Pete Hegseth told Elizabeth Warren he paid $50,000 to accuser
Pete Hegseth, President Trump's nominee to lead the Defense Department, is on track to be confirmed as soon as Friday night if his support holds.
Pete Hegseth
Sources: Hegseth admits to $50,000 payment to woman
Pete Hegseth, President Trump's pick for defense secretary, told Sen. Elizabeth Warren that he paid a woman $50,000 who had accused him of sexual assault in 2017, two sources confirmed to CBS News.
Murkowski, Collins to vote against Hegseth
Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins on Thursday became the first Republicans to say they won't vote to confirm Pete Hegseth as defense secretary. Plus, a federal judge in Seattle temporarily stalled President Trump's plans to end birthright citizenship, calling the executive order "blatantly unconstitutional." CBS News' Scott MacFarlane and Olivia Rinaldi have the latest.
Jan 15: CBS News 24/7, 1pm ET
Israel and Hamas agree to ceasefire and hostage deal; House Democrats response to ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas
Jan 15: CBS News 24/7, 10am ET
Confirmation hearing underway for Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi; Homeowners dropped by insurance struggle to rebuild after wildfires.
Pete Hegseth's Senate confirmation hearing
The full CBS News broadcast of the Senate confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of defense.
New Hegseth allegations emerge
Peter Hegseth, President Donald Trump's Defense secretary pick, is facing new allegations, this time from his former sister-in-law, who claims the former Fox News host made his second wife fear for her safety. Hegseth's lawyer has denied the allegations. Nikole Killion has the details.
Hegseth facing new allegations in affidavit
Pete Hegseth, President Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Defense, is facing new allegations in an affidavit reviewed by senators. In the document, Hegseth's former sister-in-law alleges he caused his second wife to fear for her safety, a claim he denies. CBS News political reporter Taurean Small has more.
Senate confirms Rubio as secretary of state
The Senate unanimously voted on Monday to confirm former Florida Sen. Marco Rubio as President Trump's secretary of state. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion reports from Capitol Hill.
Kaine: Hegseth would be a "very dangerous Secretary of Defense"
Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine, who was one of the senators on the Armed Services Committee who questioned Trump's pick for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth closely, tells "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that he believes Hegseth would be a "very dangerous Secretary of Defense."
Senators spar over Hegseth's qualifications
Democratic and Republican senators sparred over whether Pete Hegseth is qualified for secretary of defense during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday. Barbara Starr, senior fellow at the USC Annenberg Center on Communication Leadership and Policy, joins "America Decides" to take a closer look at Hegseth's credentials.
Rubio likely facing easy confirmation process
Marco Rubio's Senate confirmation hearing is being held Wednesday as he works to become President-elect Donald Trump's secretary of state. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes has a look at the road ahead for Rubio and some of Trump's other Cabinet picks.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth on Pete Hegseth
Democratic Senators criticized President-elect Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday. Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, an Iraq War veteran and Purple Heart recipient, was one of the critics, telling Hegseth he is not qualified to be the defense secretary. She joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Pete Hegseth grilled in confirmation hearing
Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth faced tough questioning about his views on women in combat and reports of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking during his Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday. Nikole Killion reports.
Democrats grill Pete Hegseth at hearing
Senators kicked off the first day of confirmation hearings on Tuesday for President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet picks. Democrats grilled his defense secretary choice Pete Hegseth, who vowed to bring "warrior ethos" to the military. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata reports.
Pete Hegseth faces grilling from Democrats at confirmation hearing
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon, faced some tough questions from Democrats on the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Hegseth dismisses misconduct allegations
Senators grilled secretary of defense nominee Pete Hegseth over sexual assault and misconduct allegations at his confirmation hearing Tuesday. Evan McMorris-Santoro, reporter for NOTUS, and Andrew Desiderio, senior congressional reporter for Punchbowl News, join "America Decides" to further discuss the hearing and more.
Takeaways from Hegseth's confirmation hearing
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary, faced senators and protesters in a high-stakes confirmation hearing Tuesday. CBS News' Nikole Killion, Katrina Kaufman and Fin Gómez break down the contentious proceedings.
Trump allies react to Hegseth's hearing
President-elect Donald Trump's allies are reacting favorably to Pete Hegseth's performance during his Senate confirmation hearing for the secretary of defense Cabinet role. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi reports.
