Kristi Noem Slams CBS for Editing Out Disturbing Details from Interview

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is taking aim at CBS News, accusing the network of “deliberately whitewashing the truth” about an alleged MS-13 gang member during a high-stakes interview on Face the Nation.

Noem says the network “cut out the most important parts” of her remarks about Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national facing human smuggling charges, and instead “protected a violent criminal at the expense of American safety.”

“I joined CBS to report the facts about Kilmar Abrego Garcia,” Noem posted on X Sunday afternoon. “Instead, CBS shamefully edited the interview to whitewash the truth about this MS-13 gang member and the threat he poses to Americans.”

In the broadcast version of the interview, Noem is seen explaining that prosecution decisions fall under the Department of Justice, adding:

“This individual does have criminal charges pending… and we will make sure he doesn’t walk free in the United States.”

But what Americans didn’t see on TV was Noem’s most explosive statement — one she later posted online:

“This individual was a known human smuggler, an MS-13 gang member, and a wife beater. He solicited nude photos from minors, and even his fellow human traffickers told him to knock it off because of how perverted he was. He is dangerous, and he should never be allowed to stay in the United States of America.”

CBS News quickly fired back, insisting the edit was “for time” and claiming “the full interview is available on YouTube.”

“Secretary Noem’s Face The Nation interview was edited for time and met all CBS News standards,” a CBS spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

But conservatives aren’t buying it. Many accuse CBS of “running cover for criminals” and “downplaying the MS-13 threat” to avoid giving the Trump administration a policy win.

“This isn’t about time,” said media analyst Mark Levin. “This is about CBS deciding what Americans are allowed to hear. It’s journalistic malpractice.”

Abrego Garcia, 37, entered the U.S. illegally over a decade ago and has been a flashpoint in the border security debate. He faces federal charges for human smuggling, but Trump officials say his crimes go much further.

According to DHS, Abrego Garcia has deep ties to MS-13, one of the world’s most violent gangs, and is accused of domestic abuse, child exploitation, and repeated trafficking offenses.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration mistakenly deported Abrego Garcia to El Salvador, where he was jailed. After a Supreme Court ruling, the DOJ brought him back to face indictment in the U.S. — but just last week, he was released from jail pending trial before being swiftly re-detained by ICE.

His lawyers deny the allegations and are seeking a gag order to stop Trump officials from making public statements that could “prejudice the jury.”

This isn’t the first time CBS has been accused of political bias and selective editing. In July, CBS and parent company Paramount Global settled President Trump’s $20 billion election interference lawsuit over a 60 Minutes interview with then–Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump accused CBS of “doctoring footage” to protect Harris from criticism ahead of the 2024 election. The network agreed to pay $16 million upfront and pledged to overhaul its editorial practices.

“CBS hasn’t learned a thing,” one senior Trump campaign adviser told us. “They’re still pushing narratives, not news.”

For Noem and the Trump administration, the Abrego Garcia case isn’t just about one man. It’s a symbol of Biden-era failures and what officials describe as “Democrat-enabled chaos at the southern border.”

“This is exactly why President Trump fought to shut down illegal crossings and secure the border,” Noem said Sunday. “We will not allow violent criminals to endanger American families. Not now. Not ever.”

With 2025 shaping up to be a critical year for immigration enforcement and media credibility, Noem’s clash with CBS is likely just the beginning.