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."
Senate closes in on potential deal to end DHS shutdown
The Senate is closing in on a deal to fund the bulk of the Department of Homeland Security and end the partial government shutdown that has stretched for six weeks.
Live
Iran war grinds on amid conflicting messages from Trump and Tehran
Trump's optimism about talks to end the Iran war has been tempered by denials from Tehran, and violence that continues to keep the Strait of Hormuz gridlocked.
TSA wait times up to 6 hours as ICE, other agents deployed to 14 airports
Nearly 12% of all TSA officers who were scheduled to work on Sunday called out – the most since the start of the partial government shutdown.
Exclusive
Group claiming antisemitic attacks threatens U.S., Israeli interests worldwide
A shadowy group claiming antisemitic attacks in Europe amid the Iran war tells CBS News it will target "U.S. and Israeli interests worldwide."
NASA to spend $20 billion on ambitious moon base
In an on-going overhaul of NASA's Artemis program, agency officials say it will take seven years to build a sophisticated base on the moon.
Trump to host King Charles, Dutch royals in separate visits
In separate visits, President Trump is planning to host monarchs from the United Kingdom and The Netherlands next month.
Taliban releases detained U.S. citizen Dennis Coyle
The foreign ministry said in a statement it agreed after a letter from his family that Dennis Coyle "would be pardoned and released" for Eid.
Minnesota state and county officials sue government over Good, Pretti probes
Minnesota state and county officials allege they're being blocked from probing the shootings of Renee Good, Alex Pretti and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis by federal agents.
Rubio testifies in criminal trial of ex-congressman accused of illegal lobbying
Former Rep. David Rivera of Florida is accused of secretly lobbying for the Venezuelan government during the first Trump administration.
U.S.
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NASA to spend $20 billion on ambitious moon base
In an on-going overhaul of NASA's Artemis program, agency officials say it will take seven years to build a sophisticated base on the moon.
Exclusive
Venezuelan man deported to CECOT prison sues U.S. for $1.3 million
A Venezuelan man who was deported from the U.S. and detained at CECOT prison in El Salvador has become the first known ex-prisoner to sue the U.S. for damages.
Minnesota state and county officials sue government over Good, Pretti probes
Minnesota state and county officials allege they're being blocked from probing the shootings of Renee Good, Alex Pretti and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis by federal agents.
Epic Games lays off 1,000 workers as CEO says the cuts aren't tied to AI
The video game maker is cutting 1,000 workers as it struggles to keep players engaged with Fortnite.
Airlines issue travel waivers as airport chaos widens amid shutdown
Some airlines are issuing waivers for travelers eager to avoid hours-long waits for TSA security screening. Here's what to know.
MoneyWatch
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Epic Games lays off 1,000 workers as CEO says the cuts aren't tied to AI
The video game maker is cutting 1,000 workers as it struggles to keep players engaged with Fortnite.
Airlines issue travel waivers as airport chaos widens amid shutdown
Some airlines are issuing waivers for travelers eager to avoid hours-long waits for TSA security screening. Here's what to know.
Ford recalls more than 254,000 vehicles due to software issue
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the issue can reduce the driver's ability to detect hazards and increase the risk of a crash.
Polymarket buckles down on insider trading after suspiciously timed bets
Polymarket tightened its rules after questions surfaced over whether some prediction market customers engaged in insider trading.
Here are Elon Musk's "most epic" goals for his vast Terafab chip plant
Elon Musk unveiled plans for a massive chip manufacturing facility in Austin, Texas, that he said will power his "galactic" aspirations.
Politics
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NASA to spend $20 billion on ambitious moon base
In an on-going overhaul of NASA's Artemis program, agency officials say it will take seven years to build a sophisticated base on the moon.
Exclusive
Venezuelan man deported to CECOT prison sues U.S. for $1.3 million
A Venezuelan man who was deported from the U.S. and detained at CECOT prison in El Salvador has become the first known ex-prisoner to sue the U.S. for damages.
Minnesota state and county officials sue government over Good, Pretti probes
Minnesota state and county officials allege they're being blocked from probing the shootings of Renee Good, Alex Pretti and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis by federal agents.
Trump to host King Charles, Dutch royals in separate visits
In separate visits, President Trump is planning to host monarchs from the United Kingdom and the Netherlands next month.
