Veteran journalist Scott Pelley issued a powerful rebuke of President Donald Trump during his commencement address at Wake Forest University, accusing the former president of launching direct attacks on free speech and fostering a culture of fear across American institutions.
Pelley’s speech came amid escalating tensions between the Trump administration and U.S. universities, particularly over policies involving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and the enrollment of international students. Trump’s administration is currently locked in a legal battle with Harvard University over its foreign student admissions, fueling further debate around academic freedom and civil liberties.
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“Our sacred rule of law is under attack,” Pelley told the graduating class. “Journalism is under attack. Universities are under attack. Freedom of speech is under attack, and insidious fear is reaching through our schools, our businesses, and into our private thoughts.”
The longtime 60 Minutes correspondent warned that this fear is eroding the nation’s fundamental values, saying, “The fear to speak in America … power can rewrite history with grotesque false narratives.” Without naming Trump directly, Pelley criticized the manipulation of truth in today’s political landscape: “They can make criminals heroes, and heroes criminals. Power can change the definition of the words we use to describe reality.”
He noted that the current administration’s tactics mirror strategies from the past. “Diversity is now described as illegal. Equity is to be shunned. Inclusion is a dirty word,” Pelley stated. “This is an old playbook, my friends. There is nothing new in this.” The remarks come as Trump faces growing backlash for a series of executive orders signed during the early weeks of his second term.
Several of the orders specifically targeted higher education institutions, accusing college and university accrediting bodies of abusing their authority by enforcing DEI standards. According to a statement from the White House, the orders claim these accrediting agencies imposed “discriminatory” practices under the guise of diversity and inclusion.
BREAKING: In a stunning moment, renowned journalist Scott Pelley just highlighted how Donald Trump is working to stifle free speech in America, and how he plans on fighting back. This is huge.
— Democratic Wins Media (@democraticwins.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 8:05 PM
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Critics say the policies reflect a broader effort to silence dissent, diminish institutional independence, and reshape American values through fear and control. Pelley’s address served as a sharp warning to graduates entering a polarized world, urging them to defend truth and uphold the principles of open discourse. His speech drew praise from educators and free speech advocates alike, many of whom viewed it as a timely reminder of the crucial role that journalists and academic institutions play in safeguarding democracy.
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