Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 24, 2026

Key Points:

• U.S. negotiators are close to a peace agreement with Iran, focusing on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, unfreezing some Iranian assets, and continuing nuclear program talks; however, key nuclear decisions may be deferred, causing concern among some Republicans.
• Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen criticized the ongoing war with Iran as a blunder that has increased prices and interest rates, and condemned a $1.8 billion DOJ anti-weaponization fund as a political slush fund lacking transparency and proper guardrails.
• Bipartisan efforts to combat rising antisemitism in U.S. politics were highlighted by Representatives Josh Gottheimer and Mike Lawler, who condemned hateful rhetoric from fringe candidates and emphasized the need for both parties to police and reject antisemitism.
• White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett portrayed the U.S. economy as resilient despite mixed signals, attributing low consumer sentiment to political factors rather than economic fundamentals, while acknowledging elevated gas prices amid the Middle East conflict.
• Dr. Deborah Birx discussed the escalating Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, noting delayed detection and the importance of a coordinated global response, including travel restrictions and strengthened African CDC capabilities, while expressing cautious optimism about U.S. preparedness.