’60 Minutes’ & Norah O’Donnell Slammed for ‘Softball’ Pete Hegseth Interview

60 Minutes returned for its 59th season on Sunday night (September 13) and immediately drew criticism for what many deemed a MAGA-friendly interview with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

In a report about the U.S. military and its rescue mission to save a stranded weapons systems officer in Iran, Norah O’Donnell sat down with Hegseth, who shared his insight into the operation. She also spoke with Gen. Dan Caine, Adm. Brad Cooper, and one of the two survivors, referred to by his call sign, Bravo.

According to CNN, Hegseth played a significant role in the segment’s airing. The former Fox & Friends Weekend host allegedly pushed for the two F-15 crew members to appear on the show, though only one accepted the invitation.

Viewers called out 60 Minutes and O’Donnell for asking “softball” questions, with many accusing the segment of being a puff piece for Hegseth and the Trump administration.

“You asked him 100% softballs. No push back. Pathetic. Propaganda,” wrote one X user.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth tells 60 Minutes that news of a U.S. fighter jet being shot down over Iran woke him in the middle of the night. His first thought: “S***.” pic.twitter.com/8Dt1iqZ91G

— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) September 13, 2026

“This is propaganda, CBS News has just become a media propaganda arm of the current administration…. WOW,” said another.

“Don’t ever want to see Hegseth on a national platform with softball questions. Unqualified, arrogant. He is putting US servicemembers in harm’s way without thought to their care,” another added.

Another wrote, “Pathetic 60 Minutes, you tried so hard to make Pete Hegseth look like a brave heroic leader. It looks like a total propaganda piece.”

“Riveting stuff from a bunch of sellouts. Do yourself a favor y’all and turn this propaganda off,” said one commenter.

“Pretty weak interview. Lots of nodding by Nora and no hard questions,” another added.

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“Not watching this unqualified embarrassing clown or your embarrassing pathetic program. Softball questions from not a journalist Nora,” wrote another.

Another said, “Great job turning a once highly respected program into whatever this is supposed to be. Pathetic.”

However, others appreciated the segment, with one YouTube commenter writing, “Best way to start the new season!!!!”

Another added, “Absolutely inspiring. Cannot wait for the movie.”

“Really liked this one and Bravo’s comments!” another said.

60 Minutes has been through a tumultuous few months, including personnel shakeups and behind-the-scenes drama. In May, CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss fired producers Tanya Simon, Draggan Mihailovich, and Matthew Polevoy, and correspondents Cecilia Vega and Sharyn Alfonsi.

After longtime correspondent Scott Pelley spoke out against Weiss and the firings during a heated staff meeting, he, too, was dismissed.

Weiss, whom Paramount CEO David Ellison appointed last October, has faced criticism for trying to make the network more MAGA-friendly, including killing stories critical of the Trump administration.