Full transcript of "Face the Nation" on November 29, 2020
On this "Face the Nation" broadcast, Dr. Deborah Birx and Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb sat down with Margaret Brennan
Deborah Birx
Transcript: Deborah Birx on "Face the Nation"
The following is a transcript of an interview with White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx that aired Sunday, November 29, 2020, on "Face the Nation."
Trump seeks recount in 2 Wisconsin counties
The Trump campaign is requesting a recount in two heavily Democratic counties in Wisconsin as the president continues to push unfounded claims of voter fraud. This comes after he fired his top election security official, Christopher Krebs. CBS News White House correspondents Weijia Jiang and Paula Reid have more on that plus a warning from the White House coronavirus task force.
State of White House COVID-19 task force
Sources tell CBS News President Trump has not attended a White House Coronavirus Task Force meeting in months. It comes as cases, hospitalizations, and deaths from the virus surge nationwide. CBS News White House correspondent Paula Reid joined "CBSN AM" with the latest.
Dr. Birx warns of "silent" coronavirus spread in the Northeast
There are ominous new signs the United States is on the verge of another strong wave of the coronavirus.
Experts fear another U.S. coronavirus wave
There are ominous new signs that the U.S. is on the verge of another strong wave of the coronavirus. On Friday, more than 57,000 new cases were reported, adding to the more than 7.6 million known infections across the country. Dr. Deborah Birx of the White House coronavirus task force has said the Northeast is showing signs of "asymptomatic silent spread," comparing it to the South after Memorial Day. Michael George reports on how one part of the Northeast, New York City, is handling the pandemic.
White House pressured CDC on reopening schools, officials say
White House officials pressured the CDC to downplay the coronavirus to encourage reopening schools, CBS News confirmed.
Trump differs from health experts on pandemic
President Trump is once again contradicting the White House's top health experts on coronavirus, saying the U.S. is doing "very well" even as the death toll continues to rise. CBS News White House correspondent Weijia Jiang joined CBSN with the latest on that plus efforts to negotiate another financial relief package.
Trump claims coronavirus is "receding"
A day after Coronavirus Task Force coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx said the coronavirus is now "extraordinarily widespread," President Trump contradicted her, claiming "evidence of progress." "Very encouraging," he said at a news conference Monday. "I have to add that the virus is receding." However, while some states are seeing a decrease in daily cases, in many others, the cases are surging. Watch his remarks here.
Trump admin's mixed messaging on coronavirus
President Trump attacked White House Coronavirus Task Force member Dr. Deborah Birx after she the country entered a new and "widespread" phase of the pandemic. Politico White House correspondent Anita Kubar joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" to that discuss that plus the Manhattan district attorney's investigation into the Trump Organization's finances and other political news.
Negotiations for coronavirus relief at a standstill
White House officials resumed talks with lawmakers for a coronavirus relief package Monday. Skyler Henry joined CBSN with the latest on negotiations and more out of the White House.
Dr. Birx says coronavirus is "extraordinarily widespread" in rural areas
"To everybody who lives in a rural area, you are not immune or protected from this virus," she said.
Top coronavirus task force officials to be deployed to hot spots
The administration is launching the "Embers Strategy" to respond to recent surges in coronavirus cases across the U.S.
Tennessee governor rejects COVID task force advice to close bars
Coronavirus task force leader Deborah Birx warned the state is at an "inflection point" and urged the governor to close bars and mandate face masks.
Trump continues push to reopen schools
President Trump is continuing his push to reopen schools this fall, even though many have not met safety guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control. CBS News' Natalie Brand joins CBSN's Lana Zak with the latest.
Birx wants to try new large-scale COVID testing techniques
The coordinator of the White House Coronavirus Task Force said officials want to work with mayors and governors in COVID hotspots to try techniques to "really test large populations at the community level."
Coronavirus task force's first briefing since April
The White House coronavirus task force held its first briefing in nearly two months, as the U.S. hit its highest daily record for new COVID-19 cases. CBS News chief congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes, CBSN political contributor and Associated Press White House reporter Zeke Miller, and Yahoo News national reporter and producer Marquise Francis join CBSN's Elaine Quijano to discuss.
White House task force warns protests may cause virus spike
Vice President Mike Pence and Dr. Deborah Birx, White House coronavirus response coordinator, spoke with governors Monday.
Big Memorial Day weekend crowds raising virus-linked concerns
Officials see and fear that many people aren't heeding social distancing and mask-wearing rules aimed at avoiding a COVID-19 resurgence.
Trump: States need to open houses of worship "right now"
President Trump is urging the nation's governors to open houses of worship this weekend. It comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is releasing new guidelines for communities of faith. Reuters White House correspondent Jeff Mason joins Lana Zak to discuss.
