What to know about recess appointments as Gaetz faces Senate headwinds
A recess appointment would allow Trump to install some officials and sidestep lengthy hearings and a floor vote.
Matt Gaetz
Pick of Gaetz for attorney general draws criticism
Matt Gaetz immediately resigned from the House on Wednesday following the surprising announcement that he was President-elect Donald Trump's selection for attorney general. His resignation, however, came ahead of a scheduled vote by the House Ethics Committee this week on whether to release the results of an extensive investigation into allegations against Gaetz of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, which he has denied. Scott MacFarlane reports.
Why Trump chose RFK Jr. for HHS secretary
President-elect Donald Trump's selection of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services secretary came following several other controversial choices for Cabinet members. Caitlin Huey-Burns takes a look at the president-elect's decision-making process.
Former U.S. attorney on Gaetz as Trump pick
President-elect Donald Trump nominated former Rep. Matt Gaetz as his attorney general. Former U.S. attorney and assistant deputy attorney general Harry Litman joins CBS News to discuss his column calling Gaetz the "anti-attorney general" and what to expect from his potential management of the Justice Department.
Gaetz resigns before ethics report release
Matt Gaetz resigned from the House of Representatives on Wednesday after President-elect Donald Trump tapped him to lead the Department of Justice as attorney general. Before Gaetz resigned, the House Ethics Committee had been investigating claims of sexual misconduct and other violations, which he has denied. CBS News investigative producer Michael Kaplan has more. Then, Republican strategist Kevin Sheridan and former Democratic Rep. Mondaire Jones of New York join with analysis.
Why did Trump pick RFK Jr. to lead HHS?
President-elect Donald Trump said late Thursday he would nominate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. This comes on the heels of former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz being tapped for attorney general. CBS News' Major Garrett and Scott MacFarlane have the latest.
Can Gaetz get Senate confirmation?
Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz will have to be confirmed by the Senate before he becomes President-elect Donald Trump's attorney general. Some members of Congress are already having strong reactions to Trump's pick. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi reports. Also, Zeke Miller, chief White House correspondent for the Associated Press, has more on the state of the House Ethics probe into Gaetz.
Durbin on Gaetz ethics inquiry
Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, the Senate's majority whip, is calling for the preservation of the report and any documentation pertaining to the House Ethics Committee inquiry into former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane has more.
Next on Trump's Gaetz nomination
Many of President-elect Donald Trump's team picks for his second term in the White House will have to go through the Senate confirmation process. Also, an expected House ethics inquiry into former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, Trump's pick for attorney general, could affect how Congress acts during his confirmation process. CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.
House Ethics panel planned to vote Friday on whether to release report on Gaetz
President-elect Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he would nominate Rep. Matt Gaetz to be attorney general.
Is Trump AG pick a loyalty test for senators?
President-elect Donald Trump's choice for attorney general, Matt Gaetz, is facing a tough Senate confirmation process for the job. CBS News political director Fin Gómez reports on some of the speculation about why Trump made such a controversial pick.
Lawmakers react to Gaetz pick for AG
Lawmakers had a range of responses to President-elect Donald Trump's announcement that he'll nominate Matt Gaetz for attorney general. CBS News political reporter Jake Rosen has more.
Trump to nominate Matt Gaetz for attorney general
House Speaker Mike Johnson said Matt Gaetz, whose selection as attorney general prompted backlash, resigned from Congress.
Analysis of Trump Cabinet picks
CBS News chief election and campaign correspondent Robert Costa joins "CBS Mornings" to break down President-elect Donald Trump's latest choices for his Cabinet, including the controversial pick of Matt Gaetz.
Trump picks Matt Gaetz for attorney general
President-elect Donald Trump said Rep. Matt Gaetz is his pick to be nominated for attorney general. The announcement comes just two days before the House ethics committee was set to vote on releasing what sources say is a highly damaging report about an investigation into Gaetz over claims he partied with teenage girls. Gaetz, who has denied all wrongdoing, resigned from his seat in the House of Representatives after Trump's announcement, House Speaker Mike Johnson said.
Will Trump Cabinet picks be confirmed?
President-elect Donald Trump raised eyebrows Wednesday when he announced he'll nominate Matt Gaetz to be his attorney general. CBS News political reporter Jake Rosen has more on if Gaetz will actually take that position.
Gaetz misconduct probes under fresh scrutiny
President-elect Donald Trump has selected longtime ally, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, to serve as his next attorney general. CBS News investigative producer Michael Kaplan joins "America Decides" to examine the misconduct allegations against Gaetz, which he has denied. Then, Meridith McGraw, national political correspondent for Politico, and Andrew Desiderio, senior congressional reporter for Punchbowl News, join to discuss.
