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.
Mark Esper
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Ex-Trump defense chief on Jan. 6, new book
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper joined CBS News to discuss the ongoing January 6 hearings and his new book, "A Sacred Oath: Memoirs of a Secretary of Defense During Extraordinary Times."
Esper: January 6 committee "needs to get to the bottom of the truth"
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper says the committee "needs to get to the bottom of the truth of what happened on January 6, the events leading up to it, and understand it, so there's a degree of accountability."
Full interview: Esper on Trump, GOP
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper sat down with CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett to discuss working in the Trump administration and his new memoir "A Sacred Oath."
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."
5/9: Red and Blue
Biden signs bill to streamline Ukraine aid; Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper discusses Trump and the GOP
Esper says Trump suggested they "just shoot" protesters in 2020
“He says, ‘Can't you just shoot them? Just shoot them in the legs or something.’” That’s what former Sec. of Defense Mark Esper recalls Pres. Trump saying in a June 2020 meeting regarding rioters in Washington, DC. https://cbsn.ws/3wg4aZB
Mark Esper and Mark Milley's 4 No's
In order to deal with what Mark Esper calls “crazy” ideas from the Trump White House, Esper says he came up with the “Four No’s & discussed it with CJCS General Mark Milley… the four things we had to prevent from happening between then and the election.” https://cbsn.ws/3KWDra3
Mark Esper on Ukraine
“I think [the Biden administration] had a shaky start…I don’t understand the reluctance to provide the Ukrainians with MiGs … but since then, it’s picked up,” says former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who adds he is glad Congress is unified about helping Ukraine https://cbsn.ws/3vSMdBp
Former defense secretary on Trump presidency
Former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the revelations he makes in his new memoir "A Sacred Oath: Memoirs of a Secretary of Defense During Extraordinary Times." In his book, Esper sheds light on what happened inside the White House while Donald Trump was in office.
Trump's response to Mark Esper's 60 Minutes interview
When asked for comment on this week's interview with Mark Esper, Mr. Trump sent 60 Minutes' Norah O'Donnell a written letter attacking Esper and disputing some of the claims he had made.
Mark Esper on what's at stake if Donald Trump is re-elected president
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper tells 60 Minutes that he thinks President Donald Trump is a threat to American democracy.
Mark Esper: The 60 Minutes Interview
In his new memoir, “A Sacred Oath,” Esper writes that he had to press President Trump to send aid to Ukraine, and also walked the president back from ideas such as shooting protesters and missile strikes in Mexico.
Mark Esper details his time in President Trump's Cabinet
In his new memoir, "A Sacred Oath," Esper writes that he had to press President Trump to send aid to Ukraine, and also walked the president back from ideas such as shooting protesters and missile strikes in Mexico.
Esper on Trump’s nickname for him
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper addresses President Trump’s nickname for him, "Yesper."
Esper on prospect of a second term for Trump
In an interview with 60 Minutes, Mr. Trump's Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper labeled the former President as a threat to American democracy.
Trump threatens tariffs targeting Russia without Ukraine deal in 50 days
"We are very unhappy, I am, with Russia," President Trump said Monday while in a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Firings at Trump's DOJ impact case against man accused of bilking kids with special needs
Firings at the DOJ have ensnared a prosecutor who is pursuing a Florida man accused of treating a more than $100 million fund intended for children with special needs as a "personal piggy bank."
Historic Grand Canyon Lodge destroyed by expanding wildfire
The Dragon Bravo Fire has destroyed dozens of structures and a water treatment facility on the Grand Canyon's North Rim.
Trump administration imposes 17% tariff on fresh Mexican tomatoes
Fresh tomatoes from Mexico — which supplies about 70% of the U.S. tomato market — will face a 17% duty.
Supreme Court allows mass firings at Education Department for now
The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to pause a lower court order that required the Department of Education to reinstate nearly 1,400 employees.
9 dead in assisted living home fire in Massachusetts
Nine people were killed and one was critically injured in a fire at the Gabriel House assisted living home in Fall River, Massachusetts.
