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One World with Zain Asher
Soon: Trump To Hold Cabinet, Musk To Attend; U.S. And Russia Meet One Day After U.S.-Ukraine Talks; Israel Considers Massive New Ground Offensive In Gaza; Gerard Depardieu Sexual Assault Trial Begins In Paris; Thousands Arrested In Protests After Istanbul Mayor Jailed; Carney Leans Into Battling Trump Ahead Of Canadian Election; First Black Congresswoman Mia Love Dies After Cancer Battle. Aired 12-1p ET
Aired March 24, 2025 - 12:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[12:00:30]
ZAIN ASHER, CNN ANCHOR: Would you trust Vladimir Putin? One Trump official says, he would take his word for it.
BIANNA GOLODRYGA, CNN ANCHOR: The second hour of ONE WORLD starts right now.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STEVE WITKOFF, UNITED STATES SPECIAL ENVOY TO THE MIDDLE EAST: I just don't see that he wants to take all of Europe. This is a much different situation
than it was in World War II.
I take him at his word in this sense.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
GOLODRYGA: Is this music to Putin's ears? Trump envoy touts Kremlin talking points as urgent ceasefire talks are underway.
ASHER: Also ahead, sources tell CNN a major Israeli ground offensive is in the works.
Plus --
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JUDITH GODRECHE, ACTRESS: It's not just the men who are the abuser who are trying to shut down the women, it's the society.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
GOLODRYGA: Turning point. France's best known actor is on trial for sexual assault and the Me Too movement is gaining a new momentum.
ASHER: Coming to you live from New York, I'm Zain Asher.
GOLODRYGA: And I'm Bianna Golodryga. You are watching the second hour of ONE WORLD.
At any moment now, we should see President Trump meet with his cabinet.
ASHER: Yes. There's no official word on what exactly Trump or his cabinet are going to be speaking about this time around, but we believe that Elon
Musk is actually going to be attending this meeting as well, just like he did on the previous meeting in March 6. This cabinet meeting comes as the
Trump administration is, of course, battling multiple challenges in court to the mass firings across the federal government by DOGE, which is of
course run by Elon Musk.
Joining us live now to talk about this is Professor Todd Belt. He's the director of the political management program at George Washington
University Graduate School. Todd, thank you so much for being with us.
This meeting, we believe, was supposed to start an hour ago.
TODD BELT, DIRECTOR OF THE POLITICAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SCHOOL: it's great to be with you. Thanks for having me
on.
ASHER: Great to be with you too.
This meeting was supposed to start about an hour ago, and it's the next meeting, the following meeting that we've seen from the March 6th meeting,
where, for the first time, we saw Elon Musk attending a cabinet meeting.
Obviously, around that time, there was so much backlash to his DOGE and, of course, the federal government cuts that we'd seen and number of people who
had lost their jobs.
What's changed between then and now, and what will likely be the key topics of discussion this time around?
BELT: Right. This was billed as sort of a follow up on DOGE. And so what we're thinking is there's going to be probably three specific items that
they're going to be talking about.
Those are leaks, cuts, and deportations. Coming out of the last meeting, of course, there was a number of problems and leaks about Marco Rubio having
the blow up with Elon Musk as well as Sean Duffy.
And so continuing on that, they're upset about that and also the leak that came out of the Pentagon about Elon Musk being briefed on an invasion of
China. And, of course, we know that April 14th is the next day that they're going to have to have reorganization plans from the cabinet for those cuts,
and, of course, the deportations that are going on have been another issue that they want to address.
ASHER: Can I just say that is a very New York moment while you're speaking on live television we can hear construction.
BELT: I'm so sorry about that.
GOLODRYGA: Construction or knocking if you need to get the door by all means. But kudos to you for really trudging through it and not being
affected at all by that knocking. So bear with us, because we do want to keep you on to talk more about what we can expect from this cabinet meeting
from the president. We know that the pressure on Elon Musk specifically, not only from Democrats who have expressed outrage about the amount of
power that he's wielded, an elected official here at surrounding the president basically during his every move and decision. But you also
hearing Republicans voice their consternation too about the amount of power he has wielded.
What specifically do you expect in terms of any backlash, whether it be from the judiciary or just from constituents, may be the final straw before
we do see either a more reserved Elon Musk? I don't know if that's even possible or even a split between him and the president.
BELT: Right. Well, I think that there's really two things that are pressuring the president, Elon Musk here, the first is members of Congress
and the blowback that they're getting from their constituents when they go to these town hall meetings and they're erupting in a bunch of frustration,
so much so that they even had to cancel so many of them.
[12:05:02]
And remember these members, want to bring good things back to their constituents and they can't get reelected if they're not able to do that.
