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.
Live
Trump insists U.S. achieving "very big victory" in war with Iran
As the Iran war nears the six-month mark, President Trump said he has "no specific timetable" to resume peace talks.
Scores killed, Americans among hundreds missing after Nepal flash floods
Flash floods tore through a valley in Nepal, sweeping away villages and hundreds of tourists, with Americans among the missing, authorities say.
Tim Curry, star of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," dies at 80
Tim Curry was known for his iconic performances in cult classics like "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and the original screen adaptation of Stephen King's "It."
Judge denies Minnesota's request to halt release of ICE officer Christian Castro
The officer accused a Venezuelan migrant of assaulting him with a broomstick and shovel, but investigators say footage from a nearby camera helped prove that was a lie.
Carly Pearce recalls meeting Dolly Parton at 16: "I couldn't believe she was real"
Country star Carly Pearce was working at Dollywood when she met Dolly Parton in the early 2000s.
Meta settles social media addiction suit for up to $17 billion
Meta agreed to pay up to $17 billion to settle allegations that its social media platforms are addictive.
First on CBS
Trump hasn't decided on Leavitt's replacement as press secretary, sources say
President Trump hasn't settled on a replacement for White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, whose last day is Friday, according to administration officials close to the situation.
24 states sue to block new Postal Service rules for mail voting
The group of 24 states and the District of Columbia argues the Postal Service's new rule violates the Constitution and federal law.
Secrets of the gut microbiome and how it impacts our long-term brain health
Dr. Laura Cox, an assistant professor at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, explains how our dietary patterns play a significant role in our gut and long-term brain health.
U.S.
More U.S.
Bill Gates issues stark warning about AI's impact on American jobs
In a nearly 6,000-word essay, Gates argues that artificial intelligence poses a mounting threat to U.S. workers.
Man convicted in Microsoft exec's murder in plot allegedly involving ex-wife
Prosecutors believe Jared Bridegan was killed because of ongoing strife with his former wife over the parenting of their twins.
Judge denies Minnesota's request to halt release of ICE officer Christian Castro
A federal judge on Wednesday denied Minnesota's request for a temporary restraining order to halt the release of the ICE agent sought for extradition in a shooting earlier this year in north Minneapolis amid Operation Metro Surge, and then lying about the circumstances under oath.
See which U.S. states are most at risk from Canadian tariffs
Canadian officials said the tariffs set to be imposed on more than 800 U.S. imports are "strategic" and designed to target some states.
Carly Pearce recalls meeting Dolly Parton at 16: "I couldn't believe she was real"
Country star Carly Pearce was working at Dollywood when she met Dolly Parton in the early 2000s.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Bill Gates issues stark warning about AI's impact on American jobs
In a nearly 6,000-word essay, Gates argues that artificial intelligence poses a mounting threat to U.S. workers.
See which U.S. states are most at risk from Canadian tariffs
Canadian officials said the tariffs set to be imposed on more than 800 U.S. imports are "strategic" and designed to target some states.
Boston Scientific says a cyberattack is disrupting its global operations
Medical device maker said it is working to assess the scope of the attack and business interruption.
Meta settles social media addiction suit for up to $17.1 billion
Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1 billion to settle allegations that its social media platforms are addictive.
July PCE inflation index held at 3.7% annual pace, hotter than expected
The Personal Consumption Expenditures index was unchanged from June, highlighting stubborn inflationary pressures.
Politics
More Politics
24 states sue to block new Postal Service rules for mail voting
The group of 24 states and the District of Columbia argues the Postal Service's new rule violates the Constitution and federal law.
First on CBS
Trump hasn't decided on Leavitt's replacement as press secretary, sources say
President Trump hasn't settled on a replacement for White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, whose last day is Friday, according to administration officials close to the situation.
Man with Sen. Dan Sullivan's name advances from Alaska U.S. Senate primary
A man with the same name as Alaska's incumbent U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan has advanced to the general election
U.S. military attacks alleged drug-smuggling boat in Caribbean, killing 4
The attack brings the number of people killed in such strikes by the U.S. military in the eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea to at least 227.
3 Secret Service officials put on leave amid probe into "potential misconduct"
The Secret Service's chief of communications and two other staffers have been placed on leave pending an investigation into "potential misconduct," U.S. officials told CBS News.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Secrets of the gut microbiome and how it impacts our long-term brain health
Dr. Laura Cox, an assistant professor at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, explains how our dietary patterns play a significant role in our gut and long-term brain health.
Pennsylvania records first 2 measles deaths in 35 years
Pennsylvania has recorded its first two deaths connected to measles in 35 years.
At least 1 in 4 ex-NFL players who died from 2016 to 2021 had CTE, study finds
The rate is much higher than is seen in the general population. CTE is a brain disease linked to repeated blows to the head.
Trump and Kennedy's health industry deals are at risk of vanishing
The agreements, covering issues like drug pricing, reducing the use of synthetic food dyes, and cutting back on insurance prior authorization rules, were announced with fanfare and touted as victories.
8-year-old girl dies from brain-eating amoeba infection in Louisiana
Lillian Smart, 8, has died after being infected by an extremely rare brain-eating amoeba that is found in warm freshwater, her family said.
