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Isa Soares Tonight
U.K. Prime Minister Is Facing Growing Calls To Resign Following A Bitter Fallout From The Release Of The Epstein Files; Search For Mother Of Savannah Guthrie Enters Ninth Day; Hong Kong Media Mogul Jimmy Lai Sentenced To 20 Years In Prison; Israel Moves To Tighten Control Over West Bank; Dutch Speed Skater Sets Olympic Record In 1,000-Meter Race; Trump Calls Skier Hunter Hess "Real Loser"; Olympics Medals Breaking; Bad Bunny Brings Island Party To Halftime Show; Trump Blasts Bad Bunny's Halftime Performance. Aired 2-3p ET
Aired February 09, 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]
MAX FOSTER, HOST, ISA SOARES TONIGHT: A very warm welcome to the show, everyone, I'm Max Foster in for Isa Soares. Tonight, the U.K. government is
in turmoil. The Prime Minister is facing growing calls to resign following a bitter fallout from the release of the Epstein files.
Then the search for Nancy Guthrie; mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, entering its ninth day. I'll be speaking to a former FBI hostage
negotiator this hour. Plus, more from the Winter Olympics in Italy. We'll have the very latest on the highs and the lows of the games so far.
From a government in crisis to a royal family forced to confront damning new allegations. The Epstein scandal is shaking the very foundations of
British leadership, and the fallout is far from over. Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressing lawmakers from his Labor Party right now.
He is trying to stave off growing calls for his resignation amid another defection from his government, two senior aides have stepped down in the
past 48 hours. Starmer has acknowledged appointing Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the U.S. despite his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Mandelson is under criminal investigation. Police are also assessing an allegation that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential reports with
Epstein when he was U.K. trade envoy. The former prince hasn't commented on this claim.
As the allegations spiral, Kensington Palace says the Prince and Princess of Wales are deeply concerned and remain focused on the victims. A U.S.
lawmaker who helped force the files release suggests the royal family may not survive this crisis.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. RO KHANNA (D-CA): Maybe this will be the end of the monarchy.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, quite -- do you think it could be the end of the monarchy?
KHANNA: Well, if they don't have answers, if they're implicated within Epstein class, not a good look for the British monarchy.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The whole question is, does the king have to answer?
KHANNA: Well, the king has to answer what he knew, what he knew about Andrew, just stripping Andrew of a title is not enough. I mean, Andrew
needs to come before our committee and start answering questions.
I mean, look if you have had allegations of raping a young girl, I don't think the appropriate punishment is you no longer get to be a prince.
There's got to be more than that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FOSTER: Meanwhile, the one woman who could unravel Epstein's secretive web of international sex trafficking is refusing to testify to the U.S.
Congress. Ghislaine Maxwell appeared virtually from jail today and pleaded the Fifth. We'll have much more from Capitol on that -- Capitol Hill on
that in just a moment. But we're going to begin here in London with Nada Bashir. First of all, this meeting that Starmer is facing.
NADA BASHIR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, look, the calls for his resignation, the pressure mounting on the British Prime Minister is certainly gaining
momentum as you mentioned. We've seen senior aides stepping down over the Mandelson scandal.
His Chief of Staff, his closest and most important aide, of course, announcing his resignation on Sunday. He said that the decision to appoint
Peter Mandelson as an ambassador was wrong, that he damaged the Labor Party, the country and trust in politics itself.
Now, we've seen the communications chief stepping down the fourth in less than a year. So, as you can imagine now with Keir Starmer meeting with his
Labor Party senior members, he is trying to rally support. And of course, this comes just hours after we heard from the Scottish Labor leader saying
it is time for Starmer to step down.
Saying that this entire scandal has caused a distraction from the goals of the Labor Party, and that the Scottish people and the U.K. entirely wants a
competent leadership, and that is not what Starmer is offering right now. But there are questions as to whether this is the final straw, whether this
will be enough for Keir Starmer to actually announce his resignation.
It is important to note that we haven't really heard those calls for his resignation from more senior cabinet ministers, in fact --
FOSTER: They're all on side, aren't they?
BASHIR: Exactly. And we've been hearing those words of support --
FOSTER: Publicly --
BASHIR: Today publicly --
FOSTER: At least --
BASHIR: Yes --
FOSTER: Interesting that some of the contenders to replace him are also publicly supporting him. Angela Rayner, for example. If there was a vote in
the cabinet against him, then that would cause his immediate demise. But so tonight is really about convincing backbench MPs that there shouldn't be a
groundswell against him, it won't be the best for the party.
BASHIR: Exactly. And that is certainly the message that we've been hearing from those senior cabinet ministers. We heard from the deputy Prime
Minister earlier today, David Lammy referencing the mandate that Starmer has, but also saying that nothing should distract the party itself from its
mission to change the U.K. from its goals as a party.
