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."
Videos, witness accounts of deadly shooting at odds with official statements
Bystander videos verified by CBS News show the scene from multiple angles before the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Prett in Minneapolis.
Live
Judge grants temporary restraining order against DHS after Alex Pretti's killing
U.S. District Court Judge Eric Tostrud granted a temporary restraining order against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Saturday, barring the department from altering or destroying evidence in the killing of Alex Pretti in south Minneapolis.
Power out for hundreds of thousands, roadways snarled with ice from storm
Power outages were reported across the South as a monster storm began wreaking havoc across much of the country.
Flight cancellations today top 10,000 — most in a single day since pandemic
Flight cancellations are continuing to mount as the U.S. is being hit with dangerous winter weather from a storm moving across the country.
Man killed by federal officer in Minnesota worked as ICU nurse, his parents say
The 37-year-old man killed by a federal officer in Minneapolis is identified by his family as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an intensive care nurse who was "very upset with what was happening" in the ICE crackdown.
Senate Democrats will not provide votes to advance DHS funding bill, Schumer says
Sens. Chris Murphy and Alex Padilla have spent the past two days calling colleagues to whip opposition to the DHS funding bill, according to a source familiar with the process.
France's Macron pushes for fast-track ban on social media for kids under 15
French President Emmanuel Macron says he wants to fast-track a ban on social media for teenagers under 15.
Minneapolis business owners react to deadly shooting: "A neighbor was murdered"
Minneapolis business owners and community members were among the crowd of protesters in sub-zero temperatures following the deadly shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti.
Latest forecast maps show fresh predictions for winter storm
As millions of Americans hunker down for the winter storm, 19 states and Washington, D.C., have declared states of emergency.
U.S.
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Power out for hundreds of thousands, roadways snarled with ice from storm
Power outages were reported across the South as a monster storm began wreaking havoc across much of the country.
Flight cancellations today top 10,000 — most in a single day since pandemic
Flight cancellations are continuing to mount as the U.S. is being hit with dangerous winter weather from a storm moving across the country.
Videos, witness accounts of deadly shooting at odds with official statements
Bystander videos verified by CBS News show the scene from multiple angles before the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Prett in Minneapolis.
Daughter defends loving dad now accused in her mom's cold case murder
For more than 30 years the murder of Debe Atrops in suburban Oregon remained unsolved. Then, an Oregon cold case team took a fresh look at the case and thought there was enough to prosecute Bob Atrops, Debe's estranged husband at the time. Their daughter thinks they have the wrong man.
Did a secret obsession lead a "genius" to murder a Yale grad student?
Kevin Jiang, 26, a Yale graduate student and former Army National Guardsman, was gunned down in New Haven, Connecticut. What appeared to be a road rage incident soon unraveled into a story of obsession and premeditation.
MoneyWatch
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Here's what it takes to achieve an 800 credit score
Only one in four Americans has a credit score above 800, which is considered exceptional, according to industry data.
Bank of America may introduce credit card with 10% APR
Facing pressure from President Trump, credit card issuers are exploring ways to ease borrowing costs.
How to heat your home safely as fierce winter storm grips the U.S.
Federal safety regulators warn that home heating equipment can spark fires or emit carbon monoxide. Here's what to know.
What to know about EVs as the winter storm brings bone-chilling temps
Cold weather can reduce the efficiency of electric vehicles, shortening their driving range. These tips can help.
Tesla Cybertruck sales plunged 48% in in 2025
Other Tesla vehicles also struggled to attract buyers, with sales of its X, S and Y models all sinking from the previous year.
Politics
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Josh Shapiro on a life of service and faith
In his memoir, "Where We Keep the Light," Pennsylvania's governor writes about how his childhood helped shape his lifetime of public service. He talks about the challenges he faced while growing up; the rise in political violence in America; and his future in the Democratic Party.
Transcript: Kirsten Hillman on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Jan. 25, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Kirsten Hillman, the Canadian ambassador to the U.S., that will air on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Jan. 25, 2026.
Rep. Maxwell Frost says he was assaulted at Sundance Film Festival
Rep. Maxwell Frost, a Florida Democrat, said a man told him "Trump was going to deport me before he punched me in the face."
