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."
Audio captures moment Frontier plane fatally struck pedestrian
The plane was evacuated because of smoke in the aircraft after the collision, according to the flight crew.
Live
U.S. awaits Iran's response on peace deal as month-long ceasefire holds
The U.S. military says its forces fired on two Iran-flagged oil tankers to stop them from docking at an Iranian port in violation of the U.S. blockade in the area.
Asylum-seekers abandon cases as ICE seeks to deport them to third countries
More than 12,000 people gave up their asylum claims or voluntarily departed the U.S. as ICE moved to cut cases short by sending asylum-seekers to third countries, a CBS News analysis found.
Putin says Russia fighting for "just cause" in Ukraine during Victory Day parade
The Victory Day celebrations didn't include a show of heavy weapons for the first time in nearly two decades.
WHO director says he will personally oversee hantavirus cruise evacuation
The MV Hondius is expected to reach the Canary Islands early Sunday. Passengers are set to be carefully removed hours after docking.
Péter Magyar sworn in as Hungary's prime minister, ending Viktor Orbán's rule
Péter Magyar's center-right Tisza party defeated Orbán's nationalist-populist Fidesz in a stunning blow last month.
Exclusive
Principal who tackled gunman: "God's hand was on all of us"
Kirk Moore, the Oklahoma principal who tackled a gunman, sits down with CBS News for a network exclusive interview airing Monday on "CBS Mornings."
U.S. launches major expansion of denaturalization campaign
The Trump administration announced a major expansion of its denaturalization campaign targeting foreign-born American citizens accused of fraudulently obtaining U.S. citizenship.
Alabama lawmakers pass plan for new House primary as state pushes to redistrict
Alabama lawmakers have approved a plan for new House primaries if courts allow the state to use different congressional districts in this year's elections.
U.S.
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Bobby Cox, longtime Braves manager, dies at 84
Cox managed the Braves for 25 seasons, winning the World Series in 1995.
Audio captures moment Frontier plane fatally struck pedestrian
The plane was evacuated because of smoke in the aircraft after the collision, according to the flight crew.
Pedestrian fatally struck by Frontier plane departing Denver for LA
A pedestrian was hit by a Frontier airplane departing Denver for LA late Friday night, the airport and airline confirmed.
Man who survived hantavirus 24 years ago, but lost mom and sister, recounts experience
In 2002, Zermeño found out he contracted hantavirus after cleaning the family house following the death of his mother and sister. He had been exposed to rodent droppings and became infected.
Alabama lawmakers pass plan for new House primary as state pushes to redistrict
Alabama lawmakers have approved a plan for new House primaries if courts allow the state to use different congressional districts in this year's elections.
MoneyWatch
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Fed unlikely to cut interest rates until 2027, Bank of America says
A "hawkish" turn at the Fed and stubbornly high inflation could delay interest rate cuts, according to Bank of America economists.
What the Trump administration's latest tariff blow means for businesses
A trade court's ruling this week against a 10% U.S. tariff is narrow in scope, offering limited relief to importers. Here's what to know.
ABC accuses the FCC of violating free speech rights over "The View"
ABC filed a petition with the FCC claiming that the agency's scrutiny of "The View" threatens to "chill critical protected speech."
Employers added 115,000 jobs in April, blowing past forecasts
Hiring once again exceeded forecasts, with employers adding far more than the projected gains of 65,000.
U.S. trade court rules against Trump's 10% tariffs
The tariffs were put in place in February, days after the Supreme Court struck down President Trump's previous round of sweeping "Liberation Day" tariffs.
Politics
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Pentagon says 1 survivor after latest strike on alleged drug boat kills 2
The U.S. military's latest strike on an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean killed two men Friday while leaving one survivor.
Alabama lawmakers pass plan for new House primary as state pushes to redistrict
Alabama lawmakers have approved a plan for new House primaries if courts allow the state to use different congressional districts in this year's elections.
What the Trump administration's latest tariff blow means for businesses
A trade court's ruling this week against a 10% U.S. tariff is narrow in scope, offering limited relief to importers. Here's what to know.
Trump announces prisoner swap in 3-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire
President Trump said the agreement will swap 1,000 prisoners from each country after Russia and Ukraine announced separate short-term ceasefire plans.
U.S. launches major expansion of denaturalization campaign
The Trump administration announced a major expansion of its denaturalization campaign targeting foreign-born American citizens accused of fraudulently obtaining U.S. citizenship.
HealthWatch
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WHO director says he will personally oversee hantavirus cruise evacuation
The MV Hondius is expected to reach the Canary Islands early Sunday. Passengers are set to be carefully removed hours after docking.
A deadly diagnosis almost derailed a mom's dream. Her husband gave her hope.
Maralee Lellio always dreamed of having a large family. A Stage IV cancer diagnosis almost caused her to lose hope.
Man who survived hantavirus 24 years ago, but lost mom and sister, recounts experience
In 2002, Zermeño found out he contracted hantavirus after cleaning the family house following the death of his mother and sister. He had been exposed to rodent droppings and became infected.
Locals protest hantavirus outbreak ship
U.S. citizens potentially exposed to hantavirus amid the deadly outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship could be on their way back to the U.S. as soon as next week. Under newly-released plans, a special biocontainment unit in Nebraska is preparing to host at least 17 people for mandatory isolation.
U.S. plans evacuation for Americans on cruise ship in hantavirus outbreak
The MV Hondius is currently traveling to the Canary Islands, where the 147 people on board will be methodically off-boarded and flown home.
World
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Putin says Russia fighting for "just cause" in Ukraine during Victory Day parade
The Victory Day celebrations didn't include a show of heavy weapons for the first time in nearly two decades.
