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Inside Politics

Trump: "Nobody Can Take Us, Nobody"; Trump Renews Threats On Cuba, Colombia, Mexico, Greenland; Five Years Later, Political Divide Over Jan. 6 Deepens; Ramaswamy Swears Off Instagram And X In 2026. Aired 12-12:30p ET

Aired January 06, 2026 - 12:00   ET

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

[12:00:00]

DANA BASH, CNN HOST, INSIDE POLITICS: Emboldened and audacious. The White House says the Venezuela strike is just the beginning. Who should be on watch?

I'm Dana Bash. Let's go behind the headlines at Inside Politics.

The late Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, famously or infamously, would talk about known unknowns and known, knowns. Well, things you know and things you know you don't know. The list of known unknowns right now is very long, not just in Venezuela, but neighboring countries, trying to game out what the United States might do next.

As for the president's mindset right now, the commander in chief spent the morning with House Republicans reveling in America's military might.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Our guys are jumping out of helicopters and they're not protected, and they were -- but it was so brilliant. The electricity for almost the entire country was boom, turned off. That's when they knew there was a problem. Nobody can take us, nobody. We don't want to have it. We don't have a discussion.

But you read all and you see everything else, nobody could have done that. Nobody has our weapons. Nobody has the quality of our weapons. The problem is we don't produce them fast enough. We're going to start producing them much faster. We're going to be very tough on the companies.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BASH: That last part is the latest hint of what could be next for President Trump, who is threatening action across the western hemisphere. I'm joined today by a terrific group of reporters. Jeff Zeleny, I'm going to start with you. Kind of put this moment in context based on where we have been, and also, most importantly, based on what you're hearing from your sources in the White House.

JEFF ZELENY, CNN CHIEF NATIONAL AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT: So, we heard President Trump saying there, he's describing the military operation with great excitement and glee, as he referred to it over the weekend as a television show that he was watching. And that is all true. It was a remarkable military operation. I mean, it is for students of history and those who aren't -- who might be because of this. It's remarkable. There's no doubt.

But what I'm still struck by, we are now more than four days on from the attack. There's still been no real rationale for what was the reason for this incredible military operation. The president has raised so many more questions than he has answered, particularly by saying the U.S. is going to run the country.

Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has been much more restrained in terms of the U.S. running Venezuela. President Trump explained who is running Venezuela last evening to our friend, to Kristen Welker from NBC, is me. So that is the beginning of where the questions are, I think for members of Congress. And we're sitting in the audience today at the Kennedy Center for the GOP House retreat.

Of course, President Trump's chief objective this year is to keep the Congress in the control of Republicans, otherwise the final half of his term will be very different. But it's hard for me to know if you really advance much that goal. She's clearly just talking randomly. But in terms of putting this in the moment, some key things are happening this week, in terms of the oil companies.

The president also talked about the oil companies. There is deep resistance and reluctance and some hesitation from oil companies to get involved in spending millions, or even billions to repair infrastructure if the government is stable or unstable in Venezuela. So, look for that to be one of the questions that the president and his administration sort of need to answer here. But are members of Congress sort of getting any more answers to what next? And that is something we did not hear from the president today.

BASH: No, and when you say the objective was never really laid out. I would argue that one of the key objectives was very clear in the president's press conference right after this attack oil.

ZELENY: He said it a lot.

BASH: Yeah.

JAMIE GANGEL, CNN SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT: Right. In honor of Donald Rumsfeld and those unknowns, and Jeff's question, you know, who is next? Where is this going? Where does it end? One Republican source said to me, when Donald Trump says something, take him at his word. Remember, months ago, he was telling us about CIA covert actions. So, this person said, take him seriously and literally.

I also think we need to talk about the distraction of this because it is a huge distraction. I'm not saying it's not serious, but there are certain things that are not going away. To Jeff's point, the midterm elections, but also affordability and the Epstein files.

[12:05:00] BASH: Yeah, all those things can be true.

GANGEL: Right.

