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."
Live
Trump demands "unconditional surrender" as Russia gives Iran intel on U.S. positions
With the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran in its seventh day, President Trump says the aim is to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction and "Make Iran Great Again."
Airstrikes alone unlikely to result in regime change in Iran, expert warns
"States have been trying to topple regimes with air power alone and — I'm choosing my words carefully — it has never worked," Robert Pape told CBS News 24/7.
Austin gunman assaulted woman at Tesla facility in December, lawsuit alleges
The gunman who carried out the mass shooting last weekend in Austin, Texas, assaulted a woman three months earlier at a Tesla facility, according to a lawsuit filed Thursday in Texas.
Live
Watch Live: Obama, Biden among speakers at Rev. Jesse Jackson funeral services
The People's Celebration, the public funeral service for Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., is being held at House of Hope on the far South Side of Chicago.
Virginia passes legislation banning schools from teaching falsehoods about Jan. 6
The bill passed by the Virginia legislature prohibits schools from teaching what it considers to be falsehoods about the U.S. Capitol riot, including portraying it "as peaceful protest."
Exclusive
Mom whose son was killed by ICE doesn't blame Trump, but calls for change
"I just want to know what happened," Rachel Reyes told CBS News during her first TV interview since the death of her son, Ruben Ray Martinez, a U.S. citizen shot and killed by an ICE agent in Texas last year.
Trump encourages Iranian Kurds to attack Iran, but will he help them?
Iran's Kurdish minority has long pushed for the downfall of the Islamic Republic, but to make a move now, it will need help.
Epstein files on woman's unproven claims about Trump released by DOJ
The Justice Dept. has released Jeffrey Epstein files involving uncorroborated accusations by a woman against President Trump that the department said had been mistakenly withheld.
Oil prices continue to climb, hitting highest level in nearly 2 years
Surging global oil prices due to the Iran war are leading to a spike in gasoline costs for U.S. motorists.
U.S.
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These 10 jobs are most exposed to AI, Anthropic finds
The maker of the Claude chatbot says its research could help identify economic disruptions by measuring how AI is currently reshaping work.
Noem and DHS watchdog feuding over classified airport security risk report
Sen. Chuck Grassley said the dispute partly at the center of the dispute between DHS and its inspector general concerns undercover testing of TSA screening procedures.
Austin gunman assaulted woman at Tesla facility in December, lawsuit alleges
The gunman who carried out the mass shooting last weekend in Austin, Texas, assaulted a woman three months earlier at a Tesla facility, according to a lawsuit filed Thursday in Texas.
Virginia passes legislation banning schools from teaching falsehoods about Jan. 6
The bill passed by the Virginia legislature prohibits schools from teaching what it considers to be falsehoods about the U.S. Capitol riot, including portraying it "as peaceful protest."
Airstrikes alone unlikely to result in regime change in Iran, expert warns
"States have been trying to topple regimes with air power alone and — I'm choosing my words carefully — it has never worked," Robert Pape told CBS News 24/7.
MoneyWatch
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These 10 jobs are most exposed to AI, Anthropic finds
The maker of the Claude chatbot says its research could help identify economic disruptions by measuring how AI is currently reshaping work.
Stocks resume slide as oil prices sizzle and U.S. hiring fizzles
Stocks fell after new government data showed U.S. employers shed 92,000 jobs in February and as investors fret over oil prices.
Oil prices continue to climb, hitting highest level in nearly 2 years
Surging global oil prices due to the Iran war are leading to a spike in gasoline costs for U.S. motorists.
U.S. economy lost 92,000 jobs in February, an unexpected setback
Economists had forecast a gain of 60,000 jobs last month. The unexpected drop was due to job losses in health care and the federal government.
Iran war hits housing market as mortgage rates rise to 6%
Mortgage rates are rising as bond investors fret that rising oil prices could boost inflation.
