Extended Interview: Cindy McCain

The director general of the nucelar watchdog agency the International Atomic Energy Agency spoke with Margaret Brennan about the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Tehran's nuclear capabilities. 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 turns his focus to getting his Big Beautiful Bill through Congress after a week of foreign policy wins. President Trump warned his party Saturday that refusing to support his signature domestic spending bill would be an act of the "ultimate betrayal.”  We’ll discuss the legislation’s path forward and the surprising string of foreign policy successes last week with the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, Virginia's Mark Warner. Texas House Republican Michael McCaul also weighs in. Then, what's next when it comes to Iran?  We'll talk with the head of the IAEA, the watchdog agency who monitors nuclear capabilities in Iran, Rafael Mariano Grossi and speak to Iran's ambassador to the U.N., Amir Saeid Iravani. Finally, former FDA commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb will join us for a reality check on new developments with vaccines and health policy. 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, breaking news shocks the world as President Trump makes good on his threat to use American firepower to bomb Iranian nuclear sites. Is this an isolated mission, or did the recent actions further escalate tensions in the already volatile Middle East conflict? We speak with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the success of the strikes and the chances of further diplomacy.  Plus, hear from Virginia Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, and two House members with very different political ideologies who are united when it comes to the U.S. intervention in the Middle East. Finally, expert analysis on how this might unfold from former CENTCOM Commander, retired General Frank McKenzie.  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, the shocking shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers spark new fears of political violence and in the escalating war between Israel and Iran, can the U.S. avoid further involvement? A massive manhunt is underway after a gunman authorities say posed as a police officer shot two Minnesota lawmakers, killing one and injuring another. We have the latest. As the back and forth between Israel and Iran picks up in its intensity with no end in sight, is there any way to de-escalate tensions in the Mideast before the situation worsens?  The Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee Tom Cotton tells us how the conflict will develop in the days ahead. Then, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, appear together to discuss their bipartisan effort to punish Russia with crushing sanctions as that country continues their bombardment of Ukraine. Los Angeles is still the epicenter of protests and unrest following the White House mandate to ramp up deportations of people in the country illegally, will the President's softening of that order ease the situation?  We talk with California Democratic Senator Alex Padilla, who was briefly detained following an attempt to interrupt Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's press conference in Los Angeles last week. 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, immigration protests in Southern California turn violent as federal authorities ramp up their nationwide effort to round up those who could be in the country illegally. President Trump's mandate to escalate detentions and potentially deportations set the scene for violent protests in Los Angeles this weekend, and he now says he's calling in the National Guard. We speak exclusively with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.  Texas Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales also joins the broadcast, and we have new CBS News polling on what Americans think of Mr. Trump's immigration and deportation policies. Then, as President Trump lobbies the Senate to get his Big Beautiful Bill passed, what impact will the Elon Musk factor have on some components of the bill that even Republicans don't like? We talk with White House Economic Advisor Kevin Hassett and Minnesota Democrat Amy Klobuchar. Finally, as efforts from the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation continue to unravel, what humanitarian aid can get to the hundreds of thousands suffering? We talk with the head of Save the Children U.S., Janti Soeripto.   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, 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