Defense secretary breaks with Trump over military force
President Trump and Defense Secretary Mark Esper are at odds over the president's threat to use active duty troops to rein in protests. Paula Reid reports.
Mark Esper
6/3/20: Red and Blue
Growing scrutiny over handling of protesters; Prepping for a safe election in November
Esper on fallout from Navy captain's firing
Defense Secretary Mark Esper joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss the military's role in aiding the country through the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to health care workers, service members are on the front lines providing support to overwhelmed hospitals. Esper also reacts to the fallout from the recent firing of Navy aircraft carrier Captain Brett Crozier, who sent a letter that was later leaked about the severity of the virus threat on his ship.
Public health officials say the worst is yet to come
With the U.S. coronavirus death count at more than 9,000, President Trump and top officials are warning that the toughest week is still ahead. Health officials are also pleading to the public to take social distancing measures even more seriously than now. Nikole Killion reports.
1/6/20: CBSN Evening News
Defense Secy: No plans to pull troops out of Iraq; Young girl defies disability to become musician
11/09/20: Red and Blue
Pres. Trump fires Defense Secretary Mark Esper; Vice President elect Kamala Harris makes history
Trump fires Secretary of Defense Mark Esper
President Trump has fired Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. Christopher Miller, the head of the National Counterterrorism Center, has been named as acting secretary. Ben Tracy reports.
Trump fires Esper as defense secretary 6 days after election
"Mark Esper has been terminated. I would like to thank him for his service," the president said.
Pentagon rescinding order to shutter Stars and Stripes newspaper
President Trump vowed to continue funding the paper in a tweet last week.
Trump on 2015 McCain comments: "I say what I say"
Trump speaks to reporters a day after an article in The Atlantic alleged he had called American service members who died fighting "suckers" and "losers."
Washington ponders next move on Iran
The day after at least a dozen Iranian rockets slammed into two military bases with U.S. troops in Iraq, the Trump administration is pondering its next move. U.S. allies are condemning Iran, which in turn claims this attack concluded their "legal and proportionate" response to the targeted killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. CBS News State Department reporter Christina Ruffini joins CBSN with the latest from Washington.
House hearing on Russian bounty intel reports
Defense Secretary Mark Esper testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee to discuss intelligence reports alleging Russia may have paid the Taliban to kill U.S. troops. John Gans, the director of communications and research for the University of Pennsylvania's Perry World House global policy center, and former chief speechwriter for Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, joins "Red and Blue" with key takeaways from the testimony.
U.S. to withdraw 12,000 American troops from Germany
Defense Secretary Mark Esper said 5,600 troops would be redeployed to other NATO countries and 6,400 would return to the U.S.
New Pentagon policy effectively bans Confederate symbols
Trump has insisted that the Confederate flag should be protected under "freedom of speech."
Confederate symbols effectively banned at military sites
On Friday, Defense Secretary Mark Esper effectively banned the usage of Confederate flags at U.S. military installations. Esper issued a memo that listed flags that can be displayed, and the Confederate flag was not on that list.
Esper defends use of National Guard in helping with civil unrest after George Floyd death
Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley testified before lawmakers Thursday.
Trump demanded 10,000 active-duty troops deploy to streets
In an attempt to satisfy Mr. Trump's demand, Esper and Milley used the call with the governors later that morning to implore them to call up the National Guard in their own states, the official said.
Mattis, Esper speak out against Trump
Former Trump administration Defense Secretary James Mattis issued a scathing statement denouncing Mr. Trump's divisive tactics, while current Defense Secretary Mark Esper publicly disputed the president's comments about using the military to quell protests. CBS News White House correspondent Weijia Jiang joins CBSN to talk about the latest.
Mattis criticizes Trump's protest response
Former Secretary of Defense James Mattis is accusing President Trump of dividing the country. Current Secretary of Defense Mark Esper is also at odds with the president, saying active duty forces should only be used to stop protests as a last resort. Weijia Jiang reports.
Former presidents react to George Floyd's death
Every former living president has now issued a statement on the death of George Floyd. New charges against the officers involved in the incident which led to his death were also filed Wednesday. CBS News' Natalie Brand, CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett and Washington Post political reporter Eugene Scott join CBSN's "Red & Blue" to discuss.
