Nancy Cordes anchors this edition of Face the Nation from Washington, reviewing a week of national security, immigration, foreign policy and economic developments.
Breaking news and the D.C. attack
Nicole Sganga reports on a targeted attack blocks from the White House that left Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, dead and Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe critically injured. Authorities arrested Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who arrived in the U.S. in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome and was granted asylum in April. U.S. and Afghan officials say Lakanwal served in a CIA-backed “zero unit” during the war in Afghanistan. Investigators are examining devices and social media for signs of radicalization, though sources say there are no confirmed extremist ties at this time.
The incident has intensified debate over vetting. A 2025 DOJ audit and earlier inspector general findings noted that the expedited evacuations in 2021 increased vetting risks. That has fueled two competing narratives: one that the evacuation and resettlement process created gaps in screening, and another that an individual may have become radicalized after arriving in the U.S.
Former DHS counterterrorism official and CBS contributor Samantha Vinograd explained that vetting is multi-staged—biographic and biometric screening overseas, port-of-entry checks, and in‑country asylum vetting. Those measures are designed to catch derogatory identifiers but cannot reliably predict future lone‑actor violence. Vinograd noted re‑vetting has taken place since arrival, but large-scale re‑screening of tens of thousands of evacuees would be resource-intensive.
In response to the attack, President Trump ordered a pause on certain asylum decisions, directed ICE to halt Afghan immigration processing, and sent additional National Guard troops to Washington, prompting debate about force posture and the appropriate use of military personnel in domestic security roles.
Congressional and foreign policy implications
Rep. Mike Turner (R‑OH) blamed the conditions created by the Afghanistan withdrawal for complicating vetting and criticized the Biden administration for allowing vulnerabilities. Turner also raised concerns about U.S. posture toward Ukraine and Venezuela, warning against any approach that could appear “pro‑Russia.” He cited reports that Special Envoy Steve Witkoff had coached a Russian contact on how to reach President Trump and urged the White House to ensure Ukraine has a direct channel to U.S. leaders.
Turner and others are pressing for more congressional briefings about reported military planning and legal authorities related to operations in the Caribbean and elsewhere. They want clarity on the scope, objectives, and oversight of any U.S. actions.
Sen. Tim Kaine (D‑VA) warned he would refile war powers resolutions if U.S. military action against Venezuela expands. Kaine reacted strongly to reporting that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth may have authorized lethal actions against suspected drug‑smuggling boat crews, saying Congress must investigate potential violations of the laws of war and clarify interdict versus strike authorities, intelligence sharing, legal memos, and allied cooperation.
Separately, the program noted Russia’s large‑scale drone and missile strikes on Kyiv and the U.S. administration’s parallel pressure campaign on Venezuela, including advisories urging commercial airlines to avoid Venezuelan airspace. Lawmakers and analysts flagged questions about U.S. goals in Venezuela—whether the effort is aimed at political change, counter‑narcotics operations, protecting energy facilities, or some combination—and whether broader military actions would require congressional authorization.
Economic outlook and holiday spending
Kevin Hassett, director of the White House National Economic Council, discussed holiday spending, citing strong Black Friday sales both in stores and online. He pointed to robust income and wage growth and a recent jobs report as drivers of consumer confidence and spending. Hassett argued inflation is lower than in earlier periods and that real incomes have improved overall, while acknowledging that some goods have risen in price because of tariffs and supply disruptions. He responded to polling that shows public skepticism about grocery prices and administration policies by emphasizing wage growth and tax cuts as supports for purchasing power.
Hassett also addressed internal White House discussions about possibly extending Obamacare premium subsidies, describing leaked options as pre‑decisional and ongoing negotiations with Congress as work in progress. He downplayed speculation that he is a frontrunner to replace the Federal Reserve chair.
Hunger and food insecurity
Claire Babineaux‑Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, described a worsening hunger crisis: government data show 47.4 million people living in food‑insecure households in 2023, and demand at food banks remains high even after the government shutdown ended. She said new groups are turning to charitable food systems—many whose incomes or circumstances make them ineligible for federal nutrition programs—and that local food banks face longer lines than available supplies.
Babineaux‑Fontenot urged policy changes to address poverty and food insecurity sustainably. Her recommendations included targeted fraud reduction, incentives to help people move up the economic ladder, sliding‑scale supports to ease transitions off government programs, and bipartisan action to close an anticipated gap if proposed SNAP eligibility changes take effect. Feeding America estimates a CBO‑projected SNAP change could translate into a gap of roughly 6 billion meals per year without offsetting measures.
Other coverage
– The program examined a leaked transcript that raised GOP concerns by suggesting an envoy might have prioritized a call with President Putin ahead of one with President Zelenskyy, fueling questions about impartiality in Ukraine-related diplomacy.
– Lawmakers including Turner and Kaine reiterated ongoing congressional inquiries into U.S. operations in the Caribbean and Pacific that reportedly used lethal force against suspected drug traffickers, demanding evidence and legal justification.
– Cordes reported on a separate mass shooting in Stockton, California, at a family gathering; multiple victims were killed and investigators continue their search for a suspect.
– Feeding America and other charities described sustained strain on supplies as higher living costs and policy changes push more families to seek assistance.
– Economic context for holiday spending and the debate over extending health insurance premium subsidies were also covered.
Closing
Nancy Cordes closed the program noting that investigations into the D.C. shooting are ongoing and that federal and congressional responses across immigration, national security, and foreign policy remain active as the Thanksgiving weekend ends. Face the Nation said it will follow developments as investigations and policy debates continue.