BASH: Yeah, no question. Seung Min, you cover the White House on a regular basis. I do want you, and all of you really to listen to a part of a really extraordinary interview that our colleague, Jake Tapper did with Stephen Miller yesterday, and this is specifically on the question of Greenland.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JAKE TAPPER, CNN ANCHOR & CHIEF WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT: But can you say that military action against Greenland is off the table?

STEPHEN MILLER, WHITE HOUSE DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF: It would be military action against Greenland. The Greenland has a population of 30,000 people, Jake. The real question is, by what right does Denmark assert control over Greenland? What is the basis of their territorial claim? What is their basis of having Greenland as a colony of Denmark. There's no need to even think or talk about this in the context that you're asking of a military operation. Nobody is going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BASH: I mean, I don't know NATO, and which -- of which, we are all a part -- we, I mean, the United States and these countries. This is just an example of European leaders the statement that they have put out on Greenland. These are leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the U.K. and Denmark. Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland and them only to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.

SEUNG MIN KIM, WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT, AP & CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: Well, and also, leaders have pointed out that because Greenland is part of Denmark, and Denmark is a major member of NATO. Should anything happen with United States actions towards Greenland, they're effectively going after and attacking a NATO ally, which is unthinkable at this point.

But you know, Jamie is right, in a sense, the same thing that I'm hearing from my sources. You know, we hear so much of what Trump is planning or musing, but especially on matters like this. When it relates to Greenland, but also specifically as it relates to the Western Hemisphere, take him deadly seriously. This is what sources I've talked to who have been in touch with the administration have said to me, particularly as it relates to Cuba, Colombia.

There have been warnings about particularly because if you look at the national security strategy that was released several weeks ago from the Trump administration, it does lay out a vision for the Western Hemisphere that really talks about reasserting -- you know, reasserting, restoring American dominance in the region. I mean, that's where the whole Monroe Doctrine now, the Donroe Doctrine comes from. So, I think that strategy, even those kind of, you know, release kind of hastily, and there were a lot of other things going on at the time that really gives us a really, you know, firm context background as to what the Trump administration is planning here.

BASH: Yeah. I mean I think that's so important what both of you guys have said. Because as I was playing back and we were just listening to Stephen Miller talking about Greenland. I was thinking about what you said about, is this a distraction? And because is the United States really going to invade what is effectively a NATO ally? And then I thought, well, like, why not? I mean, why -- maybe he will.

TIA MITCHELL, WASHINGTON BUREAU CHIEF, THE ATLANTA JOURNAL- CONSTITUTION: And that's what brings me you talked about, you know, deadly serious, and we talked about believing President Trump and his word, and I think both of those are true. But I think the American public is, you know, he's really been limited on how he's talked to the American people about this strategy and why he's doing, what he's doing. What is the justification? How are you going to carry this out? And what will be the impact on our service members and our military families?

Because at the end of the day, when you're talking about foreign interventions, you're talking about things that, again, could be interpreted as violating international law and possibly going to war with NATO. There could be deadly consequences for our military, and that's not what the president is talking about, but I know that's what our -- what American voters want to hear. They don't want wars.

And quite frankly, we know President Trump was elected in part because of his America First strategy, which says, we're going to get out of foreign wars. We're going to be more focused on domestic policy. That is what I wish we were hearing more from the president about. That is what I wish Congress would demand that the president tell the American people exactly what he wants to do, why he wants to do it, and how he's going to do it.

ZELENY: And to your point on boots on the ground. I mean, boots on the ground are soldiers with names. And we hear Stephen Miller in his interview with Jake yesterday, talking in some respects quite cavalierly about the idea of sending troops there. I mean, that is when the American First strategy, it's facing its first test, no doubt. But we know that most people in Congress, most Republicans in Congress are just watching it silently. That will be a true test of America First. If there actually are troops on the ground sent in, that's a whole other thing.

[12:10:00]

GANGEL: Just imagine, no one will fight the United States over Greenland. That is chilling. But just to say the quiet part out loud, Donald Trump does not have a lot of respect for NATO. He has shown that time and time again. And as one person said, if we go after Greenland, NATO is dead, it's over.

