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.
Fact-checking Trump's speech on election security
President Trump delivered a speech on election security Thursday night at the White House. Here are the facts behind some of his claims.
Live
"Worst case scenario" for shippers as U.S. and Iran step up attacks
As the U.S. and Iran escalate attacks 140 days into the war, an industry analyst says "nobody is willing to move" through the Strait of Hormuz.
Maps show wildfire smoke forecast, air quality alerts in U.S.
Heavy smoke from several large wildfires blazing in Canada and Minnesota is engulfing large swaths of the Midwest and the U.S. East Coast this week.
Trump revisits disputed claims about elections but offers no new proof of fraud
In a primetime address, President Trump alleged the U.S. election system falls "catastrophically short," revisiting a topic that has drawn his attention for years — and making claims that election experts have heavily disputed.
Universities get funding from foreign entities on U.S. watch lists, records show
The State Department is cracking down on universities accepting funding from foreign entities on U S. government watch lists.
Brenda Fricker, Oscar winner who played Pigeon Lady in "Home Alone 2," dies
Brenda Fricker won an Academy Award for 1989's "My Left Foot," played the Pigeon Lady in "Home Alone 2" and appeared in "A Time to Kill" and "So I Married an Axe Murderer."
Appeals court keeps in place Pentagon's escort policy for reporters
The appeals court in Washington, D.C., divided 2-1 in ruling in favor of the Trump administration in the legal battle over the Pentagon's escort policy for journalists.
"Master yachtsman" fugitive captured on boat after 21 years on the run
Ronald L. Fischer, who was featured on "America's Most Wanted," fled Rhode Island during his criminal trial for first-degree sexual assault in 2005.
Cyclosporiasis outbreak possibly traced to lettuce from Mexico used by Taco Bell
A lettuce supplier to fast-food giant Taco Bell is being investigated as a possible source for a nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak that has sickened thousands of people.
U.S.
More U.S.
Boomer wealth transfer will mostly benefit the already rich, report finds
Trillions of wealth passed down by the baby boomers will likely go to younger Americans who are already rich. Here's how much they'll get.
This week on "Sunday Morning" (July 19)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley.
Coca-Cola temporarily halts production of Fairlife milk after cyberattack
A cybersecurity incident has forced Coca-Cola to suspend Fairlife milk production in the U.S. An investigation is underway.
Brenda Fricker, Oscar winner who played Pigeon Lady in "Home Alone 2," dies
Brenda Fricker won an Academy Award for 1989's "My Left Foot," played the Pigeon Lady in "Home Alone 2" and appeared in "A Time to Kill" and "So I Married an Axe Murderer."
Appeals court keeps in place Pentagon's escort policy for reporters
The appeals court in Washington, D.C., divided 2-1 in ruling in favor of the Trump administration in the legal battle over the Pentagon's escort policy for journalists.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Boomer wealth transfer will mostly benefit the already rich, report finds
Trillions of wealth passed down by the baby boomers will likely go to younger Americans who are already rich. Here's how much they'll get.
Coca-Cola temporarily halts production of Fairlife milk after cyberattack
A cybersecurity incident has forced Coca-Cola to suspend Fairlife milk production in the U.S. An investigation is underway.
Trump Media to sell faster access to president's Truth Social posts
"Markets already move on Truth Social posts," the company's chief executive said in the Truth API announcement.
Airlines say permanent daylight saving time won't be simple
Adjusting to permanent daylight saving time would cause significant disruptions to schedules and operations, an airline trade group said.
Teleprompter operator made over $100K betting on Trump speeches
After detecting suspicious activity on the teleprompter operator's account, Kalshi investigated and then referred the case to federal regulators.
Politics
More Politics
Appeals court keeps in place Pentagon's escort policy for reporters
The appeals court in Washington, D.C., divided 2-1 in ruling in favor of the Trump administration in the legal battle over the Pentagon's escort policy for journalists.
