Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Drew Hallowell
Supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris are raising concerns over the way Fox News edited former President Donald Trump’s comments during a Bronx barbershop campaign event, while Trump continues to accuse CBS of bias in his interview with Harris.
A CNN report on Thursday revealed that Fox News had edited parts of Trump’s “rambling comments” during his New York City event, sparking outrage among Harris’ supporters. This controversy comes just days after Trump criticized 60 Minutes for allegedly editing an interview with Harris. Trump’s accusations toward CBS have led to heated discussions about media fairness and bias.
Sam Stein, a contributor at The Bulwark, raised several pointed questions, tweeting: “How many segments has Fox News itself run on 60 Minutes’ edits to the Harris interview? What are the rules here? Does Fox now have to lose its broadcasting license? Is this a violation of the Geneva Conventions?”
The mention of broadcasting licenses refers to a threat Trump made to CBS News after his complaints about the 60 Minutes interview with Harris. Trump walked out of the October 1 interview, alleging that CBS journalists were portraying Harris in a more favorable light. His legal team even filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), accusing CBS of unfair practices. Jessica Rosenworcel, the chair of the FCC, condemned Trump’s remarks, calling them “threats against free speech.”
Meanwhile, a CBS attorney addressed Trump’s legal complaints, stating they were based on a “false premise” and that CBS had not manipulated the interview to benefit Harris. This legal back-and-forth has only heightened the ongoing debate about media bias.
In a twist, Harris’ spokesperson James Singer shared a line from CNN’s report on Fox News, calling attention to their edits of Trump’s barbershop interview. The line noted that “Fox’s edits omitted numerous Trump tangents and exaggerations.” These omitted segments included Trump’s praise for Hungarian leader Viktor Orban and his false claims about Haitian immigrants residing in Springfield, Ohio.
Matt Corridoni, another spokesperson for Harris, also weighed in, posting a single-word reaction to CNN’s findings: “OH?” He quoted CNN’s report that read, “Fox News edited Trump’s rambling answers and false claims in barbershop interview…”
The criticism of Fox News’s handling of the Trump interview comes as no surprise to some journalists. Jennifer Schulze expressed her opinion bluntly, stating, “Shocked not shocked that Fox is basically doing campaign ads for Trump.” She praised CNN for uncovering the edits, giving credit to the network for “digging into it.”
The controversy over edited interviews highlights the growing tension between media outlets and political figures, as both Trump and Harris’ supporters question the integrity and motivations behind how these figures are portrayed. While Trump’s accusations against CBS have prompted legal action, Fox News’ edits are also being scrutinized for how they present political narratives, leaving both sides of the political spectrum calling for more transparency.
