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."
Inside the decision to remove Kristi Noem as DHS secretary
The timing of President Trump's Truth Social post announcing Kristi Noem's removal as DHS secretary took DHS officials and the secretary herself by surprise.
Live
Trump says he must have a role in choosing Iran's next leader as war expands
President Trump said he must have a role in choosing Iran's next leader and called the son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei "unacceptable."
Rep. Tony Gonzales drops out of House runoff race after admitting affair with aide
GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales had been in a runoff with Brandon Herrera after Tuesday's primary in Texas.
Exclusive
Iran appeared to surveil center where U.S. forces were killed, Army memo says
In the week before an Iranian retaliatory strike that killed six U.S. service members, Iranian intelligence was likely able to identify and track American forces, according to a memo reviewed by CBS News.
Kristi Noem out as secretary of Homeland Security, Trump says
The announcement comes amid criticism of DHS spending under Noem, and as Congress has allowed the department's funding to lapse.
U.S. seeking to "raze or level" Iran's ballistic missile industry, Adm. Cooper says
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave a press briefing with Admiral Brad Cooper, the commander of U.S. Central Command.
Lindsey Halligan under investigation by the Florida Bar
Lindsey Halligan was the interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Pentagon formally designates Anthropic a supply chain risk amid feud over AI guardrails
The U.S. military has formally designated artificial intelligence firm Anthropic a supply chain risk, sources told CBS News, a sweeping move that could cut it off from military contracts.
House approves bill to fund DHS, but roadblocks remain in Senate
The House passed a measure to fund the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday, but Senate Democrats blocked similar legislation.
U.S.
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Bernard LaFayette, Selma voting rights organizer, dies at 85
Bernard LaFayette, the advance man who did the risky groundwork for the voter registration campaign in Selma, Alabama, that culminated in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, has died.
Lindsey Halligan under investigation by the Florida Bar
Lindsey Halligan was the interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Inside the decision to remove Kristi Noem as DHS secretary
The timing of Trump's Truth Social post announcing Kristi Noem's removal as DHS secretary took DHS officials and the secretary herself by surprise.
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.
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.
MoneyWatch
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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.
Record share of Americans are tapping 401(k)s for hardship withdrawals
More Americans are digging into their retirement savings for emergency expenses, research from Vanguard shows.
Pentagon formally designates Anthropic a supply chain risk amid feud over AI guardrails
The U.S. military has formally designated artificial intelligence firm Anthropic a supply chain risk, a sweeping move that could cut it off from military contracts.
Trump vowed to revive manufacturing. Factory jobs are still vanishing.
Job cuts at a Whirlpool factory in Iowa underscore the challenges in reviving American manufacturing. "Every day, workers' jobs are still in jeopardy," a union official said.
Dow tumbles almost 800 points amid concerns about surging oil prices
Stocks fell sharply on Wall Street on Thursday as oil prices rose further because of the war with Iran.
Politics
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Rep. Tony Gonzales drops out of House runoff race after admitting affair with aide
GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales had been in a runoff with Brandon Herrera after Tuesday's primary in Texas.
U.S., Venezuela to establish diplomatic relations for first time since 2019
Relations between the two countries were cut off in 2019, during the first Trump administration.
Exclusive
Iran appeared to surveil center where U.S. forces were killed, Army memo says
In the week before an Iranian retaliatory strike that killed six U.S. service members, Iranian intelligence was likely able to identify and track American forces, according to a memo reviewed by CBS News.
Lindsey Halligan under investigation by the Florida Bar
Lindsey Halligan was the interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Inside the decision to remove Kristi Noem as DHS secretary
The timing of Trump's Truth Social post announcing Kristi Noem's removal as DHS secretary took DHS officials and the secretary herself by surprise.
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., Venezuela to establish diplomatic relations for first time since 2019
Relations between the two countries were cut off in 2019, during the first Trump administration.
Exclusive
Iran appeared to surveil center where U.S. forces were killed, Army memo says
In the week before an Iranian retaliatory strike that killed six U.S. service members, Iranian intelligence was likely able to identify and track American forces, according to a memo reviewed by CBS News.
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.
U.S. seeking to "raze or level" Iran's ballistic missile industry, Adm. Cooper says
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave a press briefing with Admiral Brad Cooper, the commander of U.S. Central Command.
Who will be Iran's next supreme leader? One name stands out.
The assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the early hours of the war has raised a simple but enormously consequential question: Who will replace him?
Entertainment
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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.
Spoiler: Ex-"Survivor" winner on elimination
(Warning: Spoiler alert ahead!) Savannah Louie, who won season 49 of "Survivor," talks about her early elimination from the show's 50th season, challenges she faced as a former winner and the lesson she took away from the game.
Leibovitz on photographing influential women
Throughout her career, Annie Leibovitz has photographed influential women, including Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, Queen Elizabeth and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She spoke to Anthony Mason about the moments behind the photos and what she plans for her future.
True crime series spotlights U.S. small towns
Hilarie Burton Morgan, known for playing Peyton on "One Tree Hill," talks about her docuseries, "True Crime Story: It Couldn't Happen Here," which is in its third season. She explains how each episode highlights a case in a small town in the U.S., how the series empowers the audience and recent developments in a cold case.
Padma Lakshmi talks "America's Culinary Cup"
TV host and food expert Padma Lakshmi, the creator and executive producer of the new CBS series, "America's Culinary Cup," speaks to "CBS Mornings" about creating the cooking competition and how it's different from other shows.
Technology
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Technology
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."
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.
OpenAI changing Pentagon deal after backlash
Hours after the Trump administration ditched Anthropic over the dispute about AI use, OpenAI struck its own deal with the Pentagon. Now the details of that agreement appear to be changing after backlash. Katrina Manson, Bloomberg News reporter, has more.
Amazon says drones hit 3 of its Middle East data centers
Drones struck two facilities in the United Arab Emirates directly, and damaged a data center in Bahrain, Amazon said.
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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Crime
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.
Austin PD give update on probe of deadly mass shooting that killed 3
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis played surveillance video and police body cam video.
Suspect identified and in custody after 3 women's bodies found in Utah
A suspect is in custody and has been identified after authorities in Utah found three women's bodies in two locations.
Man accused of plot to assassinate Trump says Iran pressured him
A man accused of plotting to kill U.S. politicians said he was pressured by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to devise the murder-for-hire scheme.
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.
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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
What's next for Iran's leadership
It took less than a minute for Israeli bombs to kill Iran's supreme leader, along with more than 40 senior figures, but according to people directly involved in the planning, the attack was three years in the making. As Matt Gutman reports, the big question now is who will lead Iran next.
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.
Sen. Welch praises Trump's ouster of Noem
President Trump announced on Thursday that he will replace Kristi Noem with Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin as Homeland Security secretary. Democratic Sen. Peter Welch of Vermont joins "The Takeout" with his reaction.
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.
Dow Jones plummets amid Iran war concerns
The Dow Jones closed on Thursday down nearly 800 points as surging oil prices stoke investor fears about the economic impact of the war with Iran. CBS News' Kelly O'Grady has more on what was driving the market.