Americans say Trump changing how government works, but divide on workforce cuts
Ukraine also brings divisions; Trump's immigration efforts rate well, but many look for more inflation focus.
Elon Musk
Second "what did you do last week" email goes out to some federal workers
A second email asking government workers to detail what they did in the last week went out to some agencies on Saturday.
Examining potential ripple effects from DOGE
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.
How Trump buyouts echo Musk's Twitter revamp
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.
Rep. DelBene on Trump-Zelenskyy meeting, more
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.
Hundreds of NOAA employees laid off
Some 880 employees of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration were laid off on Thursday, a congressional source told CBS News.
More Trump administration firings
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.
Elon Musk to retired air traffic controllers: Please come back to work
Musk wants retired air traffic controllers to return to their jobs amid a shortage of qualified professionals.
Judge rules mass firings of federal probationary employees likely illegal
He ordered the Office of Personnel Management to tell certain federal agencies it couldn't order the firings of probationary employees, including at the Defense Department.
Social Security Administration offering voluntary buyouts ahead of expected layoffs
The Social Security Administration is offering payouts to employees who voluntarily resign from the federal agency, ahead of what they warn will be "significant workforce reductions."
Ex-Twitter employee questions federal buyout offer
So far, about 100,000 federal workers have been fired or accepted buyouts offered by President Trump and adviser Elon Musk. Ed O'Keefe talked to one who took the deal, and to a former Twitter employee who believes she — and others like her — got taken.
Musk makes baseless claim about large number of dead people on federal payroll
Elon Musk's speculation about dead or fictitious employees comes after numerous federal workers were told to ignore an email asking them to justify their jobs. Previous government reviews found no evidence of widespread payroll fraud.
Rep. Subramanyam on efforts to reign in DOGE
Emotional USAID employees were given just 15 minutes Thursday to retrieve their belongings after losing their jobs. These kinds of layoffs are taking place across the U.S. and other parts of the world due to cuts imposed by the Department of Government Efficiency. Democratic Rep. Suhas Subramanyam of Virginia joins "America Decides" to discuss his legislation calling for more transparency about DOGE.
Trump walks back Zelenskyy "dictator" remarks
President Trump on Thursday appeared to walk back comments he made about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy being a "dictator." During an Oval Office meeting with U.K. Prime Minister Starmer, Mr. Trump said, "Did I say that? I can't believe I said that." Dasha Burns, White House bureau chief at Politico, and Fin Gómez, CBS News executive director of White House and politics coverage, join "America Decides" with analysis.
Musk's Starlink in line for deal with FAA for air traffic control upgrade
The FAA is testing Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service. That could raise a possible conflict of interest, experts say.
Trump holds first Cabinet meeting
On Wednesday, Elon Musk joined President Trump's first Cabinet meeting of his second administration. Meanwhile, the president also announced that he will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday to secure a deal for some of Ukraine's valuable rare minerals.
Key details on Trump's first Cabinet meeting
President Trump held the first Cabinet meeting of his new administration on Wednesday. The first person he asked to speak was Tesla CEO Elon Musk. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi reports.
Forest Service firings could impact wildfires
As wildfires nationwide grow fiercer and more frequent, the Trump administration's job cuts at the U.S. Forest Service are worrying experts. Kelly Martin, former chief of fire and aviation management at Yosemite National Park, joins "America Decides" to examine how the layoffs could hamper wildfire response efforts.
Potential economic consequences of DOGE cuts
The Trump administration ordered the termination of more than 6,000 Internal Revenue Service employees last week. According to a local union, that includes roughly 1,000 IRS workers in Kansas City alone. Donna Ginther, director of the Institute for Policy and Social Research at the University of Kansas, joins "America Decides" to discuss the potential economic ramifications.
Trump signs cost-cutting DOGE executive order
President Trump signed a new executive order Wednesday empowering the White House's Department of Government Efficiency to implement cost-cutting measures across the federal government. Shelby Talcott, White House correspondent for Semafor, and Jasmine Wright, reporter for NOTUS, join "America Decides" to discuss.
