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
Mark Esper
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
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
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"
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
ICYMI: Here's what you missed on Sunday's "Face the Nation"
The president's new strategy in Syria has much of the political world, including members of his own party, rebuking his policies
Defense secretary says Pentagon will comply with Ukraine subpoena
"We will do everything we can to cooperate with the Congress," Mark Esper told "Face the Nation" Sunday
Transcript: Secretary of Defense Mark Esper on "Face the Nation"
The following is a transcript of an interview with Defense Secretary Mark Esper that aired Sunday, October 13, 2019, on "Face the Nation."
U.S. to evacuate more troops from northern Syria, defense secretary says
"We have American forces likely caught between two opposing advancing armies," Secretary Mark Esper told "Face the Nation"
This week on "Face the Nation": Esper, Schiff, Kinzinger, Cruz
Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Adam Schiff, Rep. Adam Kinzinger and Sen. Ted Cruz will appear on "Face the Nation" this Sunday
Defense Secretary and Joint Chiefs chairman speak to reporters
Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Gen. Joseph Dunford held a joint news conference at the Pentagon
Trump attends Pentagon ceremony for Mark Esper
Mark Esper was confirmed as defense secretary in a 90-8 vote this week
Mark Esper confirmed by Senate as defense secretary
The Pentagon has been without a Senate-confirmed leader since December when James Mattis resigned
Senate holds confirmation hearing for DoD's Mark Esper
Esper could be confirmed to his new role as early as Thursday
Trump nominates Mark Esper to be next Defense Secretary
Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan withdrew his name from consideration after reports surfaced of domestic violence incidents involving his family
Trump says he's draining the swamp as he's filling his Cabinet with ex-lobbyists
Incoming Acting Defense Secretary Mark Esper's ethics agreement allows him to continue to receive deferred compensation from Raytheon
Army Secretary apologizes for unsafe military housing
Major problems include mold, lead in the water, asbestos, leaking ceilings, roaches, mice and rats
Trump to name defense lobbyist as Army secretary
President's first two nominees withdrew their names from consideration
Venezuela's Machado says transition of power post-Maduro is "unstoppable"
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado told CBS News any positive steps taken by the new post-Maduro government over the last month are due to pressure from President Trump.
ICE releases 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father from custody
Five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father were released from ICE custody on Sunday, a day after a federal court ordered their release.
New ICE memo gives deportation officers more leeway to conduct warrantless arrests
The memo suggests the rules are designed to give ICE greater flexibility to quickly arrest unauthorized immigrants who are not the original targets of an operation.
"Melania" documentary opens with better ticket sales than expected
Promoted by President Trump as "a must watch," the Melania Trump documentary "Melania" debuted with $7 million in ticket sales, according to estimates Sunday.
Massive release of Epstein files includes 3 million documents and photos
The Justice Department released more new documents Friday from the Jeffrey Epstein files, more than a month after the DOJ's original deadline to do so.
Iran's supreme leader warns of "regional war" in Middle East if U.S. attacks
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's comments are the most direct threat he's made so far amid escalating tensions with the U.S.
Officials in Minnesota allege Bovino used language offensive to Jews on conference call
Top Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino allegedly used language offensive to Jewish federal officials on a recent call, sources said.
Powerful storm hits an East Coast still buried under last week's snow
Blizzardlike conditions stemming from a "bomb cyclone" brought heavy snow to the Southeast and ushered in frigid temperatures to much of the East Coast.
Ex-Trump economic adviser says Kevin Warsh will "take the Fed back" to norms
Gary Cohn, IBM vice chairman, said President Trump's nominee for chairman of the Federal Reserve Board is "very highly qualified" and will "take the Fed back to its traditional" norms.
U.S.
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Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 1, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado and Rep. Michael McCaul join Margaret Brennan.
Ex-Trump economic adviser says Kevin Warsh will "take the Fed back" to norms
Gary Cohn, IBM vice chairman, said President Trump's nominee for chairman of the Federal Reserve Board is "very highly qualified" and will "take the Fed back to its traditional" norms.
"Melania" documentary opens with better ticket sales than expected
Promoted by President Trump as "a must watch," the Melania Trump documentary "Melania" debuted with $7 million in ticket sales, according to estimates Sunday.
ICE releases 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father from custody
Five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father were released from ICE custody on Sunday, a day after a federal court ordered their release.
Ilia Malinin on the pursuit of perfection
The four-time national figure skating champion from Virginia, the only person in the world to have landed a quad axel in competition, is the heavy favorite for gold at this year's Winter Olympics.