[14:05:00]
And that has certainly been the rallying cry from those senior cabinet ministers that they want to focus on their goals ahead of May, ahead of key
elections, and that they want to have a united front against the conservative party.
FOSTER: Let's see if he can convince them. Let's talk about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. He is now facing not a formal police inquiry, but they
are starting to look into his case, and then we have this extraordinary statement from the king's office which echoed Prince Williams' statement
earlier that, you know, how concerning these allegations were.
But also, you know, the palace hasn't even been approached by the police to cooperate, but they're preempting that, saying they will cooperate if
they're asked.
BASHIR: Yes, and I think there are real questions, not just amongst U.S. politicians as we heard there from Ro Khanna, but also from members of the
public here in the United Kingdom as to what the palace actually knew what the king knew, where the accountability lies and real scrutiny over how
much information there actually was present over Andrew Mountbatten- Windsor's involvement in relationship with Jeffrey Epstein as you mentioned.
We've heard those words of concern being shared by the Prince and Princess of Wales over those revelations, again saying that their thoughts remain
with the victims --
FOSTER: Yes --
BASHIR: Of Jeffrey Epstein and his associates, and again, that is being echoed by the king. But the fact that they are now saying they are standing
ready to cooperate with police if it comes to that, is a significant statement to hear from the monarch. And of course --
FOSTER: That's because they're feeling vulnerable as well, right?
BASHIR: Exactly --
FOSTER: And the monarchy.
BASHIR: As the monarchy, there are questions again, as we heard that internationally now over how this will impact the monarchy and the
standards --
FOSTER: And what the king knew.
BASHIR: Yes --
FOSTER: These are questions they don't want to answer, but they're trying to address it how they can. Nada, thank you. We'll have more on the
political storm facing the British prime minister and the royal family later in the show. I'll be joined by the veteran political journalist and
Times radio presenter, Carol Walker in about 20 minutes.
Now to that appeal for clemency. Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell refusing to testify before Congress today, invoking her right against self-
incrimination. But her attorney says if President Trump were to grant Maxwell clemency, she would clear Trump and Bill Clinton of any wrongdoing.
Her position angered the chairman of the House committee leading the Epstein probe.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. JAMES COMER (R-KY): Unfortunately, she had an opportunity today to answer questions that every American has questions that would be very
important in this investigation. And she chose to invoke her Fifth Amendment rights. Her attorney said, Maxwell didn't say it. Her attorney
said that she would answer questions if she were granted clemency by the --
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: By the President Trump.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FOSTER: Starting today, for the first time, members of Congress can now read unredacted versions of the Epstein files in the Justice Department's
reading room, so we may find out a bit more about those missing pages. CNN's Annie Grayer joins us now from Washington.
I mean, actually, the President hasn't ruled out clearing Maxwell, has he? We wait to see what he has to say about this. But, you know, it's an
extraordinary deal to try to offer, isn't it, on her behalf? And why should we believe anything she has to say anyway?
ANNIE GRAYER, CNN SENIOR REPORTER: Yes, it's a great point. I mean, it's something that Democrats raised as soon as they walked out of the
deposition room is that Maxwell was trying to leverage her testimony and use them as a sort of bargaining chip with -- between -- to try and get
President Trump's attention here.
She's trying to either lessen her sentence or throw out the case against her. Well, she's currently serving a 20-year sentence in prison for
participating in this sex trafficking ring as a co-conspirator with Jeffrey Epstein. And so, there are a lot of questions that lawmakers have for
Maxwell that they were not able to ask her today because she's withholding her testimony unless Trump grants her clemency.
And of course, as you mentioned, we're waiting to hear how the President responds to this. But this is -- but lawmakers on both sides of the aisle
really want to learn more about Maxwell, what she has witnessed. Her attorney did say that Maxwell did not witness Trump or former President
Bill Clinton commit any crimes.
But of course, lawmakers are not going to be satisfied with that. There's a lot more that they want to say. But this deposition was very short because
it -- because Maxwell pleaded her Fifth Amendment right against self- incrimination, which, of course, is her right.
But there is -- this is not the end of the road, I don't think for the Oversight Committee and Maxwell, but it has a lot of other threads that
it's currently pursuing. And today -- and there's a number of people that they still want to talk to, including former President Bill Clinton and
Hillary Clinton, who are supposed to be deposed at the end of this month.
But today is a big day for lawmakers, as you mentioned for another reason, which is the first day that they can actually go into the Department of
Justice building, in a special room where they can view unredacted versions of the Epstein files so they can see with their own eyes what these
documents look like without any redactions.
