Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Oct. 11, 2026

On this “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” broadcast, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso join Margaret Brennan.

On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, moderated by Margaret Brennan: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne MullinSen. Chris Murphy, Democrat of ConnecticutSenate Majority Whip John Barrasso, Republican of WyomingDemocratic New Hampshire Senate candidate Rep. Chris PappasShyam Sankar, chief technology officer of PalantirClick here to browse full transcripts from 2026 of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan." MARGARET BRENNAN: I'm Margaret Brennan in Washington.And this week on Face the Nation: President Trump scrambles to cut last- minute deals ahead of the midterms, the latest prompting backlash within his own party. Twenty-three days to go before the votes are counted, and the atypical campaign continues.(Begin VT)DONALD TRUMP (President of the United States): What the hell am I doing in Tennessee?(End VT)MARGARET BRENNAN: It's a good question.

The answer? Making sure his loyalists get out and vote Republican. Late Friday, Trump cut a deal with Vladimir Putin to import Russian diesel in an effort to lower the price of fuel in America.(Begin VT)PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: He's freeing up a lot of oil for the world, OK? That's a good thing.(End VT)MARGARET BRENNAN: But will Trump's deal with Putin prompt even more Republican candidates to distance themselves from him?We will ask the number two in the Senate, Wyoming Republican John Barrasso.Democrats have their own challenges. How are they going to get their loyalists