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Isa Soares Tonight
U.S. Justice Dept. Says It's Releasing Remaining Epstein Files; Venezuela To Open Oil Industry As Trump Moves to Isolate Cuba; Anxiety In Cuba After U.S. Effectively Takes Over Venezuela; Kendrick Lamar Leads With Nine Nominations At 6th Grammy Awards; Comedy Icon Catherine O'Hara Dead At 71. U.S. Justice Department Says It will Release All of the Remaining Files Related to the Jeffrey Epstein Case Today; U.S. Justice Department Opens Civil Rights Probe into Alex Pretti's Shooting; Former CNN Anchor Don Lemon Taken into Custody After Livestreaming Minnesota Church Protest. Aired 2:00-3p ET
Aired January 30, 2026 - 14:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[14:00:00]
ISA SOARES, HOST, ISA SOARES TONIGHT: Hello, and a very warm welcome, I'm Isa Soares. Tonight, we begin with three breaking news stories in the
United States. A new chapter in the back-and-forth battle between the White House and Capitol Hill over the Epstein files.
And a major test of the very bedrocks of the U.S. constitution, freedom of speech and freedom of the press. The U.S. Justice Department says it will
release all of the remaining files related to the Jeffrey Epstein case today, six weeks after the deadline given by the DOJ -- to the DOJ by the
way, by Congress.
The material will include 3 million pages, 2,000 videos and 180,000 images. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche insisted the department did not
protect President Donald Trump or anyone else in its release of the files. Have a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TODD BLANCHE, DEPUTY U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL: Yes, I can assure that we complied with the statute. We complied with the act, and there is no -- we
did not protect President Trump. We didn't protect or not protect anybody.
I mean, I think that we -- that there's a hunger or a thirst for information that I do not think will be satisfied by the review of these
documents. And there's -- it's not -- there's nothing I can do about that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SOARES: Meantime, Blanche says the Justice Department has opened a civil rights investigation into the shooting death of Alex Pretti. The 37-year-
old intensive care nurse was shot to death by federal agents, if you remember, last weekend.
And in another stunning development, former CNN anchor Don Lemon was among the journalists arrested by federal agents over a protest during Minnesota
church service earlier this month. Lemon says he was there only to cover the anti-ICE demonstrations as a reporter.
The Reverend Al Sharpton says with Lemon's arrest, President Trump is, quote, "taking a sledgehammer to the knees of the First Amendment." Our
chief media analyst, Brian Stelter, is with us, as well as CNN's chief legal affairs correspondent, Paula Reid.
Great to have you both on the show. Paula, let me start with you and the breaking news that we've been covering, of course, from deputy Attorney
General Todd Blanche and the release of these 3 million pages of documents. We've got images, we've got videos.
And just to warn our viewers, there's a lot of information for us to go through. I know our journalists are plowing through them. Just give us a
sense, first of all, what is standing out so far and what we're looking for.
PAULA REID, CNN CHIEF LEGAL AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT: So, of course, we're looking for anything new because many of these documents in this file that
can be released have been released, and they're reviewing them to make sure the victims' identities are protected.
Anything sensitive, anything related to ongoing investigations or national security is redacted. That took a long time. So, we're basically looking to
see if this review has revealed anything new. And we certainly believe it has, but it is taking our time.
Our lawyers, our reporters, a little bit of time to go through this and decide exactly how to report, because not everything that is in an
investigative file is necessarily verified, which is part of why these documents have not been released in total in the past.
But of course, late last year, Congress passed a law requiring the Justice Department to release all of these files. And look, no controversy has been
bigger for this Justice Department than its handling of these files. So, it was notable that the deputy Attorney General and not the Attorney General,
who has been criticized for her handling of this matter, came out and made this announcement.
They're done with the review. They've released these new materials. They're not just documents, as you said. There's also videos and images. But again,
not everything is related to Epstein, not all the videos or things that he shot or things that he made.
A lot of this, Blanche said, is sort of commercial pornography that they came across in the course of their investigation. So, now the challenge for
the public, for journalists is to go through this and figure out what new evidence is being revealed here. And also, we want to make sure that we
establish a proper context before we release it.
SOARES: Yes, it's going to take some time, so, just bear with us, viewers, if you are following us on this breaking news story, let me go to Brian.
Get your thoughts, Brian, on the Don Lemon arrest and other journalists of course, have been arrested. I mean, this is truly stunning, not only
because he's a former colleague of ours, but because this race is very serious. Questions really about press freedom in the U.S., intimidation,
censures. Just bring us up to date on this arrest.
[14:05:00]
BRIAN STELTER, CNN CHIEF MEDIA ANALYST: Yes, highly unusual situation. And an example of the DOJ, the Justice Department being under tremendous
pressure, a little bit like the Epstein situation where the DOJ has been under pressure to go through these files to get them released.
