Esper "didn't see" specific evidence showing Iranian threat to 4 U.S. embassies
The defense secretary provides background on what President Trump called an "imminent threat" to U.S. embassies overseas.
Mark Esper
Open: This is "Face the Nation"
Today on "Face the Nation, with tensions escalating with Iran, we get perspective from the administration on what the future holds for relations with the regime.
Evidence suggests Ukraine jet hit by Iran
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said evidence suggests a Ukrainian jet with 176 on board was shot down by an Iranian missile. Sixty-three of the victims were Canadian citizens. Lara Seligman, a Pentagon reporter for Foreign Policy, joins "Red & Blue" for a closer look at the accident and how Defense Secretary Mark Esper is playing a major role in the Iran conflict.
Trump admin. briefs Congress on Soleimani
In Washington Tuesday, the Trump administration plans to brief congressional leaders on last week's operation that killed General Qassem Soleimani. Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will defend President Trump's decision to target Iran's most influential military leader, in response to an attack that killed a U.S. contractor in Iraq. The president insists Americans are now safer, while Democrats demand proof that the attack was necessary. Ben Tracy reports from the White House.
Pentagon: No plans to pull out of Iraq
Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the U.S. has no plans to pull American troops out of Iraq. Iraq’s parliament recently voted to expel the 5,000 Americans to protest the Baghdad drone attack that killed Iran’s top general, Qassem Soleimani. David Martin reports.
Tensions rising in the Middle East after embassy attack
After an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the "game has changed." He warns if there are new attacks, the U.S. military will be ready. David Martin reports.
U.S. forces continue northern Syria withdrawal
American forces continued their withdrawal from northern Syria. Defense secretary Mark Esper says they’re headed for Iraq — not home, as President Trump promised. Left behind are America's ally: the Kurds. Holly Williams reports.
Russian troops moving into Kurdish areas
Iraq's defense minister said U.S. troops that were pulled out of Syria will leave Iraq in four weeks. That seems to contradict Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who has said those U.S. forces will continue operating against ISIS. Russia and Turkey made a deal Tuesday, without the U.S., to take control of northeastern Syria and force out Kurdish fighters that fought alongside U.S. troops. Holly Williams reports.
U.S. to "preparing to evacuate" more troops from Syria, Esper says
"We have American forces likely caught between two opposing advancing armies," Defense Secretary Mark Esper told "Face the Nation."
Open: This is "Face the Nation"
This week on "Face the Nation," Margaret Brennan breaks down the latest on President Trump’s new Syria policy with Defense Secretary Mark Esper. She discusses the latest on the impeachment inquiry with Representative Adam Schiff, and the situation in Hong Kong with Senator Ted Cruz.
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper's security detail revoked
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper's security detail, which was provided by the Defense Department, was pulled Tuesday night, a U.S. official told CBS News.
Dickerson on Pence declining to endorse Trump
On Sunday, former Vice President Mike Pence told Face the Nation's Margaret Brennan he was not endorsing Donald Trump's 2024 White House bid. CBS News chief political analyst John Dickerson examines the significance of the move.
IDF says 2 more hostages freed
The Israel Defense Forces say two more hostages were released by Hamas to the Red Cross on Thursday in Gaza City. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is meeting with top officials in the Middle East in hopes of extending a temporary cease-fire further. CBS News correspondents Holly Williams and Lilia Luciano have more details. And former Defense Secretary Mark Esper joined CBS News to discuss the short-term truce.
Mark Esper on Israel-Hamas war, Xi meeting
Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the Israel-Hamas war and President Biden's high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Esper says he has "concerns" about Trump foreign policy
Trump administration Defense Secretary Mark Esper tells "Face the Nation" that he has "concerns" about now-candidate Trump's comments about cutting off funding for Ukraine and possibly pulling the U.S. out of NATO. "So for all those reasons, that concerns me and and, of course, we could talk about our allies and partners in Asia as well who will equally be concerned about these types of events," Esper said.
Transcript: Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper on "Face the Nation," Oct. 1, 2023
The following is a transcript of an interview with Trump administration Defense Secretary Mark Esper that aired on "Face the Nation" on Oct. 1, 2023.
Esper on flying object shot down over Alaska
The White House said a military fighter jet shot down an object over Alaskan airspace Friday, this after a Chinese spy balloon was shot down off the coast of South Carolina last weekend. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang has the latest from Washington. Then, Mark Esper, former U.S. secretary of defense, spoke with CBS News about what we know so far.