And we've got that next bill coming through. I know, obviously, we have the continuing resolution going on, but there's going to be another bill for
more Homeland Security funding, as well as deportations and some other cutbacks to the budget that the secretaries are going to have to defend in
front of Congress. So this is what the president is going to have to face. And remember, it's so closely divided in Congress.
And the second thing is that the members of the cabinet who are the heads of the different departments, they have to get their jobs done. Sean Duffy
has to keep the planes flying, you know, and there are things that they have to get done. And the whole hatchet approach towards cuts has really
left these secretaries in the position of trying to defend what they're able to do to the public and trying to get those services to the public
that they need to -- that they're responsible for.
ASHER: Todd Belt from George Washington University, thank you so much for being with us. Appreciate it.
GOLODRYGA: Unflappable, even with all of that knocking.
All right. Well, U.S. and Russian officials -- U.S. and Russian officials are holding talks in Saudi Arabia right now aimed at achieving a partial
ceasefire deal in Ukraine.
ASHER: The two sides are expected to discuss the resumption of the Black Sea grain deal and a pause in attacks on infrastructure. But even as Moscow
talks peace, Ukrainian officials say that Russia launched an attack on a densely populated residential area in Sumy on Monday following a weekend of
violence.
Despite that, U.S. special envoy, Steve Witkoff, says he trusts Russian President Vladimir Putin and believes that he wants the war to end.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WITKOFF: I just don't see that he wants to take all of Europe. This is a much different situation than it was in World War II. In World War II,
there was no NATO.
So I just -- you have countries that are armed there. To me, it just -- it just does -- I take him at his word in this sense.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ASHER: In a separate interview, Witkoff stumbled over the specifics of one of the most contentious issues of the war and what appeared to sound like
Kremlin talking points.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WITKOFF: First of all, think the largest issue in that conflict are these so-called four regions, Donbas, Crimea, you know, the name
TUCKER CARLSON, AMERICAN COMMENTATOR: Lugansk.
WITKOFF: Lugansk. And there's two others. They're Russian speaking.
CARLSON: Yes.
WITKOFF: There have been referendums where the overwhelming majority of the people have indicated that they want to be under Russian rule.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
GOLODRYGA: Meantime, Ukraine says another meeting with the U.S. delegation is planned. After holding talks on Sunday, the country's defense minister
described as productive.
Alexander Gabuev is the director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, and he joins us now live in Berlin.
So much to get to, Sasha. But if we can just stick to what we heard there from Steve Witkoff in that highly controversial interview he gave to Tucker
Carlson as it relates specifically to the war in Ukraine and really parroting a lot of the Kremlin talking points. He mentioned that those four
regions in the Donbas, including Crimea.
And aside from not being able to identify them and name them, what also stood out to me is that he said, this is the largest issue of the war right
now. And I'm wondering if you would agree, out of three years now, nearly three years of war, whether it's those territories, that region that is
preventing a ceasefire and end to the war.
ALEXANDER GABUEV, DIRECTOR, CARNEGIE RUSSIA EURASIA CENTER: I would disagree. I think that the Russian goals are much more ambitious than just
the territorial conquest.
The war has started with Russia's onslaught on Kyiv with a very clear goal to subdue Ukraine, to turn it into Belarus. So a state that exists on paper
and maybe sitting at the U.N., but is fully controlled by Russia.
And that strategic goal has not disappeared. It's just thanks to three years of Ukrainian bravery, ingenuity and massive U.S. and Western support
to Ukraine under previous administration and some elements of that still continue, Ukraine is still standing sovereign despite losing a lot of
territory to Russia's occupation.
This is war not about territory. This is war about Russia's control over Ukraine and Ukraine sovereignty. That's the major element for Vladimir
Putin.
And second element is about security architecture in Europe where Russia, in Vladimir Putin's view, should be the dominant player.
ASHER: And Sasha, when you think about the fact that Russia has been launching these sort of mass drone attacks over Ukraine, how much are they
exploiting this window before any kind of ceasefire actually takes effect?
[12:10:04]
GABUEV: That can be part of that a lot of the civilian casualties that we are seeing are because many of these weapons are imprecise. A lot of them
are derailed by the defense systems. And that's happening on both sides.
Ukrainians are also launching sometimes successful drone attacks into Russia that also hit residential areas. But definitely both sides are not
bound to any agreements and they try to maximize their firepower and exploit their opportunities to inflict maximum cost. And there is also tit-
for-tat for that going on for sure.
GOLODRYGA: What we heard from Steve Witkoff was the closest we've seen anything resemble the words, the praise we've seen now for numerous years
from Donald Trump towards Vladimir Putin. He was not only parroting Vladimir Putin's talking points, but in a sense also speaking for Donald
Trump, which to be fair, he said that that's what he's there to do.