Defense chief opposes sending troops to quell protests
Esper's comments contradicted President Trump, who threatened to deploy the military to quell protests on Monday.
Esper differs with Trump on Insurrection Act
Secretary of Defense Mark Esper says he does not support the idea of sending the military into states to control protests, as President Trump has suggested. CBS News White House correspondent Weijia Jiang spoke to CBSN's Tanya Rivero about the implications of that disagreement.
D.C. religious leaders criticize Trump visits
President Trump is facing backlash from local religious leaders for his visits to a historic church and national shrine amid the protests this week over George Floyd's death. CBS News White House correspondent Weijia Jiang joins CBSN to break down the latest developments.
Shanahan withdraws Defense Secy. nomination
Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan is withdrawing from the confirmation process after accusations of domestic violence by his ex-wife. Secretary of the Army Mark Esper will be taking his place. This comes as the Pentagon also announced it will be sending 1,000 more troops to the Middle East. CBS News national security correspondent David Martin joined CBSN with more.
Trump struggles to facilitate talks with Iran
President Trump is calling John Bolton a "hawk" but says he still has confidence in his national security adviser despite calling off a planned strike on Iran. This comes as the president gears up for high-stakes talks with Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Japan next week. White House columnist for The Hill, Niall Stanage, joins CBSN to break down the latest developments.
Exclusive
Trump insider Tom Barrack kept in contact with Epstein for years, files show
Tom Barrack, a top U.S. diplomat and longtime friend of President Trump, networked and socialized with Epstein for years, CBS News found.
U.S. military hits 30 ISIS targets in Syria
The strikes were part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, which was launched in retaliation for an ISIS ambush that killed two American soldiers and an interpreter.
Obama on ICE shootings in Minnesota: "This is not the America we believe in"
President Obama spoke about the "unprecedented nature" of what he said Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents did in Minnesota.
Nancy Guthrie investigators "working a lead" at scene near her home, sheriff says
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.
Alexei Navalny was likely fatally poisoned in prison, European leaders say
European leaders said they are confident Navalny was poisoned with a toxin found in South American poison dart frogs.
Lindsey Vonn says "ride was worth the fall" after fourth surgery, set to return to U.S.
Lindsey Vonn, the 41-year-old Olympic veteran from Colorado, also reflected on her Olympic crash, saying, "I don't have regrets."
Breezy Johnson on her Olympic love story: "Who are we to fight the alchemy?"
U.S. Olympic gold medalist Breezy Johnson and her fiancé talks about the lead up to their engagement at 2026 Milano Cortina and a congratulations from Taylor Swift.
American Jordan Stolz wins 2nd speedskating gold at Winter Olympics
It is Jordan Stolz's second gold medal of the 2026 Winter Games, breaking a world record.
Rubio calls for U.S. and Europe to "revitalize an old friendship"
Secretary of State Marco Rubio made it clear the Trump administration would stick to its guns on policy, but offered a tone seen as softer and more reassuring.
U.S.
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Lindsey Vonn says "ride was worth the fall" after fourth surgery, set to return to U.S.
Lindsey Vonn, the 41-year-old Olympic veteran from Colorado, also reflected on her Olympic crash, saying, "I don't have regrets."
Tour bus driver indicted on homicide charges in deadly crash that killed 5
Bin Shao of Flushing, New York, has been charged with second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, according to court documents.
Breezy Johnson on her Olympic love story: "Who are we to fight the alchemy?"
U.S. Olympic gold medalist Breezy Johnson and her fiancé talks about the lead up to their engagement at 2026 Milano Cortina and a congratulations from Taylor Swift.
Exclusive
Trump insider Tom Barrack kept in contact with Epstein for years, files show
Tom Barrack, a top U.S. diplomat and longtime friend of President Trump, networked and socialized with Epstein for years, CBS News found.
Prediction markets heat up on Valentine's Day as people place bets on love
Prediction markets are taking bets this Valentine's Day that celebrity relationships can thrive — or break apart.
