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Early Start with Rahel Solomon

Appeals Court Allows Trump To Send National Guard To Portland; Vance Heads To Israel, As Witkoff & Kushner Meet Israeli PM; Officials: Trump Pressured Zelenskyty To Give Up Land To Putin; Lawmaker Standoff Continues As Shutdown Enters Day 21; Sanae Takaichi Becomes Japan's First Female Prime Minister. Aired 5-5:30a ET

Aired October 21, 2025 - 05:00   ET

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

[05:00:24]

BRIAN ABEL, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning and welcome to our viewers, joining us from the United States and all around the world. I'm Brian Abel. Thank you so much for being with us.

It is Tuesday, October 21st, 5:00 a.m. here in Washington, D.C.

And straight ahead on EARLY START.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JAKE TAPPER, CNN HOST: A federal appeals court is allowing President Trump to send in National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon.

NICK WATT, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: We are not going to see National Guard on these streets for at least a few days, because there are still legal wrinkles to come out.

ROSEMARY CHURCH, CNN ANCHOR: U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance is set to join a U.S. delegation in Israel today.

JEREMY DIAMOND, CNN JERUSALEM CORRESPONDENT: There are a raft of issues that still have to be addressed in order to ensure that this ceasefire actually results in the end of the war in Gaza.

MANU RAJU, CNN CHIEF CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Senate Democrats again blocked a Republican bill to reopen the government up until November 21st.

REP. HAKEEM JEFFRIES (D-NY), MINORITY LEADER: Republicans have done nothing to make life better for the American people.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(MUSIC)

ABEL: We begin with a legal battle in Oregon over the deployment of the National Guard. A U.S. appeals court has now ruled that the Trump administration can send troops to Portland, despite strong objections from leaders in the state. That ruling overturns one of two lower court decisions to block the deployment. While the appeal process plays out. But because the second decision is still in force, the troops can't immediately be deployed.

President Trump has cited protests outside Portland's immigration and customs enforcement facility to justify the call up of troops. Two Trump appointed judges sided with the administration, while a third judge dissented, saying the decision is not merely absurd but also erodes core constitutional principles.

Oregon's attorney general is set to file a petition for a hearing with a larger panel of appellate judges. The governor says she's very troubled by the ruling and issued this statement saying, quote, Oregon remains united in the fight against this unwanted, unneeded military intervention in Oregon. We will continue to show up for our neighbors, make our voices heard, and use our collective power to protect communities and our democracy.

Legal experts are also weighing in.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TOM DUPREE, FORMER DEPUTY ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL: There are future battles to be fought. The first thing the challengers, the people in Oregon are going to do is to try to get the full Ninth Circuit or an en banc court. A larger group of judges on the ninth circuit to look at this, and I'm confident that whichever way that larger group of judges goes, this is bound for the United States Supreme Court, which is already currently considering that similar case from Chicago and it is unclear what immediate impact the appeals court ruling will have on the streets of Portland.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ABEL: CNN's Nick Watt is there monitoring the situation and has details on what we can expect.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

NICK WATT, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: This is the ICE facility at the center of this issue, and these are the allegedly war-ravaged streets, according to President Trump, where he wants to send the National Guard. Now, there are a few dozen people around here, protesters, perhaps, but very, very peaceful for now.

We are not going to see National Guard on these streets for at least a few days because there are still legal wrinkles to come out. So basically, there were two temporary restraining orders, one saying that the federal government could not federalize the Oregon National Guard. The second saying that they could not deploy federalized National Guard in Oregon.

What has been lifted is that order saying that they weren't allowed to federalize the Oregon guard. They can now do that. But technically they still can't deploy federalized National Guard on these streets. Not yet.

The federal government thinks it's just a formality for that restraining order also to be lifted.

Now, why did the judges rule this way? Well, there was damage to this building in the summer. There was some violence here in the summer. Federal protection service officers had to be sent in. So, these two judges, two of the three judges, ruled that the president was acting within his authority to send federal troops to execute the rule of law.

The government had also argued that this constituted a rebellion what's been happening here? The judges did not agree with that.

Now, Oregon officials are going to fight this and continue to fight this. The governor called this an unwanted, unneeded military intervention. Gross un-American abuse of power. The attorney general says we are on a dangerous path in America.

It's going to be interesting to see over the next few days, and we will be watching the reaction of the people here on the street if and when, probably when National Guard troops arrive.