But now that he's met with Vladimir Putin two times, the fact that he went out of his way to say he trusts Vladimir Putin, he thinks he's -- doesn't
think he's a bad guy, that Vladimir Putin said that he prayed for the president during his assassination attempt. There was a portrait made in
his honor.
I mean, do you sense, given all of your sources in the Kremlin, is there any pressure, maybe even behind the scenes, that Vladimir Putin is facing
from this administration at this point?
GABUEV: We're not seeing that now, Bianna. We hear President Trump sometimes saying that he will apply pressure towards the Russians, but then
he indicates his favorite tool of coercion, which is tariffs.
Well, U.S.-Russia trade, as of last year, was three billion U.S. dollars. You can tariff all of that 500 percent and Russia won't feel a slightest
glimpse of pain.
And then we see very real pressure applied on the Ukrainian side. So there is this big disparity and I think that everybody's guess is what -- what's
going on there. But from the negotiation standpoint, I can tell you this from what I'm seeing is that the Russian negotiators, be it Sergey Lavrov,
Ushakov or Putin themselves, they are very skilled in manipulation. They know where the pressures or points are. They know which part of Trump's ego
to massage.
And then this portrait that President Putin has sent to Donald Trump, maybe that will be a nice part of the Mar-a-Lago exhibition. You know, this
prayer into this Putin's chapel as not a U.S. president, but as a friend, that all is very scripted, very well-orchestrated.
And the surprising part is that senior U.S. policymakers like are Mr. Witkoff seem to be taking this by face value.
ASHER: When you talk about just the sheer level of manipulation, I mean, just this idea of, you know, during the Trump assassination attempts that
Vladimir Putin was praying and he got really teary because he was praying for his friend. I mean, obviously, that is extremely manipulative.
When you think about that aspect of it and also the fact that from the Ukrainian perspective, the Russians have really failed in the past to honor
past agreements, past commitments, how much trust can there ever be on either side? Because obviously to actually come up with a final ceasefire
agreement, there does need to be this element of trust, and that is going to continue to be lacking.
GABUEV: I think that the ceasefire, just the sheer technicalities and the magnitude of complexity, given that it's 2,000 kilometers line along which
the Russians and Ukrainians are fighting, that the situation is much worse than it was in Donbas during the so-called Minsk agreements that stopped
the previous round of war in 2015. And that hasn't been perfect, but we've seen some progress in the latest stage, like around 25 people a year have
been dying and every death is a tragedy. But most of these casualties came from mines that were not cleared from this area.
So the ceasefire can hold up until the moment where one side and most likely Russia decides to violate it. So Russia might have various calculus
on how long it is compliant.
But make no mistake, Russia has already embarked on a large program for military modernization, learning the lessons of this war, integrated them
into the way they're going to fight. And they are building a bigger and better military. You only guess why. And I think that the answer is
potential preparation for next round of fighting in Ukraine when Trump is out of office.
GOLODRYGA: Yes. They are well into a wartime footing and economy at this point.
[12:15:03]
Alexander Gabuev, thank you so much. Good to see you.
ASHER: All right. Israeli leaders are considering a massive new ground offensive in Gaza. Sources tell us that tens of thousands of troops would
be sent into combat.
It comes amid at renewed Israeli attacks in Gaza, taking the death toll past a horrifying new milestone. The Palestinian Health Ministry says more
than 90,000 or 50,000, excuse me, 50,000 people have been killed in the enclave since Israel's war with Hamas began.
GOLODRYGA: Yes. And more than 15,000 of them have been children. The ministry has put out a list of those younger than 18 who have been killed
in Israeli military operations in Gaza.
And just hours ago, doctors at a hospital in Southern Gaza saying Israeli airstrike left part of it in flames. Israel says that it killed a key Hamas
figure who was in that hospital.
ASHER: Let us go live now to Jerusalem and CNN's Jeremy Diamond. Jeremy, just walk us through what we know about this renewed ground offensive.
JEREMY DIAMOND, CNN JERUSALEM CORRESPONDENT: Well, Israel is making plans for that offensive, although it is important to note right off the bat that
no decision has been made yet to actually pursue these plans, and this is one of several scenarios on the table.
But nonetheless, this very significant potential ground offensive would involve tens of thousands of troops going into Gaza, and not only going
into Gaza to carry out this ground offensive, but to clear areas of Hamas and then occupy those areas for the longer term. This could involve five
divisions of Israeli troops, which would be roughly 50,000 troops going into combat in Gaza.
Previously, what the Israeli military has done in past ground offensives is they've gone into certain areas of Gaza. They've routed Hamas from those
areas, or Hamas has retreated from those areas. And then the Israeli military, after several days or weeks of carrying out that offensive, will
then pull out of that area, and Hamas very quickly re-emerges in those very same areas.
And we've seen, of course, as the Israeli military has gone back into some of these same areas time and again over the course of the war. And so the
idea now with this potential plan would be for the Israeli military to go into these areas, to route Hamas forces from there, and then to remain
occupying those areas.