Trump revisits disputed claims about elections but offers no new proof of fraud
In a primetime address, President Trump alleged the U.S. election system falls "catastrophically short," revisiting a topic that has drawn his attention for years — and making claims that election experts have heavily disputed.
Trump falsely alleges voting machines are "vulnerable" and "easily compromised"
President Trump alleged voting machines and ballot-counting systems are "extremely exposed to attack" — but experts say voting machines are subject to intense controls.
Fact-checking Trump's speech on election security
President Trump delivered a speech on election security Thursday night at the White House. Here are the facts behind some of his claims.
Blanche holds meeting with Epstein accusers after Tillis' request
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche met with accusers of Jeffrey Epstein following a demand to do so by a Republican senator whose support is crucial to advancing his nomination to lead the Justice Department.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
HealthWatch
FDA approves new cholesterol pill
The FDA has approved a new daily cholesterol pill that works differently from popular statins and may deliver better results for some people. Dr. Corey Bradley, a cardiologist at Columbia University's Irving Medical Center, joins "CBS Evening News" to discuss.
FDA names likely cyclosporiasis source
The FDA has identified Taylor Farms as the likely source of lettuce contaminated with the parasite behind cyclosporiasis, as the outbreak grows. Mark Strassmann reports.
Cyclosporiasis outbreak traced to lettuce from Mexico used by Taco Bell
A lettuce supplier to fast-food giant Taco Bell has been linked to a nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak that has sickened thousands of people, the CDC said.
Doctors question plan to screen military members for low testosterone
Doctors raised a range of concerns about a testosterone screening policy announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which is likely to be costly to implement.
Introducing Norah O'Donnell's new health podcast
"Healthful with Norah O'Donnell" launches July 22.
World
More World
Brenda Fricker, Oscar winner who played Pigeon Lady in "Home Alone 2," dies
Brenda Fricker won an Academy Award for 1989's "My Left Foot," played the Pigeon Lady in "Home Alone 2" and appeared in "A Time to Kill" and "So I Married an Axe Murderer."
India activist urged to end hunger strike as he risks organ failure
Well-known activist Sonam Wangchuk hasn't eaten in nearly 3 weeks, endangering his health as he demands changes to India's exam system.
Tree-killing Asian beetle detected in EU for first time
The emerald ash borer, which has devastated ash forests in North America, has been detected in the European Union for the first time.
Andy Burnham declared Labour Party leader, will become U.K. prime minister
Andy Burnham was officially declared leader of Britain's governing Labour Party, clearing his final hurdle to taking office as prime minister next week.
Journalist known as "The Jaguar" shot dead in Mexico
The state government condemned the murder of Josue Martinez, and called on prosecutors to launch a probe in order to find those responsible.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Brenda Fricker, Oscar winner who played Pigeon Lady in "Home Alone 2," dies
Brenda Fricker won an Academy Award for 1989's "My Left Foot," played the Pigeon Lady in "Home Alone 2" and appeared in "A Time to Kill" and "So I Married an Axe Murderer."
Stars of "The Odyssey" preview film
Anne Hathaway and Matt Damon, who star in "The Odyssey," speak to "CBS Mornings" about the movie, the challenges they faced during filming and working with Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan.
From the archives: Pat Oliphant and the art of political cartoons
Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Pat Oliphant, whose acidic drawings skewering political figures were syndicated in as many as 500 publications around the world, died on July 13, 2026 at age 90. In this April 16, 2000 "Sunday Morning" story, Oliphant talked with Morley Safer about caricature, censorship, and the influence of the first great political cartoonist, 19th century French master Honoré Daumier, whose grotesque drawings of King Louis Philippe led to a curtailment of press freedom in France in 1835.
George Santos to try hand as contestant in grueling TV reality show
George Santos has worn many hats: swindler, congressman, prison inmate, podcast host. The obvious next gig? Reality TV show contestant.
"Jurassic Park" star Sam Neill's cause of death revealed
The actor's agent said he was providing more information following news reports "which contain inaccuracies and outright falsehoods."
