Esper "didn't see" specific evidence showing Iranian threat to 4 U.S. embassies
The defense secretary provides background on what President Trump called an "imminent threat" to U.S. embassies overseas.
Mark Esper
Open: This is "Face the Nation"
Today on "Face the Nation, with tensions escalating with Iran, we get perspective from the administration on what the future holds for relations with the regime.
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.
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.
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.
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.
U.S. forces continue northern Syria withdrawal
American forces continued their withdrawal from northern Syria. Defense secretary Mark Esper says they’re headed for Iraq — not home, as President Trump promised. Left behind are America's ally: the Kurds. Holly Williams reports.
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.
U.S. to "preparing to evacuate" more troops from Syria, Esper says
"We have American forces likely caught between two opposing advancing armies," Defense Secretary Mark Esper told "Face the Nation."
Open: This is "Face the Nation"
This week on "Face the Nation," Margaret Brennan breaks down the latest on President Trump’s new Syria policy with Defense Secretary Mark Esper. She discusses the latest on the impeachment inquiry with Representative Adam Schiff, and the situation in Hong Kong with Senator Ted Cruz.
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper's security detail revoked
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper's security detail, which was provided by the Defense Department, was pulled Tuesday night, a U.S. official told CBS News.
Dickerson on Pence declining to endorse Trump
On Sunday, former Vice President Mike Pence told Face the Nation's Margaret Brennan he was not endorsing Donald Trump's 2024 White House bid. CBS News chief political analyst John Dickerson examines the significance of the move.
IDF says 2 more hostages freed
The Israel Defense Forces say two more hostages were released by Hamas to the Red Cross on Thursday in Gaza City. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is meeting with top officials in the Middle East in hopes of extending a temporary cease-fire further. CBS News correspondents Holly Williams and Lilia Luciano have more details. And former Defense Secretary Mark Esper joined CBS News to discuss the short-term truce.
Mark Esper on Israel-Hamas war, Xi meeting
Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the Israel-Hamas war and President Biden's high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Esper says he has "concerns" about Trump foreign policy
Trump administration Defense Secretary Mark Esper tells "Face the Nation" that he has "concerns" about now-candidate Trump's comments about cutting off funding for Ukraine and possibly pulling the U.S. out of NATO. "So for all those reasons, that concerns me and and, of course, we could talk about our allies and partners in Asia as well who will equally be concerned about these types of events," Esper said.
Transcript: Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper on "Face the Nation," Oct. 1, 2023
The following is a transcript of an interview with Trump administration Defense Secretary Mark Esper that aired on "Face the Nation" on Oct. 1, 2023.
Esper on flying object shot down over Alaska
The White House said a military fighter jet shot down an object over Alaskan airspace Friday, this after a Chinese spy balloon was shot down off the coast of South Carolina last weekend. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang has the latest from Washington. Then, Mark Esper, former U.S. secretary of defense, spoke with CBS News about what we know so far.
1/12: Face The Nation
Today on "Face the Nation, with tensions escalating with Iran, we get perspective from the administration on what the future holds for relations with the regime.
10/21: CBSN AM
U.S. troops begin move from Northern Syria to Iraq; Four companies reach settlement in opioid litigation
10/13: Face The Nation
This week on "Face the Nation," Margaret Brennan breaks down the latest on President Trump’s new Syria policy with Defense Secretary Mark Esper. She discusses the latest on the impeachment inquiry with Representative Adam Schiff, and the situation in Hong Kong with Senator Ted Cruz.
Mark Esper on Trump, China, Iran
Former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper spoke exclusively with CBS News' Catherine Herridge after it was announced that the warrant to search Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home would be unsealed. Esper discussed the former president's handling of classified information, and U.S. relations with China and Iran.
Ex-Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Iran threats
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper revealed that he has had full-time government-provided "protection 24/7" since he left the Defense Department as a result of threats from Iran, he told CBS News' Catherine Herridge in an interview Thursday. Watch part of the interview here.
