Lesley Stahl Expresses Anger Over CBS Handling of Trump Lawsuit, Blames Shari Redstone for Pressure on Network

In a candid revelation that has rocked the media world, veteran CBS journalist Lesley Stahl, known for her long tenure on 60 Minutes, admitted that she was “angry” with Paramount Global chairwoman Shari Redstone over how the network has handled President Donald Trump’s ongoing lawsuit. The lawsuit, which demands a settlement of at least $25 million and a formal apology from CBS, has created a storm within the network, and Stahl’s comments provide a rare look into the tension brewing behind the scenes at CBS.

Stahl made the admission during an appearance on The New Yorker Radio Hour podcast on Friday, where she discussed the lawsuit and its implications for her program. The case revolves around an interview Stahl conducted with Trump in 2020, in which she questioned the then-president on his handling of the pandemic and other major issues. The interview was seen as a pivotal moment in Stahl’s career and in the broader media coverage of Trump’s administration. However, Trump has now filed a lawsuit against CBS, alleging defamation and demanding significant damages.

A Painful Experience: The Fallout Within CBS

The lawsuit’s fallout has had a profound effect on the inner workings of CBS News. Stahl reflected on the situation, discussing how it led to the resignation of 60 Minutes top producer Bill Owens. Owens stepped down following claims that he was being restricted in the stories he could produce for the show. Stahl described Owens’ departure as a “painful” experience, highlighting the growing sense of frustration within the network.

Owens’ resignation came amid broader tensions at CBS News, with some insiders suggesting that Owens’ decision was influenced by increasing pressures from the network’s leadership. According to reports, Owens felt he was being constrained in his ability to cover important issues in an unbiased manner, something that Stahl herself has alluded to in her comments about the current state of affairs at CBS.

The Strain of Appeasement

Stahl’s comments about her anger with Redstone and the network’s handling of the lawsuit paint a picture of a media company under immense strain. According to Stahl, much of this tension stems from what she sees as an effort by CBS’s leadership to appease the Trump administration in the wake of the controversial interview. Stahl, known for her hard-hitting investigative reporting, suggested that pressure from Redstone and other network executives may have influenced decisions related to coverage of the Trump administration.

“The situation at the network is hard,” Stahl said, reflecting on the tumultuous period that followed Owens’ resignation. “I feel frustrated because it’s clear to me that the network has been trying to avoid further conflict with Trump and his supporters. There’s been a lot of pressure, and I feel that Shari Redstone has played a role in that.”

Stahl’s words suggest that CBS News may be facing a dilemma: balancing its journalistic integrity with the commercial interests of the network’s leadership. The situation has created an environment in which journalists at CBS, including Stahl, feel increasingly caught between their duty to report the truth and the network’s desire to avoid additional conflict and public scrutiny.

Redstone Under Fire

Shari Redstone, the chairwoman of Paramount Global, which owns CBS, has been at the center of the controversy. Under Redstone’s leadership, CBS has faced increasing pressure from various quarters, particularly following the Trump administration’s attacks on the media. Redstone’s management style has been scrutinized, with many questioning whether her approach has been too focused on appeasing powerful political figures rather than supporting the editorial independence of CBS News.

Stahl’s criticism of Redstone is significant, as it highlights the tension between journalistic independence and corporate interests. Redstone, who has long been a prominent figure in the media world, has been under pressure to ensure that CBS remains competitive and profitable in an increasingly polarized media landscape. However, Stahl’s comments suggest that Redstone’s approach to managing CBS News may be undermining the very values that make the network’s news programming stand out.

The Larger Implications for CBS News

The Trump lawsuit, along with the resignation of Owens and the ongoing tensions within CBS News, raises broader questions about the future of journalism in the corporate media world. As networks like CBS grapple with the challenge of maintaining editorial independence while navigating commercial and political pressures, the case underscores the delicate balance journalists must strike between their ethical responsibilities and the demands of their corporate overlords.

Stahl’s remarks also point to the changing landscape of investigative journalism. In the past, 60 Minutes has been known for its fearless reporting, with the program often taking on powerful figures and controversial topics. However, as CBS News contends with the pressures of running a major media company in a politically charged environment, Stahl’s anger and frustration suggest that the traditional model of hard-hitting investigative journalism may be under threat.

For Stahl, the case is not just a personal matter—it is part of a larger battle over the future of journalism itself. As she continues to cover important stories for 60 Minutes, Stahl has made it clear that she is unwilling to compromise on the principles that have defined her career. Her willingness to speak out against the pressures facing CBS News is a reminder that even in an era of political polarization and corporate influence, some journalists are still determined to hold power to account.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for CBS News?

As the lawsuit continues to unfold and tensions within CBS News remain high, the future of the network’s news division is uncertain. The ongoing struggles within the company, along with the growing public scrutiny of its leadership, will likely shape the direction of CBS News in the coming months.

For now, the conflict between Stahl and CBS leadership remains unresolved, and it’s clear that the fallout from the Trump lawsuit will continue to affect both the network and its journalists. As CBS navigates these difficult waters, it is apparent that the network’s ability to maintain its reputation for independent, fearless journalism will be put to the test in the months ahead. For Stahl, the battle is far from over, and her commitment to speaking the truth may be more important than ever.