Health experts worry as Americans return to normal
CBS News' Chip Reid reports on the country's phased reopening during the COVID crisis.
Dr. Birx on risks of hydroxycholoquine
White House coronavirus coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx was asked Friday about results of a new study showing COVID-19 patients got no benefit and suffered some serious side effects from the malaria drug President Trump has pushed as a possible treatment. She noted that many of those patients had other health issues. Watch her remarks.
W.H. official on how long pandemic could last
As Congress works to pass a coronavirus stimulus package to follow the $100 billion emergency package President Trump has signed, the White House coronavirus task force works to contain the pandemic. Dr. Deborah Birx, the task force's response coordinator, joins "CBS This Morning" to talk about the federal response.
Anyone leaving N.Y. advised to self-quarantine
White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx says the coronavirus is so widespread in New York that anyone who leaves the area should self-quarantine for 14 days to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 to other communities. Watch her remarks.
Trump extends social distancing guidelines
President Trump announced Sunday the nationwide social distancing guidelines will remain in place until April 30, saying the "peak" of the coronavirus pandemic is expected in two weeks. Mr. Trump said he expected the country to be "well on its way to recovery" by June 1. Watch his remarks from the White House Rose Garden here.
First on CBS
Air Force officer prayed while "free-falling" after being shot down in Iran
Badly wounded and alone in Iran's desert, downed U.S. Air Force officer Dude 44 Bravo evaded capture for days as the Iranian forces and the U.S. military searched for him.
Live
Oil prices near 4-month high as Iran and Oman delay Strait of Hormuz talks
Iran and Oman delay a meeting to discuss control of the Strait of Hormuz as fighting between Iran's Houthi allies and Saudi Arabia raises the stakes for global energy markets.
First on CBS
Pardon brokers offer to "put pressure on the president" — at sky-high costs
Hidden cameras captured lobbyists as they tried to woo a potential client interested in obtaining a pardon from President Trump.
Don Jr.'s wife says Russian oligarch hosted post-wedding festivities as a "gift"
Bettina Anderson, wife of Donald Trump Jr., said their "dear friend" Umar Kremlev hosted two nights of festivities after their wedding in the Bahamas.
Investigation
Loopholes and shady practices taint U.S. surrogacy industry
Lured by promises of payment and a desire to help other families, surrogates discover they have few protections from practices that cast a "dark shadow" over the industry.
Vance says 870K people suspected of COVID-era US fraud barred from federal loans
A U.S. enforcement push, dubbed "Heartland fraud surge," probed losses involving the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei: "For too long the industry lied" about AI risks
The head of the artificial intelligence company calls the exponential rate of AI developments a "warning sign," with risks for humanity, and says, "We need to slow down." He talks with "Sunday Morning" about possible steps forward.
Trump dismisses push for AI guardrails despite warnings from tech leaders
President Trump threw cold water on momentum for AI guardrails, saying all the U.S. needs is a "SMART PRESIDENT."
Senate returns today for final legislative sprint ahead of midterms
The Senate is returning to Washington from a five-week recess, with several priorities to address before leaving town next month to take to the campaign trail.
U.S.
More U.S.
Ross Fire still burning, with over 90,000 acres scorched
The wildfire, which has torn through Palo Pinto and Jack counties, forced evacuations, closed roads and disrupted schools.
Vance says 870K people suspected of COVID-era US fraud barred from federal loans
A U.S. enforcement push, dubbed "Heartland fraud surge," probed losses involving the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
Don Jr.'s wife says Russian oligarch hosted post-wedding festivities as a "gift"
Bettina Anderson, wife of Donald Trump Jr., said their "dear friend" Umar Kremlev hosted two nights of festivities after their wedding in the Bahamas.
Tech stocks slump after AI execs call for industry slowdown
The Nasdaq slid 1% on Monday after AI company executives called for a slowdown in developing the technology.
Trump dismisses push for AI guardrails despite warnings from tech leaders
President Trump threw cold water on momentum for AI guardrails, saying all the U.S. needs is a "SMART PRESIDENT."
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Tech stocks slump after AI execs call for industry slowdown
The Nasdaq slid 1% on Monday after AI company executives called for a slowdown in developing the technology.
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei: "For too long the industry lied" about AI risks
The head of the artificial intelligence company calls the exponential rate of AI developments a "warning sign," with risks for humanity, and says, "We need to slow down." He talks with "Sunday Morning" about possible steps forward.
Trump admin. to send $500 checks to nearly 1 million ACA enrollees
Affordable Care Act recipients in 30 states are set to receive the $500 checks starting in October. Here's why.
