I’m Margaret Brennan in Washington, and this week on Face the Nation we cover U.S. military strikes in the Red Sea region, diplomacy on Ukraine, trade policy and domestic politics. Guests include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff, Senator Lindsey Graham, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
Marco Rubio — Red Sea strikes, Houthis, Iran and trade
Rubio joined from Miami to explain the U.S. strikes on Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen, stressing the strategic importance of the Red Sea for global shipping and U.S. national security. He said the Houthis have attacked U.S. naval and commercial vessels repeatedly, and that the strikes are intended not as a one-off retaliation but to deny the Houthis the ability to control shipping lanes. Rubio described the Houthis as “pirates with guided precision anti-ship weaponry” and said the campaign will continue until their capability is degraded; he denied current plans for ground raids.
On Iran, Rubio emphasized that the strikes target Houthi capabilities but are also a message to Iran, which he said provides weapons, intelligence and training to the group. He argued Iran would be held responsible if it continued support for attacks on global shipping.
Rubio also discussed trade and tariffs, defending the administration’s effort to “reset” trade relationships and protect critical U.S. industries (aluminum, steel, semiconductors, autos). He framed tariffs as tools to achieve reciprocity, not permanent leverage, and argued the U.S. must rebuild domestic industrial capacity. He acknowledged market uncertainty from ad hoc announcements but said the goal is fair bilateral arrangements.
On campus visa revocations tied to pro-Hamas organizing, Rubio defended revoking visas for those who lied to gain entry or who act as spokespeople for groups that vandalized campuses or supported terrorist organizations. He said visa holders are guests whose visas can be revoked when they violate terms or support terrorism.
Steve Witkoff — Russia, ceasefire talks, Gaza relocation
Witkoff, back from talks with Vladimir Putin, described promising exchanges and progress narrowing gaps between Russia and Ukraine on a possible ceasefire. He said shuttle diplomacy, technical teams and a potential call between Presidents Trump and Putin could help move toward a 30-day ceasefire, noting that implementation is complex given the long front and varied battlefield conditions. He emphasized plan A is a ceasefire, plan B a durable peace, and that the first step is stopping the shooting.
On Gaza, Witkoff said the U.S. is exploring alternatives for Gaza’s population and seeking arrangements that could improve life for Gazans and secure Israel, including potential resettlement or demilitarization. He noted recent Arab summit diplomacy and frustration with Hamas’s response to a U.S. “bridge” proposal that included demilitarization; he said Hamas’s rejection was discouraging.
Lindsey Graham — Russia, sanctions, legal and national security priorities
Senator Graham discussed Ukraine, arguing that President Trump’s engagement with Putin and recent envoy meetings have produced momentum but warning Putin is a predator who responds to pressure. Graham said he’s prepared legislation to impose crushing sanctions on Russia if it refuses a ceasefire, and urged clarity on whether Putin will accept terms comparable to Ukraine’s.
Graham defended executive actions targeting law firms and others he believes sought to politically damage President Trump, calling some prosecutions “politically motivated.” He said Republicans view parts of the Justice Department’s actions and special counsel investigations as weaponized, and that accountability questions will follow.
Debbie Dingell — Tariffs, industry, and domestic politics
Congresswoman Dingell, from Michigan, discussed the administration’s tariff strategy and the impact on manufacturing and supply chains. She said tariffs are a tool that can be useful — especially against China — but should be used thoughtfully. She warned that abrupt tariff implementations create a “ping-pong” effect in the auto industry, noting the integrated North American supply chain and the short timelines automakers face to comply with new rules. Dingell supports bringing manufacturing back but wants predictability, planning time for suppliers, and re-negotiation of trade rules such as USMCA to protect domestic industry without crippling production.
On the near government funding fight, Dingell said Democrats were nearly unified in the House and urged clearer alternatives and messaging to show voters they are fighting for constituents’ priorities. She emphasized protecting health care, Medicaid, Social Security and Medicare from cuts.
Wes Moore — State impacts: tariffs, ports, FBI HQ
Maryland Governor Wes Moore described local economic effects of tariff uncertainty, noting the Port of Baltimore and Eastern Shore farmers are already feeling impacts. He called the administration’s tariff approach “erratic” and said tariffs are a tool, not an ideology; when used they should allow businesses to plan. Moore also criticized a presidential move to stop relocating the FBI headquarters to Maryland, saying his state had won a fair competition and that the decision was announced to him via the news. He said legal challenges and other tools are being used where the administration’s actions overstep authority.
Full-episode context and how to watch
Margaret Brennan framed the show around the U.S. military campaign against Houthi targets in Yemen, diplomatic runs toward a possible Russia-Ukraine ceasefire, and domestic matters including trade, visas and the economy. The program’s interviews illuminate immediate policy decisions (military, diplomatic, trade) and their broader consequences.
If you missed interviews or a full episode, Face the Nation episodes and interviews are available on facethenation.com and YouTube.
