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.
Trump settles IRS lawsuit, sets up $1.7B fund for claims of "weaponization"
President Trump had accused the Treasury Department and IRS of unlawfully allowing a government contractor to leak his tax returns and those of his sons and company.
Jury unanimously dismisses Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI
The jury dismissed all charges due to the statute of limitations.
Inside the "troubled teen" industry, when help sometimes does more harm
A CBS News investigation into youth residential treatment programs finds allegations of abuse, a lack of federal oversight, and families left to navigate a multibillion-dollar industry largely on their own.
American doctor working in Congo tests positive for Ebola
An American medical missionary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has a confirmed case of Ebola, and is being taken to Germany for treatment.
Live
Iran war "re-escalation risks" keep oil prices volatile as talks stagger on
Oil prices remain volatile due to Iran war "re-escalation risks," as Tehran says it has shared another set of revised peace deal terms with the U.S.
Judge rules some key evidence can be used in Luigi Mangione's state trial
A New York judge ruled Monday on whether evidence found in Luigi Mangione's backpack during his arrest can be used during his state trial.
Supreme Court tells lower courts to take new look at 2 voting rights cases
At issue in the cases was who can bring lawsuits in federal court to address potential violations of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.
Divers find bodies of 4 tourists in Maldives sea cave
Italy's Foreign Ministry said Monday rescuers have located the bodies of four Italian divers who were believed to be deep inside an underwater cave in a Maldive atoll.
Fighter jets' crews eject from air show crash: "A lot of luck involved"
The Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho was locked down following the midair crash during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show.
U.S.
More U.S.
American doctor working in Congo tests positive for Ebola
An American medical missionary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has a confirmed case of Ebola, and is being taken to Germany for treatment.
Jury unanimously dismisses Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI
California jury dismissed all charges, finding that Musk missed the three-year statute of limitations to file suit.
U.S. announces Ebola-related travel restrictions amid outbreak in Congo, Uganda
The Trump administration announced it's restricting people who don't have U.S. passports from entering the country if they have been in Congo, South Sudan or Uganda amid the Ebola outbreak.
Tornado levels family's brand new house: "Most terrifying thing I've experienced"
A mother and daughter hid in the basement of the home they moved into just two weeks ago when a destructive tornado tore across their Nebraska community.
Cuba's leader says country poses "no threat" to U.S. after military drone report
The Trump administration has placed intense pressure on Cuba's communist leadership.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Jury unanimously dismisses Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI
California jury dismissed all charges, finding that Musk missed the three-year statute of limitations to file suit.
NextEra Energy to acquire Dominion in a $67 billion utility deal
The combined company will serve about 10 million utility customers across Florida, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Is the answer to the housing crunch right in your own backyard?
Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, are small, fully-functional secondary homes located on the same property as a main home, usually in the backyard, filling a vital need where housing has proved scant or expensive.
CBS News poll finds many voice frustration with Trump's economic approach
Gas prices, inflation weigh on Americans. Many see lack of clarity on what's happening in Iran.
Ice cream sold in 17 states recalled for potential metal fragments
No injuries have been reported because of the issue, the Food and Drug Administration said.
Politics
More Politics
U.S. announces Ebola-related travel restrictions amid outbreak in Congo, Uganda
The Trump administration announced it's restricting people who don't have U.S. passports from entering the country if they have been in Congo, South Sudan or Uganda amid the Ebola outbreak.
Cuba's leader says country poses "no threat" to U.S. after military drone report
The Trump administration has placed intense pressure on Cuba's communist leadership.
Supreme Court tells lower courts to take new look at 2 voting rights cases
At issue in the cases was who can bring lawsuits in federal court to address potential violations of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.
Trump settles IRS lawsuit, sets up $1.7B fund for claims of "weaponization"
President Trump had accused the Treasury Department and IRS of unlawfully allowing a government contractor to leak his tax returns and those of his sons and company.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Ambassador Alexander Yui, Taiwan's Representative to the U.S., join Margaret Brennan.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
American doctor working in Congo tests positive for Ebola
An American medical missionary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has a confirmed case of Ebola, and is being taken to Germany for treatment.
Ebola strain in latest outbreak has no vaccine, no treatment
The virus behind the latest Ebola outbreak is the Bundibugyo virus, which is less common and there is no vaccine or treatment.
U.S. announces Ebola-related travel restrictions amid outbreak in Congo, Uganda
The Trump administration announced it's restricting people who don't have U.S. passports from entering the country if they have been in Congo, South Sudan or Uganda amid the Ebola outbreak.
Inside the "troubled teen" industry, when help sometimes does more harm
A CBS News investigation into youth residential treatment programs finds allegations of abuse, a lack of federal oversight, and families left to navigate a multibillion-dollar industry largely on their own.
Hantavirus-hit cruise ship arrives in Netherlands
The cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak has docked at the Dutch port of Rotterdam for disinfection, wrapping up a troubled journey that put world health authorities on alert.
World
More World
Gunman kills 6, wounds 8 in latest shooting rampage in Turkey
A man armed with a rifle carried out a string of attacks, killing at least six people and wounding eight others, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.
American doctor working in Congo tests positive for Ebola
An American medical missionary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has a confirmed case of Ebola, and is being taken to Germany for treatment.
198 pounds of cocaine found hidden in Kim Kardashian brand underwear
A truck driver was sentenced to over 13 years in prison for smuggling $9.4 million worth of cocaine in a shipment of Skims, Kim Kardashian's shapewear brand.