Rep. Khanna on Democrats' path after losses
The Democratic Party is in the process of determining how it should move forward after President-elect Donald Trump's sweeping election victory. The Republican Party has also won unified power in Washington, D.C., grabbing majorities in both the Senate and the House. Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California joins "America Decides" to discuss where his party went wrong.
Shock after Trump picks Gaetz to lead DOJ
President-elect Donald Trump continued to build his incoming administration on Wednesday, announcing a surprise pick of Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida for attorney general. CBS News' Fin Gómez, Ed O'Keefe and Scott MacFarlane have more on how lawmakers are reacting.
Which Trump picks could see confirmation woes?
Several of President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet picks have generated controversy. CBS News political director Fin Gómez examines who could face the most trouble in the confirmation process.
Trump to nominate Gaetz as attorney general
President-elect Donald Trump's transition team has announced his pick for attorney general: Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida. In a statement, the Trump team said Gaetz is "a champion for the constitution and the rule of law." CBS News political reporter Olivia Rinaldi has more.
Republicans seek aid after voting against it
Several Florida Republicans are now demanding more funds to boost recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, but they have previously voted against measures providing disaster relief. CBS News national environmental correspondent David Schechter joins "America Decides" to discuss.
Matt Gaetz wins Florida primary
Rep. Matt Gaetz beat his opponent, former Navy pilot Aaron Dimmock, in their Florida Republican primary Tuesday. Dimmock was backed by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted after a Gaetz-led effort. CBS News Miami's Jim DeFede has more.
Gaetz, Scott win primaries in Florida
Rep. Matt Gaetz, who led the effort to oust former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, beat his primary challenger Aaron Dimmock in Florida Tuesday. Sen. Rick Scott, a former Florida governor, also won his primary. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Gaetz projected to defeat primary challenger backed by McCarthy revenge tour
Rep. Matt Gaetz led the effort to oust Kevin McCarthy from the speakership.
Exclusive
ICE deportees in Africa describe being stranded "on the other side of the world"
CBS News traveled to Liberia to speak to some of the Latin American deportees banished to Africa under President Trump's immigration crackdown.
Live
FBI Director Kash Patel testifies before Senate panel
FBI Director Kash Patel is appearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee for an annual hearing on oversight of the agency.
Supreme Court blocks new USPS rules for mail ballots in blow to Trump
The Supreme Court left intact a ruling that blocked the U.S. Postal Service from enforcing new regulations for mail voting, rejecting the Trump administration's effort to move forward with the rules in the midterms.
Delaware holds U.S. Senate primary and more races to watch today
Delaware Sen. Chris Coons is seeking the Democratic nomination for a third full term.
First on CBS
Air Force officer prayed while "free-falling" after being shot down in Iran
Badly wounded and alone in Iran's desert, downed U.S. Air Force officer Dude 44 Bravo evaded capture for days as the Iranian forces and the U.S. military searched for him.
Hospital could have prevented some of nurse's baby killings, judge says
British nurse Lucy Letby, convicted of murdering seven babies, was enabled by a "complete failure" to protect them at the hospital where she worked, the chair of an inquiry said.
Live
Iran war has cost well over $33.4 billion, Pentagon report says
The Iran war has cost the U.S. military at least $33.4 billion - most of it on munitions - and not including hundreds of millions more spent by other agencies, the Pentagon says.
Pentagon inspector general says Iran war has caused weapons shortages
The first-of-its-kind report acknowledges the military's munition shortfall and details some of the losses of American assets so far as part of Operation Epic Fury.
Who won Emmys for 2026? See the full winners list here.
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards celebrated the best in television and streaming from the past year on Monday. See the full list of winners and nominees.
U.S.
More U.S.
Ross Fire still burning, with over 90,000 acres scorched
The wildfire, which has torn through Palo Pinto and Jack counties, forced evacuations, closed roads and disrupted schools.
Pentagon inspector general says Iran war has caused weapons shortages
The first-of-its-kind report acknowledges the military's munition shortfall and details some of the losses of American assets so far as part of Operation Epic Fury.
Who won Emmys for 2026? See the full winners list here.
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards celebrated the best in television and streaming from the past year on Monday. See the full list of winners and nominees.
AI companies must ensure their tech is safe, says top Trump adviser on AI
In an interview with CBS News, Sacks suggested that fears AI could harm people are overblown. "I think this is becoming a panic," he said.
Exclusive
Blanche vows to release more 9/11 docs: "We're not protecting people"
Attorney General Todd Blanche says the government is not withholding documents to protect another country, days after 9/11 families publicly appealed to the Trump administration for more information to be released.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Outcome of employment lawsuit could promote use of skimpy health plans
A long-running lawsuit challenging what it means to be an employee and therefore have access to work-based health plans is being closely watched by health policy analysts.
