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
U.S. strikes Iran after Trump accuses Tehran of "foolish violation" of ceasefire
The U.S. carried out retaliatory strikes against Iran on Friday after Iranian forces hit a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz a day earlier.
Race to find survivors as Venezuela's earthquake death toll soars
The twin earthquakes that hit Venezuela killed more than 900 people, and that toll is likely to keep rising as frantic rescue and recovery operations ramp up.
Minnesota fraud suspect arrested in Somalia after 4 years on the run, officials say
Abdikerm Eidleh, accused of playing a key role in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, was arrested in Somalia after more than four years, federal officials said.
Buttigieg targeted by fake report to child protective services
Michigan State Police said law enforcement and Child Protective Services confirmed a report against Pete Buttigieg was unsubstantiated and false.
Appeals court upholds Harvey Weinstein's California rape conviction
A California appeals court has upheld Harvey Weinstein's 2022 rape and sexual assault conviction.
Texas board approves adding Bible stories to required reading for public school students
The reading list will take effect starting in 2030.
Judge in Charlie Kirk murder case finds prosecutor in contempt
The defense team for Tyler Robinson asked that the death penalty be taken off the table following public comments by prosecutors.
Utah declares emergency, limits fireworks as crews battle largest U.S. wildfire
Utah is restricting fireworks as the largest wildfire in the nation grows, fueled by dry conditions and gusting winds.
How much water does AI really use?
The heaviest demand on America's water supply isn't data centers or AI. It's from everyday uses such as growing food, watering lawns and flushing toilets.
U.S.
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Utah declares emergency, limits fireworks as crews battle largest U.S. wildfire
Utah is restricting fireworks as the largest wildfire in the nation grows, fueled by dry conditions and gusting winds.
Nurse who went above and beyond gets special send-off: "You're an angel"
Wynola Wayne received a special retirement send-off after 58 years as a nurse. One former patient, Marco Houpe, said, "If it wasn't for her then, I wouldn't be here today."
Video shows Boeing 777 making very low pass over Texas airfield
Data from FlightRadar24 showed the plane was no more than 25 feet above the ground during the low pass as it approached the Horseshoe Bay Resort Jet Center airport.
Appeals court upholds Harvey Weinstein's California rape conviction
A California appeals court has upheld Harvey Weinstein's 2022 rape and sexual assault conviction.
Buttigieg targeted by fake report to child protective services
Michigan State Police said law enforcement and Child Protective Services confirmed a report against Pete Buttigieg was unsubstantiated and false.
MoneyWatch
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Gadget prices have fallen for decades. Then AI happened.
The race to build AI data centers is leading to a global shortage of memory chips, driving up the cost of personal electronics.
Trump vows immediate 100% tariff if countries levy digital services tax
Countries that tax U.S. companies offering digital products and services would immediately face a 100% tariff on their exports to the U.S., President Trump said.
Nude portrait by Amedeo Modigliani sets record at auction
The Modigliani painting "Nu assis au collier" (Seated Nude Wearing a Necklace) sold for $63.9 million, the highest price achieved for a work by the artist sold at auction in Europe, Sotheby's said.
Apple and Microsoft are raising their prices as chip costs soar
Apple is raising the prices of some MacBooks and iPads, while Microsoft is raising Xbox prices as semiconductor costs surge.
Big Tech is spending trillions on AI. Investors want proof it'll pay off.
Technology companies are betting trillions of dollars that consumers will open their wallets for AI services. But what if Big Tech is wrong?
Politics
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Buttigieg targeted by fake report to child protective services
Michigan State Police said law enforcement and Child Protective Services confirmed a report against Pete Buttigieg was unsubstantiated and false.
U.S. strikes targets in Iran after drone attack on cargo ship
The U.S. military says it hit Iranian targets over Iran's drone attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first American strikes on Iran since the two countries formally agreed to extend a ceasefire last week.