See how your income tax bracket could change for 2027
The adjustment could provide financial relief for taxpayers who find that more of their income is taxed at lower rates, a Bloomberg analysis suggests.
How lower-paid workers are getting their biggest pay raise in years
Some workers are seeing stronger wage growth by switching jobs, while others are "job-hugging" because of AI, research shows.
Politics
More Politics
Vance says 870K people suspected of COVID-era US fraud barred from federal loans
A U.S. enforcement push, dubbed "Heartland fraud surge," probed losses involving the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
Don Jr.'s wife says Russian oligarch hosted post-wedding festivities as a "gift"
Bettina Anderson, wife of Donald Trump Jr., said their "dear friend" Umar Kremlev hosted two nights of festivities after their wedding in the Bahamas.
Trump dismisses push for AI guardrails despite warnings from tech leaders
President Trump threw cold water on momentum for AI guardrails, saying all the U.S. needs is a "SMART PRESIDENT."
As AI rhetoric heats up, Congress stalls on action
Some House Democrats are calling on Speaker Mike Johnson to delay the congressional recess expected at the end of the week until lawmakers pass AI safeguards.
Senate returns today for final legislative sprint ahead of midterms
The Senate is returning to Washington from a five-week recess, with several priorities to address before leaving town next month to take to the campaign trail.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Pennsylvania woman dies of measles complications, Jefferson County Coroner reports
A 40-year-old woman died on Saturday from complications associated with measles, the coroner reported.
Strange symptom and a "weird" referral led to surprise Stage 4 cancer diagnosis
Kate Ping thought she was just stressed out. A nurse practitioner's surprising recommendation led to a shocking diagnosis.
Trump admin. to send $500 checks to nearly 1 million ACA enrollees
Affordable Care Act recipients in 30 states are set to receive the $500 checks starting in October. Here's why.
Record-setting cyclospora outbreak is over, U.S. health officials say
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there is no longer a risk of people getting sick with cyclosporiasis from this outbreak and is confident that all related iceberg lettuce is off the market.
Coroner releases details on 2 infant deaths in Pennsylvania measles outbreak
Neither infant was old enough to be vaccinated. The first dose of the measles vaccine is typically given at around 1 year of age.
World
More World
After losing son, couple welcomes daughter born from embryo frozen for 22 years
The couple named their daughter Georgia in honor of their late son, Giorgos.
Iran's proxies using Yemen to compound war's impact on oil prices
An attack on a Saudi Arabian pipeline and a simmering war between the Saudis and Iran's Houthi allies in Yemen are pushing oil prices up.
Shark attacks, injures surfer at popular beach in Australia
Scientists believe increasingly crowded waters and rising ocean temperatures are shifting sharks' migratory patterns, which may be contributing to a rise in attacks.
Sweden faces political uncertainty as election deals far-right a blow
Sweden's left-wing opposition are holding a slim lead after an election that saw the far-right's share of the vote
Israeli official calls for revocation of "NAZA" filmmakers' citizenship
The documentary "NAZA" includes interviews with purported Israeli intelligence officers who claim the systematic use of AI-powered targeting systems in Gaza.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Céline Dion makes triumphant return
Céline Dion, who stepped back from performing in 2022 after announcing a rare autoimmune and neurological disorder, returned to the stage over the weekend for her long-awaited comeback tour. Adriana Diaz reports.
Celine Dion returns to the stage
Canadian superstar Celine Dion returned to the stage in Paris this weekend, for her first full concert in six years, and the first of 26 shows.
Diane von Furstenberg on life, love, and a wrap dress
One of the most important names in fashion for nearly 50 years, Diane von Furstenberg has long empowered women, with practical, feminine clothing, most famously embodied by her '70s wrap dress.
Extended interview: Diane von Furstenberg
In this web exclusive, fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg talks with correspondent Alina Cho about the origin and legacy of the wrap dress; aging; and the lessons she learned from her mother, a Holocaust survivor. She also discusses her annual DVF Awards (now in its 17th year), which celebrate women of accomplishment.
Diane von Furstenberg on life, love, and a wrap dress
Diane von Furstenberg has been one of the most important names in fashion for nearly 50 years, whose brand has long empowered women, with practical, feminine clothing (most famously embodied by her '70s wrap dress). In Venice, correspondent Alina Cho visits with von Furstenberg, who talks about her life's journey, which she calls a miracle thanks to a mother who survived the Holocaust.
Technology
More Technology
Tech stocks slump after AI execs call for industry slowdown
The Nasdaq slid 1% on Monday after AI company executives called for a slowdown in developing the technology.
