Senate confirms Pete Hegseth as defense secretary; Vance casts tiebreaking vote
Pete Hegseth's nomination once appeared on shaky ground amid allegations that included sexual misconduct and financial mismanagement.
United States Senate
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.
Where does RFK Jr.'s nomination stand?
Health and Human Services secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to appear before senators on Capitol Hill next week. It's a highly anticipated confirmation hearing partly because of the former presidential candidate's well-documented history of spreading false and misleading vaccine claims. Julie Rovner, chief Washington correspondent for KFF Health News, joins "America Decides" to discuss the state of Kennedy's nomination.
Trump, Biden pardons draw bipartisan ire
After the Justice Department's four-year effort to arrest, prosecute and punish those behind the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, President Trump granted clemency to roughly 1,500 people Monday night. Earlier that day, then-President Biden also issued preemptive pardons to his family members. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane and Ed O'Keefe join "America Decides" with the latest on the fallout.
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 Marco Rubio as secretary of state
The Senate quickly confirmed Rubio as the nation's top diplomat hours after Trump was sworn in.
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.
Jon Husted, Ohio's lieutenant governor, to fill Vance's Senate seat
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine named Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to fill the Senate seat that Vice President-elect JD Vance is vacating.
What to expect from Trump's climate policy
President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency faced a confirmation hearing on Thursday. Former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin said he believes in climate change, despite Trump calling it a hoax. CBS News senior coordinating producer of climate Tracy Wholf has more.
Main takeaways from confirmation hearings
On Thursday, Senators heard from President-elect Donald Trump's picks for secretary of the Interior, secretary of the Treasury, Environmental Protection Agency administrator and Housing and Urban Development secretary. CBS News political reporter Taurean Small has more and political reporter Aaron Navarro reports on Trump's latest moves.
More Trump nominees sit for Senate hearings
President-elect Donald Trump's picks for the Treasury, Housing and Urban Development and Interior departments, along with the Environmental Protection Agency, went before lawmakers on Thursday. Among them included former presidential candidate Doug Burgum and billionaire Trump donor Scott Bessent. CBS News' Nancy Cordes and Taurean Small have more.
Who is Ashley Moody? DeSantis' pick for Rubio's Senate seat explained
The Florida attorney general will serve as U.S. senator until the next general election in 2026 when the seat returns to the ballot.
Trump's AG pick grilled over false 2020 claims
Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for attorney general, faced questions on Justice Department independence and the 2020 election at her confirmation hearing. Nikole Killion reports from Capitol Hill.
Key takeaways from Bondi confirmation hearing
Senators questioned several nominees for key roles in President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration on Wednesday, including his attorney general pick Pam Bondi. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion reports from Capitol Hill.
Pam Bondi questioned on loyalty to Trump
While Democratic senators expressed concerns over attorney general nominee Pam Bondi's loyalty to President-elect Donald Trump at her confirmation hearing Wednesday, she promised that under her leadership the Justice Department will have "one tier of justice for all." Political strategists Justin Sayfie and Hyma Moore join "America Decides" to weigh in.
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 tells Senate committee the "top priority" of State Department will be U.S.
Sen. Marco Rubio, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the State Department as secretary of state, answered questions Wednesday from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
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.
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.
Hegseth to face tough confirmation hearing
It will be a busy week on Capitol Hill as Senate confirmation hearings begin for more than a dozen of President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet picks. The first hearing is Tuesday morning for Pete Hegseth, Trump's controversial choice to lead the Department of Defense. CBS News chief election and campaign correspondent Robert Costa reports.
Senators weigh pushing back on Trump's picks
Democratic Sen. John Fetterman met with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, and now he's planning on voting for some of his Cabinet picks. But will other Democrats join him? NOTUS reporter Riley Rogerson joins "America Decides" with more.
Why is Gabbard confirmation hearing delayed?