Breaking down Pete Hegseth's hearing
Several female senators and former members of the armed forces grilled Pete Hegseth at his Senate confirmation hearing on past comments he made about women serving in combat roles. CBS News' Taurean Small breaks down the top moments from the hearing surrounding the secretary of defense post.
Wicker reacts to Hegseth's testimony
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) appeared satisfied with Pete Hegseth's testimony at his confirmation hearing for the secretary of defense post. Wicker chaired a bombastic meeting where senators highlighted accusations against Hegseth for sexual misconduct, financial mismanagement and drinking on the job. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Hegseth's explosive confirmation hearing
Pete Hegseth faced intense questioning from the Senate Armed Services Committee as he vies for the secretary of defense post in President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet. CBS News' Taurean Small and Nikole Killion report.
Hegseth on defying Trump order
Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan) pressed Pete Hegseth about his future response as secretary of defense to President-elect Donald Trump's orders if they violate the Constitution. Slotkin used an example from Defense Secretary Mark Esper's time in Trump's term in the White House to argue the potential scenario.
Hegseth on fall of Afghanistan
Sen. Jim Banks (R-Indiana) asked Pete Hegseth about the fall of Afghanistan and the U.S. withdrawal of military personnel in 2021. Hegseth criticized the Biden administration's handling of the operation, blasting the U.S. reliance on the Taliban for security measures.
Kelly on Hegseth's drinking
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) asked Pete Hegseth during his Senate confirmation hearing for the secretary of defense post about multiple instances involving his apparent drunken conduct during work functions. Hegseth said the allegations are part of an anonymous campaign to smear his name.
Exclusive
U.S. moving to indict Cuba's Raúl Castro, sources say
The potential indictment — which must be approved by a grand jury — is expected to focus on Cuba's 1996 downing of two planes operated by a humanitarian group.
Trump wraps up visit to China after talks on trade, stern words on Taiwan
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping conclude their summit in Beijing on Friday as both countries look to claim the visit as a win.
Live
Seized ship taken toward Iran as Trump and Xi agree on Strait of Hormuz
A ship was taken by unknown parties toward Iranian waters after an Indian-flagged vessel was attacked off Oman.
Exclusive
Will Trump ask Putin to bring these Americans home?
Anastasia Antonov believes that her father, Aleksandr, was arrested by the Russian government last year because he is an American citizen. Now, she is appealing to President Trump to push Vladimir Putin's government to free her father.
CIA Director Ratcliffe makes rare trip to Cuba as island faces energy crisis
The meeting came as Cuba is contending with a massive power failure to its national energy grid amid U.S. sanctions that have caused an oil and gas shortage crisis.
Supreme Court upholds mail access to abortion pill mifepristone for now
The Supreme Court has maintained mail access to the abortion pill mifepristone, setting aside for now a lower court order that blocked abortion providers from prescribing the widely used drug through telehealth and shipping it to patients.
Trucking broker can face lawsuit over fatal crash, Supreme Court rules
A CBS News investigation showed the broker had worked with dangerous "chameleon carriers," thousands of which evade federal safety enforcement by reincarnating under new names.
Bipartisan bill aims to help civilians exposed to toxic burn pits
A bipartisan group of lawmakers unveiled a bill to help civilians, including law enforcement agents, receive workers' compensation for illnesses like cancer that are often associated with toxic exposure to burn pits.
Netanyahu says Israel will sue The New York Times
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government plans to file a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times.
U.S.
More U.S.
Trump wraps up visit to China after talks on trade, stern words on Taiwan
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping conclude their summit in Beijing on Friday as both countries look to claim the visit as a win.
American passenger from hantavirus-hit cruise ship on life in quarantine
The number of people being monitored for hantavirus in the United States has grown to 41, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday.
A Chinese community in New York City reacts to the Trump-Xi Beijing summit
There has been palpable excitement about President Trump's state visit to China in the Queens neighborhood of Flushing, home to one of the largest Asian populations in the U.S.
Supreme Court upholds mail access to abortion pill mifepristone for now
The Supreme Court has maintained mail access to the abortion pill mifepristone, setting aside for now a lower court order that blocked abortion providers from prescribing the widely used drug through telehealth and shipping it to patients.
Trucking broker can face lawsuit over fatal crash, Supreme Court rules
A CBS News investigation showed the broker had worked with dangerous "chameleon carriers," thousands of which evade federal safety enforcement by reincarnating under new names.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Trump Mobile says its T1 mobile phone to ship this week
Trump Mobile's $499 gold-toned phone has faced delays since it was unveiled in June 2025.
