Transcript: Defense Secretary Mark Esper on "Face the Nation"
The following is a transcript of an interview with Defense Secretary Mark Esper that aired Sunday, January 12, 2020, on "Face the Nation.
Mark Esper
This week on "Face the Nation," January 12, 2020
Sec. of Defense Mark Esper, former Sec. of State John Kerry, Sens. Tim Kaine, Mike Lee and Rep. Adam Schiff will appear on "Face the Nation" this Sunday
Evidence suggests Ukraine jet hit by Iran
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said evidence suggests a Ukrainian jet with 176 on board was shot down by an Iranian missile. Sixty-three of the victims were Canadian citizens. Lara Seligman, a Pentagon reporter for Foreign Policy, joins "Red & Blue" for a closer look at the accident and how Defense Secretary Mark Esper is playing a major role in the Iran conflict.
Details emerge on Iran's missile strikes
CBS News national security correspondent David Martin reports joins CBSN's "Red and Blue" to discuss the details he's learned about Iran's missile strikes on U.S. forces at two Iraqi bases.
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.
Trump admin. briefs Congress on Soleimani
In Washington Tuesday, the Trump administration plans to brief congressional leaders on last week's operation that killed General Qassem Soleimani. Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will defend President Trump's decision to target Iran's most influential military leader, in response to an attack that killed a U.S. contractor in Iraq. The president insists Americans are now safer, while Democrats demand proof that the attack was necessary. Ben Tracy reports from the White House.
1/6/20: CBSN Evening News
Defense Secy: No plans to pull troops out of Iraq; Young girl defies disability to become musician
Pentagon: No plans to pull out of Iraq
Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the U.S. has no plans to pull American troops out of Iraq. Iraq’s parliament recently voted to expel the 5,000 Americans to protest the Baghdad drone attack that killed Iran’s top general, Qassem Soleimani. David Martin reports.
1/6: CBS Evening News
Secretary of defense insists U.S. will not pull out of Iraq; 3D printed limb helps young musician play the cello.
Tensions rising in the Middle East after embassy attack
After an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the "game has changed." He warns if there are new attacks, the U.S. military will be ready. David Martin reports.
1/2: CBS Evening News
Tensions rising in the Middle East after embassy attack; 98-year-old swimmer refuses to slow down.
Defense chief warns Iran-backed militias could launch more attacks
Esper said Iranian-backed Shiite militias in Iraq could be planning more attacks following the assault this week on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
Iran-backed militia vows revenge for U.S. airstrikes
The Iranian-backed militia targeted by the U.S. says the death toll from the strikes has risen, and Tehran is calling them an "obvious cased of terrorism."
Fired Navy secretary defends handling of controversial SEAL case
Richard Spencer spoke to CBS News correspondent David Martin on Monday
Pentagon chief fires Navy secretary over SEAL controversy
Defense Secretary said Richard Spencer's private proposal was contrary to his public stance, but Spencer seems to dispute that he made such an offer
Navy secretary fired over SEAL controversy
Navy Secretary Richard Spencer has been fired over his handling of the case of Navy SEAL Edward Gallagher, who was tried on war crimes charges earlier this year. CBS News national security correspondent David Martin joins CBSN AM with the latest.
$35 million in aid not yet released: Cooper
Laura Cooper, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia, confirmed during her testimony Wednesday that $35 million in aid to Ukraine has yet to be obligated. The remaining funds have alarmed Senate Democrats, who wrote to Defense Secretary Mark Esper earlier this week, asking him to deliver the funds as soon as possible.
U.S. envoy cuts short troop funding negotiations in South Korea
With Kim Jong Un's deadline for diplomacy looming, the U.S. and its close ally South Korea can't agree on who is paying to keep 28,000 American boots on the ground
Esper pushes South Korea for "substantial increase" in troop funding
Reports the Trump administration is seeking a 5-fold increase in Seoul's defense contribution have drawn a harsh rebuke from South Koreans
Pentagon briefing on al-Baghdadi, Syria
Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley briefed reporters Monday after the Special Forces operation resulting in the death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Esper reiterated that oil fields in northern Syria were secured and that they would be used to help fund Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces as they continue to conduct operations against ISIS.
