Transcript Released: “Face the Nation” with Margaret Brennan, Nov. 23, 2025 – This week’s edition of “Face the Nation” with Margaret Brennan featured prominent political leaders discussing pressing international issues and domestic political tensions. Notable guests included Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO), Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), Anthony Salvanto, the director of elections and surveys at CBS News, and Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S., Olga Stefanishyna.
Ukraine Conflict Negotiations
The broadcast opened with the revelation of Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other administration officials meeting in Geneva with Ukrainian representatives. These discussions centered around a controversial 28-point proposal aimed at resolving the ongoing Ukraine conflict. A clip from President Trump underscored attempts to end the war, with Trump stating, “We’re trying to get it ended. One way or the other, we have to get it ended” [source].
The potential for the plan to favor Russia sparked questions, leading Brennan to ask if President Zelenskyy would accept the terms. In response, President Trump remarked, “Then he can continue to fight his little heart out.
Government Accountability and Transparency
Domestically, a coalition of Democratic lawmakers expressed concerns over the administration’s tactics, with Sen. Mark Kelly highlighting issues of military orders. “Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders,” Kelly stated, emphasizing the importance of constitutional adherence for service members.
Rep. Jason Crow shared distressing accounts of threats he received following a video urging military constitutional loyalty. “We have seen before a pattern of inciteful, dangerous rhetoric being used by the President and then people acting on that,” he said, referencing the January 6 events.
The administration’s approach to military operations in Venezuela was another critical point of discussion. Sen. Rand Paul questioned the legality and transparency of actions taken against suspected drug cartels, stating, “If it’s war, let’s declare it as war. Let’s have this discussion.”
Despite concerns about government transparency, Congress has struggled to gain sufficient oversight, with Crow noting, “I have been completely shut out of the DOD and the CIA at this point, as a member of the Intelligence Committee and the Armed Services Committee.”
Public Sentiment on Economic and Immigration Policies
A new CBS poll revealed significant public dissatisfaction, with 40% approving of Trump’s job performance. Economic issues appeared central, as “more than three-quarters of Americans who are judging Trump on the economy say he is not spending enough time focused on the economy and inflation,” according to Anthony Salvanto. Only 54% of Americans approved of the administration’s handling of immigration policy amid concerns over growing ICE detentions and deportation operations [source].
Looking ahead, potential military actions against Venezuela may further escalate immigration policy debates, with analysis available here.
Ambassador Stefanishyna expressed hope for a fair resolution to the Ukraine conflict despite geopolitical dilemmas, stating, “We believe that the fair piece is not the words, but this is something that should be put on paper.”
The “Face the Nation” discussion highlighted ongoing challenges in balancing international diplomacy and domestic accountability, paving the way for future political developments.
