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The Situation Room
Trump Defends Controversial Move to Pause Sanctions on Russia; New Order on Women's Health; Pope Leo Released from Hospital; Reports: Eagles' Jalen Hurts Out for Season with Blood Clots. Aired 11:30a-12p ET
Aired October 19, 2026 - 11:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[11:30:00]
WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: Ambassador, that Ukraine has now run out of missiles for the U.S.-made Patriot air defense missile system, and that leaves Ukraine clearly much more vulnerable to these ongoing Russian ballistic missile attacks.
And just a short time ago, President Zelenskyy posted this on social media, quote, "There are also delays in certain types of vital supplies at the level of the U.S. Department of War." Zelenskyy also says it would be very difficult to win this war without U.S. support. Is President Trump essentially prolonging this war?
KURT VOLKER, FORMER U.S. AMBASSADOR TO NATO: Well, definitely prolonging the war. There is no way that Putin will end the war without pressure to do so. And by lifting that pressure, it is encouraging Putin just to keep going.
Ukraine, defending their lives, their country, their people, they don't have a choice. They have to defend themselves. So, they will continue to do so, and they have proven to be far more innovative and capable than anyone expected. Just as an example, all of the gains that Russia made on the battlefield since last fall have been erased by Ukraine's counter offenses, their return advances, eliminating those gains. And it has come at an extraordinary cost in lives to the Russian military, probably 300,000 plus soldiers removed from the battlefield.
BLITZER: Wow.
VOLKER: So, Putin is not able to win this war. He needs to stop it. And the best way to get him to stop it is to apply pressure to get him to do so.
BLITZER: Like U.S. sanctions, which have now been lifted. The secretary of state, Marco Rubio, says there could be a meeting between President Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, on ending Russia's war with Ukraine. Ukraine's foreign minister says that meeting would actually encourage Putin to continue this war. What do you think?
VOLKER: Well, several things. First off, it makes President Trump look rather weak to agree to a meeting like that, because it is Putin and Xi ganging up on Trump to say, do something about Ukraine. Second, there shouldn't be any meeting like that about the future of Ukraine without Ukraine being there. So, it needs to be with President Zelenskyy. You might as well ask, why don't you have a Xi-Trump meeting to decide the future of Russia?
BLITZER: Yes, important point. Ambassador Kurt Volker, thanks so much for joining us.
VOLKER: Thank you.
BLITZER: Pamela.
PAMELA BROWN, CNN ANCHOR: All right. Wolf, President Trump just signed a new executive order with a big focus on women's health. We're going to get reaction from someone who was invited to the event. Up next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[11:30:00]
BROWN: All right. Happening now, President Trump and the First Lady just announced an overhaul to how the federal government approaches women's health. The First Lady spearheaded the new executive order, and it creates a brand-new division at the National Institutes of Health dedicated exclusively to women's health issues and a White House Women's Health Task Force. The goal here is to boost research and fast-track cures.
Joining us now is Jennifer Weiss-Wolf. She is an attorney and author of "Generation Menopause: A User's Manual and Citizen's Guide." Jennifer, thanks for coming on. You were at the forefront of advocating for women's health just last month. In fact, you testified in Congress' first-ever hearing on menopause, pushing for this exact kind of research. What is your immediate reaction to this announcement from the White House today?
JENNIFER WEISS-WOLF, ATTORNEY AND WOMEN'S HEALTH ADVOCATE: I'm relieved that it is a very reasonable executive order. The call for much deeper investment in women's health research, in particular midlife and older women's health research, is absolutely needed, and I welcome them to the fight here. As you said, it's been taken up in Congress. It's been addressed by state legislatures across the country. This is definitely a moment.
BROWN: So, as we've been noting, Jill Biden had a similar effort. It closely resembles what she did in terms of women's health. You have previously been critical of the Trump administration on this issue. Back in August, you wrote that the administration has exacerbated an already dismal status quo. Does this announcement change anything for you?
WEISS-WOLF: No, not particularly. There's absolutely credibility to be mindful of. I'm sitting in my New York City office right now. I'm not in Washington, D.C., though I was invited to be there. I did not have the faith to be present in the audience with -- you know, given the Trump administration's history on women. That said, the objectives about investing in women's health research are critical.
