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Trump Will Take a Look At Pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell; Texas National Guard Arrive at Military Facility Near Chicago; Israel, Hamas Make Progress in First Two Days of Talks. Aired 2:30-3p ET

Aired October 07, 2025 - 14:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

[14:30:00]

ERICA HILL, CNN HOST: President Trump is not ruling out a pardon for Jeffrey Epstein's former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell. Here's what he told Kaitlan Collins after the Supreme Court declined to take up Maxwell's appeal.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: You know, I haven't heard the name in so long, I can say this, that I'd have to take a look at it.

KAITLAN COLLINS, CNN CHIEF WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: But you're considering that?

TRUMP: I will speak to the DOJ.

I wouldn't consider it or not consider it, I don't know anything about it so --

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Why would she be a candidate?

TRUMP: I will speak to the DOJ.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Why would she be a candidate?

COLLINS: But she was convicted of child sex trafficking.

TRUMP: Yes, I mean, I'm going to have to take a look at it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HILL: Maxwell of course was sentenced to 20 years in prison over her years-long scheme with Epstein to groom and sexually abuse underage girls. She argued to the Supreme Court she should have been shielded from prosecution under a deal that Epstein had struck with federal authorities. The high court, however, rejected that appeal.

Arick Fudali is an attorney representing 11 Epstein accusers and joins me now. Arick, it's good to have you with us. When you hear the president say that he'll have to take a look at it and also seeming to suggest to Kaitlan that he wasn't really sure what was at play here when it comes to Ghislaine Maxwell. What's your reaction, what are your clients saying about that?

ARICK FUDALI, ATTORNEY REPRESENTING 11 EPSTEIN ACCUSERS: My reaction is appalled, shocked, the clients, the survivors are certainly offended by that notion. The answer, the response to that question should have been nothing other than why on earth would I pardon a convicted child sex trafficker? It's a ridiculous question. Of course not.

That's the only reasonable answer to that question. The fact that Donald Trump said anything but that and then went further to say that, well, I'd have to look at it, I got to look, I got to talk to the DOJ, is so mind boggling.

I really just can't understand it. You know, Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted. This wasn't politically motivated.

This was an open, fair trial. She had a very robust defense. I was at the trial for her conviction.

I mean, there is simply just no justifiable reason to even consider a pardon of Ghislaine Maxwell other than just being pro-child sex trafficking.

HILL: Do you believe it is being considered -- that it would be considered?

FUDALI: I don't know why he didn't just say a flat out no. That's what's just so confusing to me and perplexing. It seems like such an obvious answer to me.

Why would anyone on earth ever consider pardoning a convicted child sex offender? Someone who was convicted of luring and tricking 14- year-old girls to be raped by Jeffrey Epstein and groomed. I just -- the fact that it's anything but a flat out no leaves me very perplexed and extremely concerned and troubled.

HILL: The Attorney General, Pam Bondi, was in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier today deflecting on a number of questions about Epstein and the case and also pointing to what she found to be consistent inaction and lack of concern on the part of Democrats over several years. Do you believe that lawmakers are really invested in your clients in the survivors at this point and their push for transparency?

FUDALI: That's a great question.

[14:35:00]

I absolutely think that these survivors of Jeffrey Epstein are being exploited by all sides and all aspects of the political spectrum. I think there are certainly some good actors on both sides of the aisle trying to get to the bottom of this, trying to release the files, trying to get full publicity, full exposure, full accountability and full closure for these survivors.

Unfortunately, I think those are few and far between and I think that such has been the case for the past few decades that really these survivors are really just being exploited and used for political purpose.

HILL: Pam Bondi was also asked about this client list, which the DOJ says does not exist. My colleague MJ Lee has some new reporting today that some of Epstein's survivors are wary of compiling their own client list as one survivor, Lisa Phillips, had suggested that they could do last month.

I'm curious whether you think that would actually be a good idea and if you would recommend that your clients contribute to a list like that.