AI companies must ensure their tech is safe, says top Trump adviser on AI
In an interview with CBS News, Sacks suggested that fears AI could harm people are overblown. "I think this is becoming a panic," he said.
The AI bubble is leaking air, some economists say. Should investors worry?
AI has fueled a stock boom in recent years. Now, some Wall Street analysts think that epic run is coming to an end.
The U.S. economy faces mounting headwinds. Here are the top risks.
Rising energy costs, persistently high inflation and mounting federal debt are clouding the outlook for the U.S. economy — and Americans' finances.
Tech stocks slump after AI execs call for industry slowdown
The tech-heavy Nasdaq slumped 147 points on Monday after AI company executives called for a slowdown in developing the technology.
Politics
More Politics
Delaware holds U.S. Senate primary and more races to watch today
Delaware Sen. Chris Coons is seeking the Democratic nomination for a third full term.
Live
FBI Director Kash Patel testifies before Senate panel
FBI Director Kash Patel is appearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee for an annual hearing on oversight of the agency.
Exclusive
Blanche defends mail ballot changes, says election practices are being probed
Attorney General Todd Blanche fiercely defended the Trump administration's push to impose tighter mail voting rules, telling CBS News the DOJ is examining election practices in multiple states.
Trump nominates Lee Greenwood's wife to serve as ambassador to Barbados
President Trump on Monday nominated Kimberly Greenwood, the wife of "God Bless the USA" singer Lee Greenwood, to serve as ambassador to Barbados and several other Caribbean countries.
Democrats vow to investigate Trump pardon brokers if party controls Congress
Senior Democratic lawmakers vowed to investigate the new market that has sprung up around President Trump's pardons, citing CBS News video that aired in a 60 Minutes report.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Outcome of employment lawsuit could promote use of skimpy health plans
A long-running lawsuit challenging what it means to be an employee and therefore have access to work-based health plans is being closely watched by health policy analysts.
Pennsylvania woman dies of measles complications, coroner reports
A 40-year-old woman died on Saturday from complications associated with measles, the coroner reported.
Strange symptom and a "weird" referral led to surprise Stage 4 cancer diagnosis
Kate Ping thought she was just stressed out. A nurse practitioner's surprising recommendation led to a shocking diagnosis.
Trump admin. to send $500 checks to nearly 1 million ACA enrollees
Affordable Care Act recipients in 30 states are set to receive the $500 checks starting in October. Here's why.
Record-setting cyclospora outbreak is over, U.S. health officials say
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there is no longer a risk of people getting sick with cyclosporiasis from this outbreak and is confident that all related iceberg lettuce is off the market.
World
More World
2 U.S. government workers accidentally shot by soldiers in Africa
The U.S. personnel were shot during an anti-smuggling operation in a rural region in the northeast of the country, Eswatini's government said.
Hospital could have prevented some of nurse's baby killings, judge says
British nurse Lucy Letby, convicted of murdering seven babies, was enabled by a "complete failure" to protect them at the hospital where she worked, the chair of an inquiry said.
Exclusive
ICE deportees in Africa describe being stranded "on the other side of the world"
CBS News traveled to Liberia to speak to some of the Latin American deportees banished to Africa under President Trump's immigration crackdown.
Why my interview with "AI actor" Tilly Norwood creeped me out
Within a minute, the world's first "AI actor" was able to tell exactly how old I am and where I'm from, and then it got really weird.
Pentagon inspector general says Iran war has caused weapons shortages
The first-of-its-kind report acknowledges the military's munition shortfall and details some of the losses of American assets so far as part of Operation Epic Fury.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
"Widow's Bay" and "The Pitt" win big at Emmys
The 2026 Emmy Awards featured performances by host Mariska Hargitay, Noah Kahan and Reba McEntire, and big wins for Apple TV's "Widow's Bay" and HBO's "The Pitt." Nischelle Turner breaks it all down.
Why my interview with "AI actor" Tilly Norwood creeped me out
Within a minute, the world's first "AI actor" was able to tell exactly how old I am and where I'm from, and then it got really weird.
Who won Emmys for 2026? See the full winners list here.
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards celebrated the best in television and streaming from the past year on Monday. See the full list of winners and nominees.
Looking back at Bob Mackie's looks and life
Bob Mackie, a fashion icon known for elevating Hollywood's leading ladies and pop stars for decades, died on Monday at 87. Meg Oliver looks back on his signature looks and his life.
CBS News interviews an AI "actor"
The first so-called AI actor, Tilly Norwood, is on a promotional tour for an upcoming movie produced by a British company. CBS News correspondent Leigh Kiniry interviewed the AI on the film "Misaligned."
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Top White House AI adviser on warnings
David Sacks, who co-chairs President Trump's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, sat down with Jo Ling Kent for an exclusive interview and addressed Mr. Trump's quashing of the idea that AI could destroy humanity.