[14:10:00]
They can't bring staff in there with them or their phones, but they can take notes on what they see. And this is happening in the building behind
me right now. I just spoke with Congressman Jamie Raskin, who is a top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, and he said he left that -- he
left his viewing with a lot of questions because he saw a lot of names who shouldn't -- whose names shouldn't be redacted based on the law that was
passed by Congress.
Redactions, as you remember, were only supposed to redact the names of victims. And DOJ has taken it a lot further than that, and also used
redactions to redact any information that has to do with any ongoing investigations, and they really cast a wide net there.
But then, of course, the redactions have gone the other way where they've accidentally put out a lot of personal information about the victims,
exactly who DOJ was supposed to protect. So, a lot of questions about the more than 3 million documents that DOJ has released.
Of course, there's millions more that they haven't released. And of course, now, more questions for Maxwell as she denied lawmakers her testimony
today.
FOSTER: Annie Grayer, thank you so much. The search for the mother of "NBC News" anchor Savannah Guthrie is now in its ninth day. An Arizona TV
station reports a ransom demand for $6 million. The Guthrie family has posted a new video saying they will pay the ransom in exchange for the 84-
year-old's return.
Over the weekend, investigators were spotted once again searching Nancy Guthrie's home along with the home of her other daughter, Annie. No
suspects have been named so far. CNN's chief law enforcement and Intelligence analyst John Miller, joins us now.
John, thank you for joining us. I mean, we're very close to this deadline. What sort of conversations are they having? Have we got some sort of
contact for their ransom?
JOHN MILLER, CNN LAW ENFORCEMENT & INTELLIGENCE ANALYST: That's right --
FOSTER: People.
MILLER: I'm sorry, Max, I'm having a technical difficulty where I can see you, but I can hear you. So, let's see if we can get that resolved and I'll
come back.
FOSTER: OK, John, we will come back to you indeed. OK, let's take you to break, try and fix things with John.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
FOSTER: Returning now to the search for the mother of "NBC News" anchor Savannah Guthrie. It's in its ninth day. We mentioned that before the
break. And an Arizona TV station reporting a ransom demand for $6 million.
[14:15:00]
The Guthrie family has posted a new video saying they will pay the ransom in exchange for the 84-year-old's return. Over the weekend, investigators
were spotted once again searching Nancy Guthrie's home along with the home of the -- of her other daughter, Annie.
No suspects have been named. CNN's chief law enforcement and Intelligence analyst, John Miller hopefully can hear me this time. John, what I'm
unclear on, John, is whether or not there's any contact between those asking for the ransom and the family, when the family are clearly saying
they'll pay it.
MILLER: So, it does not appear so, but we can't always see what's happening behind that curtain. What we do know is they reached out with an appeal and
they reached out with a second appeal, saying we need to hear from you. We need proof of life. We need to know that you have our mother and that she's
OK.
And after the second appeal, they did get a message not directly to them, and this, Max, has been the problem here. It came into a local television
station in Tucson Arizona, where Nancy Guthrie lived, and that television station got that e-mail from an encrypted platform where you can't tell --
you can't trace the e-mail back.
Turned that over to authorities and the family, and that communication is what she was answering yesterday when they released that very short video,
maybe about 19 seconds in total. We received your message and we understand. So, we are not privy to what the contents of that communication
is.
They are not communicating directly as far as we know, but they've said we want the return of our mother and we're willing to pay. So, the first
ransom note actually had a bitcoin address. The question is, where do we go from here since given her age, medical condition, the fact that blood was
found at the scene and it's hers, time is not on our side with an 84-year- old woman under these conditions.
FOSTER: And the FBI said it's up to the family whether or not they pay. But surely, the legal authorities are advising them on whether or not they
think these people actually have her.
MILLER: Well, that's a very difficult question, Max, because, you know, you have a very convincing ransom note. We don't know if there ever was a proof
of life or if they go or if they have to go on faith. And the FBI won't advise them to pay or not to pay, they'll give them their experience from
prior cases and advise.
But ultimately, that decision is up to the family whether to pay, how much to pay, which is one of the things that made this negotiation so difficult,
in that they are not speaking directly in a two-way conversation that isn't through the media.
FOSTER: John, appreciate it as ever. We're also going to speak to Chip Massey; he's a former FBI hostage negotiator. I mean, what would you be
doing if you were called in to liaise?
CHIP MASSEY, CEO OF CONVINCING COMPANY & FORMER FBI HOSTAGE NEGOTIATOR: Exactly what they're doing right now. I -- you know, the very best of the
best is on site. From all types of local law enforcement to federal, the FBI, this is what we do. This is the bread and butter. So, they have the
very best counsel going on like John talked about.
FOSTER: Yes --
MASSEY: And they have a vast amount of experience here.
