CBS News is allegedly controlled by Donald Trump, according to several insiders at the network. Sources say the Trump White House is now given the transcript for every story, so that it can edit and give final approval before the segment airs. This is despite Tony Dokoupil, the new CBS Evening News host, regularly talking about the importance of “independence and integrity” of the network. This apparent shift in control comes after conservative Bari Weiss became the new editor-in-chief of CBS News in October 2025.
CBS News allegedly “isn’t airing news for America anymore”
Several insiders at CBS are concerned that the network has allegedly given too much power to the Trump administration, per the Nice But Naughty Substack from reporter Rob Shuter.
One source warned, “The White House is now in the room for every story. CBS isn’t airing news for American anymore — it’s airing news for the President.”
“Every story. Every interview. Every segment. It all goes through the White House now,” another insider agreed. “This isn’t optional — it’s the new reality. Tony can talk about journalism all he wants, but Trump decides what gets seen.”
“CBS now has an audience of one — Donald Trump,” a producer said. “It’s surreal. The network is no longer its own editor.”
This approval process apparently became unavoidable during Dokoupil’s interview with Donald Trump, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt telling CBS News how the story would run.
Insiders recall Leavitt allegedly saying, “Make sure you don’t cut the tape. Make sure the interview is out in full. If it’s not, we’ll sue your ass off.”
Last month, Weiss controversially pulled a CBS News segment called “Inside CECOT” about the El Salvador prison, as noted by The Hollywood Reporter. The outlet was widely criticized for censoring a story that would paint the Trump administration in a negative light. After being unceremoniously delayed, the story finally aired on Sunday night, though it had to compete against an NFL playoff game in the time slot.
