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Trump Hits Canada, Mexico, China With Steep Tariffs; Ontario's Premier Threatens Retaliation For Trump's Tariffs; Justin Trudeau Speaks After U.S. Hits Canada With 25 Percent Tariffs. Aired 11a-12p ET

Aired March 04, 2025 - 11:00   ET

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

[11:00:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ZAIN ASHER, HOST, "ONE WORLD": President Trump announcing a new round of tariffs, sets off a wave of retaliation by the United States' top trading

partners.

BIANNA GOLODRYGA, HOST, "ONE WORLD": One World starts right now. We'll take a look at how global markets are responding to Trump's trade war. It's not

well.

ASHER: Plus, President Trump pausing military aid to Ukraine, cutting off support at a critical moment for the country. We will take you live to Kyiv

for that as well.

GOLODRYGA: And LeBron James is poised to make NBA history tonight again, as he is expected to become basketball's first player ever to reach 50,000

career points.

Hello, everyone. Live from New York, I'm Bianna Golodryga.

ASHER: I'm Zain Asher. You are watching One World. We are standing by for Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He is set to speak this hour,

obviously, about the tariffs. Of course, it comes as America's top three trading partners announced retaliation after the White House has initiated

long threatened tariffs sparking a trade war. We'll bring that to you as and when it happens any moment now.

GOLODRYGA: Yeah. President Trump's blanket 25 percent tariffs on Mexico and Canada took effect early Tuesday morning, as well as a 10 percent levy on

Canadian energy imports, and the current 10 percent tariff on Chinese imports has now doubled.

ASHER: Beijing moved quickly to strike back, announcing retaliatory tariffs, up to 15 percent on key U.S. farm products.

GOLODRYGA: And Mexico's President, meantime, says her country will announce retaliatory measures on Sunday, but added no one wins in this decision.

Well, the Canadian Prime Minister, meanwhile, unveiled tariffs on more than $100 billion worth of American goods that are being implemented in two

phases.

We have a team across all of the latest, CNN's Valeria Leon is in Mexico City. But first, Paula Newton joins us live in Ottawa. It seems like deja

vu. We were here a month ago until Donald Trump came back and gave both Mexico and Canada a month's time to come to better terms, as he would see

them fit, with regards specifically to Canada, as it's addressing the fentanyl into the United States. It has been pointed out that the amount of

fentanyl that comes into the United States from Canada is marginal. Nonetheless, we have the President saying that this remains a problem, as

well as what he has deemed as unfair trading practices between these countries. Tell us what we can expect to hear now from the Prime Minister.

PAULA NEWTON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: You can expect, Bianna, escalation, which continues by the hour. Now, Justin Trudeau has been very clear, because

they had already mapped it out that they had this initial retaliation that already went into effect at 12:01. That was on things like fruits and

vegetables, meat, but crucially here, U.S. alcohol. You are already seeing that not just have a tariff, but being outright pulled off of Canadian

shelves. Remember, though, I think it is the key in terms of the escalation. They assume that in three weeks the bulk of the retaliatory

tariffs will come into place. They will try and strategically place them on Republican shoppers and employees and companies in Republican states, and

that's for good reason.

I have to say, though, Bianna, that what is also taking hold here, which had abated maybe for a week or two, but the anti-Americanism and an

outright unity across Canada to buy nothing that is made in the United States. To that point of escalation, I want you to listen now to Ontario

Premier Doug Ford. He was on CNN just a short while ago. Keep in mind, he has the largest province and largest economy in Canada. Listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DOUG FORD, PREMIER OF ONTARIO, CANADA: They're absolutely livid. They're furious because we look at the United States as our family. We're one big

family. We've stood shoulder to shoulder in wars and every other crisis there is. We love the American people, but unfortunately, the President has

gone sideways on ourselves.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NEWTON: Now, Bianna, we expect to hear from him again within the next hour, and we do expect he will say more on whether or not he is going to stop

some of the electricity and nickel flowing into the United States, and if he doesn't stop it, if he is going to impose an export tariff of his own.

So, that means in at least three states in the United States, electricity could become more expensive virtually overnight.

[11:05:00]

I mean, look, Bianna, this is war for a reason. It means it hurts. It does not mean that the largest economy, the United States, can't inflict more

pain and damage on a country like Canada or a country like Mexico, for that matter, but it does mean that it completely re-fashions a trading

relationship, I will add, a free trade agreement that is supposed to still be standing, but that Donald Trump has decided does not serve America's

purposes any longer. At this point in time, the kind of resolve that we are seeing in Canada is, I would say, unprecedented, certainly in my lifetime.