Mark Esper has government-provided "protection 24/7" because of Iran threats
Esper's revelation came soon after the Justice Department charged an Iranian national for plotting the murder of former national security adviser John Bolton.
Ex-defense chief Mark Esper suing Pentagon
Former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper is suing the Pentagon over redactions in his memoir. The book describes his time as secretary of the Army and secretary of defense under former President Trump, who fired Esper via Twitter days after he lost the 2020 election. CBS News national security correspondent David Martin joined Tanya Rivero on CBSN to discuss.
Esper on Trump and divisive politics
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper spoke with CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett about serving during the Trump administration and the current political climate. Watch this portion of the conversation from "Red and Blue."
Iran admits to Trump advisers "they made a mistake" in shooting at ships in strait
The White House wants Iran to publicly acknowledge that shooting at the ships was a mistake.
Live
Trump again says Iran ceasefire is over, but U.S. will keep talking
Efforts are underway to get U.S.-Iran peace talks back on track after the most intense exchange of attacks since the ceasefire took effect.
Parents of teen found dead on island don't believe he chose to stay behind
Christine and Elmore Wonsley said they don't believe their son would've stayed on the island when his friends left by boat.
Pentagon releases new set of UFO files: "Unlike anything I had seen"
The U.S. military released a new batch of files related to UFOs, including one report from a Navy pilot who said a mysterious object was "unlike anything I had seen" in 28 years of service.
Graham Platner formally drops out of Maine Senate race
Graham Platner had until 5 p.m. on Monday to formally suspend his campaign or he would remain on the ballot in November.
Judge vacates convictions of 4 Proud Boys in Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection
A federal judge on Friday agreed to dismiss the convictions of four members of the far-right Proud Boys group for their actions in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
Gordie Howe Bridge connecting Detroit, Canada expected to open in late July
The 1.5-mile-long bridge, which spans the Detroit River and connects the Motor City with Windsor, Ontario, is expected to open on July 27.
Several killed in small plane crash in the Bahamas, officials say
A small plane crashed in the Bahamas on Friday, killing several people and prompting the government to temporarily ground Flamingo Air flights.
Trump admin. to back tariffs on Russian oil in effort to end Ukraine war, sources say
The war in Ukraine is now in its fifth year. A bipartisan bill would impose heavy financial penalties on purchasers of Russian oil,
U.S.
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Judge vacates convictions of 4 Proud Boys in Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection
A federal judge on Friday agreed to dismiss the convictions of four members of the far-right Proud Boys group for their actions in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
A boy's simple habit of waving to his neighbors transformed his community
Roman Butzlaff brought together a group of neighbors who say they would have barely known each other if not for a little boy, who lived in a neighborhood but needed a village.
Detainees say ICE officer shot Houston driver through passenger window, lawyer says
Three men who witnessed a fatal shooting involving federal immigration officers in Houston say no officer was threatened, a lawyer who has spoken with them said.
Apple sues OpenAI, accusing ChatGPT maker of stealing trade secrets
Apple alleges that OpenAI and two of its employees stole trade secrets and engaged in a "pattern of misconduct."
Graham Platner formally drops out of Maine Senate race
Graham Platner had until 5 p.m. on Monday to formally suspend his campaign or he would remain on the ballot in November.
MoneyWatch
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Apple sues OpenAI, accusing ChatGPT maker of stealing trade secrets
Apple alleges that OpenAI and two of its employees stole trade secrets and engaged in a "pattern of misconduct."
Household staff can earn up to $300,000 working for America's rich
Good help is hard — and expensive — to find, according to a recruiting firm for private chefs, chauffeurs and other household workers.
Gas prices start climbing again as U.S.-Iran tensions flare
Prices at the pump sank following a June ceasefire. But renewed conflict in the Middle East and other factors are driving fuel costs back up.
Trump not expected to veto housing bill, U.S. official says
President Trump said Friday he won't sign the law, but a U.S. official said he isn't expected to veto it either.
Ex-Epoch Times CFO pleads guilty in $67 million money laundering scheme
The former CFO of The Epoch Times, a conservative multinational media company, interrupted jury selection at his money laundering trial to plead guilty to a conspiracy charge in a $67 million fraud scheme.
