After almost 20 years of working for both CNN and CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” Anderson Cooper is reportedly leaving his part-time job — choosing not to renew his contract and stepping away before the fall season. This change comes at a time when CBS News’ new editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss, has made “60 Minutes” a center of controversy.
Coincidence?
Probably not.
Cooper has been with “60 Minutes” since the 2006–2007 season and has won several Emmys during his time there.
He will complete the current season, but sources say he told CBS weeks ago that he wanted to leave. Officially, he says he’s focusing on CNN and family. Unofficially, the timing seems intentional.
Since Weiss took over, “60 Minutes” has gotten into a lot of political trouble.
In December, she canceled a report about CECOT — a notorious prison in El Salvador where the Trump administration sent migrants without proper legal steps. The story had already been promoted by CBS before Weiss pulled it at the last minute. She later claimed it “wasn’t ready.”
That’s not hard to believe.
Then there were reports that a Cooper segment looking into Trump’s decision to accept white South African refugees faced “abnormal” levels of editing.
Experienced producers reportedly became frustrated with the changes.
This is not a small thing.
For many years, “60 Minutes” has been known as one of the best examples of solid, tough journalism.
But now, under leadership that is often described as “MAGA-coded,” stories that are critical of Trump seem to be getting cut, changed, or delayed.
And one of the show’s biggest stars is leaving.
Cooper’s exit is the first major on-air departure since Weiss took charge.
That’s not just a change in staff — it’s a clear signal something is wrong.
When top journalists who have long histories with a network start leaving at the same time as there are accusations of political influence, Americans should take notice.
If CBS wants to show viewers that “60 Minutes” is still independent and brave, losing Anderson Cooper is a very strange way to do it.
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