BASH: On that note, coming up, we want to talk about a very important day. Today, it is January 6. It's a day that should be etched in infamy. But now, five years later, the reality of January 6 suffers more than ever from a MAGA rewrite. That's next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[12:15:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BASH: Five years ago today, a pro Trump mob stormed the United States Capitol to try to stop the electoral count. Something we all saw with our own eyes. Some of us here experienced firsthand. So, while revisionist history is in vogue in some quarters, let's recap what really happened. Chants like this echoed here in Washington.

(PLAYING VIDEO)

Rioters used flag poles to shatter windows and break into the Capitol. In the moment, even some of President Trump's most ardent supporters hit their breaking point.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM (R-SC): Trump and I, we've had a hell of a journey. I hate it being this way. Oh, my God. I hate it. From my point of view, he's been a consequential president. But today, first thing you'll see. All I can say is, count me out, enough is enough.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BASH: For a flicker of a moment, January 6, unified Americans. Two thirds of Americans said, President Trump bore at least some responsibility for the insurrection. And then Donald Trump's return to the campaign trail gave way to takes like this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TRUMP: That was a day of love from the standpoint of the millions, it's like hundreds of thousands. It could have been the largest group I've ever spoken before.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BASH: President Trump was sworn in for a second time. He took this action only hours later.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TRUMP: So, this is January 6. These are the hostages, approximately 1500 for a pardon.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.

TRUMP: Full pardon.

(END VIDEO CLIP) BASH: Full pardon. My panel is back, including Tia Mitchell, who I was referring to. Tia, you were in the Capitol that day, not just in the Capitol. You were in the House chamber, in the gallery, right near where Jason Crow and other members of Congress were. You were on your knees, protecting yourself for your lives.

MITCHELL: Right. We had on gas masks. We were crouched down. There were other members of Congress and the Capitol police who, you know, were trying to barricade the door and keep rioters from entering the chamber when members of Congress and members of the media were still there.

And so, you talked about the revisionist history. To me, it's even -- it's more of a distraction. You know, when a lot of Republicans talk about January 6, we even heard it from the sound bite with President Trump. He talked about, you know, that they were people who were held in not great conditions. They were hostages, that the justice decision -- the justice system didn't treat them well.

You know, there of course, have been conspiracy theories. You know, it's like many Republicans, instead of just dealing with the truth of the fact that the riot that happened was because there were people who support Donald Trump and were trying to interrupt the certification of the election. It's like they want to focus on other things.

BASH: Well, focus on other things while whitewashing things like, I want to put up a photo that you took that day when you came out of the chamber. This is what you saw. I believe we have it. There you go. Again, this is a photo that you took on January 6, when you were finally able to go out of the chamber.

And again, I was talking about the Jason Crow moment just -- I'm sure people remember it is etched in all of our memories. But you were right there. You were right near there. Jamie, again, just to have this moment of a reality check. Daniel Hodges, a police officer who was trying to protect the Capitol. That was his job. He was crushed by the mob trying to get into the Capitol. I believe we have that video or we have a sound bite from that.

(PLAYING VIDEO)

GANGEL: Look, January 6 happened. It was violent. 1500 people, which were charged. 140 people were injured. Officer Mike Fanone was dragged into the crowd taste, at least five people died in the aftermath, you know Ashli Babbitt that day. Yet, I think it's important to note that to this day, the plaque honoring law enforcement still has not gone up at the Capitol because Donald Trump doesn't want it to and Speaker Mike Johnson and the Republicans aren't, you know, it's a symbol of Trump's power over the Republicans in Congress.

[12:20:00]

I think talking about it today, showing those pictures is critical, because, as you said, Donald Trump is trying to whitewash it, and to at least to one degree, he has won. He was reelected. ZELENY: Sure, and he's not alone in doing that. I mean, a lot of Republicans who were angry that day, we saw Senator Graham and others, they've completely changed their tune. I'm thinking back to Senator Ben Sasse -- former Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse, who, of course, right before Christmas, announced that he had stage four pancreatic cancer, but he was one of seven Republicans who voted to impeach President Trump or convict -- I'm sorry President Trump.

