A recent segment on CBS’s “60 Minutes” focusing on the cabinet nominations of President-elect Donald Trump has sparked considerable backlash from right-wing supporters. The episode, led by anchor Scott Pelley, investigated several nominees’ backgrounds, casting doubt on their suitability and experience for their designated roles.
The episode, aired on November 17, 2024, brought attention to the lack of extensive government experience of several nominees. These included Pete Hegseth, nominated for Secretary of Defense, Matt Gaetz, the Attorney General nominee, and Tulsi Gabbard, the pick for Director of National Intelligence.
Moreover, Pelley highlighted controversies surrounding some nominees, such as allegations against Gaetz, suggesting that these issues may present difficulties in the Senate confirmation process.
The segment was met with immediate negative reactions from Trump’s supporters. Steven Cheung, the incoming White House Communications Director, condemned the segment as “disgusting bias & unhinged ‘reporting’ that is out of touch with everyday Americans who voted for President Trump.”
Elon Musk, a strong Trump supporter and the head of the newly-established Department of Government Efficiency, also criticized the segment, advising that “no Republican should ever interview with CBS News again” and labeling the segment as “leftist, trash propaganda.”
The controversy extends beyond the media, as Trump’s transition team has also been questioned for not finishing the necessary paperwork for security clearances and background checks for the nominees, which could complicate the vetting process.
Karoline Leavitt, the nominee for Press Secretary and another Trump ally, supported the nominations, arguing that many individuals with “decades of ‘government experience’ who have failed audits” are employed by the Pentagon.
The segment aired during a time when Republicans have gained a majority in the House, which has led to increased scrutiny on the confirmation process for Trump’s cabinet picks. Both Democrats and Republicans have expressed doubts about several nominees’ qualifications, indicating potentially challenging Senate confirmation hearings ahead.
Since its start in 1968, “60 Minutes” on CBS has built a reputation for comprehensive investigative journalism and impactful storytelling. The show has consistently covered a broad range of topics, from political scandals to social issues, earning various accolades, including 25 Peabody Awards for excellence in television broadcasting.
Despite the criticisms, “60 Minutes” continues to be an influential player in American journalism, consistently aiming to inform the public through investigative reporting.