U.S. chides Turkey for "heading in the wrong direction" in Syria
Weeks after Trump ordered U.S. forces out, clearing the way for Turkey's incursion, U.S. defense chief says Turks "put us all in a very terrible situation"
Russian troops moving into Kurdish areas
Iraq's defense minister said U.S. troops that were pulled out of Syria will leave Iraq in four weeks. That seems to contradict Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who has said those U.S. forces will continue operating against ISIS. Russia and Turkey made a deal Tuesday, without the U.S., to take control of northeastern Syria and force out Kurdish fighters that fought alongside U.S. troops. Holly Williams reports.
Iraq says U.S. troops leaving Syria can't stay in Iraq
Mark Esper will meet with Iraqi leaders on Wednesday, hours after the ceasefire ends in northern Syria
U.S. troops are not coming home from Syria, and some may stay there
In spite of President Trump saying he's bringing Americans home, most troops in Syria are just moving to Iraq, and they'll still be ready to fight ISIS
Pelosi leads congressional delegation in Afghanistan visit
Her office said in a statement the group met with top Afghan leaders, civil society representatives and U.S. military chiefs and troops serving there
Police departments sell their used guns. Thousands end up at crime scenes.
Firearms sold by law enforcement have turned up at crime scenes thousands of times in recent years, a CBS News Investigation found.
Michael Cohen faces sharp questioning at Trump trial to end the week
Michael Cohen, the key witness in the case against former President Donald Trump, faced questions from defense attorneys taking aim at his credibility.
4 dead as storms slam Houston again; nearly 1 million customers without power
The Houston Mayor's Office confirmed to CBS News that there were at least four weather-related deaths from the storms.
Garland contempt resolution clears House panels as Biden asserts privilege
The Justice Department said Thursday morning that the president was asserting executive privilege over the recordings with special counsel Robert Hur.
U.S. governors urge Turks and Caicos to release Americans held on ammo charges
The governors of Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and Virginia wrote a letter Tuesday asking the territory to show mercy to the Americans arrested on the island.
U.S. announces effort to expedite cases of migrants who cross border illegally
Migrant adults released by federal border officials after crossing into the U.S. unlawfully will be eligible to be placed in the program.
Topeka superintendent on furthering the legacy of Brown v. Board of Education
The district at the center of the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education ruling, which outlawed racial segregation in schools, is now helmed by its first Black female superintendent.
Morehouse College prepares for Biden's commencement address
For weeks, some students and faculty have challenged leaders of the historically Black college to rescind Mr. Biden's invitation over his administration's response to the Israel-Hamas war.
Texas governor pardons Daniel Perry, convicted of killing protester in 2020
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued his pardon after the unanimous recommendation by the state's Board of Pardons and Paroles.
U.S.
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4 dead as storms slam Houston again; nearly 1 million customers without power
The Houston Mayor's Office confirmed to CBS News that there were at least four weather-related deaths from the storms.
U.S. announces effort to expedite cases of migrants who cross border illegally
Migrant adults released by federal border officials after crossing into the U.S. unlawfully will be eligible to be placed in the program.
Morehouse College prepares for Biden's commencement address
For weeks, some students and faculty have challenged leaders of the historically Black college to rescind Mr. Biden's invitation over his administration's response to the Israel-Hamas war.
Michael Cohen faces sharp questioning at Trump trial to end the week
Michael Cohen, the key witness in the case against former President Donald Trump, faced questions from defense attorneys taking aim at his credibility.
Apple agrees to $35 million settlement with some iPhone 7 users
The settlement covers U.S. residents who owned an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus between September 16, 2016, and January 3, 2023, and reported a covered issue to Apple or paid the company for repairs.
MoneyWatch
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Apple agrees to $35 million settlement with some iPhone 7 users
The settlement covers U.S. residents who owned an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus between September 16, 2016, and January 3, 2023, and reported a covered issue to Apple or paid the company for repairs.
Older Frigidaire and Kenmore ranges pose risk of fires, maker warns
The manufacturer has received multiple reports of fires and injuries since the ranges were originally recalled more than a decade ago.
U.S. citizen accused of helping North Korean IT workers infiltrate U.S. companies
Prosecutors said some of the affected companies were Fortune 500 corporations, including a major TV network, a defense company, and a car maker.
Dow hits 40,000 for the first time as bull market accelerates
Robust corporate profits and steady U.S. economic growth are driving stocks to record highs.
Walmart chia seeds sold nationwide recalled due to salmonella
Private-label food supplier recalls 32-ounce pouches of Great Value Organic Black Chia Seeds because of potential contamination.
Politics
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U.S. announces effort to expedite cases of migrants who cross border illegally
Migrant adults released by federal border officials after crossing into the U.S. unlawfully will be eligible to be placed in the program.