The DOJ has also been under a lot of pressure from Trump's base, from the right wing, to have Don Lemon arrested. That's because the video Lemon took
inside that church on January 18th caused widespread outrage, especially on the right, especially among Christian conservatives, who said this was an
infringement on their First Amendment rights of Freedom of Worship.
And indeed, this is a First Amendment balancing act of sorts, because that amendment does secure the right to the free press in the U.S., but also the
right to worship. And what we now know is that the Justice Department tried at first to bring charges against Lemon, was unable to do so, failed, was
rejected by a judge in Minnesota and is now trying again.
And according to Lemon's attorney, Abbe Lowell, Lemon is being charged with two federal crimes, conspiring to violate someone's constitutional rights
and violating the Face Act, which prohibits the use of force or threats to intentionally interfere with someone expressing their First Amendment Right
to practice religion.
Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, they're describing this as a coordinated attack at that church and lumping the journalists in with the protesters. But Lemon
was very clear during his livestream at the church, that he was not there as a protester, he was there to document and show what was happening.
So, this is going to be a real battle over the First Amendment. Lowell, Don Lemon's camp, already saying he will vigorously fight these charges, and
the other journalists arrested today, Georgia -- I don't want to screw up her last name here.
Georgia Fort; prominent journalist in Minnesota who livestreams on YouTube and posts on Instagram, both of them now in custody and both of them likely
to battle this out because this is going to have a real -- I don't want to say that's a chilling effect because we're only chilled if we choose to be
chilled. Certainly --
SOARES: Yes --
STELTER: Advocacy groups are saying this could have a chilling effect on the press. MS International, other groups are calling for this to stop.
They say this seems like an authoritarian move by the Trump administration, but I think I can confidently say news outlets are not going to be
deterred. They're not going to be chilled by an arrest like this. They're going to keep covering these protests.
SOARES: Well said, well said, Brian. Let me go -- let me go to Paula. And Paula, I want to go back to what we heard from the deputy Attorney General,
Todd Blanche, because I understand you were inside that room. Just give us a sense of what he had to say about the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti last
weekend in Minneapolis.
REID: Well, he came out and clarified that the Justice Department is conducting a civil rights investigation. Now, prior to him saying that
there had been some confusion about exactly who was handling this, originally, it's the Department of Homeland Security, and it wasn't clear
why the Justice Department didn't look into this.
Now, they have a specific civil rights division that has in the past, done many investigations into use of force by police, though under Republican
administrations, you don't necessarily see as many of those investigations specifically into police departments, than you do, for example, under
Attorney General Eric Holder or Attorney General Loretta Lynch.
So, it was notable today that he came out and he clarified that, yes, they are doing a civil rights investigation. That was some pretty big news. And
I do want to note that the deputy Attorney General took questions for 30 minutes. And while that might be common at the White House in this
administration, that is not always common at the Department of Justice.
A lot of times these officials, they come out, they make big news, and they walk off the stage or they have scripted answers. He took questions from
almost every journalist in that room. We didn't always get clear answers to every question, but he did field questions on Minneapolis, on Fulton
County, even on, you know, his boss, President Trump's role or response to the Epstein files.
It was significant that we got this access to him to clarify important questions like this one about the civil rights probe in Minneapolis.
SOARES: Very busy day here on CNN. Of course, lots of legal threads, not just like you said, Fulton County, but also Minneapolis. And we just heard,
of course, Epstein, as well as Don Lemon. We will be exploring this further with our guest in about 20 minutes. Thank you very much to Paula and to
Brian, really appreciate it, good to see you both.
Well, after months of speculation, we're going to stay in the United States. President Trump has made what could be the most significant
nomination of his term. This pick -- his pick for chair of the Federal Reserve. He's named Kevin Warsh to take over from Jerome Powell.
Warsh is a former Federal Reserve governor, the youngest ever when he was appointed, age 35 back in 2006. The President made this effusive
announcement on social media, which I will read out to you. "I have known Kevin for a long period of time, and have no doubt that he will go down as
one of the great Fed chairmen, maybe the best.
On top of everything else, he is central casting and will never let you down. Well, this is how Wall Street has been reacting to the pick of Warsh
as the next Fed chair, maybe not just the pick, but lots of moving parts, not only oil and gold, we've seen a lot of moves this week.
[14:10:00]
Markets closed in the next couple of hours, of course, but right now red arrows right across the board, there's uncertainty over exactly how Warsh
will act in terms of policy and independence is something we have discussed on the show at great length.
He's previously been hawkish when it comes to interest rates, but recently he's favored cuts in line with President Trump's thinking. And one person
I have discussed at great length with is Richard Quest, who joins me now from Spain. Richard, great to see you. So, what do you make then of Warsh's
nomination here?
RICHARD QUEST, CNN BUSINESS EDITOR-AT-LARGE: Good evening, from Seville, Isa, in the wide range of selection possibilities. Kevin Warsh is the safe
selection in many ways, because whilst you had those like Kevin Hassett, who many had thought was going to be, you know, the one that would do the
bidding, the rubber stamp, if you will.
