Defense secretary breaks with Trump over military force
President Trump and Defense Secretary Mark Esper are at odds over the president's threat to use active duty troops to rein in protests. Paula Reid reports.
Mark Esper
6/3/20: Red and Blue
Growing scrutiny over handling of protesters; Prepping for a safe election in November
Esper on fallout from Navy captain's firing
Defense Secretary Mark Esper joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss the military's role in aiding the country through the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to health care workers, service members are on the front lines providing support to overwhelmed hospitals. Esper also reacts to the fallout from the recent firing of Navy aircraft carrier Captain Brett Crozier, who sent a letter that was later leaked about the severity of the virus threat on his ship.
Public health officials say the worst is yet to come
With the U.S. coronavirus death count at more than 9,000, President Trump and top officials are warning that the toughest week is still ahead. Health officials are also pleading to the public to take social distancing measures even more seriously than now. Nikole Killion reports.
1/6/20: CBSN Evening News
Defense Secy: No plans to pull troops out of Iraq; Young girl defies disability to become musician
11/09/20: Red and Blue
Pres. Trump fires Defense Secretary Mark Esper; Vice President elect Kamala Harris makes history
Trump fires Secretary of Defense Mark Esper
President Trump has fired Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. Christopher Miller, the head of the National Counterterrorism Center, has been named as acting secretary. Ben Tracy reports.
Trump fires Esper as defense secretary 6 days after election
"Mark Esper has been terminated. I would like to thank him for his service," the president said.
Pentagon rescinding order to shutter Stars and Stripes newspaper
President Trump vowed to continue funding the paper in a tweet last week.
Trump on 2015 McCain comments: "I say what I say"
Trump speaks to reporters a day after an article in The Atlantic alleged he had called American service members who died fighting "suckers" and "losers."
Washington ponders next move on Iran
The day after at least a dozen Iranian rockets slammed into two military bases with U.S. troops in Iraq, the Trump administration is pondering its next move. U.S. allies are condemning Iran, which in turn claims this attack concluded their "legal and proportionate" response to the targeted killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. CBS News State Department reporter Christina Ruffini joins CBSN with the latest from Washington.
House hearing on Russian bounty intel reports
Defense Secretary Mark Esper testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee to discuss intelligence reports alleging Russia may have paid the Taliban to kill U.S. troops. John Gans, the director of communications and research for the University of Pennsylvania's Perry World House global policy center, and former chief speechwriter for Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, joins "Red and Blue" with key takeaways from the testimony.
U.S. to withdraw 12,000 American troops from Germany
Defense Secretary Mark Esper said 5,600 troops would be redeployed to other NATO countries and 6,400 would return to the U.S.
New Pentagon policy effectively bans Confederate symbols
Trump has insisted that the Confederate flag should be protected under "freedom of speech."
Confederate symbols effectively banned at military sites
On Friday, Defense Secretary Mark Esper effectively banned the usage of Confederate flags at U.S. military installations. Esper issued a memo that listed flags that can be displayed, and the Confederate flag was not on that list.
Esper defends use of National Guard in helping with civil unrest after George Floyd death
Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley testified before lawmakers Thursday.
Trump demanded 10,000 active-duty troops deploy to streets
In an attempt to satisfy Mr. Trump's demand, Esper and Milley used the call with the governors later that morning to implore them to call up the National Guard in their own states, the official said.
Mattis, Esper speak out against Trump
Former Trump administration Defense Secretary James Mattis issued a scathing statement denouncing Mr. Trump's divisive tactics, while current Defense Secretary Mark Esper publicly disputed the president's comments about using the military to quell protests. CBS News White House correspondent Weijia Jiang joins CBSN to talk about the latest.
Mattis criticizes Trump's protest response
Former Secretary of Defense James Mattis is accusing President Trump of dividing the country. Current Secretary of Defense Mark Esper is also at odds with the president, saying active duty forces should only be used to stop protests as a last resort. Weijia Jiang reports.
Former presidents react to George Floyd's death
Every former living president has now issued a statement on the death of George Floyd. New charges against the officers involved in the incident which led to his death were also filed Wednesday. CBS News' Natalie Brand, CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett and Washington Post political reporter Eugene Scott join CBSN's "Red & Blue" to discuss.
Defense chief opposes sending troops to quell protests
Esper's comments contradicted President Trump, who threatened to deploy the military to quell protests on Monday.
Esper differs with Trump on Insurrection Act
Secretary of Defense Mark Esper says he does not support the idea of sending the military into states to control protests, as President Trump has suggested. CBS News White House correspondent Weijia Jiang spoke to CBSN's Tanya Rivero about the implications of that disagreement.