GOLODRYGA: Yeah. Justin Trudeau, who just a few months ago announced his resignation, has actually seen his popularity increase, given the increase

in vitriol between these two sides now, specifically coming from the President of the United States, who has also promised retaliatory tariffs

if those countries that U.S. tariffs apply to then retaliate, as we expecting them to. Before we even hear from the Prime Minister, taking

another look at the market, the Dow Jones down nearly 760 points.

ASHER: And Valeria, let me bring you in, because another person whose popularity has increased is Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico. I

mean, literally, the entire country has seemed to rally around her. Her approval rating is through the roof as a result of this. She has really had

to try to walk. I mean, she has talked about this fact that nobody wins in this scenario. It is pointless. It is meaningless to impose these tariffs

on one another. But, she has really tried to walk this fine line between being open to negotiations with the U.S., but at the same time showing that

Mexico is strong and resilient and economically they will stand up for themselves.

VALERIA LEON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yeah, and that's because, in the end, Mexico had no chance for a last-minute deal to skirt Trump's tariffs.

Despite all the Mexican government's efforts, the tariffs went into effect, leaving this bitter after taste, and Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum

announced that Mexico will respond to the tariffs with tariff and non- tariff measures that she will announce in a public event on Sunday. And this means that so far, we still don't know exactly what measures the

Sheinbaum government is going to take. But, in today's morning press conference, President Sheinbaum said the U.S. was acting unilaterally, and

contrary to the terms of the North American Trade Agreement that President Trump himself had pushed for during his first term in office.

Furthermore, Mexico's government rejected a White House statement, claiming that Mexican drug cartels are running the country, which Sheinbaum said was

defamatory. Let's take a listen.

ASHER: Valeria, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is speaking now. Let's listen in.

JUSTIN TRUDEAU, CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER: -- their closest partner and ally, their closest friend. At the same time, they're talking about working

positively with Russia, appeasing Vladimir Putin, a lying, murderous dictator. Make that make sense. Canadians are reasonable and we are polite,

but we will not back down from a fight, not when our country and the wellbeing of everyone in it is at stake.

At the moment, the U.S. tariffs came into effect in the early hours of this morning, and so did the Canadian response. Canada will be implementing 25

percent tariffs against $155 billion worth of American goods, starting with tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods immediately, and tariffs on the

remaining $125 billion of American products in 21 days' time.

TRUDEAU (Interpreted): We have imposed (CROSSTALK) worth of U.S. products, $30 billion immediately, and in 21 days, $120 billion worth of U.S. --

TRUDEAU: Today, we will also be challenging these illegal actions by filing dispute resolution claims at the World Trade Organization and through the

USMCA. But, in the meantime, our tariffs will remain in place until the U.S. tariffs are withdrawn, and not a moment sooner. And should these

tariffs not cease, we are in active and ongoing discussions with provinces and territories to pursue several non-tariff measures, measures which will

demonstrate that there are no winners in a trade war.

Now, just like I did a month ago, I want to speak first directly to the American people.

[11:10:00]

We don't want this. We want to work with you as a friend and ally, and we don't want to see you hurt either, but your government has chosen to do

this to you.

As of this morning, markets are down, and inflation is set to rise dramatically all across your country. Your government has chosen to put

American jobs at risk at the thousands of workplaces that succeed because of materials from Canada or because of consumers in Canada, or both. They

have chosen to raise costs for American consumers on everyday essential items like groceries and gas, on major purchases like cars and homes, and

everything in between. They have chosen to harm American national security, impeding access to the abundant critical minerals, energy, building

materials and fertilizers that we have and that the United States needs to grow and prosper.

They have chosen to launch a Trade War that will, first and foremost, harm American families. They have chosen to sabotage their own agenda that was

supposed to usher in a new golden age for the United States, and they have chosen to undermine the incredible work we have done together to tackle the

scourge that is fentanyl, a drug that must be wiped from the face of the earth.

So, on that point, let me be crystal clear, there is absolutely no justification or need whatsoever for these tariffs today. Now, the legal

pretext your government is using to bring in these tariffs is that Canada is apparently unwilling to help in the fight against illegal fentanyl.

Well, that is totally false. Let's look at the facts. Our border is already safe and secure. Far less than one percent of fentanyl flows and less than

one percent of illegal crossings into the United States comes from Canada. But, we acted because we know we can always do better.

We responded to concerns, including from the President, by implementing an ambitious $1.3 billion border plan, a border plan that includes

generational investments in new AI and imaging tools to stop the flow of fentanyl in its tracks, stronger coordination and information sharing with

American agencies, along with the deployment of drones, helicopters and additional personnel to keep our border secure.

