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."
Ahead of State of the Union, hints of frustration with Trump emerge in House GOP
Some House Republicans have rebuked Mr. Trump on tariffs, war powers and the Epstein files, and defections could grow as the midterms approach.
DNA from Nancy Guthrie's home may not help investigators, sources say
According to sources close to the investigation, there are concerns that DNA recovered from Nancy Guthrie's home may not yield a usable profile for comparison.
Pirro drops effort to indict 6 lawmakers who posted video on illegal orders
A grand jury refused to return an indictment against the six Democratic lawmakers earlier this month.
Nancy Guthrie's family offering reward of $1 million for her whereabouts
The family of Nancy Guthrie is offering an additional reward of up to $1 million for information about her whereabouts.
Exclusive
Trump plans to honor 100-year-old veteran during speech, sources say
President Trump will award Royce Williams a Medal of Honor for his actions in a secret mission during the Korean War, sources with knowledge of the matter told CBS News.
Texts show Rep. Gonzales sent explicit messages to staffer who later died by suicide
A newly revealed text exchange appears to show Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales encouraging an aide who later died by setting herself on fire to send him an explicit photo.
Exclusive
Parents of National Guard member fatally shot in D.C. will attend State of the Union
The parents of Sarah Beckstrom, the 20-year-old National Guard member who was killed in an ambush-style attack in D.C. last year, will be among the special guests at President Trump's State of the Union address tonight.
As Ukraine war enters year 5, Zelenskyy, Kremlin agree: Russia falling short
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy marked the start of the fifth year of the Ukraine war by saying Russia has failed to achieve its goals — and the Kremlin agreed.
Senate to vote on DHS funding as Congress returns without a deal
The Senate is set to take procedural vote on funding for the Department of Homeland Security as a partial government shutdown stretches into an 11th day.
U.S.
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Pirro drops effort to indict 6 lawmakers who posted video on illegal orders
A grand jury refused to return an indictment against the six Democratic lawmakers earlier this month.
DNA from Guthrie's house may not provide enough evidence to help, sources say
According to sources close to the investigation, there are concerns that DNA recovered from Nancy Guthrie's home may not yield a usable profile for comparison.
Novo Nordisk to slash Wegovy and Ozempic prices starting in 2027
Starting in 2027, the Danish pharma firm will sell its weight-loss and diabetes drugs for $675 per month.
Teens use AI more frequently than parents know, survey finds
A Pew Research Center survey found that just 4 in 10 parents talk to their teens about AI usage.
Senate to vote on DHS funding as Congress returns without a deal
The Senate is set to take procedural vote on funding for the Department of Homeland Security as a partial government shutdown stretches into an 11th day.
MoneyWatch
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Consumer confidence rose in February as labor market outlook improves
Consumers' perceptions of employment conditions improved slightly in February, helping bolster overall confidence in the economy.
Novo Nordisk to slash Wegovy and Ozempic prices starting in 2027
Starting in 2027, the Danish pharma firm will sell its weight-loss and diabetes drugs for $675 per month.
Warner Bros. Discovery reviewing sweetened bid from Paramount Skydance
Paramount Skydance is continuing its efforts to buy Warner Bros. Discovery by upping the ante on Netflix.
Ford recalling some 413,000 Explorers due to potential steering control loss
Ford is recalling almost 413,000 Explorers from model years 2017 through 2019 due to a defect that could cause drivers to lose steering control, the U.S. auto safety regulator said
FedEx sues Trump administration for "full refund" of tariff payments
FedEx sued the Trump administration over its tariffs on Monday, asking for a "full refund" of all payments it made to the government under a set of tariff policies that were ruled illegal by the Supreme Court.
Politics
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Pirro drops effort to indict 6 lawmakers who posted video on illegal orders
A grand jury refused to return an indictment against the six Democratic lawmakers earlier this month.
Exclusive
Trump plans to honor 100-year-old veteran during speech, sources say
President Trump will award Royce Williams a Medal of Honor for his actions in a secret mission during the Korean War, sources with knowledge of the matter told CBS News.