Why my interview with "AI actor" Tilly Norwood creeped me out
Within a minute, the world's first "AI actor" was able to tell exactly how old I am and where I'm from, and then it got really weird.
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.
Rep. Sam Liccardo on AI regulation
While artificial intelligence leaders are uniting to slow development, lawmakers are split over the government's role in regulating the industry and how to balance safety concerns with efforts to stay ahead of China in the AI race. Democratic Rep. Sam Liccardo of California joins CBS News with his take.
Jeffries calls for immediate action on AI
On Capitol Hill, lawmakers returning from the summer recess are weighing in with differing views on how much government regulation on artificial intelligence is necessary. New York Times congressional correspondent Robert Jimison joins to discuss.
Science
More Science
Anthropic CEO says "exponential" growth of AI is a "warning sign"
Artificial intelligence technology is developing at an "exponential" rate, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News, calling the situation a "warning sign" for the industry that requires serious safeguards.
First-ever adult T. rex trackway found in North Dakota
Paleontologists have identified the first known trackway made by a full-grown Tyrannosaurus rex, and the discovery was made in the North Dakota badlands.
Ig Nobel prizes go to scientists studying cockroach milk, nose-blowing, more
Ten research teams were honored at a satirical science awards ceremony that was hosted outside the U.S. for the first time due to travel concerns. A study of cockroach milk was among the winners.
Vote on the fattest marmot now
Marmots, not bears, are the largest "true" hibernating mammal, UCLA marmot researchers Katie Adler and Emily Renkey say. The two share more fun facts about these cute creatures and explain how to vote for the fattest marmot.
NASA plans to launch new space telescope
NASA's new telescope could change the way we see space. With a wide-field camera that will reveal an area up to 200 times larger than the Hubble Space Telescope, and an orbit a million miles from Earth, the Nancy Grace Roman telescope is expected to find tens of thousands of unknown exoplanets.
Crime
More Crime
Hospital could have prevented some of nurse's baby killings, judge says
British nurse Lucy Letby, convicted of murdering seven babies, was enabled by a "complete failure" to protect them at the hospital where she worked, the chair of an inquiry said.
New details on Clancy holdout juror
The holdout juror in Lindsay Clancy's murder trial faced a domestic violence charge in 2021, but it was later dismissed, police records show. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Lindsay Clancy juror speaks out
Paula Devlin, a juror in the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, sat down with Shanelle Kaul to share her experience with the high-profile case and tense deliberations that ultimately ended in a mistrial.
Man arrested in death of Tasia Fortune, woman found hanging from tree
Mississippi police have arrested a man in the death of Tasia Fortune, a Black woman found hanging from a tree last month.
State of al‑Qaeda 25 years after 9/11 attacks
25 years after 9/11, we rarely hear about the state of the organization responsible for the attacks. The Atlantic recently put out a piece on al-Qaeda that says in part, "analysts can't decide if the terrorist organization is all but defunct or more threatening than ever." The article's author, Graeme Wood, joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
Space
More Space
NASA launches its Roman Space Telescope to explore the hidden universe
NASA's Roman Space Telescope launched shortly after daybreak from Kennedy Space Center and blazed toward an observation point 1 million miles away.
Roman Space Telescope promises 300-megapixel views of the cosmos
The $4.3 billion telescope is expected to discover tens of thousands of exoplanets while probing the nature of mysterious dark matter and energy.
First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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.
Dolly Parton: An extraordinary life in pictures
Dolly Parton, the country music legend who became a feminist icon, has died at the age of 80. Here is a look back at her life in pictures.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
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.
Photos show 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.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Trump Jr.'s wife: Oligarch hosted festivities
Donald Trump Jr.'s wife, Bettina Anderson, confirmed that a Russian oligarch tied to President Vladimir Putin helped host some of their post-wedding festivities.
"Widow's Bay" and "The Pitt" win big at Emmys
The 2026 Emmy Awards featured performances by host Mariska Hargitay, Noah Kahan and Reba McEntire, and big wins for Apple TV's "Widow's Bay" and HBO's "The Pitt." Nischelle Turner breaks it all down.
Mitch McConnell returns to Senate
Sen. Mitch McConnell returned to Congress Monday after a three-month absence and following much speculation about his health. Robert Costa reports.
Ukraine and Russia continue to trade attacks
Russia and Ukraine continued to trade strikes on each other's energy infrastructure despite President Trump's announcement that the two countries agreed to stop targeting the facilities. Former CIA officer and Marine Corps veteran Elliot Ackerman, a CBS News contributor, weighs in.
McConnell casts Senate vote during return
Mitch McConnell, the 84-year-old Republican senator from Kentucky, made his first appearance at the Capitol in months following a prolonged health absence. CBS News' Taurean Small has the latest details.