Musk in the spotlight at Cabinet meeting
President Trump held the first Cabinet meeting of his second term on Wednesday. Elon Musk, White House special adviser and the world's wealthiest man, stood over the assembled Cabinet secretaries and told them a fair number of their employees are either dead or do not exist. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi and Caitlin Huey-Burns report.
Trump, Musk on fraud in government
President Trump and Elon Musk made comments about their initiative to understand if any people on the federal payroll should not be included. The comments came after Mr. Trump's first Cabinet meeting, which Musk attended. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes reports.
News from Trump's first Cabinet meeting
President Trump took questions after his Cabinet meeting and made comments about many topics involving his administration. Mr. Trump allowed Elon Musk to speak about his efforts with the Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE, and took questions about several topics.
Trump, Musk comments at Cabinet meeting
President Trump allowed Elon Musk to join his first Cabinet meeting where they commented on potential fraud among federal employees and the cuts at different agencies. Mr. Trump also took questions on Ukraine, China, European security, his "gold card" effort for wealthy foreigners and other subjects. CBS News' Fin Gomez reports.
Impact of return-to-office requirements
Employees being asked to return to the office after years of remote work may be experiencing anxiety over the changes. Author Daniel Pink joins CBS News with more on the effects.
Live
Trump says no talks with Iran ongoing, and none scheduled
President Trump says the U.S. is not engaged in any talks with Iran as the two countries remain locked in a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz after almost six months of war.
Byron Donalds, David Jolly to face off in Florida governor's race
Rep. Byron Donalds won the Republican primary for governor and former Rep. David Jolly won the Democratic primary, The Associated Press projects.
Trump says he paused 50% tariffs on some Canadian goods as deal being finalized
President Trump said Tuesday that the U.S. and Canada have reached a last-minute agreement to pause the 50% tariffs.
Florida Senate race set between Ashley Moody and Angie Nixon
GOP Sen. Ashley Moody and Democratic State Rep. Angie Nixon will face off in November after winning their primaries for U.S. Senate on Tuesday night, the Associated Press projects.
U.S., South Korea cut short their joint military drills at Trump's direction
President Trump ordered the exercises be scaled back, citing what he said was a good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korea's refusal to join the U.S. war against Iran.
Panettiere was with on-and-off boyfriend when she died, police report says
Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach, made the 911 call that brought first responders to the apartment where Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive.
Who is Natalie Harp? Trump's loyal assistant suddenly in the spotlight
The 35-year-old executive assistant to the president is a quiet but loyal force at President Trump's side.
Frank Beard, ZZ Top drummer, dies at age 77
"Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas," ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons said in a statement.
Exclusive
U.S. deporting Mexican migrants to Guatemala and Honduras, angering Mexico
The Trump administration has been quietly deporting migrants from Mexico to Central America, despite the Mexican government's willingness to accept the return of all its citizens.
U.S.
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Florida Senate race set between Ashley Moody and Angie Nixon
GOP Sen. Ashley Moody and Democratic State Rep. Angie Nixon will face off in November after winning their primaries for U.S. Senate on Tuesday night, the Associated Press projects.
Byron Donalds, David Jolly to face off in Florida governor's race
Rep. Byron Donalds won the Republican primary for governor and former Rep. David Jolly won the Democratic primary, The Associated Press projects.
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.
Investigation
Beagles bred for research get new life amid questions over federal oversight
The USDA's own inspector general has repeatedly raised concerns about federal oversight of dog breeders.
Tupac Shakur autopsy photos shown at murder trial after some family members leave
Tupac Shakur's cousin said the autopsy photos made him feel "very angry, to say the least."
MoneyWatch
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Inflation is outpacing wages again. Many workers were already behind.
When inflation rises faster than workers' wages, it feels like they're getting a pay cut. Companies, meanwhile, benefit.