And what that would also likely mean, according to military experts, is setting up -- setting the stage for the Israeli military to engage in a
kind of long-term fight against insurgencies. And that could be months, but it could also even be years. And that is, of course, sparking some concern.
And all of these plans come at a time when the Israeli public has really been clamoring for a deal to free the hostages over a resumption of war.
Multiple polls have borne that out, that a majority of the Israeli public prefers to see a deal with Hamas to free the hostages and end the war over
this return to war that the Israeli prime minister has now engaged in, but is contemplating engaging it in a much more significant manner if indeed
these plans come to fruition.
ASHER: All right. Jeremy Diamond in Jerusalem, live for us. Thank you.
All right. He's one of France's most famous actors and now he's on trial, accused of sexual assault. Gerard Depardieu's trial begins in Paris after
months of delay. We are live for you in Paris when we come back.
GOLODRYGA: Plus, a political maverick loses her battle with brain cancer, but her legacy will live on. We'll look back at Mia Love's unorthodox life
journey.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[12:20:16]
ASHER: Dozens of protesters gathered outside a Paris courtroom where a high-profile sexual assault case is underway.
GOLODRYGA: French actor, Gerard Depardieu, is finally on trial in a case that was delayed for months due to his poor health. The 76-year-old is
accused of sexually assaulting two women on a movie set in 2021. Depardieu denies any wrongdoing.
ASHER: Standing by with more in Paris is CNN's senior producer Saskya Vandoorne.
So Saskya, 20 women have come out and publicly accused Gerard Depardieu of sexual assault, but this is the first time we've seen these cases actually
go to trial. Take us through it.
SASKYA VANDOORNE, CNN SENIOR PRODUCER: Yes, Zain, well. Well, you know, everybody's talking about this trial and not just because Depardieu is such
a household name, but because it's a big moment for France's Me Too movement. He is the first megastar to be put on trial.
There were protesters outside the courthouse earlier today who said that they were here to support the plaintiffs. And, of course, all of this is
happening against the backdrop of the Gisele Pelicot mass rape trial.
So more and more people are coming out saying that changes need to be made to French culture when it comes to education, for example. Take a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
VANDOORNE (voice-over): He's Frances best-known actor.
Now on trial, accused of sexual assault by two women who claim Gerard Depardieu attacked them on a film set in 2021, according to the
prosecutor's office.
Both women allege that on separate occasions, the actor pinned them between his legs and touched their genitals, buttocks, and chest over their
clothes.
While Depardieu has denied the allegations, the case has reignited the Me Too movement, stalled in France as prominent actresses supported men's
freedom to pester and defended art.
Actress Judith Godreche says art is no excuse for crime.
GODRECHE: In this country, I feel that it's not just the men who are the abuser, who are trying to shut down the women, it's the society.
VANDOORNE (voice-over): But now, a societal reckoning brought on by the Pelicot trial. Dominique Pelicot was found guilty of the drugging and mass
rape of his then-wife, Gisele Pelicot, in abuse that spanned nearly a decade.
The case sparked a national discussion around sexual violence and consent.
MARINE TURCHI, INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST, MEDIAPART (through translator): The Depardieu and Pelicot cases have played an important role in raising
public awareness and changing how we view certain behaviors, that they are not about seduction, but rather about power dynamics and domination. It is
now a collective issue, not just a women's problem.
VANDOORNE (voice-over): The plight of household name Depardieu has gripped the nation.
EMMANUEL MACRON, FRENCH PRESIDENT: (SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
GRAPHIC: I'm a great admirer of Gerard Depardieu. He makes France proud.
VANDOORNE (voice-over): The president's defense over two years ago still sparking outrage today.
(CHANTING)
GRAPHIC: He does not make France proud.
VANDOORNE: And this trial may not be Depardieu's last. Lawyers say he's been accused of assault by over a dozen other women and is embroiled in a
separate case where he's accused of rape.
JEREMIE ASSOUS, LAWYER FOR GERARD DEPARDIEU (through translator): These are nothing but slanderous accusations, each more serious than the last. So
he's been deeply affected. But he will finally have the chance to defend himself in a setting where the principle of fairness is upheld, as for
months, even years, he's been facing numerous accusations.
VANDOORNE (voice-over): If convicted, Depardieu faces up to five years behind bars. A verdict is still months away, but in the court of public
opinion, especially in the wake of the Pelicot rape trial, the pedestal Gerard Depardieu once stood on so proudly is already long gone, while the
Me Too movement has been truly resuscitated.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
[12:25:00]
VANDOORNE: Now the plaintiffs have been waiting a rather long time for this trial. It was meant to open in October but was delayed because of
Depardieu's ill health. But today, he seemed on good form. He was smiling inside the courthouse. We don't expect him to speak today but he should
speak tomorrow and the court has not been adjourned yet. Zain?
