Trump says the federal workforce is too big. Here's what to know.
The federal government is the nation's largest employer, yet the size of its workforce hasn't kept up with U.S. population growth, experts say.
Donald Trump
McConnell only Republican to oppose RFK Jr.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was officially confirmed as secretary of Health and Human Services Thursday with Sen. Mitch McConnell being the only Republican to vote against his confirmation. Meanwhile, former WWE CEO Linda McMahon took questions from the Senate Thursday in her bid to lead the Department of Education. CBS News political correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns has more.
Issa Rae cancels sold-out event at Kennedy Center after Trump takeover
Television producer Shonda Rhimes and singer-songwriter Ben Folds have also cut ties with the Kennedy Center after President Trump's takeover of the venue.
Minn. AG among those challenging Musk, DOGE's authority in latest lawsuit
Attorneys general from 14 states are challenging the authority of Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency.
Trump on peace negotiations: "Maybe Russia will give up a lot. Maybe they won't."
President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi fielded questions on Mr. Trump's deportation program, tariffs and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Ukraine fears being left out of Trump-Putin talks
President Trump is pressing ahead with his plan for trying to end the nearly 3-year-old war in Ukraine. At the White House, Mr. Trump said U.S. and Russian officials will be meeting in Munich, and Ukraine is invited to join them. But a spokesperson for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine does not expect to hold any talks with Russia right now. Imtiaz Tyab reports, followed by Robert Costa with analysis.
Where European allies stand on Trump-Putin talks
Leaders from America's European allies meeting in Munich are trying to catch up to developments coming out of Washington ever since President Trump announced he is in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on ending the war in Ukraine. Samantha Vinograd joins to discuss.
U.S. aid freeze could worsen Ebola outbreak
The Trump administration's foreign aid freeze is happening as a deadly Ebola outbreak spreads in Uganda. Some U.S. health officials are concerned that the situation will only worsen with USAID in limbo. Dr. Craig Spencer, emergency medicine physician and associate professor at Brown University School of Public Health, joins "America Decides" to explain.
Why Trump wants to impose reciprocal tariffs
President Trump announced a plan for reciprocal tariffs on U.S. trading partners, marking another step in his challenge to the economic consensus that tariffs increase consumer prices. The announcement comes one day after new inflation data showed persistent price increases across the economy. Weijia Jiang has details.
The state of a peace plan in Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he will not accept any peace deal with Russia unless his country is directly involved in negotiations. President Trump said Ukraine would have a seat at the table. CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson has more.
Rafters with opposing views reunite post-election
During the presidential campaign, we introduced you to a couple of political opposites. They went on a rafting trip together to see if they had more in common than they might have imagined. Now, with the election over and a new president in office, Major Garrett decided to check back with them.
Moms in support of "Make America Healthy Again"
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was sworn in Thursday as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, has pledged to address America's chronic diseases, poor diets and environmental toxins -- a message that's appealing to moms across the political spectrum. Elaine Quijano reports.
Trump introduces reciprocal tariffs plan
President Trump has ramped up his global trade war, introducing a plan to increase tariffs on foreign goods to match the tax rates that other countries put on American goods. Kelly O'Grady visited a manufacturer in the Pittsburgh area to see the impact of the president's plan.
Why McConnell is against some Trump nominees
Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was the lone Republican no vote against Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence Wednesday and Thursday for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for secretary of Health and Human Services. Despite this, the Republican Party has largely remained united in confirming President Trump's Cabinet nominations. Political strategists Liza Acevedo and Kevin Sheridan join "America Decides" with analysis.
RFK Jr. got confirmed after controversy
The Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services on Thursday. He faced questions over his past remarks on the efficacy of vaccines during his confirmation hearings, but it did not stop him from becoming one of the top public health officials. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion reports.
What does Trump want from tariff threats?
President Trump signed a memo on Thursday setting up reciprocal tariffs against any country that applies higher tariffs on American products. Those potential tariffs could impact countries like India. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady has more on the tariffs.
Attorney resigns over order to end Adams case
Danielle Sassoon, the acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, resigned after being directed to drop the case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. In a new letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, she called the order "baffling." CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane reports.
U.S. deporting African, Asian migrants to Panama
The U.S. is deporting unauthorized migrants from Africa and Asia to Panama, a major diplomatic breakthrough for the Trump administration's mass deportation efforts.