President-elect Donald Trump's pick for director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, is not facing a confirmation hearing this week. Sen. John Barrasso says a "paperwork problem" is holding that up. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane has the details.
Vance: "Real opportunity" to grab Greenland
President-elect Donald Trump wants to exert more influence over Greenland, and Vice President-elect JD Vance says there's "a deal to be made." Gram Slattery, national political reporter for Reuters, and Daniella Diaz, congressional reporter for Politico, join "America Decides" with analysis.
Trump touts first-year accomplishments in lengthy White House briefing
President Trump spoke in the White House briefing room, marking the first year of his second term before departing for a high-pressure trip to Europe.
DOJ subpoenas Walz, Frey, others in probe alleging immigration obstruction
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and others were subpoenaed in connection with a DOJ probe into an alleged conspiracy to impede federal immigration officers, three sources said.
Exclusive
"Mastermind" of Minnesota's biggest fraud scheme speaks out
In an exclusive interview from her jail cell, Aimee Bock defended her conduct in Minnesota's Feeding Our Future fraud case, but admitted regrets.
Air Force One headed to Davos turns around after "minor electrical issue," Leavitt says
A minor electrical issue forced Air Force One to turn around and return to the U.S. less than an hour after takeoff as it was headed for Switzerland with President Trump aboard, White House officials said.
Halligan exits DOJ after judge bars her continued use of U.S. attorney title
Lindsey Halligan has departed the Justice Department after a federal judge Tuesday barred her from referring to herself as a U.S. attorney in court filings.
Commuter train in Spain hits collapsed wall, killing at least 1 person
A commuter train hit a collapsed retaining wall near Barcelona on Tuesday, killing one person and injuring at least 15 people, according to officials.
U.S. seizes a seventh Venezuelan-linked oil tanker in Caribbean
The U.S. has seized seven Venezuelan-linked oil tankers since Dec. 10, 2025.
Danish pension fund says it's selling all its U.S. Treasuries
The chief investment officer of AkademikerPension said the decision was not directly related to the rift between the U.S. and Greenland.
Second lady Usha Vance announces she is pregnant with fourth child
Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance announced they are expecting their fourth child.
U.S.
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Air Force One headed to Davos turns around after "minor electrical issue," Leavitt says
A minor electrical issue forced Air Force One to turn around and return to the U.S. less than an hour after takeoff as it was headed for Switzerland with President Trump aboard, White House officials said.
Former sports reporter Michele Tafoya files to run for U.S. Senate in Minnesota
Michele Tafoya is seeking the open seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Tina Smith.
How parents are finding community support in delaying smartphones
As parents grapple with their children's technology use, new guidance goes beyond individual behavior to approach the digital ecosystem.
Timothy Busfield ordered released from jail pending trial in child sex abuse
A judge has ordered that actor Timothy Busfield be released from jail during a detention hearing on child sex abuse charges.
Carlos Beltrán, Andruw Jones elected to National Baseball Hall of Fame
Carlos Beltrán was a nine-time All-Star during his 20-year MLB career. Andruw Jones was a five-time All-Star and won 10 Gold Gloves.
MoneyWatch
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Lululemon pulls "Get Low" leggings from website amid sheer fabric complaints
The company said its "Get Low" collection is temporarily unavailable for sale online, but remains in stock in stores while it reviews customer feedback.
Danish pension fund says it's selling all its U.S. Treasuries
The chief investment officer of AkademikerPension said the decision was not directly related to the rift between the U.S. and Greenland.
Trump's 10% credit card cap deadline is here. Will card companies comply?
President Trump called for a one-year 10% cap on credit card rates starting Jan. 20. Here's what credit card companies are doing.
A new buy now, pay later option from Affirm will help tenants cover rent
A new BNPL pilot from financial technology company Affirm will give renters the option to break up their rent into two equal payments.
Netflix revises its offer for Warner Bros. Discovery, making it all cash
The streaming service is sweetening its offer amid Paramount Skydance's hostile takeover bid for the Hollywood studio.