Kevin Warsh is a known quantity. He has been a Fed governor. He is an investment banker. He has extremely good relations with Wall Street, and
obviously will be able to bridge the policy of the Fed with the Wall Street realities. This idea, though, will he do Donald Trump's bidding?
I think is way too simplistic. Kevin Warsh has his own philosophy. He believes the Fed has intruded far too much into the economy, far too much
into business life. So, he's going to be looking for arguably a slimmer, a leaner, a more focused Federal Reserve. What that means for interest rates
that can only be determined once he takes the job.
SOARES: And like you said, he is a Wall Street veteran, I heard Jerome Powell was asked today, I think, by our colleague in the U.S., Richard,
what advice he would have for his successor. And one of the key advices, he said, stay out of elected politics.
So, that should be interesting to see how he -- how he navigates this. But speak to this question that you and I have discussed over maintaining the
independence of the -- of the Fed.
QUEST: As a former governor, he obviously knows this backwards, and he will be very keen to maintain that independence of the Fed. I think where
people get confused is this idea that whoever is appointed is going to be a yes man or woman who is going to just stamp Donald Trump's views.
That's not the way it works. First of all, Kevin Warsh is only one vote of a dozen on the FOMC, so, there are plenty of other votes that could go
against him. And the chairman never wants to be in the minority. So, corralling consensus will be very important. And secondly, he is very
respected.
This is not some fly-by night who is coming along. He knows his stuff. I think he does believe in lower interest rates, not because Donald Trump
wants them --
SOARES: Yes --
QUEST: But because he believes the productivity gains of A.I. means that we can have lower rates without inflation.
SOARES: Richard Quest from beautiful Seville. What a backdrop. Great to see you, Richard, thank you very much indeed. And still to come tonight,
Iran's internet blackout gradually begins to lift. But the future outlook still looks bleak. I'll speak with one human rights organization closely
monitoring developments on the ground.
And then later this hour, Cuba's energy crisis. The island is running out of oil, and the U.S. is making sure no more will be coming. Both of those
stories after this very short break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[14:15:00]
SOARES: Well, Iran's Foreign Minister says his country is ready to participate -- participate, pardon me, in fair and just nuclear talks with
the United States, but will not accept, quote, "dictation or imposition". Abbas Araghchi said no meeting with the U.S. had been arranged and
cautioned that such negotiations can't be conducted under threat. This is what he said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ABBAS ARAGHCHI, FOREIGN MINISTER, IRAN (through translator): Past experiences have shown the lack of honesty and goodwill of the United
States in the negotiations. Nevertheless, Iran is ready to participate in any diplomatic process that is meaningful, logical and fair, and in which
our legitimate and lawful interests and concerns are taken into account. The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to re-enter the nuclear negotiations.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SOARES: Well, it's not clear right now when or in what format potential talks could occur. The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions
I have been showing you here, and renewed threats from Washington with U.S. President Donald Trump urging Iran on Wednesday to sign what he called an
equitable nuclear deal or face another U.S. military strike.
All of this comes as a U.S.-guided missile destroyer docked at an Israeli port on the Red Sea today joining other warships in the region. Well, our
Fred Pleitgen is reporting from Tehran where the internet speed has been severely restricted.
The CNN team had to try several methods to send this report, which, with glitches throughout. Thousands were killed across Iran in protests which
began in late December. At least, 40,000 were arrested in the subsequent crackdown, according to U.S. based human rights activist news agency.
I'll speak with the deputy of the organization in just a moment. But first, Fred Pleitgen filed this report from Tehran, and a note that we've been
telling you throughout the week, CNN's reporting from Iran, only with the permission of the government.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
FREDERIK PLEITGEN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Today, there's not much traffic here in Tehran. That's because it is a Friday, it's not a
working day. This is sort of the main day off in the week for folks here. But of course, it's also pretty tense security situation after those
protests that happened where thousands of people were killed, even the government here acknowledging that thousands of people were killed.
And you can tell, there are a lot of people here who have lost loved ones who are extremely angry at that situation. And of course, that was what
first prompted President Trump to make those threats against Iran, and then to also send that carrier strike group to this region.
He since then has sort of changed that message a little bit. He's now talking about Iran not wanting to have a nuclear program, no nuclear
weapons. And the Iranians are saying that's all fine, they can do all of that. But they also say that they're not willing to -- he says -- they say
as long as the rhetoric coming from the White House is belligerent, as long as that aircraft carrier strike group is moving towards Iran, they are not
willing to come to terms with the United States.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SOARES: Fred Pleitgen there in Tehran, we're joined now by Skylar Thompson; the deputy Director of Human Rights Activists in Iran. That's a
U.S.-based organization which is tracking the number of protesters killed, injured and arrested during the Iran's crackdown, internet blackout have
been reported.
