Esper "didn't see" specific evidence showing Iranian threat to 4 U.S. embassies
The defense secretary provides background on what President Trump called an "imminent threat" to U.S. embassies overseas.
Mark Esper
Open: This is "Face the Nation"
Today on "Face the Nation, with tensions escalating with Iran, we get perspective from the administration on what the future holds for relations with the regime.
Evidence suggests Ukraine jet hit by Iran
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said evidence suggests a Ukrainian jet with 176 on board was shot down by an Iranian missile. Sixty-three of the victims were Canadian citizens. Lara Seligman, a Pentagon reporter for Foreign Policy, joins "Red & Blue" for a closer look at the accident and how Defense Secretary Mark Esper is playing a major role in the Iran conflict.
Trump admin. briefs Congress on Soleimani
In Washington Tuesday, the Trump administration plans to brief congressional leaders on last week's operation that killed General Qassem Soleimani. Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will defend President Trump's decision to target Iran's most influential military leader, in response to an attack that killed a U.S. contractor in Iraq. The president insists Americans are now safer, while Democrats demand proof that the attack was necessary. Ben Tracy reports from the White House.
Pentagon: No plans to pull out of Iraq
Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the U.S. has no plans to pull American troops out of Iraq. Iraq’s parliament recently voted to expel the 5,000 Americans to protest the Baghdad drone attack that killed Iran’s top general, Qassem Soleimani. David Martin reports.
Tensions rising in the Middle East after embassy attack
After an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the "game has changed." He warns if there are new attacks, the U.S. military will be ready. David Martin reports.
U.S. forces continue northern Syria withdrawal
American forces continued their withdrawal from northern Syria. Defense secretary Mark Esper says they’re headed for Iraq — not home, as President Trump promised. Left behind are America's ally: the Kurds. Holly Williams reports.
Russian troops moving into Kurdish areas
Iraq's defense minister said U.S. troops that were pulled out of Syria will leave Iraq in four weeks. That seems to contradict Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who has said those U.S. forces will continue operating against ISIS. Russia and Turkey made a deal Tuesday, without the U.S., to take control of northeastern Syria and force out Kurdish fighters that fought alongside U.S. troops. Holly Williams reports.
U.S. to "preparing to evacuate" more troops from Syria, Esper says
"We have American forces likely caught between two opposing advancing armies," Defense Secretary Mark Esper told "Face the Nation."
Open: This is "Face the Nation"
This week on "Face the Nation," Margaret Brennan breaks down the latest on President Trump’s new Syria policy with Defense Secretary Mark Esper. She discusses the latest on the impeachment inquiry with Representative Adam Schiff, and the situation in Hong Kong with Senator Ted Cruz.
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper's security detail revoked
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper's security detail, which was provided by the Defense Department, was pulled Tuesday night, a U.S. official told CBS News.
Dickerson on Pence declining to endorse Trump
On Sunday, former Vice President Mike Pence told Face the Nation's Margaret Brennan he was not endorsing Donald Trump's 2024 White House bid. CBS News chief political analyst John Dickerson examines the significance of the move.
IDF says 2 more hostages freed
The Israel Defense Forces say two more hostages were released by Hamas to the Red Cross on Thursday in Gaza City. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is meeting with top officials in the Middle East in hopes of extending a temporary cease-fire further. CBS News correspondents Holly Williams and Lilia Luciano have more details. And former Defense Secretary Mark Esper joined CBS News to discuss the short-term truce.
Mark Esper on Israel-Hamas war, Xi meeting
Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the Israel-Hamas war and President Biden's high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Esper says he has "concerns" about Trump foreign policy
Trump administration Defense Secretary Mark Esper tells "Face the Nation" that he has "concerns" about now-candidate Trump's comments about cutting off funding for Ukraine and possibly pulling the U.S. out of NATO. "So for all those reasons, that concerns me and and, of course, we could talk about our allies and partners in Asia as well who will equally be concerned about these types of events," Esper said.
Transcript: Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper on "Face the Nation," Oct. 1, 2023
The following is a transcript of an interview with Trump administration Defense Secretary Mark Esper that aired on "Face the Nation" on Oct. 1, 2023.
Esper on flying object shot down over Alaska
The White House said a military fighter jet shot down an object over Alaskan airspace Friday, this after a Chinese spy balloon was shot down off the coast of South Carolina last weekend. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang has the latest from Washington. Then, Mark Esper, former U.S. secretary of defense, spoke with CBS News about what we know so far.
1/12: Face The Nation
Today on "Face the Nation, with tensions escalating with Iran, we get perspective from the administration on what the future holds for relations with the regime.
