Wendy McMahon leaves CBS News amid political pressures connected to Donald Trump
Wendy McMahon, the head of CBS News, resigned amid escalating political pressure from President Donald Trump, highlighting tensions between editorial independence and corporate priorities at the network.
CBS News is facing a radical shake-up with its top executive, Wendy McMahon, resigning amid increasing political pressure from President Trump. McHahon's departure indicates the ongoing tension between journalism independence and corporate influence within the network, especially with CBS parent entity Paramount Global brokering a risky merger while Trump's disputed lawsuit hangs in the balance.
The case revolves around a disputed "60 Minutes" sit-down with former Vice President Kamala Harris, which was fraudulently edited by Trump. Even as CBS has defended its editorial decisions, the case has escalated the use of insults towards the network, raising editorial freedom concerns and concerns about how CBS News will adapt with new leadership.
CBS News former boss Wendy McMahon exits following Trump pressure
The head of CBS News resigned Monday amid growing political pressure from President Trump targeting the news division.
In a farewell message to employees, Wendy McMahon referred to recent months as "challenging." She stated, "It's become clear that the company and I do not agree on the path forward. It's time for me to move on and for this organization to move forward with new leadership."
Though McMahon never explicitly mentioned Trump's legally questionable lawsuit against CBS, it has plagued the network of late. She came out in support of the news division publicly when CBS parent company Paramount Global attempted to resolve its differences with Trump in an effort to secure approval for its takeover of Skydance Media.
This war between journalist ethics and shareholder interests has unsettled CBS, one of America's most respected networks, to its very foundation.
In March, Bill Owens, executive producer of "60 Minutes," the program in Trump's crosshairs, resigned due to a loss of autonomy. Owens and McMahon both publicly complimented each other at the time, showing a united front against Trump's threatened lawsuits.
McMahon's departure, a day after the "60 Minutes" season premiere, has left staffers on edge, with one CBS correspondent told to CNN anonymously that it's like there is a "purge" happening.
The decision also set off speculation that Paramount is close to signing a deal with Trump, though the firm wouldn't comment.
Wendy McMahon resigned as the head of CBS News after Trump pressures. Photo: Reuters
Trump sued Paramount Global and CBS News
Paramount Global co-CEO George Cheeks confirmed McMahon's resignation in a memo, noting that CBS News president Tom Cibrowski, who had been designated her deputy, would now report to him directly. A source said McMahon's resignation eliminates management layers as Paramount seeks to cut costs.
McMahon's own future was uncertain at Skydance, the firm seeking to dominate CBS and Paramount. By quitting now and citing disputes over the "way ahead," McMahon underscores tensions over Paramount's dealings with Trump.
Trump sued CBS for allegedly editing an interview of former Vice President Kamala Harris on "60 Minutes" to constitute a false report, in contravention of a Texas consumer protection act. Legal experts have referred to such actions as unfounded.
CBS justified the show's editorial decisions on First Amendment principles. Trump has, though, constantly criticized CBS and even asked the FCC to take away the network's licenses. The FCC, in examining the merger of Paramount and Skydance, had Paramount executives attempt to settle with Trump in exchange for having the suit dropped. Mediation talks were under way in late April, according to reports.
The offer of a settlement is categorically turned down by "60 Minutes" staff, who maintain that the interview was edited in the normal manner, as confirmed by a transcript handed over to the FCC.
Weeks away from resigning, Owens told the "60 Minutes" crew that he would never apologize on any settlement, since the newsmagazine did not do anything wrong.
Despite Trump's salvo, "60 Minutes" kept publishing blistering pieces about his administration over the winter and spring.
In her memo, McMahon thanked viewers, saying, "Thank you for your trust. You hold us accountable, and you remind us why this work matters."
Democratic FCC member of the Republican-led FCC, Anna Gomez, called McMahon's resignation "beyond alarming" on X (formerly Twitter), warning that independent reporters are being silenced to protect corporate interests and that it invites an administration hell-bent on dictating speech and content.
