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
Iran accuses U.S. of violating ceasefire as stalemate continues in peace talks
The U.S. military reported that it has shot down six Iranian one-way attack drones headed toward the Strait of Hormuz.
Jared Kushner-backed luxury resort stokes days of protests in Albania
The so-called "Flamingo Revolution" has taken up the cause of protecting the Albanian coast from a development led by the president's son-in-law.
Pratt's lead over Raman further erodes in new L.A. mayoral race results
Political newcomer Spencer Pratt's lead over Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nithya Raman in the race for L.A. mayor has continued to diminish since election night.
Missing Auburn University student in Japan found dead, mother says
James Higginbotham was found dead in a mountainous area outside Kyoto by a volunteer search-and-rescue group, his mother said.
Treasury Department plans to use Iranian assets to help U.S. Gulf allies recover
The Treasury Department will use Iranian assets to help U.S. Gulf allies recover from damage caused by Tehran's regime, a source familiar with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's thinking told CBS News.
Iran soccer team departs for Mexico ahead of World Cup
Problems with processing visas had earlier led Iran to move its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico.
Golden Tempo wins the Belmont Stakes after also taking the Kentucky Derby
Golden Tempo made Cherie DeVaux the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner.
At least 12 people wounded in shooting near festival in Toledo, Ohio
Police in Toledo, Ohio, reported that there were believed to be at least two shooters. No suspects have been arrested.
FBI fires analysts who worked on memo about Catholic extremist ideology
The five fired FBI analysits were involved in the creation of a withdrawn internal 2023 intelligence memo on "Radical Traditionalist Catholic" ideology, sources said.
U.S.
More U.S.
Ex-boyfriend and fiancée behind fatal stabbing, shooting of Texas mom
What appeared to be an open-and-shut case for Texas investigators turned out to be a twisted murder plot involving victim Alyssa Beard's ex-boyfriend Andrew Beard and his fiancée Holly Elkins – who detectives say was the mastermind.
At least 12 people wounded in shooting near festival in Toledo, Ohio
Police in Toledo, Ohio, reported that there were believed to be at least two shooters. No suspects have been arrested.
Golden Tempo wins the Belmont Stakes after also taking the Kentucky Derby
Golden Tempo made Cherie DeVaux the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner and the second woman to train a Belmont Stakes winner.
Prediction markets have become a draw for young men. Here's why
Prediction markets have become a draw for young men in search of quick cash and thrills, experts say. "I had almost $4,600 at one point but squandered that," one man said.
Why a 55-mile trek is a mandatory rite of passage for freshmen at one high school
The five-day, 55-mile Appalachian Trail hike is a 53-year tradition for freshmen at St. Benedict's Preparatory School.
MoneyWatch
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Prediction markets have become a draw for young men. Here's why
Prediction markets have become a draw for young men in search of quick cash and thrills, experts say. "I had almost $4,600 at one point but squandered that," one man said.
The job market is much stronger than economists expected. Why?
Americans say it's tough to find a job, but employers just added a surprisingly strong 172,000 new hires in May.
Second Facebook privacy settlement payment is coming soon
The additional payouts come from uncashed settlement funds and will be issued to eligible claimants beginning on June 9.
Employers added 172,000 jobs in May, surging past expectations
The labor market continues to show strength despite rising inflation and concerns about slowing economic growth.
Meta is selling $3.99 monthly subscriptions for Instagram Plus
The new paid tier adds features like longer stories and deeper metrics as Meta looks to diversify revenue beyond advertising.
Politics
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Treasury Department plans to use Iranian assets to help U.S. Gulf allies recover
The Treasury Department will use Iranian assets to help U.S. Gulf allies recover from damage caused by Tehran's regime, a source familiar with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's thinking told CBS News.
Pratt's lead over Raman further erodes in new L.A. mayoral race results
Political newcomer Spencer Pratt's lead over Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nithya Raman in the race for L.A. mayor has continued to diminish since election night.
Becerra advances in California governor's race, CBS News projects
Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, a Democrat, will advance to the November election in the California governor's race, CBS News projects. A second candidate in the race has not yet been projected to advance.