Now, a month ago, as part of an agreement with the United States that paused the tariffs, we made further commitments. We appointed Kevin

Brosseau as our fentanyl czar, a man who dedicated his multi-decade career in law enforcement to combating organized crime networks and drug

trafficking. We designated seven drug cartels, sick, evil groups who cynically profit off the pain and suffering of people on both sides of the

border, as the terrorist organizations that they are.

And just yesterday, we launched a new joint operations partnership, supported by a $200 million investment between Canada's security and law

enforcement agencies, a partnership that will enhance the coordination of information and intelligence in order to thwart criminal gangs involved in

the illegal fentanyl trade. And critically, our actions are working. As the U.S. states, as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection just acknowledged,

there was a 97 percent drop in fentanyl seizures from January compared to December, to a near-zero low of less than half an ounce seized in January

even with all the further enforcements and actions we have taken at the borders.

In sum, we stepped up. We engaged closely and constructively with the President and his administration. We did everything we promised. We stuck

to our word, and we did it because we believe in working together to protect our citizens.

[11:15:00]

Now I want to speak directly to one specific American, Donald. In the over eight years, you and I have worked together. We have done big things. We

signed a historic deal that has created record jobs and growth in both of our countries. We have done big things together on the world stage, as

Canada and the U.S. have done together for decades, for generations, and now we should be working together to ensure even greater prosperity for

North Americans in a very uncertain and challenging world. Now, it's not in my habit to agree with The Wall Street Journal. But, Donald, they point out

that even though you're a very smart guy, this is a very dumb thing to do. We two friends fighting is exactly what our opponents around the world want

to see.

And now to my fellow Canadians. I won't sugar coat it. This is going to be tough, even though we're all going to pull together, because that's what we

do. We will use every tool at our disposal so Canadian workers and businesses can weather this storm, from expanding EI benefits and making

them more flexible to providing direct support to businesses, we will be there as needed to help. But, Canada, make no mistake, no matter how long

this lasts, no matter what the cost the federal government and other orders of government, we will be there for you.

We will defend Canadian jobs. We will take measures to prevent predatory behavior that threatens Canadian companies because of the impacts of this

trade war, leaving them open to takeovers. We will relentlessly fight to protect our economy. We will stand up for Canadians every single second of

every single day, because this country is worth fighting for.

TRUDEAU (Interpreted): -- and really hiring for all of us frankly, but I think (inaudible) by the incredible solidarity that we, our society

(inaudible) with our companies become a civil society, and also indigenous society. The entire society is unanimous. We have to talk to our American

partners. Tariffs are very bad idea. At the same time, we're keen in (inaudible) to eliminate obstacles, obstacles between trade, between our

states, and to find new markets throughout the world, to have better economy, more solid, more robust in the he last years. I discussed with

leaders all over the world. My message hasn't changed. Canada is a reliable partner, and our doors are open.

During the last week, we made more efforts to increase our collaboration with Mexico. That is also a victim of these tariffs. Together, we will find

other ways of working and rely one -- with each other to confront this. With regards to confronted with uncertainty, can Canadians show much

solidarity? You compare products with (inaudible) companies. I saw Ukraine's travel plans, to remain in Canada and that you were making more

efforts to support small businesses and workers. I saw that you defended your culture to make it shine even more. I saw you encourage your athletes

with unwavering support and enthusiasm. I cannot be more proud of my fellow Canadians.

[11:20:00]

But, there is something else I want to ask you -- ask from you. Do not abandon. Do not fight for your country. Do everything you can to choose

Canada, to defend Canada. We will go through this, these difficult times together. I've never been so optimistic after seeing what -- how you have

reacted in the past weeks, and we will go through. We will survive these difficult times. Canada is the best country in the world. There are reasons

to be so proud of this country and snow country, and I am proud of our solidarity, our capacity to weather the storm. We have different origins,

different languages, but when it comes to defending our country, we are one. The storm (inaudible) Canadians can always on each other --

TRUDEAU: Now, we've been through spots before. But, every time we faced long odds and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, we have not only

survived, we have emerged stronger than ever, because when it comes to defending our great nation, there is no price we all aren't willing to pay,

and today is no different. Merci beaucoup.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you very much, Mr. Prime Minister. Merci beaucoup. We will now take 20 minutes of questions [FOREIGN LANGUAGE] one question,

one follow-up [FOREIGN LANGUAGE]. Merci.