Exclusive
Parents of National Guard member fatally shot in D.C. will attend State of the Union
The parents of Sarah Beckstrom, the 20-year-old National Guard member who was killed in an ambush-style attack in D.C. last year, will be among the special guests at President Trump's State of the Union address tonight.
Senate to vote on DHS funding as Congress returns without a deal
The Senate is set to take procedural vote on funding for the Department of Homeland Security as a partial government shutdown stretches into an 11th day.
Dozens of Democrats to boycott Trump's State of the Union address
Dozens of Democrats are boycotting the State of the Union on Tuesday, as many opt to hold nearby counterprogramming rather than signs of protests like those seen within the House chamber in recent years.
HealthWatch
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Novo Nordisk to slash Wegovy and Ozempic prices starting in 2027
Starting in 2027, the Danish pharma firm will sell its weight-loss and diabetes drugs for $675 per month.
As more Americans embrace anxiety treatment, RFK Jr. derides medications
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has criticized the broadening use of anxiety medications, but doctors and researchers say the MAHA movement is misrepresenting drugs that have been proven to help.
How safe is America from polio?
After decades of American children routinely receiving polio vaccines, the virus that had doomed many to paralysis was nearly eliminated in the United States. But vaccine avoidance today may allow the crippling disease to return.
How safe is America from polio?
After decades of American children routinely receiving polio vaccines, the virus that had doomed many to paralysis was nearly eliminated in the United States. But vaccine avoidance today may allow the crippling disease to return. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jonathan LaPook talks with David Oshinsky, author of "Polio: An American Story," and with violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman, who contracted polio as a child, about how parents opting out of vaccinations for their children could affect polio rates here.
Robots can help amid nursing home staffing crisis
A growing, aging population and an acute caregiver shortage are pushing adult care centers to think outside the box. Itay Hod introduces a new, high-tech helper.
World
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Photographer on capturing Jack Hughes' toothless grin after Olympic gold
Getty Images photographer Elsa Garrison shares how she managed to capture a "pretty iconic" image of Team USA's Jack Hughes.
12th century Crusader sword discovered by student off coast of Israel
A student made the discovery "by chance" while swimming, according to the University of Haifa.
Russell Brand pleads not guilty to new rape and sexual assault charges
Once a left-leaning political campaigner, Brand has rebranded himself as a conservative guru to millions of social media followers
France to punish U.S. ambassador after "surprise" no-show to diplomatic meeting
U.S. envoy Charles Kushner will be denied access to French government ministers due to his lack of attendance after comments about the death of a far-right activist
Romantic partner helped lead to deadly capture of top cartel leader
A trusted associate of one of the cartel leader's romantic partners escorted the woman to Tapalpa, Jalisco, for a meeting with the drug lord, officials said.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Jeff Probst previews "Survivor"
Jeff Probst, who has hosted "Survivor" since it first aired more than 25 years ago, talks with "CBS Mornings" about how the 50th season is different, fan influence and what to expect with the premiere on Wednesday.
Neve Campbell on return to "Scream" franchise
Neve Campbell speaks to "CBS Mornings" about reprising her iconic role in the "Scream" franchise. Campbell talks about how the movie connects to a younger generation and her choice to speak out about pay disparity for "Scream 6."
Oprah reveals "Kin" as new book club pick
Oprah on "CBS Mornings" revealed "Kin" by Tayari Jones as her next book club selection. Kin is about two motherless daughters who have been best friends since early childhood, but their lives take different paths. This is only the tenth time Oprah has picked the same author twice.
Extended interview: Madison Beer
Madison Beer opens up about the start of her music career, artists who have inspired her along the way and creating her third studio album, "Locket," in an interview with CBS News senior culture correspondent Anthony Mason.
Nick Reiner pleads not guilty to murder
Nick Reiner pleaded not guilty in Los Angeles on Monday in the killing of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans has more.
Technology
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Technology
AI-driven attacks are increasing, report says
CrowdStrike is reporting an increase in AI-driven attacks around the world. Adam Meyers, the head of counter adversary operations at CrowdStrike, joins CBS News with more details.