Back to you.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ABEL: Nick Watt reporting there.

Another legal battle is ongoing in Illinois, where the state and the city of Chicago are asking the Supreme Court to block the Trump administration's emergency request to keep National Guard troops on the ground there.

[05:05:09]

A district court issued a temporary restraining order earlier this month against the federalization and deployment of troops in Chicago. An appeals court partially stayed that ruling, allowing federalization but not deployment. The temporary restraining order expires Thursday.

The Trump administration deployed the National Guard to combat protests and perceived crime, they say. Monday's court filing says there is no rebellion or inability to execute federal law in Illinois, arguing the administration hasn't met legal requirements to activate troops over the states dissent.

Now to the Middle East, where U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance is expected to arrive in Israel today, he is set to join President Trump's son in law, Jared Kushner, and special envoy Steve Witkoff, and hashing out the next phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Kushner and Witkoff met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, and a source says that they also spoke with senior Israeli military officials in Tel Aviv.

CNN's Paula Hancocks is live in Abu Dhabi with the very latest on these meetings and the road ahead -- Paula.

PAULA HANCOCKS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Brian, there will be key meetings today, as you say, the U.S. vice president will be the head of that U.S. delegation. That will be meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Now, we do know that both Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have been in the in the country since Monday. We have been told from a source familiar with the meeting that they had a very lengthy meeting with senior IDF generals. So senior Israeli military generals about the arrangements in Gaza.

Of course, at this point, the Israeli military has pulled back to a certain point as phase A of this ceasefire agreement. And if this is to be pushed into phase B, then there will be a further withdrawal of the Israeli military. Now, we did hear an interesting interview with both Witkoff and Kushner over the weekend for CBS "60 Minutes". We did hear Jared Kushner himself saying that what they're trying to do at this point is to impress upon the Israeli leadership that in order to be accepted in the broader Middle East, a strategic decision needs to be made that they need to allow and help the Palestinians to thrive.

Now, the fact that he has said that ahead of these meetings would suggest that this may be one of the topics of conversation as well, but certainly it is going to be talking about this phase B, talking about pushing the ceasefire agreement forward. Now, there are some hurdles still from phase A, of course, within that agreement, there was supposed to be all of the Israeli living hostages released from Gaza, along with the deceased hostages.

Now, we know up until this point, 13 remains have been returned to Israel, but there are still 15 more deceased hostages that have not yet been handed over. We have heard from Hamas that they said that special equipment needs to be used in order to try and find those final hostages. In fact, Israeli intelligence also suggests Hamas may not be able to find all. But we are hearing from at least two Israeli officials that they believe Hamas knows the location of more than they are letting on with.

So, at this point, we have seen some setbacks, certainly with violence over the weekend. But the meeting today is intended to try and push the ceasefire agreement forward -- Brian.

ABEL: We will see what comes out of that. Paula Hancocks for us in Abu Dhabi -- Paula, thank you.

On Friday, Ukraine's president will join a meeting of his country's main allies in London. This comes after a contentious meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

We are learning from European officials briefed on the matter that Trump, once again raised his voice at the wartime leader after Mr. Zelensky pushed back on handing over Ukrainian territory to Russia as part of a potential peace plan.

Kristen Holmes reports from the White House.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KRISTEN HOLMES, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: President Trump appearing to do yet another 180 when it comes to the war in Ukraine after last month meeting with Zelenskyy and then posting that he believed Ukraine could actually come out of this war. Regaining the territory that it had lost to Russia. He's trying to clarify, essentially saying that he doesn't know if they would win the war, and he never said they would win the war, but instead that they maybe could win the war.

Listen.

DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Well, they could. They could still win it. I don't think they will, but they could still win it. I never said they would win it.

HOLMES: Now this comes on the heels of even more reporting about that meeting between Zelensky and President Trump on Friday.

[05:10:02]

We had reported already that it had been tense, direct at times, quote/unquote, uncomfortable. But now we're learning that it went beyond that, points one source saying that voices were raised, that President Trump grew frustrated, particularly because he was trying to encourage Ukrainian President Zelenskyy that he was going to have to give up land, that Zelenskyy was kind of pushing back on that notion.

President Trump grew frustrated. Now we know that this request for land to have Ukraine give up land came as part of the conversation that President Trump had had the day before with Russian president Vladimir Putin.