TOM POWER, HOST, CBC RADIO ONE: Hi, Prime Minister. Tom Power with CBC. You're reaching out to the President. Today you're speaking directly to

him. We heard from U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who says that Donald Trump will be speaking to Canadians, and he also says that he wants to see

more progress on fentanyl. So, my question to you is, do you have any conversation scheduled with Donald Trump in the coming days? Is that

something maybe your successor should do? And do you really believe that this is about fentanyl, or is there something larger at play here?

TRUDEAU: I have offered to speak to Donald over the past number of days, and I expect to speak with him in the days to come. I'm always there to

talk with him about the importance of working together to take on the world at this time. The facts show very clearly that in terms of taking action on

fentanyl, we are doing everything that is necessary, and not just for the United States, for ourselves as well, as Canadians are suffering as well

from the scourge that is illegal fentanyl.

We have laid out extensive plans, actions, cooperations, including as recently as the past days in Washington, and they have always been very

well received, and the numbers bear that out. I think in what President Trump said yesterday, that there is nothing Canada or Mexico can do to

avoid these tariffs, underlines very clearly what I think a lot of us have suspected for a long time, that these tariffs are not specifically about

fentanyl, even though that is the legal justification he must use to actually move forward with these tariffs.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: [FOREIGN LANGUAGE]

TRUDEAU: [FOREIGN LANGUAGE]

TRUDEAU (Interpreted): I hope to talk to him in the future.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You mentioned this. You're seeing United States seemingly moving closer to Moscow. This is a same day that the United

States has announced it is suspending aid for Ukraine. The Kremlin just said that U.S. foreign policy now is in alignment with Russia. So, how do

you successfully, or your successor successfully negotiate with a President who seems to be -- seems to regard his friends as his enemies and his

enemies as his friends?

TRUDEAU: In this regards, Canada and Canadians are very clear. We know who our friends are. We know who our opponents are, and there is no question

that Vladimir Putin and his attack, not just on Ukraine, but on the rules- based international order, on the founding principles of the United Nations, is an opponent of Canada.

[11:25:00]

I think the question that we all need to be watching closely is, what do the American people think? How do Americans feel about jettisoning one's

friends and allies in favor of a country that has never wished Americans well and continues to act in ways that harm the global economy, and

specifically the American economy and American values and principles?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (Interpreted): [FOREIGN LANGUAGE] and we talk about 460,000 jobs that could be lost. Is there something, a plan on the table to

limit the delay to have access to employment workers compensation? I want to remind people that our objective is not to find ways for Canadians can

go through these terrible times. It's to defend these terrible times to last longer than the minimum. We can take out, eliminate these tariffs

tomorrow. That's what we're going to do. Our priority is to end the commercial trade war. And the fact that (inaudible) difficulties with

regards to their (inaudible), and this will help us to end these problems as soon as possible. We're considering many things that we can do if these

tariffs last longer, in one or two days, even with immediate actions with workers compensation employment insurance.

TRUDEAU: -- first and foremost, as we reflect on the impacts on Canadian workers and Canadian jobs and businesses is that, first of all, there will

be similar impacts on Americans losing their jobs, American families paying more for basic goods that they rely on at a time where times are tight

everywhere. But, our focus has to be on getting these tariffs lifted as quickly as possible. What can we do in the coming days is our focus to make

sure that these tariffs don't last a second longer than necessary.

So, we will be looking at, including looking in the coming day, at things we can do around adjusting EI to support people through this difficult

time, but her priority has to be not on figuring out how to manage through these tariffs over the coming days and weeks and months, but on doing

everything we can to get them lifted and put an end to this unjustified trade war that hurts American families and Canadian families.

GOLODRYGA: All right. We've been listening to a very defiant Prime Minister Trudeau respond to President Trump's announcement that set in overnight

that he would be imposing 25 percent tariffs to both Canada and Mexico. The Prime Minister there saying that this was not necessary and this did not

have to happen, but they also, then, in response, will be issuing tariffs of their own, 25 percent as well, some $155 billion worth of goods to be

impacted, $30 billion immediately, and the rest in the month -- in the days to come, and they will be challenging these tariffs from the White House at

the WTO, and also pursuing, interestingly enough, how he said, several non- tariff measures as well.

I want to bring in Nik Nanos, who joins us from Ottawa. He is the Chief Data Scientist and founder of Nanos Research. Nik, he was not holding back

and his frustration with this action by the United States, once again calling the United States a close ally, even getting a bit into geopolitics

by questioning how the United States and the President could be cozying up to what he described as a murderous dictator like Vladimir Putin, what did

he said, make that make sense. It's a question many of us are asking.

