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60 Minutes Reports on “Donald Trump” & “France on Fire” November 8 2026

Ryan Gill

60 Minutes returns on Sunday, November 8, 2026, with an exclusive interview with President Donald Trump following the midterm elections and an investigation into the escalating protests sweeping France.

The new episode features two major reports examining political uncertainty on both sides of the Atlantic, including the consequences of Republican election losses in the United States and the growing influence of France’s far-right political movement.

In the first report, correspondent Ross Douthat sits down with President Donald Trump for his first interview since the midterm elections. The double-length segment addresses the election results, potential congressional investigations, cooperation with Democrats, the economy and ongoing wars involving Iran and Ukraine.

The second report, titled “France on Fire,” follows correspondent Trevor Phillips as he investigates demonstrations that have spread across France since September. Phillips also interviews National Rally leader Marine Le Pen, who is seeking the French presidency for a fourth time.

The November 8 edition of 60 Minutes airs Sunday at 7:00 PM ET/PT on CBS, with streaming available on Paramount+.

Donald Trump: 60 Minutes Interviews the President After the Midterm Elections

President Donald Trump faces questions about the political consequences of the 2026 midterm elections in a major new interview with 60 Minutes correspondent Ross Douthat.

The conversation marks Trump’s first sit-down interview since voters went to the polls, offering an opportunity to hear directly from the president about Republican election losses and what they could mean for the remainder of his second term.

The midterm elections represent an important test for any sitting president. They determine the balance of power in Congress and can significantly influence the administration’s ability to pass legislation, approve spending priorities and pursue its broader political agenda.

For Trump, the results raise questions about how Republicans will respond to electoral setbacks and whether the White House will adjust its approach to governing.

Douthat presses the president on the Republican losses and the implications for his administration. The interview also addresses the prospect of congressional investigations, an issue that could become increasingly important as lawmakers examine the administration’s decisions and policies.

Congress possesses extensive oversight powers, including the ability to hold hearings, request documents and investigate executive branch activities. How those powers are exercised depends partly on which party controls each chamber and the priorities of congressional leaders.

Another major subject is Trump’s willingness to work with Democrats.

Political cooperation could become necessary on issues such as government funding, economic legislation and other measures requiring congressional approval. However, significant disagreements remain between the parties over immigration, taxation, federal spending and the direction of domestic policy.

The interview offers Trump an opportunity to explain whether he intends to pursue bipartisan agreements or continue emphasizing the priorities that defined his election campaigns.

The Economy, Iran and Ukraine Take Center Stage

Beyond the election results, Douthat questions Trump about the American economy and two major international conflicts.

Economic conditions remain central to the administration’s political fortunes, with household expenses, employment, business investment and trade policy influencing how voters assess the president’s performance.

Trump’s economic agenda has emphasized tariffs, domestic manufacturing, tax policy and reducing regulatory burdens. His administration has argued that these measures can strengthen American industries, although critics have raised concerns about consumer costs and the effects of trade restrictions.

Douthat’s questions about the economy come at a politically sensitive moment, with the administration facing pressure to demonstrate that its policies are delivering tangible benefits to American households.

Foreign policy is another major focus.

The interview addresses the war involving Iran, a conflict with significant implications for regional security, international energy markets and American military commitments.

Questions surrounding the conflict include the administration’s strategic objectives, the prospects for ending hostilities and the broader consequences for American relationships in the Middle East.

Trump is also questioned about the war in Ukraine, where Russia’s invasion has created a prolonged international security crisis.

The United States has played a major role in diplomatic efforts and Western responses to the conflict, making the administration’s decisions consequential for Ukraine, Russia and America’s European allies.

The discussion provides an opportunity for Trump to explain his approach to both wars and how he intends to balance international commitments with domestic political priorities.

A Major Post-Election Interview for the White House

The timing of the interview makes it particularly significant.

Presidents frequently face increased scrutiny following midterm elections, especially when their party experiences losses. Such results can affect legislative negotiations, political alliances and the administration’s priorities.

For Trump, the conversation offers an early indication of how he plans to respond to the latest electoral verdict.

Douthat’s interview is presented as a double-length segment, giving 60 Minutes additional time to explore the president’s answers and the political challenges ahead.

The report also provides a direct examination of Trump’s views on congressional oversight, relations with political opponents and America’s role in international conflicts.

With domestic and foreign policy challenges converging, the interview is positioned as one of the most consequential political conversations of the week.

Graham Messick and Andy Court are the producers of the Donald Trump segment.

France on Fire: 60 Minutes Investigates Nationwide Protests and Marine Le Pen’s Presidential Ambitions

France is experiencing a wave of demonstrations as students, workers and other protesters express frustration over education funding, living costs and the country’s political direction.

In “France on Fire,” 60 Minutes correspondent Trevor Phillips travels to France to investigate the unrest, which has spread across the country since September.

The demonstrations began amid demands for greater investment in schools and growing anger over the financial pressures facing ordinary households.

Some protests have subsequently become violent, while the movement has taken on an increasingly political character.