FOSTER: When -- I mean, we don't know about proof of life, do we? There's a suggestion that they haven't had proof of life because there was this e-
mail that went to the TV station with details for where they can deposit the crypto, but what would the FBI say to the family if they haven't seen
proof of life?
MASSEY: Well, this is interesting, right, Max, because what we see in the most recent video that Savannah and her two siblings made is a clear shift.
There has been a shift in tone and tenor in their messaging. And this video is saying that we understand, we want to celebrate our mother, we want you
and need you to return her to us, and we will pay.
So, what we -- what we have to infer from that is that there is something that was conveyed in that last e-mail that gave the family the confidence
to think these are the captors, they have our mother, and we are now ready to release the funds.
FOSTER: But they can't negotiate because they're getting these random messages. There's no one to contact, is there? And the deadline is getting
horribly close. Presumably most families --
MASSEY: It is --
FOSTER: If they had the money, would be tempted just to pay it and take the risk.
MASSEY: Oh, exactly. I mean, you know, we can all put ourselves in this or your viewers can do this as well. If there's a loved one of ours that is in
harm's way, we're going to do everything that we can to bring them back.
[14:20:00]
So, that's exactly what this family is going through. And that's exactly what they're doing. So, yes, it is extremely frustrating from a hostage
negotiation standpoint that there isn't a direct line of communication, at least, that we're aware of. So, what we're getting is piecemeal through
these e-mails.
And there has to be an authentication process. And the family has to vet it from a knowledge that they know only their mother knows, and various other
ways. But yes, the delays here are huge and the inability to directly talk to the captors, it's a real problem.
FOSTER: But if you were a negotiator in this position, you wouldn't be able to negotiate, would you? Because there is no negotiation on this one.
MASSEY: Well, to be sure, the captors are in control, right? And that's the case with most of these situations, is that -- is that they have a -- you
know, they control the well-being, they control the when and where. But there still is an opportunity to have contact.
And again, speaking in the blind. But there is some type of communication going on in order for that family to have a confidence that this is the way
to proceed.
FOSTER: What are the risks of just letting the deadline pass? Because as you say, they want something -- presumably they don't want to keep this
poor lady longer than they need to. What's the risk with letting the deadline pass?
MASSEY: Well, again, this is all dependent upon what has been -- what's been going back and forth between the captors and the family. So, if the
captors have been dead set on something, on a certain interval, on a certain amount, as it sounds like, but again, we don't really know.
We are guessing, but from this standpoint, from where we are right now, the family is acting on the best of the information that they have at hand. And
as I said, there must be a degree of confidence that it's the right way to go.
FOSTER: Well, all our thoughts are with them, and of course, Nancy. Chip, really appreciate you joining us today.
MASSEY: Of course, Max.
FOSTER: Now, well, China hitting back following a fallout over the sentencing of Hong Kong billionaire Jimmy Lai. Beijing is urging countries
to, quote, "refrain from making irresponsible remarks on judicial proceedings and not to interfere in its judicial affairs."
Many western governments have condemned the prosecution and sentencing of Lai. The former Hong Kong media tycoon is 78 and faces the next 20 years
behind bars. The sentence is the longest delivered under a sweeping national security law imposed on Hong Kong in 2020. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout
was outside the Hong Kong courthouse when Lai was sentenced.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KRISTIE LU STOUT, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (on camera): I'm standing outside the court where the former Hong Kong media mogul and long-time
critic of China, Jimmy Lai, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. In December, he was found guilty of sedition and two counts of colluding with
foreign forces.
Now, collusion here in Hong Kong under the Beijing-imposed national security law is a very serious crime, punishable by up to life in prison.
Jimmy Lai earlier had pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Now, in December, the three judges presiding over the case and convicted Jimmy Lai.
They called him a, quote, "mastermind of conspiracies". They pointed out his lobbying of U.S. politicians during President Donald Trump's first term
as well as how he used his empire, namely his "Apple Daily" newspaper to call for international sanctions against China and Hong Kong during the
2019 protests.
Now, this has been the most high profile national security case since the law was imposed by Beijing on Hong Kong in 2020. It has been roundly
criticized by western governments, the U.S. and other countries have called for the release of Jimmy Lai.
In fact, U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly pressed Chinese leader Xi Jinping to free Jimmy Lai during their talks last year. Now, China has
repeatedly warned against any interference in Hong Kong, has insisted that Jimmy Lai has received a fair trial. So, what happens next?
