FEMA CFO fired over payments to NYC for migrants says she had DOGE sign-off
"They told me to do these actions, to make these payments, and then they fired me," said Mary Comans, who was FEMA's chief financial officer.
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"They told me to do these actions, to make these payments, and then they fired me," said Mary Comans, who was FEMA's chief financial officer.
Former FEMA CFO Mary Comans, who was fired in February by the Trump administration for sending payments to New York City to cover hotels for migrants, says she was following DOGE's directions. Comans speaks out for the first time since her firing in an exclusive interview with "CBS Evening News" co-anchor Maurice DuBois.
Job cuts spiked in February, marking their highest point since July 2020, due to firings of government workers directed by DOGE.
Layoffs spiked in February, led by the Department of Government Efficiency cuts. Employers cut about 172,000 jobs last month, according to the firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas. That's the highest number of layoffs per month since the height of the pandemic in July 2020. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady breaks it down.
Hundreds of staffers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, have found themselves the target of the Trump administration's efforts to cut back the federal workforce. The move has many in storm-prone regions, like Louisiana, concerned. Rick Spinrad, who served as the administrator for NOAA during the Biden administration, joins "America Decides" to discuss.
Sen. Adam Schiff (D-California) spoke with CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion about efforts to fund the government, President Trump's actions in the first weeks of his second term and more.
President Trump made claims during his address to Congress about apparent fraud in the Social Security system. Mr. Trump also touted the work by the Department of Government Efficiency, which is connected to Elon Musk's role advising the president. CBS News Confirmed's Rhona Tarrant fact checks the claims.
The White House's Department of Government Efficiency laid off about 1,000 National Park Service workers last month as part of its wave of federal mass firings.
Stacy Ramsey worked in Arkansas' Ozark National Forest as the only permanent river ranger, saving dozens of hikers and boaters on search and rescue missions. This month, she was let go as part of the Trump administration's federal mass firings, leaving her without health insurance. Karen Hua reports.
Several Democratic lawmakers are bringing fired federal workers to tonight's address to protest President Trump's so-called "war on waste." Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona is one of those lawmakers. He joins CBS News to discuss why.
"This will no doubt result in preventable death, destabilization, and threats to national security on a massive scale," Nick Enrich wrote in the memo.
The Trump administration's latest wave of cuts to the federal government hit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration last week. Alan Sealls, president-elect of the American Meteorological Society, joins CBS News to discuss what the cuts could mean for the future of weather forecasting and how everyday Americans might feel the impacts.
A new CBS News poll shows an overwhelming amount of Americans think President Trump is making major changes to the government for better or for worse. CBS News executive director of elections and surveys Anthony Salvanto unpacks the numbers.
One of the first federal agencies affected by the Trump administration's efforts to downsize the federal workforce was the U.S. Agency for International Development, which oversees aid programs worldwide. Dan McDonald, who has spent most of his career at USAID's Middle East bureau, was put on leave in February and expects to be fired on April 24. McDonald joins CBS News to discuss his experience.
Several former federal workers fired as a result of the Trump administration's widespread DOGE cuts are expected to attend the president's congressional address Tuesday night at the invitation of Democrats. New reporting from the American Communities Project looks into just how far-reaching these mass layoffs are. The Project's director and founder Dante Chinni joins "America Decides" to unpack the findings.
According to new CBS News polling, most Americans believe President Trump is transforming the federal government, but they are divided on whether that's a good thing. CBS News executive director of elections and surveys Anthony Salvanto unpacks the findings.
President Trump has promised that Elon Musk will not participate in conflicts of interest. Nevertheless, Democratic lawmakers are expressing concerns over Musk's Starlink and efforts underway that might allow it to take over a $2.4 billion contract between the FAA and Verizon. Politico aviation reporter Oriana Pawlyk joins "America Decides" to discuss.
The firings were part of the sweeping cuts spurred by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.
The Office of Personnel Management sent out a new email over the weekend that once again asked federal workers to send five bullet points on what they did last week. CBS News White House reporter Aaron Navarro has more.
The GSA's tech unit, known as the 18F office, employed a team of researchers, website designers and product managers.
A second email asking government workers to detail what they did in the last week went out to some agencies on Saturday.
A new report from Wired says that the Department of Government Efficiency's takeover of the federal bureaucracy is "worse than you think." Brian Barrett, the article's author and executive editor of news at Wired, joins "America Decides" to explain.
