CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil found himself in hot water after a recent interview with President Donald Trump drew sharp criticism from viewers across the political spectrum.
Tony Dokoupil, the new face of CBS Evening News, conducted an interview with President Trump on a Tuesday night at a Ford plant, focusing on issues like inflation and rising grocery prices. During the exchange, Trump made pointed remarks about Dokoupil’s career, suggesting his job might not exist under a different administration. The interview, coupled with Dokoupil’s rocky first week marked by technical glitches and a reported 23% ratings drop to 4.17 million viewers, has fueled intense online debate about CBS News’ direction under new leadership.
The controversy surrounding Dokoupil’s tenure comes amid broader changes at CBS, including the influence of new chief Bari Weiss, known for her push against progressive media trends. This transition has stirred unrest, with the firing of senior producer Javier Guzman adding to newsroom tensions. Reports describe confusion and dissatisfaction among staff, painting a picture of a network in flux.
Critics have pounced on Dokoupil’s interview performance, arguing he failed to counter Trump’s personal jabs. One observer noted, “Tony just standing there and taking it,” highlighting a perceived lack of pushback, as noted by the Daily Mail. It’s hard to watch a seasoned journalist seem so off-guard, especially when the stakes are this high for CBS’s credibility.
Trump didn’t hold back, telling Dokoupil, “You wouldn't have this job right now if she got in, you probably wouldn't have a job right now.” That’s a bold claim, and while it’s meant as a jab at a hypothetical opponent, it also puts Dokoupil in an awkward spot. Should an anchor bite back or let the guest speak, even if it’s a swipe at their own career?
On the flip side, some viewers appreciated the access and tone of the interview. A supportive comment praised Dokoupil for “behaving respectfully” while gaining rare insight into Trump’s unfiltered thoughts at the Ford plant. Respectful dialogue shouldn’t be a crime, even if it doesn’t satisfy everyone’s thirst for confrontation.
Dokoupil’s first week numbers are tough to ignore, with viewership down to 4.17 million compared to 5.4 million under Norah O’Donnell in a similar period last year. Competitors like ABC and NBC are pulling far ahead, with 8.1 million and 6.73 million viewers, respectively. These stats suggest CBS has a steep hill to climb to regain trust and eyeballs.
Adding to the challenges, technical errors marred Dokoupil’s debut, with mismatched visuals and teleprompter issues leaving him visibly flustered on air. Viral clips of the mishap drew ridicule from media insiders and viewers alike. It’s a rough way to start, and it fuels the narrative of a network struggling to find its footing.
Behind the scenes, the firing of Javier Guzman, a respected producer, has left staff reeling, with sources describing the newsroom as chaotic. Reports of “confusion” from outlets like The Guardian only deepen concerns about leadership decisions. When a network shakes up its core team, the ripple effects are felt by everyone, from anchors to audiences.
CBS’s pivot under Bari Weiss, with her focus on challenging mainstream media norms, has sparked debate about the network’s future. Dokoupil, as Weiss’s first major hire, seems to embody this shift, emphasizing a connection with everyday Americans over elite perspectives. It’s a refreshing idea, but it’s also alienating long-time viewers who valued CBS’s traditional approach.
Dokoupil’s pre-debut statements about eroded trust in legacy media resonate with many who feel ignored by coastal newsrooms. His “Live from America” tour, despite delays due to global events like the Venezuela crisis, aims to bridge that gap with stops in 10 U.S. cities. Yet, insiders have called the effort “inauthentic,” questioning whether it truly serves the public or just rebrands the network.
The anchor’s glowing segment on Marco Rubio, dubbed the “ultimate Florida man,” raised eyebrows for its editorial tone. Some saw it as a calculated move to appeal to a specific audience, while others viewed it as highlighting overlooked figures. Either way, it’s a departure from the neutral anchor role many expect.
Despite the digital boost—CBS claims a 58% increase in YouTube viewership—Dokoupil’s challenges are far from over. Ratings dips, especially a 23% drop among the key 25-54 demographic, signal advertisers may look elsewhere. That’s a hard reality for any network trying to reinvent itself.
Ultimately, Dokoupil’s five guiding principles, like “We love America” and “We respect tradition,” suggest a desire to reconnect with a broader base. While critics on the left decry this as pandering, there’s value in media that doesn’t dismiss the heartland. The question is whether CBS can balance this vision without losing its core identity.
The road ahead for Dokoupil and CBS News is uncertain, but one thing is clear: every broadcast, every interview, will be under a microscope. Navigating a polarized audience while rebuilding trust won’t be easy. Still, if done with integrity, it could redefine what evening news means in a divided era.
