Comprehensive Transcript of “Face the Nation” with Margaret Brennan, Dec. 7, 2025

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the events and discussions that took place during the “Face the Nation” broadcast hosted by Margaret Brennan on December 7, 2025. The episode featured key guests, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Congressman Jim Himes, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, and former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb.

Key Discussions on Economic Concerns and Policies

During the broadcast, Margaret Brennan addressed rising economic concerns affecting Americans during the holiday season. With many Americans experiencing higher prices, she initiated a crucial conversation with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding the economic outlook for the upcoming year.

Economic Status and Inflation

• Secretary Bessent reported strong economic performance, citing a projected real GDP growth of 3% for the year.
• He shared insights about inflation, stating that imported goods inflation stands at approximately 1.8%, which is lower than the overall PCE inflation rate of around 2.9%.
• Despite these numbers, CBS polls indicated that over 60% of Americans believe the president has misrepresented the economic situation.

Legislative Developments and Security Concerns

As Congress approached the end of the year, significant discussions arose regarding national security and military actions. Congressman Jim Himes contributed to the dialogue surrounding the government’s recent military activities involving alleged drug trafficking operations near Venezuela.

Military Strikes and Legal Concerns

• Himes emphasized the importance of public access to a classified video of the military strikes.
• He expressed concerns regarding the legality of the strikes, noting that they may have violated laws of war by targeting individuals who were not actively engaging in hostilities.
• Discussions on whether the individuals targeted were part of a terrorist organization raised questions about military engagement protocols.

Community Reactions and Legal Investigations

Congresswoman Ilhan Omar addressed allegations regarding a Minnesota welfare fraud case involving individuals of Somali descent. This issue has drawn significant media attention and controversy.

Fraud Allegations and Community Impact

• Omar asserted that the Somali community, which comprises vital members of the state’s taxpayer base, is also adversely affected by the fraud.
• She highlighted the importance of investigating failures within the state’s oversight of the welfare program.

Changes in Vaccine Policy for Newborns

Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb discussed significant alterations in vaccine guidelines, particularly concerning the hepatitis B vaccination for newborns. The CDC has suggested delaying the first dose until the infant is two months old, a significant shift from the previous protocol of administering it within 24 hours of birth.

Implications of Vaccine Guidance Changes

• Gottlieb pointed out that the delay could lead to an increase in hepatitis B infections among newborns due to missed vaccinations.
• Public health implications and vaccine hesitancy were major concerns, as Gottlieb noted mounting scrutiny over vaccines under the current administration.

This “Face the Nation” segment encapsulated pressing economic challenges, legislative debates, and critical public health policy shifts in response to fluctuating national circumstances. The conversations indicated a complex interplay between government, public sentiment, and community impacts as the year drew to a close.