New Texas flood threat hinders search for victims of deadly July 4 flooding
Ground search operations were disrupted Sunday in Kerr County, Texas, where many lives were lost in the catastrophic July 4 flooding.
Elmo's X account hacked, shares antisemitic posts: "Disgusting messages"
Elmo's X account posted antisemitic and racist posts after it was hacked on Sunday, a spokesperson for the makers of "Sesame Street" said in a statement.
How the "big, beautiful bill" helps car buyers save money on taxes
The tax and spending bill signed into law by President Trump on July 4 includes a limited tax break for car buyers.
U.S.
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A year after historic Midwest flooding, farmers look to recover losses
Dave and Judy Oberg lost their home in 2024's historic flooding and had to sell off more than a third of their farmland to get a new house.
Unreleased Beyoncé music stolen in Atlanta after car break-in, police say
Unreleased music by Beyoncé was stolen from a vehicle in Atlanta last week as the singer was in town for her Cowboy Carter Tour, according to police.
Martin Cruz Smith, bestselling author of "Gorky Park," dies at 82
Popular novelist Martin Cruz Smith engaged readers for decades with "Gorky Park" and other thrillers featuring Moscow investigator Arkady Renko.
Trump administration imposes 17% tariff on fresh Mexican tomatoes
Fresh tomatoes from Mexico — which supplies about 70% of the U.S. tomato market — will face a 17.09% duty.
How the "big, beautiful bill" helps car buyers save money on taxes
The tax and spending bill signed into law by President Trump on July 4 includes a limited tax break for car buyers.
MoneyWatch
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Trump administration imposes 17% tariff on fresh Mexican tomatoes
Fresh tomatoes from Mexico — which supplies about 70% of the U.S. tomato market — will face a 17.09% duty.
How the "big, beautiful bill" helps car buyers save money on taxes
The tax and spending bill signed into law by President Trump on July 4 includes a limited tax break for car buyers.
Trump's latest tariff salvo fuels economic uncertainty, experts say
As President Trump ramps up the pressure on dozens of countries, trade experts fear U.S. tariff policy leaves consumers and businesses in limbo.
Tesla heads to court for wrongful death trial involving Autopilot system
Tesla faces questions over the alleged involvement of its Autopilot system in a 2019 crash that killed Florida college student Naibel Benavides Leon
Pentagon to start using Grok as part of a $200 million deal with Musk's xAI
The announcement comes just days after Grok generated antisemitic responses and praised Hitler, which were later deleted.
Politics
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Firings at Trump's DOJ impact case against man accused of bilking kids with special needs
Firings at the DOJ have ensnared a prosecutor who is pursuing a Florida man accused of treating a more than $100 million fund intended for children with special needs as a "personal piggy bank."
Trump administration imposes 17% tariff on fresh Mexican tomatoes
Fresh tomatoes from Mexico — which supplies about 70% of the U.S. tomato market — will face a 17.09% duty.
Trump's latest tariff salvo fuels economic uncertainty, experts say
As President Trump ramps up the pressure on dozens of countries, trade experts fear U.S. tariff policy leaves consumers and businesses in limbo.
Supreme Court allows mass firings at Education Department for now
The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to pause a lower court order that required the Department of Education to reinstate nearly 1,400 employees.
Democratic states sue Trump administration over frozen education funds
The states lost out on billions in funding for after-school and summer programs, teacher training and other initiatives.
HealthWatch
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Nicotine pouch ingestions among children have surged, new study finds
The study, published Monday in the journal Pediatrics, found a 763% increase in the rate of reported nicotine pouch ingestions among children younger than 6 from 2020 to 2023.
FDA approves new blue food dye derived from gardenia fruit
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a new blue color additive derived from the fruit of the gardenia, a flowering evergreen, for use in a variety of drinks and candies.
Disaster registry may offer false sense of security, disability advocates warn
Several states have registries to prioritize help for vulnerable residents in natural disasters. But many disability advocates say they endanger people with mobility problems by giving a false sense of security.
Plague kills Arizona resident, health officials say
The death in Coconino County, which includes Flagstaff, was the first recorded death from pneumonic plague since 2007, local officials said.
