CBS Ends Editing Face Nation Interviews Amid Noem Backlash

CBS News has implemented a new policy to air only live or live-to-tape interviews without edits on its flagship Sunday show, Face the Nation, following complaints from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about deceptive editing of her recent interview. Noem accused the network of selectively cutting her remarks regarding Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whom she characterized as a violent MS-13 gang member, and criticized CBS for allegedly trying to whitewash the truth. CBS defended the original edits as standard practice for time and clarity, noting that the full interview and transcripts were publicly available, but the backlash prompted the change to increase transparency. The policy shift limits CBS News’ ability to edit out false or unproven statements, raising concerns about the potential for unchallenged political grandstanding and impacting the credibility of the program's moderator, Margaret Brennan. This change comes amid broader tensions between the Trump administration and CBS, including a recent $18 million settlement with President Trump over a previous lawsuit alleging biased editing of a 60 Minutes interview. CBS will continue posting full transcripts and unedited videos online, with exceptions only for classified or FCC-prohibited content.