Péter Magyar sworn in as Hungary's prime minister, ending Viktor Orbán's rule
Péter Magyar's center-right Tisza party defeated Orbán's nationalist-populist Fidesz in a stunning blow last month.
WHO director says he will personally oversee hantavirus cruise evacuation
The MV Hondius is expected to reach the Canary Islands early Sunday. Passengers are set to be carefully removed hours after docking.
U.K.'s Starmer faces calls to resign after disastrous local elections
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged Saturday to revive the Labour Party after a disastrous set of local and regional elections.
Pentagon says 1 survivor after latest strike on alleged drug boat kills 2
The U.S. military's latest strike on an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean killed two men Friday while leaving one survivor.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Behind the scenes of Met Gala glam
Adriana Diaz goes behind the scenes with her prep ahead of this year's Met Gala.
Hiss Golden Messenger performs "Who You Gonna Run To?"
Hiss Golden Messenger is a project led by North Carolina singer-songwriter MC Taylor. The Grammy-nominated group blends multiple genres with earnest and reflective lyrics to create a unique sound. Here's Hiss Golden Messenger performing "Who You Gonna Run To?"
Hiss Golden Messenger performs "Last Orders"
Hiss Golden Messenger is a project led by North Carolina singer-songwriter MC Taylor. The Grammy-nominated group blends multiple genres with earnest and reflective lyrics to create a unique sound. Here's Hiss Golden Messenger performing "Last Orders."
Hiss Golden Messenger performs "In the Middle of It"
Hiss Golden Messenger is a project led by North Carolina singer-songwriter MC Taylor. The Grammy-nominated group blends multiple genres with earnest and reflective lyrics to create a unique sound. Here's Hiss Golden Messenger performing "In the Middle of It."
5/9: Saturday Morning
A Frontier plane struck a pedestrian on the runway in Denver before takeoff. Meanwhile, the cruise ship with a hantavirus outbreak is set to evacuate passengers on Spain's Canary Islands.
Technology
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Technology
Online learning platform Canvas hacked
The online learning platform Canvas, which is used by 30 million students around the world, was hacked Thursday in a massive cyberattack. The platform is used by thousands of schools, including major universities. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Canvas back online after cyberattack hit learning platform for U.S. schools
A system that thousands of schools and universities use was offline due to a cyberattack.
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.
Here's how AI can help with retirement planning, and where it struggles
As more people turn to chatbots for financial advice, experts say AI offers both pros and cons for retirement planning. Here's what to know.
Google unveils screenless Fitbit
Fitness trackers started as devices for measuring workouts, but now they are designed for 24/7 monitoring and the passive collection of health data. Fitbit announced its latest device, called the Fitbit Air, to compete with other screenless trackers like the Whoop. Tech journalist Lexi Savvides joins CBS News with more.
Science
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Science
What's in the released UFO files?
The Pentagon released UFO documents on Friday, with President Trump telling the public to "have fun" deciding for itself what is going on. Carter Evans reports.
Trump: UFO files released for transparency
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said it's time for the American people see it for themselves, as the Pentagon started releasing previously classified documents related to UFOs and UAPs. CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson has more.
"The Age of Disclosure" director on UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released and declassified numerous files on UFOs, including eyewitness testimony, photos and reports. Government knowledge of non-human intelligent life was the subject of the documentary "The Age of Disclosure," released in February. Its director and producer, Dan Farah, joins CBS News to discuss.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Crime
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Crime
Mother of missing woman in Bahamas speaks out
The search for Michigan mother Lynette Hooker headed into a fifth week as Coast Guard investigators seek to question the owners of a sailboat that was moored near the Hooker's vessel when she went missing. Cristian Benavides reports.
CBS News finds security gaps at Hilton Hotel
CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga returned to the Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., to better understand the security surrounding the White House Correspondents' Dinner. What she found was a 13-minute gap in security camera coverage in the moments leading up to the shooting.
DOJ yet to authenticate possible Epstein note
A federal judge has made public an apparent suicide note written by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Correspondents' dinner shooting analysis
A CBS News team analyzed the security footage of the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting. Nicole Sganga breaks down what we learned.
Investigation of correspondents' dinner attack
A CBS News visual investigation reveals new details in an alleged assassination attempt on President Trump at this year's White House Correspondents' Dinner.
Space
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UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Artemis crew surprises 5-year-old aspiring astronaut with special gift
The Artemis II team gained a new member, and the crew made sure their youngest teammate had the right stuff for space.
Artemis II crew reveals what snack they ate right after splashdown
The Artemis II astronauts said they actually really enjoyed the space food, but it was a familiar candy they enjoyed after splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.
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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.
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
Behind the scenes of Met Gala glam
Adriana Diaz goes behind the scenes with her prep ahead of this year's Met Gala.
The Dish: Danielle Sepsy
Danielle Sepsy, also known as the "Scone Queen," tells "CBS Saturday Morning" about her journey to creating The Hungry Gnome.
Hiss Golden Messenger performs "Who You Gonna Run To?"
Hiss Golden Messenger is a project led by North Carolina singer-songwriter MC Taylor. The Grammy-nominated group blends multiple genres with earnest and reflective lyrics to create a unique sound. Here's Hiss Golden Messenger performing "Who You Gonna Run To?"
Hiss Golden Messenger performs "Last Orders"
Hiss Golden Messenger is a project led by North Carolina singer-songwriter MC Taylor. The Grammy-nominated group blends multiple genres with earnest and reflective lyrics to create a unique sound. Here's Hiss Golden Messenger performing "Last Orders."
Hiss Golden Messenger performs "In the Middle of It"
Hiss Golden Messenger is a project led by North Carolina singer-songwriter MC Taylor. The Grammy-nominated group blends multiple genres with earnest and reflective lyrics to create a unique sound. Here's Hiss Golden Messenger performing "In the Middle of It."