Why are so many U.S. CEOs in China with Trump, and what do they want?
More than a dozen American CEOs are accompanying President Trump on his trip to China. That's not unusual.
Jury awards $49.5 million to Boeing 737 MAX crash victim's family
A jury in Chicago awarded $49.5 million in damages Wednesday to the family of a 24-year-old American who perished in a 2019 Boeing 737 MAX crash.
Rare blue-green diamond sells for record price at auction
The 5.5-carat "Ocean Dream" diamond was found in Central Africa in the 1990s.
Workers are getting paid to teach AI how to do their jobs
AI companies are recruiting a wide range of temp workers, from writers to wine enthusiasts, for hourly-paid gigs to help train their language models.
Politics
More Politics
Trump wraps up visit to China after talks on trade, stern words on Taiwan
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping conclude their summit in Beijing on Friday as both countries look to claim the visit as a win.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe makes rare trip to Cuba as island faces energy crisis
The meeting came as Cuba is contending with a massive power failure to its national energy grid amid U.S. sanctions that have caused an oil and gas shortage crisis.
Exclusive
U.S. moving to indict Cuba's Raúl Castro, sources say
The potential indictment — which must be approved by a grand jury — is expected to focus on Cuba's 1996 downing of two planes operated by a humanitarian group.
Bipartisan bill aims to help civilians exposed to toxic burn pits
A bipartisan group of lawmakers unveiled a bill to help civilians, including law enforcement agents, receive workers' compensation for illnesses like cancer that are often associated with toxic exposure to burn pits.
A Chinese community in New York City reacts to the Trump-Xi Beijing summit
There has been palpable excitement about President Trump's state visit to China in the Queens neighborhood of Flushing, home to one of the largest Asian populations in the U.S.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
HealthWatch
Teens help save man having a heart attack
Three South Florida teenagers helped a 65-year-old having a heart attack. Matt Gutman has the story.
Cruise ship passenger on quarantine experience
Jake Rosmarin, a travel influencer who was on the M/V Hondius as it suffered a hantavirus outbreak, is one of 16 Americans quarantining at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Rosmarin spoke with CBS News about how a five-week trip is now stretching into 12 weeks away from home.
Sponsored
Activities that challenge your mind may help maintain brain health
Challenging your mind, through games and learning new skills, may help reduce your risk of dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Association. (Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association.)
Trump demands Medicaid data for deportation. Some states go further.
Several states have required their health agencies to take on another job: verifying immigration status among Medicaid recipients and reporting them to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
No Americans showing hantavirus symptoms
Jake Rosmarin is one of the 16 Americans at the University of Nebraska Medical Center being monitored for signs of hantavirus. Ian Lee spoke with him and has more details.
World
More World
Trump wraps up visit to China after talks on trade, stern words on Taiwan
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping conclude their summit in Beijing on Friday as both countries look to claim the visit as a win.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe makes rare trip to Cuba as island faces energy crisis
The meeting came as Cuba is contending with a massive power failure to its national energy grid amid U.S. sanctions that have caused an oil and gas shortage crisis.
Exclusive
U.S. moving to indict Cuba's Raúl Castro, sources say
The potential indictment — which must be approved by a grand jury — is expected to focus on Cuba's 1996 downing of two planes operated by a humanitarian group.
Bipartisan bill aims to help civilians exposed to toxic burn pits
A bipartisan group of lawmakers unveiled a bill to help civilians, including law enforcement agents, receive workers' compensation for illnesses like cancer that are often associated with toxic exposure to burn pits.
A Chinese community in New York City reacts to the Trump-Xi Beijing summit
There has been palpable excitement about President Trump's state visit to China in the Queens neighborhood of Flushing, home to one of the largest Asian populations in the U.S.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Yellowstone spinoff "Dutton Ranch" premieres
Yellowstone actors Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly are reprising their roles as the fan-favorite onscreen couple Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton in the newest "Yellowstone" spinoff, "Dutton Ranch." CBS News' Julianne Ferreira has more.
From the archives: Outspoken film critic Rex Reed
Film critic Rex Reed, whose clever and barbed opinions about movies – and movie stars – made him a fixture for decades in print and on television, died on May 12, 2026 at age 87. In this Feb. 4, 2018 "Sunday Morning" profile, Reed talked with Mo Rocca about how he came to live the life of an A-Lister himself. He also dispensed his unvarnished opinions about that year's best picture Oscar-nominees.
