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
Trump says Iran war could wrap up in 2-3 weeks as gas prices rise
President Trump indicated the Iran war may wrap up "very soon" and he could abandon efforts to force Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as the war pushes U.S. gas prices over $4.
Trump signs order on mail-in ballots and federally run voter lists
President Trump has long wanted to place additional restrictions on mail-in voting, which he has called "mail-in cheating."
Jamie Dimon says AI could help shorten work week, cure cancer
JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon thinks AI will shorten the work week and lead to medical breakthroughs, while acknowledging the technology's potential impact on the nation's workforce.
Trump to give "important update on Iran" Wednesday in prime-time speech
President Trump is planning to deliver a prime-time address Wednesday night to "provide an important update on Iran," the White House said, as the president faces critical decisions in the monthlong war.
American journalist Shelly Kittleson kidnapped in Iraq
American journalist Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped in Baghdad on Tuesday, according to two sources familiar with the matter as well as an Iraqi official.
Trump to attend Supreme Court arguments tomorrow in birthright citizenship case
President Trump is planning to stop by the Supreme Court on Wednesday as the justices take up his executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship, a major test of his immigration agenda.
Jamie Dimon says rejecting capitalism is "dead wrong" in CBS News interview
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon shares his thinking on capitalism, AI, prediction markets and more in an interview with "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
Hegseth lifts suspension of Army pilots who flew by Kid Rock's house
Just hours earlier, an Army spokesperson said the crew had been suspended from flying while the Army conducts a formal investigation into why the Apache helicopters flew near Kid Rock's Nashville house.
Tiger Woods says he's "stepping away" to seek treatment after car crash
Tiger Woods announced Tuesday that he's "stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment" after pleading not guilty to charges including driving under the influence.
U.S.
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Hegseth lifts suspension of Army pilots who flew by Kid Rock's house
Just hours earlier, an Army spokesperson said the crew had been suspended from flying while the Army conducts a formal investigation into why the Apache helicopters flew near Kid Rock's Nashville house.
Tiger Woods says he's "stepping away" to seek treatment after car crash
Tiger Woods announced Tuesday that he's "stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment" after pleading not guilty to charges including driving under the influence.
Jamie Dimon says rejecting capitalism is "dead wrong" in CBS News interview
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon shares his thinking on capitalism, AI, prediction markets and more in an interview with "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
Jamie Dimon: JPMorgan could offer prediction market services to investors
The JPMorgan Chase CEO said the bank may one day introduce prediction market features, but said "there's a bunch of stuff we won't do" in that space.
Trump signs order on mail-in ballots and federally run voter lists
President Trump has long wanted to place additional restrictions on mail-in voting, which he has called "mail-in cheating."
MoneyWatch
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Jamie Dimon says rejecting capitalism is "dead wrong" in CBS News interview
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon shares his thinking on capitalism, AI, prediction markets and more in an interview with "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
Jamie Dimon: JPMorgan could offer prediction market services to investors
The JPMorgan Chase CEO said the bank may one day introduce prediction market features, but said "there's a bunch of stuff we won't do" in that space.
Jamie Dimon says AI could help shorten work week, cure cancer
JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon thinks AI will shorten the work week and lead to medical breakthroughs, while acknowledging the technology's potential impact on the nation's workforce.
Americans saving less for retirement — that's a "warning sign," experts say.
Full-time employees cut their 401(k) participation and contribution rates last year amid an affordability crunch, new research shows.
Jamie Dimon: I don't know if Iran war will be "tipping point" for recession
Jamie Dimon told "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil that "what's more important for the future of the world is that this war successfully conclude."
Politics
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Trump to attend Supreme Court arguments tomorrow in birthright citizenship case
President Trump is planning to stop by the Supreme Court on Wednesday as the justices take up his executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship, a major test of his immigration agenda.
Judge orders Trump admin. to restore legal status of migrants allowed in under Biden
A federal judge directed the Trump administration to restore the legal status of migrants allowed into the U.S. under a now-defunct Biden administration program for asylum-seekers who arrived at the southern border.
Trump to give "important update on Iran" Wednesday in prime-time speech
President Trump is planning to deliver a prime-time address Wednesday night to "provide an important update on Iran," the White House said, as the president faces critical decisions in the monthlong war.