Hegseth clarifies remarks on Ukraine's future
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday clarified comments he made that it is unrealistic for Ukraine to have pre-2014 borders and become a member of NATO. Sabrina Singh, who served as deputy Pentagon press secretary during the Biden administration, joins "America Decides" with her reaction.
Reaction to top prosecutor resignations
Manhattan's top career federal prosecutor resigned on Thursday, just days after a Justice Department official ordered her office to dismiss corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, sources say. Former U.S. Deputy Assistant Attorney General Thomas Dupree joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Adams meets with Trump border czar, agrees to let ICE onto Rikers Island
After meeting with the White House border czar on Thursday, Mayor Eric Adams says he agreed to allow ICE agents onto Rikers Island to find violent criminals.
Top NYC prosecutors resign
CBS News obtained the resignation letter of the former Manhattan prosecutor who stepped down from her role on Wednesday following a directive from the Justice Department to drop the criminal case against Mayor Eric Adams. CBS News Justice Department correspondent Scott MacFarlane has the details.
Trump, India's Modi take questions
President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a joint press conference on Thursday at the White House. They took questions from reporters about tariffs, immigration and military cooperation. CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett reports.
How Trump is reshaping the Kennedy Center, moving away from "woke culture"
President Trump is changing the composition of the Kennedy Center's board — and wants to change the types of performances the center shows.
Details on U.S. reciprocal tariffs plan, more
A new Trump executive order has the commerce secretary going country by country to determine the need for "fair and reciprocal" trade tariffs, the Senate confirmed RFK Jr. as health secretary and Pete Hegseth clarified comments about the future of Ukraine. CBS News' Aaron Navarro and Major Garrett join with the latest.
Trump touts first-year accomplishments in lengthy White House briefing
President Trump spoke in the White House briefing room, marking the first year of his second term before departing for a high-pressure trip to Europe.
DOJ subpoenas Walz, Frey, others in probe alleging immigration obstruction
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and others were subpoenaed in connection with a DOJ probe into an alleged conspiracy to impede federal immigration officers, three sources said.
Exclusive
"Mastermind" of Minnesota's biggest fraud scheme speaks out
In an exclusive interview from her jail cell, Aimee Bock defended her conduct in Minnesota's Feeding Our Future fraud case, but admitted regrets.
Air Force One headed to Davos turns around after "minor electrical issue," Leavitt says
A minor electrical issue forced Air Force One to turn around and return to the U.S. less than an hour after takeoff as it was headed for Switzerland with President Trump aboard, White House officials said.
Halligan exits DOJ after judge bars her continued use of U.S. attorney title
Lindsey Halligan has departed the Justice Department after a federal judge Tuesday barred her from referring to herself as a U.S. attorney in court filings.
Commuter train in Spain hits collapsed wall, killing at least 1 person
A commuter train hit a collapsed retaining wall near Barcelona on Tuesday, killing one person and injuring at least 15 people, according to officials.
U.S. seizes a seventh Venezuelan-linked oil tanker in Caribbean
The U.S. has seized seven Venezuelan-linked oil tankers since Dec. 10, 2025.
Danish pension fund says it's selling all its U.S. Treasuries
The chief investment officer of AkademikerPension said the decision was not directly related to the rift between the U.S. and Greenland.
Second lady Usha Vance announces she is pregnant with fourth child
Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance announced they are expecting their fourth child.
U.S.
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Air Force One headed to Davos turns around after "minor electrical issue," Leavitt says
A minor electrical issue forced Air Force One to turn around and return to the U.S. less than an hour after takeoff as it was headed for Switzerland with President Trump aboard, White House officials said.
Former sports reporter Michele Tafoya files to run for U.S. Senate in Minnesota
Michele Tafoya is seeking the open seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Tina Smith.
How parents are finding community support in delaying smartphones
As parents grapple with their children's technology use, new guidance goes beyond individual behavior to approach the digital ecosystem.
Timothy Busfield ordered released from jail pending trial in child sex abuse
A judge has ordered that actor Timothy Busfield be released from jail during a detention hearing on child sex abuse charges.
Carlos Beltrán, Andruw Jones elected to National Baseball Hall of Fame
Carlos Beltrán was a nine-time All-Star during his 20-year MLB career. Andruw Jones was a five-time All-Star and won 10 Gold Gloves.
