The relaunch of the CBS Evening News under new anchor Tony Dokoupil has been branded an "embarrassing" failure and "state TV" by furious network staff, who accuse leadership of a blatant pro-Trump pivot. The controversy erupted just days into Dokoupil's tenure, following a widely criticised interview with Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and internal revelations about the programme's new direction.
‘We did it at Bari's request’: Hegseth's revealing ad break comments
Multiple sources have told The Independent that during a commercial break in his Saturday evening interview with Dokoupil, Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth revealed why he agreed to the sit-down. "For the record, Tammy, I think this is my first mainstream press interview yet," Hegseth declared, according to four sources. "We did it at Bari's request and because CBS News did something right on this."
A network source confirmed Hegseth made the remarks off-camera to his handlers. His comments came days after editor-in-chief Bari Weiss controversially spiked a 60 Minutes investigation into the violent CECOT prison in El Salvador, reportedly for lacking sufficient pro-administration perspective.
Internal fury over 'journalism malpractice' and a Cronkite boast
Inside CBS, journalists are raging at what they call "journalism malpractice." One particular point of contention was Dokoupil inserting himself into social media comments to boast he would be "more accountable and more transparent" than legendary anchor Walter Cronkite. "I mean, this is all so hilarious but also so sad and pathetic," one staffer said.
Dokoupil, handpicked by Weiss, has faced scorn for his New Year's Day video criticising legacy media for ignoring the "average American." He also replaced the programme's handbook with "5 simple values," one being: "We love America." Promotional clips showing Dokoupil asking strangers at a train station to pronounce his name were labelled a "humiliating ritual" by employees.
A debut mired in chaos and 'softball' interviews
Dokoupil's planned "Live From America" tour launch was scrapped due to the invasion of Venezuela, forcing an earlier debut from a San Francisco affiliate on Saturday, 3 January 2026. His high-profile interview with Hegseth was pilloried as "unchallenging" and a "softball." Variety called it an "inauspicious sign," while Status News's Oliver Darcy said it resembled a press release.
"Let’s not forget Hegseth is the same guy who threw journalists out of the Pentagon for refusing to sign a loyalty oath, including CBS," a CBS News source noted. "But hey, Bari is useful for pushing his propaganda and Tony is quite happy to play along. Shameful."
The criticism intensified on Monday's broadcast over technical glitches and a brief, both-sides mention of the January 6 anniversary. Tuesday's broadcast from Miami featured a friendly ride-along with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and a lighthearted closing "bon bon" segment praising Secretary of State Marco Rubio with AI-generated images, which insiders called "journalism malpractice."
The Weiss factor and fears of a 'MAGA-friendly' network
The turmoil follows Weiss's arrival in October 2025, a move seen as part of Paramount CEO David Ellison's plan to steer CBS News in a "MAGA-friendly" direction. Ellison, whose father Larry is a close Trump confidant, reportedly assured Trump of "sweeping changes" to CNN should he acquire Warner Bros. Discovery.
Weiss's decision to kill the 60 Minutes segment has threatened a staff revolt. Executive producer Kim Harvey is also under fire, described as "injecting the Bari Kool-Aid in her veins." One insider summarised the sentiment: "Anyone with half a brain will know that if CBS gets a high-profile Trump administration interview that nobody else has, it’s because CBS has sold out its soul, values and ethics. This isn’t journalism. It’s state TV."
