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
Trump insists U.S. achieving "very big victory" in war with Iran
As the Iran war nears the six-month mark, President Trump said he has "no specific timetable" to resume peace talks.
Scores killed, Americans among hundreds missing after Nepal flash floods
Flash floods tore through a valley in Nepal, sweeping away villages and hundreds of tourists, with Americans among the missing, authorities say.
Tim Curry, star of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," dies at 80
Tim Curry was known for his iconic performances in cult classics like "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and the original screen adaptation of Stephen King's "It."
Watch Live: Lindsay Clancy trial testimony ends ahead of closing arguments
Testimony in Lindsay Clancy's trial is finished after jurors in the Massachusetts murder case heard from 85 witnesses.
Carly Pearce recalls meeting Dolly Parton at 16: "I couldn't believe she was real"
Country star Carly Pearce was working at Dollywood when she met Dolly Parton in the early 2000s.
Meta settles social media addiction suit for up to $17 billion
Meta agreed to pay up to $17 billion to settle allegations that its social media platforms are addictive.
First on CBS
Trump hasn't decided on Leavitt's replacement as press secretary, sources say
President Trump hasn't settled on a replacement for White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, whose last day is Friday, according to administration officials close to the situation.
24 states sue to block new Postal Service rules for mail voting
The group of 24 states and the District of Columbia argues the Postal Service's new rule violates the Constitution and federal law.
Secrets of the gut microbiome and how it impacts our long-term brain health
Dr. Laura Cox, an assistant professor at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, explains how our dietary patterns play a significant role in our gut and long-term brain health.
U.S.
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Man convicted in Microsoft exec's murder in plot allegedly involving ex-wife
Prosecutors believe Jared Bridegan was killed because of ongoing strife with his former wife over the parenting of their twins.
See which U.S. states are most at risk from Canadian tariffs
Canadian officials said the tariffs set to be imposed on more than 800 U.S. imports are "strategic" and designed to target some states.
Carly Pearce recalls meeting Dolly Parton at 16: "I couldn't believe she was real"
Country star Carly Pearce was working at Dollywood when she met Dolly Parton in the early 2000s.
24 states sue to block new Postal Service rules for mail voting
The group of 24 states and the District of Columbia argues the Postal Service's new rule violates the Constitution and federal law.
Tim Curry, star of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," dies at 80
Tim Curry was known for his iconic performances in cult classics like "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and the original screen adaptation of Stephen King's "It."
MoneyWatch
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See which U.S. states are most at risk from Canadian tariffs
Canadian officials said the tariffs set to be imposed on more than 800 U.S. imports are "strategic" and designed to target some states.
Boston Scientific says a cyberattack is disrupting its global operations
Medical device maker said it is working to assess the scope of the attack and business interruption.
Meta settles social media addiction suit for up to $17.1 billion
Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1 billion to settle allegations that its social media platforms are addictive.
July PCE inflation index held at 3.7% annual pace, hotter than expected
The Personal Consumption Expenditures index was unchanged from June, highlighting stubborn inflationary pressures.
Ontario's Doug Ford says Trump is "treating us like we're Communist China"
As a U.S.-Canada trade war sparks cross-border insults, Ontario Premier Doug Ford told CBS News he's hopeful the two sides can reach an agreement — but cautioned that "no deal is better than a bad deal."
Politics
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24 states sue to block new Postal Service rules for mail voting
The group of 24 states and the District of Columbia argues the Postal Service's new rule violates the Constitution and federal law.
First on CBS
Trump hasn't decided on Leavitt's replacement as press secretary, sources say
President Trump hasn't settled on a replacement for White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, whose last day is Friday, according to administration officials close to the situation.
Man with Sen. Dan Sullivan's name advances from Alaska U.S. Senate primary
A man with the same name as Alaska's incumbent U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan has advanced to the general election
U.S. military attacks alleged drug-smuggling boat in Caribbean, killing 4
The attack brings the number of people killed in such strikes by the U.S. military in the eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea to at least 227.
3 Secret Service officials put on leave amid probe into "potential misconduct"
The Secret Service's chief of communications and two other staffers have been placed on leave pending an investigation into "potential misconduct," U.S. officials told CBS News.
HealthWatch
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Secrets of the gut microbiome and how it impacts our long-term brain health
Dr. Laura Cox, an assistant professor at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, explains how our dietary patterns play a significant role in our gut and long-term brain health.
Pennsylvania records first 2 measles deaths in 35 years
Pennsylvania has recorded its first two deaths connected to measles in 35 years.
At least 1 in 4 ex-NFL players who died from 2016 to 2021 had CTE, study finds
The rate is much higher than is seen in the general population. CTE is a brain disease linked to repeated blows to the head.
Trump and Kennedy's health industry deals are at risk of vanishing
The agreements, covering issues like drug pricing, reducing the use of synthetic food dyes, and cutting back on insurance prior authorization rules, were announced with fanfare and touted as victories.