Morehouse College prepares for Biden's commencement address
For weeks, some students and faculty have challenged leaders of the historically Black college to rescind Mr. Biden's invitation over his administration's response to the Israel-Hamas war.
Michael Cohen faces sharp questioning at Trump trial to end the week
Michael Cohen, the key witness in the case against former President Donald Trump, faced questions from defense attorneys taking aim at his credibility.
Biden marks Brown v. Board of Education anniversary amid concerns over Black support
President Biden marked the 70th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision.
U.S. governors urge Turks and Caicos to release Americans held on ammo charges
The governors of Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and Virginia wrote a letter Tuesday asking the territory to show mercy to the Americans arrested on the island.
HealthWatch
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Walmart chia seeds sold nationwide recalled due to salmonella
Private-label food supplier recalls 32-ounce pouches of Great Value Organic Black Chia Seeds because of potential contamination.
Surgery patients at lower risk with women doctors, more research shows
A new study finds hospitals with a higher share of women surgeons and and anesthetists shave better patient outcomes.
More employees are cheating on workplace drug tests. Here's how.
Experts call for better drug testing procedures as more states legalize marijuana and societal norms change.
Drug overdose deaths decreased in 2023
Opioid overdose deaths decreased, but there was an increase in overdose deaths from psychostimulants like meth and cocaine.
The lure of specialty medicine pulls nurse practitioners from primary care
Nurse practitioners have been viewed as a key to addressing the shortage of primary care physicians. But data suggests that, just like doctors, they are increasingly drawn to better-paying specialties.
World
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Aid starts flowing into Gaza Strip across pier U.S. just finished building
Trucks carrying badly needed aid for the Gaza Strip have started rolling across a newly-built U.S. floating pier into the besieged enclave for the first time.
U.S. governors urge Turks and Caicos to release Americans held on ammo charges
The governors of Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and Virginia wrote a letter Tuesday asking the territory to show mercy to the Americans arrested on the island.
5 Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza by their own army's tank fire
As the Israeli defense chief says his troops shouldn't take over Gaza after the war, mistaken tank fire kills 5 of the IDF's own.
Spain claims its "biggest-ever seizure" of crystal meth
Spanish police said they dismantled a major methamphetamine distribution network of the Mexican Sinaloa cartel after seizing 1.8 tons of the drug.
Mysterious origin of the "tree of life" revealed
The trees have been called both "grotesque" and "one of the most charismatic species on our planet" – and now we know where they came from.
Entertainment
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Daniel Martin on embracing his roots and empowering women through makeup
Celebrated makeup artist Daniel Martin is known for his work with Hollywood stars like Michelle Yeoh, Nina Dobrev, Jessica Alba and Meghan Markle.
"CBS News Sunday Morning: By Design" gets a makeover by legendary designer David Rockwell
Preview: The Emmy Award-winning news program's annual "By Design" edition on May 19 features Courteney Cox, a $3 million sports car, a bold new plan by tech billionaires, Martha Stewart and more.
Angie Harmon sues Instacart, delivery driver for fatally shooting dog
Angie Harmon said she heard a gunshot and rushed outside, where she found her dog had been shot, and saw the delivery person putting a gun into the front of his pants, according to the lawsuit.
Whoopi Goldberg reflects on family, career in new memoir "Bits and Pieces"
Whoopi Goldberg described the book as a way to dispel speculations about her upbringing and to share her story on her own terms.
Brittney and Cherelle Griner reveal baby's name
Brittney and Cherelle Griner shared videos from their baby shower exclusively with "CBS Mornings."
Technology
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Apple agrees to $35 million settlement with some iPhone 7 users
The settlement covers U.S. residents who owned an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus between September 16, 2016, and January 3, 2023, and reported a covered issue to Apple or paid the company for repairs.
Nissan data breach exposes Social Security numbers of nearly 53,000
Ransomware attack targeted a Nissan virtual private network, the automaker's U.S. subsidiary said.
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.
'Innovation & Disruption Leaders'
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MIT-educated brothers accused of stealing $25M in crypto in 12 seconds
The 12-second execution of the alleged theft took months to plan, federal prosecutors said.
Science
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New study may solve mystery about warm-blooded dinosaurs
A new study suggests that the first warm-blooded dinosaurs may have roamed Earth about 180 million years ago.
