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."
Exclusive
Less than 14% of those ICE arrested had violent criminal records, data show
The official DHS statistics, which had not been previously reported, provide the most detailed look yet into who ICE has arrested during the Trump administration's crackdown.
Ghislaine Maxwell's lawyer says she'll testify if Trump grants her clemency
Ghislaine Maxwell's lawyer said she would be willing to cooperate with a House panel's probe if President Trump grants her clemency, and would testify that he is "innocent of any wrongdoing."
Savannah Guthrie pleads for public's help in search for missing mom Nancy
"Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie issued a plea for the public's help on Monday at what she called "an hour of desperation" in the search for her mother, Nancy.
Best and worst Super Bowl commercials of 2026 as rated by experts
Google and Pepsi were among the best ads of the Big Game, while Coinbase and ai.com got failing grades, according to one ranking.
Vonn responds to well-wisher in first social media post after crash
Lindsey Vonn thanked a journalist who wished her well on social media a day after suffering a broken leg in a devastating crash at the Winter Olympics in Italy.
Winter Olympics committee says it's looking into medals breaking apart
Some 2026 Winter Olympics athletes say their winning medals are falling apart, coming detached from their ribbons.
New video from deadly Brown University shooting is released
New video footage from the day of the Brown University shooting that killed two students and injured nine others was released Monday.
China sentences Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison
Family of Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong media tycoon and vocal critic of China's Communist rule, calls his prison sentence cruel, and the "end of justice."
Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show brings the party, showcases Latin culture
The 31-year-old Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny took the stage on Sunday dressed in all white, donning a jersey with his last name, Ocasio, and the number 64.
U.S.
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Savannah Guthrie pleads for public's help in search for missing mom Nancy
"Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie issued a plea for the public's help on Monday at what she called "an hour of desperation" in the search for her mother, Nancy.
U.S. guaranteed 1st Olympic curling mixed doubles medal
Team USA's mixed doubles curling gold medal match against Sweden is slated for Tuesday, Feb. 10.
How much is a Winter Olympics gold medal worth as shiny metal prices soar?
Olympic medals have what's known as a "melt value." But they're worth far more financially than their mineral contents, an auction expert notes.
Strangers help man and his dog survive winter storm in South Carolina
A man and his dog in a small South Carolina town had nowhere to turn when a rare winter storm struck, until the community pulled together to help.
Bad Bunny holds top 6 spots on U.S. Spotify chart after Super Bowl show
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is one of the most-streamed artists on the planet.
MoneyWatch
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How much is a Winter Olympics gold medal worth as shiny metal prices soar?
Olympic medals have what's known as a "melt value." But they're worth far more financially than their mineral contents, an auction expert notes.
Eddie Bauer's retail operator declares bankruptcy
Eddie Bauer, a 106-year-old retailer, points to declining sales and "tariff certainty" as factors behind its latest move to seek bankruptcy protection.
Best and worst Super Bowl commercials of 2026 as rated by experts
Google and Pepsi were among the best ads of the Big Game, while Coinbase and ai.com got failing grades, according to one ranking.
"Black carbon" in Arctic an increasing concern amid other issues in region
"Black carbon," or soot, that spews from ships and makes the Artic Ocean ice melt even faster is an increasing concern in a region beset with many other issues.
As Cadillac races to first F1 season, insiders advise patience for U.S. fans
For the first time, a major U.S. automaker is putting a team up against the European giants of Formula One. Can Cadillac be a contender?
Politics
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Ghislaine Maxwell's lawyer says she'll testify if Trump grants her clemency
Ghislaine Maxwell's lawyer said she would be willing to cooperate with a House panel's probe if President Trump grants her clemency, and would testify that he is "innocent of any wrongdoing."
Exclusive
Less than 14% of those ICE arrested had violent criminal records, data show
The official DHS statistics, which had not been previously reported, provide the most detailed look yet into who ICE has arrested during the Trump administration's crackdown.
Gonzales defends conditions at Texas detention center with measles outbreak
Rep. Tony Gonzales said the Dilley detention facility, which houses families and children, is "nicer than some elementary schools."
Lawmakers in standoff over ICE reforms as DHS funding deadline approaches
Republicans and Democrats in Congress are locked in a standoff over reforming the nation's immigration enforcement operation as a deadline to reach a resolution and fund the Department of Homeland Security approaches.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 8, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Sen. Mark Warner and Rep. Tony Gonzales join Margaret Brennan.
HealthWatch
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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.
Her deadly diagnosis only had 1 warning sign. Here's how she survived.
Becca Valle, then 37, enrolled in a cutting-edge clinical trial after surgery removed an aggressive tumor from her brain.
California urges avoiding wild mushrooms after deaths, liver transplants
More than three dozen cases of death cap mushroom poisonings have been reported in California since November, health officials said.
See the 43 drugs available on new discounted drug site TrumpRx
Here's what to know about TrumpRx, including how it works, who can use it, and how much money it can save.