And I was thinking back at his words. Listen to this. Let us be clear what is happening here. He told his colleagues. We have a bunch of ambitious politicians who think there's a quick way to tap into the president's populous base without doing any real long-term damage. Adults don't point a loaded gun at the heart of legitimate self- government.

In the moment he was directing it to Josh Hawley, Republican of Missouri. He was furious at him, as was Mitt Romney and others. But one of seven Republicans to vote to convict, had there been three more, President Trump would not be in office right now that he would not -- have been allowed to do it.

So, I do think the whitewashing obviously started at the top, at the president, but so many others joined into that because they thought there was no real consequence from doing. So, adding Kevin McCarthy to the list as well, who was the first one down to Mar-a-Lago a few weeks after this.

BASH: And Seung Min, right now the -- there are some Democrats who are having a symbolic hearing, including some who served on the January 6 committee, Jamie Raskin included.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. JAMIE RASKIN (D-MD): It is still January 6 in America, and it will be until the forces of strong, non-violent democracy prevail. We are still in the fight of our lives, my friends.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KIM: Yes. I mean, this is -- what Democrats are trying to do, especially because we are not seeing much, if at all, commemoration from Republicans on the state. Democrats are really trying to make sure that history, what actually happened on January 6, is kept alive. That's why they're having this symbolic hearing today.

But the extent of what we're seeing from Republicans as it relates to today's very solemn anniversary. Is what the president told House Republicans earlier this morning at their meeting. He was insist -- he acknowledged that it was the anniversary. He said that he had told his supporters to be peaceful, to be patriotic. We know that it took hours for the president to tell his supporters to go home and leave the riot, leave the insurrection at the Capitol.

And again, just the bit by bit, this changing of history, the whitewashing, began almost immediately. And it just -- as the more you get removed from time, the more your perception of history changes, and the president has played the biggest role in changing that.

BASH: Yeah, usually it takes a while. It's five years ago, and it's modern times with video and it all -- it's all in our pockets and in our purses. Anyway, up next, Vivek Ramaswamy. He says he'll be a teetotaler in 2026. He's not talking about alcohol. So, what's he giving up? Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[12:25:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BASH: Forget the Vivek Ramaswamy of 2024. You remember he was hard to miss online, live streaming on Instagram, on Twitter, between every campaign event. Now, 2026 he has a new strategy. He's now a candidate for governor in Ohio. And he is writing, quote, I plan to become a social media teetotaler in 2026. On New Year's Eve, I deleted X and Instagram from my phone. I'll spend newfound time listening to more voters in the real-world in Ohio, developing more policies to make our state affordable, and being more present with my family. I predict that ending my consumption of social media will make me a better leader and a happier man.

Everyone is entitled to a New Year's resolution. I would say that that's a pretty good one. We're back here at the table. Seung Min, what do you think?

KIM: I mean, I think we should all probably spend a little less time on social media. So, I really do applaud his intentions. He did point out in his Wall Street Journal editorial that much like other resolutions, he may break this one fairly quickly, so we'll see how long it lasts. I thought he made really compelling points about how social media can really distort the reality of what you know anyone faces, not just politicians, but we as journalists in the field, the public, because it's a lot of the extremes that get the attention, that get the clout, that get all of that stuff.

But it's also hard to ignore the fact that we are in a social media atmosphere when it comes to politics. And I think we remember that during the 2024 Trump campaign, and now in the White House, you know, the Trump world has really harnessed social media effectively, you know, to really engage the president's supporters, you know, obviously both in the campaign at the White House. So, you have to strike a balancing point if you're a public figure in this arena.

BASH: And let me just give an example, the example that Ramaswamy gives of where he came to this point. He was speaking at Turning Point USA in December, and this is what he said.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

VIVEK RAMASWAMY, AMERICAN ENTREPRENEUR & POLITICIAN: I have lived that American dream. I know so many in Gen Z are skeptical of it. I know so many of you feel like you have to see it to believe it. But I will ask you in closing, as Charlie Kirk taught me, sometimes you have to believe it to see it.