Reaction to "sobering message" from CEOs on AI
Bill Cohen, author of "Money to Burn," reacts to new warnings from major tech CEOs about AI and calls to slow the pace of development. "I'd take this warning very seriously," he told CBS News 24/7.
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.
Trump dismisses push for AI guardrails despite warnings from tech leaders
President Trump threw cold water on momentum for AI guardrails, saying all the U.S. needs is a "SMART PRESIDENT."
Response to AI leaders' call for slowdown
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei warned that AI development is at a turning point and urged a slowdown, a call that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Elon Musk agreed on. President Trump, however, downplayed the AI leaders' warning. CBS News' Aaron Navarro and Taurean Small have more.
Science
More Science
Anthropic CEO says "exponential" growth of AI is a "warning sign"
Artificial intelligence technology is developing at an "exponential" rate, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News, calling the situation a "warning sign" for the industry that requires serious safeguards.
First-ever adult T. rex trackway found in North Dakota
Paleontologists have identified the first known trackway made by a full-grown Tyrannosaurus rex, and the discovery was made in the North Dakota badlands.
Ig Nobel prizes go to scientists studying cockroach milk, nose-blowing, more
Ten research teams were honored at a satirical science awards ceremony that was hosted outside the U.S. for the first time due to travel concerns. A study of cockroach milk was among the winners.
Vote on the fattest marmot now
Marmots, not bears, are the largest "true" hibernating mammal, UCLA marmot researchers Katie Adler and Emily Renkey say. The two share more fun facts about these cute creatures and explain how to vote for the fattest marmot.
NASA plans to launch new space telescope
NASA's new telescope could change the way we see space. With a wide-field camera that will reveal an area up to 200 times larger than the Hubble Space Telescope, and an orbit a million miles from Earth, the Nancy Grace Roman telescope is expected to find tens of thousands of unknown exoplanets.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
New details on Clancy holdout juror
The holdout juror in Lindsay Clancy's murder trial faced a domestic violence charge in 2021, but it was later dismissed, police records show. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Lindsay Clancy juror speaks out
Paula Devlin, a juror in the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, sat down with Shanelle Kaul to share her experience with the high-profile case and tense deliberations that ultimately ended in a mistrial.
Man arrested in death of Tasia Fortune, woman found hanging from tree
Mississippi police have arrested a man in the death of Tasia Fortune, a Black woman found hanging from a tree last month.
State of al‑Qaeda 25 years after 9/11 attacks
25 years after 9/11, we rarely hear about the state of the organization responsible for the attacks. The Atlantic recently put out a piece on al-Qaeda that says in part, "analysts can't decide if the terrorist organization is all but defunct or more threatening than ever." The article's author, Graeme Wood, joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
New terror threats against U.S. post 9/11
The FBI is warning of potential attacks on 9/11 remembrance ceremonies as terrorist groups call for new strikes on U.S. soil. Anna Schecter has more.
Space
More Space
NASA launches its Roman Space Telescope to explore the hidden universe
NASA's Roman Space Telescope launched shortly after daybreak from Kennedy Space Center and blazed toward an observation point 1 million miles away.
Roman Space Telescope promises 300-megapixel views of the cosmos
The $4.3 billion telescope is expected to discover tens of thousands of exoplanets while probing the nature of mysterious dark matter and energy.
First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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.
Dolly Parton: An extraordinary life in pictures
Dolly Parton, the country music legend who became a feminist icon, has died at the age of 80. Here is a look back at her life in pictures.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Saudi Arabia's critical pipeline remains shut
The East-West pipeline in Saudi Arabia remains shut after a drone attack last week, a major hit to the supply of oil flowing out of the country. Saudi Arabia blamed the attack on Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. Threadneedle founder Ann Berry joins to discuss.
Maine's head prison chief on second chances
This installment of "Beg-Knows America" features Randall Liberty, the commissioner of the Maine Department of Corrections, whose own family influenced his belief and efforts in providing inmates with education, employment, training and dignity.
Democrats have edge in fight for House
Both Republicans and Democrats see the midterms as being about President Trump. A new CBS News poll finds prices and inflation are driving voter sentiment in 2026 against the party in power, just as they did two years ago.
Record-setting start to NFL season
The Chicago Bears beat the Carolina Panthers 59-37, making it the highest-scoring Week 1 game in NFL history. Chris Branch, senior writer for The Athletic, breaks down the unbelievable game, and other highlights from the weekend.
Reaction to "sobering message" from CEOs on AI
Bill Cohen, author of "Money to Burn," reacts to new warnings from major tech CEOs about AI and calls to slow the pace of development. "I'd take this warning very seriously," he told CBS News 24/7.