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Veteran '60 Minutes' Producer Jeff Fager Resigns Amid Trump Controversy and Internal Disputes

2025-04-22
Veteran '60 Minutes' Producer Jeff Fager Resigns Amid Trump Controversy and Internal Disputes
The Associated Press - Business News

NEW YORK, NY – Jeff Fager, the long-time executive producer of the iconic CBS News program '60 Minutes,' has resigned from his post, citing his inability to continue running the show as he previously had. The abrupt departure comes amidst a heated dispute between '60 Minutes' and President Donald Trump, further complicating an already challenging situation for the news organization.

Fager's resignation, announced Tuesday, marks a significant shift for '60 Minutes,' a program renowned for its in-depth investigative journalism and impactful interviews. The show has been a cornerstone of CBS News for decades, consistently delivering high-quality content and shaping public discourse.

The immediate catalyst for Fager's departure appears to be the ongoing and escalating conflict with President Trump. The dispute stems from a recent '60 Minutes' interview with former Trump advisor John Bolton, in which Bolton detailed behind-the-scenes events related to Trump's dealings with Ukraine. Trump has repeatedly criticized the interview and the program, accusing them of bias and spreading “fake news.”

However, the situation is more complex than just the Trump controversy. Sources within CBS News have indicated that Fager had been facing increasing scrutiny and pressure related to his management style and past behavior. Reports suggest there were concerns about his leadership and the potential for conflicts of interest.

“I can no longer run this broadcast in the way that I always have,” Fager stated in his resignation announcement, a brief and somewhat cryptic message that offered little explanation for his decision. The statement acknowledged the current environment and suggested that he felt constrained in his ability to operate effectively.

The resignation throws the future of '60 Minutes' into uncertainty. CBS News has yet to name a permanent replacement for Fager, and the program faces the challenge of navigating the ongoing dispute with the White House while addressing internal concerns. Several individuals are reportedly being considered for the role, and the selection process is expected to be closely watched by both the media and the public.

The impact of Fager's departure extends beyond '60 Minutes.' He has been a powerful figure in the television news industry for many years, and his influence has shaped the landscape of investigative journalism. His exit raises questions about the future of CBS News and its ability to maintain its reputation for unbiased reporting in an increasingly polarized political climate.

CBS News released a brief statement acknowledging Fager’s resignation and thanking him for his contributions to the network. The statement emphasized the network’s commitment to delivering high-quality journalism and maintaining the integrity of '60 Minutes.'

As the dust settles, the focus will now shift to finding a successor who can lead '60 Minutes' through these turbulent times and uphold the program's legacy of journalistic excellence. The coming weeks and months will be crucial for CBS News as it seeks to restore stability and reaffirm its commitment to delivering objective and impactful news coverage.

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