But, give us your take specifically, not only on the measures, the countermeasures that he just laid out, but the tone as well.

[11:30:00]

This is a Prime Minister who has announced his resignation, speaking differently to both the Canadian public and the American public,

specifically to voters in America and then to the U.S. President as well.

NIK NANOS, FOUNDER & CHIEF DATA SCIENTIST, NANOS RESEARCH, & CHAIR, ATLANTIK-BRUECKE CANADA: What's interesting is, pretty clear when you look

at the polling in Canada, is that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau really aligns with how many Canadians feel right now. The thing is, is about eight

out of every 10 Canadians support or somewhat support what I'll say dollar- for-dollar tariff retaliation against the United States. So, there is a lot of support in Canada for that right now.

And you know what? The thing is, for a lot of Canadians, they're probably surprised that this day has come, because the reality is that Canadians are

taught in school in the First World War and the Second World War, that Canadians and Americans stood shoulder to shoulder, and that Canadians

helped during the Iran hostage affair and during 9/11 and stuff like that.

So, the thing is, is that there is support for what he has done. The other thing that's really critical for everyone to remember is that in seven

days, he probably won't be, or he won't be Prime Minister, because there will be a new leader of the Liberal Party and a new Prime Minister that

will be sworn in. So, the thing is, is it's a bit of a parting shot. And I think the one thing that stood out for me was his comment related to the

tariffs being dumb. I'm not sure how helpful it is for the leader of one country to use words like that in relation to the leader of another

country, when the reality is, to get past this, Canada and the United States and Mexico need to come to the table to work out some type of

arrangement for economic prosperity and stability in North America.

ASHER: Nik, stand by for a second, because I want to bring Kevin Liptak, joining us from the White House. Kevin, I just want to get your reaction to

this speech, because obviously, when it comes to Justin Trudeau with that speech, clearly no more Mr. Nice Guy. He was very direct. He spoke to the

American people directly. And as Nik was just saying, he spoke to Donald Trump directly, saying I've known you for eight years, Donald. We've done

big things together, both at home and on the world stage. I'm not somebody who would normally agree with The Wall Street Journal, but I agree with him

in the case that you are a very smart guy, but this is a dumb thing to do. I don't think I remember another world leader speaking like that to Donald

Trump, whether it's in the past month or so or during his first term.

As President, what is Trump's likely reaction going to be to that, Kevin, do you think?

KEVIN LIPTAK, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE REPORTER: Yeah, and he kept referring to him as Donald throughout this, certainly reflecting a familiarity that

he has generated with the President over the last several years, including during his first term, but clearly no conciliation in what he was saying

there. And the fact that he brought up Trump's apparent closeness with Putin, the suggestion that he could be cultivating a relationship with a

murderous dictator instead of with an ally like Canada, I think is not going to sit well with Trump, certainly, and if he was watching this, I

don't think that there is any sort of sense that he will ease up based on what Trudeau was saying in that press conference.

I thought it was interesting when Trudeau said essentially that he had been trying to get a hold of Trump over the last week, that he was perpetually

available to talk this through with him but that Trump essentially wasn't picking up the phone. That was sort of exactly what Trudeau said a month

ago when Trump first threatened these tariffs, was that, he had been trying to call him since the inauguration, but that in Washington, the phone

wasn't being picked up. So, the lines of communication between these two men not particularly good.

And you'll remember, Donald Trump is someone who consistently sort of pokes fun at Trudeau, calling him Governor Trudeau, with the suggestion somehow

that the U.S. will take over Canada, this sort of fantasy that he has of territorial acquisition of the U.S.'s northern neighbor. Certainly, that

relationship has bottomed out as Trudeau sort of prepares to depart office. So, it was interesting to hear him talk directly to Trump, as he called him

to Donald, but also directly to the American public, both about this idea of tariffs, but also the idea that the U.S. seems to be abandoning Ukraine

and curry in favor with Moscow.

The other, I think, point that he tried to make here was essentially a legal point, saying that based on Trump's own statements over the last day,

that there was nothing Canada would be able to do to seek a reprieve from these tariffs, essentially making the point that they are not actually

about fentanyl, that the amount of fentanyl that's coming from Canada over the border into the United States is minuscule, and that this was

essentially a legal tactic on the part of the President to impose these tariffs because there is another -- no other legal rational that he could

find. And so, it's sort of dinging the President on what the basis of these tariffs actually is.

[11:35:00]

GOLODRYGA: Yeah, and yet, he went on to say that despite that and despite the minimal amount of fentanyl that crosses into the U.S. border from

Canada, they nonetheless said that we can do better, and appointed a fentanyl czar and really tried to address some of these concerns coming

from the White House.

