Esper "didn't see" specific evidence showing Iranian threat to 4 U.S. embassies
The defense secretary provides background on what President Trump called an "imminent threat" to U.S. embassies overseas.
Mark Esper
Open: This is "Face the Nation"
Today on "Face the Nation, with tensions escalating with Iran, we get perspective from the administration on what the future holds for relations with the regime.
Evidence suggests Ukraine jet hit by Iran
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said evidence suggests a Ukrainian jet with 176 on board was shot down by an Iranian missile. Sixty-three of the victims were Canadian citizens. Lara Seligman, a Pentagon reporter for Foreign Policy, joins "Red & Blue" for a closer look at the accident and how Defense Secretary Mark Esper is playing a major role in the Iran conflict.
Trump admin. briefs Congress on Soleimani
In Washington Tuesday, the Trump administration plans to brief congressional leaders on last week's operation that killed General Qassem Soleimani. Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will defend President Trump's decision to target Iran's most influential military leader, in response to an attack that killed a U.S. contractor in Iraq. The president insists Americans are now safer, while Democrats demand proof that the attack was necessary. Ben Tracy reports from the White House.
Pentagon: No plans to pull out of Iraq
Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the U.S. has no plans to pull American troops out of Iraq. Iraq’s parliament recently voted to expel the 5,000 Americans to protest the Baghdad drone attack that killed Iran’s top general, Qassem Soleimani. David Martin reports.
Tensions rising in the Middle East after embassy attack
After an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the "game has changed." He warns if there are new attacks, the U.S. military will be ready. David Martin reports.
U.S. forces continue northern Syria withdrawal
American forces continued their withdrawal from northern Syria. Defense secretary Mark Esper says they’re headed for Iraq — not home, as President Trump promised. Left behind are America's ally: the Kurds. Holly Williams reports.
Russian troops moving into Kurdish areas
Iraq's defense minister said U.S. troops that were pulled out of Syria will leave Iraq in four weeks. That seems to contradict Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who has said those U.S. forces will continue operating against ISIS. Russia and Turkey made a deal Tuesday, without the U.S., to take control of northeastern Syria and force out Kurdish fighters that fought alongside U.S. troops. Holly Williams reports.
U.S. to "preparing to evacuate" more troops from Syria, Esper says
"We have American forces likely caught between two opposing advancing armies," Defense Secretary Mark Esper told "Face the Nation."
Open: This is "Face the Nation"
This week on "Face the Nation," Margaret Brennan breaks down the latest on President Trump’s new Syria policy with Defense Secretary Mark Esper. She discusses the latest on the impeachment inquiry with Representative Adam Schiff, and the situation in Hong Kong with Senator Ted Cruz.
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper's security detail revoked
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper's security detail, which was provided by the Defense Department, was pulled Tuesday night, a U.S. official told CBS News.
Dickerson on Pence declining to endorse Trump
On Sunday, former Vice President Mike Pence told Face the Nation's Margaret Brennan he was not endorsing Donald Trump's 2024 White House bid. CBS News chief political analyst John Dickerson examines the significance of the move.
IDF says 2 more hostages freed
The Israel Defense Forces say two more hostages were released by Hamas to the Red Cross on Thursday in Gaza City. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is meeting with top officials in the Middle East in hopes of extending a temporary cease-fire further. CBS News correspondents Holly Williams and Lilia Luciano have more details. And former Defense Secretary Mark Esper joined CBS News to discuss the short-term truce.
Mark Esper on Israel-Hamas war, Xi meeting
Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the Israel-Hamas war and President Biden's high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Esper says he has "concerns" about Trump foreign policy
Trump administration Defense Secretary Mark Esper tells "Face the Nation" that he has "concerns" about now-candidate Trump's comments about cutting off funding for Ukraine and possibly pulling the U.S. out of NATO. "So for all those reasons, that concerns me and and, of course, we could talk about our allies and partners in Asia as well who will equally be concerned about these types of events," Esper said.
Transcript: Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper on "Face the Nation," Oct. 1, 2023
The following is a transcript of an interview with Trump administration Defense Secretary Mark Esper that aired on "Face the Nation" on Oct. 1, 2023.
Esper on flying object shot down over Alaska
The White House said a military fighter jet shot down an object over Alaskan airspace Friday, this after a Chinese spy balloon was shot down off the coast of South Carolina last weekend. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang has the latest from Washington. Then, Mark Esper, former U.S. secretary of defense, spoke with CBS News about what we know so far.