Skylar, welcome to the show. Look, I think it's fair to say there has been collective shock over the brutal crackdown that we have seen by this
regime. I know you and your team have been tracking these protests. Can you first, before we talk about the numbers and what you've been collecting and
the data, can you give us a sense of how broad these protests were?
SKYLAR THOMPSON, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS IN IRAN: So, I'm happy that you asked, because we saw protests in every province, which is
not unprecedented. We've seen this before. We saw them in over 200 cities, it's widespread.
[14:20:00]
We saw them in many universities. We saw them across the whole country. It didn't start that way, but it grew. People joined the movement. And so, it
was incredibly widespread. You know, I heard from people on the ground, the sentiment of that.
People were talking about, I'm on the streets. There were thousands of people. I was with my friend. She had her seven-year-old daughter with her.
You know, people were bringing their families to the streets. And there were many people there. People were talking about a scene that they hadn't
experienced before.
SOARES: And your NGO, as I was looking at some of the data, believes there have been over 6,000 deaths, and I think it was 6,749, deaths. With an
internet blackout, just speak to the methodology. How you actually collected this information, this data.
THOMPSON: Sure. So, the number that you referenced, we're talking about verified deaths. We have 17,000 cases that remain under review.
SOARES: And those 17 cases -- 17,000 under review are those you think they're missing. Do you think? What -- do you think they have been
detained. Do you think they're dead?
THOMPSON: So, no, I mean, I think that the situation is that we care so much about making sure that there is a name to this number. And I think
that's what makes this work so important. You know, the name to a number means that one day there can be justice and accountability for what's
happening here.
And it sets this work apart. It's important because Iranians are risking their lives --
SOARES: Yes --
THOMPSON: When they go --
SOARES: Yes --
THOMPSON: To the street, you know, and just putting out a number doesn't get us anywhere later down the line. But making sure that there is a name
connected to that number, corroborated with where they were killed, how old they were. I mean, the youngest killed in this protest, they're twin babies
under one-year-old.
I mean, it's horrifying what we've seen. And so, that's why we do this, and that's why the number is low right now. Because we are saying this is an
absolute minimum. These are confirmed deaths. And so, 17,000 cases remaining under review is the fact that we are only so many people.
SOARES: Yes --
THOMPSON: The internet is shut down, the process is slow, but it's ongoing. And we will look at every single case until we ensure that.
SOARES: Incredibly thorough, and carrying far from --
THOMPSON: Exactly --
SOARES: What you and your team. But going through that process, the fact that you saw the report from our Fred Pleitgen and the internet still
glitchy. I'm guessing that is affecting you and your team. You're calling more trees. You're calling family members. Just talk us through the
verification process.
THOMPSON: Sure, I mean, unfortunately, this is not the first time we've been in this --
SOARES: Yes --
THOMPSON: Situation, this scale of brutality is unprecedented. But this is not the first time --
SOARES: Yes --
THOMPSON: You know, Iran, this is their playbook. They turn off the internet and they then unleash this brutal, this form of lethal force, and
they turn off the internet so that the world can't see. And this time they've also cut it off inside so that Iranians can't communicate with each
other.
So, the landlines have also been cut after a certain period. We have over the years developed a way to maintain communications with our network
inside the country, to combat that. And it's not perfect. It doesn't mean that we're maintaining consistent communication, but we do maintain
communication in the same way that, you know, you're able to do so. But, you know, through a way that we've developed over time.
SOARES: Over time, yes --
THOMPSON: With trust and experience. And, you know, this is 20 years of work that has turned out.
SOARES: You -- was -- you mentioned that this is not the first crackdown, we've seen many crackdowns by this regime. It is part very much their
playbook. I wonder how this one compares, because I know from my colleague, Jomana Karadsheh and her team have done fantastic work, and we were looking
at some of the reports and the militarization of the streets. Speak to that.
THOMPSON: Yes, we've never seen this level of militarization in the capital of Tehran. It's unbelievable to see, you know, the IRGC patrolling
the streets of the capital. You know, the images are quite extreme.
We have verified the use of military grade weapons used against individuals in these protests from January 8th onward. And to your point, you know, if
we go back to 2022 and 2023 during the Woman Life Freedom --
SOARES: Yes --
THOMPSON: Protest, you know, there was a lot of support for Iranians in this time. If we talk only verified deaths, we're talking about 11 times
the number of people killed in a weekend. You know, if we talk about cases under review, plus verified deaths, we're talking 40 times the number of
people killed.
We're not -- this isn't even injured, you know, injuries.
SOARES: Yes --
THOMPSON: We've verified a video. I was just looking at it today myself. It's horrifying. Children have been, you know, absolutely mutilated by
shotguns, arms ripped to shreds, their face totally unrecognizable. And this is their own people, you know, they are absolutely brutalizing
children.
SOARES: I heard from an eye doctor as well, so many -- so many shots directed at people's faces and eyes. This is --
THOMPSON: Yes --
SOARES: This is something that we've reported.
THOMPSON: Consistently, yes, it's unbelievable.
