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."
First on CBS
Trump-linked firm is lobbying for pardons and its first client already paid $500K
Mo Strategies, started by former Trump campaign and administration officials, recently expanded its practice into the lucrative world of pardon lobbying.
Live
U.N. nuclear agency chief says Iran inspections will happen, at some point
After conflicting remarks from Iran and the U.S., the U.N. nuclear agency chief says Iranian sites will be inspected, but the timing is "not essential."
Exclusive
Wounded soldiers, families accuse Army of downplaying war injuries
Soldiers say the Army disregarded warnings about thin defenses and ignored requests for medical supplies. Now they question whether the Army is being transparent about their injuries.
FBI, NYPD carry out searches tied to investigation of police officials
The searches stemmed from an ongoing probe into the conduct of former NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, a source told CBS News.
First on CBS
ODNI under Pulte fires 6 staff, sends 45 back to home agencies
Those who were fired and sent to their home agencies didn't have tasks, or their assigned tasks were outdated, a source said.
Mamdani influences New York City's congressional primaries with 3 big wins
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani endorsed three left-of-center candidates in the congressional Democratic primaries, and all three are set to win, CBS News projects.
Camp Mystic files for bankruptcy almost a year after deadly Texas floods
The camp listed its debt as exceeding $10 million.
Trump to meet with Senate Republicans amid tension over elections bill
President Trump is set to attend a lunch meeting with Senate Republicans to push for an elections bill that GOP leaders have said has no chance of passing.
Gen. Chris Donahue set to retire, in latest departure by top military official
Gen. Chris Donahue had clashed with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, multiple sources told CBS News.
U.S.
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American boy attacked by shark in Bahamas while swimming with brother
The boy was on a tour of the Bahamas' Exuma Cays with his family when the attack occurred, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said.
Trump to meet with Senate Republicans amid tension over elections bill
President Trump is set to attend a lunch meeting with Senate Republicans to push for an elections bill that GOP leaders have said has no chance of passing.
FBI, NYPD carry out searches tied to bribery investigation of police officials
The searches stemmed from an ongoing probe into the conduct of former NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, a source told CBS News.
Exclusive
Wounded soldiers, families accuse Army of downplaying war injuries
Soldiers say the Army disregarded warnings about thin defenses and ignored requests for medical supplies. Now they question whether the Army is being transparent about their injuries.
First on CBS
Trump-linked firm is lobbying for pardons and its first client already paid $500K
Mo Strategies, started by former Trump campaign and administration officials, recently expanded its practice into the lucrative world of pardon lobbying.
MoneyWatch
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Alibaba sues Pentagon over blacklist designation
Chinese tech giant Alibaba has filed a federal lawsuit against the Defense Department for designating it a military-linked firm.
House approves major housing affordability bill, sending measure to Trump
The legislation aims to increase housing supply and lower costs. It marks a rare bipartisan legislative accomplishment for lawmakers.
5 major changes Trump is making in D.C. during his second term
President Trump's construction projects include restoring the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, building a 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom and a 250-foot triumphal arch.
Judge blocks Trump administration's SNAP limits on sodas, candy
The ruling deals a setback to the "Make America Healthy Again" campaign, which seeks to curb purchases of foods officials say are unhealthy.
Tech stocks tumble for a second day. Here's what's behind the selloff.
Nvidia, Alphabet and other technology stocks fell as Wall Street shifted from rewarding AI spending to demanding evidence that it will produce outsized returns.
Politics
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Trump to meet with Senate Republicans amid tension over elections bill
President Trump is set to attend a lunch meeting with Senate Republicans to push for an elections bill that GOP leaders have said has no chance of passing.
Exclusive
Wounded soldiers, families accuse Army of downplaying war injuries
Soldiers say the Army disregarded warnings about thin defenses and ignored requests for medical supplies. Now they question whether the Army is being transparent about their injuries.
Alibaba sues Pentagon over blacklist designation
Chinese tech giant Alibaba has filed a federal lawsuit against the Defense Department for designating it a military-linked firm.
What's driving Latino voters? "The economy, and the economy, and the economy."
Leading Latino political strategists are examining the races where Latinos could play an outsize role in the midterm elections, and believe their votes will be critical in a number of House races.
