Defense secretary breaks with Trump over military force
President Trump and Defense Secretary Mark Esper are at odds over the president's threat to use active duty troops to rein in protests. Paula Reid reports.
Mark Esper
6/3/20: Red and Blue
Growing scrutiny over handling of protesters; Prepping for a safe election in November
Esper on fallout from Navy captain's firing
Defense Secretary Mark Esper joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss the military's role in aiding the country through the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to health care workers, service members are on the front lines providing support to overwhelmed hospitals. Esper also reacts to the fallout from the recent firing of Navy aircraft carrier Captain Brett Crozier, who sent a letter that was later leaked about the severity of the virus threat on his ship.
Public health officials say the worst is yet to come
With the U.S. coronavirus death count at more than 9,000, President Trump and top officials are warning that the toughest week is still ahead. Health officials are also pleading to the public to take social distancing measures even more seriously than now. Nikole Killion reports.
1/6/20: CBSN Evening News
Defense Secy: No plans to pull troops out of Iraq; Young girl defies disability to become musician
11/09/20: Red and Blue
Pres. Trump fires Defense Secretary Mark Esper; Vice President elect Kamala Harris makes history
Trump fires Secretary of Defense Mark Esper
President Trump has fired Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. Christopher Miller, the head of the National Counterterrorism Center, has been named as acting secretary. Ben Tracy reports.
Trump fires Esper as defense secretary 6 days after election
"Mark Esper has been terminated. I would like to thank him for his service," the president said.
Pentagon rescinding order to shutter Stars and Stripes newspaper
President Trump vowed to continue funding the paper in a tweet last week.
Trump on 2015 McCain comments: "I say what I say"
Trump speaks to reporters a day after an article in The Atlantic alleged he had called American service members who died fighting "suckers" and "losers."
Washington ponders next move on Iran
The day after at least a dozen Iranian rockets slammed into two military bases with U.S. troops in Iraq, the Trump administration is pondering its next move. U.S. allies are condemning Iran, which in turn claims this attack concluded their "legal and proportionate" response to the targeted killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. CBS News State Department reporter Christina Ruffini joins CBSN with the latest from Washington.
House hearing on Russian bounty intel reports
Defense Secretary Mark Esper testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee to discuss intelligence reports alleging Russia may have paid the Taliban to kill U.S. troops. John Gans, the director of communications and research for the University of Pennsylvania's Perry World House global policy center, and former chief speechwriter for Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, joins "Red and Blue" with key takeaways from the testimony.
U.S. to withdraw 12,000 American troops from Germany
Defense Secretary Mark Esper said 5,600 troops would be redeployed to other NATO countries and 6,400 would return to the U.S.
New Pentagon policy effectively bans Confederate symbols
Trump has insisted that the Confederate flag should be protected under "freedom of speech."
Confederate symbols effectively banned at military sites
On Friday, Defense Secretary Mark Esper effectively banned the usage of Confederate flags at U.S. military installations. Esper issued a memo that listed flags that can be displayed, and the Confederate flag was not on that list.
Esper defends use of National Guard in helping with civil unrest after George Floyd death
Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley testified before lawmakers Thursday.
Trump demanded 10,000 active-duty troops deploy to streets
In an attempt to satisfy Mr. Trump's demand, Esper and Milley used the call with the governors later that morning to implore them to call up the National Guard in their own states, the official said.
Mattis, Esper speak out against Trump
Former Trump administration Defense Secretary James Mattis issued a scathing statement denouncing Mr. Trump's divisive tactics, while current Defense Secretary Mark Esper publicly disputed the president's comments about using the military to quell protests. CBS News White House correspondent Weijia Jiang joins CBSN to talk about the latest.
Mattis criticizes Trump's protest response
Former Secretary of Defense James Mattis is accusing President Trump of dividing the country. Current Secretary of Defense Mark Esper is also at odds with the president, saying active duty forces should only be used to stop protests as a last resort. Weijia Jiang reports.
Former presidents react to George Floyd's death
Every former living president has now issued a statement on the death of George Floyd. New charges against the officers involved in the incident which led to his death were also filed Wednesday. CBS News' Natalie Brand, CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett and Washington Post political reporter Eugene Scott join CBSN's "Red & Blue" to discuss.
Defense chief opposes sending troops to quell protests
Esper's comments contradicted President Trump, who threatened to deploy the military to quell protests on Monday.
Esper differs with Trump on Insurrection Act
Secretary of Defense Mark Esper says he does not support the idea of sending the military into states to control protests, as President Trump has suggested. CBS News White House correspondent Weijia Jiang spoke to CBSN's Tanya Rivero about the implications of that disagreement.
D.C. religious leaders criticize Trump visits
President Trump is facing backlash from local religious leaders for his visits to a historic church and national shrine amid the protests this week over George Floyd's death. CBS News White House correspondent Weijia Jiang joins CBSN to break down the latest developments.
Shanahan withdraws Defense Secy. nomination
Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan is withdrawing from the confirmation process after accusations of domestic violence by his ex-wife. Secretary of the Army Mark Esper will be taking his place. This comes as the Pentagon also announced it will be sending 1,000 more troops to the Middle East. CBS News national security correspondent David Martin joined CBSN with more.
Trump struggles to facilitate talks with Iran
President Trump is calling John Bolton a "hawk" but says he still has confidence in his national security adviser despite calling off a planned strike on Iran. This comes as the president gears up for high-stakes talks with Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Japan next week. White House columnist for The Hill, Niall Stanage, joins CBSN to break down the latest developments.
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 and his father 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.
Iran's supreme leader warns of "regional war" in Middle East if U.S. attacks
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's comments are the most direct threat he's made so far amid escalating tensions with the U.S.
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 and his father 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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Transcript: Rep. Michael McCaul on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 1, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Rep. Michael McCaul, Republican of Texas, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Feb. 1, 2026.
ICE releases 5-year-old and his father 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.
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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Transcript: Rep. Michael McCaul on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 1, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Rep. Michael McCaul, Republican of Texas, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Feb. 1, 2026.
Iran's supreme leader warns of "regional war" in Middle East if U.S. attacks
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's comments are the most direct threat he's made so far amid escalating tensions with the U.S.
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.
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
DOJ releases 3 million pages of Epstein files
The Justice Department on Friday released three million more pages of Epstein files, but Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee say that the DOJ has released half of the estimated pages, including 200,000 that were redacted or withheld.
McCaul on Minneapolis crackdown
Rep. Michael McCaul, who is on the House Homeland Security Committee, told "Face the Nation" that he believes that Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, who had been overseeing the Minneapolis immigration crackdown until being relieved, "crossed the line" during that operation.
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.
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.