1/12: Face The Nation
Today on "Face the Nation, with tensions escalating with Iran, we get perspective from the administration on what the future holds for relations with the regime.
10/21: CBSN AM
U.S. troops begin move from Northern Syria to Iraq; Four companies reach settlement in opioid litigation
10/13: Face The Nation
This week on "Face the Nation," Margaret Brennan breaks down the latest on President Trump’s new Syria policy with Defense Secretary Mark Esper. She discusses the latest on the impeachment inquiry with Representative Adam Schiff, and the situation in Hong Kong with Senator Ted Cruz.
Mark Esper on Trump, China, Iran
Former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper spoke exclusively with CBS News' Catherine Herridge after it was announced that the warrant to search Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home would be unsealed. Esper discussed the former president's handling of classified information, and U.S. relations with China and Iran.
Ex-Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Iran threats
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper revealed that he has had full-time government-provided "protection 24/7" since he left the Defense Department as a result of threats from Iran, he told CBS News' Catherine Herridge in an interview Thursday. Watch part of the interview here.
Mark Esper has government-provided "protection 24/7" because of Iran threats
Esper's revelation came soon after the Justice Department charged an Iranian national for plotting the murder of former national security adviser John Bolton.
Ex-defense chief Mark Esper suing Pentagon
Former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper is suing the Pentagon over redactions in his memoir. The book describes his time as secretary of the Army and secretary of defense under former President Trump, who fired Esper via Twitter days after he lost the 2020 election. CBS News national security correspondent David Martin joined Tanya Rivero on CBSN to discuss.
Esper on Trump and divisive politics
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper spoke with CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett about serving during the Trump administration and the current political climate. Watch this portion of the conversation from "Red and Blue."
Live
Man who says he was person of interest in Nancy Guthrie's abduction released
Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing on Feb. 1 and ransom notes were being investigated.
FAA halts all flights into and out of El Paso for 10 days for "security reasons"
The Federal Aviation Administration has halted all flights into and out of El Paso until very late on Feb. 20 for what it calls "special security reasons."
Grand jury declines criminal charges against 6 Democrats, sources say
A federal grand jury refused to indict six Democrats who drew President Trump's ire by taping a video telling members of the military that they must reject "illegal orders," three sources told CBS News.
Exclusive
14-year-old girl allegedly zip-tied in raid, raising questions about ICE tactics
A 14-year-old girl said she was "crying" and "struggling to breathe" when law enforcement officers herded her onto a racetrack with other detainees and zip-tied her hands.
9 killed, dozens injured in shooting at British Columbia high school and home
The suspected shooter was found dead in the school from a "self-inflicted injury," Canadian police said.
Videos in the Epstein files reveal disturbing glimpses of his private life
The Epstein files released by the Justice Department include hours of video footage Jeffrey Epstein recorded, received or downloaded. The Free Press has compiled it all.
FBI releases photos, videos of subject in Nancy Guthrie disappearance
FBI Director Kash Patel posted videos of a person outside the home of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Savannah Guthrie, on the morning of her disappearance.
Don Lemon now represented by ex-prosecutor who resigned from DOJ
A high-profile former prosecutor who was part of a wave of resignations from the Justice Department's office in Minneapolis last month has a surprising new client: Former CNN anchor Don Lemon.
Khanna names 6 men he says were redacted from Epstein files for "no apparent reason"
Two lawmakers are accusing the government of improperly redacting some people's names from the Epstein files, including six men whose identities are now public.
U.S.
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FAA halts all flights into and out of El Paso for 10 days for "security reasons"
The Federal Aviation Administration has halted all flights into and out of El Paso until very late on Feb. 20 for what it calls "special security reasons."
New Medicaid work rules likely to hit middle-aged adults hard
Republicans have said new Medicaid work rules are aimed at unemployed young people who should have jobs. Policy researchers say the rules are more likely to disrupt coverage for middle-aged adults.
Bought a new car last year? You could qualify for this tax break.
New deduction allows taxpayers to deduct up to $10,000 on interest they paid to buy a new American-made vehicle in 2025.
Bodycam video shows scene of Border Patrol agent's shooting of Marimar Martinez
The three videos show what happened before and after the shooting by a Border Patrol agent on Oct. 4, 2025, in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood.