Politics
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Noem and DHS watchdog feuding over classified airport security risk report
Sen. Chuck Grassley said the dispute partly at the center of the dispute between DHS and its inspector general concerns undercover testing of TSA screening procedures.
Virginia passes legislation banning schools from teaching falsehoods about Jan. 6
The bill passed by the Virginia legislature prohibits schools from teaching what it considers to be falsehoods about the U.S. Capitol riot, including portraying it "as peaceful protest."
Russia providing intel to Iran about U.S. positions, sources say
Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov told reporters Russia's government is in "dialogue" with Iranian leadership representatives.
Airstrikes alone unlikely to result in regime change in Iran, expert warns
"States have been trying to topple regimes with air power alone and — I'm choosing my words carefully — it has never worked," Robert Pape told CBS News 24/7.
Boston man dies in ICE custody; family says toothache became deadly infection
Lawmakers are demanding an investigation after a man from Haiti who was seeking asylum in Massachusetts died in ICE custody.
HealthWatch
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RFK Jr. challenges Dunkin' and Starbucks over sugary drinks
HHS Secretary RFK Jr. wants the popular coffee chains to prove their surgery drinks are safe for teens and suggested the Trump administration could place limits on your cup of coffee.
Some baby formula brands contain heavy metals, Consumer Reports says
Tests of dozens of baby formulas by Consumer Reports found that nearly half contained potentially dangerous chemicals.
States face pushback on their rural health transformation plans
Some Republican state lawmakers and health associations are pushing back against spending plans under the Trump administration's $50 billion federal rural health fund.
Chocolate supplement recalled over erectile dysfunction drug
USALESS.COM is recalling its Rhino Choco VIP 10X product due to the undeclared presence of Tadalafil, which is the active ingredient in Cialis.
College student's mystery illness diagnosed as Stage IV cancer
Emma Operacz was diagnosed with a rare cancer at 21. An unusual treatment and bone marrow donation from her sister saved her life.
World
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U.S. turns to Ukraine for drone defense expertise, but solutions may take time
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his country will work with the Pentagon and Gulf allies to share what it has learned during four years of drone warfare.
Russia providing intel to Iran about U.S. positions, sources say
Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov told reporters Russia's government is in "dialogue" with Iranian leadership representatives.
Airstrikes alone unlikely to result in regime change in Iran, expert warns
"States have been trying to topple regimes with air power alone and — I'm choosing my words carefully — it has never worked," Robert Pape told CBS News 24/7.
North Korea portrays Kim Jong Un as warrior and puppy-loving family man
Unusual images counter Kim Jong Un's image as a strongman dictator — featuring puppies and tender moments with his daughter and likely successor.
Trump encourages Iranian Kurds to attack Iran, but will he help them?
Iran's Kurdish minority has long pushed for the downfall of the Islamic Republic, but to make a move now, it will need help.
Entertainment
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Book excerpt: "Judge Stone" by Viola Davis & James Patterson
The Academy Award-winning actress and the bestselling writer team up for a courtroom thriller that touches on the lightning-rod issue of abortion.
Maggie Gyllenhaal talks thriller "The Bride!"
Oscar nominee Maggie Gyllenhaal speaks about reimagining "Bride of Frankenstein" to create her new gothic thriller "The Bride!" which she wrote, produced and directed. The star-studded cast includes Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale and her brother, Jake Gyllenhaal.
Extended interview: Maggie Gyllenhaal
Maggie Gyllenhaal tells "CBS Mornings" featured host Vladimir Duthiers about the inspiration behind her new film "The Bride!," a reimagining of the 1935 classic "The Bride of Frankenstein," collaborating with its stars and more.
Britney Spears arrested on suspected DUI
Britney Spears is out of police custody after she was arrested Wednesday in California on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. A representative for Spears said this "was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable," adding, "Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law."
Savannah Guthrie visits "Today" studio, says she intends to return to show
Savannah Guthrie thanked her colleagues for "caring about my mom as much as I do" in her visit to the studio since Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.
