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."
Exclusive
New photos show widespread damage at U.S. positions caused by Iranian attacks
The images were sent to CBS News by active service members under condition of anonymity.
Patel defends lowering hiring standards related to prostitution, bestiality
Tuesday's hearing marked the first time that Patel has publicly addressed the new hiring standards related to prostitution, employment theft and bestiality.
Live
White House backs Hegseth as new details come out about Iran war's cost
The Iran war has cost the U.S. military at least $33.4 billion — most of it on munitions — and not including hundreds of millions more spent by other agencies, the Pentagon says.
Exclusive
Ukrainian president tells CBS News Russia targeted his plane with drones
Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia targeted his plane with drones as part of a campaign to intimidate him and other foreign leaders.
Board votes to close Kennedy Center immediately for renovations, source says
Earlier Tuesday, a federal judge again blocked the board from adding President Trump's name to the facade of the building.
Trump admin. will comply with mail ballot ruling by Supreme Court, Blanche says
The Supreme Court on Monday blocked the Postal Service from enforcing new mail voting rules ahead of the midterm elections.
House panel recommends holding Leon Black in contempt in Epstein probe
The billionaire investor defied subpoenas to testify to the committee and produce nondisclosure agreements.
FBI investigation thwarts "mass casualty attack" from man accused of ISIS allegiance
Federal officials said Jonathan Kramer had armed himself to carry out a mass casualty attack against the American people.
Americans' incomes hit a record high in 2025. Now for the bad news.
The typical U.S. household's annual earnings have risen only 2.5% since 2019, new data from the Census Bureau shows.
U.S.
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Ross Fire still burning, with over 90,000 acres scorched
The wildfire, which has torn through Palo Pinto and Jack counties, forced evacuations, closed roads and disrupted schools.
Ed Sheeran's supporting acts pull out of tour after Macklemore was dropped
Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham and Finneas all released statements Tuesday on Instagram saying they were withdrawing from Ed Sheeran's tour.
Trump admin. will comply with mail ballot ruling by Supreme Court, Blanche says
The Supreme Court on Monday blocked the Postal Service from enforcing new mail voting rules ahead of the midterm elections.
House panel recommends holding Leon Black in contempt in Epstein probe
The billionaire investor defied subpoenas to testify to the committee and produce nondisclosure agreements.
Own a car? You're getting socked by higher prices, and not only for gas
Car ownership costs have soared 50% since 2020, according to new economic data. Here's where motorists are getting dinged.
MoneyWatch
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Own a car? You're getting socked by higher prices, and not only for gas
Car ownership costs have soared 50% since 2020, according to new economic data. Here's where motorists are getting dinged.
OpenAI backs measure that would require independent audits of AI models
Top OpenAI executive endorses plan that would require AI companies to submit their technology to third-party reviews to assess their safety.
Americans' incomes hit a record high in 2025. Now for the bad news.
The typical U.S. household's annual earnings have risen only 2.5% since 2019, new data from the Census Bureau shows.
Fed rate hike expected on Wednesday. See what it means for your money.
The Federal Reserve is likely to raise borrowing costs on Wednesday, and more hikes could be in store, according to economists.
Your home heating oil bill is likely to jump this winter. Here's why.
Millions of homeowners will face higher heating costs this winter because of surging global oil prices, according to a new forecast.
Politics
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Trump admin. will comply with mail ballot ruling by Supreme Court, Blanche says
The Supreme Court on Monday blocked the Postal Service from enforcing new mail voting rules ahead of the midterm elections.
Massie introduces impeachment articles against Hegseth over Iran war
Rep. Thomas Massie accused Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of defying Congress with the Iran war, suppressing free speech and other offenses.
House panel recommends holding Leon Black in contempt in Epstein probe
The billionaire investor defied subpoenas to testify to the committee and produce nondisclosure agreements.
Exclusive
New photos show widespread damage at U.S. positions caused by Iranian attacks
The images were sent to CBS News by active service members under condition of anonymity.
