Scott Pelley, one of America’s most respected and recognizable journalists, has stepped squarely into the national conversation after delivering a forceful and pointed commencement speech that took aim at President Donald Trump and what he described as mounting threats to democracy and truth in the United States. The 67-year-old longtime 60 Minutes correspondent addressed graduates at Wake Forest University on Monday, using the prestigious event to issue a stark warning about the future of public discourse, free speech, and the integrity of democratic institutions.

Pelley’s remarks came at a moment already filled with turbulence and high pressure for CBS News and its parent company, Paramount. Only hours before he stepped onstage, CBS News President Wendy McMahon announced her resignation, marking a significant shift in the network’s leadership. Her departure arrives as Paramount navigates a lawsuit filed by Donald Trump over the editing and presentation of a 2024 interview with then–Vice President Kamala Harris on 60 Minutes. The legal dispute has added further strain to an organization already caught between political scrutiny, corporate restructuring, and internal disagreements about how to move forward.

Adding another layer of complication, Ivanka Trump had recently drawn public attention after being accused of “disrespecting” her father by referring to another man as “dad,” a story that only intensified media focus on the Trump family as the lawsuit against CBS continues. Against this backdrop, Pelley’s decision to deliver such a wide-ranging and critical speech ensured that his remarks would reverberate beyond the Wake Forest campus.

Standing before the graduating class, their families, faculty members, and a wider national audience, Pelley chose not to deliver a simple celebratory address. Instead, he framed his message around what he sees as an increasingly perilous moment for American democracy. He drew comparisons between the present political environment and some of the most tumultuous and defining periods in U.S. history — the Civil War, World War II, and the Civil Rights Movement — suggesting that the nation is now confronting another fundamental test of its values, institutions, and collective moral compass.

Pelley did not shy away from expressing deep concern about the erosion of truth in public life. Throughout his speech, he emphasized that democracy depends on an informed citizenry capable of distinguishing fact from fiction. To that end, he issued a passionate defense of journalism and higher education, arguing that both represent vital pillars of a free society. He noted that universities and the press have increasingly come under attack, not because they are failing, but precisely because they challenge authority and empower citizens with knowledge.

“Why attack universities? Why attack journalism?” Pelley asked, directing his question at the graduating class but clearly aiming it at a broader national audience. “Because ignorance works for power,” he said, arguing that those who seek unchecked authority benefit from sowing distrust in institutions that encourage critical thinking and expose misinformation.

He went on to outline what he sees as the first step in any assault on truth: creating an atmosphere of fear. “First, make the truth-seekers live in fear,” Pelley warned. “Power can rewrite history with grotesque false narratives. They can make criminals heroes and heroes criminals.” His words pointed to a broader concern about political actors’ attempts to reshape national memory, recast historical figures, and manipulate public perception through repetition, distortion, and intimidation.

Pelley also addressed the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs that has gained political traction in recent years. He noted that terms like “diversity,” “equity,” and “inclusion” — once celebrated as tools for expanding opportunity and fostering belonging — are now, in some political circles, being reframed as divisive or even unlawful. “ ‘Diversity’ is now described as ‘illegal.’ ‘Equity’ is to be shunned. ‘Inclusion’ is a dirty word,” he said, criticizing what he views as an effort to undermine efforts that support equal access and representation.

Throughout the speech, Pelley balanced his critique with a call to action. He urged the graduates to reject the culture of fear he described and to embrace the responsibility of speaking up — even when doing so feels uncomfortable or risky. He reminded them that their voices matter, and that silence in moments of injustice only serves those who seek to consolidate power through intimidation or misinformation.

“Our sacred rule of law is under attack. Journalism is under attack. Universities are under attack. Freedom of speech is under attack,” Pelley said, making clear his belief that multiple cornerstone institutions of American democracy are facing simultaneous pressure. He spoke of an “insidious fear” that he believes has seeped into schools, businesses, homes, and even private thoughts: a growing hesitation to speak freely in America. He posed a provocative question to the graduates: “If our government is ‘of the people, by the people, for the people,’ then why are we afraid to speak?”

This theme of courage — of using one’s voice when it matters — remained central as he continued. Pelley encouraged the graduating class to resist apathy, recognize their responsibilities as citizens, and contribute to shaping a more truthful and just society. He reminded them that each generation faces its own defining challenges, and that they, too, will be called upon to defend the principles they believe in.

His remarks also touched on his own industry’s precarious position, acknowledging that journalism’s role as a watchdog has made it a target. At a time when news organizations are navigating intense political pressure, evolving business models, and widespread distrust, Pelley underscored the importance of reporters who pursue truth regardless of personal or professional risk. He reminded the students that without a free and fearless press, democracy cannot function as intended.

Pelley’s speech also indirectly referenced his own situation at CBS and Paramount. Reports indicate that Paramount has been exploring a legal settlement with Trump to end the lawsuit over the 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris. Pelley, a longtime cornerstone of the network’s journalism division, is said to be involved in the negotiations. However, according to reports, Wendy McMahon — the CBS News president who resigned just hours before Pelley’s address — opposed settling the case. Her resignation added complexity to the corporate environment surrounding the lawsuit, raising questions about how CBS News will navigate political and legal pressures going forward.

Against this complicated backdrop, Pelley’s remarks about truth, accountability, and institutional courage carried added weight. His speech, though aimed at students preparing for the next chapter of their lives, resonated strongly with many who follow media, politics, and the intersection between the two. His willingness to speak openly about issues that continue to divide the country, particularly concerning truth-seeking and institutional integrity, ensures that the address will likely be remembered not only by those in attendance, but by viewers and readers across the country.

The timing of Pelley’s commencement speech — arriving amid a corporate lawsuit, a leadership shake-up at CBS News, and renewed political tensions — contributed to the widespread attention it has received. As the United States continues to grapple with questions about democracy, free speech, and public trust, Pelley’s comments reflect ongoing anxieties about the direction of national discourse and the future of American institutions.

Whether graduates heed his call to speak boldly remains to be seen, but Pelley made clear that they will inherit a nation in need of engaged, honest, and courageous voices. His message, rooted in a deep belief in democratic values and the necessity of truth, challenged them to step forward rather than shrink back. In doing so, he delivered a commencement address that was not only a reflection on the present moment, but a warning — and a plea — for the future.