Technology
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Technology
Affordable ways to protect your aging parents
The most recent government data shows nearly 28% of Americans live alone. The number has risen for decades, especially for older generations. Ash-har Quraishi shows simple tools that can provide extra security and protection for your aging loved ones.
Anthropic CEO apologizes for leaked memo
The CEO of Anthropic is apologizing for a leaked internal memo amid a feud with the Pentagon over its AI model. The memo criticized the Trump administration and OpenAI. It comes after the Defense Department declared Anthropic a supply chain risk or a possible security risk.
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.
Pentagon designates Anthropic a supply chain risk
The Pentagon formally designated artificial intelligence firm Anthropic as a supply chain risk on Thursday amid their feud over AI guardrails. Yahoo Finance senior reporter Brooke DiPalma joins CBS News with more.
Exclusive
Anthropic CEO: We're trying to "deescalate" Pentagon AI standoff to reach agreement
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said his company and the Department of Defense "have much more in common than we have differences."
Science
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Sea levels higher than thought due to "methodological blind spot," study says
A new study in the journal Nature says most sea level rise research may have underestimated coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
Crime
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Austin gunman assaulted woman at Tesla facility in December, lawsuit alleges
The gunman who carried out the mass shooting last weekend in Austin, Texas, assaulted a woman three months earlier at a Tesla facility, according to a lawsuit filed Thursday in Texas.
Kouri Richins' friends take stand at trial
Becky Lloyd, a neighbor and friend of Kouri Richins, who is accused of fatally poisoning her husband in 2022, testified at her trial on Thursday about conversations they had about Richins' marriage. Lloyd said Richins' told her, "In many ways it would be better if he [Richins' husband], if he were dead" in a serious tone. Richins denies killing her husband and has pleaded not guilty to charges.
Body parts of kidnapped tourist found on Bali beach, police say
Ihor Komarov, 28, was identified from DNA samples taken from the dismembered body and compared to those of his mother, police said.
Suspect arrested in Utah triple homicide
Authorities have arrested a suspect in the killing of three women in Utah, identifying him as Ivan Miller. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans reports.
U.S. contractor who allegedly stole $46 million of crypto arrested, FBI says
John Daghita was arrested on the island of Saint Martin, FBI Director Kash Patel said.
Space
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Space
Why NASA is overhauling Artemis program
NASA has announced a major overhaul of its Artemis moon program amid ongoing safety concerns. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more details.
How NASA plans to get astronauts on the moon
NASA announced an overhaul to its Artemis moon program as safety concerns persist. CBS News space contributor Christian Davenport breaks down the key takeaways.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
Safety concerns over NASA's Artemis program
NASA's Artemis II mission continues to face concerns and delays. Scott E. Parazynski, a former astronaut, joins CBS News with more.
NASA rolls Artemis II back for repairs
NASA is rolling back the Artemis II moon rocket from its launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It is expected to take up to 12 hours to move the 322-foot rocket, with the journey spanning four miles back to its hangar for repairs. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more.
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
White House provides Iran war timeline
President Trump is calling for Iran's complete surrender as the White House outlines the timeline for the ongoing operations against the regime. CBS News' Nancy Cordes reports.
Report: Unemployment rose to 4.4% in February
A weaker-than-expected February jobs report is raising new concerns about the economy. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady has the latest.
Memo on Iranian surveillance in Kuwait
A U.S. Army memo appears to indicate that Iran surveilled the center in Kuwait where at least six soldiers were killed as the war in the Middle East sparked. CBS News' James LaPorta reports.
New details on what led to Noem's DHS ouster
New information is emerging on the lead-up to President Trump's removal of Kristi Noem as Homeland Security secretary. CBS News' Nicole Sganga reports.
Russia intelligence to Iran, sources say
Russia is providing intelligence to Iran as the war in the Middle East expands, sources tell CBS News. Matt Gutman breaks down the latest news.