Trump vows immediate 100% tariff if countries levy digital services tax
Countries that tax U.S. companies offering digital products and services would immediately face a 100% tariff on their exports to the U.S., President Trump said.
Epstein's assistant grilled by lawmakers over Amex travel booked for women or girls
U.S. lawmakers recently grilled Jeffrey Epstein's longtime assistant Lesley Groff about Epstein's use of American Express to book travel for multiple women or girls.
"Regime Change" authors on Trump's "information bubble" and use of power
In "Regime Change, Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump," Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan describe his fundamentally different approach to running the country.
HealthWatch
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Internal emails show how RFK Jr.'s team sought to sway the CDC
A trove of emails offers a new look at how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention navigated some of the most controversial decisions of President Trump's second term.
Chris Evert announces her ovarian cancer has returned
American tennis legend Chris Evert announced that her ovarian cancer had returned in a social media post Thursday.
Democrats to propose bill capping out-of-pocket Medicare costs for enrollees
Some Senate Democrats want to cap the amount beneficiaries in traditional Medicare have to pay toward care, but the move is expected to draw GOP opposition for potentially adding billions to Medicare costs.
Medicare's AI push snarls patients and doctors in errors and delays
Medicare is testing the use of artificial intelligence to preapprove several healthcare services.
Confirmed Ebola cases in Congo top 1,000, deaths surpass 250, officials say
Confirmed Ebola cases in the outbreak in eastern Congo have reached 1,003, including 254 deaths, officials said, and tracing those who've been in contact with patients remains a major challenge.
World
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U.S. strikes targets in Iran after drone attack on cargo ship
The U.S. military says it hit Iranian targets over Iran's drone attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first American strikes on Iran since the two countries formally agreed to extend a ceasefire last week.
Convicted rapist who faked death and fled U.S. has died
Nicholas Rossi, 38, was serving at least 10 years in prison in Utah following his convictions in 2025 in two sexual assault cases.
4 people convicted over insecticide deaths of tourist family at hotel
Investigators initially suspected food poisoning, but that was quickly dismissed after Turkish media reported that their hotel was dealing with a bedbug infestation.
Ukraine launches huge drone attack on Russia and occupied Crimea
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine will ramp up attacks on Russia in an operation "aimed at compelling it to end the war."
AI helps decode new secrets from scrolls burned by Mount Vesuvius
An 18th-century archaeological dig uncovered a library of intact but charred scrolls. Their contents have been unreadable until recently.
Entertainment
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Appeals court upholds Harvey Weinstein's California rape conviction
A California appeals court has upheld Harvey Weinstein's 2022 rape and sexual assault conviction.
Essential American songs of last 250 years
For the United States' 250th birthday, Sunday Morning asked dozens of notable Americans, from Jason Alexander and Ken Burns to Misty Copeland, what they considered to be our country's essential songs. This is the Essential American Songbook: 90 contributors and 250 songs. Here's a sample.
Comedian Druski to make history at BET Awards
Comedian and entertainer Druski will host the BET Awards on Sunday. At 31, he's the youngest host in the show's history. He gave "CBS Mornings" co-host Nate Burleson a preview of what to expect.
William Holden, Joseph Cotten mark bicentennial
In the lead-up to America's bicentennial in 1976, CBS aired brief segments featuring well-known figures of the time describing moments from early U.S. history. CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett introduces clips featuring legendary actors William Holden and Joseph Cotten.
New NYT reporting on Taylor Swift's wedding
The New York Times is reporting that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce might tie the knot at Madison Square Garden. She has reportedly booked out the arena for the Fourth of July weekend, the rumored wedding date.
Technology
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Technology
California creates AI job trend tracker
California now has the nation's first dashboard to publicly track artificial intelligence-related job trends, ones created and ones lost. As of now, early findings show no evidence of rising statewide unemployment from jobs exposed to AI. Till von Wachter, a faculty director of the California Policy Lab at UCLA, joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
Gadget prices have fallen for decades. Then AI happened.
