In a dramatic debut that thrust him into the heart of international breaking news, Tony Dokoupil anchored the CBS Evening News on Saturday, two days ahead of his scheduled premiere as the program's permanent host. The broadcast, originating from San Francisco, was dominated by the stunning U.S. military action in Venezuela, where American forces reportedly invaded the country and seized its leader, Nicolás Maduro. Dokoupil opened the half-hour special with a sense of urgency, stating, “Great to be with you tonight, two days earlier than expected, with that major breaking news, news that could shape the year, maybe even the century.”
The interview that followed featured Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, marking a rare appearance by the Trump administration official on a mainstream broadcast network. Hegseth, who has overseen the rebranding of the Pentagon as the Department of War, faced pointed questions from Dokoupil about President Donald Trump's announcement that the United States would effectively take control of Venezuela's governance. This development came amid reports of U.S. strikes disrupting travel and prompting cancellations across the entertainment world, including actor Leonardo DiCaprio's absence from the Palm Springs Film Festival due to "unexpected travel disruptions" linked to the Venezuela operation.
Dokoupil pressed Hegseth on the practical implications of Trump's declaration. “What does that look like? Does that mean we are going to see Americans on the corners of Venezuela? In the government of Venezuela? Are you prepared to have troops on the ground in Venezuela?” he asked. Hegseth's response remained vague, emphasizing presidential authority. “It means that we set the terms. President Trump sets the terms, and ultimately he will decide what the iterations are of that,” Hegseth said. He added that Trump “takes nothing off the table, so what happens next will be in the hands of Venezuelans to decide, but ultimately America will benefit, security wise and with prosperity we believe the Venezuelan people can as well.”
The conversation quickly turned to the motivations behind the invasion, with Dokoupil referencing Trump's press conference earlier that day. “Is it about freedom, or is it about oil? At the press conference today, President Trump seemed to indicate that both were a factor,” Dokoupil noted. Hegseth framed the action in broader terms, replying, “Freedom, security, prosperity. Of course what was done by Venezuela against American oil interests and oil companies is well understood and never should have happened. And President Trump is willing to recapture that. But it is also the security of our hemisphere.”
This exchange highlighted ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the media. Hegseth, since assuming his role as Defense Secretary, has frequently criticized mainstream outlets and implemented new restrictions at the Department of War that prompted the departure of much of the Pentagon's regular press corps. The interview itself was an outlier, as Hegseth has largely avoided such platforms, preferring aligned conservative media. According to network sources, CBS had been preparing for Dokoupil's Monday debut, which included a two-week tour of American cities before returning to the New York studios, but the Venezuela crisis accelerated the timeline.
Dokoupil drew historical parallels to underscore potential risks, invoking the U.S. invasion of Iraq two decades prior. That conflict, launched in 2003, entangled American forces in the Middle East for over a decade, costing trillions of dollars and thousands of lives. “Many of the president’s own supporters tonight are wondering, how is this, this time around, going to be different, and how is it in the U.S. interest?” Dokoupil asked. Hegseth countered sharply, claiming the approach was “the exact opposite.” He elaborated, “We spent decades and decades, purchased in blood, and got nothing economically in return. President Trump flips the script. He says, first through strategic action we can ensure that we have access to additional wealth and resources … without having to spend American blood.”
The broader context of the Venezuela operation traces back to escalating tensions in the region. Venezuela, under Maduro's leadership since 2013, has faced severe economic collapse, hyperinflation, and international sanctions, particularly from the U.S., over allegations of human rights abuses and electoral fraud. Trump's announcement on Saturday morning confirmed the military strike, which news networks described as a scramble to cover in the early hours. Reports indicate the operation involved precision strikes that captured Maduro, though details on casualties or the extent of ground involvement remain unclear, with officials citing operational security.
Reactions from Trump's base have been mixed, according to early polling and social media analysis. While many supporters hailed the move as a bold assertion of American dominance, others expressed concerns about entanglement in another foreign quagmire. Hegseth's emphasis on economic benefits, particularly regarding oil, resonated with those prioritizing energy independence. Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil reserves, estimated at over 300 billion barrels, and past disputes with U.S. companies like Chevron have fueled longstanding grievances.
Beyond the interview, Dokoupil's debut underscored the fluid nature of broadcast news in 2026. The anchor, a veteran CBS correspondent known for his work on 60 Minutes and morning shows, was set to relocate permanently to the evening slot following Norah O'Donnell's departure. The San Francisco broadcast was a makeshift setup, with Dokoupil expected to return to New York studios by Monday. The network confirmed that the city tour, originally slated to begin immediately, would be postponed until later in the week to allow focus on the unfolding Venezuela story.
The entertainment industry, often intertwined with global events, felt immediate ripples. DiCaprio's withdrawal from the Palm Springs event, scheduled for the weekend, was attributed directly to flight disruptions following the strikes. Meanwhile, box office reports showed Avatar approaching $300 million domestically in its 2026 run, and The Housemaid holding steady, but industry chatter turned to casting challenges amid geopolitical uncertainty, including rumors around James Bond, a new Voldemort portrayal, and Doctor Who reboots.
Looking ahead, the implications of U.S. control over Venezuela could reshape hemispheric relations. Allies like Brazil and Colombia have issued cautious statements, calling for diplomatic resolutions, while Russia and China—key Maduro backers—condemned the action as imperialism. Trump administration officials, including Hegseth, have signaled that transitional governance might involve American advisors in key sectors, though specifics on troop deployments or timelines were not disclosed during the interview.
As Dokoupil wrapped the broadcast, he reflected on the weight of the moment, noting the story's potential to define not just 2026 but the century. With news nets still scrambling from the early-morning confirmation of the attack, the coming days promise intense scrutiny. Congressional leaders from both parties have demanded briefings, and international bodies like the United Nations are convening emergency sessions. For now, the U.S. holds Maduro in custody, and the fate of Venezuela hangs in the balance, guided by Trump's vision of strategic leverage without prolonged sacrifice.
In related developments, artificial intelligence stories from 2025, such as Tilly Norwood's breakthroughs and Sora's advancements, paled in comparison to the real-world drama unfolding. Deadline Hollywood, which first reported on Dokoupil's interview, highlighted how the event disrupted planned Hollywood coverage, from AI top tens to film festival honors. As the world digests this seismic shift, questions linger about the balance between security, resources, and democratic ideals in America's foreign policy arsenal.