Ebola strain in latest outbreak has no vaccine, no treatment
The virus behind the latest Ebola outbreak is the Bundibugyo virus, which is less common and there is no vaccine or treatment.
Cuba's leader says country poses "no threat" to U.S. after military drone report
The Trump administration has placed intense pressure on Cuba's communist leadership.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
2-time "Survivor" contestant on 50th season
Rob Cesternino, a 2-time "Survivor" castaway, talks about the upcoming "Survivor 50" finale, who he think will make the final three and who is his favorite to win the game.
Hayden Panettiere opens up in new memoir
Golden Globe-nominated actor Hayden Panettiere shares her story and opens up about life in the spotlight as a young actor, postpartum depression and her healing journey.
5/17: Sunday Morning "By Design"
Jane Pauley hosts our annual look at design. Featured: Tiny homes in your backyard; Louis Vuitton; Adobe house construction; Finland's Marimekko; domino art; Philadelphia food favorites; chandeliers; Longwood Gardens; rare maps; and director Jon Favreau of "The Mandalorian and Grogu."
"Call Her Daddy" podcast host Alex Cooper announces pregnancy
"Call Her Daddy" host Alex Cooper said on Instagram that she and husband Matt Kaplan are expecting their first child.
Director Jon Favreau on "The Mandalorian and Grogu"
Jon Favreau, creator of the "Star Wars" series "The Mandalorian," has now brought the father-son relationship of Pedro Pascal's bounty hunter and his charge "Baby Yoda" to the big screen.
Technology
More Technology
Jury unanimously dismisses Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI
California jury dismissed all charges, finding that Musk missed the three-year statute of limitations to file suit.
Jury to start deliberations in OpenAI trial
A nine-person jury will begin deliberations Monday in Elon Musk's $150 billion civil lawsuit against OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Rachel Metz, artificial intelligence reporter for Bloomberg, joins with more.
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.
An adobe renaissance
For thousands of years, civilizations around the world have built houses out of earth – whether it be mud brick, wattle and dab or rammed earth. But adobe (the practice of making mudbricks) has now become today's "it" building material, from museums around the world designed using adobe, to do-it-yourselfers constructing homes from the very dirt beneath their feet. Correspondent Conor Knighton looks at the history of adobe, and how ancient adobe materials are being merged with 3-D printing techniques.
Atlanta residents report Waymo traffic jams
Atlanta residents say they're waking up to traffic jams of self-driving Waymo vehicles confused by neighborhood signage.
Science
More Science
El Niño could bring "double whammy" of high tide flooding, NOAA warns
The upcoming El Niño could trigger frequent and widespread flooding in coastal areas around the United States, even when storms aren't actively taking place, scientists warn.
New dinosaur weighing as much as 9 elephants identified by scientists
The long-necked herbivore is the largest ever found in Southeast Asia, researchers said.
How a growing El Niño will affect 2026 hurricane season in Atlantic, Pacific
The last time an El Niño pattern occurred was in 2023, when the Eastern Pacific hurricane season produced 20 tropical systems.
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
Emperor penguins in focus as Antarctica talks start in Japan
Greater protections for endangered emperor penguins and how to manage growing tourism are topping the agenda at talks on Antarctica in Japan.
Crime
More Crime
Gunman kills 6, wounds 8 in latest shooting rampage in Turkey
A man armed with a rifle carried out a string of attacks, killing at least six people and wounding eight others, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.
Arrests in random shootings across Austin
Three people are in custody for a dozen random shootings around Austin, Texas, on Sunday, police said. Four people were injured in the mayhem, police said. CBS News' Ian Lee has more on how the community is reacting.
198 pounds of cocaine found hidden in Kim Kardashian brand underwear
A truck driver was sentenced to over 13 years in prison for smuggling $9.4 million worth of cocaine in a shipment of Skims, Kim Kardashian's shapewear brand.
Judge rules on evidence in Mangione trial
New York Judge Gregory Carro ruled Monday that a gun and notebook found in the search of Luigi Mangione's possessions can be used as evidence in his state murder trial. CBS News' Lilia Luciano has the latest.
Teens arrested after Texas shootings
Three people are in custody after a string of shootings in Austin, Texas. CBS News' Ian Lee reports.
Space
More Space
SpaceX launches cargo ship to International Space Station
The International Space Station-bound SpaceX Cargo Dragon is loaded with 6,500 pounds of needed equipment, research gear and crew supplies.
NASA maps show Earth's brightest and darkest regions at night
Researchers expected to find "a gradual increase in artificial light at night," but instead saw "much more nuanced patterns," NASA said.
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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.
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
Previewing the Pennsylvania primaries
Pennsylvania voters will head to the polls Tuesday for primary elections. CBS News' Taurean Small has a look at the races.
Inside the "troubled teen" industry
CBS News investigated what critics referred to as the "troubled teen" industry. CBS News national consumer correspondent Ash-Har Quraishi has a look at what was found.
What to know after Musk lawsuit dismissed
A jury on Monday unanimously dismissed Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI and Sam Altman due to the expired statute of limitations. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent and Jessica Levinson have more.
Arrests in random shootings across Austin
Three people are in custody for a dozen random shootings around Austin, Texas, on Sunday, police said. Four people were injured in the mayhem, police said. CBS News' Ian Lee has more on how the community is reacting.
Bodies of missing divers located in Maldives
More details are emerging on the recovery efforts in the Maldives after authorities announced that the bodies of four missing divers were located. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.