’60 Minutes’ anchor Scott Pelley ripped for ‘angry, unhinged’ commencement speech criticizing Trump

Scott Pelley, the longtime anchor of “60 Minutes,” faced backlash after delivering a commencement speech at Wake Forest University that was filled with fear and anger towards President Trump. During his speech on May 19, Pelley warned the graduating class of 2025 about the pervasive presence of fear in schools, businesses, and homes across the nation, painting a grim picture of America’s current state.

Pelley urged the graduates to step up and answer the call of their country, emphasizing the importance of speaking out in a time when freedom of speech and journalism are under attack. He criticized the government for instilling fear in the people and manipulating language to control reality, drawing parallels to historical tactics used by those in power.

While Pelley’s speech received some applause during the ceremony, it was met with criticism on social media. Many users found his rhetoric to be dramatic and unwarranted for a celebratory event like a graduation. Some labeled Pelley as a propagandist and a national disgrace, questioning his credibility as a journalist.

Critics also pointed out the irony of Pelley’s speech, highlighting the ongoing $20 billion lawsuit that CBS, the network behind “60 Minutes,” is facing from President Trump over the editing of an interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. The lawsuit alleges that the network manipulated the interview to favor Harris during her campaign.

As the controversy surrounding Pelley’s speech continues to unfold, it raises questions about the role of journalists in today’s society and the importance of upholding journalistic integrity. Despite the backlash, Pelley’s message to the graduates to stand up against fear and speak out for what is right resonates in a time of uncertainty and division.