Mocking arrogance from a 60 Minute correspondent.
The interview was recorded on October 20, 2020, at the White House, just weeks before the election.
Lesley Stahl asked tough questions on topics like the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy, foreign policy, and Hunter Biden’s laptop (which Trump raised).
Trump grew frustrated with the tone, accused Stahl of unfair questioning (claiming she never asked Joe Biden tough questions), and walked out mid-interview after about 45 minutes.
He tweeted criticism and threatened to release the White House’s recording (which violated a pre-agreed archival-use only protocol with CBS).
On October 22, Trump’s team posted the full unedited video and transcript on social media, preempting the official broadcast.
CBS aired an edited version on October 25, 2020, which included contentious moments and the walkout. Trump and supporters called the overall process “fake” and biased, pointing to Stahl’s challenging style as evidence of media hostility.