So, all of this to say, it's unclear where things stand with the Russia-Ukraine war. Where it stands between Putin and Trump. At the same time, you are starting to see senators back away from a sanctions bill. Republican senators, of course, it's the same time you're hearing President Trump really ramping up this rhetoric against Ukraine, or at least that was separate from what we had heard him saying for the last several months.

Now, of course, all eyes on that meeting, which we believe to be next month between President Trump and Putin in Hungary. But the question still remains what exactly is the White House or President Trump hoping to get out of this meeting? Why are they think they'll be different results a second time? We already saw what happened in Alaska.

Kristen Holmes, CNN, the White House.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ABEL: These images here of Nicolas Sarkozy as he prepares to begin his prison term in Paris. The 70-year-old former French president was sentenced to five years for criminal association in connection with the financing of his successful 2007 presidential campaign. Last month, a court ruled that Sarkozy plotted to receive funds from Libya in exchange for diplomatic favors, and it required that he be incarcerated. Despite his intention to appeal the verdict, Sarkozy has denounced the ruling and continues to assert his innocence. Back in the States now, Atlanta police arresting a man inside the

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after he threatened to shoot it up. The man's family were the ones to inform authorities that Billy Joe Cagle was armed and enroute to the airport after he shared his plan on a social media live stream.

Cagle later appeared to be scouting the crowded TSA security check-in, but he was not armed while he was detained inside the airport. Officials say an AR-15 assault rifle was found in his vehicle parked just outside near the arrival and departure lanes. He's facing multiple charges, including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, terroristic threats and criminal attempt to commit aggravated assaults.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ANDRE DICKENS, ATLANTA MAYOR: See something, say something, did work. And so, we are standing here talking about a tragedy averted versus us standing here telling you about 27-plus lives that were lost or injured at the world's busiest airport.

DARIN SCHIERBAUM, ATLANTA POLICE CHIEF: We did have a tragedy averted today. I do believe that Mr. Cagle was headed back to his truck to retrieve it, and I do believe he was likely to use that weapon inside the crowded terminal that he had just seen.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ABEL: Still to come, how former FBI Director James Comey is fighting back against the Trump administration as he faces federal charges, and the U.S. government shutdown is now the second longest in the nation's history. But our lawmakers are any closer to striking a deal to reopen it.

And a rare earth pact. The U.S. signed a deal with Australia on access to the key minerals, just as China ramps up restrictions on its own supply. Details ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[05:18:07]

ABEL: Attorneys for former FBI Director James Comey argued that the criminal charges he faces are an egregious abuse of power by the federal government. Comey's lawyers have launched two efforts to have them thrown out. They accuse Donald Trump of singling out the former FBI director in a personal vendetta because of his criticism of the president. They also argue that Trump's appointment of an interim U.S. attorney is unlawful because she has not been confirmed by the Senate. Comey has pleaded not guilty to charges that he provided false statements and obstructed a congressional proceeding.

The U.S. government shut entering day 21, officially tying for the record of the second longest shutdown in American history. But lawmakers fear it could take the number one spot, with neither Republicans or Democrats willing to budge on their demands to make a deal.

CNN's Manu Raju has more from Capitol Hill.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MANU RAJU, CNN CHIEF CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: The third longest government shutdown in United States history will continue past day 20 and into day 21 after the Senate Democrats, again for the 11th time, blocked a Republican bill to reopen the government up until November 21st. Why the same demands of the Democrats have had since day one? They want to add to this GOP bill, provisions that would extend subsidies that were enhanced during the COVID era for the Affordable Care Act, for people who are getting their health care insurance under the ACA.

They say that if it's not dealt with now, then peoples premiums will increase during the open enrollment period, even though those subsidies don't expire until January. Republicans say there should be absolutely no negotiations whatsoever on that issue until after the government reopens. So as a result, there are no talks.

Instead, Republicans who control the United States senate and a 53-47 majority have put this bill on the floor. Time and time again to pressure senate Democrats to break ranks.

[05:20:00]

But they need eight Democrats to vote to break a filibuster in advance. That bill so far, just three have voted for this time and time again. And there was no change in the vote that occurred on Monday evening. So where does this go from here? In talking to Republicans and Democrats, one thing is clear that they believe that this is going to extend for some time. It could eventually become the longest shutdown in the history of the country. That one was 35 days between 2018 and 2019.

