Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna join Margaret Brennan.
U.S.
Khanna says DOJ Epstein files release was a "slap in the face" to survivors
Rep. Ro Khanna said the release of an initial tranche of files and photos related to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was a "slap in the face of survivors," while Rep. Thomas Massie said the DOJ is "flouting the spirit and the letter of the law."
Hassett says $2,000 tariff checks for Americans will depend on Congress
Director of the National Economic Council Kevin Hassett said Sunday that President Trump's idea to give Americans $2,000 checks funded by tariff revenue will "depend on what happens with Congress."
Former Cleveland officer who killed Tamir Rice fired from ranger job
A former Cleveland officer who fatally shot 12-year-old Tamir Rice has been fired from his new post as a ranger in West Virginia.
A New Mexico monastery where the silence calls
The Monastery of Christ in the Desert, in Northern New Mexico, is home to 15 Benedictine monks, some livestock, and a guesthouse for people looking for a little quiet in this turbulent world. "Sunday Morning" pays a visit.
The enduring message of "It's a Wonderful Life"
Ted Koppel visits Seneca Falls, the Central New York town that's said to have inspired the 1946 Jimmy Stewart classic "It's a Wonderful Life," a film that celebrates smalltown virtues and happy endings, and which still has a powerful hold on our imagination.
Powerball jackpot climbs to estimated $1.6 billion ahead of next drawing
The Powerball jackpot grew to an estimated $1.6 billion after no tickets matched all six winning numbers at Saturday night's drawing. It's the fifth-largest prize among U.S. lottery jackpots.
At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor's race after Stefanik's exit
President Trump initially signaled he would not make an endorsement at this stage, but Rep. Elise Stefanik's exit cleared the way for him to show his support for Bruce Blakeman.
Three officers injured after responding to domestic violence call, police say
The suspect was killed, and the man who called law enforcement was also injured, officials said Saturday.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Syria monitor group says at least 5 ISIS members killed by U.S. strikes
Jordan confirmed that its air force took part in the U.S. air strikes "targeting several ISIS positions in southern Syria."
Stefanik drops out of New York governor's race after Trump stays neutral
Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik's decision to drop out came after President Trump signaled he would not make an endorsement in the race at this stage.
Anthony Joshua defeats Jake Paul by knockout
Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua defeated YouTuber-turned-fighter Jake Paul by knockout in the sixth round of their much-anticipated bout at the Kaseya Center in Miami late Friday night.
Third inmate who escaped from southern Louisiana jail captured, officials say
The three men had escaped the jail by removing concrete blocks from an upper wall area, and then used sheets and other materials to scale an exterior wall.
DOJ faces continued backlash over limited Epstein files release
The Justice Department is facing continued backlash over its partial releases of the Epstein files, with lawmakers and survivors denouncing the limited nature of the disclosures.
Trump announces new "Trump class" of Navy battleships
President Trump announced plans to build a new "Trump class" of battleships, part of the Pentagon's new "Golden fleet."
Trump admin says it's halting offshore wind projects over security risk
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said the agency is pausing leases for five offshore wind farms "due to national security concerns."
Judge orders Kilmar Abrego Garcia to remain free until at least next week
Kilmar Abrego Garcia — who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March — will remain free on supervised release until at least the end of the year.
Vance tries to unify conservatives as rifts exposed at Turning Point USA
Rifts over the direction of the conservative movement emerged during Turning Point USA's conference, as speakers attacked each other by name.
Barry Manilow reveals lung cancer diagnosis, cancels concerts due to surgery
The singer said an MRI showed a cancerous spot on one of his lungs after he recovered from a lengthy bout of bronchitis.
Bondi Beach gunmen got firearms training together, police say
The man police say killed 15 people at Sydney's Bondi Beach along with his father obtained firearms training with him, documents show.
Everytown for Gun Safety stirs controversy with move into firearms training
When the advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety announced it would introduce a new array of firearms training classes, it caught some longtime supporters off guard.
Chris Rea, British singer of "Driving Home for Christmas," dies at 74
Chris Rea found fame in the 1980s in Britain with hits such as "Fool (If You Think It's Over)" and "Let's Dance."
U.S.
More U.S.
Everytown for Gun Safety stirs controversy with move into firearms training
When the advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety announced it would introduce a new array of firearms training classes, it caught some longtime supporters off guard.
