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.
Sexual Misconduct
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.
What's in the Matt Gaetz House ethics report?
Just before leaving Washington, D.C., for the holidays, the House Ethics Committee released a long-awaited and damning report on the conduct of former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz. Scott MacFarlane has the latest from Capitol Hill.
Sean Casten reacts to Gaetz ethics report
On Monday morning, the public got its first look into the House Ethics Committee's findings on former Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, a Republican. Democratic Rep. Sean Casten of Illinois, who had been pushing for the report's release, joins CBS News with his reaction.
Breaking down the Gaetz House Ethics report
On Monday, the House Ethics Committee released its report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Florida Republican. Congressional investigators say they found substantial evidence President-elect Donald Trump's initial pick for attorney general paid multiple women for sex, including a minor. Gaetz denies any wrongdoing. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane has the details.
NYPD chief resigns amid sexual misconduct claims
NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey has resigned following a bombshell allegation of sexual misconduct on the job.
More on vote to release Gaetz report
Two Republicans voted to release the House Ethics Committee report on the investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz, sources familiar with the decision tell CBS News. Taurean Small reports.
How strong is Hegseth's support in Senate?
The incoming president and vice president are standing firm behind the person they hope will lead the Department of Defense next year. In a social media post Friday morning, President-elect Donald Trump wrote "Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep." CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has more.
Hegseth's lawyer on claims against Trump pick
Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth is continuing to make his case for the defense secretary role to senators on Capitol Hill amid allegations of financial and sexual misconduct, as well as alcohol abuse. Tim Parlatore, Hegseth's attorney, joins "America Decides" to discuss the claims against his client.
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.
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.
Complaints led to Hegseth's nonprofit ouster
CBS News has confirmed President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, was forced to step down as head of a veterans' rights group in 2016 following a series of complaints. CBS News Confirmed verification producer James LaPorta joins with more.
New misconduct claims against Trump pick Hegseth
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the world's most powerful military, is facing new questions amid reports that he was forced out at two veterans groups because of alleged financial and sexual misconduct. Nancy Cordes has more.
Pete Hegseth speaks after New Yorker report
CBS News has confirmed that Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to serve as the next U.S. defense secretary, was forced to step down from a previous leadership role with a nonprofit due to accusations of financial mismanagement, sexual impropriety and repeated intoxication while on the job. "The New Yorker" first reported the allegations. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion spoke with Hegseth on Capitol Hill.
Senators on Gaetz exit, Hegseth allegations
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina responded to Matt Gaetz's withdrawal as President-elect Donald Trump's pick for attorney general by saying he would "not be a rubber stamp to his nominees." Still, he would also "not engage in an angry mob mentality." Political strategists Hyma Moore and Maura Gillespie join to examine what's next for Trump's Cabinet picks.
House Ethics panel member on Gaetz withdrawal
With Matt Gaetz out as President-elect Donald Trump's attorney general pick, what happens to the ethics committee report about him? Democratic Rep. Glenn Ivey of Maryland, member of the panel, joins "America Decides" to discuss what happens next.
Gaetz withdraws; Hegseth courts senators
Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his name from consideration to be President-elect Donald Trump's next attorney general amid allegations of drug abuse and sexual misconduct, which he denies. Pete Hegseth, Trump's pick for defense secretary who is also embroiled in controversy, met with senators Thursday to get them on board with his confirmation despite dealing with sexual assault allegations of his own. CBS News' Nikole Killion and Ed O'Keefe have the latest.
Rep. Wild discusses outcome of ethics meeting
Democratic Rep. Susan Wild of Pennsylvania, ranking member of the House Ethics Committee, spoke to reporters Wednesday following the panel's meeting about the investigation into Matt Gaetz. She said that chairman Michael Guest implied that there was an agreement not to disclose the report, which she called incorrect. She said there is an agreement to have another meeting on Dec. 5.
Senators express doubt on Gaetz confirmation
Can former Rep. Matt Gaetz pass a Senate confirmation? One Republican senator told CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett he wouldn't bet his house on it. Kadia Goba, political reporter for Semafor, and Brakkton Booker, national political correspondent for Politico, join "America Decides" to discuss.