Politics
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Judge vacates convictions of 4 Proud Boys in Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection
A federal judge on Friday agreed to dismiss the convictions of four members of the far-right Proud Boys group for their actions in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
Graham Platner formally drops out of Maine Senate race
Graham Platner had until 5 p.m. on Monday to formally suspend his campaign or he would remain on the ballot in November.
Iran admits to Trump advisers "they made a mistake" in shooting at ships in strait
The White House wants Iran to publicly acknowledge that shooting at the ships was a mistake.
Former Afghan general charged with drug and firearm offenses in U.S.
A former member of Afghanistan's National Assembly was arrested and charged with conspiring to illegally import heroin and methamphetamine into the U.S.
Charlie Kirk's family cites "overwhelming evidence" against alleged killer
Charlie Kirk's family said the end of Tyler Robinson's preliminary hearing "marks an important step forward in the pursuit of justice."
HealthWatch
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Michigan's cyclosporiasis outbreak grows to more than 1,500 cases
Michigan health officials say the state's cyclosporiasis outbreak has grown to more than 1,500 cases.
I tried eating Erling Haaland's World Cup "Viking diet" for a day
Can a normal human handle soccer star Erling Haaland's calorific bonanza? CBS News' Leigh Kiniry found out the hard way.
What to know about "explosive" diarrhea-causing parasite reported in several states
Michigan is experiencing its largest outbreak of a parasitic infection, called cyclosporiasis, that causes severe diarrhea.
What to know about infant botulism
A fourth infant was hospitalized for botulism linked to Nara Organics baby formula, and the FDA is now expanding its investigation. Dr. Céline Gounder has the latest.
Nara Organics infant formula linked to another case of botulism
The FDA is urging parents and caregivers to immediately stop using a Nara Organics-brand formula after several infants contracted botulism.
World
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Several killed in small plane crash in the Bahamas, officials say
A small plane crashed in the Bahamas on Friday, killing several people and prompting the government to temporarily ground Flamingo Air flights.
Iran admits to Trump advisers "they made a mistake" in shooting at ships in strait
The White House wants Iran to publicly acknowledge that shooting at the ships was a mistake.
Prince Harry, Meghan visit King Charles after security controversy
Prince Harry and Meghan have a rocky relationship with the prince's father.
Trump admin. to back tariffs on Russian oil in effort to end Ukraine war, sources say
The war in Ukraine is now in its fifth year. A bipartisan bill would impose heavy financial penalties on purchasers of Russian oil,
Man, 26, arrested after former British politician found dead in her home
Ann Widdecombe, a former member of Parliament, had "sustained serious injuries" when she was found dead in her home in southwest England, police said.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Sean Evans on Netflix "Hot Ones" spinoff
"Hot Ones," hosted by Sean Evans, has become one of the hottest series on YouTube. He talks to Vladimir Duthiers about his celebrity-filled show, his new Netflix spinoff, "Hot Ones: Extra Heat," and who he wants to interview next.
Meg Cabot on new "The Princess Diaries" book
Author Meg Cabot returns to Genovia to reinterpret "The Princess Diaries" in her new graphic novel, "The Princess Diaries: The Graphic Novel." Cabot tells "CBS Mornings" that she's excited to revisit the characters from the original films and "introduce them to a new generation."
Book excerpt: "Mighty Real: A History of LGBTQ Music, 1969-2000" by Barry Walters
Barry Walters, a writer for such publications as Rolling Stone and Spin, explores how LGBTQ songwriters, musicians, execs and fans reshaped pop culture in the late 20th century, as queer messages in music became less coded.
Director of "Aces," breaks down docuseries
"Aces: The ATP No. 1 Club" is a new docuseries on the greatest male tennis players of all time. It features rare interviews from legends who reached number one in the world. Pat Dimon, the director of "Aces," joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Jon Batiste performs "Georgia On My Mind"
Jon Batiste performs the Ray Charles classic, "Georgia On My Mind," as America rings in its 250th birthday.
