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.
Dolly Parton, country music legend, dies at 80 after brief cancer battle
Dolly Parton became an icon over her six-decade career as a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, movie and TV star and theme park owner who donated millions to help others.
First on CBS
CIA Director John Ratcliffe on secret trip in Russia
A U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport plane was spotted at a Moscow airport, along with a U.S. diplomatic motorcade, according to public reports.
Sen. Darline Graham projected to win runoff in South Carolina GOP Senate primary
Sen. Darline Graham won the GOP Senate runoff in South Carolina on Tuesday night, CBS News projects, defeating Rep. Ralph Norman in the special primary to replace Graham's late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, on the ballot.
DOJ warns Kennedy Center could be knocked down if renovations blocked
The Trump administration said it may need to demolish the Kennedy Center if a plan to close the building for two years as part of a controversial renovation project pushed by President Trump and the organization's board is blocked.
Live
Iran says it's ready for new U.S. sanctions, has 2-year plan
Iran's economy minister said the country has been preparing for a long time for the sanctions U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described as the "greatest financial offensive" ever.
Ontario's Doug Ford says Trump is "treating us like we're Communist China"
As a U.S.-Canada trade war sparks cross-border insults, Ontario Premier Doug Ford told CBS News he's hopeful the two sides can reach an agreement — but cautioned that "no deal is better than a bad deal."
3 Secret Service officials put on leave amid probe into "potential misconduct"
The Secret Service's chief of communications and two other staffers have been placed on leave pending an investigation into "potential misconduct," U.S. officials told CBS News.
Judge delays custody decision in surrogacy fight over newborn with heart defect
Dallas judge has delayed a custody decision, extending a temporary restraining order another two weeks as the legal fight over custody of a baby with a rare heart defect born to a surrogate continues.
Philadelphia's Chucky-style masked man arrested in Las Vegas
U.S. Marshals say 22-year-old Zymire Hughes was arrested Tuesday night in Las Vegas, Nevada.
U.S.
More U.S.
College student fatally shot by police after knocking on wrong door
Glenn Pysher was trying to find his friends when he accidentally knocked on the door of the wrong house. The homeowners called 911 to report an attempted break-in.
Philadelphia's Chucky-style masked man arrested in Las Vegas
U.S. Marshals say 22-year-old Zymire Hughes was arrested Tuesday night in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Judge delays custody decision in surrogacy fight over newborn with heart defect
Dallas judge has delayed a custody decision, extending a temporary restraining order another two weeks as the legal fight over custody of a baby with a rare heart defect born to a surrogate continues.
Bureau of Prisons No. 2 official who was pardoned for drug crimes departs
Josh Smith had a tense relationship with BOP's employees, and some staffers had raised questions about contracts awarded during his year-long tenure.
Ontario's Doug Ford says Trump is "treating us like we're Communist China"
As a U.S.-Canada trade war sparks cross-border insults, Ontario Premier Doug Ford told CBS News he's hopeful the two sides can reach an agreement — but cautioned that "no deal is better than a bad deal."
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Ontario's Doug Ford says Trump is "treating us like we're Communist China"
As a U.S.-Canada trade war sparks cross-border insults, Ontario Premier Doug Ford told CBS News he's hopeful the two sides can reach an agreement — but cautioned that "no deal is better than a bad deal."
Survey pinpoints the behavior on planes that people find most annoying
Here's what travelers think about shared armrests, reclined seats and fellow passengers' use of tech on planes.
Musk's SpaceX announces $100 billion plan for new spaceport in Louisiana
Elon Musk's space company plans to spend $100 billion to build a new spaceport in Louisiana to launch rockets, state officials and the company announced.
SNAP restrictions cut soda sales but raise stigma concerns, study finds
Banning people from using food stamps to buy sugary drinks helps lower consumption, proponents say. Are such restrictions a good idea?
Canada announces tariffs of up to 50% on $20 billion in U.S. goods
Canadian government officials said they are also providing aid for workers and businesses that could be hurt by U.S.-imposed tariffs.
Politics
More Politics
3 Secret Service officials put on leave amid probe into "potential misconduct"
The Secret Service's chief of communications and two other staffers have been placed on leave pending an investigation into "potential misconduct," U.S. officials told CBS News.
Sen. Darline Graham projected to win runoff in South Carolina GOP Senate primary
Sen. Darline Graham won the GOP Senate runoff in South Carolina on Tuesday night, CBS News projects, defeating Rep. Ralph Norman in the special primary to replace Graham's late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, on the ballot.
Everton Blair wins special election for late Rep. David Scott's seat
Everton Blair Jr. will serve out the remaining few months of the late Rep. David Scott's final term, the Associated Press projects.
Bureau of Prisons No. 2 official who was pardoned for drug crimes departs
Josh Smith had a tense relationship with BOP's employees, and some staffers had raised questions about contracts awarded during his year-long tenure.
Ontario's Doug Ford says Trump is "treating us like we're Communist China"
As a U.S.-Canada trade war sparks cross-border insults, Ontario Premier Doug Ford told CBS News he's hopeful the two sides can reach an agreement — but cautioned that "no deal is better than a bad deal."
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Pennsylvania records first 2 measles deaths in 35 years
Pennsylvania has recorded its first two deaths connected to measles in 35 years.
At least 1 in 4 ex-NFL players who died from 2016 to 2021 had CTE, study finds
The rate is much higher than is seen in the general population. CTE is a brain disease linked to repeated blows to the head.
Trump and Kennedy's health industry deals are at risk of vanishing
The agreements, covering issues like drug pricing, reducing the use of synthetic food dyes, and cutting back on insurance prior authorization rules, were announced with fanfare and touted as victories.