There are similarities between ongoing federal "buyout" offers and how Elon Musk handled his acquisition of Twitter. Federal workers received the Trump administration's deferred resignation offer in an email entitled "fork in the road," the same subject line as a 2022 message Musk sent to Twitter employees. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe reports.
Democratic leaders are sharing their concerns about the House Republicans' budget resolution. Rep. Suzan DelBene of Washington, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, joins "America Decides" to discuss.
There are concerns over Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) firings at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This comes as details emerge about another potential email asking for federal employees to provide details about their work week. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi reports.
The war, which shows no signs of ending soon, has upended global air travel, disrupted oil exports from the region and sent fuel prices rising across the world.
U.S. intelligence has circulated to President Trump's inner circle that Iran's late supreme leader had misgivings about his son replacing him, viewing Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as not very bright.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that "we don't see any reason why we should talk with Americans" as President Trump has claimed Iran is seeking a deal to end the war between the U.S. and Iran.
In an exclusive interview with CBS News Saturday, Federal Communications Chair Brendan Carr doubled down on his warning that broadcast licenses could be revoked amid President Trump's criticisms of media coverage of the war in Iran.
Kharg Island is a small, heavily fortified, and strategically valuable island off Iran's northern coast.
The Trump administration has proposed the construction of an underground facility to screen visitors to the White House.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he is ready for the next trilateral peace talks with the U.S. and Russia, but the meeting depends on Washington and Moscow.
More than 150 passengers and crew members on a Princess cruise ship fell ill last week due to an outbreak of norovirus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
TSA officers faced their first full missed paycheck Friday.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that "we don't see any reason why we should talk with Americans" as President Trump has claimed Iran is seeking a deal to end the war between the U.S. and Iran.
More than 150 passengers and crew members on a Princess cruise ship fell ill last week due to an outbreak of norovirus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
Jocelyn Peters, a beloved third grade teacher in St. Louis, Missouri, was shot to death in her sleep. The crime scene held an unusual clue – something one detective says he had never seen before.
Within days of their firings, two former federal workers launched a support group for fellow colleagues in the same situation. What started out as 20 people has grown to almost 5,000 members nationwide.
Six U.S. service members who were killed in a military refueling aircraft crash over Iraq last week have been identified as members of the Ohio Air National Guard and Florida-based crew members.
With oil markets paralyzed by the U.S.-Iran war, the Trump administration says it could escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz — a massive undertaking that experts say could already be in the preparatory stages.
U.S. gas prices are surging as the Iran war drives up the global cost of oil. But what exactly accounts for what you pay at the pump?
Planning a trip? Travel experts recommend booking your flight soon as the Iran war drives up airline and ticket costs.
Two Democratic lawmakers are proposing tax reforms that would eliminate federal income taxes for millions of Americans.
Parts defect affecting Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles can increase the risk of injury, according to a safety notice. Here's what to know.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that "we don't see any reason why we should talk with Americans" as President Trump has claimed Iran is seeking a deal to end the war between the U.S. and Iran.
The following is the transcript of the interview with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on March 15, 2026.
U.S. intelligence has circulated to President Trump's inner circle that Iran's late supreme leader had misgivings about his son replacing him, viewing Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as not very bright.
Within days of their firings, two former federal workers launched a support group for fellow colleagues in the same situation. What started out as 20 people has grown to almost 5,000 members nationwide.
In an exclusive interview with CBS News Saturday, Federal Communications Chair Brendan Carr doubled down on his warning that broadcast licenses could be revoked amid President Trump's criticisms of media coverage of the war in Iran.
Spencer Laird was diagnosed with colon cancer at 26. At 30, he was told it had returned and spread to his lungs, with one tumor the size of a golf ball.
The Trump administration's Medicare boss reacts to CBS News investigation into California's hospice fraud problems.
Even people with six-figure incomes are making financial sacrifices to pay for medical care, a new study finds.
Crystalline silica, which is released into the air when workers cut and polish engineered stone for kitchen countertops, can scar human lungs beyond repair.
Last summer, the Trump administration announced a voluntary pledge by health insurers to reform prior authorization, but patient advocates and medical providers remain skeptical.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that "we don't see any reason why we should talk with Americans" as President Trump has claimed Iran is seeking a deal to end the war between the U.S. and Iran.
The following is the transcript of the interview with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on March 15, 2026.
