Margaret Brennan
Verified- Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent, CBS News
- Moderator, Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan
- Moderator, Face the Nation
- Moderator, Face the Nation
Washington, D.C.
Face the Nation Moderator, CBS Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent, Boy Mom & USMC wife, UVA alum, retired 🇮🇪 dancer, contact: margaret.brennan@protonmail.com
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Margaret Brennan
U.S. blasts "embarrassing" complaint filed against Lebanon's ambassador Original
Washington — The Trump administration sharply criticized a legal complaint filed in Lebanon against the country's ambassador to Washington over her reported outreach to her Israeli counterpart, accusing Hezbollah-linked actors of seeking to obstruct U.S.-led efforts to foster diplomatic contacts between the two countries.
Mullin Slams Sanctuary Politicians After ICE Shooting in New York
Skip to stories Breaking •How Western States Handle Wolves Hitting Livestock•Tupelo High Football Player Killed in Overnight Crash•Pope Leo XIV Set for Surgery to Remove Lung Nodule•SoundHound AI (SOUN) Stock: Quote, News and Price History•How Western States Handle Wolves Hitting Livestock•Tupelo High Football Player Killed in Overnight Crash•Pope Leo XIV Set for Surgery to Remove Lung Nodule•SoundHound AI (SOUN) Stock: Quote, News and Price History How Western States Handle Wolves Hitting...
Key Biden aide Brett McGurk on Hamas, Iran, Saudi Arabia and why U.S. nearly took "draconian measures" against Israel Original
President Joe Biden was on the verge of taking "draconian measures" after an Israeli military drone strike killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in the Gaza Strip in April 2024, but U.S. intelligence that Iran was about to launch an "unprecedented" aerial attack on Israel prevented Biden from moving forward, according to Brett McGurk, a top Middle East adviser to four presidents.
Key Biden aide Brett McGurk on Hamas, Iran, Saudi Arabia and why U.S. nearly took "draconian measures" against Israel
Kevin Hassett 2 hours ago Hassett on negative polling on economy: ‘I just don’t buy it’ The Hill - Tara Suter • 2h Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, said Sunday that he doesn’t believe in recent polls that show Americans’ negative feelings … Disability Community 14 hours ago Trump, campaigning in Ohio, says the midterms will bring a ‘big surprise’ NBC News - By Henry J. Gomez • 14h The president rallied Saturday for Sen.
Sen. Kennedy Speaks on Face the Nation
CBS Newsupdated 2m agofirst covered Sep 27, 12:15 PM ET Read the original ↗ Senator John Kennedy appeared on CBS News' Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan on September 27, 2026, to discuss pressing political issues facing the nation. The Louisiana Republican used the platform to address key concerns and offer his perspective on current events.
Wife of scholar detained in China wants Trump to press Xi to release him
For over 100 days, Sylvia Zin has not been allowed to see or speak with her husband Min Zin, a U.S. citizen and scholar whose work focuses on Myanmar. She says he is being held without charge in China at a detention facility that is referred to by human rights groups as a "black site." In an interview with CBS News, Sylvia Zin shared that the Chinese Ministry of State Security, or MSS, has not formally charged him with a crime nor given him a trial date.
Wife of American scholar wrongfully detained in China wants Trump to press Xi to release him Original
For over 100 days, Sylvia Zin has not been allowed to see or speak with her husband Min Zin, a U.S. citizen and scholar whose work focuses on Myanmar. She says he is being held without charge in China at a detention facility that is referred to by human rights groups as a "black site." In an interview with CBS News, Sylvia Zin shared that the Chinese Ministry of State Security, or MSS, has not formally charged him with a crime nor given him a trial date.
Wife of scholar detained in China wants Trump to press Xi to release him
This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. The wife of a U.S. citizen wrongfully detained in China has not spoken with him for more than 100 days. Sylvia Zin spoke with Margaret Brennan, saying she hopes President Trump pushes Chinese President Xi Jinping to release her husband. For over 100 days, Sylvia Zin has not been allowed to see or speak with her husband Min Zin, a U.S. citizen and scholar whose work focuses on Myanmar.