Senate Democrats will not provide votes to advance DHS funding bill, Schumer says
Sens. Chris Murphy and Alex Padilla have spent the past two days calling colleagues to whip opposition to the DHS funding bill, according to a source familiar with the process.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard warns U.S. as warships head toward Middle East
Tension remains high between Iran and the U.S. in the wake of a bloody crackdown on protests.
HealthWatch
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Heart failure threatened her pregnancy. A first-of-its-kind procedure saved it.
Cassandra King was thrilled to be pregnant after years of fertility struggles and multiple miscarriages. Then a sudden cardiac event threatened everything.
Loss of measles-free status would be "cost of doing business," new CDC deputy says
After a year of ongoing measles outbreaks that have sickened more than 2,400 people, the United States is poised to lose its status as a measles-free country.
Measles cases surge in South Carolina as U.S. risks elimination status
An infectious disease physician and former CDC official said he does not "have faith" that the U.S. is "handling measles very well."
Tylenol not linked to autism, new study shows
A review of studies published in The Lancet found no link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, contradicting the Trump administration's recent claims.
Woman gets her life back after rare transplant: "Prepared for the worst"
Lacy Cornelius Boyd needed IV nutrition and an ileostomy bag after a devastating car crash. A rare transplant was her only option.
World
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Behind the scenes of Shen Yun
The Falun Gong dance troupe produces what it describes as a vision of "China before communism." The touring company says it's been targeted by Beijing. Now former performers are suing, alleging forced labor and untreated injuries, allegations Shen Yun disputes.
How Trump's designs on Greenland are testing the U.S.-Denmark alliance
President's Trump's designs on acquiring the world's largest island "one way or the other" have stirred feelings of betrayal among Danes and Greenlanders. Mo Rocca gives us a history lesson about an island that is 80 percent covered in ice.
The Righteous: Rescuing Marc Chagall from the Nazis
Those who risked their own lives to save Jews during the Holocaust have been called the Righteous Among the Nations. One such rescuer, an American, was Varian Fry, who helped organize artist Marc Chagall's escape from France, for both him and his paintings.
France's Macron pushes for fast-track ban on social media for kids under 15
French President Emmanuel Macron says he wants to fast-track a ban on social media for teenagers under 15.
Transcript: Kirsten Hillman on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Jan. 25, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Kirsten Hillman, the Canadian ambassador to the U.S., that will air on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Jan. 25, 2026.
Entertainment
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The adventures of Lauren Hutton, the original supermodel
As the face of Revlon, Lauren Hutton – called a "believable beauty" – became the highest-paid model in history, and still holds the record for most cover appearances on American Vogue. She talks about her adventurous life of no regrets.
The adventures of Lauren Hutton
She didn't set out to be a model, or an actress, and several agencies rejected the gap-toothed Lauren Hutton, before Eileen Ford gave her a shot. As the face of Revlon, Hutton became the highest-paid model in history, and still holds the record for most cover appearances on American Vogue. She talks with Anthony Mason about her adventurous life of no regrets – from living among the bushmen of the Kalahari, to a near-fatal motorcycle accident in 2000. Even of the low points she says, "I'd do it again in a second."
Passage: In memoriam
"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including the iconic Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani.
"Wonder and awe": The art of Ruth Asawa
In her choice of media, sculptor Ruth Asawa (1926-2013) employed a resourcefulness that stemmed from her early years on a farm – and in a WWII detention camp for Japanese Americans. She's now the subject of a retrospective at New York's Museum of Modern Art.
"Wonder and awe": The art of Ruth Asawa
Artist Ruth Asawa (1926-2013) made a name for herself as a sculptor in the San Francisco Bay Area, creating works using a wide range of media, employing a resourcefulness that stemmed from her early years on a farm in Southern California – and in a detention camp for Japanese Americans during World War II. She's now the subject of a retrospective on view at New York's Museum of Modern Art. Faith Salie reports.
Technology
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Microsoft says outage affecting several services has been resolved
Microsoft services were down for thousands of users, according to tracking service Downdetector.
Snapchat's parent company settles lawsuit
Snapchat's parent company, Snap Inc., settled a lawsuit surrounding allegations of social media addiction burdening users. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
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.
Elon Musk says at Davos that robots will one day outnumber people
The billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, in his first appearance at Davos, said Tesla could start selling its Optimus robots next year.
