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 cancels housing bill signing, reiterates demand for SAVE America Act
President Trump canceled a planned signing ceremony on Wednesday for a housing affordability bill that passed Congress by wide bipartisan margins.
Live
U.N. nuclear agency chief says Iran inspections will happen, at some point
After conflicting remarks from Iran and the U.S., the U.N. nuclear agency chief says Iranian sites will be inspected, but the timing is "not essential."
Exclusive
Wounded soldiers, families accuse Army of downplaying war injuries
Soldiers say the Army disregarded warnings about thin defenses and ignored requests for medical supplies. Now they question whether the Army is being transparent about their injuries.
Bill Gates said Epstein tried to use knowledge of his affairs "to pressure me"
Bill Gates testified June 10 for nearly six hours before the House Oversight Committee, which is examining the government's handling of the Epstein case and those with ties to him.
First on CBS
Trump-linked firm is lobbying for pardons and its first client already paid $500K
Mo Strategies, started by former Trump campaign and administration officials, recently expanded its practice into the lucrative world of pardon lobbying.
FBI, NYPD carry out searches tied to bribery investigation of police officials
The searches stemmed from an ongoing probe into the conduct of former NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, a source told CBS News.
Vegas murder solved 20 years after man strangled with phone cord
DNA testing has identified a suspect in the 2005 murder of Daniel Zeisler in Las Vegas, according to a forensic lab.
Camp Mystic files for bankruptcy almost a year after deadly Texas floods
The camp listed its debt as exceeding $10 million.
Gen. Chris Donahue set to retire, in latest departure by top military official
Gen. Chris Donahue had earned the ire of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, multiple sources told CBS News.
U.S.
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Bill Gates said Epstein tried to use knowledge of his affairs "to pressure me"
Bill Gates testified June 10 for nearly six hours before the House Oversight Committee, which is examining the government's handling of the Epstein case and those with ties to him.
Can Slate's $24,950 electric pickup truck win over EV skeptics?
Backed by Jeff Bezos, Slate's EV pickup sells for about half the cost of a typical new vehicle. But car experts say its unconventional design may be a hurdle.
Chemours to pay $450M in first federal "forever chemicals" settlement
Chemical maker Chemours allegedly discharged chemicals linked to cancer and other health conditions in three states.
Vegas murder solved 20 years after man strangled with phone cord
DNA testing has identified a suspect in the 2005 murder of Daniel Zeisler in Las Vegas, according to a forensic lab.
Trump cancels housing bill signing, reiterates demand for SAVE America Act
President Trump canceled a planned signing ceremony on Wednesday for a housing affordability bill that passed Congress by wide bipartisan margins.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Can Slate's $24,950 electric pickup truck win over EV skeptics?
Backed by Jeff Bezos, Slate's EV pickup sells for about half the cost of a typical new vehicle. But car experts say its unconventional design may be a hurdle.
Chemours to pay $450M in first federal "forever chemicals" settlement
Chemical maker Chemours allegedly discharged chemicals linked to cancer and other health conditions in three states.
Our new podcast will help you make smarter "Money Moves"
Get clear, actionable financial advice starting June 30 wherever you get your podcasts.
Alibaba sues Pentagon over blacklist designation
Chinese tech giant Alibaba has filed a federal lawsuit against the Defense Department for designating it a military-linked firm.
House approves major housing affordability bill, sending measure to Trump
The legislation aims to increase housing supply and lower costs. It marks a rare bipartisan legislative accomplishment for lawmakers.
Politics
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Bill Gates said Epstein tried to use knowledge of his affairs "to pressure me"
Bill Gates testified June 10 for nearly six hours before the House Oversight Committee, which is examining the government's handling of the Epstein case and those with ties to him.
Trump cancels housing bill signing, reiterates demand for SAVE America Act
President Trump canceled a planned signing ceremony on Wednesday for a housing affordability bill that passed Congress by wide bipartisan margins.
Trump's refusal to sign housing bill casts shadow over meeting with GOP senators
President Trump's decision to abruptly cancel the signing of a landmark bipartisan housing bill marks the latest misalignment between him and GOP lawmakers.
Exclusive
Wounded soldiers, families accuse Army of downplaying war injuries
Soldiers say the Army disregarded warnings about thin defenses and ignored requests for medical supplies. Now they question whether the Army is being transparent about their injuries.