When the Kremlin's propaganda machine framed the invasion of Ukraine as a heroic calling, drilling the message into schoolchildren, one brave teacher turned his camera onto that indoctrination. The result: a remarkable Oscar-nominated documentary.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he is ready for the next trilateral peace talks with the U.S. and Russia, but the meeting depends on Washington and Moscow.
U.S. intelligence has circulated to President Trump's inner circle that Iran's late supreme leader had misgivings about his son replacing him, viewing Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as not very bright.
The acclaimed filmmaker, who died in February at age 96, revolutionized the art of documentaries with such films as "Titicut Follies." In an interview recorded last year, the pioneering Wiseman talked about his unusual production methods aimed at capturing life.
Acclaimed filmmaker Frederick Wiseman, who died in February at age 96, revolutionized the art of documentaries with such films as "Titicut Follies," "High School," and "Hospital." In an interview with "Sunday Morning" recorded last year, the pioneering Wiseman talked with David Pogue about his unusual production methods aimed at capturing life, in films as funny, sad, and tragic as any fiction film.
The Irish actor, an Oscar-winner for "Oppenheimer," is back in a new film, "Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man," a follow-up to his hit TV series about a charismatic gangster who rules post-World War I Birmingham, England.
In this web exclusive, Academy Award-winning actor Cillian Murphy talks with Seth Doane about returning as gangster Tommy Shelby in a new film, "Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man," a follow-up to the cult TV series. He also talks about how London was a formative city for him; the search for good writing; and "messing around" with music.
Cillian Murphy, an Oscar-winner for "Oppenheimer," is back in a new film, "Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man," a follow-up to his hit TV series about a charismatic gangster who rules post-World War I Birmingham, England. The Irish actor talks with Seth Doane about the appeal of portraying complicated or tormented characters; taking his work "deadly seriously"; and trying to have a nose for great writing.
A community in Alabama is pushing back against a solar farm that would power an artificial intelligence data center in the state. CBS News reporter Kati Weis has more.
Jury deliberations are underway in a landmark social media trial about addiction claims. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans has the details.
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.
For one week, three New Jersey high schoolers agreed not to take their phones to bed, and to try different tools to reduce screen time.
The Trump administration has blacklisted AI giant Anthropic, labeling it a supply chain risk. The company has sued in response. New York Times tech reporter Sheera Frenkel joins CBS News to break down the feud.
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 Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
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.
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.
Jocelyn Peters, a beloved third grade teacher in St. Louis, Missouri, was shot to death in her sleep. The crime scene held an unusual clue – something one detective says he had never seen before.
Suspect Christian Barrios, 32, shot two people multiple times Friday night, St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick said.
Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty for Tyler Robinson, 22, who is charged with aggravated murder in the Sept. 10 shooting of Charlie Kirk.
The suspect in the Michigan synagogue attack died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the FBI said at a news conference on Friday. CBS News correspondent Ash-har Quraishi has the latest.
Officials in Michigan gave an update about Thursday's synagogue car ramming attack that the FBI is investigating as a "targeted act of violence against the Jewish community." CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd has more.
Bill Nye the Science Guy sits down with CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett to talk about his life and career.
NASA's huge Space Launch System rocket has been repaired and is ready for rollout back to the launch pad next week.
Nearly 14 years after it was launched in 2012, NASA says a 1,300-pound satellite is expected to come crashing back to Earth on Wednesday. Most of it will burn up as it reenters the atmosphere, but NASA warns some debris could survive reentry.
The Van Allen probe's mission was meant to last two years, but ended up going for nearly seven.
NASA has announced a major overhaul of its Artemis moon program amid ongoing safety concerns. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more details.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
This week on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," amid new strikes from Israel and Iran in the Middle East, Margaret Brennan speaks to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Trump economic adviser Kevin Hassett. Plus, Rep. Dan Crenshaw and Sen. Mark Warner join.
Watch Margaret Brennan's full interview with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, a portion of which aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on March 15, 2026.
One day after President Trump said the U.S. is not ready to make a deal with Iran because "the terms aren't good enough yet," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that "we don't see any reason why we should talk with Americans."
The U.S. military has identified the six service members who were killed in Thursday's plane crash in western Iraq, while thousands more U.S. sailors and a 2,500-strong Marine unit are headed to the Middle East. Charlie D'Agata reports.
We leave you this Oscar Sunday at one of nature's greatest movie sets: an icy Niagara falls. Videographer: Carl Mrozek.