Nik, if I can just talk to you about the economic consequences. We saw the Prime Minister talking to the American public, saying this is going to

impact you, and then speaking directly to the Canadian public as well, saying that they're not going to sugar coat this. This will indeed hurt,

but that the government is there for support. And it was notable to hear from the CEO of Ford in recent days just talking about how intertwined

these two countries are and their economies are. Canada is the number one trading partner to some 23 U.S. states. And he said, let's be honest. Long

term, a 25 percent tariff across the Mexico and Canadian border will blow a hole in the U.S. industry that we have never seen before.

So, put into just terms for us, what this will look like for both Americans and for Canadians.

NANOS: Well, you know what's interesting, when you look at the consumer confidence in Canada and the United States, it's basically taking a massive

dive right now. I think for many Americans and many Canadians who are just wondering what the real impact of these tariffs might be, because the

reality is, is that the two economies are interdependent. They're intertwined, and they are partners, basically strong and vibrant economic

partners.

So, the thing is, it's hard to see an upside for this, especially in the short term. Perhaps the words that we've heard today from Prime Minister

Justin Trudeau and probably the response from Donald Trump maybe the best that we can expect in the short term is for Canada, the United States and

Mexico to say, let's come to the table right now. Let's not wait until 2026 to talk about the future of North America and how jobs will be preserved

and maintained in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

GOLODRYGA: And don't forget, we have Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico, saying that their response in terms of tariffs directed towards the

United States will be coming on Sunday.

Kevin Liptak, Nik Nanos, thank you.

ASHER: By the way, I thought it was so interesting that Justin Trudeau has had a hard time reaching Donald Trump over the past few days, but yet,

Donald Trump has picked up the phone and called Vladimir Putin several times.

GOLODRYGA: Yeah, the first time we're hearing about as well. No transcripts released.

All right. We'll be right back with more.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[11:40:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ASHER: Welcome back to One World. I'm Zain Asher.

GOLODRYGA: And I'm Bianna Golodryga. Now to the fast-moving developments on Ukraine and that White House pause in military aid. Just moments ago,

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a statement on X saying, quote, "I would like to reiterate Ukraine's commitment to peace", and

adding that "no one wants an endless war". He called Friday's disastrous Oval Office meeting, quote, "regrettable", and said he and his team stand

ready to work under President Trump's strong leadership to get a peace that lasts.

ASHER: Last hour, Vice President J.D. Vance told reporters that the onus is on Ukraine to come back to the negotiating table for a rare earth mineral

deal. Those comments come after the U.S. suspended military aid to Ukraine late on Monday.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

J.D. VANCE, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We're at a point here where neither Europe nor the United States nor the Ukrainians can continue

this war indefinitely. So, it's important that everybody come to the table, and the President is trying to send a very explicit message. The Ukrainians

have got to come to the table and start negotiating with President Trump.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GOLODRYGA: The halt in aid could eventually cripple Ukraine's ability to respond to Russian attacks. Moscow unleashed a new rout of drone attacks on

Monday.

Well, Donald Trump will speak to a joint session of Congress about what the White House calls a renewal of the American dream.

ASHER: Yeah. Trump is expected to highlight how his executive actions have begun to change the country, and will press Congress to pass laws to enact

more of his agenda.

GOLODRYGA: Yeah. So much going on between Ukraine tariffs and the upcoming Trump address to the joint session of Congress.

CNN Political Commentator and Democratic Strategist, Paul Begala, joins us, as well as former Governor of Arkansas, Republican Asa Hutchinson. So much

to get to. But, just looking at where the Dow is right now, down nearly 800 points, we have seen the markets continue to fall in the first six months

of this administration, so much uncertainty about tariffs and economic policy and concerns about what that means for inflation and ultimately for

the unemployment rate in this country in the weeks and months to come.

Paul, let me start with you, because the President in his inaugural address talked about the golden era of a new administration and a new time in

America. There is nothing really golden about what we've seen thus far, given what Americans rated as their top priority in this election, and that

is economic stability and lower prices. How do you expect the President to address the numbers that we're seeing right now?

PAUL BEGALA, CNN POLITICAL COMMENTATOR, & DEMOCRATIC STRATEGIST: By diversion, his gift, and he is a showman, I mean, I do think he'll put on a

heck of a show tonight, but his -- what his great gift as communicator is diversion. He uses division for diversion. He says, look over there. Be

scared of those trans folks. Trans folks aren't launching Iranian drones at innocent Ukrainians. But, he does that to distract, right? He uses division

for distraction. And God bless him. My Democrats fall for it every time. OK? I'm not blaming here. My party chases every shiny object.