House kills Rep. Al Green's resolution to impeach Trump
Republicans made a motion to table the resolution, effectively killing it.
HealthWatch
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Outcome of employment lawsuit could promote use of skimpy health plans
A long-running lawsuit challenging what it means to be an employee and therefore have access to work-based health plans is being closely watched by health policy analysts.
Pennsylvania woman dies of measles complications, coroner reports
A 40-year-old woman died on Saturday from complications associated with measles, the coroner reported.
Strange symptom and a "weird" referral led to surprise Stage 4 cancer diagnosis
Kate Ping thought she was just stressed out. A nurse practitioner's surprising recommendation led to a shocking diagnosis.
Trump admin. to send $500 checks to nearly 1 million ACA enrollees
Affordable Care Act recipients in 30 states are set to receive the $500 checks starting in October. Here's why.
Record-setting cyclospora outbreak is over, U.S. health officials say
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there is no longer a risk of people getting sick with cyclosporiasis from this outbreak and is confident that all related iceberg lettuce is off the market.
World
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Exclusive
New photos show widespread damage at U.S. positions caused by Iranian attacks
The images were sent to CBS News by active service members under condition of anonymity.
Iran war could cost $2 billion per month, Congressional Budget Office estimates
The Congressional Budget Office estimated the war between Feb. 28 and Aug. 1 has directly cost the U.S. about $38 billion.
Exclusive
Ukrainian president tells CBS News Russia targeted his plane with drones
Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia targeted his plane with drones as part of a campaign to intimidate him and other foreign leaders.
7 women found dead in South Africa, sparking fears of serial killer
Authorities say the cases appear to be linked, although they did not confirm whether they are the work of the same killer.
2 U.S. government workers accidentally shot by soldiers in Africa
The U.S. personnel were shot during an anti-smuggling operation in a rural region in the northeast of the country, Eswatini's government said.
Entertainment
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Ed Sheeran's supporting acts pull out of tour after Macklemore was dropped
Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham and Finneas all released statements Tuesday on Instagram saying they were withdrawing from Ed Sheeran's tour.
Food & Wine unveils list of "Best New Chefs"
Food & Wine reveals its list of "Best New Chefs" this week. One of those talents is Masako Morishita of Perry's Restaurant in Washington, D.C., who joins to discuss her career move from NFL cheerleader to D.C. food icon and share one of her favorite recipes.
Elin Hilderbrand and daughter on latest book
Elin Hilderbrand, who wrote hit summer reads like "The Perfect Couple" and "28 Summers," joins "CBS Mornings" with her daughter Shelby Cunningham to discuss the latest book in their co-written The Academy Series, titled "The Thoroughbreds."
Remembering Bob Mackie's most iconic looks
Bob Mackie, who bedazzled stars like Cher, Carol Burnett and Marilyn Monroe, died at 87. "CBS Mornings" looks back at some of his legendary looks.
2026 Emmys top moments
"People" executive editor for TV and events Breanne Heldman breaks down the top moments from the 2026 Emmy Awards.
Technology
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OpenAI backs measure that would require independent audits of AI models
Top OpenAI executive endorses plan that would require AI companies to submit their technology to third-party reviews to assess their safety.
Speaker Johnson on Trump's AI comments
President Trump took aim at criticism of AI development, calling the warnings a "hoax." House Speaker Mike Johnson shared his thoughts on Mr. Trump's comments.
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.
Trump lauds AI amid dire warnings
President Trump called Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang during an industry summit, saying that data centers "make people wealthy" and dismissing AI development concerns as a "hoax." CBS News' Jo Ling Kent has more on what you should know.
Rep. Beyer on AI regulation and threat
Tech CEOs are pushing for an AI development slowdown following a slew of concerns regarding the misuse of the technology. Virginia Democratic Rep. Don Beyer, vice chair of the House Joint Economic Committee, weighs in on the issue.