FUDALI: You know, it's a difficult one because, of course, my clients, myself, you know, I also believe that exposure, accountability is the number one thing we need right now so these survivors can move on and get the, you know, the exposure and closure they need. Of course, there are legal risks when you put people's name out there like defamation. And it's unfortunately I do a lot of plaintiffs work against a lot of very high profile people and unfortunately a new weapon these days, a new trend has been defamation suits. You sue us, you say something publicly, defamation suit and it's really scary for a lot of survivors and victims out there that is causing them to suffer in silence.

So I certainly understand and empathize with those who are a little nervous about doing it based on the sort of the weaponization of defamation and slander lawsuits that high profile defendants have used recently and in the past. But I hope that they can find the courage and the support to put those names out there and really expose who enabled, facilitated and perhaps even participated in Jeffrey Epstein's decades long years worth of abuse.

HILL: Arick Fudali, thank you for your time this afternoon.

Still ahead here, the Texas National Guard arriving near Chicago. Omar Jimenez just got to the scene there. We're going to take you live next.

[14:40:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HILL: What to give you some breaking news coming into us here at CNN. New video now showing members of the Texas National Guard on the ground near Chicago. This is at the Elwood U.S. Army Reserve Center. So a law enforcement source is telling us around 200 Texas Guard troops have arrived in that area on orders from President Donald Trump.

CNN's Omar Jimenez is outside of that military facility and joins us now. So, Omar, what else are you seeing there? What kind of activity has been happening today?

OMAR JIMENEZ, CNN ANCHOR AND CORRESPONDENT: Well, as of the last few minutes, not much, and the reason for that being is we are just outside the Army Reserve Training Center. You might be able to see the sign there. And what we were watching for were troops that were gathering at one point, but then these trucks were pulled in front of us to block our view.

I mean, literally one by one, they were lined up as we were trying to see on the other side of these. We did, though, before the trucks actually got here, see national -- what appeared to be National Guard troops with the T insignia on their left arms, which matches what we saw from Governor Greg Abbott when he tweeted out pictures showing them being deployed here.

Obviously, at this point, Governor Abbott has said they are here. We have observed them here on the ground as well.

Now, what's interesting is now it comes down to what exactly is happening at this base. This is really the only vantage point we have at all to see any form of what's going on on the base.

And we have seen some troops actually walking back and forth here a little bit. We see some walking, but it's just hard to get a close view to see if they, again, have that patch on their arms indicating they are from Texas.

Now, one of the things they are likely doing at this point -- I mean, it is a training center. We don't exactly know what the scope of their orders here will be. It's actually one of the questions that the federal judge in this case, who's ruling over the lawsuit Illinois and the city of Chicago filed against the Trump administration, wanted to know, too.

What exactly will they be doing? Will these be people facing deployments? Will these be just to protect federal employees or federal personnel and property, as some of the initial orders from the White House have laid out?

Those are part of the questions that, of course, a lot of people have at this point. But it does seem right now that the Texas National Guard not only is here on the ground in Illinois, outside of here in Chicago, but at this particular base, the beginning stages of what is still to be seen as to what the reality of any deployment actually looks like -- Erica.

HILL: Yes, absolutely. Good to have you on the ground there and fascinating the way they so quickly tried to maneuver those trucks to block the view. Omar, appreciate it.

Thank you -- Boris.

BORIS SANCHEZ, CNN HOST: Let's dig deeper on this with retired U.S. Army Major General William Enyart. He's a former adjutant general of Illinois, which is the highest ranking military official in the Illinois National Guard. General, thank you so much for being with us.

Democratic Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois claims that National Guard members are being used as political pawns for President Trump. Do you share that concern? MAJ. GEN. WILLIAM ENYART, U.S. ARMY (RET): Well, I think that's a pretty accurate assessment by Senator Durbin. You know, bringing in Texas National Guard is really a vast overreach for the federal government here. One of the things that we pride ourselves on in the Illinois National Guard are our contacts and our network with other public resources.

[14:45:00]

And we worked extensively with Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department, emergency management agencies and indeed police departments and sheriff's departments throughout the state of Illinois, particularly in our natural disaster response framework.

