Hegseth strikes defiant tone as Trump weighs several options for replacing him
Several candidates under consideration to replace Trump's defense pick, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst.
Pete Hegseth
Hegseth tries to gain Republican support
President-elect Donald Trump's defense secretary pick Pete Hegseth met with lawmakers on Wednesday to try to firm up support among Republican senators for his nomination. He is facing mounting allegations but denies any wrongdoing. CBS News political reporter Olivia Rinaldi has more.
Trump taps Peter Navarro as top trade adviser
President-elect Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Peter Navarro will return to the White House as his senior counselor for trade and manufacturing. Navarro, who served in Trump's first administration, was behind bars for several months this year for defying a subpoena from the House Select Jan. 6 Committee. Tom LoBianco, co-founder and national political reporter for 24sight News, and Sabrina Rodriguez, national politics reporter at The Washington Post, join with analysis.
Source: DeSantis replacing Hegseth "very real"
Over the last several years, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has flipped from close ally to campaign rival of President-elect Donald Trump. In the coming months, he may work directly under Trump after reports that he is being considered as a possible defense secretary replacement. CBS News' Fin Gómez and Ed O'Keefe have more.
Hegseth defiant as Trump floats replacements
President-elect Donald Trump's choice for defense secretary, former Fox News anchor Pete Hegseth, was on Capitol Hill again Wednesday trying to wrangle support for his confirmation. As Hegseth vows to fight on, CBS News has learned a new potential contender for the job: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. CBS News' Nikole Killion and Nancy Cordes report.
Hegseth speaks out on Trump's requests
Pete Hegseth is characterizing allegations around him as distractions as he attempts to gain the support of senators ahead of his confirmation hearing for the secretary of defense post. Politico's Megan Messerly has more on the growing concerns about Hegseth.
Will Hegseth stay in fight for post?
Pete Hegseth is saying President-elect Donald Trump told him to fight out the swirling backlash he is receiving over allegations of his misconduct. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes has more on Trump's second term.
Hawley says Hegseth cancelled meeting
Sen. Joshua Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, says Pete Hegseth's team canceled a meeting before the Senate confirmation process begins. Axios' Juliegrace Brufke joins CBS News with more on President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of defense.
Will DeSantis replace Hegseth pick?
President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of defense, news host Pete Hegseth, continues to face mounting backlash over allegations of impropriety in his past. CBS News campaign reporters Olivia Rinaldi and Taurean Small have more on what may happen next.
Trump considering replacing Hegseth
President-elect Donald Trump is considering replacing his pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, sources say. The embattled Fox News host is facing allegations of sexual assault, alcohol abuse and financial mismanagement. Hegseth's attorney says he denies the allegations.
Hegseth comments on mother with nom in limbo
Pete Hegseth's mother joined Fox News Wednesday morning to defend her son and dismiss a critical email she wrote years ago about his behavior toward women. CBS News congressional reporter Nikole Killion spoke with Hegseth about the interview amid reporting that President-elect Donald Trump is considering dropping Hegseth as his pick for defense secretary and giving the nomination to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
GOP insiders sought Hegseth's removal as leader of veterans' group in 2016
A Trump loyalist is at the center of new allegations facing Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary.
Trump considers swapping Hegseth for DeSantis
Sources tell CBS News President-elect Donald Trump is considering making Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis his pick for secretary of defense after allegations of misconduct surfaced from Pete Hegseth's time working with veterans' charities. CBS News political reporter Jake Rosen has more.
Reaction to Pete Hegseth's latest controversy
President-elect Donald Trump's defense secretary pick Pete Hegseth met with Republican senators on Tuesday amid allegations ranging from sexual assault to workplace misconduct. Hegseth and his attorney have denied any wrongdoing. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes and CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane report on the mixed response from GOP senators.
Some GOP senators seem tepid on Hegseth nomination as allegations pile up
The concern could put another one of President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet picks at risk of falling short of the support needed for confirmation.