SOARES: Given what --
THOMPSON: That brutality --
SOARES: You -- absolutely, given what you're saying, Skylar, I mean, I wonder -- I imagine you have a team on the ground. How concerned are you,
how for them and for their safety.
[14:25:00]
THOMPSON: So, we don't -- we work with a network of volunteers --
SOARES: Yes --
THOMPSON: Inside the country --
SOARES: Yes --
THOMPSON: And of course, we're always concerned for people's safety. But it's not just them. We are -- I am concerned for, you know, the 40,000
people that have been arbitrarily detained, almost 50,000 people. You know, I -- we also spoke to a woman and this is what she said, imagine the horror
that she said, you know, I'm glad I was arrested on the third day, otherwise I would for sure be dead.
SOARES: Oh goodness, that's chilling.
THOMPSON: And that's how Iranians are feeling. And I think, you know, we're also dealing with a generation of Iranians, they're not fearful, they
are fed up. They know how the rest of the world lives. They want a better quality of life. They deserve a better quality of life.
And I don't think, you know, they're getting that right now. I mean, it's evident they're not --
SOARES: Yes --
THOMPSON: Getting that right now, and they are sick and tired of it. And I think that, you know, we owe them --
SOARES: Yes --
THOMPSON: That support and to amplify their voices, not say what they need, but to amplify the voices --
SOARES: So important, and we will continue doing that here on the show. Skylar, thank you very much for coming in, and I appreciate the work that
you and your team and your network are doing on this incredible story, a story that is important to so many that we should continue staying on top
of it. Thank you very much for coming on the show --
THOMPSON: Thank you so much --
SOARES: Really appreciate it. Do stay right here. After months of casting doubt on the staggering death toll in Gaza, Israel's military is now
acknowledging what Palestinians have known and have been saying all along. In a briefing with Israeli journalist, the IDF accepted that approximately
70,000 Palestinians were killed during the war, acknowledging that figure from the Gaza Health Ministry are largely accurate.
Israel previously and repeatedly, if you remember, accused the ministry, which is controlled by Hamas, of inflating those figures. The ministry
death toll is 71,677. Well, Israel says it will reopen the Rafah Crossing between Gaza and Egypt, that will happen on Sunday, but only for people,
even though groups say vital humanitarian aid is being restricted.
Israel says only Palestinians who left during the recent war will be allowed back into Gaza after security clearance by Israel. The Rafah
Crossing is supposed to be reopened under that ceasefire agreement. Well, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the next round of trilateral
talks could be postponed.
President Zelenskyy cited the escalating situation between the U.S. and Iran as the reason. The first round, if you remember, of talks took place
in Abu Dhabi. That happened last weekend, while a second round was supposed have been scheduled to take place this coming Sunday.
Meanwhile, Russia says it's agreed to a request by President Donald Trump, we heard from President Trump yesterday to pause his strikes on Kyiv
through Sunday. A Russian spokesperson says Trump made the request to create favorable conditions for negotiations.
It is not known, though, if the pause on strikes extends to other cities across Ukraine. We shall stay across all the lines out of Ukraine for you.
And still to come tonight, the Justice Department says its obligations to release the full Epstein files have been met.
We'll take a closer look at what we are learning from those documents just ahead. And then later this hour, a federal judge has decided if accused
killer Luigi Mangione will face the death penalty. Both those stories after this very short break. You are watching CNN.
[14:30:00]
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SOARES: Welcome back everyone. Back to our breaking news this hour. CNN is sifting through millions of pages of documents just released by the Justice
Department on the late child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The DOJ says its obligations are over after a law passed by Congress compelled it to release
all the files. It says some information remains under seal because of necessary redactions and ongoing investigations.
One document shows the FBI just moments ago compiled a list of sexual assault allegations related to President Donald Trump. Many appear to be
unverified tips. That document was briefly removed from the Justice Department's website, but it's back up again. The DOJ says the White House
had no oversight of its review and President Trump has not accused -- has not been accused of wrongdoing related to Epstein.
Let's bring in Corey Brettschneider, professor of Political Science and Constitutional Law at Brown University. He is also the co-host of the Oath
and the Office Podcast and author of The Presidents and people: Five Leaders Who Threaten Democracy and the Citizens Who Fought to Defend It.
Corey, great to have you back on the show. There's a lot for us to get through. Lots of legal lines. I really like to get your expertise on this.
But let me start first of all with you know these Epstein files. 3,000 files. There's a lot still -- you know, that CNN is going through them.
It's going to take some time. Just from what you have seen so far, anything that stands out?
COREY BRETTSCHNEIDER, POLITICAL SCIENCE AND CONSTITUTIONAL LAW PROFESSOR, BROWN UNIVERSITY: Well, it's a massive amount of information and it's going
to take news organizations like CNN and others a lot of hours to sort through it all. But the fact is that now the Justice Department is being
forced to comply at least to some degree. And it's important to point out this wasn't done voluntarily or out of the goodness of their heart. There
was legislation that compelled it. And in the -- in the previous release, there was a lot of redaction. And so, one thing initially just to watch
here is how much is redacted. And they were of course criticized for really trying to hide the president's wrongdoing, it backfired. So, my thought so
far, it's early, but is that there'll be less of that now. There's so much that's being released.
