"“He said, ‘Make sure you guys don’t cut the tape. Make sure the interview is out in full,’” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt."
"White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told CBS News to air an interview with President Donald Trump in full or face a lawsuit, according to an audio recording of the exchange reviewed by The Washington Post.
“He said, ‘Make sure you guys don’t cut the tape. Make sure the interview is out in full,’” Leavitt told new “CBS Evening News” anchor Tony Dokoupil, relaying a message from the president ahead of the interview earlier this week. “He said, ‘If it’s not out in full, we’ll sue your ass off.’”
Dokoupil responded with levity: “He always says that!”
The New York Times first reported on the exchange. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
“He said, ‘Make sure you guys don’t cut the tape. Make sure the interview is out in full,’” Leavitt told new “CBS Evening News” anchor Tony Dokoupil, relaying a message from the president ahead of the interview earlier this week. “He said, ‘If it’s not out in full, we’ll sue your ass off.’”
Dokoupil responded with levity: “He always says that!”
The New York Times first reported on the exchange. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment."
Scott Nover reports for the WashIngton Post January 17, 2026.
SEE ALSO:
"CBS Airs Pulled '60 Minutes' Report On El Salvador's CECOT Prison" (USA TODAY)/
"'60 Minutes' Airs Report On Trump Deportations That Was Abruptly Pulled" (NBC News)
Advertisement 