MoneyWatch
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Lululemon pulls "Get Low" leggings from website amid sheer fabric complaints
The company said its "Get Low" collection is temporarily unavailable for sale online, but remains in stock in stores while it reviews customer feedback.
Danish pension fund says it's selling all its U.S. Treasuries
The chief investment officer of AkademikerPension said the decision was not directly related to the rift between the U.S. and Greenland.
Trump's 10% credit card cap deadline is here. Will card companies comply?
President Trump called for a one-year 10% cap on credit card rates starting Jan. 20. Here's what credit card companies are doing.
A new buy now, pay later option from Affirm will help tenants cover rent
A new BNPL pilot from financial technology company Affirm will give renters the option to break up their rent into two equal payments.
Netflix revises its offer for Warner Bros. Discovery, making it all cash
The streaming service is sweetening its offer amid Paramount Skydance's hostile takeover bid for the Hollywood studio.
Politics
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Air Force One headed to Davos turns around after "minor electrical issue," Leavitt says
A minor electrical issue forced Air Force One to turn around and return to the U.S. less than an hour after takeoff as it was headed for Switzerland with President Trump aboard, White House officials said.
Former sports reporter Michele Tafoya files to run for U.S. Senate in Minnesota
Michele Tafoya is seeking the open seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Tina Smith.
U.S. seizes a seventh Venezuelan-linked oil tanker in Caribbean
The U.S. has seized seven Venezuelan-linked oil tankers since Dec. 10, 2025.
Concerns mount over Iranian-American journalist wrongfully detained in Iran
Lawyers for Reza Valizadeh, a U.S. citizen arrested in 2024 by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, filed a petition Tuesday with the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
Supreme Court to weigh Trump's bid to oust Lisa Cook from Fed board
President Trump moved to fire Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in August.
HealthWatch
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Measles cases surge in South Carolina as U.S. risks elimination status
An infectious disease physician and former CDC official said he does not "have faith" that the U.S. is "handling measles very well."
Tylenol not linked to autism, new study shows
A review of studies published in The Lancet found no link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, contradicting the Trump administration's recent claims.
Woman gets her life back after rare transplant: "Prepared for the worst"
Lacy Cornelius Boyd needed IV nutrition and an ileostomy bag after a devastating car crash. A rare transplant was her only option.
Study finds no link between Tylenol and autism
A new analysis of dozens of peer-reviewed medical studies found no link between the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and diagnoses of autism, ADHD or intellectual disabilities in children.
New study: Tylenol in pregnancy is not linked to autism or ADHD
"It's as definitive as we're going to get," CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said of the new research, which found no connection between Tylenol and autism or ADHD.
World
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U.S. seizes a seventh Venezuelan-linked oil tanker in Caribbean
The U.S. has seized seven Venezuelan-linked oil tankers since Dec. 10, 2025.
Commuter train in Spain hits collapsed wall, killing at least 1 person
A commuter train hit a collapsed retaining wall near Barcelona on Tuesday, killing one person and injuring at least 15 people, according to officials.
Concerns mount over Iranian-American journalist wrongfully detained in Iran
Lawyers for Reza Valizadeh, a U.S. citizen arrested in 2024 by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, filed a petition Tuesday with the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
China "super embassy" greenlit in London despite concerns
Despite fears of Chinese spying and hacking, the British government gave the go-ahead for China to build a massive new embassy in the heart of London.
Mexico sends 37 cartel members to U.S. amid pressure from Trump administration
Mexican Security Minister Omar García Harfuch wrote in a social media post on X that the people transferred were "high impact criminals."
Entertainment
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Timothy Busfield ordered released from jail pending trial in child sex abuse
A judge has ordered that actor Timothy Busfield be released from jail during a detention hearing on child sex abuse charges.
"Queer Eye" star Karamo Brown on why he skipped cast interview on "CBS Mornings"
An assistant for "Queer Eye" star Karamo Brown told "CBS Mornings" he would not be joining Tuesday's interview with the cast ahead of the release of the series' 10th and final season.
Bert Kreischer talks new comedy series
Actor and comedian Bert Kreischer stars in the new comedy series "Free Bert," where he plays a fictional version of himself. He speaks to "CBS Mornings" about the series, which was inspired by his own family, and why the show almost didn't happen.
