President Donald Trump and "The Late Show" host Stephen Colbert were at the center of separate controversies this week, while the nation mourned the passing of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson. Trump blamed local leaders for a massive sewage spill, offering federal assistance with conditions, while Colbert accused CBS of blocking an interview with a Texas politician.
Trump, in a post on Truth Social Tuesday, placed blame on government leaders in the Washington, D.C. area, including Maryland Governor Wes Moore, following a significant sewage spill into the Potomac River. The spill, which occurred in mid-January, is potentially the largest in American history. Trump stated the federal government would help clean up the spill if local leaders asked "politely," despite previously indicating he would direct federal authorities to provide necessary support. According to CBS News, Trump's comments came after Moore suggested the federal government bore responsibility for the collapsed Potomac Interceptor.
Meanwhile, Stephen Colbert publicly criticized CBS on Monday night, alleging the network prevented his interview with U.S. Senate hopeful James Talarico from airing. "The Late Show" host told his audience that CBS lawyers directly informed him the interview could not be broadcast, and he was also told he couldn't even mention the cancellation. Colbert suggested the network's decision was related to new guidance from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). However, CBS denied Colbert's claims. In a statement to Fox News Digital, the network asserted, "THE LATE SHOW was not prohibited by CBS from broadcasting the interview with Rep. James Talarico." The network explained the show received legal guidance that the broadcast could trigger the FCC equal-time rule for other candidates.
In other news, tributes poured in for Rev. Jesse Jackson after his death at 84. Civil rights icons, politicians, and thought leaders across the United States shared their reflections on the pioneering civil rights leader, Baptist minister, and politician. President Trump remembered Jackson as "a good man" and "force of nature," while former President Bill Clinton, in a joint statement with Hillary Clinton, reflected on how Jackson "championed human dignity." Clinton also noted he was "honored" to present Jackson with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000.
Additionally, "The View" co-host Whoopi Goldberg addressed her name appearing in the Jeffrey Epstein files during the show on Tuesday. Goldberg clarified her name was mentioned in an email from 2013, where someone requested a plane to Monaco, with the email stating that "John Lennon's charity is paying for it." Goldberg clarified that the email should have said Julian Lennon's charity.
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