D.C. religious leaders criticize Trump visits
President Trump is facing backlash from local religious leaders for his visits to a historic church and national shrine amid the protests this week over George Floyd's death. CBS News White House correspondent Weijia Jiang joins CBSN to break down the latest developments.
Shanahan withdraws Defense Secy. nomination
Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan is withdrawing from the confirmation process after accusations of domestic violence by his ex-wife. Secretary of the Army Mark Esper will be taking his place. This comes as the Pentagon also announced it will be sending 1,000 more troops to the Middle East. CBS News national security correspondent David Martin joined CBSN with more.
Trump struggles to facilitate talks with Iran
President Trump is calling John Bolton a "hawk" but says he still has confidence in his national security adviser despite calling off a planned strike on Iran. This comes as the president gears up for high-stakes talks with Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Japan next week. White House columnist for The Hill, Niall Stanage, joins CBSN to break down the latest developments.
Live
Trump threatens to walk away from Iran war and pull U.S. out of NATO
Trump says he expects the U.S. war with Iran to end within several weeks despite unrelenting attacks from both sides and Iran's iron grip on the Strait of Hormuz.
Supreme Court casts doubt on Trump's order to end birthright citizenship
The Supreme Court on Wednesday appeared open to invalidating President Trump's executive order that would end birthright citizenship.
Live
Artemis II moon mission counts down to historic flight
NASA's Artemis II astronauts are set to launch today on a nine-day mission around the moon and back. Follow the countdown and watch it live.
Majority of recent ship traffic through Strait of Hormuz linked to Iran
Trump said Iran gave him the "present" of letting eight oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, but the majority of ships making the passage are Iranian, including
Trump indicates he'll try to pull U.S. out of NATO
President Trump has told Britain's Telegraph newspaper he could try to terminate U.S. membership in NATO. He's railed against NATO allies for refusing to join the Iran war.
A COVID variant called "Cicada" is spreading. Here's what to know.
The COVID-19 variant BA.3.2, nicknamed "Cicada," has been detected in at least 23 countries and half the states in the U.S.
Gas prices hit $4.06 a gallon before Trump's prime-time address
U.S. gasoline prices continue to inch higher after crossing the $4 a gallon threshold on Tuesday for the first time since 2022.
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.
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.
U.S.
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Will the Iran war slow U.S. hiring? Economists say risks are rising.
With oil prices rising and hiring already slowing, economists warn the Iran war could further weigh on U.S. job growth.
Hershey says it will shift back to classic Reese's recipe after backlash
Hershey said Wednesday it will use classic recipes for all Reese's products starting next year, after getting criticism for changing the popular treats.
A COVID variant called "Cicada" is spreading. Here's what to know.
The COVID-19 variant BA.3.2, nicknamed "Cicada," has been detected in at least 23 countries and half the states in the U.S.
King Charles III to address Congress on April 28
Congressional leaders announced that Britain's King Charles III will address a joint meeting of Congress as part of his visit to Washington later this month.
Gas prices hit $4.06 a gallon before Trump's prime-time address
U.S. gasoline prices continue to inch higher after crossing the $4 a gallon threshold on Tuesday for the first time since 2022.
MoneyWatch
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Will the Iran war slow U.S. hiring? Economists say risks are rising.
With oil prices rising and hiring already slowing, economists warn the Iran war could further weigh on U.S. job growth.
Hershey says it will shift back to classic Reese's recipe after backlash
Hershey said Wednesday it will use classic recipes for all Reese's products starting next year, after getting criticism for changing the popular treats.
Gas prices hit $4.06 a gallon before Trump's prime-time address
U.S. gasoline prices continue to inch higher after crossing the $4 a gallon threshold on Tuesday for the first time since 2022.
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.
Politics
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U.S. commandos in Ecuador for mission targeting alleged narco-terrorists
American commandos joined Ecuadorian troops in a joint mission aimed at dismantling a suspected criminal hub along the country's coast.
King Charles III to address Congress on April 28
Congressional leaders announced that Britain's King Charles III will address a joint meeting of Congress as part of his visit to Washington later this month.
Trump indicates he'll try to pull U.S. out of NATO
President Trump has told Britain's Telegraph newspaper he could try to terminate U.S. membership in NATO. He's railed against NATO allies for refusing to join the Iran war.
Supreme Court casts doubt on Trump's order to end birthright citizenship
The Supreme Court on Wednesday appeared open to invalidating President Trump's executive order that would end birthright citizenship.
