CBS Changes Interview Editing Policy After Controversy
CBS News announced on Friday a revision to its policy on editing interviews with government officials. This decision followed the network’s cut of certain comments made by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during her appearance on “Face the Nation.”
During a segment aired on August 31, CBS removed a portion of Noem’s remarks—specifically, around 26 seconds discussing allegations against MS-13 member Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Initially, CBS stated the interview was edited for clarity, but later clarified that it had been previously compiled and labeled as an “unedited” interview.
In response to audience feedback received over the past week, CBS is now committing to a new approach that aims to enhance transparency in interviews. Moving forward, “Face the Nation” will only broadcast interviews that are either live or recorded live, barring any national security or legal constraints. This adjustment means viewers will see a complete interview as it was conducted.
Noem criticized CBS News on Sunday, claiming the edits were made to “whitewash the truth” about Garcia, who has been defended by various Democrats and media figures. She described Garcia as “a known human smuggler, a member of the MS-13 gang, an individual who was a wife beater, and a perverted person that sought nude photos from minors.”
Noem voiced her frustrations on Twitter, stating, “This morning I joined CBS to report on the facts about Kilmer Abrego Garcia. Instead, CBS embarrassingly compiled the interview to whitewash the truth about this MS-13 gang member and the threat he poses to American public safety.”
Documents from the Prince George County Police Department reveal Garcia’s gang affiliation and prior allegations. Other legal records suggest he was involved in smuggling illegal immigrants into the United States and faced restraining orders related to those activities. Garcia entered the U.S. illegally from El Salvador in 2011 and has since been at the center of a highly contentious deportation case.
This policy change at CBS comes after a $36 million settlement with President Donald Trump, who accused the network of manipulating a “60 Minutes” interview with Vice President Kamala Harris to bolster his 2024 campaign. As part of the settlement, CBS agreed to provide around $16 million to Trump’s future presidential library and to release written transcripts for future interviews with presidential candidates.
In June, the administration promoted Garcia’s case, encouraging him to confront allegations of human smuggling. A federal judge in Maryland ordered Garcia’s release from custody, but he was immediately taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after his deportation was paused on August 26.