Technology
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Apple sues OpenAI, accusing ChatGPT maker of stealing trade secrets
Apple alleges that OpenAI and two of its employees stole trade secrets and engaged in a "pattern of misconduct."
AI slop floods social media, report says
A new report from AI detector Pangram found that AI-generated content is flooding socials like X and Reddit, with LinkedIn accounting for nearly two-thirds of all AI content detected. Pangram CEO and co-founder Max Spero joins CBS News to discuss his findings.
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.
MSG tracked celebrities, WIRED reports
A major database breach at James Dolan's Madison Square Garden arena revealed an apparent internal list tracking nearly 40,000 celebrities, according to a new report from WIRED. The report alleges that surveillance labels included "LGBTQIA," "DO NOT HOST," and evaluated individuals on a "risk" level. MSG claims the report is inaccurate. WIRED contributing editor Noah Shachtman joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss his reporting.
Breaking down the Texas app store age law
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court said it would allow Texas to enforce a law requiring app stores to verify users' ages while the issue plays out in the lower courts. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson breaks down the constitutional question.
Science
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Science
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.
Watch: Pentagon releases 19 new UFO videos
The Defense Department released a fourth batch of UFO files on Friday, nearly one month after its third drop. These are all of the videos in the latest tranche, plus analysis from astrophysicist Avi Loeb.
2,000-year-old gold rings and human bones found by archaeologists
Archaeologists have discovered eight human skeletons, bronze and gold jewelry and other artifacts indicating a ceremonial burial of wealthy people.
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.
The American innovation that made millions of others possible
From the lightbulb to the airplane, to medical breakthroughs and the internet age, the past 250 years have been defined by America's intrepid intellect.
Crime
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Crime
Takeaways from weeklong Tyler Robinson hearing
The weeklong pre-trial hearing for the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk wrapped up on Friday with the defense calling one final witness to the stand. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
Indictments in White House UFC attack plot
Eight people have each been charged with conspiracy counts over a planned attack at the UFC event that was held at the White House in June. CBS News' Jake Rosen reports.
New details on Mexican man killed by ICE
New details are emerging about what led to Lorenzo Salgado Araujo's death. The Mexican man was wrongfully shot and killed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during a traffic stop in Houston, Texas. Shawna Mizelle has the latest.
Man, 26, arrested after former British politician found dead in her home
Ann Widdecombe, a former member of Parliament, had "sustained serious injuries" when she was found dead in her home in southwest England, police said.
Records: Alibaba sold dangerous drugs in U.S.
Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba knowingly sold dangerous drugs to U.S. consumers, but the DOJ did not prosecute, according to public records probed for a CBS News investigation. Senior Justice Department reporter Sarah Lynch breaks down her reporting and why charges weren't pursued.
Space
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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.
NASA astronauts operate on space station's broken robot arm
The orbital surgery on the International Space Station returned the Canadian-built robot arm to full health after its "wrist" joint failed last month.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Latest Galleries
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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
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Fery loses to Zverev in Wimbledon semifinal
Championship weekend at Wimbledon has arrived, but it will not include the "Fery-tale" British matchup that tennis fans had been hoping for. Matthew Futterman, senior writer for tennis at The Athletic, joins "The Daily Report" to preview the gentlemen's singles final.
Congress' housing bill's potential impact
A sweeping bipartisan housing affordability bill is set to go into law at midnight on Friday, without President Trump's signature. The president says his decision not to sign the bill is a protest against lawmakers' failure to pass his package of voting reforms and restrictions. Bruce Marks, founder and CEO of the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Former CIA officer on the latest with Iran
Senior U.S. officials say Iran privately told mediators that it made a mistake in shooting at commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The officials say Iran blamed the attacks on hardliners who are trying to undermine negotiations. Elliot Ackerman, a CBS News contributor and a former CIA officer, has more.
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.
4-year-old heals "inner loneliness"
The old adage "it takes a village to raise a child" was turned on its head when it took a child to unite a village in North Carolina. Steve Hartman goes "On the Road" with the story.