8-year-old girl dies from brain-eating amoeba infection in Louisiana
Lillian Smart, 8, has died after being infected by an extremely rare brain-eating amoeba that is found in warm freshwater, her family said.
World
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Prince Harry and Meghan returning to the U.K. today, BBC News reports
Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are returning to the U.K. from California today, six years after their tumultuous departure, the BBC reports.
Scores killed, Americans among hundreds missing after Nepal flash floods
Flash floods tore through a valley in Nepal, sweeping away villages and hundreds of tourists, with Americans among the missing, authorities say.
U.S. military attacks alleged drug-smuggling boat in Caribbean, killing 4
The attack brings the number of people killed in such strikes by the U.S. military in the eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea to at least 227.
Live
Trump insists U.S. achieving "very big victory" in war with Iran
As the Iran war nears the six-month mark, President Trump said he has "no specific timetable" to resume peace talks.
14 newborns killed as fire tears through Pakistani hospital's nursery
Authorities in Islamabad, Pakistan, say a fire caused by an air-conditioning unit exploding in a major hospital nursery ward killed 14 newborns.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Country stars react to Dolly Parton's death
Carly Pearce and Lauren Alaina, two of country music's hottest stars, spoke with "CBS Mornings" about Dolly Parton's influence on their careers and lives.
Dolly Parton quotes that show her honesty, humor and wisdom
Dolly Parton wasn't shy about making jokes about herself, but she also shared wisdom and life lessons over the years.
Actor Tim Curry dies at 80
Film and television actor Tim Curry, star of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," has died at 80, his manager confirmed.
Carly Pearce recalls meeting Dolly Parton at 16: "I couldn't believe she was real"
Country star Carly Pearce was working at Dollywood when she met Dolly Parton in the early 2000s.
Tim Curry, star of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," dies at 80
Tim Curry was known for his iconic performances in cult classics like "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and the original screen adaptation of Stephen King's "It."
Technology
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Technology
Meta settles social media addiction suit
Tech giant Meta will shell out up to $17 billion in a settlement following a massive multi-state legal suit on social media addiction. CBS News' Kelly O'Grady explains more.
Ring camera founder on privacy
Conversations around privacy are growing as the surveillance technology company Flock faces allegations of police misuse and concerns that its roadside cameras are overly invasive. Ring inventor and founder Jamie Siminoff says his company is working to enhance customers' privacy.
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.
Louisiana governor on SpaceX facility
SpaceX plans to develop its fourth-largest launch site in Louisiana. Governor Jeff Landry explains why he supports the project and comments on a newly redrawn congressional map.
Boston Scientific says a cyberattack is disrupting its global operations
Medical device maker said it is working to assess the scope of the attack and business interruption.
Science
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Invasive Joro spiders are "slowly spreading." Here's what to do if you see one.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park told visitors Tuesday that invasive Joro spiders "may be hanging in a web near you."
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Crime
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Man convicted in Microsoft exec's murder in plot allegedly involving ex-wife
Prosecutors believe Jared Bridegan was killed because of ongoing strife with his former wife over the parenting of their twins.
Final witness testifies in Clancy trial
The final witness testified Wednesday in Lindsay Clancy's murder trial for the killings of her three young children. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more.
Final witnesses speak in Lindsay Clancy trial
The prosecutors in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial are wrapping up their rebuttal testimony. CBS News legal contributor Rebecca Roiphe has more analysis.
Lindsay Clancy trial winding down
Lindsay Clancy's murder trial is nearly over. A forensic psychiatrist called by the prosecution testified that he thought there were inconsistencies in Lindsay Clancy's account of her mental health the night her three children were murdered. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
Slain girl hailed as hero after 8 relatives killed in Montana home
The victims represented four generations of the blended family, ranging from a great-grandmother in her 90s who used a wheelchair to a 7-year-old girl, a neighbor said.
Space
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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.
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
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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.
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.
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.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Indiana's mass blackout is mostly over
Power has been restored to most people in Indiana after storm damage caused widespread blackouts. CBS News' Darius Johnson reports.
Country stars react to Dolly Parton's death
Carly Pearce and Lauren Alaina, two of country music's hottest stars, spoke with "CBS Mornings" about Dolly Parton's influence on their careers and lives.
Final witness testifies in Clancy trial
The final witness testified Wednesday in Lindsay Clancy's murder trial for the killings of her three young children. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more.
Trump continues to bash Canada over tariffs
President Trump said Wednesday that Canada is "one of the worst countries in the world to deal with" after trade talks with the United States' neighbors to the north collapsed. CBS News' Nancy Cordes reports.
Actor Tim Curry dies at 80
Film and television actor Tim Curry, star of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," has died at 80, his manager confirmed.