Ex-Trump defense chief on Jan. 6, new book
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper joined CBS News to discuss the ongoing January 6 hearings and his new book, "A Sacred Oath: Memoirs of a Secretary of Defense During Extraordinary Times."
Mark Esper
Esper: January 6 committee "needs to get to the bottom of the truth"
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper says the committee "needs to get to the bottom of the truth of what happened on January 6, the events leading up to it, and understand it, so there's a degree of accountability."
5/9: Red and Blue
Biden signs bill to streamline Ukraine aid; Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper discusses Trump and the GOP
Full interview: Esper on Trump, GOP
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper sat down with CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett to discuss working in the Trump administration and his new memoir "A Sacred Oath."
Former defense secretary on Trump presidency
Former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the revelations he makes in his new memoir "A Sacred Oath: Memoirs of a Secretary of Defense During Extraordinary Times." In his book, Esper sheds light on what happened inside the White House while Donald Trump was in office.
Esper says Trump suggested they "just shoot" protesters in 2020
“He says, ‘Can't you just shoot them? Just shoot them in the legs or something.’” That’s what former Sec. of Defense Mark Esper recalls Pres. Trump saying in a June 2020 meeting regarding rioters in Washington, DC. https://cbsn.ws/3wg4aZB
Mark Esper and Mark Milley's 4 No's
In order to deal with what Mark Esper calls “crazy” ideas from the Trump White House, Esper says he came up with the “Four No’s & discussed it with CJCS General Mark Milley… the four things we had to prevent from happening between then and the election.” https://cbsn.ws/3KWDra3
Mark Esper on Ukraine
“I think [the Biden administration] had a shaky start…I don’t understand the reluctance to provide the Ukrainians with MiGs … but since then, it’s picked up,” says former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who adds he is glad Congress is unified about helping Ukraine https://cbsn.ws/3vSMdBp
Mark Esper details his time in President Trump's Cabinet
In his new memoir, "A Sacred Oath," Esper writes that he had to press President Trump to send aid to Ukraine, and also walked the president back from ideas such as shooting protesters and missile strikes in Mexico.
Trump's response to Mark Esper's 60 Minutes interview
When asked for comment on this week's interview with Mark Esper, Mr. Trump sent 60 Minutes' Norah O'Donnell a written letter attacking Esper and disputing some of the claims he had made.
Trump and the 25th Amendment
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper tells 60 Minutes that a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff researched the 25th Amendment after President Donald Trump berated them.
Mark Esper: The 60 Minutes Interview
In his new memoir, “A Sacred Oath,” Esper writes that he had to press President Trump to send aid to Ukraine, and also walked the president back from ideas such as shooting protesters and missile strikes in Mexico.
Esper on Trump’s nickname for him
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper addresses President Trump’s nickname for him, "Yesper."
Esper on prospect of a second term for Trump
In an interview with 60 Minutes, Mr. Trump's Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper labeled the former President as a threat to American democracy.
Mark Esper on what's at stake if Donald Trump is re-elected president
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper tells 60 Minutes that he thinks President Donald Trump is a threat to American democracy.
Esper: Trump wanted to launch missiles into Mexico
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper said President Trump suggested launching missiles into Mexico to go after the drug cartels. Watch more of Norah O'Donnell's interview with Esper on Sunday on "60 Minutes."
Esper: Trump suggested shooting missiles into Mexico
“I had to explain to him, ‘We-- we can't do that. It would violate international law,’” Mark Esper tells Norah O’Donnell.
Esper: Trump suggested shooting missiles into Mexico
"I had to explain to him, 'We-- we can't do that. It would violate international law,'" Mark Esper tells Norah O'Donnell.
Trump Defense secretary on "ridiculous" border plan
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper tells Norah O'Donnell about a tense standoff in the Oval Office about a "ridiculous" plan to send 250,000 troops to the U.S.-Mexico border. Watch the full interview on "60 Minutes" on Sunday.
Esper: Miller wanted "quarter-million troops" for migrant caravan
Former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper tells Norah O'Donnell he killed Miller's plan to deploy troops in response to a caravan that was heading toward the southern border.
