Fox News host Howard Kurtz has criticized CBS journalist Scott Pelley over a passionate commencement address delivered at Wake Forest University. During his “MediaBuzz” segment on Sunday, Kurtz described Pelley’s remarks as a partisan attack masquerading as a graduation speech, particularly aimed at President Donald Trump.
Kurtz expressed his belief that it was inappropriate for Pelley to use such a significant occasion to voice strong political opinions, labeling it a “harsh rhetorical attack.” He raised concerns that this kind of speech adds to the perception of CBS News as being biased against Trump. “Doesn’t that reinforce the notion that the network is incredibly biased against the president?” Kurtz questioned.
During his address on May 19, Pelley, who has been a prominent figure on “60 Minutes” since 1999, warned attendees about an environment of fear and suppression in America, a situation he directly linked to Trump’s administration. “This morning our sacred rule of law is under attack,” Pelley stated, adding, “Journalism is under attack, universities are under attack, freedom of speech is under attack and insidious fear is reaching throughout schools, our businesses, our homes and into our private thoughts.”
Pelley continued his compelling oration by exploring themes of fear and ignorance in relation to power. He challenged the audience with, “If our government is, in Lincoln’s phrase, ‘of the people, by the people, for the people,’ then why are we afraid to speak?” Pelley’s sweeping comments resonated with some audience members who applauded, but critics online were less favorable, describing his tone as overwrought. One user accused him of “raging at Trump in an angry, unhinged commencement address,” while another denounced him as “a self-important, sermonizing propagandist.”
Additionally, conservative commentator Juanita Broaddrick, known for her accusations against former President Bill Clinton, called Pelley “a pompous POS” in response to his speech. The address also drew scrutiny given its timing amid ongoing settlement negotiations between Trump and CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global. Trump is pursuing a $20 billion lawsuit against the network, alleging that a “60 Minutes” interview with then–Vice President Kamala Harris was deceptively edited to benefit her campaign.
Several critics raised questions about Pelley’s credibility, particularly regarding the selective editing of that interview. One critic on social media remarked, “Did Scott Pelley mention that 60 Minutes edited Kamala’s campaign interview, and they helped her answer questions???” emphasizing their skepticism of Pelley’s stance.
Despite the backlash, Pelley aimed to inspire the graduates, urging them with the words: “Your country needs you — the country that has given you so much is calling you, the class of 2025, your country needs you and it needs you today.”
This incident is not the first time a journalist has faced backlash for politicizing a graduation ceremony. Kurtz noted that this moment reflects a broader pattern he perceives at CBS. Neither Pelley nor CBS News have publicly addressed the fallout from his speech. Meanwhile, mediation efforts regarding Trump’s lawsuit against the network commenced earlier this month.