Bipartisan senators press Rubio to prioritize release of American journalist held in Iran Original
A bipartisan group of senators is urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to make the release of an American journalist imprisoned in Iran an "urgent priority," warning that his health has deteriorated and his life could be at risk. In a letter to Rubio obtained by CBS News, Sens.
Face the Nation Transcript - September 20, 2026
CBS Newsupdated 2m agofirst covered Sep 20, 2:15 PM ET Read the original ↗ CBS News' Face the Nation program aired its full episode on September 20, 2026, featuring interviews and discussions on current political and policy matters. The transcript provides a complete record of the broadcast's content, including guest commentary and host Margaret Brennan's questioning.
Face the Nation Transcript - September 13, 2026
CBS Newsupdated 2m agofirst covered Sep 13, 4:15 PM ET Read the original ↗ CBS News publishes the full transcript from Margaret Brennan's Face the Nation program for September 13, 2026. The transcript provides complete documentation of the week's major political interviews and discussions, offering readers the unfiltered remarks from key political figures without media interpretation or selective editing.
Navy sailor who was jailed in Venezuela took stage at GOP convention, in unusual military presence at political event Original
Washington — An active-duty Navy sailor who spent nearly a year imprisoned in Venezuela before being freed in a prisoner exchange negotiated by the Trump administration appeared on stage at the Republican National Committee's midterm convention on Thursday. His appearance at the event, holding a sign before the partisan crowd, raises questions about the military's consistency in enforcing restrictions intended to keep active-duty troops out of politics.
Navy sailor appeared on stage at partisan GOP convention
This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Usually reserved for presidential cycles, Republicans held their first midterm convention in Dallas. Ed O'Keefe has more details. Washington — An active-duty Navy sailor who spent nearly a year imprisoned in Venezuela before being freed in a prisoner exchange negotiated by the Trump administration appeared on stage at the Republican National Committee's midterm convention on Thursday.
Face the Nation Transcript - August 30, 2026
Skip to stories CBS Newsupdated 29m agofirst covered Aug 30, 4:15 PM ET Read the original ↗ CBS News publishes the full transcript from Margaret Brennan's Face the Nation broadcast for August 30, 2026. The transcript provides a complete record of the week's political discussions and newsmaker interviews. This resource allows readers to review the actual statements made by political figures without media filtering or selective editing.
U.S. designates American citizen Min Zin, held by China, as wrongfully detained Original
Washington — American citizen Min Zin has been legally designated by the U.S. State Department as wrongfully detained by China. "Secretary Rubio has formally designated U.S. citizen Min Zin as wrongfully detained," Dylan Johnson, assistant secretary of state for global public affairs, said Thursday on X. "We call on Beijing to release all U.S. citizens arbitrarily detained or exit banned in China.
From inside Iran's Evin Prison, U.S. citizen Reza Valizadeh gives update on conditions, fears exposure to disease Original
We, the prisoners of Evin Prison, have been denied access to the prison library and sport facilities for more than a year. Medical care in the prison is almost non-existent. Only the most basic medications are available. Even worse, many medicines purchased and delivered by prisoners' families are stolen by prison staff before reaching the prisoners. The prison's doctors are rude, unmotivated and lack professional competence.
U.S. Marine veteran, detained in Russia since 2022, is hospitalized in serious condition Original
An American Marine Corps veteran detained in Russia since 2022 is now hospitalized in serious condition, according to an advocate for his family, who is urging the Trump administration to push for his immediate release on humanitarian grounds. Robert Gilman, 32, is being held at a Russian hospital in what his advocate, Eric Lebson of Global Reach, described as a "dissociative stupor," adding Gilman is being fed through a tube in his nose.
How I Got My Career in Foreign Policy: Margaret Brennan Original
It wasn’t until college that Margaret Brennandecided to pursue journalism. She embarked on a career covering financial markets and geopolitics at CNBC and Bloomberg TV, before eventually joining CBS News as a correspondent. In 2018, she became only the second woman ever to anchor Face the Nation, the network’s flagship Sunday morning news program. She currently sits on CFR’s board of directors.