Well, an appeal could be a long, drawn-out process with a low success rate. As for Jimmy Lai, he is 78 years old and has already spent more than five
years in prison. Kristie Lu Stout, CNN, Hong Kong.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
FOSTER: Japan's conservative Prime Minister has cemented her grip on power, and that's thanks to a historic victory in a snap election that she called
on Sunday. Japan's first female leader has enjoyed high approval ratings and a glowing endorsement from U.S. President Donald Trump. But calling a
snap election was a huge risk. CNN's Hanako Montgomery explains.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HANAKO MONTGOMERY, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): Yes, Sanae Takaichi's huge political gamble, one where she literally put her job on the line has
paid off, I mean, to the extent that we could not really expect. I mean, most experts I've spoken to really said that it was likely that the Liberal
Democratic Party would secure a majority in Japan's Lower House of parliament.
[14:25:00]
But the fact that the LDP was able to secure more than two-thirds of seats is truly something unexpected and historic. And what that now means is
Takaichi will be able to pass through any bills really, with little to no opposition. So, making her leadership and her really, I suppose, her job as
a politician much easier.
Now, Takaichi has a long list, a long laundry list of issues that she must tackle from the get go. First, of course, is the Japanese economy. We've
seen record high inflation, a sliding Japanese yen against the very powerful U.S. greenback, and of course, just voters feeling very frustrated
with the fact that their wages aren't increasing.
So, she will have to tackle the Japanese economy to appease these voters, to appease the Japanese public and show that she's on the right track to
make Japan a much stronger economy. Now, she must also deal with foreign policy. In her brief time as Prime Minister, less than four months, she has
shown that she's quite able and adept at really tackling different foreign policy issues and developing deeper ties with foreign nations.
For example, Italy's Prime Minister, South Korea's president, also the U.K., Canada and including the U.S. President Donald Trump. In fact, when
it comes to Trump, Takaichi has shown that she has a very good personal relationship with him. In fact, last week on Truth Social, Trump went so
far as to endorsing her as the Prime Minister of Japan, encouraging the people of Japan to vote for her in this very local election.
Now, Takaichi as early as Monday, so just a few hours ago, thanked Donald Trump for that endorsement and for his kind words, also adding that, quote,
"the potential of our alliance is limitless." So, really just emphasizing the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance here, also mentioning that her
visit to the U.S. in March or expected visit will be one of greatness, and, of course, will be an opportunity to develop that alliance further.
So, again, long list of issues Takaichi must tackle. But for now, a moment of victory for the Japanese Prime Minister.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
FOSTER: Hanako reporting there. Now, the family of a top Venezuelan opposition figure is demanding his immediate release. Juan Pablo Guanipa
was detained on Sunday night in Caracas just a few hours after being released from prison. You're looking at video of the celebration when he
was freed.
Venezuela's public ministry confirms that he had been detained a second time. CNN is asking officials there where he's being held. But so far, we
haven't had a response. Still to come tonight, will the Epstein files topple Britain's Prime Minister? We'll discuss the political storm facing
Keir Starmer.
There's growing outcry today over Israel's decision to tighten its grip on Palestinian-controlled areas of the West Bank. A live report from Jerusalem
just ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[14:30:48]
FOSTER: Let's get more now on the political firestorm tearing through the U.K. following the release of the Epstein files. In the last few hours,
we've seen one of the loudest calls yet for the prime minister, Keir Starmer, to step down from the leader of the Scottish Labour Party.
Starmer's been facing fierce criticism for appointing an ambassador to Washington who had close ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Members of Starmer's cabinet have been speaking out through the afternoon.
In his defense though, the Prince and Princess of Wales have also spoken publicly the first time writing in a statement that they are deeply
concerned about the revelations contained in the Epstein files. Obviously referring there to the late Prince Andrew or the former Prince Andrew as
well. Many of those revelations involve the king's brother.
For more now I want to bring in U.K. political commentator and Times Radio presenter Carole Walker. You must have been covering this minute by minute,
Carol. So, Starmer is meeting backbenchers just right now. OK. So, what are you looking for in that?
CAROLE WALKER, TIMES RADIO PRESENTER: Yes, it's been a really dramatic day certainly and there have been twists and turns throughout it. Keir
Starmer's been addressing his own Labour MPs this evening. It's a private meeting at Westminster but many people have been absolutely glued with
their ears to the door to try and work out what has been going on.
And we're hearing that they've actually been able to hear sounds of applause. One critic of the prime minister who's inside the meeting texted
out to say that actually Keir Starmer was really putting up a big fight. And as you mentioned there, we've seen the leader of the Labour Party in
Scotland, Anas Sarwar, came out at lunchtime publicly saying that it was time for Keir Starmer to step down.
But since then, instead of provoking a bigger wave of calls backing him he's faced a real backlash. And we've had various different cabinet
ministers all coming out using social media platforms, podcasts or whatever to say that they still back Keir Starmer. Notably, Angela Rayner, who was
the deputy prime minister she had to stand down from that job. She's seen as a prime contender to succeed Keir Starmer if, perhaps when, he does go.