So to bring in someone from a thousand miles away who doesn't have any of those contacts, doesn't have any of that network developed is absolutely a hazard to public safety. It's not a benefit to public safety.

SANCHEZ: I wonder, General, if you have any concerns about the training that these guardsmen have in the context of the job that they might be now doing in Illinois?

ENYART: Well, Boris, the National Guard is a wonderful instrument. I like to think of it as a Swiss Army knife. We've got a lot of skills, but we are not trained civilian law enforcement officers.

These National Guardsmen will get a couple of hours at most of civil disturbance training. They may get some rules -- and they certainly should get some rules of engagement training, but they don't have the months and years of training and the ongoing continuing education that police officers here in Illinois are required to have. So they are putting an untrained force into what may become a hazardous situation.

And it's a situation. I spoke last night with a very senior official in the Illinois State Police who assured me that the Illinois State Police have things under control in conjunction with the local police and the Cook County Sheriff's Department.

SANCHEZ: To that point, the administration argues that ICE officials and federal agents are not able to manage their mission, given demonstrations and the public response to the immigration crackdown. It doesn't seem like you actually believe that that is the case, that this merits sending the National Guard, that there is in the administration's eyes an open rebellion.

ENYART: Well, that's ridiculous. In fact, the latest video coming from the ICE facility shows there are exactly two demonstrators there. So if all of these ICE folks are terrified of two demonstrators, then perhaps we need different ICE agents.

And in fact, when I was speaking to the Illinois State Police official last night, that official indicated to me that in that official's opinion, these folks are, quote -- I'm directly quoting -- cowboys, end quote. And the Illinois State Police are highly skilled, very professional officers. And if they needed any help, they wouldn't hesitate to call.

I know that the director of the state police sits in the governor's cabinet, along with the current adjutant general who commands the National Guard. They've got each other on speed dial. And if they needed somebody, they'd pick up that phone and call and it would happen immediately.

This is just an overreach by the federal government. Donald Trump is trying to distract from all of his problems, whether it be tariffs or the Epstein files or the crashing labor market.

SANCHEZ: Major General William Enyart, thank you so much for the time.

ENYART: You bet, Boris.

SANCHEZ: Erica.

HILL: Let's get you caught up on now on some of the other headlines we're watching this hour.

The Rainbow Crosswalk in Miami Beach honoring LGBTQ plus history has been removed. This comes two months after the state imposed a ban on street art. The city lost an appeal against the DeSantis administration's order. Critics say it's part of a broader rollback of LGBTQ plus visibility in Florida. Among the other street art that has since been removed, a Back the Blue mural in Tampa, which was painted over.

A word of caution for soda drinkers. A new study finds both diet sodas and the sugary drinks can raise your risk of liver disease by up to 60 percent. Researchers say as little as one can of diet soda a day can increase the chance of contracting non-alcohol fatty liver disease, which can lead to cirrhosis and even liver cancer. Doctors say when in doubt, water is always your healthiest choice.

And a rare October blizzard that stranded hundreds of hikers near Mount Everest. We're continuing to follow this story for you. The trapped trekkers facing driving snow and rain at 16,000 feet.

Videos posted to Chinese social media show some of the hikers shoveling snow off of buried tents and digging out with cooking pots in these blustery whiteout conditions. Of course, we've been continuing to follow this for you. And as you know, a number have been rescued, a number of people by climbing down the mountain in that deep snow.

Authorities, though, warn that communication is still limited in the remote region. We'll be right back.

[14:50:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HILL: As Israel marks the somber second anniversary of Hamas's deadly October 7th attack at the top of the hour, President Trump is scheduled to meet with freed American Israeli hostage, Edan Alexander. He's an Israeli soldier who was abducted during the invasion and is believed to be the last U.S. surviving U.S. hostage who was being held by Hamas when he was released back in May. Alexander's visit comes as sources tell CNN Israel and Hamas are making progress in ceasefire negotiations. Both sides have been meeting for the last two days in Egypt on a deal to end the war in Gaza, which includes, of course, releasing all remaining Israeli hostages.

Joining me now is Moshe Lavi. He's the brother in law of Israeli hostage Omri Miran, who was kidnapped by Hamas from his home on October 7th. After being held captive with his wife and children for several hours.