MoneyWatch
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Prediction markets heat up on Valentine's Day as people place bets on love
Prediction markets are taking bets this Valentine's Day that celebrity relationships can thrive — or break apart.
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.
Politics
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Obama on ICE shootings in Minnesota: "This is not the America we believe in"
President Obama spoke about the "unprecedented nature" of what he said Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents did in Minnesota.
Exclusive
Trump insider Tom Barrack kept in contact with Epstein for years, files show
Tom Barrack, a top U.S. diplomat and longtime friend of President Trump, networked and socialized with Epstein for years, CBS News found.
Rubio calls for U.S. and Europe to "revitalize an old friendship"
Secretary of State Marco Rubio made it clear the Trump administration would stick to its guns on policy, but offered a tone seen as softer and more reassuring.
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.
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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Lindsey Vonn says "ride was worth the fall" after fourth surgery, set to return to U.S.
Lindsey Vonn, the 41-year-old Olympic veteran from Colorado, also reflected on her Olympic crash, saying, "I don't have regrets."
Olympic organizers promise Valentine's weekend restock after condoms run out
Olympic organizers promise that the villages where athletes live won't run out of free condoms again during the Milan Cortina Winter Games.
American Jordan Stolz wins 2nd speedskating gold at Winter Olympics
It is Jordan Stolz's second gold medal of the 2026 Winter Games, breaking a world record.
Olympic curling committee issues warning after cheating accusations
The committee said during Saturday's afternoon session two officials will move to observing deliveries across the four matches.
Brazilian skier wins South America's first-ever Winter Olympics medal
Another Brazilian athlete, Nicole Rocha Silveira, could earn another medal on Saturday when she races in the women's skeleton event.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Tyler Ballgame performs "For the First Time, Again"
New England native Tyler Ballgame grew up with a music teacher mom who encouraged him to sing as much as possible. While his voice has been compared to greats like Elvis Presley and John Lennon, his debut album, "For the First Time, Again," puts the singer's own spin on a retro sound. Here's Tyler Ballgame performing "For the First Time, Again."
Tyler Ballgame performs "Matter of Taste"
New England native Tyler Ballgame grew up with a music teacher mom who encouraged him to sing as much as possible. While his voice has been compared to greats like Elvis Presley and John Lennon, his debut album, "For the First Time, Again," puts the singer's own spin on a retro sound. Here's Tyler Ballgame performing "Matter of Taste."
Tyler Ballgame performs "I Believe in Love"
New England native Tyler Ballgame grew up with a music teacher mom who encouraged him to sing as much as possible. While his voice has been compared to greats like Elvis Presley and John Lennon, his debut album, "For the First Time, Again," puts the singer's own spin on a retro sound. Here's Tyler Ballgame performing "I Believe in Love."
"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.
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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Crime
Overnight activity at Nancy Guthrie's home
The search for Nancy Guthrie is in its 13th day after authorities issued another plea for her return and were seen overnight at her Tuscon home.
Latest in the search for Nancy Guthrie
Law enforcement appeared to be at Nancy Guthrie's home overnight as the search for "Today" host Savannah Guthrie's mom enters its 13th day.
Nancy Guthrie investigators "working a lead" at scene near her home, sheriff says
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.
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
Why Gen Z might turn to matchmaking
Why are more young people choosing to work with matchmakers over dating apps? CBS News associate producer Lauren Fichten speaks to Gen Z New Yorkers and matchmakers, including fourth-generation Maria Avgitidis, to find out why.
Extended Interview: Ketanji Brown Jackson
Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is sharing her journey in her new book "Lovely One," and she sits down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to share how she hopes to inspire the next generation.
The Dish: Gargiulo's
While Coney Island is known for its hot dogs and amusement park, Gargiulo's has been serving up Italian favorites for more than 100 years in one of New York's most quintessential neighborhoods.
Why everyone in Italy is kissing
Italians are especially affectionate, and "CBS Saturday Morning" explores why.
Hilary Knight on her final Olympics
"CBS Saturday Morning" caught up with U.S. hockey captain Hilary Knight who shared her hopes for her final Winter Games.