The Controversial Cut
A tense moment from President Donald Trump's "60 Minutes" interview involving questioning on crypto corruption accusations was cut from the broadcast but has been revealed in the full transcript published online by CBS.
Why It Matters
The edited segment, removed from both the 28-minute aired version and the extended cut, prompted Democrats to suggest an FCC investigation for possible "news distortion"—referencing Trump's since-settled lawsuit over the show's editing of a previous interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris.
State of Play
The exchange occurred during the 90-minute interview when CBS' Norah O'Donnell questioned Trump about pardoning Binance crypto exchange founder Changpeng Zhao. Trump initially claimed, "I don't know who he is," then emphasized his sons' involvement in crypto and the importance of the U.S. leading the industry.
Key details:
- Trump noted his "sons are involved in crypto much more" than he is.
- He stressed the U.S. must be the No. 1 leader in crypto.
CBS posted a 73-minute extended version on YouTube, noting the interview "was condensed for clarity."
The Omitted Segment
Here's the transcript of the cut exchange:
O'DONNELL: So not concerned about the appearance of corruption with this?
TRUMP: I can't say, because—I can't say—I'm not concerned. I don't—I'd rather not have you ask the question. But I let you ask it. You just came to me and you said, 'Can I ask another question?' And I said, yeah. This is the question—
O'DONNELL: And you answered—
TRUMP: I don't mind. Did I let you do it? I coulda walked away. I didn't have to answer this question. I'm proud to answer the question. You know why? We've taken crypto—
O'DONNELL: But just generally speak—
TRUMP: Excuse me. We're number one in crypto in the whole world. Other people wanna be. They're fighting like hell to be. But we're number one in crypto because I'm the president. Biden wanted to also, at the very end, you know, he totally switched his thing.
- Biden was totally in favor of crypto at the end. Do you know that many people that were indicted under Biden for crypto, at the very end before the election, were let go? You know why? He wanted the vote. We are number one in crypto and that's the only thing I care about. I don't want China or anybody else to take it away. It's a massive industry.
O'DONNELL: Mr. President, thank you.
TRUMP: Thank you very much.
Reactions and Fallout
FCC Chair Brendan Carr responded on X to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's suggestion of a complaint, citing the "Schumer Shutdown" as a barrier.
- White House spokesperson Steven Cheung called it a "powerhouse interview."
- Paramount Global, CBS' parent, settled Trump's previous lawsuit for $16 million and agreed to release future interview transcripts with presidential candidates, subject to redactions.
- CBS representatives did not immediately comment.
Related Coverage
- 5 key moments from Trump's "60 Minutes" interview
- Dems float FCC probe of "60 Minutes" trimming Trump interview
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