Hegseth lifts suspension of Army pilots who flew by Kid Rock's house
Just hours earlier, an Army spokesperson said the crew had been suspended from flying while the Army conducts a formal investigation into why the Apache helicopters flew near Kid Rock's Nashville house.
Trump signs order on mail-in ballots and federally run voter lists
President Trump has long wanted to place additional restrictions on mail-in voting, which he has called "mail-in cheating."
HealthWatch
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States pay contractors millions to comply with Trump law to cut Medicaid rolls
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act will add red tape and restrictions for those seeking Medicaid and SNAP benefits. And the costs to update computer systems that determine eligibility for those programs will be steep.
Hockey player diagnosed with Stage IV cancer at 26: "It was surreal"
David Lyon is one of the rising number of young adults to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
What to know about the "wild, wild West" of viral peptide claims
Here's what to know about peptides, what they can and can't do, and what's driving viral claims about possible health benefits online.
CDC's acting chief promises a return to stability in a tumultuous moment
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, head of the National Institutes of Health and interim leader of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told staff a permanent CDC director could be nominated soon. "I know that it has been such a difficult year," he said.
FDA says billionaire's claims about cancer drug Anktiva are misleading
Federal health officials posted a warning about misleading statements by biotech billionaire Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong about his company's bladder cancer drug Anktiva.
World
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American journalist Shelly Kittleson kidnapped in Iraq
American journalist Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped in Baghdad on Tuesday, according to two sources familiar with the matter as well as an Iraqi official.
Iran war's impact is spreading beyond oil, hitting helium and aluminum
Shortages of helium, a byproduct of natural gas processing, could create problems for semiconductor and medical equipment manufacturers.
Hegseth slated for House testimony amid Iran war pressure, sources say
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is tentatively expected to testify publicly before the House Armed Services Committee on April 29, according to two sources familiar with the plans.
Police find drug-smuggling tunnel with rail system and cranes in Spain
Police said two people headed the network, including one person considered to be the "narco-architect" and "mastermind of the tunnels."
Premature babies who escaped Gaza war finally reunited with families
Palestinian parents separated from their premature newborns by the war in Gaza finally get to meet their children for the first time.
Entertainment
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Crew that flew Apache helicopters near Kid Rock's house suspended
Kid Rock posted videos of the helicopters hovering by his Nashville home on social media over the weekend. The Army later confirmed the helicopters were on a training mission.
Taylor Swift sued for trademark infringement
Taylor Swift is being sued by Las Vegas performer Maren Wade who has accused the superstar of trademark infringement over her latest album, "The Life of a Showgirl." Wade is the creator of the "Confessions of a Showgirl" podcast, which started as a column in 2014.
Sharon Stone talks new season of "Euphoria"
Sharon Stone reflected on her legendary career as she discussed joining the cast of "Euphoria," working with the show's creator, Sam Levinson, and how she has advocated for women in the entertainment industry.
Taylor Swift sued for trademark infringement over "The Life of a Showgirl"
A Las Vegas performer has sued Taylor Swift over the title of her hit album "The Life of a Showgirl," alleging it violates the performer's trademark.
Barbie Dream Fest disappoints some attendees
A Barbie Dream Fest event in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, generated backlash from attendees over its allegedly underwhelming experience. Jessica Nova, who drove in from Atlanta for the occasion, joins CBS News to recount her experience.
Technology
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Technology
Inside Apple's relationship with China
CBS News contributor Patrick McGee joins "The Daily Report" to discuss the codependent relationship between Apple and China, a country that manufactures hundreds of millions of iPhones every year.
Jamie Dimon: JPMorgan could offer prediction market services to investors
The JPMorgan Chase CEO said the bank may one day introduce prediction market features, but said "there's a bunch of stuff we won't do" in that space.
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.
Company tries to make flying car of the future
Many have dreamed of a future with flying cars, eliminating traffic on the morning commute. One company is trying to make that dream a reality. Itay Hod reports.
Judge blocks Pentagon's Anthropic risk label
A judge has temporarily blocked the Pentagon's attempt to designate Anthropic as a supply chain risk. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
Science
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Snowy owl, cheetah among 40 species granted international protection
According to a recent report, nearly one in four species catalogued by the CMS are threatened with extinction on a worldwide scale.