ASHER: Yes. As you point out, this is a huge cultural moment for France, especially in the wake of its Me Too movement. It just was sort of handled
very differently in France compared to what we saw here in the United States.
Saskya Vandoorne live for us there, thank you.
GOLODRYGA: Well, weekend of unrest in Turkey shows no sign of ending. We'll take a close look at Turkey's opposition leader who was formally charged
over the weekend, igniting protests.
ASHER: And as Canada's new prime minister embarks on a new election campaign, the Hollywood A-lister he's turning to, to help get his message
out.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
GOLODRYGA: Welcome back to ONE WORLD, I'm Bianna Golodryga.
ASHER: And I'm Zain Asher.
Protesters are out on the streets of Istanbul again. Take a look at these live pictures. Authorities drew an outraged response across the country
last week when they arrested Ekrem Imamoglu.
GOLODRYGA: Yes. The popular mayor of Istanbul is seen as the most serious challenger to Erdogan's two-decade rule. Imamoglu is being held on
corruption charges, which he denies.
CNN's Ben Hunte has the latest.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
[12:30:02]
BEN HUNTE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The jailing of a popular opposition figure in Turkey is being called undemocratic by his supporters
and fueling fiery nightly protests in Istanbul and other cities.
Tens of thousands of people filled the streets on Sunday, despite a government ban against street gatherings. Hundreds have been detained.
The formal arrest of Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, who is Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's main political rival, is outraging his
supporters.
On Sunday, a Turkish court dealt blow after blow to Imamoglu, officially charging him with corruption and ordering him to jail, pending trial.
He was also removed from office by the Turkish interior ministry.
Imamoglu denies the charges, saying they're politically motivated and wrote on X after he was arrested that this was a black stain on democracy and
vowed that he will not bow down. Many Turks say it's dubious that Imamoglu was jailed on the same day his party, the Republican People's Party, or
CHP, held its primary and nominated him to be its next presidential candidate.
OZGUR OZEL, CHAIRMAN, REPUBLICAN PEOPLE'S PARTY (CHP) (through translator): Just like the methods of the Italian mafia, a message is sent by having him
arrested on the day of his candidacy.
HUNTE (voice-over): Last year in local elections, Imamoglu was reelected mayor by a wide margin, and his CHP Party outperformed Erdogan's Justice
and Development Party in Istanbul and Ankara, a stinging defeat for the longtime Turkish leader, which is why some CHP supporters think Imamoglu is
under so much scrutiny.
BELGIN DOGRU, RETIRED TEACHER (through translator): Imamoglu took Istanbul. Whoever takes Istanbul takes Turkey. This has always been said. With these
accusations, the aim is to defeat Ekrem Imamoglu, reduce his power, and capture Istanbul, I think.
HUNTE (voice-over): Because of term limits, Erdogan can't run for office again unless there are early elections or a change to the constitution.
Erdogan and his party deny the actions against Imamoglu are politically motivated and insist Turkey's judiciary is independent. And he also gave a
stern warning to the opposition about what he called theatrics and slogans.
RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN, TURKISH PRESIDENT (through translator): We will certainly not allow the CHP and its cronies to disrupt public order and
disturb the peace of our people through provocations.
HUNTE (voice-over): But for many Turks, the threat to Imamoglu is also a threat to democracy and a potentially concerning turning point in Turkeys
future.
Ben Hunte, CNN
(END VIDEOTAPE)
GOLODRYGA: Time now for The Exchange. Our next guest is the author of "A Sultan in Autumn: Erdogan Faces Turkey's Uncontainable Forces." Soner
Cagaptay joins us now from Washington, D.C.
Soner, thank you so much for taking the time.
SONER CAGAPTAY, TURKISH POLITICAL SCIENTIST: It's a pleasure.
GOLODRYGA: Clearly, we have seen images now that hearken back to 2013 and the Gezi Park protests that we saw back in Turkey then. We -- Erdogan,
obviously, survived that moment in time.
I'm curious as to whether you think this will be any different in terms of his future as president of the country and whether or not he will be able
to quell the rise in protests that we've now seen over the last few days.
CAGAPTAY: Certainly. Not only Erdogan's political career is approaching an inflection point, but also Turkey's eight-decade of old democracy. Turkey -
- analysts, including myself has so far describe Turkey's political system that has emerged in the last 10 years with Erdogan's power centralization
as competitive authoritarian system.
I think by removing his key opponent, who is likely to defeat him in the elections, President Erdogan is removing the adjective competitive from the
system comparable to authoritarian system. And Turkey, sadly, is evolving to look more like Belarus.
