FCC demands CBS turn over ’60 Minutes’ interview with Trump amid lawsuit
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Friday ordered CBS News to turn over a 2019 “60 Minutes” interview with former President Donald Trump, as part of its investigation into possible visa-related violations by the Trump Organization.
The interview, which aired on March 15, 2019, was conducted by CBS News correspondent Lesley Stahl and featured Trump discussing his 2015-2016 presidential campaign, as well as his potential business dealings in Iraq.
The FCC investigation, launched in 2021, is examining whether the Trump Organization violated the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which requires entities to disclose foreign political activities and financing.
According to a letter filed in court, the FCC cited the interview as “material evidence” in its investigation, and demanded that CBS News provide a copy of the transcript and any related documents, including emails and notes from the interview.
CBS News had initially refused to turn over the material, citing the First Amendment and the press’ right to protect sources and gather information without being hindered by government interference.
In a statement, CBS News said it would review the FCC’s request but did not commit to complying with the demand, citing the rights of the press and the public’s interest in having access to information.
“Our commitment to the Constitution’s press protections is unwavering, and we will continue to fight to protect the core values of a free press,” a CBS News spokesperson said.
The lawsuit, filed in 2021, claims that the Trump Organization failed to register under FARA for millions of dollars in payments from the Emirs of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
In response to the FCC’s order, Trump’s legal team accused the agency of overstepping its authority and engaging in a “politically motivated” harassment campaign.
“This is not an investigation, it’s a fishing expedition designed to harass and punish the President and his associates for political reasons,” a Trump spokesperson said.
The dispute pits the FCC’s authority to regulate the press against the press’ right to freedom of speech. It also raises concerns about the impact on the media’s ability to operate freely and report on government activities without fear of reprisal.
The case is set to be heard in the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York.