And my other, I guess, initial thought is that the reaction of the horror that is Epstein and the closeness of Trump is now seeping through what was
really an information wall that separated out a lot of the president's supporters, a lot of MAGA from realizing that the concern that many of them
had about child molestation, about sex trafficking, directly implicated the president because he was, after all, close friends with Epstein. And we
know that from what we had previously and certainly from what's been released now.
So, you know, this is partly about the information war. It's partly about the president's culpability. And it might be about, getting even the
president's supporters, even the most adamant MAGA supporters to see that the criminality of this president is vast. Of course, he's been convicted
of a crime in New York. He was indicted and several others. But this issue is one that might actually bring the country together.
SOARES: And you know, there are lots of page -- three million pages, 2,000 videos, 180,000 images. It will take time. We are going through -- our team
of going through every single one of those -- of those messages, of those emails. But I'm just looking at a -- at a statement from the California
Democratic Representative Ro Khanna which basically Corey, he's questioned why the DOJ has only released, you know, about 3.5 of this over -- of the
six million potential pages in the Epstein files. I know there's an investigation going on.
Just speak to that because from vic -- from those who have been named, who have testified, this will not -- they will be furious, I imagine, over
this.
[14:35:13]
BRETTSCHNEIDER: Yes. You know, this Department of Justice, let's just be frank about it, is not nonpartisan. The Attorney General is not supposed to
be the president's lawyer, it's supposed to be the chief law enforcement officer of the United States. But we know that Pam Bondi doesn't operate
that way. She really does see herself and operate as a council, a defender of the president. So, you know, all these releases have been angled to try
to protect the president.
But you know the fact that congressman -- this congressman and others who sponsored this legislation are, Ro Khanna and others who are pushing back,
you know, it's a give and take. And so, they can't get away with nothing. They certainly are not going to come clean, I think, and give us what the
legislation demands, which is the release of all the files and with a few exceptions, no redactions. So, you know, I guess my bottom line is yes,
there's much more to come, but at least this is something.
SOARES: Yes. And Blanche basically said he didn't -- they did not protect Trump in the Epstein file release. He made that very clear. Let me also get
your take, Corey, of what we heard from the deputy attorney general because he also made news. He said that the justice -- the Justice Department had
opened a civil rights investigation into the shooting of Alex Pretti by agents, of course, last weekend. What does this suggest to you? Because I
know that Customs and Border Protection were also conducting in internal probe. So, speak to that. Explain what that means.
BRETTSCHNEIDER: Well, let's just get to the bottom line. Anybody who saw this video of this killing, what looks like a murder from watching it, not
an act of self-defense, as Bruce Springsteen made so eloquently clear in his video with video image and in his amazing lyrics, this is not an
instance of self-defense. We have to believe what we saw. So, now the president and his team are backing down. They've claimed, you know, all
sorts of things, including claimed by Stephen Miller, you know, that that that the two shootings were of people who were involved in a kind of
domestic terrorism, a falsehood that couldn't be worse. So, now they have to back down and initially they were going to have an investigation simply
by Homeland Security, the own -- the agency involved here.
So, the fact that we're moving out from that, that there's going to be a Department of Justice investigation is an improvement. But I'm still
suspicious for reasons that I got to before, which is that this department doesn't operate like a normal Department of Justice. It really tries to do
the president's bidding. And so, I worry that they will in their investigation look for evidence against the victims.
What really needs to happen here is murder is a local crime. And there was an attempt by Minnesota authorities to look into this. They were stopped by
ICE and by Homeland Security. And that's really not what's supposed to happen. If you murder somebody, it's a local crime. We have a system in
which crime is a matter of state law. And if they really were serious about allowing this to be investigated, they would cooperate with local officials
as they've repeatedly refused to do and been asked to do.
SOARES: Can we stay with the DOJ for just a second because you brought it up. And I wonder what your thoughts are on this arrest of Don Lemon and
another journalist, of course, independent journalist. I mean, this I imagine should be shocking for every American who, of course, who values
First Amendment. Just your reaction because I understand the DOJ tried and failed last week to charge Don. So, how do you -- how do you see this
moment?
BRETTSCHNEIDER: I mean, we're emphasizing every week on the Oath in the Office Podcast why it is that the right to free speech and the related
right in the First Amendment, both in the First Amendment of the Freedom of Press are not any right, but really the lynch pin of what allows a
democracy to operate in the first place. And I've argued this in my work going back to the Sedition Act, which was also an early attempt in the
United States to shut down free speech. The reason it's the lifeblood, the most important of all rights is because it what it's what allows the
citizens to understand what's happening, to understand what power is up to, and to hold power to account. If we can't get that basic information, we
don't live in a democracy.