Phillips examines the grievances behind the demonstrations and how the unrest is influencing France’s political landscape.

The report also features an interview with Marine Le Pen, the prominent far-right politician and National Rally leader who is mounting her fourth campaign for the French presidency.

Why Students Are Protesting Across France

Education funding is one of the central issues driving the demonstrations.

Students have demanded additional resources for schools, reflecting concerns about the quality of education, public investment and opportunities for young people.

Disputes over education funding can encompass staffing, facilities, classroom resources and broader questions about the government’s spending priorities.

The protests also reflect dissatisfaction with the rising cost of living.

Household expenses have become a major political concern across Europe, where changes in food prices, housing costs and energy bills have placed pressure on family budgets.

For younger people, financial concerns can be particularly significant as they consider the cost of education, employment prospects and the affordability of independent living.

In France, these economic frustrations have become intertwined with broader questions about political leadership and the government’s responsiveness to public concerns.

The demonstrations have spread beyond their initial demands, with some participants expressing wider dissatisfaction with the country’s political and economic direction.

Although many protests are peaceful, some have involved violence, increasing tensions between demonstrators and authorities.

The 60 Minutes investigation explores how the movement developed and why the protests have become an important national political issue.

France’s Long History of Mass Demonstrations

Public protest has played a major role in French political history, with demonstrations frequently influencing government decisions and national debates.

France has a longstanding tradition of labor activism, student mobilization and large-scale public demonstrations.

The protests of May 1968 remain among the most famous examples, when student demonstrations and widespread strikes challenged established political and social structures.

More recently, the Yellow Vest movement, which began in 2018, highlighted anger over fuel taxes, economic inequality and the perceived disconnect between political leaders and ordinary citizens.

France has also experienced major demonstrations over pension reforms, employment policies and other government decisions.

These movements have varied considerably in their causes and political objectives, but they illustrate the importance of public demonstrations in French civic life.

The unrest examined in “France on Fire” emerges from this broader tradition, while reflecting the specific economic and political concerns of 2026.

The challenge for French leaders is addressing protesters’ grievances while maintaining public safety and responding to competing demands over government spending.

Marine Le Pen Seeks to Capitalize on Public Frustration

One of the central figures in the 60 Minutes report is Marine Le Pen, whose National Rally party has become a major force in French politics.

Le Pen has spent years attempting to broaden the party’s appeal beyond its traditional far-right base.

Her political platform has emphasized immigration restrictions, national identity, security and criticism of France’s political establishment.

She has also sought to appeal to voters concerned about purchasing power, public services and economic inequality.

The current demonstrations present another opportunity for Le Pen to connect with people who believe mainstream political leaders have failed to address their concerns.

Phillips interviews Le Pen as she pursues a fourth presidential bid, examining how she intends to translate public frustration into political support.

Le Pen previously contested the French presidency in 2012, 2017 and 2022.

In both 2017 and 2022, she reached the final round against Emmanuel Macron but was defeated.

Despite those losses, her party has continued to establish itself as a significant political force, attracting support from voters dissatisfied with established parties.

The new interview comes as Le Pen seeks to position herself as a potential alternative to the current political order.

Why France’s Political Unrest Matters Beyond Its Borders

France is one of Europe’s largest economies and a central member of the European Union.

Political developments in the country can therefore have consequences for European economic policy, immigration debates, international security and relations between EU member states.

The rise of nationalist and populist parties has become a major political trend across Europe, with similar movements gaining support in several countries.

Le Pen’s National Rally is among the most prominent examples of this shift.

Its political success has raised questions about the future direction of French domestic policy and the country’s role within European institutions.

At the same time, widespread demonstrations over education and living costs highlight concerns shared by voters in many other countries.

The combination of economic dissatisfaction and political polarization creates challenges for governments attempting to maintain public confidence.

The 60 Minutes report examines these tensions through the experiences of protesters and an interview with one of France’s most influential political figures.

For viewers outside France, the investigation provides context for understanding how economic grievances can develop into broader political movements and influence national elections.

Andrew Bast is the producer of “France on Fire.”

When to Watch 60 Minutes on Sunday, November 8, 2026

The November 8 edition of 60 Minutes airs Sunday from 7:00-8:00 PM ET/PT on CBS, with streaming available on Paramount+.

The episode features two reports:

  • Donald Trump: Ross Douthat interviews President Donald Trump about Republican midterm election losses, congressional investigations, working with Democrats, the economy and the wars involving Iran and Ukraine. Graham Messick and Andy Court are the producers.
  • France on Fire: Trevor Phillips investigates demonstrations across France and interviews Marine Le Pen about the unrest and her latest presidential ambitions. Andrew Bast is the producer.

The Trump interview occupies a double-length segment, making it the central feature of the broadcast.

Together, the reports examine two countries confronting political uncertainty: an American president responding to election setbacks and a French political landscape being reshaped by demonstrations, economic concerns and the ambitions of the far right.

60 Minutes airs Sunday, November 8, at 7:00 PM ET/PT on CBS and streams on Paramount+.

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