CBS accused of ‘corporate capitulation’ amid row over Colbert interview with Democrat – US politics live

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Tom AmbroseFebruary 18, 2026 at 12:38 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

A US immigration judge blocked the deportation of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian graduate student involved in Columbia University protests against Israel's war in Gaza. Mahdawi, a legal US resident since 2015, was arrested last year while seeking US citizenship. Separately, a Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that 69% of Americans believe powerful people are rarely held accountable, following the release of records related to Jeffrey Epstein. CBS is facing accusations of "corporate capitulation" regarding Stephen Colbert's interview with Democratic Rep. James Talarico. The network stated that legal guidance, not a prohibition, prevented the broadcast due to concerns it could trigger the FCC equal-time rule for other candidates.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

West Bank 40% Donald Trump 40% Jeffrey Epstein ×240% Hamas 50% Israel ×260% Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ×260% Gaza Strip ×260% Stephen Colbert 70% Columbia University ×270% James Talarico ×270% Mohsen Mahdawi ×480% CBS ×490%

Keywords

us politics 90% cbs 80% corporate capitulation 80% palestinian activist 70% interview 70% deportation 70% fcc equal-time rule 60% jeffrey epstein 50% political circles 50%