And to go to Mr. Lemon what he was doing, your former colleague, is acting -- even though he's not working for CNN, there was no question that he was
there in his capacity as a journalist covering what was happening. And to arrest him for exercising his First Amendment rights to the Freedom of
Press and Freedom of Speech is nothing less than a shutdown of democracy.
That might sound hyperbolic in some other context, but when you combine it with the attack on the president's opponents, Comey and James, prosecutions
that you and I, Isa, have talked about often, what is it amount to? It's the -- it's the shutdown of not just free speech again but of democracy
itself.
[14:40:08]
SOARES: And we haven't even had time to get time to get into Fulton County, and that's for another conversation, but it all ties in together. Corey, I
really appreciate it. Thanks for coming on the show. Very busy, busy day for you on the legal side of things out of the United States. Corey
Brettschneider there. Thank you, Corey.
And still to come tonight, a major moment for Venezuela. Why the opening of its oil industry could bring major change to that country. And we'll also
take you inside what used to be Venezuela's closest ally. How things feel very, very different today in Cuba as the U.S. puts more pressure on the
island nation.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SOARES: Well, a pair of separate moves in two different countries are tightening the screws on Cuba's leaders. On Thursday, U.S. President Donald
Trump signed an executive order promising stiff tariffs on any nation that provides oil to Cuba. It came after lawmakers in Venezuela voted to open
their oil industry up to outside investment. A move the U.S. has pushed for since American forces, if you remember, captured Nicolas Maduro.
Cuba has long been one of the top importers of Venezuelan oil. But with the U.S. putting pressure on Venezuela, well, that pipeline has dried up. One
estimate from a company that tracks oil usage says Cuba has just 15 to 20 days of oil left and there does not appear to be any more on the way.
We are going to go to Cuba in just a moment, but first let's go to our reporter, Stefano Pozzebon with more on this move by Venezuela. So, Stefan,
talk us through these major policy shifts that we have seen between the United States and how Delcy Rodriguez has been reacting to them there.
STEFANO POZZEBON, CNN CONTRIBUTOR: Well, what we're seeing is that Delcy Rodriguez is treading a very fine line between what she says and what she
actually does down in Caracas. Because what she says at least late last week -- for example, she said speaking to oil workers in Puerto La Cruz
that enough is enough. We are tired of receiving orders from the White House or from U.S. officials. When actually we're seeing that the agenda
that she's pushing forward is exactly what Donald Trump and the White House have been demanding of her since she took over from Nicolas Maduro after
his ousting and detention by U.S. forces on January the 3rd.
Just yesterday on Thursday, the Venezuelan Parliament passed in record speed, by the way, a law that would reform the hydrocarbon law that
regulates how oil and crude oil is extracted and exported from Venezuela. And I was Venezuela and I was speaking with friends at Caracas Chronicles,
which is a great thing down in Caracas. One of them wrote that the modified hydrocarbon law reads like an email that answers to the oil executive
conditions almost point by point.
What we are seeing is that Delcy Rodriguez is operating a superfast U-turn, a ruthless U-turn against everything that her predecessor Nicolas Maduro,
but also Maduro's predecessor, the late Hugo Chavez, stood for when it came to sovereignty and to the nationalist control in Venezuela over the natural
resources and that she is instead enacting the agenda from Washington.
Part of that agenda is of course restoring commercial flights between Washington and Caracas or, well, between the United States and Venezuela.
Most of them go through either Miami or Houston which is the main petroleum hub in the Americas. And so, we are hearing that that step could also
taking place next week as well as the appointment or the arrival in Caracas of the new U.S. ambassador, Laura Dogu, who will travel to Caracas, we
understand, in the upcoming days after being appointed by President Trump just last week.
So, a superfast U-turn taking place in Caracas, which is of course rattling Caracas' traditional allies, Venezuela's traditional allies on the left or
at least on the geopolitical axis that is opposed to the United States. And of course, I'm talking about China, I'm talking about Russia, Iran for
example, but most of them is Cuba who now have a very big problem to solve because Venezuela is no longer sending them the petroleum that they need to
produce electricity as you will probably hear more from my colleague Patrick in the coming minutes. Isa?
[14:46:58]
SOARES: And I am grateful for you for segueing so beautifully to our next story. Great to see you Stefano. Thank you very much.
And like Stefano was saying, Venezuela has long been Cuba's closest ally, but with it now effectively under American control, you heard from Stefano
say, a sense of unease as you can imagine, is gripping Cuba. Our Patrick Oppmann has been covering Cuba for 14 years. Here is his report on how the
island nation suddenly feels very different.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
PATRICK OPPMANN, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In the U.S. attack on Venezuela to capture Nicolas Maduro, over 100 people were killed.