10/21: CBSN AM
U.S. troops begin move from Northern Syria to Iraq; Four companies reach settlement in opioid litigation
10/13: Face The Nation
This week on "Face the Nation," Margaret Brennan breaks down the latest on President Trump’s new Syria policy with Defense Secretary Mark Esper. She discusses the latest on the impeachment inquiry with Representative Adam Schiff, and the situation in Hong Kong with Senator Ted Cruz.
Mark Esper on Trump, China, Iran
Former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper spoke exclusively with CBS News' Catherine Herridge after it was announced that the warrant to search Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home would be unsealed. Esper discussed the former president's handling of classified information, and U.S. relations with China and Iran.
Ex-Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Iran threats
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper revealed that he has had full-time government-provided "protection 24/7" since he left the Defense Department as a result of threats from Iran, he told CBS News' Catherine Herridge in an interview Thursday. Watch part of the interview here.
Mark Esper has government-provided "protection 24/7" because of Iran threats
Esper's revelation came soon after the Justice Department charged an Iranian national for plotting the murder of former national security adviser John Bolton.
Ex-defense chief Mark Esper suing Pentagon
Former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper is suing the Pentagon over redactions in his memoir. The book describes his time as secretary of the Army and secretary of defense under former President Trump, who fired Esper via Twitter days after he lost the 2020 election. CBS News national security correspondent David Martin joined Tanya Rivero on CBSN to discuss.
Esper on Trump and divisive politics
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper spoke with CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett about serving during the Trump administration and the current political climate. Watch this portion of the conversation from "Red and Blue."
Live
Artemis II crew back in contact after looping around moon's far side
Artemis II astronauts are making history as they travel farther from Earth than any humans in history and conduct a moon flyby.
Live
Trump says Strait of Hormuz is a "very big priority" amid ultimatum to Iran
President Trump's threat to destroy Iran's power plants and bridges if it doesn't make a deal to end the war by Tuesday is looming over a Pakistani ceasefire push.
Trump, top officials share new details of rescue of U.S. airmen from Iran
President Trump and top national security officials shed new light on the daring rescues of two American airmen who were shot down over Iran last week.
Exclusive
New details about Epstein's lenient plea deal revealed in DOJ files
While Epstein was on work release from a Florida jail nearly 20 years ago, he had sex in a vehicle in the prison parking lot, according to a FBI interview.
Inside the daring mission to rescue a U.S. airman downed in Iran
U.S. forces mounted an urgent and high-risk rescue effort to find an airman who was forced to eject from a downed F-15E fighter jet over Iran.
Supreme Court clears path for dismissal of Steve Bannon's conviction
The Supreme Court issued an order that paves the way for Steve Bannon to have his contempt of Congress conviction dismissed.
Michigan woman missing after husband says she fell off boat in Bahamas
An American woman disappeared in the Bahamas on Saturday, after her husband said she fell from their dinghy and was swept out to sea.
Iran war to throttle oil flows even if Strait of Hormuz reopens soon
Shipping companies would take at least two months to resume operations in the Persian Gulf following a ceasefire in the region, according to the Eurasia Group.
Exclusive
Two more drug companies to officially launch on TrumpRx
Two more drug-making giants, Abbvie and Genentech, will start selling popular medications on the White House's discounted pharmaceutical site as soon as Monday.
U.S.
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Indianapolis city councilor says his home was shot at over data center project
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said officers found evidence of gunshots and believe it was "an isolated, targeted incident."
The upper middle class is now the largest income group in the U.S.
America's middle class is shrinking, but not because people are getting poorer. Instead, more households are climbing the ladder, new research suggests.
Iran war to throttle oil flows even if Strait of Hormuz reopens soon
Shipping companies would take at least two months to resume operations in the Persian Gulf following a ceasefire in the region, according to the Eurasia Group.
Exclusive
New details about Epstein's lenient plea deal revealed in DOJ files
While Epstein was on work release from a Florida jail nearly 20 years ago, he had sex in a vehicle in the prison parking lot, according to a FBI interview.
Social media driving teens toward steroids, extreme body transformations
Behind some of the viral physiques lies a troubling trend: the use of a powerful drug never approved for humans.
MoneyWatch
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Exclusive
Two more drug companies to officially launch on TrumpRx
Two more drug-making giants, Abbvie and Genentech, will start selling popular medications on the White House's discounted pharmaceutical site as soon as Monday.
The upper middle class is now the largest income group in the U.S.
America's middle class is shrinking, but not because people are getting poorer. Instead, more households are climbing the ladder, new research suggests.
Iran war to throttle oil flows even if Strait of Hormuz reopens soon
Shipping companies would take at least two months to resume operations in the Persian Gulf following a ceasefire in the region, according to the Eurasia Group.
