A recent episode of CBS’s “60 Minutes” has sparked backlash from conservative groups after it scrutinized the cabinet nominations of President-elect Donald Trump. The show, hosted by Scott Pelley, explored the credentials and backgrounds of several nominees, questioning their suitability for their appointed roles.
The episode, aired on November 17, 2024, drew attention to the limited government experience of several nominees. These included Pete Hegseth, the nominee for Secretary of Defense, Matt Gaetz, nominated for Attorney General (who later withdrew his name), and Tulsi Gabbard, picked for Director of National Intelligence.
Pelley highlighted controversies linked to some of the nominees, like the allegations against Gaetz, suggesting that these issues could present obstacles during the Senate confirmation proceedings.
Trump’s supporters quickly expressed their disapproval of the segment. The soon-to-be White House Communications Director, Steven Cheung, branded the report as “disgusting bias & unhinged ‘reporting’ that is out of touch with everyday Americans who voted for President Trump.”
Elon Musk, another prominent Trump supporter and the head of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, also voiced his disapproval, suggesting that “no Republican should ever interview with CBS News again” and labeling the segment as “leftist, trash propaganda.”
The criticism is not solely focused on the media coverage. Trump’s transition team has also received criticism for failing to complete necessary security clearance paperwork and background checks for the nominees, which could potentially slow down the vetting process.
Karoline Leavitt, the nominee for Press Secretary and another Trump ally, defended the nominations, highlighting that the Pentagon employs numerous individuals with “decades of ‘government experience’ who have failed audits.”
The airing of the segment coincides with Republicans achieving a majority in the House, adding extra scrutiny to the confirmation process for Trump’s cabinet choices. Both Democrats and Republicans have expressed concerns about the qualifications of several nominees, indicating potentially difficult Senate confirmation hearings in the future.
Since its launch in 1968, “60 Minutes” has been recognized for its comprehensive investigative journalism and captivating storytelling. The show has consistently covered a broad range of topics, from political controversies to societal issues, and has been honored with 25 Peabody Awards for its excellence in television broadcasting.
Despite the recent criticism, “60 Minutes” continues to be a significant player in American journalism, consistently seeking to educate the public through its investigative reporting.