First on CBS
Trump-linked firm is lobbying for pardons and its first client already paid $500K
Mo Strategies, started by former Trump campaign and administration officials, recently expanded its practice into the lucrative world of pardon lobbying.
HealthWatch
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Medicare's AI push snarls patients and doctors in errors and delays
Medicare is testing the use of artificial intelligence to preapprove several healthcare services.
Confirmed Ebola cases in Congo top 1,000, deaths surpass 250, officials say
Confirmed Ebola cases in the outbreak in eastern Congo have reached 1,003, including 254 deaths, officials said, and tracing those who've been in contact with patients remains a major challenge.
Affordable healthcare emerges as a voter priority in purple Nevada
The Trump administration's cuts to Medicaid and SNAP may complicate Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo's reelection chances.
6/21: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Lee Cowan. Featured: Birthright citizenship; the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library unveiled; Shooter Jennings releases recordings by his father, Waylon Jennings; comedian John Mulaney; childhood obesity; and the secrets of seahorses and seadragons.
Fighting childhood obesity, for a healthier, longer life
In 1970, about 1 in 20 children were affected by obesity; today, it's 1 in 5. Dr. Jonathan LaPook looks at programs aimed at helping kids (and their families) get healthy the old-fashioned way, by eating right and exercising.
World
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American boy attacked by shark in Bahamas while swimming with brother
The boy was on a tour of the Bahamas' Exuma Cays with his family when the attack occurred, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said.
Live
U.N. nuclear agency chief says Iran inspections will happen, at some point
After conflicting remarks from Iran and the U.S., the U.N. nuclear agency chief says Iranian sites will be inspected, but the timing is "not essential."
North Korean soldier crosses border in suspected defection, report says
A North Korean soldier has been taken into custody after crossing the Demilitarized Zone into South Korea in a suspected defection, the Yonhap news agency says.
Peru right-wing presidential hopeful Fujimori appears poised to win runoff
Peru's right-wing presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori built what may be an unassailable lead as vote counting for the runoff election entered its final stages, official figures showed.
Senate adopts House-passed Iran resolution in symbolic rebuke of Trump
The Senate approved a House-passed resolution aimed at reining in President Trump on Iran, marking the first time such a measure has made it through both chambers.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
From 2011: Hitmaker Clive Davis
Multiple Grammy-winning music executive Clive Davis, who helped launch the careers of such artists as Barry Manilow, Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston and Alicia Keys, died on June 22, 2026 at age 94. In this Oct. 23, 2011 "Sunday Morning" profile, Anthony Mason talked with Davis about his "accidental" career in music, and his comeback after losing his job as head of Columbia Records in the early '70s. Mason also attended one of Davis' legendary pre-Grammy parties, where Jennifer Hudson spoke about what she'd learned from her mentor.
Clive Davis biographer remembers music icon
Record label executive and starmaker Clive Davis died at 94 on Monday. His influence spans genres and decades. Music critic and Davis biographer Anthony DeCurtis reflects on the life and legacy of Clive Davis.
Jim Parsons on Broadway musical debut
Jim Parsons speaks about starring in the musical "Titaníque," which is a comedic retelling of the story of the "Titanic," from the perspective and songs of Celine Dion. Parsons talks about why he wanted to portray's Rose's mother, the show's impact on the LGBTQ+ community and the cast.
Clive Davis dies at 94
Clive Davis, known for propelling artists across genres to stardom, died Monday at the age of 94. "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King looks back at his legacy in the music industry.
Actor James Handy's alleged killer found mentally incompetent for prosecution
A judge has found that a man charged with murder in the stabbing of actor James Handy isn't mentally competent for criminal court proceedings.
Technology
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Technology
Here's what's behind the tech stock selloff
Stocks slid around the world on Tuesday as investors pulled back from some of the biggest names in tech amid concerns about ongoing inflation and the possibility of future interest rate hikes. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent has more.
Ex-CISA director on intel community's AI warning
An international alliance warns that advanced artificial intelligence models are on the brink of being able to overwhelm cybersecurity systems for governments and businesses. Former CISA Director Chris Krebs joins with analysis.
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.
Tech stocks tumble over AI cost concerns
A massive tech stock sell-off dragged down the S&P 500 and Nasdaq on Tuesday. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent has the details.
Tech stocks tumble for a second day. Here's what's behind the selloff.