See which stores are open and closed for Easter 2026
Some major retailers and other stores will close their doors on Easter, so it's best to plan ahead. Here's what to know.
Sauté pans sold at Costco recalled after metal caps "forcefully eject"
One consumer reported sustaining bruising and burn injuries.
Politics
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Exclusive
Two more drug companies to officially launch on TrumpRx
Two more drug-making giants, Abbvie and Genentech, will start selling popular medications on the White House's discounted pharmaceutical site as soon as Monday.
Exclusive
New details about Epstein's lenient plea deal revealed in DOJ files
While Epstein was on work release from a Florida jail nearly 20 years ago, he had sex in a vehicle in the prison parking lot, according to a FBI interview.
Trump, top officials share new details of rescue of U.S. airmen from Iran
President Trump and top national security officials shed new light on the daring rescues of two American airmen who were shot down over Iran last week.
Supreme Court clears path for dismissal of Steve Bannon's conviction
The Supreme Court issued an order that paves the way for Steve Bannon to have his contempt of Congress conviction dismissed.
Exclusive
5-year-old worries about ICE taking him again, his parents say
Liam Conejo Ramos, the 5-year-old whose detention by ICE sparked global outrage, constantly worries about being detained again, his parents told CBS News in an exclusive interview.
HealthWatch
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Exclusive
Two more drug companies to officially launch on TrumpRx
Two more drug-making giants, Abbvie and Genentech, will start selling popular medications on the White House's discounted pharmaceutical site as soon as Monday.
Social media driving teens toward steroids, extreme body transformations
Behind some of the viral physiques lies a troubling trend: the use of a powerful drug never approved for humans.
Scientist with rare ALS genetic mutation looks to experimental treatment
Every few months for the past three years, Jeff Vierstra has been receiving infusions in his spine that target and disable a mutated gene that made it likely he would develop ALS.
New ALS treatment brings hope to patients
"CBS Saturday Morning" looks at an experimental treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, that is bringing hope to some patients suffering from the neurodegenerative disease. To inquire about possible participation in Silence ALS, an initiative to develop individualized gene-based therapies for patients with other rare genetic forms of ALS, please write to silenceals@cumc.columbia.edu.
He thought he was in good health — until fainting during a bike ride
John Cantrell was enjoying his retirement until an unexpected condition forced him to choose between two kinds of heart surgery.
World
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Ex-CIA director says U.S. needs to learn "new concept of warfare" from Ukraine
Ex-CIA director David Petraeus says Ukraine has offset its disadvantages against Russia through its innovation in its unmanned systems.
Trump, top officials share new details of rescue of U.S. airmen from Iran
President Trump and top national security officials shed new light on the daring rescues of two American airmen who were shot down over Iran last week.
Fugitive mafia boss wanted for murder arrested at luxury villa
Roberto Mazzarella, head of the Mazzarella clan of the Camorra, the Naples-based organized crime group, was one of Italy's most dangerous fugitives, authorities said.
Michigan woman missing after husband says she fell off boat in Bahamas
An American woman disappeared in the Bahamas on Saturday, after her husband said she fell from their dinghy and was swept out to sea.
Family buries "unjustly accused" Mexican teen who died in ICE custody
Royer Perez Jimenez was a "hard worker" who immigrated at 15 to "triumph and help his family," his uncle said.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Mindy Kaling on amplifying women's stories
Mindy Kaling speaks with Jamie Yuccas about her new venture with Amazon Publishing called Mindy's Book Studio, where she chooses books by female authors to be published and receives first rights on future screenplays.
Actress Tori Spelling hospitalized after Southern California crash
"Beverly Hills, 90210" actress Tori Spelling was involved in a two-car crash in Temecula on Thursday night, according to her manager and Riverside County Sheriff's Office officials.
4/5: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Jane Pauley. Featured: The Vatican's Mosaic Studio; a fight over history at West Bank archaeological sites; Dan Levy on his new series "Big Mistakes"; the creative talents behind "Hacks"; the latest on the Artemis II lunar mission; the works of Renaissance artist Raphael; and the beauty of moss.
The sublime perfection of Raphael
One of the greatest artists of the Italian Renaissance is now the subject of the first comprehensive exhibition of his work ever in the United States, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Extended Interview: Jean Smart
In this web exclusive, Jean Smart, the Emmy-winning star of "Hacks," talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about filming the final season of her HBO series.
Technology
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Technology
H-1B visa program changes impact global talent
Trump administration changes to the U.S. H-1B visa program have impacted the global talent coming to the U.S. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports from India.
The $100,000 H-1B visa fee is impacting the U.S.'s ability to attract global talent
According to numbers from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, more than 70% of H-1B visa holders in 2024 were Indian.