Trump, Vance urging senators to back Gaetz
President-elect Donald Trump is doubling down on his choice for attorney general. Trump is calling senators to push his pick of former Rep. Matt Gaetz, even while he considers making recess appointments. CBS News' Nancy Cordes and Fin Gómez join "America Decides" with the latest.
Ethics panel to meet amid Gaetz report push
At least two of President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet picks are involved in controversy. Now there are questions about whether Matt Gaetz and Pete Hegseth have the support to get confirmed for their intended roles. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has new reporting.
Lawmakers skeptical of some Trump picks
Controversy is growing over some of President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet picks. Lawmakers are pressuring the House Ethics Committee to release a report into Trump's pick for attorney general, former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz. CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett has more. Then, Sophia Cai, a national politics reporter for Axios, joins to discuss.
Live
Rubio says Iran imposing tolls on Strait of Hormuz "not acceptable"
The Secretary of State tempered optimism for a deal to end the Iran war, calling Iran's bid to "create a tolling system" in the Strait of Hormuz "not acceptable."
GOP senators press Blanche on "anti-weaponization fund" in tense meeting
Some Republican senators openly expressed their concerns about the Justice Department's new "anti-weaponization fund" in a tense meeting Thursday with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Stephen Colbert says farewell to "The Late Show" in heartfelt finale
Stephen Colbert hosted "The Late Show" for the final time Thursday night as the franchise came to an end after 33 years.
NATO allies welcome Trump's turnaround on Poland troop deployment
Trump says 5,000 U.S. troops will head for Poland, a week after the White House said a planned deployment of 4,000 was being nixed.
Epstein island trespasser says he was hog-tied, thrown into "dungeon"
Little St. James in the Virgin Islands has attracted seekers lured by tales of Jeffrey Epstein's private island.
CBS News Radio signing off after nearly 100 years: "An American institution"
After nearly a century on the air, CBS News Radio is signing off, with the final reports airing on Friday, May 22.
Several people watched San Diego attack live on video calls, recordings show
At least three people watched a livestream as gunmen filmed their deadly attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday. One viewer urged another to alert law enforcement, but it is not clear if anyone did.
House GOP pulls Iran war resolution that appeared to have enough support to pass
Republicans are struggling to find the votes to dismiss legislation that would compel President Trump to withdraw from the war with Iran.
NASCAR star Kyle Busch dies at 41 after a severe illness, his family says
Kyle Busch's family earlier Thursday announced he had been hospitalized with a "severe illness."
U.S.
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Pentagon releases second batch of UFO files, with more videos
The Pentagon on Friday released a new batch of 64 files related to UFOs, unveiling a second tranche of records under an executive order by President Trump.
Inside the Congressional Record: How history gets made as D.C. sleeps
The production of the Congressional Record is one of the unseen cogs in the congressional machine, arriving with little fanfare like a newspaper on the Capitol's doorstep every day.
CBS News Radio signing off after nearly 100 years: "An American institution"
After nearly a century on the air, CBS News Radio is signing off, with the final reports airing on Friday, May 22.
Stephen Colbert says farewell to "The Late Show" in heartfelt finale
Stephen Colbert hosted "The Late Show" for the final time Thursday night as the franchise came to an end after 33 years.
GOP senators press Blanche on "anti-weaponization fund" in tense meeting
Some Republican senators openly expressed their concerns about the Justice Department's new "anti-weaponization fund" in a tense meeting Thursday with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
MoneyWatch
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Why Google's Gemini Spark AI agent could be a game changer
AI tools that autonomously perform tasks for users mark a major step forward from chatbots, according to tech experts.
Consumers are still spending, but cracks are starting to show
Shoppers continue to open their pocketbooks, boosting retailers like Walmart, even as inflation jumps to its highest level in three years.
Summer air travel could be rough. Here's how travelers can prepare.
A new report finds that on-time flight arrivals are at their worst level since 2014, with fuel costs and weather adding to summer travel risks.
Record 274 climbers scale Nepal's side of Mount Everest in single day
A record 274 climbers scaled the Nepal side of Mount Everest in a single day, officials said. They took advantage of clear weather.
