On Thursday, President Trump released the full transcript of his interview for 60 Minutes ahead of its scheduled airtime — after prematurely interrupting the interview over Leslie Stahl's questions.
The incumbent posted a 40-minute video on his Facebook page with the caption: «Look at the bias, hate and rudeness of 60 Minutes and CBS.»
At the beginning of the interview, Stahl focuses on the Trump administration's response to the coronavirus pandemic and rising incidence in the States.
“I think we've done a great job with COVID-19,” Trump says.
“Sir, I'm sorry, but the number of cases has grown in 40 states,” Stahl replies.
Then Trump recognizes the increase in incidence, but continues to insist that the matter is in more regular testing for coronavirus.
“Because we do so many tests, the fake media like to say the number of cases is on the rise. In fact, we have done a very good job, ”he says.
During the interview, the president also complains about Stahl's behavior and her promise to ask «tough questions» — which the anchor allegedly did not ask Biden. Stahl notes that she hasn't spoken to Biden yet.
The conversation is extremely tense: Stahl from time to time stops Trump, questioning the veracity of his words and pointing out the inconsistency of certain statements, the president insists that she is biased.
In particular, Trump said, Stahl had «discredited herself» by not covering the controversial New York Post investigation of Hunter Biden's business ties. Stahl explains in response that “60 minutes” cannot prove the truthfulness of the information.
Earlier this week, CBS News reported that the White House initially agreed to tape the interview «for archival purposes only.»
«The unprecedented decision of the White House to ignore the agreement with CBS News and publish its tape will not prevent 60 Minutes from providing a complete and fair report,» they said in a statement after Trump released the tape.