Trump attends Supreme Court arguments in birthright citizenship case
President Trump went to the Supreme Court on Wednesday as the justices took up his executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship, a major test of his immigration agenda.
HealthWatch
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A COVID variant called "Cicada" is spreading. Here's what to know.
The COVID-19 variant BA.3.2, nicknamed "Cicada," has been detected in at least 23 countries and half the states in the U.S.
State health plan for foster kids threatened 8-year-old's cancer care
North Carolina and other states have insurance plans for kids in foster care, but many doctors did not accept patients on the plans, leaving kids' guardians scrambling to find health care providers.
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.
World
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U.S. commandos in Ecuador for mission targeting alleged narco-terrorists
American commandos joined Ecuadorian troops in a joint mission aimed at dismantling a suspected criminal hub along the country's coast.
King Charles III to address Congress on April 28
Congressional leaders announced that Britain's King Charles III will address a joint meeting of Congress as part of his visit to Washington later this month.
Majority of recent ship traffic through Strait of Hormuz linked to Iran
Trump said Iran gave him the "present" of letting eight oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, but the majority of ships making the passage are Iranian, including
Hiker's dog rescued by helicopter week after getting lost in forest
After strangers raised thousands of dollars for a search, the border collie was flown to safety by a pilot who was determined to reunite pet and owner.
Live
Trump threatens to walk away from Iran war and pull U.S. out of NATO
Trump says he expects the U.S. war with Iran to end within several weeks despite unrelenting attacks from both sides and Iran's iron grip on the Strait of Hormuz.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Kenan Thompson on new children's book
Actor and comedian Kenan Thompson joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss his new children's book, "Unfunny Bunny."
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.
Technology
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Technology
New film on risks and rewards of AI
"CBS Mornings" sits down with Tristan Harris, co-founder and president of the Center for Humane Technology, who is featured in the 2026 documentary, "The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist."
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.
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.
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.
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.
Science
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Live
Artemis II moon mission counts down to historic flight
NASA's Artemis II astronauts are set to launch today on a nine-day mission around the moon and back. Follow the countdown and watch it live.
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 Artemis II moon mission launching today
NASA is poised to launch four astronauts 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.
Crime
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Crime
Kentucky Powerball winner arrested again
James Farthing, who won the $167.3 million Powerball jackpot last April, was arrested for a third time since collecting his grand prize. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Son of Hawaii doctor testifies at trial
The son of a Maui doctor testified that his father confessed to him over FaceTime to trying to kill his stepmother, Arielle Konig, on a hike last year. Prosecutors allege Gerhardt Konig tried to push his wife off a cliff, attempted to inject her with a syringe and hit her in the head with a rock.
Luigi Mangione lawyers seek to postpone trial
Lawyers for Luigi Mangione, the man charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, are seeking to postpone his federal murder trial. CBS News' Lilia Luciano reports.
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.
Space
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Live
Artemis II moon mission counts down to historic flight
NASA's Artemis II astronauts are set to launch today on a nine-day mission around the moon and back. Follow the countdown and watch it live.
The Artemis II launch is today. Here's how to watch it live.
As launch time approaches for NASA's first moonshot in more than half a century, anticipation is building for the Artemis II mission. Here's how to watch today's liftoff.
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.
Countdown begins for long-awaited Artemis II moon mission
Countdown clocks began ticking Monday, setting the stage for launch of the Artemis II moon mission early Wednesday evening.
These 4 astronauts are about to make history on flight around the moon
NASA's Artemis II astronauts — three space station veterans and a Canadian rookie — stand out even in an astronaut corps full of super achievers.
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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
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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
Kentucky Powerball winner arrested again
James Farthing, who won the $167.3 million Powerball jackpot last April, was arrested for a third time since collecting his grand prize. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
NASA inches closer to historical moon mission
Asa Stahl, an astrophysicist and science editor for The Planetary Society, told CBS News 24/7 that the environment feels "electric" at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida ahead of the Artemis II launch.
Key arguments on birthright citizenship
The Supreme Court is hearing arguments on Wednesday over the legality of birthright citizenship in the U.S. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson breaks down some key points.
Trump attends Supreme Court arguments
President Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to attend a Supreme Court hearing after showing up on Wednesday to listen to arguments on his birthright citizenship executive order. CBS News' Natalie Brand has more.
Inside the Artemis II moon mission simulator
CBS News' Kris Van Cleave goes inside the Orion mission simulator cockpit to get a better idea of what NASA astronauts will be experiencing during the Artemis II launch set for Wednesday.