Hegseth defense secretary pick on shaky ground
Pete Hegseth, a military veteran and Fox News personality picked by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as defense secretary, is facing headwinds on Capitol Hill amid allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking. CBS News has learned Hegseth may not have enough support from Republican senators. Nikole Killion and John Dickerson have more.
Some GOP senators appear tepid on Hegseth
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary, met with Republican senators Tuesday for the second day in a row amid news that GOP insiders pushed to remove him as the leader of a veterans' group in 2016 over allegations of financial mismanagement, repeated intoxication and sexual misconduct. Hegseth's attorney has denied all allegations against his client. CBS News' Nikole Killion and James LaPorta have the latest.
Ex-congressmen on fight to confirm Trump picks
Now that President-elect Donald Trump has named most of his top Cabinet roles, how likely will they get through the confirmation process? Former Republican Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan and former Democratic Rep. Mondaire Jones of New York join "America Decides" to weigh in.
Trump transition team on Hegseth
President-elect Donald Trump's transition team is dismissing misconduct concerns surrounding Pete Hegseth's past. CBS News' Nancy Cordes breaks down how the former president's team is reacting to reports of Hegseth's behavior while running several organizations to benefit veterans.
Hegseth pushes for Senate confirmation
CBS News' Nikole Killion has asked Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of defense, about the allegations made against him involving sexual and financial misconduct. Killion reports from Capitol Hill on his responses as a potential government shutdown looms.
Trump attends Florida memorial service
President-elect Donald Trump attended a memorial service for three Florida law enforcement officials killed during a crash. Gov. Ron DeSantis was also in attendance. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes reports as more allegations emerge against Trump's Cabinet pick Pete Hegseth.
Hegseth dodges questions on misconduct
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of defense, dodged more questions on alleged sexual and financial misconduct carried out while he served as the head of a veterans' charity. CBS News' Nikole Killion and Scott MacFarlane have more from Capitol Hill.
Hegseth passing on meetings with moderates
President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet choices have been making the rounds on Capitol Hill to meet with the senators who will vote for their confirmation, but defense secretary pick Pete Hegseth has so far kept his meetings to those who have been firm in their support of Trump. Hegseth is facing renewed allegations of misconduct from when he was part of a veterans charity in 2016. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane has more on that and talks over federal disaster relief funds.
Hegseth meeting with Republican senators
CBS News has confirmed that allegations of financial mismanagement, repeated intoxication and sexual misconduct forced President-elect Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, to step down from a veterans charity in 2016. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes has more on how that's playing into Hegseth's confirmation process.
Hegseth faces new misconduct allegations
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary, is facing new misconduct allegations after previous allegations of sexual assault. CBS News confirmed Hegseth was forced to step down from a veterans nonprofit after being accused of alcohol abuse, sexual misconduct and financial mismanagement. Hegseth's attorney says he denies the allegations.
Trump will push for "anti-weaponization fund" if Blanche not confirmed, he says
Todd Blanche previously repeatedly told Congress the "anti-weaponization fund" was "dead."
First on CBS
U.S., Israel preparing to bombard energy-related targets in Iran, sources say
The U.S. and Israel plan to hit Iran's energy infrastructure as soon as this weekend, although no final decision has been made, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
DOJ to dismiss Reflecting Pool vandalism charges, citing "botched installation"
Federal prosecutors moved to dismiss an indictment charging U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn with ripping the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, saying the damage was caused by "botched installation and not vandalism."
Live
Iran accuses U.S. of escalating tensions as Washington plans more strikes
Iran accused the U.S. of escalating tensions in the region and said it's preparing its own response if Washington goes ahead with new strikes.
Savannah Guthrie asks for answers about mom Nancy after notes released
Savannah Guthrie said she and her family have been "in agony and despair ever since" her mother Nancy's disappearance in February.
Spain to put containment fence around Ceuta after migrants rush border
Most migrants who entered the tiny Spanish territory of Ceuta have been returned to Morocco, Spain's authorities said Saturday.
