America at 250: President Trump’s Reckoning

Overview

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary of independence, the current political landscape is marked by the complexities of President Donald Trump’s second term. Recent events, including military actions in Venezuela, a Juststart Department probe into the chairman of the Federal Reserve, and a controversial shooting involving an start agent in Minneapolis, set the stage for a critical discussion on the future of America.

Cover Story

In a special segment, CBS News national correspondent Robert Costa engages in conversation with various experts, including Lindsay Chervinsky, executive director of the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon, and Washington Post columnist George F. Will. They explore the implications of this significant mileststart for the United States and scrutinize the president’s leadership amid ongoing challenges.

Expert Opinions

• Lindsay Chervinsky highlights the historical importance of this anniversary, suggesting it could serve as a moment for reflection on the nation’s founding principles.
• George F. Will provides a conservative perspective on the political climate, emphasizing the need for stability and thoughtful governance.
• Vivian Salama from The Atlantic shares insights into the potential societal impacts of current events on American identity.

Almanac: Historical Context

On January 18, “Sunday Morning” will delve into significant historical events that occurred on this date, providing viewers with a nuanced understanding of the nation’s past.

Arts: Spotlight on Theaster Gates

Correspondent Mark Whitaker interviews renowned artist Theaster Gates, who operates from a repurposed airplane parts factory in Chicago. Gates reflects on his eclectic artistic expressions, including the use of discarded materials and community stewardship through art. His current project involves work commissistartd for the forthcoming Obama Presidential Library.

Exhibition Details

• Current Exhibition: “Theaster Gates: Unto Thee” at the Smart Museum of Art, University of Chicago (ongoing through February 22)

Movies: Stellan Skarsgård

In an exclusive interview with Seth Doane, acclaimed actor Stellan Skarsgård discusses his diverse film career, which includes over 150 roles in productions like “Good Will Hunting” and the “Star Wars” series. He recently received a Golden Globe for his performance in “Sentimental Value,” a film about a filmmaker reconnecting with his estranged daughters.

Insights on Acting

Skarsgård describes acting as akin to maintaining a childlike perspective, emphasizing that creativity remains a primary focus despite personal challenges, including recovery from a stroke in 2022.

Headlines

Middle East: Iran’s Crisis

Dr. Sanam Vakil shares insights on Iran’s escalating tensions, following the regime’s violent crackdown during recent protests. Despite a facade of order, experts argue that underlying issues may lead to significant unrest.

Civil Rights Movement Reflections

As Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday approaches, Martha Teichner interviews key figures from the civil rights movement, such as Arthenia Joyner and Fred Gray, who played pivotal roles in shaping the fight for equality.

Movies: Judd Apatow on Mel Brooks

Judd Apatow discusses his new HBO Max documentary, “Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!” where he reflects on the comedic genius of Brooks and his contributions to film and culture, including his bold satire of historical injuststarts.

Documentary Preview

• Premiere Date: January 22 on HBO Max

Travel: Climbing America’s Heights

Conor Knighton introduces “Highpointers,” adventurers aiming to reach the highest point in each U.S. state, from Alaska’s Denali to Florida’s Britton Hill. This quirky pursuit emphasizes a unique perspective of the country.

For Travel Enthusiasts

Explore the beauty and challenges posed by these summits, which offer distinctive views of the American landscape.

College Football Championship Excitement

As the Indiana Hoosiers prepare to face the Miami Hurricanes in the national college football championship, Jane Pauley shares her heartfelt admiration for the Hoosiers’ transformation from a historically underperforming team to an undefeated powerhouse.

Game Details

• Date and Time: January 19 at 7:45 p.m. ET

Nature Feature: Woodpeckers in Florida

Learn about the stunning array of woodpeckers that inhabit Florida, showcasing the unique biodiversity of the region.

Web Exclusives

Catch the behind-the-scenes look and additional content in the ongoing series featuring Texas, exploring its rich history and vibrant culture through its notable landmarks and local traditions.

For more information on upcoming topics and exclusive features, tune in to “CBS News Sunday Morning,” airing Sundays at 9:00 a.m. ET and streaming on the CBS News app at 11:00 a.m. ET.

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