The race to build AI data centers is leading to a global shortage of memory chips, driving up the cost of personal electronics.
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.
Apple, Microsoft announce price hikes
Apple and Microsoft announced they're hiking prices for some electronic products, including computers and XBOX consoles, citing a shortage of memory chips. CNET editor-at-large Scott Stein weighs in.
How much water does AI really use?
The heaviest demand on America's water supply isn't data centers or AI. It's from everyday uses such as growing food, watering lawns and flushing toilets.
Science
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Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Ancient Egyptian burial site reveals centuries of changing traditions
Human and animal remains unearthed in Egypt's Nile Delta reveal changing funerary practices over some 600 years, and the evolution of a key site itself.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Interstellar comet may be oldest object ever seen in solar system
Exactly where the comet 3I/ATLAS came from within the Milky Way remains a mystery.
6/21: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Lee Cowan. Featured: Birthright citizenship; the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library unveiled; Shooter Jennings releases recordings by his father, Waylon Jennings; comedian John Mulaney; childhood obesity; and the secrets of seahorses and seadragons.
Crime
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Crime
Billionaire Leon Black testifies on Epstein
Billionaire Leon Black testified before the House Oversight Committee on Friday. After Black ended the interview, the committee issued two subpoenas. Democratic Rep. Suhas Subramanyam of Virginia, a member of the House Oversight Committee, joins "The Takeout" to discuss this and the U.S. strike on Iran.
Minnesota fraud suspect arrested in Somalia after 4 years on the run, officials say
Abdikerm Eidleh, accused of playing a key role in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, was arrested in Somalia after more than four years, federal officials said.
Mistrial ruled in Palisades Fire arson case
A judge declared a mistrial in the case against a man accused of starting a fire that grew into the deadly 2025 Palisades Fire. The jury was deadlocked during deliberations. CBS News Los Angeles has more.
Convicted rapist who faked death and fled U.S. has died
Nicholas Rossi, 38, was serving at least 10 years in prison in Utah following his convictions in 2025 in two sexual assault cases.
Judge in Charlie Kirk murder case finds prosecutor in contempt
The defense team for Tyler Robinson asked that the death penalty be taken off the table following public comments by prosecutors.
Space
More Space
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Interstellar comet may be oldest object ever seen in solar system
Exactly where the comet 3I/ATLAS came from within the Milky Way remains a mystery.
Researchers find "Pink Planet" has salty clouds: "We were very surprised"
The "Pink Planet," formally known as GJ504b, was discovered in 2013 and is technically not a planet but rather a "planetary-mass companion."
NASA chief defends choice of all-male crew for Artemis III mission
NASA's Jared Isaacman says the crew was selected solely based on their experience, expertise and availability for flight assignment.
Latest Galleries
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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.
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.
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.
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?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Patients give beloved nurse special send-off
Steve Hartman goes "On the Road" with the story of a beloved nurse who got no ordinary retirement send-off after 58 years on the job.
Escaped giraffe spotted near Texas ranch
After spending two weeks on the loose, a giraffe named Gracie was spotted Friday just miles from the Texas ranch she escaped in the Texas Hill Country. Mark Strassmann has more.
U.S. loses first 2026 World Cup match to Turkey
The U.S. Men's National Soccer Team suffered its first loss of the 2026 World Cup Thursday night, but will still advance to the knockout round to face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday. Nicole Valdes has more.
U.S. strikes Iran in response to ship attack
The U.S. struck back at Iran Friday after an Iranian drone attack on a cargo ship Thursday in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM said U.S. aircraft hit Iran's missile and drone storage locations. Nikole Killion reports.
Red flag wildfire alerts issued for 8 states
Red flag wildfire warnings were posted Friday in eight states from the Pacific Northwest to the Desert Southwest, with gusts of dry air creating blowtorch-like conditions. Carter Evans reports.