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.
New film on risks and rewards of AI
"CBS Mornings" sits down with Tristan Harris, co-founder and president of the Center for Humane Technology, who is featured in the 2026 documentary, "The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist."
Inside Apple's relationship with China
CBS News contributor Patrick McGee joins "The Daily Report" to discuss the codependent relationship between Apple and China, a country that manufactures hundreds of millions of iPhones every year.
Science
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Science
Artemis II astronauts speak during historic lunar mission
On Monday, the astronauts aboard the Artemis II spacecraft will loop around the Moon's far side, part of a mission pushing human beings farther from Earth than anyone has ever been. Correspondent Mark Strassmann talked with commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen as the crew was about 180,000 miles from home, preparing for their historic lunar flyby.
Artemis II crew begins "crazy first day" in space after exhilarating launch
NASA's Artemis II astronauts will spend about 24 hours orbiting the Earth and running checks on their spacecraft and life support systems before heading to the moon.
CBS News studio shakes as Artemis II launches
Four astronauts are traveling around the moon on Artemis II, going further from Earth than anyone before. CBS News' Mark Strassmann and Peter King have more.
What Artemis II astronauts will do in space
Former NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson joins CBS News to discuss what the Artemis II astronauts will do as they orbit the Earth after takeoff.
How Artemis II crew will sleep in space
Members of the Artemis II crew will be the first people to sleep inside the Orion spacecraft. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave has more on how they'll do that.
Crime
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Crime
Parents charged after zoo wolf injures toddler
The parents of a toddler are facing child endangerment charges after the 17-month-old stuck his hand into a wolf enclosure and was injured at a zoo in Pennsylvania. CBS News correspondent Tom Hanson reports.
Fugitive mafia boss wanted for murder arrested at luxury villa
Roberto Mazzarella, head of the Mazzarella clan of the Camorra, the Naples-based organized crime group, was one of Italy's most dangerous fugitives, authorities said.
Robbery reveals sinister plot to kill a man with a root beer float
When Harold Allen died suddenly in his home in Freetown, Indiana, no one suspected anything out of the ordinary. Nine months later, a burglary at his home would lead to a murder investigation and an unusual weapon.
Would Michigan investigators be able to prove murder in a case without a body?
After Dee Warner, a Michigan businesswoman and mother, disappeared from her home, her family believed she has been murdered and suspected her husband Dale Warner. But without physical evidence, they knew it would be hard to prove.
Man arrested at retirement home for wife's murder decades earlier
Janice Randle was found dead in her bed in 1992, but police couldn't make an arrest in the case until new information emerged.
Space
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Live
Artemis II crew back in contact after looping around moon's far side
Artemis II astronauts are making history as they travel farther from Earth than any humans in history and conduct a moon flyby.
Artemis II astronauts find hidden Easter eggs as they close in on the moon
The NASA astronauts also sent down Easter messages Sunday while gearing up for a historic pass behind the moon Monday.
Artemis II crew take new photo of far side of the moon
The crew of NASA's Artemis II mission captured a new image of the far side of the moon, which the agency released Sunday.
Despite toilet trouble, Artemis II crew reflects on wonder of deep space experience
Amid ongoing toilet trouble, the Artemis II astronauts reflected on the wonder of sailing through deep space to the moon.
Moon-bound Artemis II astronauts enjoy a relaxed day in space
The Artemis II astronauts continued their long coast to the moon, capturing stunning photos along the way.
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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.
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
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Who is Alix Tichelman?
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Latest CBS News Videos
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NASA official: Different colors on moon's surface
The Artemis II crew reported different observations of the moon's appearance on Monday, including color variations. Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for exploration at NASA, joins CBS News to discuss.
Moon crater named after NASA commander's late wife
The Artemis II crew proposed new names for two lunar craters on Monday as they continued their spaceflight. One of the names was Carroll, after the late wife of commander Reid Wiseman. Retired NASA astronaut Cady Coleman joins CBS News with her reaction.
Artemis II crew loses contact with Earth
The Artemis II has entered its scheduled communications blackout as the crew loops around the far side of the moon. Former NASA astronaut Ron Garan joins CBS News to discuss.
Astronomer on new details about far side of moon
Astronauts aboard the Artemis II broke the record Monday for the farthest distance humans have ever traveled from Earth. Franklin Institute chief astronomer Derrick Pitts joins CBS News with analysis.
Is Jordan angling to replace Johnson as leader?
A new Politico report signals that Republican Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio may be aiming to replace Speaker Mike Johnson in House GOP leadership after the midterm elections. Democratic strategist Joel Payne and CBS News political director Fin Gómez join "The Takeout" to discuss.