1/12: Face The Nation
Today on "Face the Nation, with tensions escalating with Iran, we get perspective from the administration on what the future holds for relations with the regime.
10/21: CBSN AM
U.S. troops begin move from Northern Syria to Iraq; Four companies reach settlement in opioid litigation
10/13: Face The Nation
This week on "Face the Nation," Margaret Brennan breaks down the latest on President Trump’s new Syria policy with Defense Secretary Mark Esper. She discusses the latest on the impeachment inquiry with Representative Adam Schiff, and the situation in Hong Kong with Senator Ted Cruz.
Mark Esper on Trump, China, Iran
Former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper spoke exclusively with CBS News' Catherine Herridge after it was announced that the warrant to search Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home would be unsealed. Esper discussed the former president's handling of classified information, and U.S. relations with China and Iran.
Ex-Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Iran threats
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper revealed that he has had full-time government-provided "protection 24/7" since he left the Defense Department as a result of threats from Iran, he told CBS News' Catherine Herridge in an interview Thursday. Watch part of the interview here.
Mark Esper has government-provided "protection 24/7" because of Iran threats
Esper's revelation came soon after the Justice Department charged an Iranian national for plotting the murder of former national security adviser John Bolton.
Ex-defense chief Mark Esper suing Pentagon
Former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper is suing the Pentagon over redactions in his memoir. The book describes his time as secretary of the Army and secretary of defense under former President Trump, who fired Esper via Twitter days after he lost the 2020 election. CBS News national security correspondent David Martin joined Tanya Rivero on CBSN to discuss.
Esper on Trump and divisive politics
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper spoke with CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett about serving during the Trump administration and the current political climate. Watch this portion of the conversation from "Red and Blue."
DHS shutdown begins as funding expires without a deal in Congress
It's the second time in as many weeks that government funding has lapsed as Democrats and the White House remain at an impasse over immigration enforcement policies.
What services will be affected by the DHS government shutdown?
Funding for the Department of Homeland Security expired at the end of the day Friday. Here's what will be affected.
Nancy Guthrie search activity ramps up near her home in Tucson, Arizona
The FBI and sheriff's department have been investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, for nearly two weeks.
Arizona sheriff in Nancy Guthrie search defends sending DNA to Florida lab
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said the results that investigators have received from DNA testing in the Nancy Guthrie case so far haven't led to a suspect.
ICE agents on leave for lying under oath in Minneapolis shooting investigation
Todd Lyons, the acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement accused two federal agents of lying under oath regarding the mid-January shooting of a Venezuelan national in Minneapolis.
Trump vows to require voter ID in midterms "whether approved by Congress or not"
He said there should also be proof of citizenship and a ban on mail-in ballots, with some exceptions.
Ilia Malinin misses Olympic medal after falling in free skate, finishes 8th
In a shocking twist at the 2026 Winter Olympics, American figure skater Ilia Malinin didn't make it to the podium after falling twice during the free skate. Kazakhstan's Mikhail Shaidorov took home the gold.
Tillis suggests Warsh faces long Fed chair nomination process
GOP Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina says he won't support the confirmation of any Fed nominee until the Justice Dept.'s investigation into chairman Jerome Powell is resolved.
U.S. women's curling team slides to victory over Canada in an Olympic first
The U.S. women's curling team was surprised to learn that their defeat of Canada marked an Olympic first.
U.S.
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Nancy Guthrie search activity ramps up near her home in Tucson, Arizona
The FBI and sheriff's department have been investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, for nearly two weeks.
U.S. women's curling team slides to victory over Canada in an Olympic first
The U.S. women's curling team was surprised to learn that their defeat of Canada marked an Olympic first.
"We were all scared," says child who ran as ICE operation unfolded near school bus stop
Dylan, who is a U.S. citizen, told CBS News the day seemed normal — until he heard his classmates suddenly start shouting "ICE."
U.S. women's hockey tops Italy 6-0 to advance to Winter Olympics semifinals
Kendall Coyne Schofield scored twice and top-seeded United States routed Olympic host Italy 6-0 in a lopsided, festive and sometimes chippy women's hockey quarterfinal at the Milan Cortina Games.
After 33 years on the route, a New Jersey mailman who loved helping people retires
For the past 33 years, Joe DiTore has really delivered for people in Demarest, New Jersey, both in their mailboxes and their personal lives.
MoneyWatch
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January CPI report is the best inflation news in months. Here's why.
The inflation reading, the lowest since May 2025, shows grocery, gas and rent prices are cooling.