Alibaba sues Pentagon over blacklist designation
Chinese tech giant Alibaba has filed a federal lawsuit against the Defense Department for designating it a military-linked firm.
HealthWatch
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Medicare's AI push snarls patients and doctors in errors and delays
Medicare is testing the use of artificial intelligence to preapprove several healthcare services.
Confirmed Ebola cases in Congo top 1,000, deaths surpass 250, officials say
Confirmed Ebola cases in the outbreak in eastern Congo have reached 1,003, including 254 deaths, officials said, and tracing those who've been in contact with patients remains a major challenge.
Affordable healthcare emerges as a voter priority in purple Nevada
The Trump administration's cuts to Medicaid and SNAP may complicate Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo's reelection chances.
6/21: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Lee Cowan. Featured: Birthright citizenship; the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library unveiled; Shooter Jennings releases recordings by his father, Waylon Jennings; comedian John Mulaney; childhood obesity; and the secrets of seahorses and seadragons.
Fighting childhood obesity, for a healthier, longer life
In 1970, about 1 in 20 children were affected by obesity; today, it's 1 in 5. Dr. Jonathan LaPook looks at programs aimed at helping kids (and their families) get healthy the old-fashioned way, by eating right and exercising.
World
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Ancient Egyptian burial site reveals centuries of changing traditions
Human and animal remains unearthed in Egypt's Nile Delta reveal changing funerary practices over some 600 years, and the evolution of a key site itself.
American boy attacked by shark in Bahamas while swimming with brother
The boy was on a tour of the Bahamas' Exuma Cays with his family when the attack occurred, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said.
Live
U.N. nuclear agency chief says Iran inspections will happen, at some point
After conflicting remarks from Iran and the U.S., the U.N. nuclear agency chief says Iranian sites will be inspected, but the timing is "not essential."
North Korean soldier crosses border in suspected defection, report says
A North Korean soldier has been taken into custody after crossing the Demilitarized Zone into South Korea in a suspected defection, the Yonhap news agency says.
Peru right-wing presidential hopeful Fujimori appears poised to win runoff
Peru's right-wing presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori built what may be an unassailable lead as vote counting for the runoff election entered its final stages, official figures showed.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Inside Kidz Bop as it celebrates 25 years
Since Kidz Bop started, it has racked up 45 No. 1s on the Billboard kid albums chart. "CBS Mornings" goes behind the scenes as Kidz Bop celebrates 25 years and meets a Broadway performer who credits the company for his start in the industry.
Clive Davis biographer remembers music icon
Record label executive and starmaker Clive Davis died at 94 on Monday. His influence spans genres and decades. Music critic and Davis biographer Anthony DeCurtis reflects on the life and legacy of Clive Davis.
Jim Parsons on Broadway musical debut
Jim Parsons speaks about starring in the musical "Titaníque," which is a comedic retelling of the story of the "Titanic," from the perspective and songs of Celine Dion. Parsons talks about why he wanted to portray's Rose's mother, the show's impact on the LGBTQ+ community and the cast.
Clive Davis dies at 94
Clive Davis, known for propelling artists across genres to stardom, died Monday at the age of 94. "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King looks back at his legacy in the music industry.
Actor James Handy's alleged killer found mentally incompetent for prosecution
A judge has found that a man charged with murder in the stabbing of actor James Handy isn't mentally competent for criminal court proceedings.
Technology
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Technology
Zuckerberg could be betting on new app
Mike Isaac, a tech reporter for The New York Times, joins CBS News 24/7 to discuss a story he helped break about Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg directing the company to develop a prediction market app.
Tech stocks plummet amid AI bubble worries
Investors are recoiling from tech stocks again over doubts that AI spending will pay off in the long run. Yahoo Finance's Brooke DiPalma explains the current state of the global stock market.
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.
Here's what's behind the tech stock selloff
Stocks slid around the world on Tuesday as investors pulled back from some of the biggest names in tech amid concerns about ongoing inflation and the possibility of future interest rate hikes. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent has more.
Ex-CISA director on intel community's AI warning
An international alliance warns that advanced artificial intelligence models are on the brink of being able to overwhelm cybersecurity systems for governments and businesses. Former CISA Director Chris Krebs joins with analysis.