President Erdogan has taken over many of the country's independent institutions, courts and media outlets, and he's also relying on the fact
that he has curbed freedom of expression, media and assembly to such an extent that he can continue with a crackdown against the protests and also
get away with arresting his key opponent.
ASHER: It's interesting because Imamoglu talked about fighting back, that he's going to fight back. I'm just curious how he's going to manage to do
that, especially when you consider the fact that his university, of course, also annulled his diploma, which could, of course, preclude him from a
presidential bid anyway, assuming that he is released.
So just explain to us what options he has to fight back here.
CAGAPTAY: Absolutely. It was kind of ironic because President Erdogan, too, when he was the mayor of Istanbul in 1990s, was arrested on sham and phony
grounds. And this time, I think the voters are looking at this idea that Imamoglu graduated from college many years ago and now his diploma is being
revoked. And in Turkey's constitution, you need to have a university degree to be president. They're saying that doesn't look right.
[12:35:08]
So, what is Imam Imamoglu going to do? I think that his greatest strength is the Imamoglu brand. Like President Erdogan, Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu is a
relatable and charismatic politician. He's also from Anatolia, Turkey's hinterland, is pious and nationalist, all Erdogan-like qualities.
However, unlike President Erdogan, whose base is exclusively constituted by right-wing voters, Mayor Imamoglu has base of right wing voters but also
centrist and left wing voters. So it's a broad-based. That's why President Erdogan feels mortally threatened by him.
Many other politicians have won elections from jail. I can think of Nelson Mandela. It's not inconceivable that Imamoglu and his party, CHP, play a
smart role. He can make a comeback.
But I think Erdogan is relying on his incumbency advantages. His state captured that has Turkey experience under him and his complete control of
institutions believing that he can overwhelm the protesters and the Imamoglu factor in Turkish politics.
GOLODRYGA: One of the things that's driving so many people to the streets, not only is this arrest but just discontent with the economy over the last
few years. And we've seen the government there support some $12 billion into the government there, into propping up the lira. We know that Erdogan
has also been trying to prop up the economy, which has spiked inflation as well.
At what point do you think he loses control as it relates to the economy alone, disregarding sort of, you know, his attempt to move towards
authoritarianism?
CAGAPTAY: Certainly. One of the reasons I think President Erdogan decided to move against Mayor Imamoglu, although there are no presidential
elections in Turkey scheduled until 2028, is that the economy has been really in bad shape.
Erdogan has won elections mainly on a platform of growth. Turkey suffering from high inflation. Electorate is discontented with the situation. And the
opposition of Imamoglu were both calling for early elections.
And I think Erdogan decided to nip him in the butt. Maybe he'll be able to do that. However, how will the market's react?
Now, Turkey's economy, to make a comeback needs financial inflows globally Turkey's a resourceful country. And I think markets will look at Turkey and
say, wait a minute, this system is going from competitive authoritarianism -- to authoritarian system, looks like Belarus. Do I really want to put
money on there? So markets, I think are the only factor, which is also the only thing about Turkey over which President Erdogan has no control, could
change President Erdogan's behavior going forward, if they react negatively, and say, hey, we want to see free and fair elections in this
country if we're going to put money into this country.
ASHER: Just in terms of what you said earlier about, first, it was competitive authoritarianism and with the arrest of Imamoglu. They've
removed the adjective competitive. What do you make of how the government is fighting back against these protests? They've banned protests in major
cities. They've banned unlimited access to social media as well at times.
And then you have the fact that they have sort of released all of these leaks trying to prove Imamoglu's guilt. What do you make of how the
government is handling this?
CAGAPTAY: Sadly, the system looks to be moving towards a more purely authoritarian system. And I think President Erdogan will bring out all his
instruments to suppress the protesters. The police has already arrested thousands.
The protests could grow or not at this point. We're at an inflection point. Turkey was a democracy twice longer than Erdogan has been in power. It's a
resilient democratic society.
A lot of people are on the streets. President Erdogan, I guess, could crack down using the police. He could also use his complete control of the media
and institutions and courts to frame Imamoglu with these allegations that he is corrupt, he's nepotistic, he rigged tenders and he supports terrorism
all in quotes of course and maybe this will make an impact with the voters.
I think Erdogan relies on his ability to shape the narrative and also he also relies on the global environment which is permissive. Turkey has
become a middle power under Erdogan. It plays Russia, U.S. and Europe against each other and Erdogan believes that there will be no international
pushback, unlike when he was arrested in 1999 and at the time the global community supported him and Turkey's free press, it was a democracy at the
time, supported his cause and civil society organizations.
So while Erdogan and Imamoglu are going through similar processes of being arrested, Erdogan is trying to deny Imamoglu the instruments that helped
Erdogan make framed as the representative of the common voter persecuted by the elites.
If Imamoglu can now become the new representative of the common voter persecuted by elites, he'll win. If Erdogan denies him that role, Erdogan
will win.