Live
Man who says he was person of interest in Nancy Guthrie's abduction released
Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing on Feb. 1 and ransom notes were being investigated.
MoneyWatch
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New Medicaid work rules likely to hit middle-aged adults hard
Republicans have said new Medicaid work rules are aimed at unemployed young people who should have jobs. Policy researchers say the rules are more likely to disrupt coverage for middle-aged adults.
Bought a new car last year? You could qualify for this tax break.
New deduction allows taxpayers to deduct up to $10,000 on interest they paid to buy a new American-made vehicle in 2025.
Estée Lauder accuses Walmart of selling counterfeits of its products
Estée Lauder lawsuit alleges Walmart sells fake versions of products from brands including Aveda, Clinique and Tom Ford.
The "K-shaped" economy will affect your 2026 tax refund
Tax refunds will be bigger this year because of the big, beautiful bill" act, with higher-income households set to reap the biggest checks.
Vatican Bank debuts two Catholic-themed equity indexes
The Vatican Bank said the new indexes are "designed to serve as a reference for Catholic investments worldwide."
Politics
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Exclusive
DNC tallied over $7 million in grassroots fundraising last month
Democrats are facing a stark cash gap with the Republican National Committee after the GOP closed 2025 with $95 million in cash on hand.
Moderna says FDA refuses its application for new mRNA flu vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration is refusing to consider Moderna's application for a new flu vaccine made with mRNA technology, the company said.
House Republicans break with Trump, blocking a bid to protect tariff authority
GOP leaders launched an unsuccessful bid to reinstate a ban on resolutions that challenged the president's sweeping tariffs.
Grand jury declines criminal charges against 6 Democrats, sources say
A federal grand jury refused to indict six Democrats who drew President Trump's ire by taping a video telling members of the military that they must reject "illegal orders," three sources told CBS News.
Don Lemon now represented by ex-prosecutor who resigned from DOJ
A high-profile former prosecutor who was part of a wave of resignations from the Justice Department's office in Minneapolis last month has a surprising new client: Former CNN anchor Don Lemon.
HealthWatch
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Moderna says FDA refuses its application for new mRNA flu vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration is refusing to consider Moderna's application for a new flu vaccine made with mRNA technology, the company said.
What to know about a new study on coffee, tea and dementia risk
CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said the results of the study on coffee drinkers having lower risk of dementia should be taken "with a massive grain of salt."
Thousands of mothers were flagged to police over flawed drug tests at childbirth
The Marshall Project found more than 70,000 cases referred to law enforcement over allegations of substance use during pregnancy — and that's a significant undercount.
Obamacare sign-ups drop, but the extent won't be clear for months
Experts say Affordable Care Act sign-up data won't be clear until people who were enrolled have paid — or not — their new, often much higher, premiums.
Hospital flooded by Hurricane Helene to be rebuilt in another flood plain
Ballad Health, the nation's largest state-sanctioned hospital monopoly, plans to rebuild Unicoi County Hospital in Tennessee on land that two climate modeling companies say is at risk of flooding.
World
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9 killed, dozens injured in shooting at British Columbia high school and home
The suspected shooter was found dead in the school from a "self-inflicted injury," Canadian police said.
Spanish skater in Minions costume reflects on music rights dispute, performance
Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate donned his Minions costume at the 2026 Winter Olympics in the men's short program, days after he received approval for the music.
Maxim Naumov makes Olympic debut 1 year after parents killed in midair collision
Maxim Naumov's score Tuesday was enough to make it through the short program, giving him another opportunity to perform when the men's free skate takes place Friday night.
Irish man held by ICE says he had U.S. work permit, fears for his life
Seamus Culleton says he's been held for 5 months in a "filthy" ICE detention camp despite a U.S. work permit and green card application.
Airlines adjust as Trump's policies dry up Cuba's jet fuel supplies
A Canadian airline suspends flights to Cuba as U.S sanctions and Trump's tariff threats force Havana to warn carriers there's no way to refuel on the island.
Entertainment
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Chappell Roan leaves Wasserman talent agency after his mentions in Epstein files
Chappell Roan says she's left her talent agency after its CEO, Casey Wasserman, was named in files related to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Analyzing best and worst Super Bowl LX ads
Just 30 seconds of highly coveted commercial airtime during the Super Bowl costs as much as $10 million, according to CBS News MoneyWatch. Bill Pearce, marketing faculty member at The University of California, Berkeley, joins to discuss some of the ads from Super Bowl LX.
