President Donald Trump unleashed a fiery critique of CBS News, targeting "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan in a recent interview, according to Fox News.
His comments, delivered alongside White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, stirred the pot in an already tense media landscape. The remarks reflect a broader conservative frustration with perceived bias in mainstream outlets.
Trump and Leavitt spoke to the Daily Caller, where they slammed Brennan as "stupid" and "nasty" while discussing a settled lawsuit against CBS's parent company, Paramount.
The lawsuit stemmed from allegations of election interference tied to a "60 Minutes" interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. This settlement marks a win for Trump’s camp, which has long argued that media giants tilt the playing field.
The president didn’t hold back, calling Brennan’s performance on "Face the Nation" "so bad." He even speculated about the future of Norah O’Donnell, who stepped away from "CBS Evening News" but lingers at the network. O’Donnell’s hefty $12 million salary, Trump quipped, might not keep her there much longer.
Trump’s settlement with Paramount and CBS News fueled his latest media offensive. He argued the network’s handling of the Harris interview was a deliberate attempt to sway voters. For conservatives, this victory underscores a belief that corporate media often plays fast and loose with fairness.
During the Daily Caller interview, Trump turned to Leavitt and asked, "What do you think of her?" Leavitt didn’t mince words, labeling Brennan "stupid" on the record.
Trump piled on, calling her "nasty," a jab that resonates with those who see the press as increasingly hostile to conservative voices.
The exchange wasn’t just personal—it tied into a broader narrative of media accountability. Trump’s team sees the settlement as a rare moment of holding powerful outlets to task. Yet, critics might argue it’s just another chapter in Trump’s ongoing war with the press.
Last month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio faced off with Brennan on "Face the Nation" in a heated exchange. The discussion centered on Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, following a summit with Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Rubio’s sharp rebuttals earned high praise from Trump, who said, "He handled her."
Brennan suggested European leaders were visiting to prevent Zelenskyy from being "bullied" into concessions. "That is not true," Rubio shot back, dismissing the claim as a "stupid media narrative." His response highlighted a conservative view that mainstream outlets often spin stories to fit a progressive agenda.
Rubio emphasized that Trump had met with Zelenskyy multiple times and consulted European leaders as early as the previous week.
He insisted their visits were part of ongoing diplomatic efforts, not a reaction to some imagined pressure on Ukraine. Trump lauded Rubio’s performance, calling him "good and smart" for navigating Brennan’s questions.
Neither Brennan nor CBS News responded to requests for comment on Trump’s remarks. Their silence only fuels the narrative that the media dodges accountability when called out. For Trump’s base, this is another example of a press corps that picks fights but shies away from defending itself.
Trump’s focus on O’Donnell added another layer to the story. "She’s pretty close" to being out, he said, hinting at her precarious position at CBS despite her lucrative contract. Such comments play well with conservatives who view network anchors as overpaid mouthpieces for liberal causes.
The settlement with CBS is a feather in Trump’s cap, energizing supporters who feel the media has long targeted him unfairly.
For many on the right, it’s a rare moment of justice in a world where corporate media holds disproportionate power. Still, the lack of response from CBS leaves questions unanswered.
Trump’s praise for Rubio underscores a broader strategy: elevate allies who can take on the press. Rubio’s ability to counter Brennan’s narrative on "Face the Nation" shows why he’s a trusted figure in Trump’s circle. Conservatives see this as proof that their leaders can outsmart a biased media.
The Daily Caller interview wasn’t just about settling scores—it was a rallying cry for the MAGA base. Trump and Leavitt’s blunt language resonates with those fed up with what they see as elitist media gatekeepers. Yet, the harsh tone risks alienating moderates who prefer civility over confrontation.