I think the Democratic symbol shouldn't be the donkey. It should be the largemouth bass. We hit at every shiny object, and we're always surprised

there is a hook in there. My Council of Democrats is keep focused on the middle class economics, groceries, gas and rent. That's what Democrats

ought to be focused on, and that's what Trump is going to try and distract from

ASHER: Asa, let me bring you in, because when you think about what some of Donald Trump' responses have been to some of the challenges that the United

States is facing, it is to, of course, blame Biden, and that argument that everything is Biden's fault has -- is having a shorter and shorter and

shorter life span, considering that Donald Trump is obviously now the President, but he is now taking greater control over this country's

economic and foreign policy. How frequently do you expect Biden's name to come up tonight, and do you actually think that the American people are

still going to buy into that strategy, that political strategy of blaming Biden for every single ailment that the United States faces?

ASA HUTCHINSON, FORMER GOVERNOR OF ARKANSAS, & FORMER REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Well, you're right. It gets a little weary to focus

on what the problems of the last administration were, but I expect him to do that tonight. I think it will be one of his diversions, as Paul said,

that he will talk about the weakness of Biden. He'll talk about the Biden economics and the problem that he has been left. So, yes, I think that will

be a topic tonight.

Whenever you look at his address tonight, he is addressing the country and really the world at a time when the world is on edge, and we're on edge,

because United States has been reversing positions and shifting, and anytime you have that instability, it makes people very worried.

[11:45:00]

I expect this is going to be a very difficult night for Justin Trudeau. Donald Trump will be responding to exactly what Trudeau said today. It's

going to be a good night for President Putin and Russia. They'll feel good about the speech tonight. It will be a tough night for Ukraine and those

that worry about sovereignty and the freedom of the people of Ukraine. And for America, I think it will just be a time of nervousness, because we look

at Donald Trump trying to explain the inexplicable, which is why we are abandoning Canada, why we are preferring Russia over Ukraine, and why we're

having a trade war that's always going to cost short-term pain for Americans, if not long-term pain.

So, he has got to explain that. He is going to be talking to the American people directly. That's his audience, and he is going to double down on his

message tonight.

GOLODRYGA: So, Paul, picking up on what the Prime Minister said just moments ago, the Prime Minister of Canada, noting that it's up to the

American people really to respond to this trend we've seen from President Trump appearing to just jettison allies left and right. How do Democrats

respond to that? Because we know from some reporting that they may be walking out of the chamber during Trump's speech. They may be bringing some

fired federal workers with them. Is that the proper approach you think in how Democrats should be responding to the actions that we have seen from

the President and the rapid pace at which we do appear to be realigning our stances, our allies, our priorities? What do you make of that?

BEGALA: For the Democrats, I think it's important to be respectful. In the military, they teach you, I was never in the military, ay dad was and my

grandpa, they teach you, you salute the uniform, not the person. And Democrats need to keep that in mind, and I don't want any disruptions. Many

years ago, Joe Wilson, a congressman from South Carolina, yelled out at Barack Obama, you lied. I don't want to see the Democrats to do that.

But, I think it's great to bring working class folks affected by Trump's policies. We've seen an awful lot of the Billionaires Boys' Club that Mr.

Trump has put in charge, apparently, of our country. This is government of the billionaires, by the billionaires, and for the billionaires. And yet,

Trump got elected because he won the middle class. It pains me to say, as a Democrat, that he won voters who make less than $50,000 a year. The

Democrats need to earn their trust back, because I believe they can make the case that Trump is betraying them, and just as he is betraying Ukraine,

just as he is betraying Canada and Mexico, by the way, he negotiated the trade deal with Canada and Mexico, which was a very good deal actually. He

did a good job.

But, now he is saying it's a bad deal, and he has got to let -- it just -- in terms of customers, think about this, the customer is always right, they

tell you in business. Well, Canada buys $482 billion worth of goods and services for America every year. Mexico buys $506 billion. That's a

trillion dollars of those two customers. You know what Russia buys? 3.2 (ph). Russia, as John McCain said, is a gas station with nuclear weapons.

Why or why would the richest and most powerful country in the world want to be associated with a poor, dictatorial failed state like Mr. Putin's

dictatorship? I do not know.

GOLODRYGA: And yet, we hear from the President and from his advisors that they are eager to explore economic and trade partnerships with Russia once

this war comes to an end, again, sort of without any concessions from Russia at this point.

