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."
At least 10 FBI staffers who worked on Mar-a-Lago case are fired, sources say
At least 10 FBI employees who worked on former Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigation into President Trump's retention of classified records were fired.
Cuba says speedboat from Florida was carrying weapons for "terrorist purposes"
Cuba's Interior Ministry said Wednesday night that the boat was carrying 10 people armed with assault rifles, handguns and Molotov cocktails.
Judge rules Trump policy for "third-country" deportations is unlawful
U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy ruled that the Trump administration's policy for swiftly deporting migrants to third countries violates federal immigration law and the Constitution.
Exclusive
ICE arrested 261 DACA recipients over 10 months last year, document shows
Federal immigration agents arrested 261 DACA recipients during the first 10 months of the second Trump administration, according to statistics shared with Congress.
FBI raids home of Los Angeles schools chief Alberto Carvalho
Along with Alberto Carvalho's L.A. home, search warrants were also executed at LAUSD headquarters and a home in South Florida, according to the FBI.
What to know about Trump's new plan to help people save for retirement
About 50 million workers lack access to employer-sponsored retirement plans, a hurdle to setting aside money for old age.
U.S. women's hockey star reiterates team missed SOTU over logistical challenges
"I know, like, later on, there'll be a full invite for all Team USA athletes to go to the White House like there has been in the past," decorated U.S. women's hockey veteran Kelly Pannek told CBS News.
FBI's head of congressional affairs stepping down, sources say
Marshall Yates also served on a "weaponization" working group tasked with carrying out Trump's quest for retribution.
Fact checking Trump's 2026 State of the Union address and Democratic response
CBS News fact checked President Trump's 2026 State of the Union address, and Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger's Democratic response.
U.S.
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Maduro's lawyer says U.S. blocking Venezuelan government from paying his legal fees
The lawyer for Nicolas Maduro says the U.S. is blocking Venezuela's government from paying for the cost of his legal defense against drug trafficking charges.
Mayor touts Baltimore as a changed city despite Trump's criticisms
Since 2019, when Baltimore's murder rate hit an all-time high, something has changed, and data points to the city showing major improvement.
U.S. women's hockey star reiterates team missed SOTU over logistical challenges
"I know, like, later on, there'll be a full invite for all Team USA athletes to go to the White House like there has been in the past," decorated U.S. women's hockey veteran Kelly Pannek told CBS News.
FBI's head of congressional affairs stepping down, sources say
Marshall Yates also served on a "weaponization" working group tasked with carrying out Trump's quest for retribution.
Exclusive
ICE arrested 261 DACA recipients over 10 months last year, document shows
Federal immigration agents arrested 261 DACA recipients during the first 10 months of the second Trump administration, according to statistics shared with Congress.
MoneyWatch
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What's behind the Anthropic-Pentagon feud
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave the AI company Anthropic an ultimatum about the military's use of its technology, known as Claude.
Kalshi fines and suspends MrBeast employee for insider trading
The prediction market said it suspended Artem Kaptur, an employee of the popular YouTuber MrBeast, for insider trading.
Will banning big home investors lower prices? Experts are skeptical.
The president reiterated a plan to ban big investors from buying single-family homes, but some experts say bigger remedies are needed.
Subscribing to digital apps has gotten a lot pricier, new data shows
Consumers today can easily spend more than $1,000 a year for streaming TV, music and other widely used apps, new analysis finds.
Bill Gates apologizes to foundation staff over Epstein ties
Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has apologized to staff of his foundation over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Politics
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Maduro's lawyer says U.S. blocking Venezuelan government from paying his legal fees
The lawyer for Nicolas Maduro says the U.S. is blocking Venezuela's government from paying for the cost of his legal defense against drug trafficking charges.
Mayor touts Baltimore as a changed city despite Trump's criticisms
Since 2019, when Baltimore's murder rate hit an all-time high, something has changed, and data points to the city showing major improvement.