Colombia's Petro accuses Trump of intervening in his country's election
Colombian President Gustavo Petro argues the U.S. has chosen to align against his government and back forces he identifies as complicit in the drug trade.
No bags, no watch parties: What to expect when Trump attends NBA Finals
As President Trump prepares to watch the New York Knicks take on the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden, officials are planning for a heightened security posture, sources said.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
A breakthrough for Type 1 diabetes treatment
A medical breakthrough is showing promise for millions of Americans with Type 1 diabetes. It's an alternative to taking insulin without the injections. Mark Strassmann has more details.
U.S. doctor with Ebola recovers from deadly virus, German hospital says
Dr. Peter Stafford was working with a missionary group in the Congo when he came down with the virus last month.
Veteran runs to fight "life-changing disease" after minor symptoms
Dr. Sara Whittingham thought she would know if something was wrong. But her minor symptoms had a surprising cause.
In Congo, doctors face Ebola with little protection: "We live with fear"
Travel bans and conflict have disrupted supply chains in the Democratic Republic of Congo, leaving health workers without Ebola tests and protective gear needed to contain the outbreak.
FDA moves ahead with safety study of abortion pill mifepristone
The FDA is moving ahead with a safety study of the abortion pill mifepristone, a senior FDA official confirmed to CBS News, a step that could create a path for the Trump administration to restrict access to the medication.
World
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Treasury Department plans to use Iranian assets to help U.S. Gulf allies recover
The Treasury Department will use Iranian assets to help U.S. Gulf allies recover from damage caused by Tehran's regime, a source familiar with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's thinking told CBS News.
Iran soccer team departs for Mexico ahead of World Cup
Problems with processing visas had earlier led Iran to move its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico.
Jared Kushner-backed luxury resort stokes days of protests in Albania
The so-called "Flamingo Revolution" has taken up the cause of protecting the Albanian coast from a development led by the president's son-in-law.
In France, Hegseth invokes immigration and "invasion" in D-Day remarks
Hegseth's speech echoed broader Trump administration rhetoric over border security and migration in Europe.
Missing Auburn University student in Japan found dead, mother says
James Higginbotham was found dead in a mountainous area outside Kyoto by a volunteer search-and-rescue group, his mother said.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Patton Oswalt on his new comedy special
Patton Oswalt sits down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss his new special, "Tea & Scotch," and reflect on his comedic journey.
Simon Pegg and Lizzy McAlpine on new film
Simon Pegg and Lizzy McAlpine sit down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss their new film, "Only What We Carry," which was shot in six days and mostly improvised.
Ashley McBryde performs "Ten To Midnight"
Grammy-winning country music star Ashley McBryde's latest album, "Wild," draws on her experiences growing up in the Ozarks and her journey to sobriety. Ahead of her summer U.S. tour, here's Ashley McBryde performing "Ten To Midnight."
Ashley McBryde performs "Bottle Tells Me So"
Grammy-winning country music star Ashley McBryde's latest album, "Wild," draws on her experiences growing up in the Ozarks and her journey to sobriety. Ahead of her summer U.S. tour, here's Ashley McBryde performing "Bottle Tells Me So."
Ashley McBryde performs "What If We Don't"
Grammy-winning country music star Ashley McBryde's latest album, "Wild," draws on her experiences growing up in the Ozarks and her journey to sobriety. Ahead of her summer U.S. tour, here's Ashley McBryde performing "What If We Don't."
Technology
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Prediction markets have become a draw for young men. Here's why
Prediction markets have become a draw for young men in search of quick cash and thrills, experts say. "I had almost $4,600 at one point but squandered that," one man said.
Anthropic on global pause on AI development
Anthropic is urging a pause in AI development amid growing concerns about future risks, though some experts question the company's motives. Vicky Ge Huang, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, joins CBS News with more details.
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.
Alarm over computer "worms" created with AI
Experts are warning about computer "worms" created with AI that can infect devices and harm users without restraint. University of Toronto professor Nicolas Papernot joins with more.
New details on SpaceX IPO plans
SpaceX is going public this month, and it could be the largest-ever stock market debut. As it plans this move, SpaceX has amended the language in its IPO filing to address the company's growing need for water, particularly to expand its data centers. CBS News' Kelly O'Grady reports, and University of California, Riverside, associate professor Shaolei Ren joins to discuss.