ASHER: And Paul echoing literally what Canada's Prime Minister said at the beginning, you shun your allies, but yet you're cozy up to what he referred

to as a terrorist, murderous dictator like Vladimir Putin.

GOLODRYGA: Yeah. To quote Trudeau, try to make sense of that.

ASHER: The world is outside.

GOLODRYGA: Paul Begala, Asa Hutchinson, we will be watching tonight. Thank you so much for joining us.

ASHER: Thank you.

GOLODRYGA: Always great to have you both on.

BEGALA: Thanks very much.

ASHER: And you can tune in to see President Trump's address to a joint session of Congress tonight at 09:00 p.m. Eastern right here on CNN.

GOLODRYGA: Well, the Los Angeles Lakers and their fans are excited about tonight. What's happening? Well, LeBron James is ready to make history with

just one basket.

ASHER: No pressure.

GOLODRYGA: That's coming up in just a moment.

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[11:50:00]

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GOLODRYGA: Well, LeBron James could make history tonight, and you know what? I think he is going to do it. My money is on LeBron.

ASHER: I kind of think so too. No doubt, since he is just one point away from becoming the NBA's only player to ever reach 50,000 points over his

career. Just a few weeks ago, James joined Michael Jordan as the only player over 40-years-old to have scored over 40 points in a single NBA

game, and now this.

Let's bring in, World Sport's Coy Wire. I mean, this number seems impossible. It's huge. I mean, this is historic. It is going to become part

of his legacy.

COY WIRE, CNN WORLD SPORT: Yes. No doubt about it. The 50,000 seems impossible, that one very possible, that he needs tonight. It's been 18

years since he last scored fewer than 10 points in a regular season game, eight points way back in 2007. So, yeah, the chances of not cracking that

50,000 point milestone, or slim to none, and slim is nowhere to be found, like off having a hot dog somewhere.

He has been rolling with his new wing man, superstar Luka Doncic, joining the Lakers mid-season, blockbuster trade, and LeBron points his several

major statistics have all jumped since his arrival. But, check out this hustle I want to show on this next play from LeBron, again, his game last

past weekend against the Clippers, they were up just five with 30 seconds to go, and at 40-years-young, LeBron flying for the monster dunk. I mean,

we are witnessing one of the greatest athletes of all time, right? Zain and Bianna, he just -- one of those things where some day youngsters are -- who

aren't even born yet, they might ask us, what was it like watching LeBron?

I mean, have you guys ever gone to like a concert and seen someone who is like way past their prime and they're performing, and it's just doesn't hit

the same, I'm not going to name any artists who I've seen. But, LeBron at 40-years-old, that's very old in basketball years, and it's just

incredible.

All right. Times just keep getting tougher for the Dallas Mavericks, their superstar, Kyrie Irving, now done for the season, according to multiple

reports. The nine-time All-Star, his knee, you can see there in a loss against the Kings last night just didn't go the right way. After arriving

in pain on the floor, though, he showed pure grit. Teammates helped him get to the free throw line so he could shoot his free throws after the foul.

There were tears coming down his face. He made both of those shots. Afterwards, he was helped off the court. According to multiple reports, he

suffered a torn ACL, meaning his 15th NBA season would be over, just tough times. Remember, Luka Doncic just got traded away from the Mavs.

[11:55:00]

He is now shining with the Lakers, and you see Anthony Davis there helping Kyrie off the court. He got traded to the Mavs, and he has been injured.

So, it's a tough time for the Mavs, tough time Kyrie Irving, and especially for their fans. They just announced a few days ago that they are raising

season ticket prices for next season. So, yeah, those Dallas Mavericks fans have had better times in their careers.

GOLODRYGA: Well, as a Houston Rockets fan, I will say I've never, in the last few weeks, I still can't understand that Dallas trade of Luka,

honestly. It makes no sense to me, and I am so old, Coy, that I remember, I remember seeing LeBron's rookie year. I mean, that was so long ago.

WIRE: Yes. It was.

ASHER: This guy has potential.

WIRE: Easy now.

GOLODRYGA: I've got a good eye for talent.

WIRE: Easy now. I think you're younger than me, girl. So, we call yourself old. I'm real. Good to see you.

GOLODRYGA: Coy, you never age. Good to see you.

WIRE: You too.

GOLODRYGA: And still ahead on One World --

ASHER: As the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo intensifies, with thousands of people killed in fighting in the eastern part of the

country since January --

GOLODRYGA: We'll speak with the DRC's Minister of Foreign Affairs on the next hour on the ongoing security and humanitarian situation.

Stay with us. One World will be right back.

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