Trump Praises ‘Great Person’ Bari Weiss Taking Over CBS News During ’60 Minutes’ Interview

President Donald Trump praised CBS for hiring The Free Press co-founder and editor Bari Weiss as the new head of CBS News during his interview on 60 Minutes on Sunday night; he also championed David Ellison and Skydance for acquiring Paramount, the parent company of CBS, saying it was the “greatest thing” to happen to the media in a long time.

The president, during his conversation with correspondent Norah O’Donnell, sang Weiss’ praises, without mentioning her specifically by name.

“I think you have a great, new leader, frankly,” Trump said. “The young woman that’s leading your whole enterprise is a great [leader] — from what I know.”

He added, “I don’t know her, but I hear she’s a great person.”

Weiss was recently named the new editor-in-chief of CBS News after Paramount, under the guidance of Ellison, purchased The Free Press for about $150 million.

The president said he believed Ellison buying Paramount, coupled with Weiss’ leadership, would spur a new, positive era in the media business.

“I see good things happening in the news. I really do,” Trump said. “And I think one of the best things to happen is this show and new ownership, CBS and new ownership. I think it’s the greatest thing that’s happened in a long time to a free and open and good press.”

Some CBS staffers have already complained about Weiss — with her decision to send a memo to reporters asking them to outline how they spend their work hours upsetting some company veterans.

A few big changes have already taken place under Weiss too, including CBS Evening News co-anchor John Dickerson announcing his departure from the company. Gayle King’s time on CBS Mornings is also reportedly coming to an end. 

Weiss has been branded by some of her critics as a conservative or right-leaning, although Weiss told Joe Rogan in 2019 she considers herself a “left-leaning centrist.” She described herself similarly a year later, saying she was a “centrist” in her resignation letter to The New York Times.

Trump’s mention of Weiss was weaved into an answer where he was bashing ex-Vice President Kamala Harris and gloating that CBS paid him $16 million to settle a lawsuit over its editing of a 2024 interview with Harris.

The president said CBS “paid me a lotta money” to settle the lawsuit, which he filed after claiming the editing constituted “election interference” and led to “mental anguish.” CBS, as O’Donnell noted on Sunday, did not admit any wrongdoing as part of the settlement.

Trump’s comments on Weiss were not aired on TV, but you can watch them in the extended interview via the 60 Minutes YouTube video above.

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