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.
Supreme Court allows Trump to implement parts of order restricting mail voting
The Supreme Court divided 6-3 in granting the Trump administration's request for emergency relief.
Live
U.S. unveils new Iran sanctions after Trump threatened "economic D-Day"
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said new sanctions being imposed on Iran would amount to the "greatest financial offensive" ever.
Lindsay Clancy trial judge denies mistrial request, reprimands prosecution
Lindsay Clancy trial testimony ended abruptly Monday in Plymouth Superior Court when a witness began speaking about religion and the defense unsuccessfully called for a mistrial.
Trump announces 50% tariffs on Canadian automotive and steel imports
President Trump said tariffs on Canadian automotive and steel imports will rise to 50% on January 1, 2027, in a social media post.
Body of wife wanted in Worcester, Massachusetts, police officer's death found
Karen Solomon, wanted for questioning in the death of her Worcester, Massachusetts, police officer husband, has been found dead after a massive search.
Judge postpones U.S. trial for man accused in deadly 1988 Lockerbie bombing
A federal judge has postponed a trial in the U.S. for a Libyan man charged in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, citing the discovery of new evidence.
Former Stars and Stripes editor says firing was a "real shock"
Days after his sudden firing by the Pentagon, Erik Slavin, the former editor-in-chief of Stars and Stripes, told CBS News that "time will tell" whether the military newspaper will remain editorially independent.
Hawk Fire evacuations in Reno slightly eased as firefighters make gains
Shifting winds challenged firefighters battling the Hawk Fire in Reno, Nevada, that was keeping tens of thousands of people evacuated.
Iran-linked hackers took U.K. power plant offline for first time, reports say
The attack happened the same month Iranian-linked hackers are believed to have targeted the water systems of a dozen U.S. states.
U.S.
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Judge postpones U.S. trial for man accused in deadly 1988 Lockerbie bombing
A federal judge has postponed a trial in the U.S. for a Libyan man charged in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, citing the discovery of new evidence.
Supreme Court allows Trump to implement parts of order restricting mail voting
The Supreme Court divided 6-3 in granting the Trump administration's request for emergency relief.
8-year-old girl dies from brain-eating amoeba infection in Louisiana
Lillian Smart, 8, has died after being infected by an extremely rare brain-eating amoeba that is found in warm freshwater, her family said.
Why Trump's Canada tariffs are likely to have a modest impact on prices
Although some Canadian goods will get more expensive in the U.S., trade experts don't expect a broader inflation spike.
Gen Xers fret over Social Security. "I will likely be working in retirement."
Millions of Generation X Americans expect to depend on Social Security as their main — or only — source of retirement income.
MoneyWatch
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Why Trump's Canada tariffs are likely to have a modest impact on prices
Although some Canadian goods will get more expensive in the U.S., trade experts don't expect a broader inflation spike.
Gen Xers fret over Social Security. "I will likely be working in retirement."
Millions of Generation X Americans expect to depend on Social Security as their main — or only — source of retirement income.
Redfin and Zillow must change agreement that hurts competition, FTC says
Federal regulators alleged that a $100 million deal between Redfin and Zillow stifled competition for apartment listings.
Trump announces 50% tariffs on Canadian automotive and steel imports
President Trump said tariffs on Canadian automotive and steel imports will rise to 50% on Jan. 1, 2027, in a social media post.
Canada says it will begin retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods after Labor Day
The U.S. and Canada have wrangled for decades over trade, and somehow, they still managed to remain friends, allies and trading partners.
Politics
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Former Stars and Stripes editor says firing was a "real shock"
Days after his sudden firing by the Pentagon, Erik Slavin, the former editor-in-chief of Stars and Stripes, told CBS News that "time will tell" whether the military newspaper will remain editorially independent.
Mike Lindell withholds payment for recount request in Minnesota GOP governor primary
Mike Lindell is withholding the payment required for a recount and audit of ballots cast in the Republican primary for Minnesota governor, claiming that the Secretary of State's office has proposed an unlawful recount process, according to a statement released by his campaign Monday.