She came out and said that this was the time to rally behind Keir Starmer. And that seems to have perhaps given him a little bit of a lease of life.
And it sounds as though both Angela Rayner and other potential contenders have decided that this is just not the moment to unseat Keir Starmer. It
sounds as though he's put up a big fight when he appeared before Labour MPs this evening. We're still waiting to hear more details of that. And it
looks as though, for the time being, he's going to cling on in Number 10. But I don't think anyone thinks his long-term future is anything like
secure.
FOSTER: Why are those -- well, you know, Rayner's obviously one of the frontrunners. You've also got a couple of others. Why are they holding off?
Because let's not pretend they don't want the job.
WALKER: Well, look, what has led to this crisis was Keir Starmer's decision to appoint Peter Mandelson, Lord Mandelson, to that key post of ambassador
to Washington. He then sacked him when he learned more about Mandelson's connections, his ongoing connections with Jeffrey Epstein, after Epstein
was convicted of child abuse offences.
Now, Starmer says he moved as soon as he learned the extent of Peter Mandelson's connections. That was before we heard the latest extraordinary
stream of revelations about the extent of the information that, when Mandelson was in the government back in 2009 and 2010, of what he'd been
handing on to Jeffrey Epstein.
But what Keir Starmer had to admit last week is that he did know that Peter Mandelson not only knew Jeffrey Epstein but had maintained his contacts
after Epstein's first conviction. And I think that has really, really undermined his whole leadership.
[14:35:00]
But what has happened since then is we're now waiting to see all the documents on the vetting process, on the contacts that Mandelson had with
various figures in the current government. And I think that those contenders to succeed Keir Starmer realize there's going to be a huge
amount of flack when that comes up.
We've also got two key elections coming up. A local by-election coming up before the end of the month. Labour's expected to lose that, or there
should be a reasonably safe Labour seat. And then, early in May, a bigger round of elections in Wales, in Scotland, for the devolved administrations
there, and in local councils. And if Labour lose a whole load of seats then, well, that is going to be very serious news indeed for Labour.
So, none of the contenders to succeed Keir Starmer want to be the leader that has to deal with all of that. It makes sense for them to wait, to sit
tight. And it's every likelihood that within just a few months, Keir Starmer could well realise, on his own, that the time is up. And that is
when, I think, you could see a much wider leadership contest underway to succeed Keir Starmer as Labour leader and, of course, prime minister.
FOSTER: Yes. So, crisis in government, crisis in the monarchy as well. We don't have time to talk about that. Keeping you busy. Carole, thank you so
much.
WALKER: Thanks.
FOSTER: Now, socialist Antonio Jose Seguro has secured a five-year term as Portugal's president after a run-off vote on Sunday. Seguro beat his far-
right anti-establishment rival, Andre Ventura, in a landslide victory. With 95 percent of the votes counted, Seguro received 66 percent, whilst Ventura
trailed behind 34 percent. Portugal's presidency is largely a ceremonial role, but it does hold some key powers, including the ability to dissolve
Parliament and block legislation under particular circumstances.
Saudi Arabia, Jordan and other Muslim states are condemning Israel's sweeping new moves to tighten control over the West Bank, calling it an
illegal attempt to annex the land and displace the Palestinian people. Israel's Security Cabinet approved measures allowing the state to buy land
for the expansion of settlements. It also made it easier for settlers to buy land amid a sharp rise in settler attacks on Palestinians and their
property.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has significant control over West Bank affairs. He says Israel will, quote, "continue to extinguish the idea of a
Palestinian State." All this happening just before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Washington this week.
Nic Robertson joins us now from Jerusalem. How are they receiving this in the West Bank, Nic?
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR: Yes, the Palestinian Authority says that it's just another type of the war that's being waged on
the Palestinian people. What Israel has the ability to do now, or is giving itself the ability to do, is to move into some of those areas where
settlers haven't been pushing into. They typically sort of take a territory on hilltops and expanded those out into settlements. But these new areas
are farming areas where the Palestinian Authority has the sort of civilian government rights, if you will, and the Israeli military has the security
rights in those areas.
And it's really seen as an effort to further squeeze and emasculate the Palestinian population into the sort of main city areas inside the West
Bank. And, of course, that's interpreted as being a way to shut down, which is what Bezalel Smotrich has said before, to shut down the possibility of a
Palestinian state.
So, I think some of the really important context here, as you mentioned at the beginning, that Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt,
Indonesia, Pakistan have all jointly signed a letter condemning this act by Israel. But remember, those were the eight countries that President Trump
went to in the margins of the U.N. General Assembly September last year when he was proposing his 20-point peace plan for Gaza. And they came back
to him later and said, all this talk back in the fall of last year about annexation in the West Bank, we don't support that, we don't want it. So,
President Trump actually came out then and said he was against annexation of the West Bank.
