Karoline Leavitt Threatens CBS with Lawsuit Over Full Trump Interview Airing
In a recent development involving CBS, Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, issued a stern warning regarding an interview with former President Donald Trump. While conversing with CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil, Leavitt insisted that the entire 13-minute interview must be aired unedited. Failure to do so, she insisted, would lead to legal action against CBS.
Background of the Incident
Audio obtained by the New York Times reveals Leavitt’s emphatic demand. She stated, “He said, ‘Make sure you guys don’t cut the tape, make sure the interview is out in full.’” Her caution was evident when she declared, “If it’s not out in full, we’ll sue your a– off.”
In a lighthearted exchange, Dokoupil acknowledged Leavitt’s warning, saying, “Yeah, we’re doing it, yeah.” Meanwhile, CBS executive producer Kim Harvey responded with an enthusiastic “Oh great, okay!”
CBS’s Commitment to Airing the Interview
Following the release of the audio, a CBS News spokesperson asserted the network’s intention to broadcast the interview in full. “The moment we booked this interview, we made the independent decision to air it unedited and in its entirety,” the spokesperson stated. “The American people deserve to watch President Trump’s full interviews, unedited, no cuts.”
Donald Trump’s Remarks
During the interview, Trump made several notable comments, referencing the current state of the country. He discussed the economic recovery under his administration and contrasted it with the possible future under President Biden’s administration. “If [Kamala Harris] got in, you probably wouldn’t have a job right now,” he claimed, highlighting his perspective on national issues.
Previous Legal Conflicts
This is not the first time Trump has clashed with CBS. He previously sued the network, leading to an undisclosed settlement. Despite past conflicts, Trump has achieved significant media coverage, particularly with this latest interview.
Conclusion
The pressure to air the full Trump interview reflects ongoing tensions between media organizations and their subjects. With Leavitt’s warning and CBS’s commitment to deliver unedited content, viewers can expect a complete presentation of Trump’s insights, reinforcing the importance of transparency in media coverage.