MoneyWatch
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Trump nominates government economist to lead Bureau of Labor Statistics
President Trump says he is nominating the government economist Brett Matsumoto to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
3 key questions for investors about Fed Chair nominee Kevin Warsh
Kevin Warsh, a former Fed governor, is in line to replace Fed Chair Jerome Powell in May. Here's what Wall Street wants to know.
Patients are being hit with this surprise fee just for seeing their doc
One patient reports getting stuck with a $2,418 "facility fee" after seeing her doctor. "I didn't even know such a thing existed," she said.
A new $45 fee for travelers without Real IDs goes into effect Feb. 1
Passengers without Real IDs can still fly if they pay a $45 fee, which covers the cost of additional identity verification screening.
Saks to shutter most Saks Off 5th stores as bankrupt retailer cuts costs
Saks, which declared bankruptcy on Jan. 14, is set to hold going-out-of-business sales as it closes dozens of retail outlets.
Politics
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Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 1, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado and Rep. Michael McCaul join Margaret Brennan.
Ex-Trump economic adviser says Kevin Warsh will "take the Fed back" to norms
Gary Cohn, IBM vice chairman, said President Trump's nominee for chairman of the Federal Reserve Board is "very highly qualified" and will "take the Fed back to its traditional" norms.
Transcript: Gary Cohn on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 1, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Gary Cohn, IBM vice chairman and former director of the U.S. National Economic Council, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Feb. 1, 2026.
Transcript: Rep. Michael McCaul on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 1, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Rep. Michael McCaul, Republican of Texas, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Feb. 1, 2026.
ICE releases 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father from custody
Five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father were released from ICE custody on Sunday, a day after a federal court ordered their release.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Extended Interview: Mel Robbins
In this web exclusive, author and podcaster Mel Robbins talks with Norah O'Donnell about "The Let Them Theory."
Book excerpt: "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins
In her latest bestseller, the motivational speaker discusses how personal growth is only possible when you stop pouring energy into things you cannot control – which includes changing other people.
A cop thought he had a muscle cramp. He ended up fighting for his life.
Sgt. Chris Johnson was told that his heart condition had nearly been "instantly fatal." Rapid medical care and rigorous therapy helped him recover.
Patients are being hit with this surprise fee just for seeing their doc
One patient reports getting stuck with a $2,418 "facility fee" after seeing her doctor. "I didn't even know such a thing existed," she said.
Carter Center reaches major milestone in quest to eradicate Guinea worm
Jimmy Carter made eradicating the Guinea worm a top mission of The Carter Center. Now it could soon become the second disease eradicated in history.
World
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Transcript: Gary Cohn on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 1, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Gary Cohn, IBM vice chairman and former director of the U.S. National Economic Council, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Feb. 1, 2026.
Transcript: Rep. Michael McCaul on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 1, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Rep. Michael McCaul, Republican of Texas, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Feb. 1, 2026.
Iran's supreme leader warns of "regional war" in Middle East if U.S. attacks
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's comments are the most direct threat he's made so far amid escalating tensions with the U.S.
At least 145 people killed in multiple attacks in southwestern Pakistan
Militant attacks erupted in a resource-rich region where Pakistan is seeking to attract foreign investment in mining and minerals.
Transcript: Mayors Eileen Higgins, David Holt, Quinton Lucas and Mark Freeman on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 1, 2026
The following is the full transcript of a panel with Mayors Eileen Higgins, David Holt, Quinton Lucas and Mark Freeman, a portion of which aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Feb. 1, 2026.
Entertainment
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"Melania" documentary opens with better ticket sales than expected
Promoted by President Trump as "a must watch," the Melania Trump documentary "Melania" debuted with $7 million in ticket sales, according to estimates Sunday.
Jesse Welles: Keeping the spirit of American folk music alive
In an uncertain time, folk musician Jesse Welles – a four-time Grammy Award-nominee from Ozark, Arkansas – is reinvigorating the spirit and relevance of the protest song, spreading messages on such topics as health insurance and ICE agents.
Jesse Welles: Keeping the spirit of folk music alive
In an uncertain time, folk musician Jesse Welles is reinvigorating the spirit and relevance of the protest song, spreading messages on such topics as health insurance and ICE agents. The four-time Grammy Award-nominee from Ozark, Arkansas, talks with "Sunday Morning" national correspondent Robert Costa about this powerful form of speech and song that can speak across generations.