CBS Evening News, November 9, 2020
Pfizer's early data shows COVID-19 vaccine is more than 90% effective; Presidential election reveals a deeply divided nation
1/6: CBS Evening News
Secretary of defense insists U.S. will not pull out of Iraq; 3D printed limb helps young musician play the cello.
1/2: CBS Evening News
Tensions rising in the Middle East after embassy attack; 98-year-old swimmer refuses to slow down.
Former defense chief Mark Esper sues Pentagon over memoir redactions
Esper, who wrote about his time as Trump's Secretary of Defense, claims redactions demanded by the Pentagon after an "unusual" delay infringe on his constitutional rights.
7/9: Red and Blue
Dr. Fauci warns some states should pause reopening; Catching up on the 2020 campaign trail
Venezuela's Machado says transition of power post-Maduro is "unstoppable"
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado told CBS News any positive steps taken by the new post-Maduro government over the last month are due to pressure from President Trump.
ICE releases 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos from custody, lawyer says
Five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father have been released from ICE custody, following a court order mandating their release, a lawyer familiar with their case tells CBS News.
New ICE memo gives deportation officers more leeway to conduct warrantless arrests
The memo suggests the rules are designed to give ICE greater flexibility to quickly arrest unauthorized immigrants who are not the original targets of an operation.
Exclusive
Immigrant pursued by federal agents before Alex Pretti's killing speaks out
"I was there. I saw everything," Jose Huerta Chuma, who remains in hiding, told CBS News.
Massive release of Epstein files includes 3 million documents and photos
The Justice Department released more new documents Friday from the Jeffrey Epstein files, more than a month after the DOJ's original deadline to do so.
Partial government shutdown begins as funding lapses despite Senate deal
The Senate passed a deal on a package of spending bills late Friday, sending it to the House, though funding for dozens of government agencies has still lapsed.
Officials in Minnesota allege Bovino used language offensive to Jews on conference call
Top Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino allegedly used language offensive to Jewish federal officials on a recent call, sources said.
Powerful storm hits an East Coast still buried under last week's snow
Blizzardlike conditions stemming from a "bomb cyclone" brought heavy snow to the Southeast and ushered in frigid temperatures to much of the East Coast.
Carlos Alcaraz beats Novak Djokovic at Australian Open to complete career Grand Slam
At 22 years and 272 days, Carlos Alcaraz is the youngest man to complete a set of all four major singles titles.
U.S.
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ICE releases 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos from custody, lawyer says
Five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father have been released from ICE custody, following a court order mandating their release, a lawyer familiar with their case tells CBS News.
Ilia Malinin on the pursuit of perfection
The four-time national figure skating champion from Virginia, the only person in the world to have landed a quad axel in competition, is the heavy favorite for gold at this year's Winter Olympics.
On the hunt for bear in the Ozarks
Thanks to decades of conservation efforts, black bear populations are rebounding across the U.S. In Arkansas, hunters talk about their annual black bear hunt — a practice they acknowledge is complicated and contentious, yet central to their way of life.
The Grammy Awards are tonight. Here's how to watch live and what to know.
Music's biggest night returns Sunday with the 68th annual Grammy Awards. Here is how to watch and stream and what to know.
Democrat Christian Menefee wins special election for U.S. House in Texas
Democrat Christian Menefee won a Texas U.S. House seat in a special election Saturday that will narrow Republicans' already-slim majority.
MoneyWatch
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Trump nominates government economist to lead Bureau of Labor Statistics
President Trump says he is nominating the government economist Brett Matsumoto to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
3 key questions for investors about Fed Chair nominee Kevin Warsh
Kevin Warsh, a former Fed governor, is in line to replace Fed Chair Jerome Powell in May. Here's what Wall Street wants to know.
Patients are being hit with this surprise fee just for seeing their doc
One patient reports getting stuck with a $2,418 "facility fee" after seeing her doctor. "I didn't even know such a thing existed," she said.
A new $45 fee for travelers without Real IDs goes into effect Feb. 1
Passengers without Real IDs can still fly if they pay a $45 fee, which covers the cost of additional identity verification screening.
Saks to shutter most Saks Off 5th stores as bankrupt retailer cuts costs
Saks, which declared bankruptcy on Jan. 14, is set to hold going-out-of-business sales as it closes dozens of retail outlets.
