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."
Highlights from Trump's 2026 State of the Union speech
President Trump defended his first year back in office in his 2026 State of the Union address, touting his record on immigration, the economy, tariffs and more.
Fact checking Trump's 2026 State of the Union address and Spanberger's response
CBS News fact checked President Trump's 2026 State of the Union address, and Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger's Democratic response.
Watch Abigail Spanberger's Democratic response to Trump's 2026 State of the Union
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger delivered the Democratic response to President Trump's State of the Union address Tuesday night as the party attempts to counter the president's message.
Trump awards Medal of Honor to 100-year-old veteran at State of the Union
During the State of the Union address, President Trump awarded Royce Williams a Medal of Honor for his actions in a secret mission during the Korean War.
Trump demands that Iran promise never to build a nuclear weapon
President Trump pressed the Iranian government to reach a deal on its nuclear program as he weighs possible military action against the country.
U.S. hockey goalie Connor Hellebuyck will receive Presidential Medal of Freedom
Connor Hellebuyck stopped 41 of Team Canada's 42 shots in the Olympic gold medal match.
Hegseth demands full military access to Anthropic's AI model, sets deadline
The Pentagon may decide to officially designate Anthropic as a "supply chain risk" to push them out of government, sources say.
3 charts highlight the affordability issues Americans worry about most
President Trump touted his work during his first year back in office, saying, "inflation is plummeting, incomes are rising fast, the roaring economy is roaring like never before."
Johnson: Allegations against Gonzales are "detestable" but "we're trying to sort it out"
Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales has been accused of having an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide.
U.S.
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Here are all the awards Trump announced during his State of the Union
During his State of the Union, President Trump honored several service members and an Olympic athlete with awards that included the Purple Heart, the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Legion of Merit and the Medal of Freedom.
U.S. hockey goalie Connor Hellebuyck will receive Presidential Medal of Freedom
Connor Hellebuyck stopped 41 of Team Canada's 42 shots in the Olympic gold medal match.
Fact checking Trump's 2026 State of the Union address and Spanberger's response
CBS News fact checked President Trump's 2026 State of the Union address, and Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger's Democratic response.
4 people fatally stabbed outside home near Seattle, suspect shot dead by deputy
A man fatally stabbed four people before being shot dead by a sheriff's deputy outside a home northwest of Tacoma, Washington, authorities said.
4 military working dogs died due to "unsatisfactory" facilities, DoD watchdog finds
The Pentagon inspector general recommended the military reduce the number of military working dogs until there are enough caretakers to provide all dogs with satisfactory care.
MoneyWatch
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College majors with the highest earnings potential and lowest jobless rates
A college degree still provides an edge when it comes to finding a good job, but a person's major may be just as important to career stability, research suggests.
AI skills are in demand, but don't always command pay premiums
Six in 10 employers want workers with AI skills, but few are offering higher base pay or bonuses for the know-how.
3 charts highlight the affordability issues Americans worry about most
President Trump touted his work during his first year back in office, saying, "inflation is plummeting, incomes are rising fast, the roaring economy is roaring like never before."
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.
Politics
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Here are all the awards Trump announced during his State of the Union
During his State of the Union, President Trump honored several service members and an Olympic athlete with awards that included the Purple Heart, the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Legion of Merit and the Medal of Freedom.
Trump demands that Iran promise never to build a nuclear weapon
President Trump pressed the Iranian government to reach a deal on its nuclear program as he weighs possible military action against the country.
U.S. hockey goalie Connor Hellebuyck will receive Presidential Medal of Freedom
Connor Hellebuyck stopped 41 of Team Canada's 42 shots in the Olympic gold medal match.
Fact checking Trump's 2026 State of the Union address and Spanberger's response
CBS News fact checked President Trump's 2026 State of the Union address, and Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger's Democratic response.
Judge blocks DOJ from searching Washington Post reporter's phone and laptop
A federal magistrate judge has blocked the DOJ from searching through a Washington Post reporter's devices after they were seized by the FBI last month, instead ruling that the court would conduct a search.
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.
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Trump demands that Iran promise never to build a nuclear weapon
President Trump pressed the Iranian government to reach a deal on its nuclear program as he weighs possible military action against the country.
American Airlines plane from Miami found with apparent bullet hole in Colombia
The bullet was located in the right wing of a 737 MAX 8 aircraft that flew from Miami, Florida, to Medellín on Monday night as flight 923.
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
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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.
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Technology
Hegseth gives AI access demand to Anthropic
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei he had until the end of this week to give the military a signed document that would grant full access to its artificial intelligence model, a sources said. The demand came during a meeting at the Pentagon on Tuesday. Ian Krietzberg, an AI correspondent at Puck, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Hegseth demands full military access to Anthropic's AI model, sets deadline
The Pentagon may decide to officially designate Anthropic as a "supply chain risk" to push them out of government, sources say.
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.
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.
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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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4 people fatally stabbed outside home near Seattle, suspect shot dead by deputy
A man fatally stabbed four people before being shot dead by a sheriff's deputy outside a home northwest of Tacoma, Washington, authorities said.
Former DEA chief examines "El Mencho" operation
The killing of Mexican cartel boss "El Mencho" has led to massive unrest across the country. Ray Donovan, who served as chief of operations at the Drug Enforcement Agency and oversaw the capture of El Chapo, joins with analysis.
Stepbrother charged in cruise ship death
CBS News has learned authorities have charged the stepbrother of Anna Kepner, who was found dead aboard a cruise ship in November 2025, with homicide. Shanelle Kaul has the latest.
Utah judge in Charlie Kirk shooting case rejects bid to disqualify prosecutors
State District Judge Tony Graf decided in a Tuesday ruling to keep the Utah County Attorney's Office on the case against the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk.
Latest details on cruise ship death
The family of Anna Kepner, an 18-year-old who was found dead on a Carnival cruise ship in November, says her 16-year-old stepbrother has been charged with homicide in her death, court documents show. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has the latest.
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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
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Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
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Watch: Trump announces honors for valor at SOTU
President Trump awarded two Medals of Honor, two Purple Hearts and a Legion of Merit throughout the course of his State of the Union address Tuesday night. Mr. Trump also announced that U.S. men's hockey team goaltender Connor Hellebuyck would be receiving the Medal of Freedom. See the moments.
Highlights from Trump 2026 State of the Union
President Trump delivered the first State of the Union of his second term Tuesday night. Here were some of the biggest moments.
Trump honors Coast Guard swimmer at SOTU
President Trump awarded Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan with the Legion of Merit for Extraordinary Heroism during the State of the Union Tuesday night. Mr. Trump said Ruskan saved an 11-year-old girl during the deadly Texas floods last July.
Trump's full 2026 State of the Union address
President Trump delivered the first State of the Union address of his second term on Tuesday night. Watch the president's full speech.
Abigail Spanberger gives Democratic response
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger addressed the American people during the Democratic rebuttal to President Trump's State of the Union on Tuesday evening.