GOLODRYGA: Notable to hear Trump envoy Steve Witkoff over the weekend, in an interview, say that the two, President Erdogan and President Trump had a
phone call recently that they have a very good relationship and there'll be more headlines coming out of this relationship in the days to come.
[12:40:02]
Soner Cagaptay, thank you so much.
CAGAPTAY: It's a pleasure, thank you.
ASHER: All right. Students at Georgetown University are calling for change after a professor was detained by ICE. Protesters gathered on campus Sunday
demanding the release of Badar Khan Suri, accused by U.S. officials of being a mouthpiece for Hamas propaganda. But his attorney argues that Khan
Suri is being targeted because his wife is a Palestinian-American.
GOLODRYGA: Some Georgetown students and faculty now want the university to become a sanctuary campus banning ICE agents and police from entering.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANA, STAFF MEMBER, GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY: I think there is definitely a general sense of unease. Having someone from our own community taken is
something I think our entire community is still processing.
There is fear. We are seeing escalations in ICE actions around the country. To have it hit so close to home is definitely putting us in a difficult
position on whether we actually have the freedom of speech or not.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ASHER: CNN has reached out to the DHS for further clarification while the State Department declined CNN's request for additional comment.
All right. Still to come here on ONE WORLD.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARK CARNEY, PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA: He wants to break us so America can own us. We will not let that happen.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ASHER: He's not a candidate, but Donald Trump is top of mind for voters in Canada's upcoming national elections.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ASHER: All right. Greenland's prime minister is slamming a planned trip there by American officials that includes second lady Usha Vance. The White
House describes the trip as a cultural visit.
It says the U.S. delegation will be joining her to attend Greenland's national dogsled race and visit heritage sites.
GOLODRYGA: A source says National Security Adviser Mike Waltz is also expected to visit Greenland this week. But as U.S. President Trump
expresses interest in annexing the Arctic island, the territory's prime minister calls the visit quote, highly aggressive.
ASHER: Canada's new Prime Minister is making the argument that he is the man to take on Donald Trump.
GOLODRYGA: Yes. Mark Carney announced Sunday that Canada will hold parliamentary elections on April 28th. In a video released a day before the
election announcement, Carney chatted with comedian Mike Myers, also Canadian, about things that are uniquely Canadian and whether Canada will
ever be the 51st state. Have a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
[12:45:03]
CARNEY: What are the two seasons in Toronto?
MIKE MYERS, CANADIAN ACTOR AND COMEDIAN: Winter and construction?
CARNEY: Wow. We really are Canadian.
MYERS: Yes.
But let me ask you, Mr. Prime Minister, will there always be a Canada?
CARNEY: There will always be a Canada.
MYERS: All right. Elbows up.
CARNEY: Elbows up.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ASHER: By the way, elbows up is actually a slogan that has become increasingly popular in Canada lately. It's an old hockey term for standing
up to an aggressive opponent, and in this case, that opponent is the United States.
GOLODRYGA: Yes. Let's bring in CNN's Paula Newton in Ottawa with the latest.
Whatever you think about Mark Carney, that is a very clever campaign ad, and we've seen a lot of Mike Myers, too, playing Elon Musk on SNL and
playing himself as a patriotic Canadian there with the prime minister.
Just talk about the sea change in terms of the Liberal Party now actually having a chance, significant chance at winning in the upcoming elections.
PAULA NEWTON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes. I mean, look, the increase in the poll numbers for the Liberal Party of Canada, it has really been historic.
This is now, though, I will remind everyone, still a virtual tie between the conservative leader and the Liberal Party leader.
Now, what is interesting here is that Donald Trump is not on the ballot, but it certainly seems like it. He is pretty much the perfect foil for all
Canadian political leaders right now. And the reason is not just because of the threats about tariffs, right? It's also because of the existential
threat about wanting Canada to become the 51st state.
I want you to listen now to some of the language being used by both Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CARNEY: I'm asking Canadians for a strong, positive mandate to deal with President Trump and to build a new Canadian economy that works for
everyone. Because I know we need change. Big change. Positive change.
PIERRE POILIEVRE, CANADIAN OPPOSITION LEADER: I will insist the President recognize the independence and sovereignty of Canada. I will insist that he
stop tariffing our nation.
And at the same time, I will strengthen our country so that we can be capable of standing our own two feet and standing up to the Americans where
and when necessary.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NEWTON: This is certainly language that you have not heard in Canada before, especially during an election campaign. Mark Carney going even
farther, saying Trump wants to break us, so America can own us.
Again, everyone honing in on that April 2nd date when Donald Trump says he's going to bring in those reciprocal tariffs.
You know, Mark Carney was just in Gander, Newfoundland. I remind the two of you that that is where the play, the musical Broadway play, right, "Come
From Away," really originated. It was a blockbuster musical, but it really showed the kinship to quote Ronald Reagan, between Americans and Canadians.
