Margaret Brennan has built an impressive career as a journalist, earning a reputation as a sharp interviewer who doesn’t shy away from tough questions. As the moderator of CBS News’ Face the Nation, she has spoken to world leaders, political figures, and policymakers, making headlines with her insightful and probing interviews. But beyond the bright lights of television and the fast-paced world of breaking news, Brennan’s personal life is equally fascinating.
In this piece, we dive deep into the life of Margaret Brennan—her family, career, earnings, and personal details. Let’s take a closer look.
Margaret Brennan’s Married Life, Husband, and Kids: Her Love Story Spans Decades
Margaret Brennan’s love story with her husband, Ali Iyad “Yado” Yakub, is one for the books. Their journey together began at the University of Virginia in 1998. Brennan was a freshman studying foreign affairs, while Yakub, a Syrian-American, was a senior. At first, they weren’t particularly fond of each other. Yakub thought Brennan was too “Connecticut”—preppy, serious, and reserved. Brennan, in turn, thought Yakub partied too much. Life, however, had other plans.
Years later, after they had both built successful careers, fate brought them together again. In 2013, Brennan had just moved to Washington, D.C., when she ran into Yakub at a bus stop. A casual invitation to a housewarming party led to emails, conversations, and eventually, a romance. By March 2014, after just a year of dating, Yakub proposed to Brennan at their alma mater, the University of Virginia, where their paths had first crossed. On April 11, 2015, the couple tied the knot at the historic Decatur House in Washington, D.C.
Their wedding was a beautiful blend of cultures. Brennan, of Irish descent, walked down the aisle to the sound of Irish bagpipes, while Yakub’s Syrian roots were honored with a Middle Eastern musical performance during the cocktail hour.
The couple welcomed their first child, Eamon Brennan Yakub, on September 11, 2018, at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C. They chose the name Eamon because of its significance in both of their cultures—it means “guardian” in Irish and “righteous” in Arabic. Three years later, their family grew again with the birth of their second son, Malek Murphy Yakub, on April 28, 2021. Malek means “king” in Arabic, while Murphy is a family name from Brennan’s Irish heritage.
Despite her demanding career, Brennan has embraced motherhood wholeheartedly, often sharing glimpses of her family life on social media. She balances her high-pressure job with her role as a wife and mother, proving that she can hold power brokers accountable on air and still make it home for bedtime stories.
Margaret Brennan’s Salary and Net Worth: The Financial Side of Journalism
Margaret Brennan’s career as a journalist has not only earned her prestige but also a substantial income. As the moderator of Face the Nation and CBS News’ chief foreign affairs correspondent, Brennan is one of the most respected figures in broadcast journalism.
Her exact salary remains undisclosed, but estimates suggest she earns between $1 million and $2 million annually. Given her extensive experience, multiple Emmy nominations, and high-profile role at CBS, it’s no surprise that her earnings place her among the top news anchors in the country.
Beyond her salary from CBS, Brennan also earns additional income from speaking engagements. According to reports, her speaker fees range from $38,000 to $70,000 per event, depending on whether it’s a virtual or in-person appearance.
With her consistent career growth, lucrative speaking engagements, and smart financial choices, Brennan’s estimated net worth stands at around $5 million. Given her career trajectory, this figure is expected to rise in the coming years.
Margaret Brennan’s Age, Height, and Other Personal Details
Margaret Brennan was born on March 26, 1980, in Stamford, Connecticut. As of 2025, she is 44 years old. Standing at 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters), she carries herself with confidence and grace, making her a commanding presence both on and off the screen.
Brennan’s early years were shaped by her education at the Convent of the Sacred Heart in Greenwich, Connecticut, where she graduated with honors in 1998. She then attended the University of Virginia, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in foreign affairs and Middle Eastern studies with a minor in Arabic. Her academic achievements were remarkable—she graduated with the highest distinction and was named an Emmerich-Wright scholar for her thesis.
Her passion for international affairs led her to study abroad at Yarmouk University in Irbid, Jordan, on a Fulbright-Hays Grant. This experience not only strengthened her language skills but also deepened her understanding of the Middle East, an area she would later cover extensively as a journalist.
Brennan’s career began in financial journalism at CNBC, where she produced for the legendary Louis Rukeyser and later reported on consumer issues during the 2008 financial crisis. She moved to Bloomberg Television in 2009, where she anchored InBusiness with Margaret Brennan. In 2012, she joined CBS News, covering the White House and the State Department before taking over as moderator of Face the Nation in 2018.
Over the years, Brennan has received numerous accolades. Irish America magazine named her one of the top 100 Irish-Americans, and she has won an Emmy Award for Outstanding News Special. Her coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic and U.S.-Iran relations also earned her two Emmy nominations.
Beyond journalism, Brennan is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and serves on the alumni advisory board for the University of Virginia School of Politics.