What it's like to stand in TSA line during DHS funding fight
Overhead announcements at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport periodically advised those in line with departures within four hours to consider rebooking now.
HealthWatch
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More parents are refusing routine newborn preventative care, study finds
Doctors fear that skepticism, fueled by anti-science sentiment and mistrust, is extending beyond vaccines to other proven, routine care.
Complex procedure saves officer with chest pain, heart condition
Transit Officer Paul DeGeorge thought his son was lying on him. Then he realized something much scarier was happening.
Judge blocks parts of RFK Jr.'s vaccine agenda, including revised schedule
A judge blocked a set of changes to the childhood vaccine schedule recommended by allies of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, dealing a setback to the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul federal vaccine policy.
Changes in organ donor status can fall through cracks in the system
Patchwork state policies and limited federal oversight have led to a fragmented system for tracking organ donor status.
A dad's colon cancer spread to lungs. He says what happened next was a miracle.
Spencer Laird was diagnosed with colon cancer at 26. At 30, he was told it had returned and spread to his lungs, with one tumor the size of a golf ball.
World
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600-year-old pinot noir grape seed found in medieval hospital
The seed reveals that people in France have been cultivating the popular variety of grape since at least the 1400s, scientists say.
Trump to host King Charles, Dutch royals in separate visits
In separate visits, President Trump is planning to host monarchs from the United Kingdom and the Netherlands next month.
Pit viper among new species discovered in cave in Cambodia
Researchers in Cambodia surveyed dozens of previously unexplored caves and found several species never seen before, including a pit viper that is still being studied.
Exclusive
Group claiming antisemitic attacks threatens U.S., Israeli interests worldwide
A shadowy group claiming antisemitic attacks in Europe amid the Iran war tells CBS News it will target "U.S. and Israeli interests worldwide."
Taliban releases detained U.S. citizen Dennis Coyle
The foreign ministry said in a statement it agreed after a letter from his family that Dennis Coyle "would be pardoned and released" for Eid.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Makers of "The AI Doc" on tech's peril, promise
A new documentary examines the artificial intelligence boom and its potential risks to humanity, featuring interviews with top AI company CEOs and other experts. Co-director Charlie Tyrell and producer Ted Tremper join CBS News to discuss the making of the film, "The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist."
Patrick Ball on medical drama "The Pitt"
"The Pitt" star Patrick Ball tells "CBS Mornings" he had been auditioning since 2013 and didn't think his acting dreams were "ever going to happen" when he was cast in the medical drama. He also opens up about how the series is personal for him.
Lisa Kudrow on making "The Comeback"
In 2005, the "Friends" star played Valerine Cherish, a washed-up sitcom actress, in the HBO comedy "The Comeback." The show was cancelled, but it earned a cult following, and returned in 2014. Now, "The Comeback" is itself making a comeback.
Extended interview: Lisa Kudrow
In this web exclusive, Emmy-winning actress Lisa Kudrow talks with Tracy Smith about "Friends," and her HBO show "The Comeback."
Lisa Kudrow on making "The Comeback"
"Friends" star Lisa Kudrow played a washed-up sitcom actress, Valerie Cherish, in the 2005 HBO comedy "The Comeback." The show was cancelled, but it earned a cult following, and then returned in 2014. Now, "The Comeback" is itself making a comeback for a third season. Kudrow talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about her love for playing Phoebe Buffay; her aptitude for "cringe comedy"; and how she found solace following the death of "Friends" castmate Matthew Perry.
Technology
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Technology
Makers of "The AI Doc" on tech's peril, promise
A new documentary examines the artificial intelligence boom and its potential risks to humanity, featuring interviews with top AI company CEOs and other experts. Co-director Charlie Tyrell and producer Ted Tremper join CBS News to discuss the making of the film, "The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist."
Polymarket buckles down on insider trading after suspiciously timed bets
Polymarket tightened its rules after questions surfaced over whether some prediction market customers engaged in insider trading.
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.
Musk says he'll manufacture chips in Texas
Elon Musk says he will make chips in the U.S. for use in Teslas and robots. Reuters global aerospace editor Joe Brock joins to discuss.
Here are Elon Musk's "most epic" goals for his vast Terafab chip plant
Elon Musk unveiled plans for a massive chip manufacturing facility in Austin, Texas, that he said will power his "galactic" aspirations.