Science
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El Niño could bring more widespread coral bleaching, NOAA warns
The expected arrival of El Niño this summer could trigger another mass coral bleaching event, which would be the fifth on record, researchers said.
Scientists find yeast in frozen mummy's guts, use it to make bread
More than 5,300 years ago, Oetzi the Iceman was strolling through the Alps on the border of Austria and Italy when he was killed by an arrow in the back.
Meteor lights up southern Michigan
Days after a meteor exploded over New England, another fireball was spotted, visible in the Midwest to the Northeast. Rob Marciano has more.
Ancient coin, mysterious markings found under Notre Dame cathedral
A team of archaeologists at the iconic cathedral is digging straight down and back in time, to Roman Paris 2,000 years ago.
NASA taps 2 companies to develop buggies for its moon base program
The FLEX Rover will be equipped to carry two astronauts and traverse hundreds of miles of lunar terrain.
Crime
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Ex-boyfriend and fiancée behind fatal stabbing, shooting of Texas mom
What appeared to be an open-and-shut case for Texas investigators turned out to be a twisted murder plot involving victim Alyssa Beard's ex-boyfriend Andrew Beard and his fiancée Holly Elkins – who detectives say was the mastermind.
Police give update on shooting near festival
At least 12 people were wounded in a shooting near the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, officials said Saturday. The Toledo Police Department gave a press briefing on the incident.
L.A. police chase ends in deadly shooting
The freeways of Los Angeles saw two big police pursuits on Friday. The first chase ended when authorities reported that a robbery suspect was shot and killed on the busy 405 Freeway during morning rush hour. In the second incident, an alleged carjacker was taken down by a police K-9 following a meandering three-hour chase. Carter Evans has more.
Marine veteran fights off armed attackers
A Marine veteran was working on his truck in front of his home in Oxon Hill, Maryland, this week, when four teens tried to rob him at gunpoint. That is when his military training kicked in. Tom Hanson reports.
Judge orders detention of ex-CIA official found with $40 million in gold bars
Former CIA official David Rush was arrested in May after FBI agents found gold bars worth about $40 million at his home while probing whether he had lied about his educational and military background, according to court records.
Space
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Space station crew briefly moves to "safe haven" amid concerns over leaks
Out of an abundance of caution, NASA briefly directed five of the seven crew members aboard the International Space Station to wait inside the docked SpaceX Crew Dragon "Freedom" spacecraft.
Sun erupts with 3 solar flares, raising chances of northern lights for U.S.
Three solar flares burst from the sun this week, raising the chances of seeing the northern lights for people across the United States.
NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
Blue Origin vows to resume New Glenn launches despite explosion
Damage to Blue Origin's lone launch pad in the wake of last week's spectacular explosion was not as severe as initially feared, the company said.
NASA taps 2 companies to develop buggies for its moon base program
The FLEX Rover will be equipped to carry two astronauts and traverse hundreds of miles of lunar terrain.
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Police give update on shooting near festival
At least 12 people were wounded in a shooting near the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, officials said Saturday. The Toledo Police Department gave a press briefing on the incident.
How fans are feeling ahead of the World Cup
Seattle's Space Needle sported a new look on Saturday, painted like a soccer ball. The city is one of 16 across North America set to host men's World Cup games. Nicole Valdes reports on how die-hard fans are getting ready.
A breakthrough for Type 1 diabetes treatment
A medical breakthrough is showing promise for millions of Americans with Type 1 diabetes. It's an alternative to taking insulin without the injections. Mark Strassmann has more details.
Protests in Albania over Trump family project
Saturday marked the seventh day of protests over a planned luxury resort in Albania linked to Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump. Activists call it the "Flamingo Revolution." They've adopted the pink bird as a symbol of the wildlife they say will be destroyed if the billion-dollar project goes ahead. Ian Lee has more.
Remains of missing American found in Japan
The mother of 20-year-old missing Auburn University student James Weston Higginbotham posted on Facebook that a group of search and rescue volunteers had found her son's body in a mountainous area outside Kyoto, Japan. Anna Coren reports.