This week on Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan: President‑elect Donald Trump’s early transition moves, the impact of his tariff threats and cabinet picks, late Biden‑era diplomatic work, the U.S. economy and holiday retail season, and historical context on “America First.”
Trump transition and Kash Patel
– President‑elect Trump signaled he wants Kash Patel to lead the FBI, despite there being no current vacancy; Christopher Wray has three years left on his term. The White House said Wray remains focused on the FBI workforce and public safety.
– Patel, a former Hill and White House senior staffer with roles at DoD and national intelligence, rose to prominence in Trump’s first term and is well known to Trump allies for challenging prior Russia investigations. Supporters call him a reformer who could cleanse alleged partisanship; critics warn of politicizing the Bureau.
– Trump also picked Charles Kushner, Jared Kushner’s father, as ambassador to France; Kushner was pardoned in 2020 after serving time on federal charges.
Tariff threats and North American diplomacy
– Trump threatened 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico unless they take action to stop migrants and drugs entering the U.S. Both countries warned of retaliatory tariffs and prepared their own countermeasures.
– He also threatened a 100% tariff on countries that move away from the U.S. dollar in international trade, naming several large economies.
– Texas Senator Ted Cruz praised tariffs as leverage to force Mexico and Canada to cooperate on border security, arguing strict enforcement will reduce illegal immigration quickly. Cruz said he expects many of Trump’s cabinet nominees will be confirmed and defended Kash Patel as a “real reformer.”
– California Senator Alex Padilla expressed concern Trump may politicize the Justice Department and FBI by nominating loyalists, and emphasized California’s efforts to lock in waivers and protections before the administration change. Padilla warned against mass deportations and stressed state and local priorities, including public safety and immigrant protections.
Retail, consumers and markets
– CBS business analyst Jill Schlesinger discussed how tariff threats create uncertainty for retailers and consumers. Tariffs are taxes on imports that companies can either absorb or pass to consumers; history shows tariffs often raise prices for some goods.
– The economy’s strong labor market and technology-driven growth are positives, but higher prices and potential new tariffs may bite consumers already coping with elevated inflation versus pre‑pandemic levels. Markets reacted to election results with gains tied to expectations of lower taxes and lighter regulation, though Schlesinger cautioned against assuming perpetual exuberance and urged investors to stick to long‑term plans.
– She cited two top risks: tariff‑driven consumer pullback and fiscal concerns if new tax‑cut extensions widen deficits materially.
Foreign policy — hostages, Gaza, Lebanon, China
– National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan discussed the administration’s diplomacy in the closing weeks: coordination with allies and the incoming team, ongoing work to secure the release of Americans detained abroad, and efforts to press for ceasefire and hostage deals involving Hamas.
– Hamas released a video of an American captive, underscoring the urgency. Sullivan said Hezbollah’s ceasefire with Israel and the killing of Hamas leader Sinwar may be shifting dynamics and that the U.S. is working with partners including Turkey, Qatar and Egypt.
– Sullivan also described the humanitarian crisis in Gaza: shortages of food, water, medicine and sanitary supplies risked famine in some areas. U.S. efforts have focused on opening crossings and moving aid into Gaza and on helping deliveries inside the territory; movement within Gaza has been hampered by security concerns and looting.
– On Ukraine, Sullivan declined to negotiate publicly for Kyiv but said the U.S. continues to balance battlefield support (including recent authorizations) with diplomatic work aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s position at the negotiating table.
Other headlines and national issues
– Senator Ted Cruz highlighted border enforcement as a priority for a Trump administration and previewed an early Senate push for his Justice For Jocelyn Act, responding to violent crime involving an undocumented offender in Texas.
– Cruz celebrated the return of three Americans released by China and noted ongoing efforts to secure other wrongly detained citizens. He also urged action to free journalist Austin Tice amid volatile developments in Syria and the wider Middle East.
– Senator Alex Padilla warned California will defend its state policies and seek federal waivers and protections before the transition. He emphasized state efforts to protect immigrants, provide legal assistance, and oppose punitive federal measures that could harm communities and the economy.
Historical perspective
– Historian H.W. Brands talked about his book America First, on the pre‑World War II debate between isolationists led by figures like Charles Lindbergh and interventionists led by Franklin D. Roosevelt. Brands drew parallels to modern debates over America’s global role, noting the recurring question about whether the U.S. should lead internationally or prioritize domestic focus.
Closing
– The program combined current politics, policy debates about immigration and tariffs, economic outlooks for retailers and consumers, and national security updates on hostages and the Middle East — framed against historical reflection on American foreign policy choices.
