A high-profile military interview has put 60 Minutes under the microscope just as the CBS program began its 59th season. Norah O’Donnell’s conversation with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth triggered a flood of complaints online. Viewers argued that the segment went too easy on a senior Trump administration official.
60 Minutes viewers criticize O’Donnell’s interview with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
The Sept. 13 broadcast centered on a U.S. operation to recover a weapons systems officer left stranded in Iran. Alongside Pete Hegseth, Norah O’Donnell spoke with Gen. Dan Caine, Adm. Brad Cooper, and one of the two F-15 crew members who survived, identified as Bravo. CNN said Hegseth helped put the segment together and wanted both crew members involved, though only one took part (via TV Insider).
Viewers on X were far less receptive. O’Donnell faced accusations of giving Hegseth an overly friendly interview, with some branding the segment as propaganda. One critic wrote, “You asked him 100% softballs. No push back.” Another called it a “propaganda piece” aimed at presenting Hegseth as a heroic figure.
Others objected to the absence of “hard questions” and pointed to O’Donnell’s frequent nodding throughout the exchange.
The backlash was far from universal. YouTube viewers also praised the season premiere, with one calling it the “Best way to start the new season!!!!” Another described the report as “absolutely inspiring,” while Bravo’s role earned particular appreciation.
The debate comes as the CBS news program faces its own internal upheaval. In May, CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss fired producers Tanya Simon, Draggan Mihailovich, and Matthew Polevoy, as well as correspondents Cecilia Vega and Sharyn Alfonsi. Scott Pelley was later removed from his position after confronting the firings during a tense meeting with staff.
The latest controversy adds to broader questions about CBS’ editorial direction under Weiss, who took over after being appointed by Paramount CEO David Ellison last October. Critics have accused Weiss of steering the network toward a more MAGA-friendly stance and alleged that CBS shelved reports that could have reflected poorly on President Donald Trump.
