Furious critics slammed longtime “60 Minutes” anchor Scott Pelley as “angry” and “unhinged” after he delivered a fear-driven rant against President Trump in a commencement speech in North Carolina.
During his address to Wake Forest University’s graduating class on May 19, the CBS journalist warned that “insidious fear” has spread through schools, businesses, and households nationwide — putting America in a state of “peril.”
“Your country needs you — the nation that has given you so much is calling on you, the class of 2025. Your country needs you now,” Pelley declared during his dramatic, sermon-like speech.
“This morning, our sacred rule of law is under siege. Journalism is under threat, universities are being challenged, freedom of speech is at risk, and insidious fear is spreading through our schools, businesses, homes, and even into our private thoughts,” he stated.
“The fear of speaking out in America is real. If, as Lincoln said, our government is ‘of the people, by the people, for the people,’ then why are we so afraid to speak? Ignorance serves those in power. Power can reshape the meanings of the words we use to describe reality. This is a familiar tactic, my friends—nothing new here.”
The speech, which received only sporadic applause during the graduation ceremony, was mocked on social media by those puzzled by Pelley’s dramatic gestures and fear-driven rhetoric at what was meant to be a celebratory event.
“Scott Pelley ranted angrily and unhinged against Trump in his Wake Forest commencement speech… while speaking openly and freely in America,” one user posted on X.
“This self-important, preachy propagandist is what legacy media calls a ‘journalist.’”
Another critic labeled the liberal-leaning correspondent’s speech a “national disgrace.”
Juanita Broaddrick, who accused former President Bill Clinton of raping her in 1978 when he was Arkansas attorney general, also weighed in, calling Pelley “a pompous POS.”
Others blasted Pelley as a hypocrite, noting that his network is currently facing a \$20 billion lawsuit from Trump over the editing of a “60 Minutes” interview with then–Vice President and failed presidential candidate Kamala Harris last fall.
Mediation to settle the case began earlier this month.
“Did Scott Pelley mention that 60 Minutes edited Kamala’s campaign interview and helped her answer the questions???” one user wondered on X.
“Until he addresses that, his credibility is ZERO.”