Now the question is what will happen to all those federal workers who have been furloughed and will they eventually -- well, when will they get paid? That's going to be another big debate happening here in the Senate. Republicans are talking about paying just essential workers, people who are actually still coming and doing the job and not getting paychecks.

But there are still a whole host of hundreds of thousands of employees who are not considered essential and are not getting paid at this moment. What will happen to them should they get paid immediately? A number of Republicans say not yet.

Democrats want to pay all the federal workers, all the furloughed workers. Should all of them be paid right now because they're out of work, too, and they can't get paid?

SEN TOMMY TUBERVILLE (R-AL): Well, this is called a shutdown. I mean, you start paying everybody that -- no pressure on anybody from either side takes the pressure off anybody wanting to do a deal. And so, you know, there's got to be some give and take here. As you said, there's got to be some negotiation.

RAJU: So, expect more gridlock in the Senate on the issue about paying those workers now because Democrats want to pay all those federal furloughed workers immediately. Republicans say just the essential ones right now. So that means both plans are likely to fail to get the number of votes required to move ahead.

Ultimately, when the government reopens, those furloughed workers will get back pay under current law. But that is going to take a significant amount of time, likely given all the indications here that this shutdown could drag on for weeks longer, potentially, amid this stalemate in the Capitol.

Manu Raju, CNN, Capitol Hill.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ABEL: President Trump is now overseeing a massive construction project at the White House. Look at this. A new $200 million, 90,000 square foot ballroom is the project. But right now, crews are tearing down part of the executive mansion's east wing. That's where first ladies have kept offices in the past. The president says the ballroom will be completely separate from the White House itself, while keeping the theme and architectural heritage of the mansion. The White House communications director pushed back against critics of the project, saying, quote, construction has always been a part of the evolution of the White House.

A fan of heavy metal and motorcycles has made history in Japan. We are live in Tokyo with details on the new prime minister.

Plus, an escalating diplomatic feud. What the leaders of the U.S. and Colombia are saying and what's behind the rise in tensions.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[05:27:26]

ABEL: For the first time in Japanese history, a woman has become prime minister. Staunch conservative Sanae Takaichi won over both houses of parliament during today's votes. She is now assembling her cabinet and getting ready for her first news conference as premier. Takaichi is inheriting a number of economic challenges, including record high inflation, a shrinking workforce and the Trump administration's new tariffs. She's taking office just days before President Trump is expected to visit.

CNN's Hanako Montgomery is covering this historic moment live from Tokyo.

And, Hanako, can you give us some context of just how significant this moment is?

HANAKO MONTGOMERY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yeah, Brian. This is a hugely historic moment for Japan. We have to remember that the country is deeply patriarchal. In fact, Japan consistently ranks the lowest among. G7 nations when it comes to gender equality, especially in politics.

Sanae Takaichi herself has talked about how difficult it is to be a woman in such a male dominated field. So, supporters of Takaichi have hailed this moment as hugely symbolic, a step in the right direction for Japan as an entire nation. But critics of Takaichi argue that she actually hasn't done much when it comes to advancing the rights of women.

Here's what one woman said earlier today in Tokyo.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

NAOKO MATSUSHIMA, JAPANESE CITIZEN: I don't really support Ms. Takaichi herself. I have a strong image of her as a woman who was raised among conservative men, even though she is a woman. I feel structurally nothing will change.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MONTGOMERY: And, Brian, as you heard there, Takaichi is a conservative, even though she hails from the ruling liberal Democratic Party. Despite its name, it is very conservative. She, for example, has supported Japan, revising its pacifist constitution. She's also supported Japan, boosting its defense spending, and does not support same sex marriage.

Now, when it comes to her stance on China, a Japanese neighbor and, of course, Japan's biggest economic partner, she is very, very hawkish. She has previously claimed that all Chinese residents in Japan have a duty to aid Chinese espionage, and she's repeatedly criticized the country for its actions in the Indo-Pacific and also in the South China Sea, saying that its growing military aggression threatens the peace and stability of the entire region.

Now, she also shares very good relations with Taiwan, a self-governing island that China lays claim to, which of course ruffles many feathers in Beijing.

Now, we are expecting under Takaichi's leadership of looser fiscal policy. So, what that means is bigger government spending and also some tax cuts.

Now, her first foreign policy test, Brian, very critically.