Politics
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Air Force One headed to Davos turns around after "minor electrical issue," Leavitt says
A minor electrical issue forced Air Force One to turn around and return to the U.S. less than an hour after takeoff as it was headed for Switzerland with President Trump aboard, White House officials said.
Former sports reporter Michele Tafoya files to run for U.S. Senate in Minnesota
Michele Tafoya is seeking the open seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Tina Smith.
U.S. seizes a seventh Venezuelan-linked oil tanker in Caribbean
The U.S. has seized seven Venezuelan-linked oil tankers since Dec. 10, 2025.
Concerns mount over Iranian-American journalist wrongfully detained in Iran
Lawyers for Reza Valizadeh, a U.S. citizen arrested in 2024 by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, filed a petition Tuesday with the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
Supreme Court to weigh Trump's bid to oust Lisa Cook from Fed board
President Trump moved to fire Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in August.
HealthWatch
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Measles cases surge in South Carolina as U.S. risks elimination status
An infectious disease physician and former CDC official said he does not "have faith" that the U.S. is "handling measles very well."
Tylenol not linked to autism, new study shows
A review of studies published in The Lancet found no link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, contradicting the Trump administration's recent claims.
Woman gets her life back after rare transplant: "Prepared for the worst"
Lacy Cornelius Boyd needed IV nutrition and an ileostomy bag after a devastating car crash. A rare transplant was her only option.
Study finds no link between Tylenol and autism
A new analysis of dozens of peer-reviewed medical studies found no link between the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and diagnoses of autism, ADHD or intellectual disabilities in children.
New study: Tylenol in pregnancy is not linked to autism or ADHD
"It's as definitive as we're going to get," CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said of the new research, which found no connection between Tylenol and autism or ADHD.
World
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U.S. seizes a seventh Venezuelan-linked oil tanker in Caribbean
The U.S. has seized seven Venezuelan-linked oil tankers since Dec. 10, 2025.
Commuter train in Spain hits collapsed wall, killing at least 1 person
A commuter train hit a collapsed retaining wall near Barcelona on Tuesday, killing one person and injuring at least 15 people, according to officials.
Concerns mount over Iranian-American journalist wrongfully detained in Iran
Lawyers for Reza Valizadeh, a U.S. citizen arrested in 2024 by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, filed a petition Tuesday with the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
China "super embassy" greenlit in London despite concerns
Despite fears of Chinese spying and hacking, the British government gave the go-ahead for China to build a massive new embassy in the heart of London.
Mexico sends 37 cartel members to U.S. amid pressure from Trump administration
Mexican Security Minister Omar García Harfuch wrote in a social media post on X that the people transferred were "high impact criminals."
Entertainment
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Timothy Busfield ordered released from jail pending trial in child sex abuse
A judge has ordered that actor Timothy Busfield be released from jail during a detention hearing on child sex abuse charges.
"Queer Eye" star Karamo Brown on why he skipped cast interview on "CBS Mornings"
An assistant for "Queer Eye" star Karamo Brown told "CBS Mornings" he would not be joining Tuesday's interview with the cast ahead of the release of the series' 10th and final season.
Bert Kreischer talks new comedy series
Actor and comedian Bert Kreischer stars in the new comedy series "Free Bert," where he plays a fictional version of himself. He speaks to "CBS Mornings" about the series, which was inspired by his own family, and why the show almost didn't happen.
"Queer Eye" cast reflects on show
The cast of the series "Queer Eye" talks to "CBS Mornings" about a member of the show's absence, the series' legacy ahead of its 10th and final season and how it has impacted them.
Fashion designer Valentino Garavani dies at 93
Acclaimed fashion designer Valentino Garavani, known simply as Valentino, has died at age 93. Seth Doane looks back at his life and legacy.