Teens use AI more frequently than parents know, survey finds
A Pew Research Center survey found that just 4 in 10 parents talk to their teens about AI usage.
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.
Robots can help amid nursing home staffing crisis
A growing, aging population and an acute caregiver shortage are pushing adult care centers to think outside the box. Itay Hod introduces a new, high-tech helper.
Social psychologist on social media addiction
One of the catalysts for the social media addiction debate was a 2024 book called "The Anxious Generation" by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. His new book tries to help parents and kids break free from screens. Haidt joins CBS News to discuss Mark Zuckerberg, the ongoing social media addiction trial and artificial intelligence.
Science
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What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
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.
How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
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.
These United States: George Washington and climate change
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in an unanticipated crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River. Environmental correspondent David Schechter looks at how Washington's watershed military maneuver dramatized both a changing America, and a changing climate.
Impact of climate change on Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics in Milan need artificial snow due to climate change and warmer weather. Athletes say man-made snow makes terrain more difficult and unpredictable. Rob Marciano reports on its impact.
Crime
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Crime
Guthrie family increases reward to $1 million
Savannah Guthrie posted a new video on Tuesday pleading for the return of her mother. The family is now offering a $1 million reward. CBS News' Jonathan Vigliotti has the latest.
DNA from Guthrie's house may not provide enough evidence to help, sources say
According to sources close to the investigation, there are concerns that DNA recovered from Nancy Guthrie's home may not yield a usable profile for comparison.
Savannah Guthrie posts video on mom's case
Savannah Guthrie posted a new video pleading for Nancy Guthrie's return and announced a $1 million reward for information on her whereabouts. Guthrie acknowledged her mother "may already be gone" in the recent plea for help. CBS News' Anna Schecter and Jonathan Vigliotti report.
Wife accused of poisoning husband on trial
Prosecutors in Kouri Richins' trial alleged the murder of her husband was motivated by his money. The Utah mom is accused of poisoning her husband with a lethal dose of fentanyl four years ago. She later wrote a children's book about grief. Matt Gutman has the latest.
Nancy Guthrie's family offering $1 million reward for her whereabouts
Savannah Guthrie said in a new video that the family is offering an additional reward of up to $1 million for information about their mother Nancy Guthrie's whereabouts.
Space
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What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
NASA to start slow-moving process returning moon rocket to hangar this week
The space agency said Sunday it's targeting Tuesday for the slow, four-mile trek across Kennedy Space Center, weather permitting.
NASA's moon rocket hit by new problem, flight pushed to April
The Artemis II mission aims to send four astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen — on a flight around the far side of the moon and back.
Report criticizes NASA Boeing Starliner trip
An internal investigation is blasting NASA's handling of the first piloted flight of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft in 2024. The flight left two astronauts stuck on the International Space Station for nearly a year. The investigation found the flight was plagued by potentially life-threatening technical and management failures.
Cosmologist on UFO files
President Trump has ordered the release of all government documents related to aliens, UFOs and extraterrestrial life. It comes after former President Barack Obama addressed the topic earlier this week and said aliens are real, a statement which he later modified. CBS News contributor Janna Levin has more details.
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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
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
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Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Rep. Tony Gonzales faces backlash
Texas Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales is facing backlash over explicit text messages he sent to a staffer who later died by suicide. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has more.
Blizzard wreaks havoc on Northeast
A blizzard wreaked havoc in the northeast U.S. on Monday, and widespread power outages and travel delays persist. CBS News' Jason Allen has more.
FedEx sues Trump administration over tariffs
FedEx is suing the Trump administration for a full refund of all payments it made to the government under President Trump's tariff policy that the Supreme Court has since ruled illegal. Rob Schroeder, the Washington bureau chief for MarketWatch, joins with more.
Texts reveal more on Tony Gonzales, staffer
Explicit text messages have surfaced that appear to show conversations between Texas Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales and his former staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide. CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns has the latest.
H.R. McMaster on Iran military options
H.R. McMaster, who served as national security adviser in the first Trump administration, joins CBS News 24/7 to discuss President Trump's apparent growing frustration over limits to military options against Iran.