Trump administration calls itself the most transparent. Yet few details of the Iran war have been shared. Original
In his first month on the job, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth promised it "would be the most transparent administration ever," offering a sharp contrast with the previous wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that critics said had been shrouded in secrecy and misleading public statements. Now, as the American-led war against Iran enters its sixth month, the administration is offering the public less information about the conflict and its direction, even as the costs continue to mount.
Trump administration calls itself the most transparent. Yet few details of the Iran war have been shared.
Politics 3 hours ago Trump's final act begins Axios - Jim VandeHei • 3h President Trump doesn't much care if Republicans lose the House and/or the Senate in the midterms this fall. Yes, he'd prefer a big win, but he seems … Trump Administration Now RFK Jr. targets Fauci and pushes medical misinformation in fiery CNN interview CNN - Aileen Graef, Katherine Dillinger • 44m In attempting to rewrite the history of the US Covid-19 response, Health Secretary Robert F.
U.S., Israel preparing to bombard energy-related targets in Iran, sources say Original
Washington — The United States and Israel are planning what would be one of the harshest bombing campaigns to date against energy infrastructure targets in Iran, multiple sources told CBS News, with strikes possible throughout the weekend. There was some discussion about trying to conclude by the time financial markets open Monday because of concern about how the bombings will affect the U.S. and global economy, but an end point wasn't locked in.
Saudi leaders, Netanyahu give Trump their input on Iran war as conflict enters 6th month Original
The U.S.-Israeli war in Iran has rocked the Mideast and spread through the region, and President Trump is now weighing what to do next to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and extract any concessions from Iran's increasingly hardline leadership.
US and Saudi Arabia sign nuclear cooperation deal
; ; ; Continue reading More for You ; ; Continue reading More for You
US reaches deal with Saudis for nuclear energy commercial agreements
Washington — The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have reached an agreement for the kingdom of Saudi Arabia to have a civilian nuclear program on their soil, sources familiar with the agreement told CBS News. The deal is expected to be signed Wednesday afternoon. The agreement would create the potential for uranium enrichment on their soil, though that would be controlled by a contracted corporation and only after a lengthy study is completed.
U.S. reaches deal with Saudis for nuclear energy commercial agreements
Follow U.S. reaches deal with Saudis for nuclear energy commercial agreements Wed, July 22, 2026 at 2:33 PM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. U.S. reaches deal with Saudis for nuclear energy commercial agreements Washington — The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have reached a commercial agreement for U.S. companies to run nuclear power for the Saudis on Saudi soil for civilian purposes, a regional official familiar with the agreement told CBS News.
US reaches deal with Saudis for nuclear energy commercial agreements
Washington — The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have reached a commercial agreement for U.S. companies to run nuclear power for the Saudis on Saudi soil, a regional official familiar with the agreement told CBS News. The agreement is expected to be signed Wednesday at about 1:30 p.m. The commercial deal would have U.S. companies running, not giving, the Saudi government nuclear power on Saudi soil for the nation's use, for purposes like supporting AI data centers.
U.S. reaches deal with Saudis for nuclear energy commercial agreements
Washington — The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have reached an agreement for the kingdom of Saudi Arabia to have a civilian nuclear program on their soil, sources familiar with the agreement told CBS News. The deal is expected to be signed Wednesday afternoon. The agreement would create the potential for uranium enrichment on their soil, though that would be controlled by a contracted corporation and only after a lengthy study is completed.
U.S. citizen departs Iran after being barred from leaving for over a year Original
A U.S.-Iran dual citizen who was trapped in Iran on allegations of espionage and collaborating with a hostile state has departed the country, CBS News learned Wednesday. The woman, Dena Karari, had been unable to leave Iran since December 2024 due to "bogus charges," her attorney, Jared Genser, wrote on social media.
Senior defense officials looking at Cuba military options Original
Washington — As the U.S.-Iran war restarts following the collapse of the weeks-long ceasefire, senior Pentagon officials are also quietly eyeing another flashpoint much closer to home: Cuba.
