Here’s a jaw-dropping fact: President Donald Trump’s return to 60 Minutes after a five-year hiatus pulled in a staggering 14 million viewers, marking the show’s highest viewership since January 2021. But here’s where it gets controversial—this interview came just months after Trump settled a $16 million lawsuit with CBS over claims of ‘election interference’ during a similarly edited interview with Kamala Harris in 2024. Was this a strategic move by CBS to smooth over tensions, or a genuine effort to re-engage with a polarizing figure? Let’s dive in.
The interview, conducted by Norah O’Donnell, dominated nearly half of Sunday’s episode, trimmed from a 90-minute conversation. CBS later released an extended 73-minute version on YouTube and its 60 Minutes Overtime site, along with a full transcript—a concession tied to the lawsuit settlement. And this is the part most people miss: While CBS didn’t apologize, they agreed to publish full transcripts of presidential candidate interviews moving forward. Is this a win for transparency, or a begrudging admission of past missteps?
The episode’s success wasn’t just about Trump. It aired immediately after CBS’s broadcast of the Buffalo Bills’ victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, which drew a massive 30.84 million viewers—the NFL’s second-largest audience of the season. Yet, even without the football boost, 60 Minutes outperformed its season average of 8.93 million viewers, proving Trump’s draw remains undeniable.
Here’s the kicker: CBS claims the interview has since racked up 144.9 million views across social platforms. But what does that really mean? A ‘view’ on Instagram or X is just a second of watch time, while YouTube requires 30 seconds. Are these numbers a true measure of engagement, or just a flashy metric?
Trump’s appearance is particularly noteworthy given his history with the show. He was slated for a 60 Minutes interview during the 2024 campaign but backed out. His return now feels less like a coincidence and more like a calculated move. Did he see an opportunity to reclaim the spotlight, or was this a peace offering from CBS? What do you think? Is Trump’s return to 60 Minutes a triumph of journalism, a strategic PR play, or something else entirely? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