A 13-year-old had chest pains. He was "close to sudden cardiac death"
Micah Clayborne was diagnosed with Danon disease, a rare condition, after complaining of chest pains. He needed a heart transplant.
World
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Trump administration imposes 17% tariff on fresh Mexican tomatoes
Fresh tomatoes from Mexico — which supplies about 70% of the U.S. tomato market — will face a 17.09% duty.
Aristocrat and her partner found guilty over baby daughter's death
Constance Marten, 38, and Mark Gordon, 51, were arrested after a seven-week police hunt in 2023 during which they spent time living in a tent.
Trump threatens tariffs targeting Russia without Ukraine deal in 50 days
"We are very unhappy, I am, with Russia," President Trump said Monday while in a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
U.S. imports from China fell in June from last year, despite rush of orders
U.S. retailers and other importers that had largely halted shipments in May due to tariffs, resumed imports from China in June, amid truce.
Fugitive drug lord dubbed "Chubby Jos" has $112 million seized by court
Jos Leijdekkers is on Europol's most-wanted list, with the European police body offering over $225,000 for information leading to his arrest.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
From the archives: Martin Cruz Smith on writing mysteries
Martin Cruz Smith, author of such bestsellers as "Gorky Park" and "Polar Star," died on July 11, 2025, at age 82. In this "Sunday Morning" profile that aired Oct. 20, 2002, Smith talked with correspondent Anthony Mason about how he continued writing mysteries featuring Moscow detective Arkady Renko, despite being blacklisted by the Soviet Union. He also discussed the "boring" aspects of writing, and the research he conducted in Japan for his novel "December 6," set in Tokyo on the eve of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Unreleased Beyoncé music stolen in Atlanta after car break-in, police say
Unreleased music by Beyoncé was stolen from a vehicle in Atlanta last week as the singer was in town for her Cowboy Carter Tour, according to police.
Daniel Silva returns with new thriller
Author Daniel Silva joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about his newest novel, a fast-paced international mystery filled with stolen treasure, murder, and secrets inside the Vatican.
7/13: New York Times bestseller lists
Check out this week's top-selling titles on The New York Times fiction and non-fiction lists.
Billie Eilish on finding her voice
Singer-songwriter Billie Eilish is just beginning to know herself. With her latest album, "Hit Me Hard and Soft," and her current tour (her first without brother Finneas and her parents), the 23-year-old music superstar is discovering parts of herself she didn't know were there. She describes to correspondent Anthony Mason finding a new voice as a songwriter, and about stretching her singing after starting vocal lessons. (This story was originally broadcast Dec. 8, 2024.)
Technology
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Technology
Exploring the rise of OpenAI
Karen Hao joins "CBS Evening News Plus" to discuss her new book, "Empire of AI," which delves into the rise of Sam Altman and OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT.
Nvidia CEO dismisses concerns about China
The United States has a ban on sales of Nvidia's high-level chips to Chinese firms, but Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says China doesn't actually need Nvidia's chips. Stephen Witt, author of the book "The Thinking Machine: Jensen Huang, Nvidia, And The World's Most Coveted Microchip," joins CBS News to discuss.
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.
Elmo's X account hacked, shares antisemitic posts: "Disgusting messages"
Elmo's X account posted antisemitic and racist posts after it was hacked on Sunday, a spokesperson for the makers of "Sesame Street" said in a statement.
Secret Service adds drones, mobile command posts
It was almost one year ago that a 20-year-old man attempted to assassinate President Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Nicole Sganga went inside the Secret Service's training facility in Maryland to see the changes the agency is making to ensure such an incident never happens again.
Science
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Cracking the code: Using genetic genealogy to unmask serial criminals
Barbara Rae-Venter never anticipated that her genealogy hobby would lead to the capture of one of California's most notorious criminals, the Golden State Killer. Her pioneering use of genetic genealogy has since helped solve numerous cold cases.
Teenager wants to cure skin cancer with soap
Teenage scientist Heman Bekele's ultimate goal is to cure melanoma. After winning 3M's Young Scientist Challenge by inventing soap that can cure skin cancer, he caught the attention of Dr. Jay William Fox, associate director at the University of Virginia's cancer center.