Mel Robbins on leaning in
Mel Robbins' podcasts, TED Talk and bestselling books, including "The Let Them Theory," have spread her inspirational messages about positivity and empowerment. She talks about how she overcame her own sense of failure, and appreciates success later in life.
Jeff Tweedy of Wilco on the power of music
Jeff Tweedy has released more than two dozen records in his career, both as a solo artist and as frontman of the rock band Wilco. But he may have outdone himself with his latest triple-album "Twilight Override."
Technology
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Technology
How the gramophone changed music
While Thomas Edison's cylinders were the first to play recorded sound, they were impractical – leading Emile Berliner to come up with a better way to play music: The gramophone, invented in 1887, which played flat discs. Jane Pauley reports.
Uber looks to cash in on self-driving cars — but not by driving them
The rideshare company is getting into the business of providing real-world driving data to autonomous vehicle developers. Here's why.
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.
New AI features for Gmail users
This month, Google launched a suite of new features for Gmail. Google's AI assistant, Gemini, can now filter through junk, summarize an inbox and even help users write emails. Blake Barnes, Gmail vice president of product, joins CBS News to discuss.
Analysts say Starlink may have guided Russian drones into a Ukrainian train
As Ukraine accuses Russia of terrorism with a deadly strike on a train, some defense analysts believe Elon Musk's Starlink may have guided the killer drones.
Science
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Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Crime
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Virginia woman was strangled with her child sleeping nearby, authorities say
Ten days before investigators say Katlyn Lyon Montgomery, 28, was strangled in her sleep in the Virginia apartment she shared with her 4-year-old daughter and a new roommate, she had broken up with Trenton Frye, a North Carolina man she met online months before.
Firefighter accused of staging a house fire to cover up a murder
It was Thanksgiving Eve 2020, and Melissa Lamesch was excited about the upcoming birth of her first child. Investigators would learn there was someone who was not as enthused — the expectant father, firefighter Matthew Plote.
Judge rules out death penalty for Mangione
A judge declared that Luigi Mangione will not face the death penalty if convicted on federal charges in the 2024 killing of United HealthCare CEO Brian Thompson. It's a big win for Mangione, though he still faces the possibility of life in prison.
Virginia woman strangled days after dumping her deceptive boyfriend
The prosecutor said Katlyn Lyon Montgomery's ex-boyfriend dressed as a "ninja" to sneak up on her while asleep in her Virginia apartment.
Why judge dropped 2 charges against Mangione
Luigi Mangione, the accused killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, will not face the death penalty after a judge on Friday dismissed two counts that could have carried a death sentence. CBS News legal contributor Caroline Polisi joins to take a look at the new ruling and what it means for the high-profile murder case.
Space
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Space
NASA's Artemis II slated to be a series of firsts
Extreme cold has forced NASA to reschedule its next moon mission. On Saturday, the massive Artemis II rocket stands on launch pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center. Like Apollo 8 in 1968, it won't land on the lunar surface. Mark Strassmann has more on why the latest mission is considered groundbreaking.
NASA delays Artemis mission to moon due to cold weather
The first Artemis moonshot with a crew is now targeted for no earlier than Feb. 8, two days later than planned.
Artemis II crew undergoes intense training for rare moon mission
For months, the Artemis II crew and flight controllers have been simulating malfunctions to prepare for their upcoming trip around the Moon.
Inside Artemis II astronauts' training
NASA is preparing for its first crewed mission around the moon in more than 50 years. The Artemis II astronauts include three Americans and one Canadian on a 10-day flight. Mark Strassmann got a look at how they're training.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
America's mayors panel
Margaret Brennan talks to Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt; Mesa, Arizona, Mayor Mark Freeman; Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas; and Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins about the economy, immigration, data centers and other issues facing their cities.
Cohn on Warsh nomination
Gary Cohn, former Trump economic adviser and vice chairman of IBM, told "Face the Nation" that he believes that President Trump's Fed nominee Kevin Warsh will "take the Fed back to its traditional" norms.
DOJ releases 3 million pages of Epstein files
The Justice Department on Friday released three million more pages of Epstein files, but Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee say that the DOJ has released half of the estimated pages, including 200,000 that were redacted or withheld.
McCaul on Minneapolis crackdown
Rep. Michael McCaul, who is on the House Homeland Security Committee, told "Face the Nation" that he believes that Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, who had been overseeing the Minneapolis immigration crackdown until being relieved, "crossed the line" during that operation.
Machado on Venezuelan leadership
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that a transition from the current government to one involving her movement is "unstoppable," since they "won the election by a landslide" over former President Nicolas Maduro's party.