Could Trump's Bad Bunny attacks alienate Latinos?
Bad Bunny's historic Super Bowl halftime show included superstar surprise guests and a message of unity and cultural celebration. While many praised the performance, President Trump took to social media to criticize the show. CBS News political director Fin Gómez joins with analysis.
Bad Bunny and the politics of the Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is a football game, an entertainment spectacle, a global billboard and a crucible of American political discord. CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett explains.
Catherine O'Hara's cause of death was a pulmonary embolism
Catherine O'Hara, known for her roles in "Home Alone," "Schitt's Creek" and "Beetlejuice," died on Jan. 30 at the age of 71.
Technology
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Technology
AI tech boom causes shortages
The demands of the artificial intelligence boom may be causing shortages in other sectors that help boost the U.S. economy. Shira Ovide, a technology reporter for The Washington Post, joins CBS News with more.
Social media companies face massive trial
Opening statements began in a landmark trial against Google and Meta on the apparent harms of social media platforms. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent reports.
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.
Social media giants accused of "addicting the brains of children" as trial begins
Instagram's parent company Meta and Google's YouTube dispute claims that their platforms deliberately addict and harm children.
Trial over social media addiction in kids begins
Opening statements began Monday in Los Angeles in a landmark trial over alleged social media addiction in children. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans has the details.
Science
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Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
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.
Crime
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Live
Man who says he was person of interest in Nancy Guthrie's abduction released
Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing on Feb. 1 and ransom notes were being investigated.
Retired FBI agents analyze new images in Nancy Guthrie disappearance
The FBI on Tuesday released images and videos showing a person outside Nancy Guthrie's front door in Tucson, Arizona, wearing a ski mask and gloves and carrying a backpack and what appears to be a weapon.
Ex-FBI special agent on new Guthrie footage
The FBI on Tuesday released new surveillance footage of a masked person on the front porch of Nancy Guthrie's home. Former FBI Special Agent Jeff Harp joins to analyze the video.
Officials believe person in Guthrie video was armed
The FBI on Tuesday released surveillance images of a masked person at Nancy Guthrie's front door. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has the latest.
Epstein survivor on DOJ's handling of files
The Justice Department is facing bipartisan criticism over its handling of the release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Danielle Bensky, an Epstein survivor, joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
Space
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New space station crew eager for Wednesday launch
The new crew will replace four station fliers who returned to Earth ahead of schedule last month due to a medical issue.
What led NASA to delay Artemis II launch
NASA's first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years has been delayed until March at the earliest. During a routine dress rehearsal of the launch, persistent liquid hydrogen leaks were discovered in the Artemis II rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks it down.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
NASA delays Artemis II launch
NASA delayed the Artemis II moon rocket launch after a hydrogen leak was found during a wet dress rehearsal, the agency announced Tuesday. CBS News senior space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.
NASA begins mission to map the boundaries of our heliosphere
A NASA mission is underway to map the heliosphere, which is a huge protective bubble around the solar system that was created by the sun.
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
Person of interest detained in Guthrie case
With the search for Nancy Guthrie in its tenth day, law enforcement sources told CBS News that the Pima County Sheriff's Office detained a person for questioning. Tony Dokoupil anchors this special report.
Person of interest arrested in Guthrie case
The Pima County Sheriff's Department in Arizona has detained a person of interest connected with Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, according to two law enforcement sources. Jessi Mitchell anchors this Special Report.
Hero dog leads police to missing 3-year-old
A neighborhood dog helped authorities in Louisville, Kentucky, find a missing 3-year-old boy last month in a dramatic rescue seen in newly released body camera footage. "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil has the story.
Team USA picks up five more Olympic medals
Team USA added five more medals at the Olympics onTuesday, bringing the total so far to seven. Meanwhile, the frustration continues for American skiing star Mikaela Shiffrin. Kelly O'Grady has the latest.
Teen says she was zip-tied in Idaho ICE raid
A 14-year-old girl said she was "crying" and "struggling to breathe" when law enforcement officers herded her onto a racetrack with other detainees and zip-tied her hands during an immigration raid. Matt Gutman reports.