"Queer Eye" cast reflects on show
The cast of the series "Queer Eye" talks to "CBS Mornings" about a member of the show's absence, the series' legacy ahead of its 10th and final season and how it has impacted them.
Fashion designer Valentino Garavani dies at 93
Acclaimed fashion designer Valentino Garavani, known simply as Valentino, has died at age 93. Seth Doane looks back at his life and legacy.
Technology
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Technology
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Palantir develops app to help ICE: 404 Media
A new investigative report by 404 Media says ICE agents have a new high-tech way to zero in on neighborhoods to raid. The report says it's an app called Elite, powered by Palantir. Joseph Cox, an investigative journalist at 404 Media, discusses his reporting on CBS News.
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 to start testing ads on ChatGPT in the coming weeks
The ads will appear at the bottom of the chat window on the free and low-subscription versions of ChatGPT, OpenAI said Friday in a blog post.
Mother of Musk child sues over deepfake images
Elon Musk is facing a lawsuit from Ashley St. Clair, with whom he shares a child, over deepfakes of her undressed made by his AI chatbot Grok. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
Science
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Science
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Dogs can learn by eavesdropping: study
Have you ever wondered if your dog is eavesdropping on you? A new study published in the Journal of Science found that some dogs are not only listening, but are also learning words. Lead scientist Dr. Shany Dror joins CBS News to discuss.
Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
Crime
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Crime
Former Uvalde CISD officer's trial nears end
A jury will soon decide the fate of former Uvalde CISD officer Adrian Gonzales, whom prosecutors allege failed in his duty to stop a gunman during a 2022 mass shooting. CBS News correspondent Omar Villafranca has the details.
Busfield released before child sex abuse trial
A New Mexico judge ordered the release of actor Timothy Busfield during a pretrial detention hearing on Tuesday. Busfield is accused of inappropriately touching two child actors, which he denies. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans has the latest.
Indiana judge shot, injured, manhunt underway
A manhunt is underway in Indiana after a county judge and his wife were shot and wounded inside their home over the weekend. Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kimberly, were taken to a hospital for medical treatment following the shooting and are in stable condition. CBS News correspondent Nicole Valdes reports.
New docuseries looks at "Deadpool Killer"
The new Paramount+ docuseries "Handsome Devil: Charming Killer" takes a look at the case of Wade Wilson, a convicted murderer of two women who shares a name with the comic book character Deadpool. Writer and executive producer Brian Ross joins to preview the show.
Indiana judge, wife shot in home
The manhunt is underway in Indiana after a judge and his wife were shot and wounded in their Lafayette home. CBS News' Nicole Valdes reports.
Space
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Space
More on Virgin Galactic all-female space crew
Virgin Galactic is sending its first all-female crew to space. Kellie Gerardi, who is leading the crew, joins "CBS News 24/7 Mornings" to discuss the goals of the mission.
NASA's Artemis II mission clears big hurdle
Inch by inch, NASA's Artemis II moon rocket lumbered along its four-mile commute from the Vehicle Assembly Building to launch pad 39-B. Mark Strassmann is at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with more.
NASA hauls Artemis II moon rocket to launch pad for February flight
Four Artemis II astronauts plan to fly around the moon and back next month, traveling farther from Earth than any humans before them.
NASA begins Artemis II rollout to launchpad
NASA is beginning its rollout of its Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft as preparations for the Artemis II mission enter their final stage.
NASA moon rocket ready for trip to launch pad
Depending on the timing, NASA could launch a fresh crew to the space station while four other astronauts are flying around the moon.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
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
Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Greenland
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright spoke with CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe about why President Trump wants to acquire Greenland.
Full interview: Chris Wright
Energy Secretary Chris Wright speaks with Ed O'Keefe about President Trump's plans for Greenland, Venezuela and more.
Minnesota fraud "mastermind" speaks from jail
As tensions spiked over the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, CBS News' Jonah Kaplan spoke exclusively with Aimee Bock, the so-called "mastermind" of the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme in Minnesota.
Cow uses tool to scratch, surprising scientists
Dating back to the dawn of civilization, humans have been one of the only creatures on Earth that use multi-purpose tools. Now, there's a new animal in the club. "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil has the story.
Parents find support in delaying kids' digital use
As parents grapple with their children's technology use, new guidance goes beyond individual behavior to approach the digital ecosystem. Meg Oliver has details.