Amazon ends Flock partnership after backlash over Super Bowl ad
Amazon's Ring unit touted a "search party" service in its Super Bowl ad, but one critic called the app a "surveillance nightmare."
Can TrumpRx help you save money on drugs? Here's what experts say.
The Trump administration's new discounted drug platform isn't a game-changer for consumers, health care experts said.
Romance costs more this year as inflation lifts Valentine's Day gift prices
Love is biting consumers this year amid the rising cost of flowers, chocolates and other Valentine's Day staples.
CPI rose at an annual rate of 2.4% in January, cooler than expected
Inflation came in below economists' forecasts and slowed from December's 2.7% annual rate.
Politics
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DHS shutdown begins as funding expires without a deal in Congress
It's the second time in as many weeks that government funding has lapsed as Democrats and the White House remain at an impasse over immigration enforcement policies.
Why is the U.S. government exploring using high-energy lasers near the border?
The FAA imposed a surprise flight ban over El Paso earlier this week amid disagreements within the U.S. government over the use of a high-energy laser against drones at the border.
White House files most detailed plans yet for Trump ballroom, East Wing renovation
The filing includes new renderings of the new East Wing, relative to other buildings close to the ballroom and from vantage points near the U.S. Capitol, Jefferson Memorial and points around the White House campus.
Trump vows to require voter ID in midterms "whether approved by Congress or not"
He said there should also be proof of citizenship and a ban on mail-in ballots, with some exceptions.
Tillis suggests Warsh faces long Fed chair nomination process
GOP Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina says he won't support the confirmation of any Fed nominee until the Justice Dept.'s investigation into chairman Jerome Powell is resolved.
HealthWatch
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Measles cases at university in Florida soar to nearly 60
Twenty one states in the U.S. have confirmed cases of measles.
Can TrumpRx help you save money on drugs? Here's what experts say.
The Trump administration's new discounted drug platform isn't a game-changer for consumers, health care experts said.
Moderna says FDA refuses its application for new mRNA flu vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration is refusing to consider Moderna's application for a new flu vaccine made with mRNA technology, the company said.
What to know about a new study on coffee, tea and dementia risk
CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said the results of the study on coffee drinkers having lower risk of dementia should be taken "with a massive grain of salt."
Thousands of mothers were flagged to police over flawed drug tests at childbirth
The Marshall Project found more than 70,000 cases referred to law enforcement over allegations of substance use during pregnancy — and that's a significant undercount.
World
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U.S. women's curling team slides to victory over Canada in an Olympic first
The U.S. women's curling team was surprised to learn that their defeat of Canada marked an Olympic first.
U.S. women's hockey tops Italy 6-0 to advance to Winter Olympics semifinals
Kendall Coyne Schofield scored twice and top-seeded United States routed Olympic host Italy 6-0 in a lopsided, festive and sometimes chippy women's hockey quarterfinal at the Milan Cortina Games.
Ilia Malinin misses Olympic medal after falling in free skate, finishes 8th
In a shocking twist at the 2026 Winter Olympics, American figure skater Ilia Malinin didn't make it to the podium after falling twice during the free skate. Kazakhstan's Mikhail Shaidorov took home the gold.
Fugitive arrested after arriving at Olympics to watch hockey
A man who was wanted by Italian authorities for a series of 2010 thefts was arrested when he arrived at the Olympics on Wednesday.
CEO of Dubai's largest port replaced after ties to Epstein revealed
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, CEO and chairman of Dubai's DP World, appears in the Epstein files more than 4,700 times, according to the Justice Dept.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
"Sinners" cinematographer could make history
"Sinners" cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw says she doesn't want the audience to notice her work because "you wanna make it so good it feels like a dream." The Oscar nominee is the first woman of color nominated in the cinematography category and only the fourth woman ever. It's the only Oscars craft category never won by a woman. She talks about her career journey to this historic moment.
Constance Zimmer on "The Lincoln Lawyer"
Constance Zimmer, who stars in the new season of "The Lincoln Lawyer," talks about how she channels her powerful character in the series and why it's important for her to always make her characters relatable.
James Van Der Beek dies after cancer battle
James Van Der Beek, known for starring in "Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues," died Wednesday at the age of 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer. Vladimir Duthiers reports on the beloved actor's career.
"Dawson's Creek" co-stars remember James Van Der Beek: "One in a billion"
Katie Holmes and Busy Philipps are among the "Dawson's Creek" cast members sharing memories of James Van Der Beek after his death at age 48.