Science
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600-year-old pinot noir grape seed found in medieval hospital
The seed reveals that people in France have been cultivating the popular variety of grape since at least the 1400s, scientists say.
Pit viper among new species discovered in cave in Cambodia
Researchers in Cambodia surveyed dozens of previously unexplored caves and found several species never seen before, including a pit viper that is still being studied.
How a fun nature app aids science
The iNaturalist cellphone app not only helps users identify plant, animal and insect species; it also provides invaluable data to scientists studying biodiversity, species decline, and habitat loss. It also provides opportunities for fun: David Pogue joins iNaturalist fan Martha Stewart in a "bioblitz" – a timed competition with other users to spot and ID species.
Discovery of 1949 whale recording could unlock mysteries of ocean
The song is that of a humpback whale and was recorded by scientists in March 1949 in Bermuda, researchers said.
Sea levels higher than thought due to "methodological blind spot," study says
A new study in the journal Nature says most sea level rise research may have underestimated coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot.
Crime
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Crime
Amputee cornhole player accused of murder
Dayton Webber, a professional cornhole player and quadruple amputee, has been arrested on murder charges for the shooting death of a Maryland man. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Suspect details in murder of Loyola student
Prosecutors say Jose Medina, who is accused of killing a Loyola University student, missed his first court appearance Monday because he has been hospitalized and is undergoing treatment for tuberculosis. Medina is facing several charges in the fatal shooting, including first-degree murder. DHS says the alleged shooter is a Venezuelan man living in the U.S. illegally.
Latest news on antisemitic arson attacks
Several Jewish community ambulances were torched in London in a suspected antisemitic arson attack. CBS News' Inaya Folarin Iman reports.
Top cornhole player accused of murder
Dayton Webber, a quadruple amputee known as one of the top professional cornhole players in the U.S., is facing a series of charges including first-degree murder. Shanelle Kaul reports on the case against Webber.
Notorious apartheid police commander "Prime Evil" testifies on killings
Eugene de Kock testified that one of the police officers implicated in the killings had asked him to help assist with a cover-up.
Space
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NASA to spend $20 billion on ambitious moon base
In an on-going overhaul of NASA's Artemis program, agency officials say it will take seven years to build a sophisticated base on the moon.
Artemis II back on launch pad for moon mission
NASA's Artemis II rocket is back on the launch pad after repairs inside the massive Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center. Early next month, NASA will try, for a second time, to send a crew of four on a flyby of the moon. Mark Strassmann has more.
Possible meteorite crashes into Houston area home, officials say
A possible meteorite crashed into a Houston area house on Saturday night, tearing through the roof and two stories of the home, officials said.
Eileen Collins on breaking barriers in space
Retired NASA astronaut and Air Force Col. Eileen Collins joins "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss her groundbreaking journey to become the first woman to pilot the Space Shuttle and the first to command a Space Shuttle mission.
Repaired moon rocket heads back to launch pad for April 1 liftoff
After a trip back out to the launch pad, NASA's Artemis II rocket will be readied for a historic flight to the moon.
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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?
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
Amputee cornhole player accused of murder
Dayton Webber, a professional cornhole player and quadruple amputee, has been arrested on murder charges for the shooting death of a Maryland man. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Inside the mediated U.S. messages to Iran
A senior Iranian official says the United States has sent Iran a message through mediators as a precursor to possible talks over the war. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd has more on what that means.
Mixed messaging on U.S.-Iran talks
An Iranian official confirmed to CBS News that the Iranian government had received U.S. messages on peace talks via a mediator. This comes after the regime previously denied any communication. CBS News' Courtney Kealy has the latest.
Suspect details in murder of Loyola student
Prosecutors say Jose Medina, who is accused of killing a Loyola University student, missed his first court appearance Monday because he has been hospitalized and is undergoing treatment for tuberculosis. Medina is facing several charges in the fatal shooting, including first-degree murder. DHS says the alleged shooter is a Venezuelan man living in the U.S. illegally.
Marco Rubio testifies against friend
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is testifying against his friend and former Florida Rep. David Rivera, who is accused of secretly lobbying for the Venezuelan government. CBS News' Cristian Benavides has more.