CBS News drew criticism after sharing 'No Kings Day' protest merchandise ahead of anti-Trump demonstrations nationwide.

Backlash Follows CBS News Post Ahead of Protests

CBS News came under fire on social media Friday after posting what many described as an advertisement for 'No Kings Day' protest merchandise on X, formerly known as Twitter. The post arrived just as thousands prepared to gather in cities across the United States for protests against President Donald Trump and his administration. The demonstrations, scheduled for Saturday, also coincide with the Army’s 250th birthday parade in Washington, D.C., and Flag Day, which commemorates the adoption of the U.S. flag in 1777.

The protest campaign, branded with the slogan 'No Kings,' was promoted as a 'day of defiance' against President Trump and his allies. Organizers have called for the president to be 'dethroned,' signaling broad discontent among participating groups. CBS News’s involvement was immediately criticized by users, who accused the outlet of endorsing a partisan agenda.

J. Michael Waller, author and senior analyst at the Center for Security Policy, was among those condemning CBS for 'marketing radical merchandise on the eve of a nationwide protest.' Bonchie, a writer for RedState, further mocked the post as 'free advertisements for Chinese-made, left-wing protest merch.' Mollie Hemingway, editor-in-chief of The Federalist, alleged that CBS was no longer 'remotely pretending to be news,' describing the network as 'Democrat propagandists.' Some users even questioned whether CBS’s actions might violate Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines, calling the post 'highly unethical.'

Broader Turmoil at CBS Amid Executive Departures and Lawsuit

This controversy comes as CBS News faces broader challenges. In May, network President and CEO Wendy McMahon announced her resignation, just weeks after longtime '60 Minutes' producer Bill Owens departed, citing loss of journalistic independence during an ongoing legal dispute with President Trump. The turmoil at the top has only fueled scrutiny of the network’s editorial decisions.

Meanwhile, '60 Minutes' correspondent Scott Pelley addressed Trump’s lawsuit against CBS and its parent company, Paramount Global, last Saturday, expressing concern over the potential impact of any settlement or apology. 'It’d be very damaging to CBS, to Paramount, to the reputation of those companies,' Pelley stated in an interview, reflecting worries inside the organization.

President Trump’s lawsuit stems from a '60 Minutes' interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris aired in October 2024. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that Trump rejected a $15 million settlement offer, with his legal team reportedly demanding at least $25 million and an official apology from CBS News.

CBS News has not yet issued a statement regarding its 'No Kings Day' merchandise promotion.