[14:40:00]
So, all of that in context, those same countries that supported President Trump's 20-point peace plan, which included the possibility of a path to
Palestinian statehood, all of that in context, those same countries that supported President Trump's 20-point peace plan, which included the
possibility of a path to Palestinian statehood, are coming out again. So, when President Trump meets with Prime Minister Netanyahu, these eight
nations, of course, and others, will be hoping that the President brings that up with the Israeli prime minister as an issue of concern.
FOSTER: It does seem to be the one issue where there's a real difference between Trump and Netanyahu, but it also feels like something that
Netanyahu can't let go of because of these members of his cabinet so hard on him.
ROBERTSON: Yes. I mean, also, sort of another interesting piece of context is, you know, Bezalel Smotrich, finance minister, leader of the settlers,
hard right, a much-needed element by Prime Minister Netanyahu to keep his coalition together, to stay in power. Smotrich came into office knowing
what he wanted to do to try to expand out and speed up the growth of the settlements.
You know, settlements typically in the past, and they've been accelerating in the past couple of years, a family would set up a farm on the top of a
hill and they would get a permit to farm sheep and then they would have some sort of temporary establishments. Then, against regulations, they
would build a house and that would grow a little and then the government would retroactively endorse that as a legitimate settlement and connect
roads and electricity and sanitation and all those things, and they've been growing and sort of blossoming in areas of the West Bank.
But that hasn't been fast enough for Smotrich. Smotrich has the powers and is using them now to change the structures and the way that settlers can
get that land, so he's going to make it easier and quicker for them. So, while this is incremental, it is significant because there's been an
acceleration of the growth of these settlements, but this will make it much easier to grow more and faster in the West Bank.
FOSTER: Nic Robertson in Jerusalem. Appreciate it. Thank you.
Still to come tonight, be careful with that medal. Why athletes say jumping up and down after you win at the Olympics could be a big problem.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
FOSTER: Time to check in then on the Winter Olympics and the big event of the day. Underway right now, it is the preliminary round of the ice dancing
competition featuring favorites Madison Chock and Evan Bates. They were part of the U.S. team that won the gold in the team competition on Sunday.
[14:45:00]
But earlier today, a record fell in speed skating. Dutch skater Jutta Leerdam set an Olympic record, in fact, as she took gold in the 1,000-meter
race.
Don Riddell, CNN World Sport, has been tracking all of the action of the games, tearing himself away from the TV.
DON RIDDELL, CNN WORLD SPORT: Yes, there's the Super Bowl. I've not got anything else done, Max.
FOSTER: I know.
RIDDELL: We're only a few days into the Winter Olympics, but it feels as though we've already had the tragedy, the glory and a bit of controversy.
We'll start with the tragedy. And it really was just so heartbreaking to see Lindsey Vonn crash out like this in the downhill on Sunday. The
American legend's Olympic hopes dashed in an instant as she clipped a gate with her shoulder just 13 seconds into her run. Vonn was taken to hospital
by helicopter, where Reuters say she's now undergone two surgeries for a broken left leg. Remember, she had ruptured her left ACL just nine days
previously at the age of 41. It seems likely that this, therefore, was her last Olympic appearance.
So, it was a day of mixed emotions for the American team because Vonn's team-mate Breezy Johnson won the gold medal in this event and her triumph
completes a remarkable narrative arc because it was on this very mountain that Breezy Johnson was injured four years ago, meaning that she missed out
on the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, but now she is an Olympic champion.
The glory of the game speaks for itself. Norway and Switzerland off to a great start with three gold medals each. So, what about the controversy?
Well, you may know that athletes are forbidden from protesting at the Games. They can't do anything political on the field of play or on the
podium, but they can speak out in the media and many Americans have, expressing concern for some of the things happening back home in their
country right now.
For example, here's what the freestyle skier Hunter Hess had to say, and I should tell you that the U.S. President Donald Trump didn't like it.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HUNTER HESS, TEAM USA SKIER: I think it brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now, I think. It's a little hard. There's
obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren't. Just because I'm wearing the flag doesn't mean I
represent everything that's going on in the U.S.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
RIDDELL: Trump labeled Hess, quote, "a real loser" via his Truth Social platform. Trump continued, quote, "It's very hard to root for someone like
this. He shouldn't have tried out for the team. And it's too bad he's on it." Hess then doubled down on his social media feed, writing, quote, "I
love my country. There is so much that is great about America, but there are always things that could be better. One of the many things that makes
this country so amazing is that we have the right and freedom to point that out."