World
More World
Prince Harry and Meghan returning to the U.K. today, BBC News reports
Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are returning to the U.K. from California today, six years after their tumultuous departure, the BBC reports.
Scores killed, Americans among hundreds missing after Nepal flash floods
Flash floods tore through a valley in Nepal, sweeping away villages and hundreds of tourists, with Americans among the missing, authorities say.
U.S. military attacks alleged drug-smuggling boat in Caribbean, killing 4
The attack brings the number of people killed in such strikes by the U.S. military in the eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea to at least 227.
Live
Trump insists U.S. achieving "very big victory" in war with Iran
As the Iran war nears the six-month mark, President Trump said he has "no specific timetable" to resume peace talks.
14 newborns killed as fire tears through Pakistani hospital's nursery
Authorities in Islamabad, Pakistan, say a fire caused by an air-conditioning unit exploding in a major hospital nursery ward killed 14 newborns.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Dollywood president remembers Dolly Parton
Tributes are pouring in from all over the country for legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. CBS News correspondent Skyler Henry is at Dollywood, Parton's Tennessee theme park, with more.
Country stars react to Dolly Parton's death
Carly Pearce and Lauren Alaina, two of country music's hottest stars, spoke with "CBS Mornings" about Dolly Parton's influence on their careers and lives.
Dolly Parton quotes that show her honesty, humor and wisdom
Dolly Parton wasn't shy about making jokes about herself, but she also shared wisdom and life lessons over the years.
Actor Tim Curry dies at 80
Film and television actor Tim Curry, star of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," has died at 80, his manager confirmed.
Carly Pearce recalls meeting Dolly Parton at 16: "I couldn't believe she was real"
Country star Carly Pearce was working at Dollywood when she met Dolly Parton in the early 2000s.
Technology
More Technology
Bill Gates issues stark warning about AI's impact on American jobs
In a nearly 6,000-word essay, Gates argues that artificial intelligence poses a mounting threat to U.S. workers.
Meta settles social media addiction suit
Tech giant Meta will shell out up to $17 billion in a settlement following a massive multi-state legal suit on social media addiction. CBS News' Kelly O'Grady explains more.
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.
Ring camera founder on privacy
Conversations around privacy are growing as the surveillance technology company Flock faces allegations of police misuse and concerns that its roadside cameras are overly invasive. Ring inventor and founder Jamie Siminoff says his company is working to enhance customers' privacy.
Louisiana governor on SpaceX facility
SpaceX plans to develop its fourth-largest launch site in Louisiana. Governor Jeff Landry explains why he supports the project and comments on a newly redrawn congressional map.
Science
More Science
Invasive Joro spiders are "slowly spreading." Here's what to do if you see one.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park told visitors Tuesday that invasive Joro spiders "may be hanging in a web near you."
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Testimony wraps in Lindsay Clancy murder trial
Testimony concluded on Wednesday in the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, the Massachusetts mother who admitted to killing her children but pleaded not guilty, arguing she had postpartum psychosis. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul reports.
Man convicted in Microsoft exec's murder in plot allegedly involving ex-wife
Prosecutors believe Jared Bridegan was killed because of ongoing strife with his former wife over the parenting of their twins.
Judge denies Minnesota's request to halt release of ICE officer Christian Castro
A federal judge on Wednesday denied Minnesota's request for a temporary restraining order to halt the release of the ICE agent sought for extradition in a shooting earlier this year in north Minneapolis amid Operation Metro Surge, and then lying about the circumstances under oath.
Final witness testifies in Clancy trial
The final witness testified Wednesday in Lindsay Clancy's murder trial for the killings of her three young children. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more.
Final witnesses speak in Lindsay Clancy trial
The prosecutors in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial are wrapping up their rebuttal testimony. CBS News legal contributor Rebecca Roiphe has more analysis.
Space
More Space
First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
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.
Dolly Parton: An extraordinary life in pictures
Dolly Parton, the country music legend who became a feminist icon, has died at the age of 80. Here is a look back at her life in pictures.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Testimony wraps in Lindsay Clancy murder trial
Testimony concluded on Wednesday in the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, the Massachusetts mother who admitted to killing her children but pleaded not guilty, arguing she had postpartum psychosis. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul reports.
Mudslides in Nepal after flash floods
At least 160 people are dead, and more than 400 are missing after devastating flash floods in Nepal. These videos capture the moment a mudslide struck near the Nepal-China border, the destruction caused by the floods and rescue efforts.
Dollywood president remembers Dolly Parton
Tributes are pouring in from all over the country for legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. CBS News correspondent Skyler Henry is at Dollywood, Parton's Tennessee theme park, with more.
3 Secret Service officials on leave amid probe
Three Secret Service officials, including the chief of communications, are on leave pending an investigation into possible misconduct. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga has the details.
Rescue efforts underway in Nepal
Surveillance video out of Nepal shows people running just seconds before a devastating mudslide on the country's northern border with China. Flash floods tore through the region killing at least 160 people and rescue efforts are underway. BBC News spoke with David Fisher, the head of the International Red Cross delegation in Nepal.