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Mayors Across America Sound Alarm on National Affordability Crisis; Trump's Disapproval and Gas Prices; USMNT Releases Roster Ahead of Return to Pitch. Aired 9:30-10a ET

Aired September 18, 2026 - 09:30   ET

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

[09:30:00]

KATE BOLDUAN, CNN ANCHOR: Gas prices are surging, the national average climbing three cents overnight, hitting $4.47 a gallon. That's up 40 cents since last month. Some states even seeing as much as a 30 cent increase in two days alone.

This spike and jump in fuel prices is coming as we're getting some new data out this morning focused on specifically affordability and how Americans are dealing with the fact that they are struggling to pay for the basics in their lives right now. A new survey pulled from more than 100 mayors across the country and almost all of them reported serious concerns among their constituents about the cost of living, with 93 percent of people saying that their cost of living has worsened somewhat in the last year.

The survey also reveals affordability issues facing Americans today wide-ranging. Just take a look at that. Everything from housing, groceries, childcare and of course paying for gas. All top of mind for people struggling to pay for day-to-day essentials.

With me now is the mayor of San Diego, Todd Gloria. He's also the president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the group who put together this survey. I was saying to you mayor -- thank you for being here -- and this is worth people taking a look at. Because it's the people on the ground in cities across America, really saying and almost speaking with unanimity, of how much people are struggling. If I may read you, back to you, for our viewers, you've put in this report.

"Our residents are showing us in very real ways how they're feeling the crunch from the affordability crisis. We're seeing more requests for assistance, more unpaid and past utility bills, more concern about even modest increases in everyday costs and fees. These are signs that for too many families, their budgets simply aren't enough to cover the cost of everyday life."

Talk to me about what you found. What surprised you or didn't and what in the survey?

MAYOR TODD GLORIA, SAN DIEGO: Well, I think maybe what's surprising here is that mayors are on the front lines in America's communities and cities, and we are speaking with one voice, Republican, Democrat, independent mayors, all saying that this is a worsening crisis. And that's really in contrast to the chief executive of our federal government who's called this a hoax. When you have again America's mayor speaking really with one voice saying not only is this bad, but it's getting worse and that frankly, Americans are hurting and we need a federal partner to help us address these crises.

BOLDUAN: Literally, that was my next question. One thing that sticks out is the universal agreement that I read in this survey of mayors. So just so it's 96.4 percent report mayors that their residents are very or extremely concerned about the affordability crisis. 92.9 percent of surveyed mayors say the cost of living in their cities has gotten worse over the past year.

Who do they blame? Is it state government? Is it federal government? How are people seeing this?

GLORIA: Well, they're seeing it in their at the kitchen table with when they're paying the bills every single month and their anger and frustration and anxiety is expressed across the political spectrum at all levels of government. It just happens to be that mayors are in the community. So in my own life, you know, I go to the grocery store, I'm in the frozen food aisle and I'm hearing from folks about gas prices, about rent, about utilities, and they're not wrong.

What we're trying to do is shine a light on this particular issue, particularly in the context of a president who said that this is not a real issue. This is a very real issue. And while mayors across the country are trying to intervene on the local level, you have great mayors like the mayor of Boise, Idaho, Lauren McLean, who is working with utility assistance or the Republican Mayor of Fresno, Jerry Dyer, who is working on affordable Housing Trust Fund.

You see mayors working on this at the city level, but the fact the matter, Kate, this is this is a national issue and while mayors are going to are happy lead and take action, we can always use more support from our federal partners.

BOLDUAN: I was going to ask you that because the survey spends quite a bit of time talking about what mayors are trying to do with what they can. Broadly speaking, talk to me more about some of the solutions that on the ground mayors are seeing successful, though again, the caveat you need more help from the people above.

GLORIA: Mayors don't have the luxury of just sitting back and waiting and maybe taking a congressional recess. There's no recess from being mayor, right? You're doing this job every single day, all day long. And what I'll tell you is you look in our survey here is not only is everyone focused on affordability, but it's that housing affordability.

We see the gas prices, right? The huge signs on the fear when we're driving in our communities. But the fact of the matter is the rent eats first, right?

[09:35:00]

And so you have over 90 percent of mayors saying this is the biggest issue. So what do you do about it? Well, in my own city, what we're doing is expediting permits and helping streamline regulations in order to build more housing, more homes, reduce costs. But again, we could use help from the federal level. Earlier this year, Congress took action and passed a historic housing bill with the support of America's mayors.

What we need Congress to do now is to fund it. It's great that we have the initiative. We appreciate the action, but dollars flowing into cities like mine could make real difference in lowering rent for America's families.

BOLDUAN: I also saw you kind of nod to a piece that was written in Time that made the case that the next president -- because of everything you talked about -- made the case that the next president should be a mayor. I know just when I was thinking about this top of mind on the Democratic side, Rahm Emanuel is thinking about running. Pete Buttigieg, of course, is being discussed. Is there someone that you have in mind?

GLORIA: Well, I like the idea of a mayor as president. You mentioned some names. There are others that are looking at it as well who have mayors in the background. And the reason why this is critical is that anxiety and frustration as mentioned a moment ago that Americans are feeling, you know, they don't want talk. They want action.

And again, I submit to you that mayors don't have the luxury of just talking or tweeting. We actually have to pick up the garbage, get water to people's houses, get things done. And I think in an environment where people are so frustrated, whoever has a message that's really about taking action, note not talk, taking action, showing results. What I can tell you for sure, Kate, is that mayors deliver. And I think that's why that piece in Time really highlighted the fact that a mayor could be used in the White House.

BOLDUAN: It's just your survey is really worth a look. It just how it's not good. People are hurting and it doesn't matter what any data says. It's how people really are feeling that matters. And also the mayor can't take a congressional recess. Just remember that. It's good to see you.

GLORIA: Good to see you.

BOLDUAN: Thanks for coming in.

Coming up for us some scary moments as flames are seen coming out of an airplane after takeoff, we're going to give you some context around that.

Plus, a new era for the U.S. men's national soccer team, shifting to younger teenage talent. The men's national team head coach, joining us in studio.

[09:40:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: The national average for a gallon of gas up three more cents overnight, up 40 cents in the last month. These are the highest prices we have ever seen in a September. So what are we seeing in terms of political impact?

With us now, CNN chief data analyst, Harry Enten. We talk about gas prices. They've been going in one direction, up, up, up, and up more.

How has this affected the president's approval?

HARRY ENTEN, CNN CHIEF DATE ANALYST: Up, up, and away. And his disapproval on gas prices is up, up, and away. Yesterday, we congratulated President Trump on breaking a record when it came to record high disapproval on inflation.

Today, we congratulate him on record high disapproval when it comes to gas prices. You've done it, Mr. President. Look at this.

Trump's disapproval on gas prices, 80 percent. Oh, we don't have a pen there? Let's see if we got a pen.

There we go -- 80 percent. Higher than any president ever in terms of his disapproval rating on gas prices.

No president has ever matched this before. In all the polling that we have, the American people quite upset with gas prices, taking their frustration out on the President of the United States, breaking records that, simply put, you don't want to break.

BERMAN: So this is worse than 2008 when we saw the highest percentage.

ENTEN: Worse than 2008. Worse than Nixon. Any time that this question has been asked, this is the highest disapproval rating on gas prices we have ever seen.

BERMAN: All right. How about, how much do people care about this?

ENTEN: This is the question, right? So we're seeing these gas prices go up, up, and away. But, you know, sometimes you're going to have high disapproval on something, and people actually don't care about it. They absolutely care about this.

I mean, just take a look at here. OK, this is searches for gas prices. Google searches for gas prices.

Up 357 percent versus a month ago. The highest in a month. So people are now paying more attention, and at least a month.

People are paying a lot of attention to this issue. You see that these gas prices are going higher. People are paying more attention to it.

No wonder Republicans are running scared, because gas prices very high, disapproval for Trump record high. People paying a lot of attention to this.

BERMAN: Up 40 cents in a month, and the worst possible month for Republicans running for office. How about people saying this is a major problem?

ENTEN: How about people saying that this is a major problem? All right, take a look here. Say gas prices are a major problem by household income.

Look at this. It's the president's own base. That is those who are below $100,000 in terms of their household income.

Look at that. 65 percent of them say it is a major problem. It is not the wealthier individuals in our society.

Yes, 45 percent there, but this is a group that voted Democratic back in 2024. This group that voted for President Trump, this is the group that say it's a major problem.

That's a major problem for Republicans running for re-election this fall.

BERMAN: All right, Democrats feeling good about the House. Let's talk about the Senate for a second here.

What are the prediction markets saying about that this morning?

ENTEN: This, the gas prices. This is helping. Look at this.

OK, chance Dems win the Senate. It was 48 percent a week ago. Look at it now.

Up to 59 percent. Up to 59 percent chance that Democrats take back the United States Senate. These gas prices have fueled a Democratic resurgence in terms of their odds.

[09:45:00]

They are now the favorites, according to the Kalshi prediction market, to take back the United States Senate. It's close, but Democrats now on the better side of 50 percent.

BERMAN: That's just a one-week change there.

ENTEN: That's just a one-week change. All in one week, gas prices go up. Democratic chances go up as well.

BERMAN: Harry Enten, thank you very much.

ENTEN: Thank you, my friend.

BERMAN: A lot of news this morning. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BOLDUAN: All right, some of the stories we're watching. Take a look at this. It's a pretty terrifying sight over Las Vegas yesterday.

Just after takeoff, flames seen shooting out of the engine of a passenger jet. I'm going to show you a closer look at it. Oh, my God. [09:50:00]

The flight had just taken off from Harry Reid International Airport in Vegas. When the pilot was forced then to turn around, the plane did land safely at the airport eventually. The pilot had reported the engine failure as he was speaking with air traffic control.

No one was hurt. And the FAA is now investigating.

Also, a really scary moment last night. Met's first baseman, Jared Young, taken to the hospital after a serious collision. At first base, he moves to make a play and then gets hit in the head by the pitcher's knee. Young was knocked out.

He was down for a while. He was then taken on a stretcher and taken off the field. He gave a thumbs up on his way out.

Met's manager then said that the CT scan at the hospital was negative and that Young had had concussion symptoms and full use of his extremities.

And a 103-year-old woman in Japan is still working five days a week making ramen. She works in the shop that she and her family opened more than six decades ago. She says her advice for living longer is to drink a beer every day.

Thank you, sister. Eat a lot and find a reason to get up in the morning, like coming to work at CNN NEWS CENTRAL. She is one of the more than 100,000 people in Japan who are at least 100 years old.

Scientists say most of them are women. John, do you know how long you're now going to have to work with me?

BERMAN: That's fantastic.

BOLDUAN: I mean, we're doing this forever.

BERMAN: On the bright side, we can do it until we're 100.

All right, this morning, a big change for the U.S. men's national team post-World Cup squad. They're set to return to the pitch for the first time since their World Cup loss to Belgium.

But the roster looks way different. Stars Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun not on this 28-man roster. 16-year-old Kaven Sullivan is.

With us now, the man who picked that roster, the head coach of the United States men's national team, Mauricio Pochettino. Thrilled to have you here. We're huge U.S. men's national team fans here. Thank you.

So this squad, 13 players who are uncapped, like eight teenagers, a 16-year-old, a 17-year-old, a handful of 18-year-olds. How are you going to mix in the kids with the old guys? MAURICIO POCHETTINO, USMNT HEAD COACH: Thank you for having me. It's a real pleasure to be with you. Now I think we start a fresh start, and I think these guys deserve to be defending our shirt.

And I think it's an exciting moment because I think we have plenty of talented players, young talented players that need their place and the possibility to perform and to fell the competition, the international competition. I think it's the right moment to bring and to mix with the senior player. That is going to be a really important role for the senior player, with the example to guide this young kid.

But also for us, for all the structure of the federation, to start to feel that this is going to be a four-year completely different and I think it's a new start. The door is open for everyone, but it's a new start.

BERMAN: You say a four-year complete difference. A lot of people want to know you signed a new deal. You think you'll be here the full four years?

POCHETTINO: In football, you never know. That doesn't mean that I am optimistic or pessimistic. That is always day by day.

If we are happy and we are, you know, we continue matching our vision and ideas, why not?

BERMAN: So we all were glued to the World Cup. We loved every minute except the end for the United States. What have you been doing since the World Cup?

POCHETTINO: Watching football, working so hard with my coaching staff and with the federation to design the new strategy and the new plan for the next four years. It's a lot of things to do, a lot of things to improve. I think we need to keep that evolution and development from not only the player, if not the whole structure around the country.

And I think it's a great opportunity to really work really hard to try to settle all the principles for the future.

BERMAN: So Folarin Balogun got that red card. The red card was set aside, reversed. I don't even know how to say it.

It was a big news story, more than just sports. It became a national story. How much have you spoken to him since then?

Because a lot else has been happening with him.

POCHETTINO: Yes, I spoke with him after his disappointment. He was supposed to move to the Premier League club, but it didn't happen. I was talking with him.

He was with a minor injury in one of his legs and that is now recovering. But I think it's already good to start to play with his club. But I think it was a disappointment in everything.

[09:55:00]

Because we arrived to Seattle to play against Belgium in perfect condition, doing so well. But football and soccer here, how important is our decision. How important is that energy, to keep that energy that make you to really believe and give the possibility to perform.

And I think that was a little bit disappointing because I think we were not this team that we were showing in the previous game. That is why I was so disappointed.

BERMAN: Very quickly, we've seen you throw a baseball now. Yes. We've seen you singing country music.

You like American fast food. What else have you discovered about America that you love?

POCHETTINO: I don't know. I love everything. Still a lot of things to discover here.

That is why we signed four years more. Not only because of soccer. If not, we love the culture and I think we are so grateful the world will come from the beginning.

And I think we have some similitude that we share plenty of things.

BERMAN: Well, good. I hope you find enough things that you do stick around for the full four years. Great to have you here.

Really appreciate it.

POCHETTINO: Thank you so much for having me.

BOLDUAN: Take a tour of the state fairs, right?

BERMAN: We'll go to all the state fairs.

BOLDUAN: Let's do it all together.

BERMAN: Yes, the butter sticks.

BOLDUAN: Exactly. Yes, fried butter, of course.

BERMAN: Coach, thank you very much.

POCHETTINO: Thank you so much.

BERMAN: Thanks for joining us.

BOLDUAN: This is CNN NEWS CENTRAL.

BERMAN: "THE SITUATION ROOM" is up next.