Trump ’60 Minutes’ Ratings, Interview Scores 14 Million Viewers

President Trump’s highly anticipated interview with CBS News’ “60 Minutes” finally aired on November 2nd, drawing a massive audience of 14 million total viewers and 3 million viewers in the 25-54 demographic. This episode marked the best ratings for “60 Minutes” since January 10, 2021, with an average of 8.32 million viewers for the 2024-25 season. The interview also generated a staggering 144.9 million total video views across social platforms, a significant increase from the previous week’s record of 92.6 million views.

During the interview, President Trump discussed various topics with Norah O’Donnell, CBS News senior correspondent and “60 Minutes” contributor. Trump mentioned the multimillion-dollar settlement he received from CBS News following a lawsuit over the editing of an interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Although some of Trump’s comments praising CBS News and its new leadership were edited out of the broadcast, he highlighted his satisfaction with the outcome of the lawsuit.

Trump expressed his approval of the recent acquisition of Paramount by David Ellison’s Skydance Media, emphasizing his optimism for the future of the news industry under the new ownership. He also praised Larry Ellison and his son David for their support and anticipated revitalization of CBS. Trump reiterated his belief in the importance of legitimate news and the consequences of fake news on the public.

Despite Trump’s claims of being paid by “60 Minutes,” the settlement actually involved Paramount Global paying him $16 million to resolve the lawsuit. Legal experts clarified that CBS News did not alter the substance of Harris’ remarks in the original interview. The settlement was reached to avoid a prolonged legal battle, ultimately leading to Paramount Global’s acquisition by Skydance Media.

The full 90-minute interview with Trump was released by CBS News, offering viewers a more comprehensive understanding of the discussions that took place. O’Donnell covered a wide range of topics, including international politics, ICE raids, the economy, healthcare policy, and the federal government shutdown. Trump’s responses shed light on his views on geopolitical issues and challenges faced by the U.S. in its foreign relations.

One notable moment in the interview was Trump’s response to questions about his family’s investments in cryptocurrency and the marketing of Trump-branded cryptocurrencies. Despite concerns about conflicts of interest, Trump remained defiant, asserting his pride in the U.S.’s position as a leader in the crypto market. He dismissed any apprehensions about potential conflicts of interest, emphasizing his commitment to transparency and accountability.

Overall, President Trump’s interview with “60 Minutes” provided valuable insights into his perspectives on current affairs and his vision for the future. The candid discussions and revelations during the interview captured the attention of millions of viewers, making it a significant moment in television history. In a recent interview, former President Donald Trump discussed a variety of topics, including his thoughts on President Joe Biden’s policy changes. Trump mentioned that Biden had initially expressed a desire to follow a certain course of action, only to completely switch gears at the last minute. This abrupt change in direction left Trump bewildered, highlighting the unpredictability of political decision-making.

One of the topics that Trump touched upon was his decision to pardon Changpeng Zhao, also known as CZ, who was once the CEO of the cryptocurrency exchange Binance. Zhao had pleaded guilty to failing to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program on the platform, leading to a four-month jail sentence. Despite this, Trump claimed to be unaware of Zhao’s identity or the specifics of his case. He attributed Zhao’s prosecution to what he perceived as a politically motivated attack orchestrated by the Biden administration.

Furthermore, Trump expressed his support for the cryptocurrency industry, emphasizing the importance of regulating it to prevent it from relocating to other countries like China. He drew parallels between the development of cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, highlighting the need for the United States to maintain a competitive edge in these emerging technologies.

Overall, Trump’s remarks shed light on his perspective regarding Biden’s policy decisions and the potential implications for the cryptocurrency sector. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains essential for policymakers to navigate these complex issues with careful consideration and foresight.