Technology
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Technology
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Palantir develops app to help ICE: 404 Media
A new investigative report by 404 Media says ICE agents have a new high-tech way to zero in on neighborhoods to raid. The report says it's an app called Elite, powered by Palantir. Joseph Cox, an investigative journalist at 404 Media, discusses his reporting on CBS News.
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.
OpenAI to start testing ads on ChatGPT in the coming weeks
The ads will appear at the bottom of the chat window on the free and low-subscription versions of ChatGPT, OpenAI said Friday in a blog post.
Mother of Musk child sues over deepfake images
Elon Musk is facing a lawsuit from Ashley St. Clair, with whom he shares a child, over deepfakes of her undressed made by his AI chatbot Grok. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
Science
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Science
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Dogs can learn by eavesdropping: study
Have you ever wondered if your dog is eavesdropping on you? A new study published in the Journal of Science found that some dogs are not only listening, but are also learning words. Lead scientist Dr. Shany Dror joins CBS News to discuss.
Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
Crime
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Crime
Former Uvalde CISD officer's trial nears end
A jury will soon decide the fate of former Uvalde CISD officer Adrian Gonzales, whom prosecutors allege failed in his duty to stop a gunman during a 2022 mass shooting. CBS News correspondent Omar Villafranca has the details.
Busfield released before child sex abuse trial
A New Mexico judge ordered the release of actor Timothy Busfield during a pretrial detention hearing on Tuesday. Busfield is accused of inappropriately touching two child actors, which he denies. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans has the latest.
Indiana judge shot, injured, manhunt underway
A manhunt is underway in Indiana after a county judge and his wife were shot and wounded inside their home over the weekend. Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kimberly, were taken to a hospital for medical treatment following the shooting and are in stable condition. CBS News correspondent Nicole Valdes reports.
New docuseries looks at "Deadpool Killer"
The new Paramount+ docuseries "Handsome Devil: Charming Killer" takes a look at the case of Wade Wilson, a convicted murderer of two women who shares a name with the comic book character Deadpool. Writer and executive producer Brian Ross joins to preview the show.
Indiana judge, wife shot in home
The manhunt is underway in Indiana after a judge and his wife were shot and wounded in their Lafayette home. CBS News' Nicole Valdes reports.
Space
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Space
More on Virgin Galactic all-female space crew
Virgin Galactic is sending its first all-female crew to space. Kellie Gerardi, who is leading the crew, joins "CBS News 24/7 Mornings" to discuss the goals of the mission.
NASA's Artemis II mission clears big hurdle
Inch by inch, NASA's Artemis II moon rocket lumbered along its four-mile commute from the Vehicle Assembly Building to launch pad 39-B. Mark Strassmann is at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with more.
NASA hauls Artemis II moon rocket to launch pad for February flight
Four Artemis II astronauts plan to fly around the moon and back next month, traveling farther from Earth than any humans before them.
NASA begins Artemis II rollout to launchpad
NASA is beginning its rollout of its Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft as preparations for the Artemis II mission enter their final stage.
NASA moon rocket ready for trip to launch pad
Depending on the timing, NASA could launch a fresh crew to the space station while four other astronauts are flying around the moon.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
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
Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Greenland
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright spoke with CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe about why President Trump wants to acquire Greenland.
Full interview: Chris Wright
Energy Secretary Chris Wright speaks with Ed O'Keefe about President Trump's plans for Greenland, Venezuela and more.
Minnesota fraud "mastermind" speaks from jail
As tensions spiked over the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, CBS News' Jonah Kaplan spoke exclusively with Aimee Bock, the so-called "mastermind" of the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme in Minnesota.
Cow uses tool to scratch, surprising scientists
Dating back to the dawn of civilization, humans have been one of the only creatures on Earth that use multi-purpose tools. Now, there's a new animal in the club. "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil has the story.
Parents find support in delaying kids' digital use
As parents grapple with their children's technology use, new guidance goes beyond individual behavior to approach the digital ecosystem. Meg Oliver has details.