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Erin Brockovich on data center regulation
New York is now the first state to temporarily ban data center construction, paving the way for others to follow suit. Environmental advocate Erin Brockovich joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
Mayor to homeowner losing sleep over data center plant: "Consider selling"
Noise from a Mississippi plant powering Elon Musk's xAI data centers in the area is causing migraines, ringing ears and sleepless nights, residents say.
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.
Mississippi residents decry data center plant
Residents of Southaven, Mississippi, are sounding off about a data center plant powering Elon Musk's xAI data centers in the area, likening the constant noise to being tortured.
Meta announces new safety features
Meta announced it is introducing new features to help protect teens using Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, including alerting a parent if their child discusses self-harm with one of its AI chatbots. Kelly O'Grady explains.
Science
More Science
Science
Wildfire smoke continues to shroud U.S.
Millions of people are enduring dangerous air quality as Canadian wildfire smoke shrouds the skies. Jonathan Overpeck, dean of the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan, explains how climate change is worsening wildfires.
How AI data centers impact the environment
New York has become the first state to impose a temporary moratorium on data center development while state lawmakers lay the groundwork to assess environmental and social impacts. Dr. Mike Weinstein, the director of sustainability at Southern New Hampshire University, explains what we know about the wider environmental impact data centers.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomer's name deciphered from ancient Mayan ruins for first time
The name "White-chested Fox" was found in drawings dating from 400 BC to 900 AD at the San Bartolo-Xultun archaeological site.
Disclosure Foundation head on new UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released a new batch of UFO files, spanning 19 videos and more. Jordan Flowers, executive director of the Disclosure Foundation, joins CBS News to discuss.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Agent in ME shooting has violent record: AP
The ICE officer who shot and killed a Maine man has a history of violent behavior, the Associated Press reports, citing interviews with family and court records. CBS News' Camilo Montoya-Galvez has the latest.
"Master yachtsman" fugitive captured on boat after 21 years on the run
Ronald L. Fischer, who was featured on "America's Most Wanted," fled Rhode Island during his criminal trial for first-degree sexual assault in 2005.
Journalist known as "The Jaguar" shot dead in Mexico
The state government condemned the murder of Josue Martinez, and called on prosecutors to launch a probe in order to find those responsible.
U.S. designates cartel on Texas border as foreign terrorist organization
The Juárez Cartel and Los Viagras joined six other Mexican criminal organizations that the U.S. considers terrorist groups.
Woman speaks in support of Blanche at hearing
Antioch, Illinois, mother Jennifer Bos voiced her support for Todd Blanche at his confirmation hearing to become attorney general. Bos advocates for stricter immigration policy after her daughter was allegedly murdered by an illegal immigrant.
Space
More Space
Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say
When scientists examined the preserved fragments of a meteorite that crashed in 2024, they found brine-like fluids and key molecules.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
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.
Photos show 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.
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.
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?
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
Protests after Zelenskyy fires defense chief
Crowds took to Ukraine's streets to protest Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's dismissal of popular defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov. CBS News' Aidan Stretch reports.
Oil markets fluctuate amid U.S.-Iran war
Gas prices have increased again as tensions rise between the U.S. and Iran. Axios reporter Madison Mills explains how oil markets have reacted to the war.
Lettuce linked to diarrhea-causing parasite
FDA investigators believe iceberg lettuce from Mexico may be behind the spread of cyclosporiasis, a diarrhea-causing parasite. CBS News' Ash-har Quraishi reports.
Where U.S., Iran peace talks stand
The U.S. and Iran continued to exchange strikes as negotiations for a potential peace deal continued. CBS News' Charlie D'Agata has more.
Agent in ME shooting has violent record: AP
The ICE officer who shot and killed a Maine man has a history of violent behavior, the Associated Press reports, citing interviews with family and court records. CBS News' Camilo Montoya-Galvez has the latest.