Everything to know about NASA's moon mission launching this week
NASA is poised to launch four astronauts April 1 on a historic nine-day trip around the moon and back. Here's everything to know about the Artemis II mission.
Arctic sea ice hits lowest winter level as heat records are shattered worldwide
Arctic sea ice levels are crucial to Earth's climate because, without the ice reflecting sunlight, more heat energy goes into the oceans.
Sharks in Bahamas test positive for caffeine, painkillers, cocaine
Marine biologists found detectable levels of caffeine, cocaine and the over-the-counter painkillers in the blood of 28 sharks.
What to know about the "wild, wild West" of viral peptide claims
Here's what to know about peptides, what they can and can't do, and what's driving viral claims about possible health benefits online.
Crime
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Crime
Defense in Kirk case questions bullet analysis
Lawyers for the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk are asking to delay a preliminary hearing set for May, arguing the defense team needs time to review ATF analysis they contend "could not" connect a bullet fragment recovered during Kirk's autopsy with the rifle found near the scene of the crime. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins to unpack the development.
New details on Tiger Woods arrest report
Tiger Woods had bloodshot eyes, was "sweating profusely" and had "extremely dilated" pupils after a rollover car crash last week, an arrest report shows. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has the details.
Police find drug-smuggling tunnel with rail system and cranes in Spain
Police said two people headed the network, including one person considered to be the "narco-architect" and "mastermind of the tunnels."
Questions about bullet used to kill Charlie Kirk
Lawyers for Tyler Robinson, the man charged with killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, are looking to review an analysis that couldn't conclusively connect a bullet fragment recovered during an autopsy to the rifle found near the scene. CBS News' Carter Evans reports.
Lawyers for Kirk suspect ask to delay hearing
A new court filing reveals defense attorneys for Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk, claim an ATF analysis could not conclusively connect the bullet that killed Kirk to the gun Robinson allegedly used. Now the lawyers are asking to delay Robinson's preliminary hearing to review the evidence. Carter Evans reports.
Space
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Space
Is Artemis II launch part of a space race?
NASA is preparing for the scheduled launch of the first crewed mission around the moon in over 50 years. If the Artemis II rocket takes off on Wednesday as planned, the three-man, one-woman crew will travel further from the Earth than any humans before. Bloomberg space reporter Loren Grush has more from the Kennedy Space Center.
From 2016: Astronaut Scott Kelly returns to Earth
On March 2, 2016, NASA astronaut Scott Kelly touched down on Earth after spending 340 days aboard the International Space Station, then the longest spaceflight ever by an American, as part of a mission to study the health impacts of extended space travel. Watch CBS News' coverage of Kelly's return.
Smooth countdown continues for Artemis II moon mission
Forecasters continue to predict an 80% chance of favorable weather on Wednesday for the launch of four astronauts on a flight to the moon.
NASA head Jared Isaacman on Artemis II launch
NASA is poised to launch a historic spaceflight around the moon on Wednesday. CBS News senior national correspondent Mark Strassman spoke with NASA administrator Jared Isaacman about the Artemis II mission.
Artemis II moon mission countdown underway
NASA is just a day away from the planned launch of the Artemis II mission around the moon. CBS News senior national correspondent Mark Strassmann has more.
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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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Previewing NASA's Artemis II launch
NASA is planning to launch its first crewed mission in over 50 years with its Artemis II flight on Wednesday from Florida's Kennedy Space Center.
Extended interview: Jamie Dimon
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon speaks with "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil about the advancement of artificial intelligence, the war in Iran's effect on the U.S. economy, prediction markets and more.
Boy born with rare defect gets heart transplant
Born with a rare heart defect, Wyatt Lopez was about a year old when he checked into the hospital. It took almost a whole year before he checked back out -- with a tuxedo, a little parade and a brand new heart. Tony Dokoupil has the story.
Jamie Dimon acknowledges struggles across society
The head of JPMorgan Chase is acknowledging that the American dream is slipping out of reach for many. Jamie Dimon spoke to Tony Dokoupil, saying he's on a crusade to change that.
NASA readies Artemis II for historic moon mission
The countdown to launch of the Artemis II mission, NASA's first piloted moonshot in half a century, proceeded smoothly as engineers and technicians prepared the agency's giant Space Launch System rocket and Orion crew capsule for fueling and blastoff. Mark Strassmann has more.