UEFA says it has lost confidence in FIFA leadership after investment plan
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino had proposed creating a $20 billion company to run the World Cup with private investors but drew backlash that grew every day since Tuesday's announcement.
Several people killed in explosion at Moscow restaurant, Russian officials say
An improvised explosive device detonated at a restaurant Saturday in central Moscow, according to Russian state media.
Wildfire danger in Europe shifts to Greece as evacuation orders remain in France
For Greece, the danger carried grim resonance: a 2018 wildfire at the seaside community of Mati, near Athens, killed 104 people.
U.S.
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Vincent Pastore, famous for his role in "The Sopranos," dies at 80
Vincent Pastore played Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on all six seasons of "The Sopranos," which aired from 1999 to 2007.
Savannah Guthrie asks for answers about mom Nancy after notes released
Savannah Guthrie said she and her family have been "in agony and despair ever since" her mother Nancy's disappearance in February.
A brief timeline of Iranian cyberattacks on the U.S.
Investigators are probing whether Iranian hackers are behind this week's malicious cyber activity against water systems in Minnesota. If they are found to be the culprits, it would not be the first time.
FIFA scraps its World Cup investment plan after backlash
FIFA is shelving a controversial plan that would have allowed for billions of dollars in private commercial investment in the World Cup after the proposal was met with fierce opposition from its member nations.
DOJ to dismiss Reflecting Pool vandalism charges, citing "botched installation"
Federal prosecutors moved to dismiss an indictment charging U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn with ripping the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, saying the damage was caused by "botched installation and not vandalism."
MoneyWatch
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Nearly 1 in 4 Americans want CEOs to "stop being greedy," survey finds
New poll explores what people wish corporate leaders understood about economic life in the U.S. today.
Families sue Meta, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube over deaths of 4 teens
The families of four children who died by suicide allege that using social media led to depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.
New York sues Kalshi, alleging it enables illegal gambling
A growing number of U.S. states are seeking to crack down on prediction markets, but face pushback from federal regulators.
OCTROT heated blankets and throws recalled after fires and injuries
Chinese-made electric bedding poses "risk of serious injury or death," according to U.S. product safety regulators.
Anthropic reveals Claude "gained unauthorized access" to "real-world systems"
Anthropic's artificial intelligence model Claude "gained unauthorized access" to three outside organizations on three separate occasions during testing.
Politics
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Bombing in Colombia injures 11, days before presidential inauguration
President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella condemned the bombing and said "terrorism will not intimidate Colombia."
Trump will push for "anti-weaponization fund" if Blanche not confirmed, he says
Todd Blanche previously repeatedly told Congress the "anti-weaponization fund" was "dead."
A brief timeline of Iranian cyberattacks on the U.S.
Investigators are probing whether Iranian hackers are behind this week's malicious cyber activity against water systems in Minnesota. If they are found to be the culprits, it would not be the first time.
DOJ to dismiss Reflecting Pool vandalism charges, citing "botched installation"
Federal prosecutors moved to dismiss an indictment charging U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn with ripping the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, saying the damage was caused by "botched installation and not vandalism."
First on CBS
U.S., Israel preparing to bombard energy-related targets in Iran, sources say
The U.S. and Israel plan to hit Iran's energy infrastructure as soon as this weekend, although no final decision has been made, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
HealthWatch
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She went to "hell and back" for a diagnosis. Then her sister showed symptoms.
Megan Kaverman's weight gain, fatigue, high blood pressure and other symptoms were dismissed for years before she was diagnosed with a rare heart disease.
Peptide vendor sentenced for "trail of harm"
A federal judge sentenced the owner of a peptide company to nearly 6 years in prison for deceiving customers and selling products adulterated with steroids, citing a "trail of harm." Adam Yamaguchi reports.
People with disabilities fear service cuts as DOJ questions legal protections
The Department of Justice in June issued a legal opinion saying states aren't required to provide services that help people with disabilities remain in their homes.
