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| Secretary Kristi Noem |
CBS News faced accusations from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem regarding the editing of her August 31, 2025, "Face the Nation" interview. Noem claimed CBS selectively edited her remarks about Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national and alleged MS-13 gang member, to "whitewash" his criminal background and downplay the public safety threat he poses.
She stated that nearly four minutes of her 16-minute, 40-second interview were cut, including specific allegations that Garcia was a human smuggler, domestic abuser, and solicited nude photos from minors—claims not aired in the broadcast but included in the full interview posted online. Noem shared unedited clips on X to highlight the omissions, accusing CBS of covering up the truth.
CBS News defended its actions, stating the interview was edited for time to fit the hourlong broadcast, a standard practice, and met all editorial standards.
The network noted that the full interview was available on YouTube and the transcript was posted on CBSNews.com, ensuring transparency. A CBS spokesperson emphasized that no deceptive editing occurred, countering Noem’s allegations.
‘Whitewash’: Noem Accuses Network of Another Deceptive Edit | Jordyn M., Resist the Mainstream
— Owen Gregorian (@OwenGregorian) September 1, 2025
CBS News finds itself embroiled in yet another editing controversy, this time involving Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s interview on “Face The Nation.”
The… pic.twitter.com/ocaLlr5yVU
The controversy follows a pattern, as CBS recently settled a $16 million lawsuit with President Trump over alleged deceptive editing in a "60 Minutes" interview with Kamala Harris, fueling conservative criticism of media bias.
Abrego Garcia’s case adds complexity. He was erroneously deported to El Salvador in March 2025, despite a 2019 immigration judge’s order barring his removal due to persecution fears. After a Supreme Court order, he was returned to the U.S. in June and indicted on human smuggling charges, to which he pleaded not guilty. His lawyers, concerned about prejudicing his trial, sought a gag order against Trump officials for inflammatory remarks. A federal judge recently blocked his potential deportation to Uganda pending a hearing. The dispute underscores tensions between the Trump administration’s immigration policies and legal due process, with Noem’s accusations amplifying distrust in mainstream media.