YouTube looks to get rid of fake AI videos
YouTube says it wants to get rid of fake AI videos flooding social media feeds on its platform. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady explains what's driving the change.
Science
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Science
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.
Dogs can learn by eavesdropping: study
Have you ever wondered if your dog is eavesdropping on you? A new study published in the Journal of Science found that some dogs are not only listening, but are also learning words. Lead scientist Dr. Shany Dror joins CBS News to discuss.
Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
Crime
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Daughter defends loving dad now accused in her mom's cold case murder
For more than 30 years the murder of Debe Atrops in suburban Oregon remained unsolved. Then, an Oregon cold case team took a fresh look at the case and thought there was enough to prosecute Bob Atrops, Debe's estranged husband at the time. Their daughter thinks they have the wrong man.
Did a secret obsession lead a "genius" to murder a Yale grad student?
Kevin Jiang, 26, a Yale graduate student and former Army National Guardsman, was gunned down in New Haven, Connecticut. What appeared to be a road rage incident soon unraveled into a story of obsession and premeditation.
Official: Feds blocked shooting scene access
Drew Evans, the superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Prevention, spoke after federal agents killed a Minneapolis man on Saturday. Evans said federal investigators blocked his agency's access to the shooting scene.
Officials on 5-year-old boy detained by ICE
Trump administration officials are denying accounts from witnesses who say they saw what occurred during a Minnesota ICE raid where a 5-year-old boy and his father were detained.
Jury selection date set in Mangione trial
At a pretrial hearing on Friday, a judge set the date for jury selection in the case of Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman was in the courtroom and has the details.
Space
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Space
More on Virgin Galactic all-female space crew
Virgin Galactic is sending an all-female research team to space. Kellie Gerardi, who is leading the crew, joins "CBS News 24/7 Mornings" to discuss the goals of the mission.
NASA's Artemis II mission clears big hurdle
Inch by inch, NASA's Artemis II moon rocket lumbered along its four-mile commute from the Vehicle Assembly Building to launch pad 39-B. Mark Strassmann is at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with more.
NASA hauls Artemis II moon rocket to launch pad for February flight
Four Artemis II astronauts plan to fly around the moon and back next month, traveling farther from Earth than any humans before them.
NASA begins Artemis II rollout to launchpad
NASA is beginning its rollout of its Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft as preparations for the Artemis II mission enter their final stage.
NASA moon rocket ready for trip to launch pad
Depending on the timing, NASA could launch a fresh crew to the space station while four other astronauts are flying around the moon.
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
This is "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Jan. 25, 2026
This week on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara discusses yesterday's fatal shooting by a Border Patrol agent. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Sen. Angus King and Canadian Ambassador Kirsten Hillman also join.
Nature: Olympic Peninsula in Washington State
We leave you this Sunday along the rugged coast of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. Videographer: Lance Milbrand.
Behind the scenes of Shen Yun
For two decades, Shen Yun has presented Chinese history and culture through sweeping dance and soaring music, offering what it describes as a vision of "China before communism." Run by the spiritual movement Falun Gong, the production now faces lawsuits alleging forced labor and untreated injuries. Correspondent Lisa Ling speaks with former performers who say they lived in fear as child laborers; and with Shen Yun leaders who dispute those claims and, for the first time, granted access inside their guarded headquarters, Dragon Springs.
The adventures of Lauren Hutton
She didn't set out to be a model, or an actress, and several agencies rejected the gap-toothed Lauren Hutton, before Eileen Ford gave her a shot. As the face of Revlon, Hutton became the highest-paid model in history, and still holds the record for most cover appearances on American Vogue. She talks with Anthony Mason about her adventurous life of no regrets – from living among the bushmen of the Kalahari, to a near-fatal motorcycle accident in 2000. Even of the low points she says, "I'd do it again in a second."
Extended interview: Josh Shapiro
In this web exclusive, the Democratic Governor of Pennsylvania talks with CBS News' Norah O'Donnell about his new memoir, "Where We Keep the Light: Stories from a Life of Service." He also talks about the April 2025 arson attack on his official residence, and the rise in political violence; how his mother's struggles with mental health as he was growing up helped shape his career in public service; how the Kamala Harris campaign engaged with him during their VP vetting process; and the importance of the 2026 midterms.