Asia's deadly heat wave was made 45 times more likely for this reason
Extreme heat is known as a "silent killer," and in some areas across Asia, its intensity would have been impossible without one critical factor, a new study found.
Satellite images show what the historic geomagnetic storm looked like from space
Millions of Americans looked to the night sky and snapped magical photos and videos of the northern lights this past weekend during the momentous geomagnetic storm.
Cicadas pee from trees. And they can urinate a lot, a new study finds.
Scientists who study such things have found that cicadas urinate in a jet stream because they consume an incredible volume of fluid during their brief time above ground.
Solar storms can affect electronics and the power grid – an expert explains
Solar storms can dazzle, bringing displays of the northern lights to large parts of the globe. But geomagnetic storms can also affect electronic systems.
Crime
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Crime
How police guns end up in hands of criminals
Every year, police departments across the U.S. trade in their used firearms when it's time for an upgrade. But a CBS News investigation found thousands of those former police weapons wind up in the hands of criminals. National investigative correspondent Stephen Stock reports.
How police guns end up in the hands of criminals
A joint investigation conducted by CBS News and the nonprofit newsrooms The Trace and Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting found that more than 140 law enforcement agencies nationwide sell or trade-in their used weapons when they update their arsenals. Thousands of those former cop guns are later tied to a crime. Stephen Stock reports.
Texas governor pardons Daniel Perry, convicted of killing protester in 2020
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued his pardon after the unanimous recommendation by the state's Board of Pardons and Paroles.
U.S. governors urge Turks and Caicos to release Americans held on ammo charges
The governors of Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and Virginia wrote a letter Tuesday asking the territory to show mercy to the Americans arrested on the island.
U.S. citizen accused of helping North Korean IT workers infiltrate U.S. companies
Prosecutors said some of the affected companies were Fortune 500 corporations, including a major TV network, a defense company, and a car maker.
Space
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Sun emits its largest X-class flare of the solar cycle
The large explosion of energy and light from the sun comes just days after Earth was slammed with the biggest geomagnetic storm in more than 20 years.
Researchers discover "super fluffy" planet with cotton candy-like density
WASP-193b is 50% larger than Jupiter — the largest planet in our solar system — but seven times less massive because of it's extraordinarily low density.
Satellite images show what the historic geomagnetic storm looked like from space
Millions of Americans looked to the night sky and snapped magical photos and videos of the northern lights this past weekend during the momentous geomagnetic storm.
Boeing Starliner launch retargeted for May 21
The oxygen valve that derailed a launch try last week has been replaced, but engineers want more time to verify an unrelated helium leak has been fixed.
More geomagnetic storms likely to continue today
The forecasted conditions come after a weekend of jaw-dropping northern lights seen as far south as Florida and as "magnetically complex" sunspots bigger than Earth continue to emit solar flares.
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Roger Corman, "King of the B Movies" 1926-2024
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N.J. woman survives a home invasion, brutal stabbing by a young stranger
Despite losing three quarters of the blood in her body, Donna Ongsiako was able to help police find the person who almost took her life.
PHOTOS: Baltimore bridge collapses after cargo ship rams into overpass
The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed early Tuesday, March 26 after a column was struck by a container ship that reportedly lost power, sending vehicles and people into the Patapsco River.
Could an Alabama woman have shot herself twice?
When Tiffiney Crawford was found dead inside her van, authorities believed she might have taken her own life. But could she shoot herself twice in the head with her non-dominant hand?
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How police guns end up in hands of criminals
Every year, police departments across the U.S. trade in their used firearms when it's time for an upgrade. But a CBS News investigation found thousands of those former police weapons wind up in the hands of criminals. National investigative correspondent Stephen Stock reports.
Breaking down the Supreme Court's CFPB ruling
The Supreme Court rejected an effort Thursday to undermine the power of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The agency was created after the 2008 financial crisis to protect consumers from unfair practices. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins to unpack the case.
Breaking down the Dow's 40,000 milestone
The Dow Jones Industrial Average hit 40,000 points for the first time Thursday. Well-known brands like Goldman Sachs, Microsoft and United Health fueled the latest milestone. CBS News contributor J.D. Durkin joins to discuss what the record mark suggests about the economy.
Nurse faces her own cancer diagnosis with courage
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Trump lawyers scrutinize Cohen's testimony
Michael Cohen, the ex-attorney of former President Donald Trump, was back on the stand for cross-examination Thursday with Trump's defense team sharply questioning his credibility. CBS News campaign reporter and attorney Katrina Kaufman has the details.