State Farm is sending refund checks to customers. Here's who qualifies.
More than 7.2 million checks have been mailed so far, with millions more expected to go out this week, according to State Farm.
DEI policies brought no financial penalty to firms, study finds
Companies that stood by their diversity efforts faced no detectable impact from investors or shoppers, researchers found.
Meta's federal trial begins over child social media addiction claims
The lawsuit accuses the social media giant of contributing to the youth mental health crisis by deliberately designing features that addict children to its platforms.
Outshine Fruit Bars recalled over possible glass, parent Dreyer's says
Five flavors of Outshine Fruit Bars sold nationwide were recalled because they may include glass, Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream said.
Politics
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Trump says he paused 50% tariffs on some Canadian goods as deal being finalized
President Trump said Tuesday that the U.S. and Canada have reached a last-minute agreement to pause the 50% tariffs.
U.S., South Korea cut short their joint military drills at Trump's direction
President Trump ordered the exercises be scaled back, citing what he said was a good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korea's refusal to join the U.S. war against Iran.
Scandal-ridden Cory Mills ousted in GOP primary in Florida's 7th District
The Trump-backed incumbent has struggled to raise money for his reelection bid as the House Ethics Committee investigates numerous allegations against him.
Florida Senate race set between Ashley Moody and Angie Nixon
GOP Sen. Ashley Moody and Democratic State Rep. Angie Nixon will face off in November after winning their primaries for U.S. Senate on Tuesday night, the Associated Press projects.
Byron Donalds, David Jolly to face off in Florida governor's race
Rep. Byron Donalds won the Republican primary for governor and former Rep. David Jolly won the Democratic primary, The Associated Press projects.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
From 2024: Tommy John on Tommy John surgery, before and after
In this interview from 2024, former pitching ace Tommy John talked with correspondent Faith Salie about the injury to his pitching arm he suffered in 1974, and about the innovative procedure (which came to be known as "Tommy John surgery") that rescued his career – and would prolong the careers of many more professional and amateur athletes since. [John died on Aug. 15, 2026 at age 83.]
School vaccination rates inch down again to record low
U.S. kindergarten vaccination rates have declined again, with exemptions reaching a record high for the 2025-2026 school year
RFK Jr.'s hunt for autism culprits stalls amid Trump's baseless vaccine order
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s closed-door research has yet to produce evidence linking vaccines and autism.
Mom-to-be had 2 signs of rare complication: "Everything kept getting worse"
Candice Davis' first pregnancy was going smoothly until she began feeling some nausea and pain one afternoon.
My husband was kicked out of hospice. Here's what I learned.
Some seriously ill patients improve on hospice. About 1 in 16 patients enrolled in hospice care lose eligibility as a result. Here's how to get appropriate care.
World
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Trump says he paused 50% tariffs on some Canadian goods as deal being finalized
President Trump said Tuesday that the U.S. and Canada have reached a last-minute agreement to pause the 50% tariffs.
U.S., South Korea cut short their joint military drills at Trump's direction
President Trump ordered the exercises be scaled back, citing what he said was a good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korea's refusal to join the U.S. war against Iran.
Exclusive
U.S. deporting Mexican migrants to Guatemala and Honduras, angering Mexico
The Trump administration has been quietly deporting migrants from Mexico to Central America, despite the Mexican government's willingness to accept the return of all its citizens.
Ukraine targets Moscow with drones as Russia threatens U.K. over support
Ukraine targets Moscow with a huge wave of drones as Russia warns the U.K. will pay a price for supplying Kyiv with long-range weapons.
USS Benfold went days without power in the South China Sea
The guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold spent four days without power last month after a problem with its engineering, according to a spokesperson for the Navy's 7th Fleet.
Entertainment
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Frank Beard, ZZ Top drummer, dies at age 77
"Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas," ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons said in a statement.