At least 10 FBI staffers who worked on Mar-a-Lago case are fired, sources say
At least 10 FBI employees who worked on former Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigation into President Trump's retention of classified records were fired Wednesday, multiple sources said.
What's behind the Anthropic-Pentagon feud
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave the AI company Anthropic an ultimatum about the military's use of its technology, known as Claude.
FBI's head of congressional affairs stepping down, sources say
Marshall Yates also served on a "weaponization" working group tasked with carrying out Trump's quest for retribution.
HealthWatch
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Could "kidulting" be the way to take the work out of your workout?
A British gym chain is offering classes in "kidulting," luring adults into fitness with classes built around playground and PE class classics.
Novo Nordisk to slash Wegovy and Ozempic prices starting in 2027
Starting in 2027, the Danish pharma firm will sell its weight-loss and diabetes drugs for $675 per month.
As more Americans embrace anxiety treatment, RFK Jr. derides medications
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has criticized the broadening use of anxiety medications, but doctors and researchers say the MAHA movement is misrepresenting drugs that have been proven to help.
How safe is America from polio?
After decades of American children routinely receiving polio vaccines, the virus that had doomed many to paralysis was nearly eliminated in the United States. But vaccine avoidance today may allow the crippling disease to return.
How safe is America from polio?
After decades of American children routinely receiving polio vaccines, the virus that had doomed many to paralysis was nearly eliminated in the United States. But vaccine avoidance today may allow the crippling disease to return. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jonathan LaPook talks with David Oshinsky, author of "Polio: An American Story," and with violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman, who contracted polio as a child, about how parents opting out of vaccinations for their children could affect polio rates here.
World
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Maduro's lawyer says U.S. blocking Venezuelan government from paying his legal fees
The lawyer for Nicolas Maduro says the U.S. is blocking Venezuela's government from paying for the cost of his legal defense against drug trafficking charges.
Cuba says speedboat from Florida was carrying weapons for "terrorist purposes"
Cuba's Interior Ministry said Wednesday night that the boat was carrying 10 people armed with assault rifles, handguns and Molotov cocktails.
German police arrest suspect in American woman's 1994 murder
The body of 24-year-old tourist Amy Lopez was found by children in 1994 near the historic Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, located on the Rhine river.
Could "kidulting" be the way to take the work out of your workout?
A British gym chain is offering classes in "kidulting," luring adults into fitness with classes built around playground and PE class classics.
85-year-old kidnapped, murdered in apparent case of mistaken identity
Australian detectives arrested two men over the alleged kidnapping and murder of an elderly grandfather in a suspected case of mistaken identity.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Deon Cole on NAACP Image Awards
Actor and comedian Deon Cole is back to host the NAACP Image Awards. Cole joins CBS News with more on what to expect.
First look at "Survivor 50"
"Survivor" returns Wednesday for its 50th season, featuring fan-favorite contestants over the past 25 years. "CBS Mornings" has a preview of the historic season.
Martin Short grieves death of his daughter
Actor and comedian Martin Short has postponed upcoming dates of his comedy tour with longtime friend Steve Martin as he grieves the sudden death of his 42-year-old daughter, Katherine. Vladimir Duthiers reports.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees revealed
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced 17 nominees for its class of 2026, including Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, Iron Maiden and Luther Vandross. The new members will be revealed in April.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame unveils "diverse list" of 2026 nominees
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced its 2026 list of nominees, including Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, Wu-Tang Clan and more.
Technology
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Technology
iPhone feature helps save skiers after avalanche
When a deadly avalanche struck outside Lake Tahoe, California, an iPhone feature allowed the surviving skiers to get the help they needed. Tim Werth, tech editor at Mashable, joins CBS News to explain.
What's behind the Anthropic-Pentagon feud
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave the AI company Anthropic an ultimatum about the military's use of its technology, known as Claude.
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.
Anthropic narrows AI safety pledge
Anthropic, the maker of the chatbot Claude, is narrowing its signature pledge on artificial intelligence safety. The abrupt changes come amid a tense standoff between the company and the Pentagon over the use of its AI model. New York Times reporter Sheera Frenkel joins to discuss.