8-year-old girl dies from brain-eating amoeba infection in Louisiana
Lillian Smart, 8, has died after being infected by an extremely rare brain-eating amoeba that is found in warm freshwater, her family said.
Trump puts autistic kids in the spotlight and cuts agencies built to protect them
Researchers and disability rights advocates warn that the dismantling of the Education Department and its erosions of civil rights oversight risk widening the disparities autistic children face.
World
More World
Gun-running ship located 78 years after being sunk by Israeli military
In June 1948, Israeli forces opened fire and sank the boat in waters off Tel Aviv on the orders of David Ben Gurion, Israel's first prime minister.
U.K. estate used as Wayne Manor in "Batman Begins" must be surveyed for bats
Since being built in the 1850s, Mentmore Towers has been featured in "Batman Begins" and other movies, but has fallen into disrepair.
Will the U.S. sanctions against Iran work if they don't include China?
Analysts say without meaningful sanctions against China, Iran will likely survive this latest round of financial punishment.
Russian ex-official says "unknown sources" could attack U.K. drone plants
Former senior Russian diplomat says U.K. factories making drones for Ukraine "could be attacked - not by Russia, but from unknown sources."
First on CBS
CIA Director John Ratcliffe on secret trip in Russia
A U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport plane was spotted at a Moscow airport, along with a U.S. diplomatic motorcade, according to public reports.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Country singer Ashley McBryde on Dolly Parton
Country singer Ashley McBryde joins CBS News after Dolly Parton's death at 80 to discuss her impact on music and the Nashville country scene.
Cher speaks out after Dolly Parton's death
Grammy-award winning artist Cher spoke about Dolly Parton after the country legend's death at 80 Tuesday. Cher told CBS News about their first meeting and what she loved about Parton. She said she'll miss Parton's laugh the most.
Celebrating Dolly Parton after her death at 80
"CBS Evening News" pays tribute to the life and legacy of Dolly Parton. She died at 80 after a brief battle with cancer, her team announced on Tuesday.
Dollywood nonprofit president on Parton's death
Dolly Parton, who died Tuesday at age 80, leaves behind much more than a musical legacy. A generous philanthropist, she gave millions to a variety of causes, including education and children's literacy. Dollywood Foundation President Jeff Conyers joins CBS News to discuss the organization's Imagination Library program.
Dolly Parton in 2016 on her life, career
From May 2016, Dolly Parton speaks with Gayle King about her road to country music fame, Whitney Houston's cover of "I Will Always Love You," her marriage and more.
Technology
More Technology
Musk's data centers push out family that's owned land for generations
A plant in Southaven, Mississippi, that powers Elon Musk's SpaceXAI data centers in the area has sparked backlash from residents concerned about noise and air pollution.
Elon Musk's data centers spark backlash
In Southaven, Mississippi, some residents are pushing back on SpaceXAI's expanding footprint in the region.
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.
Key takeaways from China's robot games
China's World Humanoid Robot Games is a technological showcase, but also a possible glimpse into the future of robotics. Anna Coren reports.
How the Robot Games are going in Beijing
The World Humanoid Robot Games are underway in Beijing, China, in a stadium repurposed from the 2022 Winter Olympics. Many of the machines on display can now outrun and out-jump even the best real-life Olympians. Anna Coren has the story.
Science
More Science
Invasive Joro spiders are "slowly spreading." Here's what to do if you see one.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park told visitors Tuesday that invasive Joro spiders "may be hanging in a web near you."
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Crime
More Crime
Philadelphia's Chucky-style masked man arrested in Las Vegas
U.S. Marshals say 22-year-old Zymire Hughes was arrested Tuesday night in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Legal analysis of Texas surrogate case
A Texas judge is hearing arguments on who has the legal right to make medical decisions on behalf of a baby with a heart defect who was carried to term by a surrogate against the biological parents' wishes. Harry Nelson, a healthcare attorney, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Unarmed college student shot by police
The parents of a 22-year-old college student who was fatally shot by police after knocking on the wrong door spoke out on Tuesday. Tom Hanson has more details.
Doctor says Clancy's actions were criminal
Forensic psychologist Dr. Kirk Heilbrun took the stand in Lindsay Clancy's trial for the killings of her three children on Tuesday, testifying that he felt Clancy was criminally liable despite claims of postpartum psychosis. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has the details.
Breaking down Day 20 of Lindsay Clancy trial
Two more witnesses testified in the Lindsay Clancy trial on Tuesday. Clancy, who has admitted to killing her children, has pleaded not guilty, arguing she had postpartum psychosis. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul reports.
Space
More Space
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.
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
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.
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.
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.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Country singer Ashley McBryde on Dolly Parton
Country singer Ashley McBryde joins CBS News after Dolly Parton's death at 80 to discuss her impact on music and the Nashville country scene.
Cher speaks out after Dolly Parton's death
Grammy-award winning artist Cher spoke about Dolly Parton after the country legend's death at 80 Tuesday. Cher told CBS News about their first meeting and what she loved about Parton. She said she'll miss Parton's laugh the most.
Watch: Jon Batiste's tribute to Dolly Parton
Jon Batiste performed a musical tribute to the late country music superstar Dolly Parton, who died Tuesday at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer.
Dolly Parton shows off "9 to 5" memorabilia
When 60 Minutes' Morley Safer spoke to Dolly Parton back in 2009, she showed off memorabilia from "9 to 5" along with dresses covered in rhinestones. "I used to be tall until I started wearing them," she joked.
Graham wins GOP Senate runoff, CBS News projects
Sen. Darline Graham, the late Lindsey Graham's sister, won the Republican Senate primary runoff in South Carolina on Tuesday night, CBS News projects. Jessi Mitchell anchors a special report.