White House launches TrumpRx discounted drug site
The Trump administration launched its new TrumpRx direct-to-consumer prescription drug listing site late Thursday, part of a push to offer medication at steep discounts.
World
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U.S. guaranteed 1st Olympic curling mixed doubles medal
Team USA's mixed doubles curling gold medal match against Sweden is slated for Tuesday, Feb. 10.
Meet the American girl skiing into Philippines Winter Olympics history
Skier Tallulah Proulx, 17, was raised in the U.S., but she's making Olympic history as the Philippines' first female, and youngest athlete in any Winter Games.
13 people died in Italian mountains over last week as Olympics start
Fresh snowfall during recent storms and wind-swept snowcaps on weak internal layers have created especially risky conditions, rescuers said.
Winter Olympics committee says it's looking into medals breaking apart
Some 2026 Winter Olympics athletes say their winning medals are falling apart, coming detached from their ribbons.
Vonn responds to well-wisher in first social media post after crash
Lindsey Vonn thanked a journalist who wished her well on social media a day after suffering a broken leg in a devastating crash at the Winter Olympics in Italy.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Cultural impact of Bad Bunny's performance
Ingrid Fajaro, a staff writer at Billboard, joins CBS News 24/7 to discuss the cultural impact of Bad Bunny's halftime performance at Super Bowl LX.
Bad Bunny holds top 6 spots on U.S. Spotify chart after Super Bowl show
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is one of the most-streamed artists on the planet.
Ranking the 2026 Super Bowl ads
Ad Age editor-in-chief Jeanine Poggi joins "CBS Mornings" to break down which ads during Super Bowl LX stood out and if some missed the mark.
The evolution of the quad, ice skating's most daring jump
When self-proclaimed "Quad God" Ilia Malinin landed seven quad jumps in a single program last December, he boisterously ushered in a new era of skating with his daring routines.
Recapping Super Bowl LX
The Seattle Seahawks beat the New England Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl LX on Sunday. Bad Bunny's halftime show highlighted Puerto Rican culture and featured Ricky Martin and Lady Gaga, but drew criticism from President Trump. CBS News correspondent Nidia Cavazos has more.
Technology
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Super Bowl fans warned to leave drones at home amid flight ban
The FAA says it is collaborating with the FBI to detect, track and assess unauthorized drone activity at the Super Bowl.
Ukrainian military drone simulator adapted for video gamers in world first
Gamers across the world can now recreate drone strikes in Ukraine from the comfort of their own home, with this newly released game.
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.
How will AI transform the workforce?
CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger talks about how companies are using artificial intelligence, the discussion around the technology and how it's impacting the workforce.
Tesla, Waymo leaders defend product safety
Executives from Waymo and Tesla defended their self-driving vehicle technology in testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave reports and Ian Krietzberg, an AI correspondent at the digital media company Puck, has more.
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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Savannah Guthrie pleads for public's help in search for missing mom Nancy
"Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie issued a plea for the public's help on Monday at what she called "an hour of desperation" in the search for her mother, Nancy.
School shooting reported in Maryland
At least one person has been shot at Thomas S. Wootton High School in Rockville, Maryland. The school is on lockdown and one person has been taken into custody.
Update on Guthrie search, now in second week
Authorities are still searching for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, as another apparent ransom deadline approaches. Guthrie was reported missing on February 1. CBS News' Andres Gutierrez has more.
Latest on Ghislaine Maxwell deposition
Ghislaine Maxwell invoked the Fifth Amendment and refused to answer questions during a virtual deposition before the House Oversight Committee on Monday. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has the latest.
Retired FBI negotiator on Nancy Guthrie probe
An apparent second ransom deadline is set for Monday in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie after her children post another video telling her possible abductor "we will pay" for her safe return. Gregory M. Vecchi, a retired FBI negotiator and former chief of the agency's Behavioral Science Unit, joins CBS News 24/7 to discuss the investigation.
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
School shooting reported in Maryland
At least one person has been shot at Thomas S. Wootton High School in Rockville, Maryland. The school is on lockdown and one person has been taken into custody.
Democrat wins Louisiana special election
Louisiana Democrat Chasity Verret Martinez beat her Republican opponent by double digits Saturday in a special election for a state House seat in a district President Trump won by 13 points in 2024. CBS News' Fin Gómez has more.
Details on Trump push for SAVE act
President Trump is pushing for new legislation that he says will prevent non-citizens from voting in federal elections, even though it's already illegal and instances of noncitizens voting are rare. CBS News White House reporter Olivia Rinaldi has more.
Gold for USA in figure skating team event
Team USA won gold in the Olympic figure skating team event on Sunday with Ilia "Quad God" Malinin leading the way. CBS News' Kelly O'Grady reports.
Update on Guthrie search, now in second week
Authorities are still searching for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, as another apparent ransom deadline approaches. Guthrie was reported missing on February 1. CBS News' Andres Gutierrez has more.