World Cup expected to generate more in sports bets than the Super Bowl
Americans are expected to wager more than $3 billion amid the expansion of legalized sports betting in the U.S.
Politics
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Pentagon releases second batch of UFO files, with more videos
The Pentagon on Friday released a new batch of 64 files related to UFOs, unveiling a second tranche of records under an executive order by President Trump.
Primary fight in key California district highlights questions about Democrats' future
The latest fight over the Democratic Party's direction is playing out in a competitive California House primary, as progressives accuse party leaders of trying to muscle a moderate past a Latino challenger in a heavily Hispanic district.
Inside the Congressional Record: How history gets made as D.C. sleeps
The production of the Congressional Record is one of the unseen cogs in the congressional machine, arriving with little fanfare like a newspaper on the Capitol's doorstep every day.
First on CBS
New site aims to track $12.5B in air traffic control system upgrades
The Department of Transportation is rolling out a new website to track progress in the sprawling effort to modernize the nation's air traffic control system.
House GOP pulls Iran war resolution that appeared to have enough support to pass
Republicans are struggling to find the votes to dismiss legislation that would compel President Trump to withdraw from the war with Iran.
HealthWatch
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Ebola treatment center in Congo set on fire as fear and anger grow
People set fire to an Ebola treatment center in a town at the heart of the outbreak in eastern Congo as fear and anger grow over a health crisis that doctors are struggling to contain.
New weight-loss drug Retatrutide in trials
A new weight-loss drug, so new it is not on the market yet, is showing promising results in trials, doing much more than what current medications can. Dr. Jon LaPook breaks it down.
U.S. steps up Ebola prevention efforts
The U.S. is stepping up efforts to prevent Ebola from entering the country through its airports, with one flight diverted to Canada on Wednesday evening. Ian Lee reports from Detroit.
U.S. doctor with Ebola feared he "wasn't going to make it" before evacuation
Dr. Peter Stafford was working with the missionary group Serge in Congo when he was infected with Ebola.
Is "fibermaxxing" good for your health?
Health and fitness influencers are pushing people to consume more fiber. Keri Glassman, Nutritious Life founder and CEO, joins with her take.
World
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NATO allies welcome Trump's turnaround on Poland troop deployment
Trump says 5,000 U.S. troops will head for Poland, a week after the White House said a planned deployment of 4,000 was being nixed.
Ebola treatment center in Congo set on fire as fear and anger grow
People set fire to an Ebola treatment center in a town at the heart of the outbreak in eastern Congo as fear and anger grow over a health crisis that doctors are struggling to contain.
2 climbers die on Everest as record-holder warns of overcrowding
At least five climbers have died during this Everest season. A U.S. and a Czech climber died on Mount Makalu earlier this month.
Body found stuffed in barrel linked to Belgrade police chief
Police found the body of a man stuffed in a barrel following a shooting in a restaurant that led to the arrest of Belgrade's police chief, prosecutors said.
Live
Rubio says Iran imposing tolls on Strait of Hormuz "not acceptable"
The Secretary of State tempered optimism for a deal to end the Iran war, calling Iran's bid to "create a tolling system" in the Strait of Hormuz "not acceptable."
Entertainment
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CBS News Radio signing off after nearly 100 years: "An American institution"
After nearly a century on the air, CBS News Radio is signing off, with the final reports airing on Friday, May 22.
Stephen Colbert says farewell to "The Late Show" in heartfelt finale
Stephen Colbert hosted "The Late Show" for the final time Thursday night as the franchise came to an end after 33 years.
All 24 "Survivor 50" castaways discuss season
Throughout the airing of "Survivor 50," castaways joined "CBS Mornings" to discuss their time on the show. In this marathon, relive the twists and turns and hear from all 24 contestants about what it was like to be a part of the 50th season.
"Survivor 50" finalists discuss strategy, how they planned to win
Aubry won the record $2 million prize for earning 8-of-11 votes in Wednesday night's finale of "Survivor 50."
"Survivor 50" players on game strategies
"Survivor" host Jeff Probst joins Gayle King and the top five contestants from "Survivor 50" after the jury crowned a winner in the legendary game.
