Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan

This week on Face the Nation, the turmoil over tariffs continues. The economic whiplash from the on again, off again Trump tariffs persists here at home, as does the confusion around the world. We speak exclusively with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Then, as Congress continues to move forward with its massive tax and border bill, questions remain on how the Senate will change it. Kentucky Republican Senator Rand Paul gives us the latest on what’s next for the president’s sweeping agenda and his criticisms of it.  Plus, how will the administration's new restrictions on foreign student visas impact America's colleges and universities -- and our ability to attract international talent to our workforce?  House Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi and Wesleyan University President Michael Roth will be here to discuss. Finally, we'll get some clarity on whether or not healthy children and pregnant women should get the Covid-19 vaccine after a week of mixed messaging from Trump administration health officials. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary will join us to clear things up.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CBS News has learned the State Department intends to shut down the office tasked with helping to resettle the Afghans who fought alongside U.S. servicemembers against the Taliban. Thousands of our Afghan partners are still waiting for their visas, some of whom are in hiding for fear of retribution at the hands of the Taliban. Ahead of that change, Jack McCain, Navy veteran of the War in Afghanistan and son of late Senator John McCain, joined Face the Nation on Memorial Day weekend to honor their service and call on Congress to act.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Humanitarian aid trucks are entering Gaza after an 11-week blockade, but the U.N. says it's not enough to meet the need. World Food Programme Executive Director Cindy McCain joined Face the Nation on Sunday, May 25 to discuss conditions on the ground.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Face the Nation, Memorial Day marks the unofficial start to summer, we kick it off with a hat tip to the nation's military as President Trump gives this year’s commencement speech at West Point. But as these new members of the world's most powerful military go forward, are we doing enough to support them? We talked with some veterans serving in Congress about the value of public service and honor those who've protected us. On Capitol Hill, the president's One Big Beautiful Bill squeaks through the House. What kind of impact will some of those tax and spend provisions have on Americans?  And can they survive the Senate? We ask House Speaker Mike Johnson and talk with the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, Jim Himes. Some humanitarian aid is returning to Gaza after a monthslong Israeli blockade, but will it be in time -- and enough -- to help those in desperate need of food? We talk to Cindy McCain, head of the U.N.'s World Food Programme. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Face the Nation Moderator Margaret Brennan went to Williamsburg, Virginia to interview former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates on how today's threats compare with those of the past. Before retiring from public service, Gates served under eight different presidents from both political parties. He's now the chancellor of William & Mary. The former secretary said we are facing aggressive nuclear powers, both in Europe and in Asia, collaborating like never before. He also discussed President Trump's trip to the Middle East and what current policy decisions mean for the broader region. This is an extended version of the full interview with Former Secretary Gates, a portion of which aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 18, 2025. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Face the Nation, President Trump is back from the Middle East and facing new headwinds on the domestic front, especially on the economy and working with Congress to fund the president’s agenda. While the president's whirlwind deal-seeking trip to some of the monied parts of the region may be over, his efforts pushing for cease-fire deals in both Gaza and Ukraine are stepping up, as the fighting in both conflicts intensifies. We'll speak with Secretary of State Marco Rubio exclusively on the latest on both fronts. We'll also get the worldview of former Defense Secretary Robert Gates, as he assesses the modern challenges America faces.  Plus, former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink and retired Army General Stanley McChrystal join us. Finally, Maryland Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen tells us more about the fight ahead in Congress over that high-stakes spending package to implement the president’s campaign promises.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Blase Cupich, a U.S. Cardinal and influential figure in the Catholic Church, shares insights on the newly-elected Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope. He discusses the Church's future and its moral responsibility in the face of global challenges like climate change and immigration. Cupich emphasizes the importance of service to the community, the evolving roles of women in the Church, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. His reflections highlight a hopeful vision for American Catholicism shaped by unity and pastoral leadership.

Scott Kirby, the CEO of United Airlines, shares insights into the current state of air travel safety. He discusses the recent air traffic control blackout at Newark Airport and emphasizes how pilots and air traffic controllers work together to ensure passenger safety. Kirby explains United's strategic flight reductions in response to FAA staffing issues and operational challenges, aiming to enhance reliability. He also highlights the importance of modernizing the air traffic control system to address safety and efficiency.

Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, shares insights on air travel safety following radar outages and potential economic impacts for travelers this summer. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham discusses Medicaid changes and their effects on vulnerable populations while addressing border policy challenges. Cardinal Blaise Cupich highlights the new pope's perspective on artificial intelligence and its influence on global politics. The conversation touches on pressing issues from healthcare to international relations, revealing the interconnectedness of today’s landscape.

Tammy Duckworth, the Democratic Senator from Illinois, discusses a bipartisan request for an investigation into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's conduct, shedding light on accountability in military leadership. Oksana Markarova, the Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S., shares urgent updates on the ongoing Russian attacks and the newly finalized economic deal with the U.S., which aims to bolster Ukraine's security amid the conflict. Their insights reveal the complexities of international relations and national security challenges in a rapidly shifting global landscape.