Aetna to cover IVF treatments for same-sex couples in national settlement
A federal judge has approved a preliminary agreement for a class action lawsuit requiring Aetna to cover fertility treatments for same-sex couples as they do with heterosexual couples.
Trump announces new "Trump class" of Navy battleships
President Trump announced plans to build a new "Trump class" of battleships, part of the Pentagon's new "Golden fleet."
What's behind the surge in gold and silver prices?
Analysts point to rising geopolitical tensions and softer monetary policy as driving the year-end surge.
Flu season is ramping up, and some experts are "pretty worried"
Doctors and scientists say this year's influenza season could be tougher than usual, with a new version of the flu virus, called H3N2, spreading quickly.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Aetna to cover IVF treatments for same-sex couples in national settlement
A federal judge has approved a preliminary agreement for a class action lawsuit requiring Aetna to cover fertility treatments for same-sex couples as they do with heterosexual couples.
What's behind the surge in gold and silver prices?
Analysts point to rising geopolitical tensions and softer monetary policy as driving the year-end surge.
Instacart to end AI price tests for retailers following investigation
Instacart had drawn criticism for testing an AI-based system that enabled retailers to charge different prices for the same grocery items.
Trump admin says it's halting offshore wind projects over security risk
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said the agency is pausing leases for five offshore wind farms "due to national security concerns."
Jim Beam to pause production at its main distillery on Jan. 1
The main distillery will be closed for site enhancements, the company said. The pause comes after whiskey production has dropped amid a challenging year.
Politics
More Politics
Judge orders Kilmar Abrego Garcia to remain free until at least next week
Kilmar Abrego Garcia — who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March — will remain free on supervised release until at least the end of the year.
Trump announces new "Trump class" of Navy battleships
President Trump announced plans to build a new "Trump class" of battleships, part of the Pentagon's new "Golden fleet."
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani to be sworn in by Letitia James, Bernie Sanders
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will be sworn in by two prominent Democrats on New Year's Day.
DOJ faces continued backlash over limited Epstein files release
The Justice Department is facing continued backlash over its partial releases of the Epstein files, with lawmakers and survivors denouncing the limited scope of the disclosures.
Trump admin says it's halting offshore wind projects over security risk
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said the agency is pausing leases for five offshore wind farms "due to national security concerns."
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Aetna to cover IVF treatments for same-sex couples in national settlement
A federal judge has approved a preliminary agreement for a class action lawsuit requiring Aetna to cover fertility treatments for same-sex couples as they do with heterosexual couples.
Flu season is ramping up, and some experts are "pretty worried"
Doctors and scientists say this year's influenza season could be tougher than usual, with a new version of the flu virus, called H3N2, spreading quickly.
Finding hope through cancer clinical trials
#LillyPartner Cancer clinical trials can offer patients access to investigational treatments that can be explored as early as the time of diagnosis. Ovarian cancer survivor Alicia Dellario and Dr. Arjun Balar, senior vice president of global clinical development at Eli Lilly and Company, join "CBS Mornings" to talk about the potential benefits of cancer clinical trials -- and clarify common misconceptions. Visit cancerclinicaltrials.lilly.com for more information. (Sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company)
Details on new flu strain as cases rise
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there have been 4.6 million flu cases across the U.S. since the season began. Dr. Amanda Kravitz, a pediatrician at Weill Cornell in New York, explains what to know about rising cases, symptoms to watch for and how to protect your family.
Flu cases surging nationwide
Flu cases are on the rise across the country with CDC data showing more than 4 million illnesses this season resulting in roughly 2,000 deaths, including two children. Dr. Benjamin Abella, chair of emergency medicine at the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, joined CBS News to discuss.
World
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British man charged with repeatedly drugging and raping his now ex-wife
Philip Young was charged with 56 sexual offences, including multiple counts of rape and administering a substance with the intent to "stupefy" Joanne Young, his ex-wife.
Banksy unveils new art in London
The elusive street artist posted two photos of an artwork on his official Instagram account amid speculation that he was behind it. An identical image appeared elsewhere.
Chris Rea, British singer of "Driving Home for Christmas," dies at 74
Chris Rea found fame in the 1980s in Britain with hits such as "Fool (If You Think It's Over)" and "Let's Dance."
Bondi Beach gunmen got firearms training together, police say
The man police say killed 15 people at Sydney's Bondi Beach along with his father obtained firearms training with him, documents show.