Supreme Court allows Trump to implement parts of order restricting mail voting
The Supreme Court divided 6-3 in granting the Trump administration's request for emergency relief.
Why Trump's Canada tariffs are likely to have a modest impact on prices
Although some Canadian goods will get more expensive in the U.S., trade experts don't expect a broader inflation spike.
Stars and Stripes reporter says independence "has to be instituted in practice"
Lara Korte, a Stars and Stripes reporter who was dismissed last week, told CBS News on Monday that the paper's editorial independence remains paramount.
HealthWatch
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8-year-old girl dies from brain-eating amoeba infection in Louisiana
Lillian Smart, 8, has died after being infected by an extremely rare brain-eating amoeba that is found in warm freshwater, her family said.
Trump puts autistic kids in the spotlight and cuts agencies built to protect them
Researchers and disability rights advocates warn that the dismantling of the Education Department and its erosions of civil rights oversight risk widening the disparities autistic children face.
The explosion of ticks and Alpha-gal syndrome
This year, ER visits for tick bites have increased dramatically, corresponding with a new threat: a rise in Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), where one bite from a lone star tick can make you violently allergic to red meat. How can you best avoid tick bites?
The explosion of ticks and Alpha-gal syndrome
This year, emergency room visits for tick bites have increased dramatically, corresponding with a new threat: a rise in Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), where one bite from a lone star tick can make you violently allergic to red meat. Correspondent David Pogue looks at how residents of Martha Vineyard are addressing an epidemic of Alpha-gal, and talks with experts about how best to avoid tick bites.
8/23: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Steve Hartman. Featured: The explosion of tick bites and Alpha-gal syndrome; singer Kenny Chesney; botanist and bestselling author Robin Wall Kimmerer; origami artist Robert Lang; one artist's very quirky home; an iconic photo of Harlem jazz legends; and a retirement home for musicians in Milan.
World
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Judge postpones U.S. trial for man accused in deadly 1988 Lockerbie bombing
A federal judge has postponed a trial in the U.S. for a Libyan man charged in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, citing the discovery of new evidence.
Iran-linked hackers took U.K. power plant offline for first time, reports say
The attack happened the same month Iranian-linked hackers are believed to have targeted the water systems of a dozen U.S. states.
A massive data center hub is likely heating up a town outside London
Researchers say residents of Slough, just outside London, are likely very literally feeling the heat from a massive cluster of data centers in their town.
Bessent announces campaign to create "economic onslaught" against Iran and its partners
The Trump administration is trying to pull all economic levers at its disposal to cripple Tehran.
How long before China is ready to deploy humanoid robot soldiers?
A Chinese robotics developer tells CBS News humanoids won't turn against humans as they're just machines: "It all depends on who controls them."
Entertainment
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Entertainment
"Cooking with Levi" family on new cookbook
Levi Zhang and his parents share some recipes from their new cookbook and talk about how their viral videos started.
Bunny Levine, "Gilmore Girls" and "La La Land" actress, dies at 97
Bunny Levine worked as a school librarian for 25 years before pursuing her passion for acting and performing.
Robin Wall Kimmerer on the wonders of nature
Botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer, a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, is author of the New York Times bestsellers "Braiding Sweetgrass" and "The Serviceberry" – books that advocate for living and working in collaboration with the Earth. She talks with correspondent Martha Teichner about the importance of respecting both Western scientific knowledge and Indigenous knowledge, planting trees, and sharing the gifts of nature.
The real no-shoes Kenny Chesney
In his recent memoir, "Heart Life Music," Kenny Chesney describes his life's journey, from Knoxville, Tenn., to No Shoes Nation and beyond. Chesney sits down with Lee Cowan in the Florida Keys, where the country superstar is just another laid-back local, to talk about family, touring, and how he recovered from a 2009 concert which he describes as "hitting a wall." [Originally broadcast Oct. 26, 2025.]
