Gordon and McKenzie Discuss Global Security on "Face the Nation"

The following is the transcript of an interview with Sue Gordon, Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence in the first Trump administration, and Ret. Gen. Frank McKenzie, a CBS News contributor, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on March 30, 2025.

[**Begin Transcript**]

**Margaret Brennan:** Welcome back to Face the Nation. We turn now to a discussion on global security with Sue Gordon, former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Ret. Gen. Frank McKenzie, a CBS News contributor. Sue, General, welcome.

**Sue Gordon:** Thank you, Margaret.

**Frank McKenzie:** Good to be here.

**Margaret Brennan:** Sue, let's start with you. We've seen increased cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure. What's your assessment of the current threat landscape?

**Sue Gordon:** The threat landscape is evolving rapidly. Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated and frequent. Our adversaries are constantly seeking vulnerabilities in our systems. We need to invest more in cybersecurity and improve our defenses to protect critical infrastructure.

**Margaret Brennan:** General McKenzie, what are your thoughts on the situation in the South China Sea?

**Frank McKenzie:** The South China Sea remains a point of contention. China's actions in the region are concerning. We need to maintain a strong presence in the area to ensure freedom of navigation and deter any aggressive behavior.

**Margaret Brennan:** Sue, there's been a lot of talk about artificial intelligence and its potential impact on national security. What are your views?

**Sue Gordon:** AI is a double-edged sword. It offers tremendous opportunities for improving our intelligence capabilities, but it also poses new risks. We need to develop ethical guidelines and safeguards to ensure that AI is used responsibly and does not compromise our values.

**Margaret Brennan:** General McKenzie, what keeps you up at night?

**Frank McKenzie:** The proliferation of advanced weapons technology and the potential for miscalculation in a crisis situation are major concerns. We need to maintain a strong military and work with our allies to prevent conflict.

**Margaret Brennan:** Sue, any final thoughts?

**Sue Gordon:** We need to be vigilant and proactive in addressing the challenges we face. Cooperation between government, industry, and academia is essential to protect our national security.

**Margaret Brennan:** General McKenzie?

**Frank McKenzie:** I agree with Sue. We need to invest in our people, our technology, and our alliances to maintain our competitive edge.

**Margaret Brennan:** Sue Gordon, General Frank McKenzie, thank you both for your insights.

**Sue Gordon:** Thank you.

**Frank McKenzie:** Thank you, Margaret.

[**End Transcript**]