Science
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Ancient Egyptian burial site reveals centuries of changing traditions
Human and animal remains unearthed in Egypt's Nile Delta reveal changing funerary practices over some 600 years, and the evolution of a key site itself.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Interstellar comet may be oldest object ever seen in solar system
Exactly where the comet 3I/ATLAS came from within the Milky Way remains a mystery.
6/21: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Lee Cowan. Featured: Birthright citizenship; the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library unveiled; Shooter Jennings releases recordings by his father, Waylon Jennings; comedian John Mulaney; childhood obesity; and the secrets of seahorses and seadragons.
Seahorses and seadragons, some of Nature's most curious creatures
Seahorses are unique ocean inhabitants with a head like a horse, a pouch like a kangaroo, a tail like a monkey, and the ability to camouflage themselves like a chameleon. They also exhibit an unconventional gender dynamic, in that the males do the work of carrying around fertilized eggs. Correspondent Conor Knighton goes in search of these fascinating fish – and their equally fascinating cousins, seadragons – at the Birch Aquarium at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in California.
Crime
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Crime
Trump-linked firm is lobbying for pardons
Mo Strategies, a firm linked to President Trump, is lobbying for pardons, according to a CBS News investigation. CBS News' Gabe Kaminsky has more.
Eric Adams' former chief of staff arrested
Frank Carone, the former chief of staff to former New York City Mayor Eric Adams, was arrested as part of a federal bribery probe, sources say. Meanwhile, the FBI and NYPD are investigating former NYPD officials for bribery. CBS News' Anna Shecter has more.
Vegas murder solved 20 years after man strangled with phone cord
DNA testing has identified a suspect in the 2005 murder of Daniel Zeisler in Las Vegas, according to a forensic lab.
TSA seizes illegal drones by World Cup arenas
Despite repeated warnings, many drone operators are allegedly violating flight restrictions near World Cup sites, the TSA says. Meanwhile, more drones are being integrated into the U.S. national airspace and military operations. Drone expert Tombo Jones joins "CBS News 24/7 Mornings" to comment on drone technology.
Details on Bill Gates' Epstein testimony
The House Oversight Committee released transcripts of Bill Gates' testimony in the Jeffrey Epstein probe. CBS News' Aaron Navarro has more.
Space
More Space
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Interstellar comet may be oldest object ever seen in solar system
Exactly where the comet 3I/ATLAS came from within the Milky Way remains a mystery.
Researchers find "Pink Planet" has salty clouds: "We were very surprised"
The "Pink Planet," formally known as GJ504b, was discovered in 2013 and is technically not a planet but rather a "planetary-mass companion."
NASA chief defends choice of all-male crew for Artemis III mission
NASA's Jared Isaacman says the crew was selected solely based on their experience, expertise and availability for flight assignment.
NASA names 4 astronauts for next Artemis mission
NASA's Artemis III astronauts plan to carry out rendezvous and docking procedures with commercial moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Latest Galleries
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Celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
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.
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.
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
Sneak peek: The Day My Mother Never Came Home
ENCORE: Did a father use his 6-year-old son as an alibi for murder? A son grapples with his parents' troubled past. "48 Hours" contributor Vladimir Duthiers reports Saturday, June 27 at 10/9c* on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. (Following the WNBA on CBS).
Mamdani, Johnson react to progressive sweep
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the progressive message to the average person is driving wins in Democratic primaries in his state. On Capitol Hill, House Speaker Mike Johnson shared his reaction.
Rubio renews threats if Iran doesn't comply in talks
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to reporters after meetings with allies in Kuwait, saying President Trump could still take action if Iran doesn't reach a deal with the U.S. CBS News' Nikole Killion has more.
Trump-linked firm is lobbying for pardons
Mo Strategies, a firm linked to President Trump, is lobbying for pardons, according to a CBS News investigation. CBS News' Gabe Kaminsky has more.
Eric Adams' former chief of staff arrested
Frank Carone, the former chief of staff to former New York City Mayor Eric Adams, was arrested as part of a federal bribery probe, sources say. Meanwhile, the FBI and NYPD are investigating former NYPD officials for bribery. CBS News' Anna Shecter has more.