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Prominent conservative social media users sharply criticized CBS News correspondent Scott Pelley for his remarks against President Donald Trump during a recent commencement speech at Wake Forest University.
In his address, Pelley accused the Trump administration of undermining journalists and universities while fostering a culture of fear for truth seekers in America. His comments sparked outrage among conservatives, who voiced their discontent on social media.
Media Research Center’s Curtis Houck was among the critics, describing Pelley as a pompous journalist who misleadingly portrayed his audience’s role. He stated, “Pompous CBS journalist Scott Pelley closed his commencement address at Wake Forest by telling graduates they ‘are the fierce defenders of democracy, the seekers of truth,’ and ‘the vanguard against ignorance’ that’s taken over the country (i.e. Trump).”
During the fiery commencement speech, Pelley painted a grim picture of the Trump administration’s policies.
He challenged the rationale behind attacks on universities and journalism, stating, “Why attack universities? Why attack journalism? Because ignorance works for power.” Pelley elaborated on how those in power can instill fear among truth seekers, saying, “First, make the truth seekers live in fear, sue the journalists and their companies for nothing.”
He continued with alarming examples of the consequences of this fear, mentioning incidents like a college student being unjustly detained for her editorial supporting Palestinian rights. Pelley warned, “With that done, power can rewrite history with grotesque false narratives. They can make criminals heroes and heroes criminals.”
Highlighting the distortion of language under authoritarian influence, he noted, “Diversity is now described as illegal. Equity is to be shunned. Inclusion is a dirty word. This is an old playbook, my friends. There’s nothing new in this.”
Urgent Call to Action for Graduates
Pelley urged graduates to speak out against what he perceives as the increasing censorship and fear driven by the current administration. He stressed the importance of protecting foundational democratic values, stating, “In this moment, this moment, this morning, our sacred rule of law is under attack. Journalism is under attack. Universities are under attack.”
His poignant call to action resonated with some members of the audience, as he continued, “Freedom of speech is under attack. And insidious fear is reaching through our schools, our businesses, our homes and into our private thoughts.” He further posed a poignant question, invoking Abraham Lincoln’s words: “If our government is, in Lincoln’s phrase, ‘Of the people, by the people, for the people,’ then why are we afraid to speak?”
Context of the Speech
Pelley’s address comes at a time when the Trump administration has sought to withhold federal grants from prestigious universities, including Harvard, due to allegations that they promote left-wing ideologies and fail to address antisemitism on their campuses. This backdrop has heightened partisan divisions surrounding educational institutions and their role in society.
Additionally, the president’s ongoing lawsuit against CBS, Pelley’s employer, over allegations of deceptive editing in a 2024 interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris adds further tension to the already fraught media landscape.
Responses from Conservative Figures
Conservative commentators on social media expressed skepticism about Pelley’s depiction of Trump. Comedian Adam Corolla remarked on X, citing “TDS [Trump Derangement Syndrome] hits narcissist especially hard” as a critique of Pelley’s perspective.
Tiffany Justice, co-founder of Moms For Liberty, shared her own experience with Pelley, recalling how he edited out critical points from their interview to downplay the concerns she raised. She labeled him a liar and a fraud, stating, “I read porn from public school library books to @ScottPelley, who listened with his glasses tucked between his lips. He edited out that part of the @60Minutes interview to make our concerns seem unfounded.”
Former Trump senior advisor Jason Miller joined the chorus of critiques, responding directly to Pelley and CBS with, “OK @ScottPelley @CBSNews @ParamountGCD… we see you.”
Additionally, Juanita Broaddrick, known for accusing Bill Clinton of sexual assault, chimed in, calling Pelley a pompous piece of work. Such reactions indicate a broader controversy surrounding Pelley’s public statements and their implications in the current political environment.
CBS News Remains Silent
Despite the rising controversy, CBS did not respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital regarding Pelley’s remarks. The silence from the network continues to raise questions about its stance on the matter and the implications of Pelley’s speech.
Pelley’s latest remarks have ignited a significant discussion on the role of journalism, the importance of free speech, and the challenges facing truth in a polarized political climate. As both sides of the political spectrum continue to engage in this heated discourse, the lasting impact of Pellley’s words on the media landscape and on public opinion remains to be seen.
