Logistical failure prevents CBS anchor from reporting Trump's trip to Beijing
The CBS broadcasting logo is seen outside the CBS Broadcast Center in Manhattan, New York on July 30, 2018. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo
May 13, 2026
CBS News anchor Tony Dokoupil will broadcast from Taiwan instead of China this week after the network failed to secure his Chinese visa in time.
The logistical failure represents another public embarrassment for CBS News, which has seen ratings decline since MAGA-friendly Bari Weiss took over as editor-in-chief, reports Semafor.
Competitors like NBC News's Tom Llamas and ABC News's David Muir will anchor from Beijing during President Donald Trump and Xi Jinping's summit. CBS had planned similar coverage but was forced to change course at the last minute, moving Dokoupil to Taipei, Taiwan.
Two sources told Semafor that Dokoupil had not obtained a Chinese visa, though the reason remains unclear — whether due to a late application or another issue.
CBS News and the Chinese embassy declined to comment.
A network source noted that Dokoupil's broadcasts from Taiwan would highlight the island's importance, likely a major summit discussion topic.
Watch the video below.