.” While some CBS staff perceived her comments as lighthearted, the gravity of the message was evident. Dokoupil responded humorously, stating, “Yeah, we’re doing it, yeah.”
Context of the warning
The importance of full transparency in media interviews has gained prominence in politically charged environments. Leavitt reiterated that the American public deserves to view Trump’s interviews unedited, saying, “The American people deserve to watch President Trump’s full interviews, unedited, no cuts.”
Following the incident, a CBS News spokesperson confirmed that the network had decided to air the interview unedited that same night. This decision reflects CBS’s commitment to integrity in journalism amidst political pressures.
Legal implications of edited interviews
This incident is not the first legal dispute between Trump and CBS. He previously sued CBS News over a ’60 Minutes’ segment featuring former Vice President Kamala Harris. The lawsuit focused on how CBS edited the interview, which Trump claimed constituted election interference.
The lawsuit ultimately resulted in a settlement before CBS parent company Paramount’s merger with Skydance Media, highlighting the ongoing tension between media outlets and the Trump administration.
Trump’s remarks during the interview
During the interview, Trump displayed his characteristic bravado, telling Dokoupil that he would likely not have a job if Harris were in office. He asserted, “Tony, we now have the hottest country in the world. And a year-and-a-half ago, our country was dead.”
Trump further claimed that a Harris administration would resemble “Venezuela on steroids,” humorously adding, “You wouldn’t have this job — certainly whatever the hell they’re paying you.” His comments reflect confidence in his administration’s achievements while critiquing opposing political figures.
As the interview concluded, Dokoupil stated that he believed he would still be employed under different political circumstances, to which Trump retorted, “Yeah — but at a lesser salary.”
The warning followed the interview, which took place in Michigan. According to a recording obtained by The New York Times, Leavitt stated on Trump’s behalf, “Make sure you guys don’t cut the tape, make sure the interview is out in full.”0
The warning followed the interview, which took place in Michigan. According to a recording obtained by The New York Times, Leavitt stated on Trump’s behalf, “Make sure you guys don’t cut the tape, make sure the interview is out in full.”1