Technology
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Technology
Ring founder on the Fire Watch feature
As thousands evacuate their homes in Southern California to flee the Sandy Fire, Ring doorbell and security cameras are helping residents and emergency crews stay informed and stay safe. Ring founder Jamie Siminoff joins CBS News to discuss the Fire Watch feature.
Stanford student on how AI impacted his class
A recent opinion piece in The New York Times spotlighted the impact of artificial intelligence on the 2026 graduating class at one of the world's most prestigious universities. The author, Stanford student Theo Baker, joins to discuss.
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.
Why Google's Gemini Spark AI agent could be a game changer
AI tools that autonomously perform tasks for users mark a major step forward from chatbots, according to tech experts.
Trump postponing AI executive order "because I didn't like what I was seeing"
President Trump said he doesn't want to "do anything that's going to get in the way" of leading the world on the technology.
Science
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Atlantic hurricane season is coming up. Here's what NOAA predicts.
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is quickly approaching, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is releasing its forecast for what to expect.
2 humpback whales swam record-breaking distance, photos reveal
The pictures represent the longest-distance ever seen between two pictures of the same humpback whale, researchers said.
Live chicks hatched from artificial eggshell, biotech company says
Independent scientists say the technology, while impressive, lacks some components to be truly considered an artificial egg.
El Niño could bring "double whammy" of high tide flooding, NOAA warns
The upcoming El Niño could trigger frequent and widespread flooding in coastal areas around the United States, even when storms aren't actively taking place, scientists warn.
New dinosaur weighing as much as 9 elephants identified by scientists
The long-necked herbivore is the largest ever found in Southeast Asia, researchers said.
Crime
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Body found stuffed in barrel linked to Belgrade police chief
Police found the body of a man stuffed in a barrel following a shooting in a restaurant that led to the arrest of Belgrade's police chief, prosecutors said.
Several people watched San Diego attack live on video calls, recordings show
At least three people watched a livestream as gunmen filmed their deadly attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday. One viewer urged another to alert law enforcement, but it is not clear if anyone did.
Epstein island trespasser says he was hog-tied, thrown into "dungeon"
Little St. James in the Virgin Islands has attracted seekers lured by tales of Jeffrey Epstein's private island.
Tennessee stops execution after failing to find vein for lethal drugs
Tennessee called off the planned execution of Tony Carruthers on Thursday, his attorney said.
Charges dismissed for ex-official at school where 6-year-old shot teacher
A judge has dismissed all charges against a former school administrator accused of ignoring warnings about a 6-year-old with a gun.
Space
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SpaceX launch of more powerful Super Heavy-Starship rocket scrubbed at last minute
The new rocket features a host of upgrades intended to improve safety and performance of the world's most powerful rocket.
SpaceX to explore "the true nature of the universe" as it plans IPO
Elon Musk's SpaceX is moving ahead with plans to go public in what some expect will be the biggest IPO ever.
SpaceX launches cargo ship to International Space Station
The International Space Station-bound SpaceX Cargo Dragon is loaded with 6,500 pounds of needed equipment, research gear and crew supplies.
NASA maps show Earth's brightest and darkest regions at night
Researchers expected to find "a gradual increase in artificial light at night," but instead saw "much more nuanced patterns," NASA said.
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.
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.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
U.S. braces for Memorial Day holiday travel
Memorial Day weekend travel is expected to break records despite rising gas prices. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave reports.
Where talks between the U.S. and Iran stand
Diplomatic efforts to end the Iran war continue despite ongoing Trump threats of resuming strikes. CBS News' Courtney Kealy reports.
Is the DOJ "anti-weaponization" fund legal?
More concerns are emerging about the legality of the Justice Department's "anti-weaponization" fund linked to a settlement with President Trump over an IRS probe. Peter Shane, a professor at NYU School of Law, joins CBS News with more.
Single Gen Z women buying more homes than men
Data from the National Association of Realtors shows that 35% of single women ages 18 to 26 are buying homes compared to just 18% of single Gen Z men. However, as a whole, the age group is struggling to keep up with others when it comes to owning a home. Jessica Lautz, the deputy chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
What's stopping potential U.S.-Iran peace deal?
The Iranian government is reviewing the latest U.S. proposal to end the war. CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean analyzes the situation.