Senate committee advances Dr. Erica Schwartz to be Trump's CDC director
If confirmed by the full Senate, Dr. Erica Schwartz would become the 22nd director of the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Millions of kids have caffeine in their diet. It's not all coming from soda.
On any given day, kids consume an average of 19.4 milligrams of caffeine, which is about two-thirds of what's in a can of Coke, according to a new report.
World
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Several people killed in explosion at Moscow restaurant, Russian officials say
An improvised explosive device detonated at a restaurant Saturday in central Moscow, according to Russian state media.
Wildfire danger in Europe shifts to Greece as evacuation orders remain in France
For Greece, the danger carried grim resonance: a 2018 wildfire at the seaside community of Mati, near Athens, killed 104 people.
Bombing in Colombia injures 11, days before presidential inauguration
President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella condemned the bombing and said "terrorism will not intimidate Colombia."
Europe continues to celebrate Pride after attack on Berlin parade
Large Pride events in Hamburg and Amsterdam are underway after last week's deadly ramming attack in Berlin.
UEFA says it has lost confidence in FIFA leadership after investment plan
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino had proposed creating a $20 billion company to run the World Cup with private investors but drew backlash that grew every day since Tuesday's announcement.
Entertainment
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Vincent Pastore, famous for his role in "The Sopranos," dies at 80
Vincent Pastore played Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on all six seasons of "The Sopranos," which aired from 1999 to 2007.
8/1: CBS Saturday Morning
French wine region under fire threat, latest on migrants entering Spanish territory, plus all about sake.
GA-20, Charlie Musselwhite perform together
Grammy-winning harmonica virtuoso Charlie Musselwhite is a pioneer of the 60s Chicago blues scene. New England blues trio GA-20 is celebrated for their raucous sound and dynamic live performances. GA-20 and Charlie Musselwhite join forces for an electrifying blues collaboration, culminating in their new album "Blues Now!"
GA-20, Charlie Musselwhite perform together
Grammy-winning harmonica virtuoso Charlie Musselwhite is a pioneer of the 60s Chicago blues scene. New England blues trio GA-20 is celebrated for their raucous sound and dynamic live performances. GA-20 and Charlie Musselwhite join forces for an electrifying blues collaboration, culminating in their new album "Blues Now!"
GA-20 & Charlie Musselwhite play "Crazy Love"
Grammy-winning harmonica virtuoso Charlie Musselwhite is a pioneer of the 60s Chicago blues scene. New England blues trio GA-20 is celebrated for their raucous sound and dynamic live performances. GA-20 and Charlie Musselwhite join forces for an electrifying blues collaboration, culminating in their new album "Blues Now!"
Technology
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Technology
Anthropic claims its AI models went rogue
Anthropic claims its artificial intelligence models went rogue during testing and hacked into three other companies. Less than two weeks ago, OpenAI reported a similar incident for one of its models. Stephen Witt, author of "The Thinking Machine," joins to unpack the situation.
Trump blames Minnesota for water cyberattack
The U.S. government is investigating whether Iran is behind a cyberattack on water systems in seven states. In Minnesota alone, more than 30 community water systems were impacted. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga has the details.
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.
Families sue Meta, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube over deaths of 4 teens
The families of four children who died by suicide allege that using social media led to depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.
Is Iran targeting the U.S. water supply?
Investigators are examining whether Iran was involved with a series of cyberattacks on water systems in Minnesota and other states. Nicole Sganga reports.
Science
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Rare footage of humpback whale birth captured on drone video
The footage is believed to be only the fourth complete humpback whale birth ever recorded on film anywhere in the world and the first-ever captured by drone.
Rare video shows humpback whale birth
A photographer operating a drone off the coast of Australia captured a humpback whale giving birth. It's believed to be the first time such a birth has been recorded by a drone.