All Canadian politicians making a clear look, this shouldn't be something against Canadians and Americans, but against Donald Trump in the Oval
Office.
Politicians will continue to lean into that message. The vote is April 28th, a short, sharp campaign, just like the elbows, with plenty of laws on
campaign financing in between.
So we will see. Again, this is still a very close race.
ASHER: Yes. Thank you for bringing up "Come from Away." I mean, that was an amazing Broadway play. I watched it a few years ago. It was really stunning
and just post 9/11, just really showing the bond, as you say, between the United States and Canada.
Paula Newton live for us, thank you so much.
All right. Since the year 1878, the South Lawn of the White House has been transformed into a celebration where Children and adults gather for the
annual Easter egg roll.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: On your mark, get set, you ready?
(WHISTLES)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
GOLODRYGA: Very enthusiastic George W. Bush blowing the whistle there. But this year, the White House egg roll is going to have a much different vibe.
The White House is soliciting corporate sponsors, prompting major concerns from ethics experts and officials from both parties.
The packages costing from $75,000 to $200,000 are being offered with the promise of logo and branding opportunities. Proceeds will benefit the White
House Historical Association.
ASHER: All right. Still to come. Former U.S. Congressman and CNN contributor Mia Love has died after waging a fight against a really
aggressive form of brain cancer. We'll look back at her life up ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[12:50:15]
ASHER: All right. Mia Love burst onto the national scene at the 2012 Republican Convention. A few years later, she would make history as the
first black woman elected to Congress as a Republican.
GOLODRYGA: Yes. Until 2019, she represented Utah's fourth congressional district, then joined CNN as a political commentator.
2022, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. Her family announced Sunday, at the age of 49, she lost her valiant battle.
CNN's Jake Tapper looks back at her life.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JAKE TAPPER, CNN HOST (voice-over): At the 2012 Republican Convention, Mia Love, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, made her national debut.
MIA LOVE, FORMER UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE: My parents immigrated to this country with $10 in their pocket and to hope that the America they
heard about really did exist.
TAPPER (voice-over): As Utah's first black woman mayor, she was running for Congress and voiced opposition to President Obama.
LOVE: Mr. President, I'm here to tell you the American people are awake and we're not buying what you're selling in 2012.
TAPPER (voice-over): Mia Love nearly lost that race, but she won over the Republican Party faithful with her pro-gun, pro-tax cut, anti-abortion
stances. When she ran again in 2014, she made history.
LOVE: Many of the naysayers out there said that Utah would never elect a black Republican, LDS woman to Congress.
Not only did we do it, we were the first to do it.
TAPPER (voice-over): A rising star, Mia Love built connections on both sides of the aisle. She was a reliable Republican vote, but she
occasionally broke with her party on issues such as access to contraception and gun regulation and immigration reform.
She even spoke out against some Trump administration policies in his first term.
LOVE: The practice of separating loving families from their children at the border is heartbreaking to watch.
TAPPER (voice-over): After losing a tight race in 2018, Mia Love became a CNN contributor, where she relished political debate.
LOVE: Let people vote on them. Let them pass or fail, but at least they have a voice.
TAPPER (voice-over): After being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2022, she responded with her typical fighting spirit.
LOVE: I actually had a doctor look at me and say, you're going to die from this. It's inevitable. They can figure out my diagnosis, but I don't have
to take the prognosis.
TAPPER (voice-over): Mia Love underwent surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and cutting edge immunotherapy. Far outliving expectations. Her
determination to survive and her faith were fierce.
LOVE: I have to say, this is for everyone who is struggling with something like this. Do not underestimate the power of a positive attitude.
[12:55:05]
TAPPER (voice-over): She took solace in her Mormon beliefs, her family and her friendships.
I'm coming in to give you a hug.
LOVE: I love you, Jake. You're awesome.
TAPPER: I love you, too. A wife and mother and trailblazer, Mia Love will be remembered by many mainly as a beautiful soul, someone who brought a
valuable perspective and a sense of humanity to the world of politics.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
GOLODRYGA: And Jake just took the words out of my mouth. I mean, really a true trailblazer. And we were so fortunate to have her here as a
contributor at CNN, just one of the kindest women thinking of her family.
ASHER: Impossible to watch that and not get emotional. Just everything that she went through. And obviously it took her so quickly. And she was so
young, just 49 years old, so young. But, obviously, she did so much in her lifetime.
GOLODRYGA: Well, fighter till the very end. We're thinking of her family in this moment.
Thank you so much for watching ONE WORLD. I'm Bianna Golodryga.
ASHER: I'm Zain Asher. Don't go anywhere. Bianna will be right back after this short break with "AMANPOUR."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[13:00:00]
END
