Transcript: Rep. John James on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” Aug. 30, 2026

Updated on: August 30, 2026 / 2:07 PM EDT / CBS News

The following is the transcript of the interview with Rep. John James, Republican of Michigan, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 30, 2026.

MARGARET BRENNAN: And we're back with Michigan Congressman John James, who is also the Republican nominee for governor in his state. He joins us from Rockford, Michigan. Good morning to you, Congressman.

REP. JOHN JAMES: Hey, Margaret. Good morning. Thank you so much for having me on. I'm really excited because in a state like Michigan, we have the most extreme ticket running with Abdel Al Sayed and Jocelyn Benson campaigning with people who said that we deserve 9/11, I say never forget.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Wow, I want to ask you about some issues with your platform and the like, but never forget. Of course, I'm sorry. Did you just accuse Senate candidates of something to do with terrorism? I'm not clear on what you just said.

REP. JAMES: Yeah, they're- they're campaigning with extremists who say that America deserved 9/11, and I think that coming up on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, these are statements that are way out…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/moneywatch/