Denmark summoning U.S. ambassador after Trump names special envoy to Greenland
Denmark says it will summon the U.S. ambassador after President Trump appointed a special envoy to Greenland, the Danish autonomous territory he has often expressed interest in.
Entertainment
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Barry Manilow reveals lung cancer diagnosis, cancels concerts due to surgery
The singer said an MRI showed a cancerous spot on one of his lungs after he recovered from a lengthy bout of bronchitis.
Chris Rea, British singer of "Driving Home for Christmas," dies at 74
Chris Rea found fame in the 1980s in Britain with hits such as "Fool (If You Think It's Over)" and "Let's Dance."
Actor James Ransone, known for his role in "The Wire," dies at 46
James Ransone, the actor who played Ziggy Sobotka in the HBO series "The Wire" and appeared in many other TV shows and movies, has died.
Young People's Chorus of NYC: "Jolly Toyland"
To mark the Christmas season, "Sunday Morning" presents a performance by the Young People's Chorus of New York City, of "Jolly Toyland," arranged by Francisco J. Nunez.
Young People's Chorus of NYC: "Deck the Halls"
"Sunday Morning" gifts to its viewers a Christmas tradition: a performance by the Young People's Chorus of New York City. They present "Deck the Halls," arranged by Francisco J. Nunez and Jim Papoulis.
Technology
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Technology
Tech companies push for data centers
Massive tech companies wanting to build more data centers in the U.S. are lobbying for support among Americans, according to a recent report by POLITICO. Gabby Miller joins CBS News with more on her reporting.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
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.
Instacart to end AI price tests for retailers following investigation
Instacart had drawn criticism for testing an AI-based system that enabled retailers to charge different prices for the same grocery items.
Want to work in AI? Here are the skills to master, economist says
Rapid emergence of AI will foster demand for new types of workers, including "explainers" and bias auditors, according to economist Robert Seamans.
Science
More Science
Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
New details about suspected Bondi Beach gunmen
Australian police released new documents Monday showing the father and son who are accused of killing 15 people at Bondi Beach undergoing firearms training just weeks before the attack. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
DOJ's Epstein files redactions draw criticism
The Justice Department is under scrutiny for heavily redacting the initial batches of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane has the details.
British man charged with repeatedly drugging and raping his now ex-wife
Philip Young was charged with 56 sexual offences, including multiple counts of rape and administering a substance with the intent to "stupefy" Joanne Young, his ex-wife.
Former classmate on Brown shooting suspect
More details are emerging about Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, the man suspected of carrying out a deadly shooting at Brown University before allegedly targeting an MIT professor. CBS News Boston has more.
Lates on Epstein files released
At least a dozen files initially released by the Justice Department by the Dec. 19 deadline were removed from the website, CBS News has found. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane reports.
Space
More Space
Space
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
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.
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.
"Son of Sam": A serial killer's reign of terror
Calling himself the "Son of Sam" in a letter left at one of the crime scenes, David Berkowitz claimed voices were ordering him to kill -- starting in the summer of 1976, he went on a 13-month spree of impulse killings in New York City that left six dead and seven injured
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Trump announces "Golden Fleet" of Navy ships
President Trump announced plans to build new Navy battleships on Monday, which he is calling the Pentagon's "Golden Fleet." The president said he approved plans to begin constructing two new battleships, with an ultimate goal of 20 to 25 vessels.
Looking ahead to final 2 weeks of NFL season
Week 16 of the NFL season wraps up Monday night with the San Francisco 49ers and the Indianapolis Colts after a thrilling end to Sunday's game in Detroit. Charlotte Carroll, staff writer for The Athletic, joins CBS News to break it down.
2025 in pictures
The 2025 edition of The New York Times' Year in Pictures highlights shifting regulations during the first year of President Trump's second term, as well as several deadly natural disasters in the U.S. and abroad, among other notable events. Jeffrey Henson Scales, photography co-editor of The New York Times' Year in Pictures, joins CBS News to unpack the choices for 2025.
Kremlin investigating deadly car bombing
The Kremlin says a Russian general was killed in Moscow on Monday morning after an explosive device detonated underneath his car. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Holly Williams has more.
DHS triples "exit bonus" for self-deportations
The Department of Homeland Security is increasing the financial incentive for undocumented migrants who voluntarily leave the U.S. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga has the details.