Trump to CBS News’ Tony Dokoupil: I’m the Reason You Have a Job!
Trump Claims Credit for Tony Dokoupil’s CBS Evening News Anchor Position
In a recent exclusive interview at a Ford plant in Detroit, former President Donald Trump made a striking assertion to Tony Dokoupil, the newly appointed anchor of CBS Evening News. Trump bluntly told Dokoupil that he owes his job—and his paycheck—to Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election. The exchange unfolded live on air, with Trump emphasizing that if Democrat Kamala Harris had won, Dokoupil likely wouldn’t be employed in his current role.
Trump’s comments went beyond mere political banter, as he connected Dokoupil’s career advancement to the broader corporate landscape shaped by his administration. Specifically, Trump referenced the approval of the Paramount-Skydance merger, a deal valued at approximately $8 billion, which placed CBS News under the control of Skydance CEO David Ellison. According to Trump, this merger was pivotal in Dokoupil’s promotion and the financial compensation he now receives.
The Political and Corporate Context Behind Dokoupil’s Promotion
Tony Dokoupil’s rise to the anchor chair of CBS Evening News came after a significant shakeup within the network’s leadership. Following Trump’s 2024 election win, Bari Weiss was appointed editor in chief of CBS News, signaling a shift in editorial direction. Weiss quickly took hands-on control of the network’s flagship broadcasts, including CBS Evening News, which had struggled with ratings under its previous co-anchor format.
In December 2025, Weiss promoted Dokoupil, who had been a co-host on CBS Mornings since 2019, to the evening anchor position. This move was part of a broader effort to revamp CBS News’ image and programming. Trump’s remarks suggest that the political climate and corporate restructuring following his administration’s decisions played a crucial role in Dokoupil’s career trajectory.
The Paramount-Skydance merger, approved during Trump’s presidency, was a key factor in this transformation. David Ellison, the CEO of Skydance, took control of CBS News, influencing leadership appointments and editorial policies. Trump hinted that without this merger, and without his election victory, Dokoupil’s position—and salary—might not exist as they do today.
Dokoupil Pushes Back, but Trump Doubles Down
During the interview, Dokoupil attempted to challenge Trump’s claim, suggesting that he might have secured the anchor role regardless of the election outcome. Trump quickly responded, asserting that even if Dokoupil had the job under a Harris administration, his salary would have been significantly lower.
This back-and-forth highlighted the tension between media figures and political leaders, especially in the current polarized environment. Trump’s direct approach and personal tone underscored his belief that political victories have tangible impacts on media careers and corporate dynamics.
The interview also touched on Trump’s previous legal battles with CBS. In late 2024, Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against CBS over a “60 Minutes” interview with then-Vice President Harris, accusing the network of deceptive editing intended to influence the election. Although Paramount Global initially vowed to fight the suit, it settled for $16 million after the election, leading to internal turmoil and resignations within CBS News.
How Trump’s 2024 Victory Reshaped CBS News and Media Careers
Trump’s 2024 election win not only altered the political landscape but also had a profound effect on media organizations like CBS News. His administration’s approval of the Paramount-Skydance merger facilitated a leadership overhaul at CBS, with Bari Weiss’s appointment as editor in chief marking a new editorial direction.
This shift resulted in significant personnel changes, including Dokoupil’s promotion to evening anchor. Trump’s assertion that Dokoupil owes his job to his election victory reflects the broader reality that political outcomes can directly influence media careers and corporate ownership structures.
For CBS News, the merger and leadership changes aimed to revitalize the network’s struggling flagship broadcasts. Dokoupil’s elevation was part of this strategy, positioning him as a central figure in CBS’s transformation. However, the political undertones of his promotion and Trump’s public comments have sparked debate about the independence of news organizations and the interplay between politics and media.
Implications for Media and Politics Moving Forward
The exchange between Trump and Dokoupil exemplifies the increasingly blurred lines between politics and media. When political leaders openly claim credit for media careers and corporate decisions, it raises questions about journalistic independence and the influence of political power on news coverage.
Moreover, the Paramount-Skydance merger and subsequent leadership changes at CBS highlight how corporate consolidations can reshape media narratives and personnel. As media companies continue to navigate these complex dynamics, the relationship between political administrations and news organizations will remain a critical area of scrutiny.
For journalists like Tony Dokoupil, operating in this environment requires balancing editorial integrity with the realities of corporate ownership and political influence. The public’s trust in news media depends on transparency and independence, making these developments particularly significant.
Conclusion
Former President Donald Trump’s candid remarks to CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil underscore the deep connections between political victories, corporate mergers, and media careers. Trump’s claim that Dokoupil owes his job and salary to the 2024 election victory and the Paramount-Skydance merger approved during his administration highlights the intricate interplay of politics and media today.
As CBS News undergoes transformation under new leadership, the implications for journalistic independence and media integrity are profound. Understanding these dynamics is essential for anyone interested in the future of news and politics.
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