"Survivor" contestants on double elimination
(Spoilers ahead) "CBS Mornings" reveals the castaways voted off during Wednesday's episode of "Survivor 50" in another double elimination. They discuss being part of the franchise and their legacies in the game.
National Recording Registry adds Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Ray Charles, more
The Library of Congress revealed this year's list of 25 recordings to be preserved for future generations on the National Recording Registry.
Troubling trend for touring musicians
Major musicians from Post Malone to Meghan Trainor have recently struggled to sell out stadiums and arenas for their tours. It's a troubling trend being called "blue dot fever" and has led to entertainers canceling some or all of their shows. Ash-har Quraishi reports.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
How the Trump-Xi summit could impact AI race
President Trump's visit to Beijing comes as the U.S. and China compete for artificial intelligence supremacy. Matt Sheehan, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, joins with analysis.
Closing arguments held in OpenAI case
Lawyers presented closing arguments Thursday in the OpenAI trial pitting Elon Musk against its CEO, Sam Altman. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more.
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.
Trump Mobile says its T1 mobile phone to ship this week
Trump Mobile's $499 gold-toned phone has faced delays since it was unveiled in June 2025.
Workers are getting paid to teach AI how to do their jobs
AI companies are recruiting a wide range of temp workers, from writers to wine enthusiasts, for hourly-paid gigs to help train their language models.
Science
More Science
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
Emperor penguins in focus as Antarctica talks start in Japan
Greater protections for endangered emperor penguins and how to manage growing tourism are topping the agenda at talks on Antarctica in Japan.
What's in the released UFO files?
The Pentagon released UFO documents on Friday, with President Trump telling the public to "have fun" deciding for itself what is going on. Carter Evans reports.
Trump: UFO files released for transparency
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said it's time for the American people see it for themselves, as the Pentagon started releasing previously classified documents related to UFOs and UAPs. CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson has more.
"The Age of Disclosure" director on UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released and declassified numerous files on UFOs, including eyewitness testimony, photos and reports. Government knowledge of non-human intelligent life was the subject of the documentary "The Age of Disclosure," released in February. Its director and producer, Dan Farah, joins CBS News to discuss.
Crime
More Crime
Former death row inmate granted bond after nearly being executed 3 times
An Oklahoma judge granted bond to former death row inmate Richard Glossip on Thursday, laying the groundwork for his first release from prison since 1997.
Software CEO convicted for running $1 billion Medicare fraud scheme
Brett Blackman was convicted on charges including healthcare and Medicare fraud, and faces decades in prison.
Huge twist in Alex Murdaugh case
Alex Murdaugh, the former South Carolina lawyer who was convicted of murder, will get a new trial and have his convictions overturned, the state's Supreme Court ruled Wednesday. CBS News' Eva Pilgrim reports.
Feds arrest tourist accused of hurling rock at endangered seal's head
The tourist sparked outrage after a witness recorded him chucking a coconut-sized rock at "Lani," a beloved Hawaiian monk seal off a Maui beach.
Videos show shots fired in Philippine Senate
Warning: Distressing video. Authorities in the Philippines tried to arrest a senator on Wednesday, resulting in a burst of gunfire in the Philippine Senate, according to an Associated Press journalist and other witnesses.
Space
More Space
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Artemis crew surprises 5-year-old aspiring astronaut with special gift
The Artemis II team gained a new member, and the crew made sure their youngest teammate had the right stuff for space.
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.
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
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
5/16: The Uplift
David Begnaud meets a man who has attended the Kentucky Derby for 79 years in a row – and his dying wish to make it there one last time.
How a pair of 3-legged pets found their home
Two animals with specials needs are adjusting to their new home in Maryland after recovering together at "Last Chance Animal Rescue." Photojournalist Parrish Smith shows us how Blueberry and Meadow found each other and their forever home.
Restaurants turning back clock for customers
Some restaurants are going retro to try to bring customers into dining rooms. Bradley Blackburn got a taste of how they're putting nostalgia - on the menu.
What U.S. and China want out of talks
Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Trump are discussing a wide range of topics in Beijing, including Taiwan and the war with Iran. Henrietta Levin, a senior fellow with the Freeman Chair in China Studies at CSIS, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss what success would look like for both the U.S. and China during these talks.
Yellowstone spinoff "Dutton Ranch" premieres
Yellowstone actors Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly are reprising their roles as the fan-favorite onscreen couple Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton in the newest "Yellowstone" spinoff, "Dutton Ranch." CBS News' Julianne Ferreira has more.