Among them, 32 Cuban soldiers, including Maduro's closest bodyguards operating there in secret. Now, Cuba's closest ally and more importantly,
its biggest oil supplier, appears to be under de facto American control. And this is sending a chill through Cuban society about what may be next.
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Cuba is really a nation that's very close to failure.
OPPMANN (voice-over): It is a prediction many U.S. presidents have made. But the revolution founded by Fidel Castro has endured. I've been a foreign
correspondent in Cuba for 14 years. A country that suddenly feels very different to me. And I want to find out what the operation in Caracas means
for the future of nine million Cubans who live in this island nation.
The Cuban government received the remains of their fallen soldiers from Venezuela with a hero's welcome after decades of denying their presence
there. Thousands of people lined the streets that day and waited hours to pay their respects.
OPPMANN: This direct confrontation between the U.S. and Cuban soldiers, that's not something we've seen for decades. And it's left many people here
wondering, you know, the loss of their ally in Venezuela. How is that going to impact them?
OPPMANN (voice-over): Outside in the line, I meet Iliana Medrano.
OPPMANN: What would happen if there was an invasion of Cuba by U.S. troops?
ILIANA MEDRANO, CUBAN RESIDENT (text): We would confront whatever comes. We don't know what will happen, but we are willing to die.
OPPMANN (voice-over): Cubans are no strangers to economic hardship. Since Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution, they have weathered America's embargo and
their own government's disastrous economic missteps. After the Soviet Union collapsed, Venezuela emerged as Havana's lifeline. Here's how the agreement
worked. Cuba sent thousands of doctors, teachers, sports trainers, as well as military and intelligence officials to Venezuela in return for oil.
OPPMANN: Now, with Maduro in jail and out of the picture, it's not clear if Venezuela can or will continue the oil shipments that the Trump
administration has vowed to block. To make matters worse, Havana's second- largest oil supplier, Mexico, has also reportedly suspended oil shipments.
Already, we are witnessing the impacts. It can take weeks to get a spot in a gas line using an online system. Geraldo tells me he's waited 29 days.
[14:50:06]
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (text): Things are going to get tough. I'm glad I was selected today. I don't know if I will be next time.
OPPMANN (voice-over): As night falls, many here will be left in the dark. And so, longer and longer apagones, blackouts, are becoming the new normal.
In many parts of the island, the power is off more hours a day than it is on. Some people tell us they are fed up, but they're too scared to speak to
us on camera. Others, like Angel, who sells his coconut sweets on the street, say they are resigned to a worsening power situation.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (text): We Cubans adapt to everything, to any circumstances. But one adapts. What else can we do.
OPPMANN (voice-over): The Trump administration vows the pressure will continue on Cuba. For now, the Cuban government is defiant, calling for one
of the largest demonstrations outside the U.S. embassy in Havana in years.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (text): Cuba does not have to make any political concessions.
OPPMANN (voice-over): Even some of the younger people in the crowd like Ivan say they feel the mood in their country has changed.
OPPPMANN: When you saw bombs falling on Caracas, how did that make you personally feel?
IVAN ERNESTO BARRETO LOPEZ, CUBAN RESIDENT: In the 21st century, seeing these kind of actions violating totally the international law acting
unilaterally, that's something very worrying.
OPPMANN (voice-over): For those of us who cover the normalization of diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Cuba under the Obama administration,
there's a sense of whiplash.
OPPMANN: I've even heard from a U.S. embassy source that diplomats there have been advised to "have their bags packed" as a Trump administration
explores new ways to stabilize the communist-run government.
Patrick Oppmann, CNN Havana.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SOARES: Important piece there from Patrick Oppmann and team in Havana. We're going to take a short break. We're back on the other side.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SOARES: Well, the Grammys will be held this Sunday with Trevor Noah once again hosting. Kendrick Lamar is nominated for nine of those awards. He'll
face competition from fellow nominee, Bruno Mars, who is also performing. There are also -- that's not Bruno Mars, as you can see. There are also
several tributes to musical legends we lost last year. Lauren Hill will honor Roberta Flack and D'Angelo, while Post Malone, Andrew Watt, and Slash
will pay tribute to the one and only Ozzy Osbourne.
[14:55:02]
And we do want to end the show this hour today with some tragic news from the world of entertainment. Comedy icon Catherine O'Hara has died. Now
O'Hara got her start on SCTV and has been a fixture in movies and television as you all know for 50 years. She played the mother, if you
remember that, in Home Alone, waiting, of course, for Kevin, wanting to get home to Kevin, and had major supporting roles in films like Beetlejuice and
Best in Show. O'Hara enjoyed a renaissance in recent years as co-star of the hit series, which I loved, Schitt's Creek, and had just gotten an Emmy
nomination for her work on the Apple TV show, The Studio. No cause of death has been announced. Catherine O'Hara who made generations of people laugh
dead at the age of 10 -- of 71. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this hour.
That does it for us. Thank you very much for your company. Do stay right here. "WHAT WE KNOW" with Max Foster is up next. I'll see you on Monday.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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