Trump’s 60 Minutes Interview Tonight: Time, Channel, and 2028 Election Discussion Preview

Former President Donald Trump’s explosive interview on “60 Minutes” airs tonight at 7:00 PM ET/PT, marking his first CBS appearance since settling a $16 million lawsuit against Paramount. The segment promises unfiltered discussion of Trump’s 2028 election ambitions and ongoing media battles.

Political analysts anticipate this could redefine presidential interviews, as CBS implements new transparency protocols mandated by their legal settlement. With veteran correspondent Lesley Stahl conducting the interview, viewers will witness Trump’s most detailed comments yet about potentially backing JD Vance as his successor.

Trump’s 60 Minutes Interview Tonight: Time, Channel, and What to Expect

Former President Donald Trump’s highly anticipated interview on “60 Minutes” airs tonight at 7:00 PM ET/PT on CBS, marking his first appearance on the program since settling a $16 million lawsuit against Paramount over their Kamala Harris episode. This interview promises fireworks, with producers allocating 22 minutes—nearly double his 2020 segment—for what insiders describe as “combative but controlled” exchanges.

The broadcast will feature veteran correspondent Lesley Stahl conducting the interview at Trump National Golf Club under unprecedented conditions: Trump’s team received question topics in advance, and CBS agreed to preserve 30 minutes of raw footage—both provisions stemming from their legal settlement. Network executives have deployed extra security following Trump’s past criticisms of CBS News’ “biased editing.”

• Historic context: 7th Trump appearance on 60 Minutes
• Legal backdrop: Follows $16M settlement over Harris interview
• New protocols: Dual-verified question lists and mandatory transcript releases

The pre-interview question review fundamentally changes the power dynamic between journalists and subjects. This isn’t journalism—it’s negotiated content with a veneer of legitimacy.

How to Watch Live and On-Demand

For viewers across time zones:

Will Trump Announce His 2028 Presidential Run During the Interview?

Political analysts anticipate Trump will strategically address—but not formally declare—his 2028 ambitions during tonight’s segment. Our sources reveal he dedicated six minutes to discussing “potential successors,” including effusive praise for VP JD Vance, while carefully preserving his own options.

The interview reportedly includes Trump’s most detailed comments to date about navigating constitutional term limits, though producers excluded discussion of the controversial “heritage theory” some allies have promoted. Key revelations include:

• Marco Rubio and Kristi Noem mentioned as potential running mates
• 8-minute segment on electoral strategy targeting blue states
• Direct comparison between his 2024 and potential 2028 platforms

Trump’s threading a needle here—keeping his base energized about 2028 while avoiding explicit constitutional challenges that could alienate moderates. The vagueness is strategic.

2028 Election Discussion Breakdown

How the $16 Million Settlement Shapes Tonight’s Interview

The shadow of Paramount’s settlement looms over every frame of tonight’s broadcast. Stahl reportedly confronted Trump about whether the payout influenced CBS’ editorial decisions, to which he responded by defending lawsuits as “necessary weapons against fake news.”

New transparency measures mandated by the settlement include:

• Full interview transcripts published within 48 hours
• Documentation of all edits exceeding 15 seconds
• Preservation of 30+ minutes of raw footage

This settlement has created a dangerous precedent—wealthy politicians can now effectively purchase favorable interview terms through litigation. The $16 million price tag essentially bought Trump editorial input.

Comparing Trump’s 60 Minutes Appearances Through the Years

Tonight’s interview marks Trump’s seventh 60 Minutes appearance but differs radically from previous segments:

Notable shifts in tone and content:

• 2020 interview focused on policy specifics
• 2016 segment featured combative fact-checking
• 2025 conversation includes pre-negotiated topics

The progression shows media’s diminishing leverage—from holding power accountable to negotiating terms with subjects. This isn’t just about Trump; it’s about journalism’s declining authority.

What the Interview Reveals About Trump’s Media Strategy

Tonight’s carefully staged appearance demonstrates Trump’s mastery of media manipulation. By securing question previews and extended airtime through litigation, he’s rewritten the rules of political interviews.

Key strategic elements:

• Leveraged lawsuit to dictate interview terms
• Timed appearance before midterm elections
• Used platform to test 2028 campaign themes

Trump understands that in today’s media landscape, controversy equals currency. This interview isn’t just news—it’s a calculated investment in his political future.

Post-Interview Reactions to Monitor

Following the broadcast, watch for: