CBS Faces Backlash Over Edited Touchdown Celebration Linked to Trump Dance
CBS is under fire after fans noticed a now-viral end-zone celebration was missing from the network’s official highlight reel following Sunday’s Las Vegas Raiders game. The dance, performed by tight end Brock Bowers after a third-quarter touchdown, appeared to mimic a signature move associated with former President Donald Trump — and its removal from the broadcast recap has sparked a wave of online criticism.
The Touchdown and the Dance
During the November 17 matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Miami Dolphins, Bowers scored a memorable 23-yard touchdown. After breaking through a tackle and reaching the end zone, he celebrated with a short dance — a series of tight, rhythmic fist pumps that closely resembled Trump’s iconic rally-style moves.
The moment was lighthearted but unmistakable to many viewers, especially those active on platforms like TikTok, where the “Trump dance” has been widely shared in the wake of recent political developments.
CBS Removes the Dance from Highlights
While the celebration aired during the live game and was shared across various NFL and fan pages, viewers were quick to notice that CBS’s official game highlights omitted the dance. This decision led to a flood of angry responses from viewers, many of whom interpreted the edit as a political statement.
Online Outrage: Accusations of Bias and Censorship
The backlash was swift. Social media users accused CBS of selectively editing content for political reasons. Hashtags calling for boycotts circulated, and users posted thousands of critical comments across platforms.
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“Why did you cut out the dance? It’s pathetic,” one commenter posted.
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“CBS just showed its true colors again. Biased and afraid of a little fun.”
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“You think nobody noticed? This is why people stop trusting media,” another wrote.
Some critics went further, calling for a review of CBS’s broadcasting license or labeling the move as an attempt to silence political expression.
Was It a Political Statement or Just Fun?
While some saw the celebration as a nod to Trump and his supporters, others argued it may have simply been a playful gesture with no deeper meaning. Still, the decision to remove the clip stirred larger debates about how political moments in sports are handled — and how media outlets navigate them.
Supporters of Bowers shared the moment widely, ensuring it remains accessible even without CBS’s endorsement. The NFL’s official social media pages still feature the dance, further fueling discussion and giving fans a chance to judge for themselves.
Media, Sports, and Political Culture Collide
The controversy is yet another flashpoint in the ongoing cultural divide where sports, politics, and media intersect. Whether Bowers intended the dance as a tribute, satire, or just spontaneous fun, its reception — and CBS’s reaction — underscores the heightened sensitivity around political symbolism in mainstream media coverage.
Conclusion
As the clip continues to circulate independently online, it’s clear that the moment has taken on a life of its own. For many, it’s a reminder that in today’s media landscape, even a touchdown celebration can become a symbol — and a source of controversy. CBS’s editorial decision may have been meant to avoid political fire, but instead, it’s added more fuel to the cultural conversation.