How to vet scientific research
Cabells Publishing, a scholarly analytics company, has flagged more than 19,000 journals as potentially predatory. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder explains how to know if you're getting accurate information.
North America's oldest known pterosaur discovered in Arizona, researchers say
Researchers were able to date the fossil of the flying reptile, a close cousin of dinosaurs, back to more than 209 million years ago.
Inside the lab trying to change people's minds about sharks
Scientists at Oregon State University are working to change people's minds about sharks--and are learning more about the health of the ocean in the process.
Crime
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Unreleased Beyoncé music stolen in Atlanta after car break-in, police say
Unreleased music by Beyoncé was stolen from a vehicle in Atlanta last week as the singer was in town for her Cowboy Carter Tour, according to police.
Man gets 65 years in prison for killing woman whose daughter remains missing
Jose Morales, 48, was convicted by a jury of murder and evidence tampering in Christine Holloway's killing. Their baby daughter, Vanessa, disappeared at the time and remains missing.
Ex-Army officer pleads guilty to sharing classified war info on dating site
In exchange for David Slater's guilty plea in conspiring to transmit classified information about Russia's war with Ukraine on a foreign online dating platform, two other counts were dropped.
Aristocrat and her partner found guilty over baby daughter's death
Constance Marten, 38, and Mark Gordon, 51, were arrested after a seven-week police hunt in 2023 during which they spent time living in a tent.
Fugitive drug lord dubbed "Chubby Jos" has $112 million seized by court
Jos Leijdekkers is on Europol's most-wanted list, with the European police body offering over $225,000 for information leading to his arrest.
Space
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Space
Mars rock could fetch millions at auction
A piece of Mars is going up for auction this week, and it could go for as much as $4 million.
Axiom space crew returns from historic trip
Astronauts from India, Poland, Hungary and the U.S. are returning from the International Space Station following the historic Axiom Mission 4 trip. CBS News' consultant Bill Harwood joins with more details.
Want to own a huge chunk of Mars? It'll likely cost you up to $4 million
A 54-pound meteorite from Mars is expected to fetch up to $4 million when it goes up for auction later this month at Sotheby's.
Webb telescope captures images of new stars forming in Cat's Paw Nebula
The Cat's Paw Nebula is about 4,000 light-years from Earth, near the constellation Scorpius.
First close-up of "cotton candy" nebula captured by world's largest telescope
A new observatory in Chile has produced a stunningly detailed image of a nebula resembling cotton candy, using the largest telescope in the world.
Latest Galleries
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Summer music heats up 2025
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
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 Suzanne Morphew case
Bizarre clues and evidence in the investigation into the Colorado mother's disappearance include a spy pen, plastic needle cap, and a chipmunk alibi.
"No Kings": Protesters across country march against Trump, Musk
Protests against the Trump administration took place across the U.S. Saturday. The demonstrations were held to mark the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War.
Attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Court blocks FTC's "click-to-cancel" rule
A Federal Trade Commission rule that would have made it easier for Americans to cancel unwanted online subscriptions was set to go into effect Monday, but a federal appeals court struck it down last week. Shira Ovide, writer of the Tech Friend newsletter at the Washington Post, joined CBS News to discuss the decision.
Kids accidentally swallowing nicotine pouches
Data published in the journal Pediatrics found that cases where children under 6 ingested nicotine pouches jumped more than 700% between 2020 and 2023. Natalie Rine, one of the co-authors of the study and director of the Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children's Hospital, joined CBS News to discuss.
Congress considers billions in funding cuts
This week, the Senate will consider a bill that would make the Department of Government Efficiency's cuts to public broadcasters and global public health programs permanent. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion reports.
Stocks inch higher, tariff deadline approaching
Stocks finished the day up slightly with President Trump's new August 1 trade deal deadline looming. CBS News contributor Javier David has more.
Trump appeals California immigration order
The Trump administration is appealing a federal judge's order that paused immigration enforcement operations across Southern California. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.