Hess is the only athlete that Trump seems to have gone after directly, but he's not the only one to speak out. Many are choosing their words
carefully, though. I think they know what to expect if they stick their neck out, but the likes of Chris Lillis, Quinn Dellinger and Amber Glenn
have all had something to say, and there may well be more to come. Max.
FOSTER: Yes, it's early in the event, isn't it? Thank you so much, Don. Now, believe it or not, those gold, silver and bronze medals being worn in
Italy are already falling apart. Olympic organizers say they are looking into numerous reports of medals falling off the ribbons to which they are
attached. Several athletes said their medal fell on the floor whilst they were jumping for joy after winning. Imagine. Officials are trying to figure
out exactly why the medals are falling. They're promising to fix the problem.
Still to come tonight, island party meets half-time show. Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny rocked the stage at the Super Bowl. You may have heard.
We'll explain why. Not everyone, though, is on board with that performance. Who can it be?
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[14:50:00]
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(MUSIC PLAYING)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FOSTER: Bad Bunny brought rhythm, tempo, an array of special guest performers to his Super Bowl halftime spectacle, rich in symbolism, dance,
even a wedding. The Puerto Rican superstar is the first solo Latino artist to headline the show. At a moment when there's so much division globally,
the Grammy winner had this unifying message.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(MUSIC PLAYING)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FOSTER: There was praise for the halftime show, but not everyone enjoyed it, apparently. U.S. President Donald Trump slammed the performance as,
quote, "one of the worst ever." CNN's Maria Santana joins us from New York. She was at a Benito watch party in the Bronx. I can't really understand how
anyone wouldn't love it.
MARIA SANTANA, CNN EN ESPANOL ANCHOR AND CORRESPONDENT: I mean, let me tell you, Max, while some critics like Donald Trump dismissed last night's
halftime show in the Bronx, where I was, the reaction was drastically different. There was just an incredible sense of pride and joy. It was
deeply emotional for a lot of people. I saw people there moved to tears. For many, you know, this performance was about so much more than music,
they saw themselves on that stage, their families, their neighborhoods, their history, you know, reflected in almost every beat, every lyric, every
image.
I mean, from the opening moment, it was clear that this wasn't going to be a typical halftime set. The performance, as you said, was entirely in
Spanish. The visuals leaned heavily into Puerto Rican and Latino identity. It began with scenes inspired by island life, like those sugarcane fields,
and then shifted into these neighborhood-style sets, including La Casita, that colorful little house that mirrors the real homes you see in Puerto
Rico. There were domino games, family gatherings, dancers waving flags, even a wedding, moments, you know, that reflect everyday joy, love, and
community.
You know, there were also, of course, those memorable guests. Lady Gaga surprised fans with her salsa-inspired performance of one of her songs.
Ricky Martin later joined in. And really, it was in that closing moment that you just showed where Bad Bunny's message really came through. He
called on countries and cultures from across the Americas, reminding viewers that this nation, you know, was built by immigrants, by different
languages, by different history. His final message one of unity and pride. And for many Puerto Ricans and Latinos watching, especially those in the
Bronx, the message was clear. Spanish belongs here. Our stories belong here. Our communities are part of the fabric of this country.
But, you know, as you said, not everybody saw it that way. Controversy had been swirling around Bad Bunny's selection for months, and it didn't stop
last night. You know, some critics called the performance too political, too woke. Others complained about the Spanish conservative group turning
USA even staged its own alternative all-American halftime show featuring Kid Rock, even though Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory and Bad Bunny is
American. You know, Trump said it was the first performance he had ever seen, complaining that no one could even understand Bad Bunny.
[14:55:00]
But you know what, love it or hate it, you know, one thing is really undeniable, Max, this was one of the most talked about halftime shows in
probably Super Bowl history. And the conversation around it, you know, it's just far from over.
FOSTER: It's only the non-Spanish speakers that didn't understand it, presumably, you know, away from the Latin American links. You know, it is,
you know, the country's second largest language. It doesn't seem unusual to have at least one Super Bowl reflecting a language used by tens of millions
of people.
SANTANA: Absolutely. And then, you know, by 2050, you're going to have almost half of the population be Spanish speakers in the United States.
And, you know, music from different languages is heard all around the world. Bad Bunny has become the most streamed artist in the world, which
means that people all over are enjoying his music, even though it is in Spanish. And it's very unifying, and for people, you know, marginalized
communities seeing that display of Latino pride on stage was just something that was hard to describe. And being there with Puerto Ricans last night, I
can tell you, you feel it even as a non-Puerto Rican.
FOSTER: I can't really criticize the music. Maria, thank you so much.
SANTANA: Thank you.
FOSTER: Thank you for watching tonight. Do stay with CNN. I'll have "What We Know" coming up next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[15:00:00]
END