James Van Der Beek of "Dawson's Creek" dies at 48
James Van Der Beek, star of "Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues," has died at age 48, according to his publicist and a post from his wife on social media. Carter Evans has more on his life and career.
Technology
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Technology
Viral essay urges people to prepare for AI
If you've been on social media this week, you've likely seen an ominous warning about artificial intelligence in your feed: "Something big is happening." An essay from the CEO of an AI company, Matt Shumer, likens the current moment to February 2020, right before the start of COVID. Nate Soares, co-author of "If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies," joins to discuss.
Amazon ends Flock partnership after backlash over Super Bowl ad
Amazon's Ring unit touted a "search party" service in its Super Bowl ad, but one critic called the app a "surveillance nightmare."
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
FTC warns Apple's Tim Cook over alleged political bias in Apple News app
The Federal Trade Commission sent a letter to Tim Cook one day after President Trump circulated a report raising questions about Apple News' practices.
Russia blocks WhatsApp as it pushes state-backed alternative on citizens
The messaging platform WhatsApp says Russia has "attempted to fully block" its service inside the country, "to drive people to a state-owned surveillance app."
Science
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Science
Impact of climate change on Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics in Milan need artificial snow due to climate change and warmer weather. Athletes say man-made snow makes terrain more difficult and unpredictable. Rob Marciano reports on its impact.
Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Crime
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Nancy Guthrie search activity ramps up near her home in Tucson, Arizona
The FBI and sheriff's department have been investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, for nearly two weeks.
Latest on Guthrie search
The FBI is now calling the "subject" in the surveillance video of Nancy Guthrie's front porch a suspect. The agency has also released its first description of the 84-year-old's alleged kidnapper. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has the details.
Arizona sheriff in Nancy Guthrie search defends sending DNA to Florida lab
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said the results that investigators have received from DNA testing in the Nancy Guthrie case so far haven't led to a suspect.
Girl looking for a date to a school dance was murdered a week later
Mary Kay Heese, 17, was found stabbed to death in a field in March 1969. Fifty-five years later, a suspect was arrested — someone who had been on investigators' radar for decades.
Sheriff on nonuse of FBI lab in Guthrie case
The Pima County Sheriff's Department is using a third-party lab to process DNA in the Nancy Guthrie case rather than leaning on the FBI in Quantico. Sheriff Chris Nanos explained the decision to CBS News correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti.
Space
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Space
SpaceX launches crew to ISS
NASA and SpaceX launched a new mission to the International Space Station with four crew members on board to replace the team that returned last month due to a medical issue with one member. Mark Strassmann has more.
SpaceX launches space station crew on 8-month mission
The two-woman, two-man crew is replacing four other station fliers who came home early last month due to a medical issue one was having.
NASA, SpaceX mission prepares for launch
NASA and SpaceX say they have completed their final reviews and are ready to launch a crewed mission to the International Space Station on Friday. Retired NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
ULA rocket has booster problem while launching classified Space Force payloads
A United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket carrying classified Space Force payloads suffered a booster problem but apparently made an otherwise "nominal" ascent to space, the company said.
New space station crew eager for Wednesday launch
The new crew will replace four station fliers who returned to Earth ahead of schedule last month due to a medical issue.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Pool maintenance at Nancy Guthrie's home
Activity at Nancy Guthrie's home on Friday included pool maintenance in her backyard. Earlier in the week, a delivery driver accidentally tried to drop off a pizza at the front door. Former FBI special agent Jeff Harp and former FBI supervisory special agent Dennis Franks join CBS News to discuss.
Former NYPD detective says Nancy Guthrie case is complex
Federal authorities are offering a $100,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest of the possible kidnapper or something that would lead to Nancy Guthrie's location. Former New York City police detective Herman Weisberg, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Former NYPD detective on Nancy Guthrie case
Retired FBI hostage negotiator and special agent Chip Massey joins "The Daily Report" to discuss the Nancy Guthrie investigation.
Beloved mailman retires after 33 years of service
For the past 33 years, Joe DiTore has really delivered for people in Demarest, New Jersey, both in their mailboxes and their personal lives. Steve Hartman has the story "On the Road."
True crime podcaster on Nancy Guthrie case
The FBI has now doubled the reward for any information leading to the 84-year-old mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie or an arrest in the case. True Crime Arizona podcast host Briana Whitney and Eric O'Neill, a former FBI counterintelligence operative, join "The Daily Report" to discuss the case. Plus, CBS News' Anna Schecter answers viewers' questions.