Politics
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ICE releases 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos from custody, lawyer says
Five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father have been released from ICE custody, following a court order mandating their release, a lawyer familiar with their case tells CBS News.
Venezuela's Machado says transition of power post-Maduro is "unstoppable"
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado told CBS News any positive steps taken by the new post-Maduro government over the last month are due to pressure from President Trump.
Transcript: Mayors Eileen Higgins, David Holt, Quinton Lucas and Mark Freeman on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 1, 2026
The following is the full transcript of a panel with Mayors Eileen Higgins, David Holt, Quinton Lucas and Mark Freeman, a portion of which aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Feb. 1, 2026.
Transcript: María Corina Machado on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 1, 2026
The following is the full transcript of the interview with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, a portion of which aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Feb. 1, 2026.
Democrat Christian Menefee wins special election for U.S. House in Texas
Democrat Christian Menefee won a Texas U.S. House seat in a special election Saturday that will narrow Republicans' already-slim majority.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Extended Interview: Mel Robbins
In this web exclusive, author and podcaster Mel Robbins talks with Norah O'Donnell about "The Let Them Theory."
Book excerpt: "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins
In her latest bestseller, the motivational speaker discusses how personal growth is only possible when you stop pouring energy into things you cannot control – which includes changing other people.
A cop thought he had a muscle cramp. He ended up fighting for his life.
Sgt. Chris Johnson was told that his heart condition had nearly been "instantly fatal." Rapid medical care and rigorous therapy helped him recover.
Patients are being hit with this surprise fee just for seeing their doc
One patient reports getting stuck with a $2,418 "facility fee" after seeing her doctor. "I didn't even know such a thing existed," she said.
Carter Center reaches major milestone in quest to eradicate Guinea worm
Jimmy Carter made eradicating the Guinea worm a top mission of The Carter Center. Now it could soon become the second disease eradicated in history.
World
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At least 145 people killed in multiple attacks in southwestern Pakistan
Militant attacks erupted in a resource-rich region where Pakistan is seeking to attract foreign investment in mining and minerals.
Venezuela's Machado says transition of power post-Maduro is "unstoppable"
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado told CBS News any positive steps taken by the new post-Maduro government over the last month are due to pressure from President Trump.
Transcript: Mayors Eileen Higgins, David Holt, Quinton Lucas and Mark Freeman on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 1, 2026
The following is the full transcript of a panel with Mayors Eileen Higgins, David Holt, Quinton Lucas and Mark Freeman, a portion of which aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Feb. 1, 2026.
More Russia-Ukraine peace talks set for next week, says Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the next round of peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations will take place on Wednesday and Thursday in Abu Dhabi.
Transcript: María Corina Machado on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 1, 2026
The following is the full transcript of the interview with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, a portion of which aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Feb. 1, 2026.
Entertainment
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Jesse Welles: Keeping the spirit of American folk music alive
In an uncertain time, folk musician Jesse Welles – a four-time Grammy Award-nominee from Ozark, Arkansas – is reinvigorating the spirit and relevance of the protest song, spreading messages on such topics as health insurance and ICE agents.
Jesse Welles: Keeping the spirit of folk music alive
In an uncertain time, folk musician Jesse Welles is reinvigorating the spirit and relevance of the protest song, spreading messages on such topics as health insurance and ICE agents. The four-time Grammy Award-nominee from Ozark, Arkansas, talks with "Sunday Morning" national correspondent Robert Costa about this powerful form of speech and song that can speak across generations.
Mel Robbins on leaning in
Mel Robbins' podcasts, TED Talk and bestselling books, including "The Let Them Theory," have spread her inspirational messages about positivity and empowerment. She talks about how she overcame her own sense of failure, and appreciates success later in life.
Jeff Tweedy of Wilco on the power of music
Jeff Tweedy has released more than two dozen records in his career, both as a solo artist and as frontman of the rock band Wilco. But he may have outdone himself with his latest triple-album "Twilight Override."
Extended Interview: Jeff Tweedy
In this web exclusive, Jeff Tweedy, front man of the rock group Wilco, talks with correspondent Anthony Mason about his solo project, a triple album called "Twilight Override."