Margaret Brennan: I spoke with Lindsey Graham a day before he died. He was in Kyiv, working on one of his top priorities. Original
Fierce Ukraine supporter Lindsey Graham passed away Saturday on the heels of his tenth trip to the warzone, and at a key moment for one of the South Carolina Republican senator's proudest accomplishments. I spoke twice by phone on Friday with Graham while he was in Kyiv.
Trump admin. to support heavy tariffs on Russian oil in effort to end Ukraine war, sources say Original
The Trump administration will support a draft bill that would impose heavy financial penalties on purchasers of Russian oil, adding to economic pressure on Moscow, all in an effort to bring Russia's four-year war on Ukraine to a close, sources told CBS News. The bipartisan bill, from GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, aims to increase economic pressure on Russia if it refuses to negotiate peace with Ukraine.
Cassidy accuses RFK Jr. of building public health "upon a foundation of lies" Original
Washington — Sen. Bill Cassidy strongly criticized Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over his vaccine skepticism and handling of the nation's public health, despite having delivered the key vote to advance Kennedy's nomination last year.
THE GRASS IS DYING
What will be next? I sit on my porch in my old beach chair. The sun blazes down to burn up the land. The grass is dying, the dirt’s turned to sand. No birds are heard singing; there’s no cloud in the sky. The flowers have wilted. I watch them slowly die. We must conserve water, so our lawns turn to straw. We’re allowed to water, one hour a month – but no more. The wildling is hiding, but only heaven knows where; So I sit on my porch, with a saddened blank stare. But, I think it’s too late.
NO ONE KNOWS
NO ONE KNOWS Although I don’t play a music instrument, I love music, especially the songs I grew up listening to on the radio. Wow! What memories! While many oldies’ stations play the more popular tunes, there is a short list of those that, on occasion, will play the ones that didn’t quite make the top ten. One such song is “No One Know” sung by Dion and the Belmonts. It only reached number 19, but at the same time, I still get misty when I hear it. As I said, memories.
Gen. Chris Donahue set to retire as Army commander in Europe and Africa, in latest departure by top military official Original
Gen. Chris Donahue, commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, has submitted his retirement papers, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation, marking the latest high-level officer to leave the military during the second Trump administration. Donahue had clashed with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, multiple sources told CBS News. Donahue is a West Point graduate, former Delta Force commander and former commander of the 82nd Airborne Division.
HE WAS MY LOVE, MY HERO, MY EVERYTHING
HE WAS MY LOVE, MY HERO, MY EVERYTHING Then he was gone The first thing I noticed about Jim was his smile. It was only a short glimpse. He turned so quickly as he spoke to his friends that there was not enough to time to get a good visual of his face. I couldn’t help myself; I had to know if the rest of his face was as handsome as his smile. What excuse could I use to force my way into the conversation he shared with his buddies. Hell, I was a fifteen, outspoken, nervy girl! I could figure it out.
SHE WAS CHECKING ME OUT
SHE WAS CHECKING ME OUT “Work’s done. Let’s go! Do you have time for a quick beer before heading home?” That was Debbie. Whenever we had a difficult day at work, she wanted that one beer to unwind before going home. I rarely argued since our boss had more bad days than good and I had two sons who didn’t need to see the mood I’d developed at work. We both lived south of our office but to get home, I’d head south and turn west. Debbie would head south and turn east.
I HEARD THE STORIES
I'll admit that I wrote this a few years ago, then just tucked it away in my computer and forgot about it. Yet it is most definitely a bit of history that has gotten swept under the rug for way too long. Here is what I wrote: I met a man the other day with whom I needed to do business. He was a very good-looking man, I'd say in his mid-thirties, beautiful deep brown eyes (always notice the eyes) and very well spoken. I mean VERY well spoken. He was also black.
BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS
As I listened to the news this morning that covered the weekend, I thought back to another time when a highly regarded journalist wrote an op-ed that made more sense than many of today’s journalists. I thought I’d share it with you. WRITTEN BY CHARLES M. BLOW OF THE NEW YORK TIMES in 2013.