Science
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Anthropic CEO says "exponential" growth of AI is a "warning sign"
Artificial intelligence technology is developing at an "exponential" rate, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News, calling the situation a "warning sign" for the industry that requires serious safeguards.
First-ever adult T. rex trackway found in North Dakota
Paleontologists have identified the first known trackway made by a full-grown Tyrannosaurus rex, and the discovery was made in the North Dakota badlands.
Ig Nobel prizes go to scientists studying cockroach milk, nose-blowing, more
Ten research teams were honored at a satirical science awards ceremony that was hosted outside the U.S. for the first time due to travel concerns. A study of cockroach milk was among the winners.
Vote on the fattest marmot now
Marmots, not bears, are the largest "true" hibernating mammal, UCLA marmot researchers Katie Adler and Emily Renkey say. The two share more fun facts about these cute creatures and explain how to vote for the fattest marmot.
NASA plans to launch new space telescope
NASA's new telescope could change the way we see space. With a wide-field camera that will reveal an area up to 200 times larger than the Hubble Space Telescope, and an orbit a million miles from Earth, the Nancy Grace Roman telescope is expected to find tens of thousands of unknown exoplanets.
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Crime
FBI: Pennsylvania man was planning ISIS attack
A 21-year-old Pennsylvania man planned to carry out an ISIS-inspired "mass casualty attack" before being thwarted by the FBI, federal law enforcement officials say. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
7 women found dead in South Africa, sparking fears of serial killer
Authorities say the cases appear to be linked, although they did not confirm whether they are the work of the same killer.
FBI investigation thwarts "mass casualty attack" from man accused of ISIS allegiance
Federal officials said Jonathan Kramer had armed himself to carry out a mass casualty attack against the American people.
Hospital could have prevented some of nurse's baby killings, judge says
British nurse Lucy Letby, convicted of murdering seven babies, was enabled by a "complete failure" to protect them at the hospital where she worked, the chair of an inquiry said.
New details on Clancy holdout juror
The holdout juror in Lindsay Clancy's murder trial faced a domestic violence charge in 2021, but it was later dismissed, police records show. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Space
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NASA launches its Roman Space Telescope to explore the hidden universe
NASA's Roman Space Telescope launched shortly after daybreak from Kennedy Space Center and blazed toward an observation point 1 million miles away.
Roman Space Telescope promises 300-megapixel views of the cosmos
The $4.3 billion telescope is expected to discover tens of thousands of exoplanets while probing the nature of mysterious dark matter and energy.
First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
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.
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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.
Dolly Parton: An extraordinary life in pictures
Dolly Parton, the country music legend who became a feminist icon, has died at the age of 80. Here is a look back at her life in pictures.
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.
Latest CBS News Videos
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CBS News speaks with Taliban 25 years after 9/11
CBS News' Imtiaz Tyab sits down with Taliban spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi, five years after the group's return to power in Afghanistan. They discuss the Taliban's claims of peace and stability, the country's ongoing humanitarian crisis and restrictions on women and girls, as well as U.S. military hardware, frozen assets, future U.S.-Afghanistan relations and lessons from two decades of war.
Inside Trump's Supreme Court denouncements
President Trump on Tuesday denounced all three of his appointed Supreme Court justices because they joined a ruling nullifying Mr. Trump's attempt to dramatically restrict mail-in balloting. Major Garrett reports.
Extended Interview: Bernie Sanders on AI
Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks with CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns about recent dire warnings from tech experts about advancements in AI and calls for government regulation.
Key details, moments from Patel Senate hearing
FBI director Kash Patel testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday as part of an annual hearing on oversight of the department. Patel faced criticism about recent firings, changes to hiring standards and artificial intelligence. CBS News' Jake Rosen has more.
FBI: Pennsylvania man was planning ISIS attack
A 21-year-old Pennsylvania man planned to carry out an ISIS-inspired "mass casualty attack" before being thwarted by the FBI, federal law enforcement officials say. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.