Overview
- CBS moved up Tony Dokoupil’s debut to a Saturday special focused on the U.S. operation in Venezuela that led to Nicolás Maduro’s capture.
- Dokoupil anchored from CBS’s San Francisco station, with an official launch now set for Monday in New York and the planned multi-city tour delayed until later in the week.
- In an extended, multi-segment interview, Hegseth said Congress had no foreknowledge and described the action as a law-enforcement exercise conducted by the Department of War in support of the Justice Department.
- Dokoupil pressed Hegseth on whether the U.S. would put troops on the ground or occupy Venezuela and whether any further action would require Congressional approval.
- The interview was booked by CBS News editor in chief Bari Weiss as the network’s editorial direction draws scrutiny, including reports of a vetted 60 Minutes segment being held and longstanding ratings challenges for the broadcast.