Tony Dokoupil Interviews Pete Hegseth In 'CBS Evening News' Debut
Deadline••entertainment
Key Points:
- Tony Dokoupil debuted as the permanent anchor of CBS Evening News with an extended segment on the U.S. invasion of Venezuela and the capture of Nicolás Maduro, including a live interview with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
- Hegseth was vague on specifics regarding U.S. military presence in Venezuela, emphasizing that President Trump sets the terms and that the situation’s outcome would ultimately benefit American security and Venezuelan prosperity.
- When questioned about motives, Hegseth cited freedom, security, and prosperity, acknowledging U.S. oil interests but framing the operation as a security measure for the hemisphere.
- Hegseth avoided confirming whether congressional authorization would be sought for full-scale intervention, describing the U.S. action