Panettiere was with on-and-off boyfriend when she died, police report says
Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach, made the 911 call that brought first responders to the apartment where Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive.
Madonna leads 2026 MTV VMAs with 11 nominations
Madonna leads all artists with 11 nominations at this year's MTV VMAs, and a full sweep would tie her with Beyoncé and Taylor Swift for the most VMA wins in history.
Nominees revealed for some VMA categories
"CBS Mornings" revealed the nominees for three categories at this year's VMAs, including artist of the year.
Top upcoming book to movie adaptations
Amazon Books editorial director Sarah Gelman joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss some of her favorite books coming to the big screen this year.
Technology
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Technology
OpenAI debuts ChatGPT for teens
OpenAI has launched a chatbot marketed for teens that the company says will provide stronger protections as concerns over AI safety increase. Axios Chief Technology Correspondent Ina Fried joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
Meta's federal trial begins over child social media addiction claims
The lawsuit accuses the social media giant of contributing to the youth mental health crisis by deliberately designing features that addict children to its platforms.
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.
Data centers, AI become midterm flashpoint
Artificial intelligence and the data centers powering the technology have become a flashpoint ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Shira Ovide, a technology reporter for The Wall Street Journal, has more.
Discord suspends livestreams in Brazil amid backlash over girl's suicide
Popular American chat app Discord says it suspended livestreams in line with a Brazilian government order, amid fierce criticism over a 13-year-old girl's death.
Science
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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.
Astronomy professor on how eclipses work
Janna Levin, professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College, joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse.
Crime
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Crime
Details on Meta trial over addiction claims
Meta is standing trial over claims that it intentionally designed its products to be addictive and therefore harmful to children. Lance Ulanoff, editor-at-large at TechRadar, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Clancy's former mother-in-law testifies
Lindsay Clancy's former mother-in-law, Susan Clancy, took the stand Tuesday to offer testimony as Lindsay Clancy stands on trial for the killings of her three children. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Philadephia police hunting man in Chucky mask
Philadelphia police are searching for a man in a horror mask resembling Chucky the doll who has been terrorizing locals. Lilia Luciano has more.
Man on trial for suspected murder for hire
The alleged killer in the case of Jared Bridegan, a former Microsoft manager who prosecutors say was the victim of a murder for hire arranged by his ex-wife and her husband, is now on trial. Jason Allen has more.
Massive campus cocaine dealer arrested
A 24-year-old at Penn State University, described as the largest cocaine dealer on campus, has been arrested and charged. Meg Oliver has more.
Space
More Space
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.
Perseid meteor shower reaches peak viewing on Wednesday night
The Perseid meteor shower is the best viewing all year, according to NASA.
Most detailed images taken of sun's surface revealed
Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Watch: Lawyer hits car outside courthouse
A lawyer attracted unwanted attention outside Boston Federal Court following Lawrence, Massachusetts, Mayor Brian DePeña's arraignment last Friday. The mayor's attorney rear-ended a parked vehicle while attempting to leave the area and remarked that he would bring bodyguards with him next time. Prosecutors allege DePeña improperly used more than $1.5 million in COVID small-business loans.
Crime in D.C. down to lowest level since 2010
A CBS News analysis finds crime in Washington, D.C., dropped to its lowest level since at least 2010 in the 12 months after President Trump declared a federal emergency and deployed the National Guard into the city. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
Oil prices rise as Iran war continues
Oil prices on Tuesday reached their highest level since July as the war in Iran drags on without an end in site. CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean has more.
DOJ sending 1,000 monitors to midterm polls
The head of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division announced Monday that she's planning to deploy 1,000 federal monitors to polling places throughout the U.S. for the midterm elections. Jen Fifield, reporter for ProPublica, joins CBS News to discuss.
Details on Meta trial over addiction claims
Meta is standing trial over claims that it intentionally designed its products to be addictive and therefore harmful to children. Lance Ulanoff, editor-at-large at TechRadar, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.