U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding likely to be signed next week
Margaret Brennan Thu, June 11, 2026 at 9:11 PM UTC 3 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. A letter of intent or memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran is likely to be signed early next week, opening the way to further negotiations about an enduring U.S.-Iran agreement, two sources familiar with the diplomatic efforts said. The signing of the memorandum would kick off 60 days of talks to negotiate details of a U.S.-Iran agreement.
DID I SLEEPWALK AGAIN
But then, why was I wet As soon as I could walk, my mother was forced to become a very light sleeper. Why, you might ask. The answer is simple but curious. As soon as I could walk, I began walking in my sleep. Mom was ever so grateful that the lock on our third-floor apartment door was higher than my little arms could reach.
From inside Iran's Evin Prison, journalist Reza Valizadeh pleads for medical help for him and other American captives Original
In a recorded phone call from inside Iran's Evin Prison, Iranian-American journalist Reza Valizadeh made a plea to the U.S. government to obtain medical help for him and other Americans detained in Tehran's notorious prison. "Even if treating our diseases is a big demand, it would have at least asked the Iranian authorities to reduce not all the physical pressure and mental torture against us in captivity, but at least some of it," Valizadeh said in the recording recently obtained by CBS News.
I BARELY BREATHED
my breath made too much noise My husband and I bought the little ranch house in the late 1960s. With three bedrooms, a decent sized living room, a kitchen that could fit one person, and a small dining room, I thought it was perfect, especially since it had a large, fenced in yard. Yes, it was perfect – a perfect place where my little boys and their dog, Soldier could play. There were a few instances that puzzled me, but I always attributed them to my young sons.
I HAVE MY CHOICE OF THINGS TO DO
I HAVE MY CHOICE OF THINGS TO DO Although I wanted to jump for joy at having one more day off work, it also made me wonder where and how I’d made up that day’s pay. Scrunch it from somewhere, I thought. Ah, one more day!! I’ll have my choice of activities. Or not. I can sit on my lanai in the warm sunshine and read. Or not. There are always parks to visit, where I can bring my camera and try to capture the magnificent wildlife and landscapes that abide in them. Or not.
Zelenskyy alleges Russia is abducting Ukrainian kids and training them to fight Original
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told CBS News in an exclusive interview that his government has evidence that Russia is abducting Ukrainian children and training them to fight against fellow Ukrainians. It is an allegation that may constitute a war crime, according to the International Criminal Court.
Trump call with Taiwanese president on hold Original
President Trump is no longer expected to speak with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te before Chinese President Xi Jinping's potential trip to the United States this fall, multiple sources familiar with the discussions told CBS News. When Mr. Trump visited China earlier this month, Xi warned him that Taiwan could become a "very dangerous situation" if mishandled.
ALWAYS BE A GOOD WIFE
“The house should be clean and tidy; And like the house, you should look nice.” “Have his dinner on the table When he gets home from work. Never let things go undone. My grandma put in her two cents: “If you want to keep him home, Be there when he wants you, Lest he find the desire to roam.” Then one summer day it happened, As he left for work, I noticed On the table was a token. Yet dimmed by what he said, Our married now, was dead. The moral of my story is To follow your own heart.
Zelenskyy urges U.S. to expand deliveries of Patriot missile systems to defend against Russian attacks Original
Washington — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine urged President Trump and Congress to expand deliveries of Patriot missile systems in a letter written on Memorial Day, warning that Russia is preparing a broader campaign of ballistic missile attacks against Ukrainian cities. CBS News obtained the five-page letter, which framed Ukraine's fight against Russia not simply as a regional war, but as a test of American leadership and the durability of Western alliances.
Here's what the draft memo for a proposed deal with Iran includes Original
A draft proposal for an agreement with Iran includes a 60-day ceasefire extension, a commitment to ending all military operations on every front, including Lebanon, and affirmation from Iran that it won't develop nuclear weapons and will dispose of its enriched uranium stockpile, according to two regional officials with knowledge of the ongoing diplomacy.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Margaret
Contact Margaret, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack