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Trump: Zelensky Will "Have To Make A Deal" To End War; Democrats Grill FBI Director During Contentious Hearing; Friends, Co- stars, Moviegoers Remember Robert Redford. Aired 5:30-6a ET
Aired September 17, 2025 - 05:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[05:30:00]
CLARE SEBASTIAN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: He said the U.S. is strong enough to go it alone on sanctions, though he agrees that Europe should cut back its purchases of Russian oil. And he said that the Alaska summit essentially brought only positives for President Putin.
And I think -- look, on the issue that clip from Trump alluded to that direct talks would have to involve Trump and that he would have to do all the talking, it's clear that President Zelenskyy sees things a little differently there.
Take a listen to what he told CNN's Fareed Zakaria at an interview -- at an interview at an event in Ukraine over the weekend.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY, UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT: If he wants to speak about territories and about some historical crazy things and et cetera, I'm ready to speak with him -- but not through Americans, not through Europeans. With their support, yes, but not through.
It's our land. It's our people. It's our nation. It's our history, our identity -- and that's why.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SEBASTIAN: So look, he's willing to talk but not through the Americans and Europeans. He said -- and that is critical for the support of Ukraine. This is an existential fight for sovereignty, and they don't want to be seen to be giving up agency over their own future here.
But look, I think the big question now -- as it has been, as you pointed out, multiple times before -- is will the U.S. step up and get tough on Russia?
We know that there is significant bipartisan support on Capitol hill for this bill co-sponsored by Lindsey Graham and Sen. Blumenthal. Senator Lindsey Graham has trailed some announcement on that bill perhaps as soon as today.
Will the U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer manage to bring Trump around to the idea of getting tough on Russia during the state visit -- which, of course, gets underway today -- I think all of that will be very closely watched by Ukraine -- Brian.
BRIAN ABEL, CNN ANCHOR: All right, Clare Sebastian. Clare, thank you.
Democrats get under the skin of the FBI director. We will show you the moments temper flared during a fiery hearing.
Plus, fans, friends, and co-stars are mourning Hollywood legend Robert Redford. A look at the illustrious career of a leading man, award- winning director, and environmentalist. That's coming up later.
(COMMERCIAL)
[05:37:00]
ABEL: Senate Democrats accusing the FBI director of obeying the will of the White House and not the Constitution during a contentious hearing on Tuesday that saw Kash Patel seemingly losing his cool multiple times.
CNN's Brian Todd shows us those fiery moments.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SEN. CORY BOOKER (D-NJ): You claim that you have a suspect in a serious assassination -- whoops -- then you don't have a suspect.
BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voiceover): Democratic Sen. Cory Booker accused FBI director Kash Patel of not being fit to lead the bureau. Then Booker slammed his booklet shut and the fireworks really started.
BOOKER: I think you're not going to be around long. I think this might be your last oversight hearing. Because as much as you supplicate yourself to the will of Donald Trump and not the Constitution of the United States of America, he is not loyal to people like you. He will cut you loose.
KASH PATEL, FBI DIRECTOR: That rant of false information does not bring this country together. If you want to work on bringing this country -- it's my time, not yours.
BOOKER: My God. My God.
PATEL: If you want to talk about --
BOOKER: You're going to lecture me about dividing this country?
PATEL: It is my time.
BOOKER: I follow you on your social media posts that tear this country apart.
PATEL: It is my time to address you. You're an embarrassment --
BOOKER: You can try all you want -- PATEL: -- to the division in this country.
BOOKER: -- to not say responsibility --
PATEL: Senator, it is my time.
BOOKER: -- for what you have said.
PATEL: You had your time. Your time is over.
BOOKER: So you are making a mockery of this committee.
TODD (voiceover): Patel admitted he could have been more careful with his wording about the subject who he said was in custody right after the shooting of Charlie Kirk. He later had to walk that back.
Republican senators repeatedly defended Patel over many issues, including his handling of the Kirk case.
SEN. JOHN CORNYN (R-TX): I see no reason to -- for the armchair quarterbacks to be criticizing his performance. I think it's been commendable. It took roughly 33 hours to arrest the -- Charlie Kirk's killer.
TODD (voiceover): Patel was asked by Republican Sen. John Kennedy about Jeffrey Epstein's alleged sex trafficking.
SEN. JOHN KENNEDY (R-LA): You've seen most of the files. Who, if anyone, did Epstein traffic these young women to besides himself?
PATEL: Himself. There is no credible information -- none. If there were, I would bring the case yesterday that he trafficked to other individuals. And the information we have, again, is limited.
KENNEDY: But -- so the answer is no one?
PATEL: For the information that we have.
KENNEDY: In the files.
PATEL: In the case file.
TODD (voiceover): After Patel said the Bureau of Prisons decided to send Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell to a minimum security prison camp, his exchange with Democrat Adam Schiff got heated.
SEN. ADAM SCHIFF (D-CA): Do you want the American people to believe that? Do you think they're stupid?
PATEL: No. I think the American people believe the truth that I'm knocking the weeds on the everyday movements of inmates.
SCHIFF: Oh, you're not in the weeds. The most -- the most -- the most -- the most significant witness -- the most significant witness -- (INAUDIBLE). This stinks to high heaven. This stinks to high heaven. PATEL: What I am doing is protecting this country, providing historic
reforms and combatting the weaponization of intelligence by the likes of you. And we have countlessly proven you to be a liar in Russia- gate, in January 6. You are the biggest fraud to ever sit in the United States Senate. You are a disgrace to this institution and an utter coward.
[05:40:00]
SCHIFF: I'm not surprised -- I'm not surprised that the -- that the -- (INAUDIBLE) and for good reason.
PATEL: I'm not surprised that you continue to lie from your perch and put on a show so you can go raise money for your charade. You are a political buffoon at best.
TODD: Senator Schiff countered that Patel will "always be nothing more than an internet troll." Patel fired back that all the Democrats care about is a child sex predator who was prosecuted by a prior administration. And he said the Obama and Biden Justice Departments "did squat about Jeffrey Epstein."
The hearing ended shortly after that exchange.
Brian Todd, CNN, Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ABEL: The Washington Post is reporting that Donald Trump is ordering national parks to remove signs and exhibits about slavery from public view. According to the Post, this photograph right here, displaced at the National Gallery of Art, will be removed. It depicts the abject cruelty of slavery by showing the deeply scarred back of a formerly enslaved man named Peter Gordon. This photo -- it shocked northern states when it was published back in 1863.
President Trump has criticized cultural institutions for highlighting the evil of slavery, arguing that criticism of historic Americans, including slave owners, is "corrosive ideology."
And we are learning new details about the role the family of Charlie Kirk's alleged killer played in his capture. A closer look at that just ahead.
(COMMERCIAL)
[05:46:05]
ABEL: Welcome back. I'm Brian Abel. Here are some stories we are watching today.
Donald Trump and his wife Melania are in London. The president and first lady scheduled to head to Windsor Castle later today where they'll be welcomed by the royal family. Mr. Trump will also meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Anti-Trump protests are expected. Former U.S. vice presidential candidate Tim Walz is running for a
third term as Minnesota's governor. If re-elected he would become the longest serving governor in state history and the first to win a third term. Walz says he work is not done and he's heartbroken about recent gun violence in his state.
Classes are set to resume today at Utah Valley University. This comes just a week after conservative political activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during an event on campus. The university has announced it will hold a vigil for unity on Friday.
And the suspect in Kirk's shooting is facing seven charges, including aggravated murder, witness tampering, and obstruction of justice. Tyler Robinson will now remain behind bars without bail ahead of another hearing later this month.
CNN's Tom Foreman takes a look at the role his family played in his arrest.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEFF GRAY, UTAH COUNTY ATTORNEY: When asked why he did it, Robinson explained "There is too much evil and the guy (referring to Charlie Kirk) spreads too much hate."
TOM FOREMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voiceover): Authorities say the parents of Tyler Robinson are saying plenty about talks with their son even as the accused killer of Charlie Kirk is keeping quiet.
According to investigators, Robinson's parents confirmed that he drove a gray car similar to one they were seeking, that he'd been aware of Kirk's nearby public appearance, and --
GRAY: The day after the shooting Robinson's mother saw the photo of the shooter in the news and thought the shooter looked like her son.
FOREMAN (voiceover): When the mother talked to the father, investigators say he agreed. What's more --
GRAY: He also believed that the rifle that police suspected the shooter used matched a rifle that was given to his son as a gift.
FOREMAN (voiceover): That dovetails with court documents that cite an alleged message exchange between Robinson and a roommate after investigators say the supposed murder weapon was left in the woods.
"I'm worried what my old man would do if I didn't bring back Grandpa's rifle. How the "f" will I explain losing it to my old man?" Robinson goes on. "My dad wants photos of the rifle. He says Grandpa wants to know who has what. The Feds released a photo of the rifle, and it is very unique. He's calling me right -- not answering. Since Trump got into office my dad has been pretty diehard MAGA."
Growing up in a deep red, deeply religious area, the suspect's family has been painted by public officials as traditionally conservative. DONALD TRUMP, (R) PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: It seems like he has wonderful parents in a wonderful neighborhood. Smart guy, great boards, great marks, great student. And then he -- something happened to him over a fairly short period of time.
FOREMAN (voiceover): According to court documents, his mother explained "...that over the last year or so Robinson had started to lean more to the left, becoming more pro-gay and trans rights oriented. She said that began to date his roommate, a biological male who was transitioning genders. This resulted in several discussions with family members, but especially between Robinson and his father."
In the end, however, authorities say the parents are the very ones who drew a critical statement from their son.
GRAY: As they discussed the situation, Robinson implied that he was the shooter and stated that he couldn't go to jail and just wanted to end it.
FOREMAN: Authorities have gone out of their way to praise the family for their cooperation and, at the same time, to seemingly acknowledge how difficult this must be to offer testimony that could implicate their son in the murder of another man - which if he is convicted, could lead to their son's life ending.
Tom Foreman, CNN, Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
[05:50:15]
ABEL: The U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to announce its first interest rate cut since December when central bankers wrap their two- day policy meeting later today. Growing signs of weakness in the labor market are a key reason why the Fed is likely to lower borrowing costs. Inflation has risen in recent months, mostly due to Donald Trump's policies and tariffs, but Fed officials believe that impact may be temporary.
Friends and former colleagues paying tribute to actor Robert Redford who died on Tuesday at the age of 89. In statement shared with CNN, Redford's co-star in several films, Jane Fonda, said "I can't stop crying." Barbra Streisand, Meryl Streep, Morgan Freeman, and many others are also mourning the Academy Award-winning director and environmentalist.
Here's more from CNN's Anderson Cooper.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON COOPER, CNN ANCHOR (voiceover): He was the golden boy of the silver screen.
Clip from Paramount Pictures "Barefoot in the Park."
COOPER (voiceover): The piercing eyes, the windswept hair, and, of course, that smile. In a career that spanned more than 60 years, Robert Redford starred in some of Hollywood's most memorable hits -- "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid."
Clip from 20th Century Fox "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid."
COOPER (voiceover): "The Sting."
Clip from Universal Pictures "The Sting."
COOPER: "The Way We Were."
Clip from Sony Pictures "The Way We Were."
COOPER: While his good looks helped make him a star it was Redford's eye for filmmaking that made him a legend.
In the wake of the Watergate scandal he bought the movie rights to landmark political thriller "All the President's Men."
Clip from Warner Bros. "All the President's Men."
COOPER (voiceover): In 1982, Redford won an Oscar -- not for acting but for directing the searing family drama "Ordinary People."
ROBERT REDFORD, ACTOR: What for me is the greatest, gratitude -- and that keys around the word "trust." I really am grateful for the trust that I received from a terrific cast.
COOPER (voiceover): By then Redford, whose friends called him Bob, had already founded Utah's Sundance Film Institute for aspiring independent filmmakers after falling in love with the state on a cross-country motorcycle trip and where his passion for movies merged with his commitment to environmentalism.
REDFORD: I wanted to find a place that was going to be the last outpost of development and this seemed to be it. So I just bought two acres in 1961. I bought two acres of land for 500 bucks.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You did?
REDFORD: And then I had to wait -- I had to wait for two years before I could get the money to build my own house, which I did.
COOPER (voiceover): Years later Redford would reportedly bemoan how the institute's namesake film festival had become a magnet for marketing gimmicks and reality TV stars. By then, though, his legacy was long secured with a list of acting and directing credits that included "The Great Gatsby," "Three Days of the Condor," "The Natural," "Out of Africa," "Indecent Proposal," "Quiz Show," and "A River Runs Through It."
REDFORD: As an artist I just can't think of a better life than the one that I've been blessed with. It's just a great ride.
COOPER (voiceover): A great ride we were lucky to be invited along for. Robert Redford was 89 years old.
Anderson Cooper, CNN.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL)
[05:58:20]
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SABRINA CARPENTER, SINGER-SONGWRITER: Singing "Espresso."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ABEL: If you don't know, that's some Sabrina Carpenter for you there. Now you know.
She is one of the big names just announced as headlining the 2026 Coachella Music Festival. She'll be joined by Justin Bieber and Colombian singer Karol G as the biggest acts to hit the Southern California stage. The multi-day festival is also set to feature members of Nine Inch Nails collaborating with German producer Boys Noize.
Next year's festival is set for two weekends in April and passes go on sale this Friday.
Tom Brady temporarily coming out of retirement and heading back to the gridiron. This time, though, he'll be playing in a flag football tournament in Saudi Arabia. The legendary NFL quarterback announced he will participate in a first-of-its-kind round robin event featuring three teams of current and former players. The tournament is the latest major investment from Saudi Arabia into the world of professional sports.
Brady retired back in 2023 from professional football.
The Fanatics Flag Football Classic is set for March of next year in Riyad.
And finally, a new species of snailfish has been discovered off the coast of California. The deep-sea dweller known as the bumpy snailfish was caught on camera by an underwater drone. It's pink with large eyes and a distinctive bumpy texture. Two other types of snailfish were also discovered by scientists say the most -- the bumpy one is the most adorable. It's scientific. It must be true.
Thank you for joining us here on EARLY START. I'm Brian Abel in Washington, D.C. "CNN THIS MORNING WITH AUDIE CORNISH" starts right now.