Nvidia, Alphabet and other technology stocks fell as Wall Street shifted from rewarding AI spending to demanding evidence that it will produce outsized returns.
Science
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Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Interstellar comet may be oldest object ever seen in solar system
Exactly where the comet 3I/ATLAS came from within the Milky Way remains a mystery.
6/21: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Lee Cowan. Featured: Birthright citizenship; the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library unveiled; Shooter Jennings releases recordings by his father, Waylon Jennings; comedian John Mulaney; childhood obesity; and the secrets of seahorses and seadragons.
Seahorses and seadragons, some of Nature's most curious creatures
Seahorses are unique ocean inhabitants with a head like a horse, a pouch like a kangaroo, a tail like a monkey, and the ability to camouflage themselves like a chameleon. They also exhibit an unconventional gender dynamic, in that the males do the work of carrying around fertilized eggs. Correspondent Conor Knighton goes in search of these fascinating fish – and their equally fascinating cousins, seadragons – at the Birch Aquarium at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in California.
Watch: Pentagon releases 6 new UFO videos
The Defense Department released a third batch of UFO files on Friday, three weeks after its second drop. These are all of the videos in the latest tranche, plus analysis from astrophysicist Avi Loeb.
Crime
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Crime
Reflecting on the Etan Patz kidnapping case
The Supreme Court recently decided to reinstate the conviction of the man accused of kidnapping and murdering 6-year-old Etan Patz in 1979, bringing the case back into the public eye. "After Etan" author Lisa Cohen shares her thoughts on how the Etan Patz kidnapping changed how the public viewed missing children's cases.
Latest on Nancy Guthrie Ransom notes
Authorities believe that two ransom notes addressed to Nancy Guthrie's family shortly after her disappearance are linked to the same person or group. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
New details in Nancy Guthrie case
Investigators familiar with the case believe it is likely that two ransom notes sent to Nancy Guthrie's family were written by the person or group that abducted her. While the first note demanded millions in bitcoin, the second claimed that Nancy Guthrie had died, albeit not purposefully, according to sources who reviewed the notes. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn has more details on the case.
Actor James Handy's alleged killer found mentally incompetent for prosecution
A judge has found that a man charged with murder in the stabbing of actor James Handy isn't mentally competent for criminal court proceedings.
Chico library shooting suspect apparently wanted Columbine-type massacre, police say
Two people were killed and a child was injured in a shooting inside a library in Chico on Monday, officials said.
Space
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Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Interstellar comet may be oldest object ever seen in solar system
Exactly where the comet 3I/ATLAS came from within the Milky Way remains a mystery.
Researchers find "Pink Planet" has salty clouds: "We were very surprised"
The "Pink Planet," formally known as GJ504b, was discovered in 2013 and is technically not a planet but rather a "planetary-mass companion."
NASA chief defends choice of all-male crew for Artemis III mission
NASA's Jared Isaacman says the crew was selected solely based on their experience, expertise and availability for flight assignment.
NASA names 4 astronauts for next Artemis mission
NASA's Artemis III astronauts plan to carry out rendezvous and docking procedures with commercial moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Latest Galleries
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Celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
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.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
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
Tech stock selloff impact on investments
A tech stock sell-off has triggered some volatility in the stock market. Kelly O'Grady explains what it could mean for your investments, including retirement accounts.
Trump battles backlash over Iran war
President Trump is facing growing backlash over the Iran war. On Tuesday, the Senate voted to limit the president's war powers and some lawmakers, including Republicans, have questioned the U.S. deal with Iran. Nikole Killion reports.
Wounded soldiers speak out on Iranian attack
Survivors and their families are accusing the Pentagon of downplaying the injuries service members suffered during the deadly Iranian drone strike in Kuwait on March 1. In an exclusive interview with CBS News' Jonah Kaplan, a wounded soldier said he "absolutely" believes the Army and the Pentagon have tried to downplay the incident.
Bill Gates testimony on Epstein
Newly released testimony from billionaire Bill Gates reveals what he told lawmakers about his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Gates testified that after he cut ties, Epstein made what Gates considered "veiled threats" to expose his extramarital affairs. Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.
Deadly heat wave hits Europe
At least 40 people have drowned in France trying to beat the heat as extreme temperatures hit Europe. Leigh Kiniry has more.