Subscribing to digital apps has gotten a lot pricier, new data shows
Consumers today can easily spend more than $1,000 a year for streaming TV, music and other widely used apps, new analysis finds.
Science
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What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
These United States: George Washington and climate change
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in an unanticipated crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River. Environmental correspondent David Schechter looks at how Washington's watershed military maneuver dramatized both a changing America, and a changing climate.
Impact of climate change on Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics in Milan need artificial snow due to climate change and warmer weather. Athletes say man-made snow makes terrain more difficult and unpredictable. Rob Marciano reports on its impact.
Crime
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Inside the Kouri Richins Trial | "48 Hours" Podcast
Grief children's book author Kouri Richins is on trial in Utah, accused of fatally poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, with a fentanyl-laced Moscow mule in 2022. Prosecutors say she killed him for financial gain, while also engaging in an extramarital affair. The defense argues his death was an accidental overdose. In a special episode, "48 Hours" correspondent Natalie Morales speaks with CBS News chief correspondent Matt Gutman about the key evidence, the prosecution's motive theory, and what to watch as the Utah murder trial unfolds.
Colin Gray jury hears interrogation recording
The trial of the father of the accused Apalachee High School shooter resumed in Georgia on Wednesday. CBS News correspondent Skyler Henry reports.
German police arrest suspect in American woman's 1994 murder
The body of 24-year-old tourist Amy Lopez was found by children in 1994 near the historic Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, located on the Rhine river.
Reports of missing Epstein files
Reports are emerging about documents potentially missing from the Epstein files released by the Justice Department that may be linked to President Trump. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane reports.
FBI raids home of Los Angeles schools chief Alberto Carvalho
Along with Alberto Carvalho's L.A. home, search warrants were also executed at LAUSD headquarters and a home in South Florida, according to the FBI.
Space
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Space
NASA rolls Artemis II back for repairs
NASA is rolling back the Artemis II moon rocket from its launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It is expected to take up to 12 hours to move the 322-foot rocket, with the journey spanning four miles back to its hangar for repairs. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more.
Artemis II moon rocket hauled off launch pad for repairs
Fixing the Space Launch System rocket's helium pressurization problem has pushed the Artemis II launch to at least April 1.
Mike Fincke reveals he was the astronaut who had medical issue on the ISS
NASA astronaut Mike Fincke said he was the crew member whose medical issue required a group of space station fliers to return to Earth earlier than planned last month.
What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
NASA to start slow-moving process returning moon rocket to hangar this week
The space agency said Sunday it's targeting Tuesday for the slow, four-mile trek across Kennedy Space Center, weather permitting.
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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
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Who is Alix Tichelman?
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Marco Rubio addresses Cuba situation
Cuban authorities said Wednesday the country's coast guard killed four people on a speedboat that was registered in Florida. The people on the boat first fired at Cuban border guard troops when they tried to approach the boat for identification, Cuba's interior ministry said. CBS News correspondent Cristian Benavides reports.
College students react to Trump's 2026 SOTU
President Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address in history on Tuesday night. CBS News correspondent Lana Zak watched the speech with college students and got their reactions in real time.
Moving crew helps rescue abducted toddler
Quick-thinking movers stepped in to block a truck at a convenience store in Arizona after spotting an abducted child from an Amber alert. Tony Dokoupil has the story.
iPhone feature helps save skiers after avalanche
When a deadly avalanche struck outside Lake Tahoe, California, an iPhone feature allowed the surviving skiers to get the help they needed. Tim Werth, tech editor at Mashable, joins CBS News to explain.
Baltimore mayor on crime reduction, city cleanup
In 2019, Baltimore's murder rate hit an all-time high and ranked among the worst in the nation, but since then, something has changed. Murders hit a nearly 50-year low in 2024 and the population is growing. Tony Dokoupil spoke to Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott about the comeback.