After weeks of internal controversy, CBS News broadcast a delayed episode of its flagship program "60 Minutes" on Sunday night, focusing on the Trump administration's deportation of Venezuelan migrants to a notorious prison in El Salvador.
Internal Turmoil Over Broadcast Delay
The report, originally scheduled for December 21, 2025, was pulled at the last minute by CBS News chief Bari Weiss. According to a network statement, the decision was made over concerns that the initial piece lacked a sufficient response from the Trump administration. This move ignited a significant internal dispute within the news organization.
Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi, who reported the story, challenged the official reasoning. In a memo circulated among colleagues and obtained by several news outlets, Alfonsi asserted the segment was shelved for "political reasons," not journalistic ones.
Updated Report Finally Airs
On January 18, 2026, the broadcaster released a statement confirming the airing: "CBS News leadership has always been committed to airing the '60 Minutes' CECOT piece as soon as it was ready. Tonight, viewers get to see it, along with other important stories, all of which speak to CBS News' independence and the power of our storytelling."
The version that aired included statements from the Trump administration, addressing Weiss's initial concern. However, the Associated Press noted the updated report contained no new on-camera interviews. Alfonsi provided additional details about the two Venezuelan migrants she interviewed regarding their harrowing experiences inside the Salvadoran prison known as CECOT.
A History of Controversy and Leaks
This incident is not the first public stumble for CBS News in recent months. While the segment was blocked from U.S. broadcast in December, a version was briefly available on Global Television's streaming app in Canada before being taken offline, indicating the report was essentially ready for publication at the time of its cancellation.
The controversy also follows public criticism from former CBS host David Letterman, who recently labeled the network's news division a "wreck" run by "idiots." The airing of the delayed segment represents an attempt by CBS to demonstrate editorial independence while navigating significant internal and external pressures.