[14:55:00]

Moshe, we appreciate you coming in today. This is a difficult, a somber day for you. Just first off, how are you and your family doing now two years on?

MOSHE LAVI, BROTHER-IN-LAW OF HOSTAGE OMRI MIRAN: Thank you for having me. As you said, it's a difficult day for us as a family, as a nation. We are still haven't grieved, really, for those we lost on October the 7th. Those communities that were burned and ravaged, those friends and family and colleagues who were murdered, because we're focusing on the on those hostages who are still in captivity, including my brother-in- law, Omri.

I'm here in D.C. with my sister, Lishai. It was very important for us both to be here in this momentous week when we know there is progress in the negotiations, thanks to President Trump's plan. And we're trying to be hopeful as much as possible and hold on to that hope because it drives us to action every day.

HILL: You mentioned you're here with your sister, Lishai. You were both at a breakfast this morning with members of the Trump administration and other families of hostages.

How was that event? How was that moment for you to be together in Washington in this moment?

LAVI: I want to thank the Trump administration for showing its support since day one. They've been really rallying behind us, opening the White House for us, opening it for ideas that we bring every time to the table. And sometimes those ideas are incorporated in policy that are implemented. Opening the White House as well for us to share our family stories.

And that's what we did this morning, sharing it with members of the Cabinet, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. It was hosted by the Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick. And we're so grateful for having the opportunity to keep doing that, keep sharing it.

And we know we have their back. We understand how complex policymaking is, how complex negotiating with terrorist organizations is. But at the same time, we are feeling confident that there is an administration that understands us in the most -- in the deepest way possible. Emotionally, they understand us.

And that's what matters, because when you connect emotionally with policymakers, they drive policy that can make a difference for human beings and not only for the grander political game.

HILL: You mentioned you and I were talking briefly in the break before we came on the air that this is still a difficult day, but it was more difficult last year. And that's because in this moment, when we talk about policy, there is some hope for you that is a different kind of hope today. How are you feeling as we get these readouts that there is progress being made in the talks in Egypt?

LAVI: We try and be as hopeful as possible but grounded in reality. It is very different than last year. First, because it was still very fresh the first year of the war.

People were still yet to actually process what has happened. We haven't fully processed it yet. But when it's two years out, it's a very different feeling.

But it's not different from we still held hostage in Gaza, deprived of food, water, sanitation, sunlight, tortured, as we've learned from other hostages, including Keith Siegel was with us this morning and spent time in captivity with Omri. We are hopeful today because we understand that the president outlined a plan that is backed by an international coalition. And I think that's the first time we saw an international coalition telling Hamas, this is the time for you to stop playing games.

This is time for you to understand that the game is over. Either it's over for you or we can open a new path for the future for Gazans, for Gaza and, of course, for Israelis and our hostages who were captive.

HILL: You mentioned the path forward, right? What comes next? You wrote a very moving piece in the Times, the Times of Israel.

In which you write, in part, The Israel I knew is gone. The Israel I long for is still waiting to be rebuilt, not from strength alone, but from compassion and truth that begin with the most sacred mission of all, bringing them home.

What would you like to see in terms of the future of Israel in this Israel that you say you long for?

LAVI: Yes, October the 7th has been such a difficult day for us, not only because of the atrocities that happened that day, but because of the implications, because of the loss of safety and security we felt of who we were before and what our country was for us before. And while we united right after October the 7th and we are still united in many ways, you see people going to the battlefield because they want to serve and save the hostages. You see people in the streets rallying for the hostages.

But something was lost. And what was lost is the sense of purpose and the sense of unity that we prioritize our citizens above all. We prioritize saving lives above all. And we prioritize understanding that we are part of an international community, part of a wider humanity. And that's what I want to see in Israel of the future. Israel, that is strong, as Prime Minister Netanyahu has done in the past two years, he solidified many of our strengths through military pressure, through military achievements in the battlefield.

But I want to see more of that. And I think Trump's plan, a diplomatic plan that is backed by the international ...

END