Milan's Casa Verdi, a rest home for musicians living in harmony
Opera great Giuseppe Verdi, one of history's most successful composers, used his fortune to create a retirement home for professional musicians "not favored by fortune." Residents of Casa Verdi in Milan not only share their lifetimes of artistry, they also provide master classes to young musicians. Chris Livesay reports.
Technology
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Technology
How the Robot Games are going in Beijing
The World Humanoid Robot Games are underway in Beijing, China, in a stadium repurposed from the 2022 Winter Olympics. Many of the machines on display can now outrun and out-jump even the best real-life Olympians. Anna Coren has the story.
Women left behind in AI job boom: LinkedIn
While hiring for AI companies is booming, women are getting left behind, according to new research from LinkedIn. It found that female candidates accounted for 26% of hires for jobs requiring AI skills in the U.S., compared to 50% of women hired into non-AI positions. Sarah Steinberg, the head of global public policy partnerships at LinkedIn, joins CBS News to discuss.
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.
A massive data center hub is likely heating up a town outside London
Researchers say residents of Slough, just outside London, are likely very literally feeling the heat from a massive cluster of data centers in their town.
How long before China is ready to deploy humanoid robot soldiers?
A Chinese robotics developer tells CBS News humanoids won't turn against humans as they're just machines: "It all depends on who controls them."
Science
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Invasive Joro spiders are "slowly spreading." Here's what to do if you see one.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park told visitors Tuesday that invasive Joro spiders "may be hanging in a web near you."
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Crime
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Crime
49ers owner arrested in police setup
The owner of the San Francisco 49ers was arrested this weekend at a trailer park, allegedly there to pay $140 for sex in what turned out to be a police setup. Carter Evans reports.
3 people emerge from NYC manhole
Video captured three people wearing headlamps and rubber overalls emerging from a manhole in New York City last week during the overnight hours. This is at least the third such sighting, and police cannot fully explain it. Tom Hanson has more details.
Lindsay Clancy defense calls for mistrial
Closing arguments are expected this week in the murder case of Lindsay Clancy. The defense called for a mistrial on Monday after a prosecution witness brought up Clancy's Catholic faith and the concept of mortal sin. Shanelle Kaul has more details from the courthouse.
Judge denies mistrial request in Clancy trial
Lindsay Clancy's defense team asked for a mistrial Monday after a witness began speaking about Catholic religion. The judge in the case denied the request. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Clancy judge: Jurors must ignore religion remarks
Defense attorneys for Lindsay Clancy, the Massachusetts mother who admitted to killing her children, called for a mistrial on Monday, citing a witness who used the phrase "moral sin." The judge denied the request. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul reports.
Space
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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.
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
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.
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.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Details on Enes Kanter Freedom WNBA ejection
Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom was kicked out of Sunday night's WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky after getting into a heated argument with Natasha Cloud during the third quarter. Freedom has been a vocal opponent to transgender athletes in women's sports and declared himself eligible for the 2027 WNBA draft in an effort to challenge the league's policy regarding gender. Brian Hamilton, senior writer at the Athletic, joins CBS News to discuss.
Doctor fact-checks Dr. Oz's comments
CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Céline Gounder breaks down some of the claims made Sunday on "Face the Nation" by Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, about vaccines and drug prices.
Trump announces new Canadian tariffs for 2027
President Trump announced Monday a new 50% tariff on all Canadian automotive and steel imports, beginning Jan. 1, 2027. Dan Kelly, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, joins CBS News to discuss.
Inside the U.S. "functional unemployment" rate
Nearly 25% of U.S. workers are "functionally unemployed," a new analysis finds. CBS News MoneyWatch reporter Megan Cerullo has more.
How the Robot Games are going in Beijing
The World Humanoid Robot Games are underway in Beijing, China, in a stadium repurposed from the 2022 Winter Olympics. Many of the machines on display can now outrun and out-jump even the best real-life Olympians. Anna Coren has the story.