White House threatens lawsuit as Donald Trump spars with CBS

Leavitt warned CBS on behalf of the president against editing the segment.

“He said, ‘Make sure you guys don’t cut the tape, make sure the interview airs in full,’” Leavitt said, according to the recording.

Dokoupil replied: “Yes, we do, yes.”

“He said, ‘If it is not complete, We will sue you” Leavitt continued, according to the outlet.

The Times reported that some CBS employees present believed the comment was made in jest. Dokoupil responded with humor, saying, “He always says that!” CBS Evening News executive producer Kim Harvey was also heard responding, saying, “Oh, great, okay!”

In a statement following the report, a spokesperson for CBS News said: “At the time we booked this interview, we made the independent decision to air it unedited and in its entirety.” The network published the interview in full later that evening.

Leavitt told it The times that the government’s position was clear. “The American people deserve to watch President Trump’s full interviews, unedited, without cuts. And guess what? The interview was broadcast in full.’