Technology
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Technology
How the gramophone changed music
While Thomas Edison's cylinders were the first to play recorded sound, they were impractical – leading Emile Berliner to come up with a better way to play music: The gramophone, invented in 1887, which played flat discs. Jane Pauley reports.
Uber looks to cash in on self-driving cars — but not by driving them
The rideshare company is getting into the business of providing real-world driving data to autonomous vehicle developers. Here's why.
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.
New AI features for Gmail users
This month, Google launched a suite of new features for Gmail. Google's AI assistant, Gemini, can now filter through junk, summarize an inbox and even help users write emails. Blake Barnes, Gmail vice president of product, joins CBS News to discuss.
Analysts say Starlink may have guided Russian drones into a Ukrainian train
As Ukraine accuses Russia of terrorism with a deadly strike on a train, some defense analysts believe Elon Musk's Starlink may have guided the killer drones.
Science
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Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Crime
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Virginia woman was strangled with her child sleeping nearby, authorities say
Ten days before investigators say Katlyn Lyon Montgomery, 28, was strangled in her sleep in the Virginia apartment she shared with her 4-year-old daughter and a new roommate, she had broken up with Trenton Frye, a North Carolina man she met online months before.
Firefighter accused of staging a house fire to cover up a murder
It was Thanksgiving Eve 2020, and Melissa Lamesch was excited about the upcoming birth of her first child. Investigators would learn there was someone who was not as enthused — the expectant father, firefighter Matthew Plote.
Judge rules out death penalty for Mangione
A judge declared that Luigi Mangione will not face the death penalty if convicted on federal charges in the 2024 killing of United HealthCare CEO Brian Thompson. It's a big win for Mangione, though he still faces the possibility of life in prison.
Virginia woman strangled days after dumping her deceptive boyfriend
The prosecutor said Katlyn Lyon Montgomery's ex-boyfriend dressed as a "ninja" to sneak up on her while asleep in her Virginia apartment.
Why judge dropped 2 charges against Mangione
Luigi Mangione, the accused killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, will not face the death penalty after a judge on Friday dismissed two counts that could have carried a death sentence. CBS News legal contributor Caroline Polisi joins to take a look at the new ruling and what it means for the high-profile murder case.
Space
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Space
NASA's Artemis II slated to be a series of firsts
Extreme cold has forced NASA to reschedule its next moon mission. On Saturday, the massive Artemis II rocket stands on launch pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center. Like Apollo 8 in 1968, it won't land on the lunar surface. Mark Strassmann has more on why the latest mission is considered groundbreaking.
NASA delays Artemis mission to moon due to cold weather
The first Artemis moonshot with a crew is now targeted for no earlier than Feb. 8, two days later than planned.
Artemis II crew undergoes intense training for rare moon mission
For months, the Artemis II crew and flight controllers have been simulating malfunctions to prepare for their upcoming trip around the Moon.
Inside Artemis II astronauts' training
NASA is preparing for its first crewed mission around the moon in more than 50 years. The Artemis II astronauts include three Americans and one Canadian on a 10-day flight. Mark Strassmann got a look at how they're training.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Machado on Venezuelan leadership
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that a transition from the current government to one involving her movement is "unstoppable," since they "won the election by a landslide" over former President Nicolas Maduro's party.
Open: "Face the Nation," Feb. 1, 2026
This week on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," we speak to mayors from cities across the country as anger at ICE persists across the country, plus our interview with Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado.
Full interview: America's mayors panel
Margaret Brennan talks to Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt; Mesa, Arizona, Mayor Mark Freeman; Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas; and Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins about the economy, immigration, data centers and other issues facing their cities.
Nature: The waters of Bali
We leave you this Sunday morning in Indonesia exploring the warm waters off the coast of Bali. Videographer: Justin Grubb.
Jesse Welles: Keeping the spirit of folk music alive
In an uncertain time, folk musician Jesse Welles is reinvigorating the spirit and relevance of the protest song, spreading messages on such topics as health insurance and ICE agents. The four-time Grammy Award-nominee from Ozark, Arkansas, talks with "Sunday Morning" national correspondent Robert Costa about this powerful form of speech and song that can speak across generations.