How plants feel
Science shows us that, even though plants don't have brains, they seem to have a nervous system that responds to touch in remarkable ways. Robert Krulwich and puppeteer Barnaby Dixon explore the science of thigmomorphogenesis (the phenomenon of plants reacting to outside stimulae), a discussion that plants the seeds for a song.
Nearly 30 beluga whales sent to the U.S.
Nearly 30 beluga whales were sent to aquariums across the U.S. in a multinational emergency operation after their home aquarium in Canada shuttered. Jared Ochacher reports.
SpaceX launches first rocket since IPO
Elon Musk's aerospace company, SpaceX, launched its massive Starship rocket in its first test flight since the company went public. Since achieving the largest IPO in history, SpaceX's stock has dropped drastically. Mark Strassmann takes a look.
Crime
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Crime
FTC says ticket reseller violated laws
Last year, "CBS Saturday Morning" spoke with ticket reselling company Elite Events and Tickets about its methodology and practices. Now, the Federal Trade Commission is fining the company, saying it violated the Better Online Ticket Sales Act. Elite Events and Tickets neither admitted to nor denied the FTC's allegations.
Police release Nancy Guthrie ransom notes
It has been six months since Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today Show" co-host Savannah Guthrie, vanished from her Arizona home. Investigators have now released two ransom notes with "distinctive linguistic characteristics" and are asking for the public's help in identifying their writer.
Savannah Guthrie asks for answers about mom Nancy after notes released
Savannah Guthrie said she and her family have been "in agony and despair ever since" her mother Nancy's disappearance in February.
Notes released in Nancy Guthrie case
For the first time, the Pima County Sheriff's Office released a pair of emails allegedly sent by Nancy Guthrie's kidnapper, who said she had died shortly after she had been abducted. Tom Hanson reports.
Nancy Guthrie ransom notes released
Possible ransom notes released by the Pima County Sheriff's Department in the hopes of identifying Nancy Guthrie's kidnapper or kidnappers include specific details about Guthrie's white Apple Watch and allege that she died unexpectedly of a medical condition and "is buried in nature." CBS News' Anna Schecter breaks it down.
Space
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Russian Soyuz brings three home after 8 months at space station
The Soyuz MS-28 landing in Kazakhstan brought a 241-day stay in space to a successful conclusion.
SpaceX's Super Heavy-Starship blasts off on 13th test flight
An upgraded version of the world's most powerful rocket is key to landing NASA astronauts on the moon in the agency's Artemis program.
Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say
When scientists examined the preserved fragments of a meteorite that crashed in 2024, they found brine-like fluids and key molecules.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
Latest Galleries
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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.
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.
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?
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
8/1: CBS Saturday Morning
French wine region under fire threat, latest on migrants entering Spanish territory, plus all about sake.
FTC says ticket reseller violated laws
Last year, "CBS Saturday Morning" spoke with ticket reselling company Elite Events and Tickets about its methodology and practices. Now, the Federal Trade Commission is fining the company, saying it violated the Better Online Ticket Sales Act. Elite Events and Tickets neither admitted to nor denied the FTC's allegations.
Police release Nancy Guthrie ransom notes
It has been six months since Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today Show" co-host Savannah Guthrie, vanished from her Arizona home. Investigators have now released two ransom notes with "distinctive linguistic characteristics" and are asking for the public's help in identifying their writer.
GA-20, Charlie Musselwhite perform together
Grammy-winning harmonica virtuoso Charlie Musselwhite is a pioneer of the 60s Chicago blues scene. New England blues trio GA-20 is celebrated for their raucous sound and dynamic live performances. GA-20 and Charlie Musselwhite join forces for an electrifying blues collaboration, culminating in their new album "Blues Now!"
GA-20, Charlie Musselwhite perform together
Grammy-winning harmonica virtuoso Charlie Musselwhite is a pioneer of the 60s Chicago blues scene. New England blues trio GA-20 is celebrated for their raucous sound and dynamic live performances. GA-20 and Charlie Musselwhite join forces for an electrifying blues collaboration, culminating in their new album "Blues Now!"