I will welcome them when they come, as they just have this morning. I'll note that even with the Biden administration's executive order, we've really faced a paucity of investment in women's health research over almost all of history, and neither political party has absolutely gotten it right.
BROWN: Yes. I was reading this morning, again, just 10 percent of the NIH budget goes towards women's health research. We'll see if this changes anything, this new initiative today from the White House. From what you observed during the Biden administration, did anything tangible materialize from that initiative on women's health? How do you think this time could be different?
WEISS-WOLF: Well, I mean, the Biden administration had overall a very different approach, but the particular executive order from 2024, one thing that's different about it is it had actual dollars attached to it, to objectives and outcomes. Some of those actually materialized.
The Department of Defense had announced a $500 million investment in menopausal women's health, and have just recently even dispersed some of those funds. So, I think that executive orders are hard.
[11:40:00]
Generally, they don't have too much teeth, and so we will see what comes from this one. It's a little hard to measure, I guess, because it speaks broadly about women's health research, which I appreciate, and it forms a task force, and we shall see what the task force comes up with and who come -- you know, who's on the task force.
BROWN: Yes.
WEISS-WOLF: But a little hard to say right now if, you know, we're headed towards something different.
BROWN: As far as we know, there are four members of this task force. Chief of Staff Susie Wiles is part of this panel, serving as a co- chair. I'm assuming that's what you were talking about. Maybe you're talking about a different task force. She's been through some of her own women's health challenges recently, as you probably know, with breast cancer. How significant do you see her presence being in this group?
WEISS-WOLF: I think that, you know, the chorus of voices here will be interesting. It's also headed by, you know, our junior secretary of HHS. So, there's up winds here in terms of, I think, overall vision for women's health. But I think -- again, I feel like I invested in being optimistic that they've joined the fight here and want to be part of this broader conversation about investments in women's health, especially for older women and midlife women.
BROWN: In your eyes, Jennifer, what are the most urgent issues that need this funding right now or need this attention in the women's health space? WEISS-WOLF: My main focus has been on menopause and the complete dearth of research that has clouded the entire ecosystem when it comes to understanding menopause. Better understanding how we are addressing long-term cardiovascular health, bone health, brain health, and prevention of Alzheimer's are key concerns of mine.
BROWN: Yes. I mean, Alzheimer's is a big one, right? It disproportionately impacts women over men, and so much of it could potentially be linked to that mid part of our lives. You know, there needs to be more research done on what you can be -- what can be done to prevent that, right?
WEISS-WOLF: Yes. An interesting factoid, just as you compare research and women's health research, is that we have an abundance of studies showing the Alzheimer's protective capacities of Viagra and zero about estrogen.
BROWN: Well, that's all you need to know. We're going to end it on that note. Clearly, more to be done on this space, also in the reporting space as well, which I'm trying to do on my end. Jennifer Weiss-Wolf, thank you so much.
And if you want to learn more about some of the most baffling and isolating aspects of women's health, check out my new series on CNN "Body Language." The first four episodes and topics ranging from breast reductions to perimenopause to GLP-1s are available to stream for free on cnn.com/bodylanguage. Wolf.
BLITZER: And coming up, how Leo now says his recent lung cancer surgery will affect his schedule, including his upcoming trip to Latin America.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[11:45:00]
BLITZER: Happening now, Pope Leo is back at work just days after surgery for a cancerous growth on his lung. He led Sunday prayers at the Vatican after his release from a Rome hospital.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
POPE LEO XIV (through translator): I would like to thank all those who in these days who have prayed for me. I would like to thank you for your support. Thank you. I thank you. Particular gratitude must be conveyed to the doctors, the nurses, and all the staff of the Gemelli Hospital where I was being treated. This experience made me experience nearness of all those who suffer from this condition.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BROWN: The 71-year-old Pope was diagnosed with lung cancer, but doctors say he made a good recovery from the surgery and cleared him for an extended trip next month to South America.
With us now is CNN religion contributor and Catholic priest Father Edward Beck. Father, how important was it for the Pope to lead the prayer yesterday?
REV. EDWARD BECK, CNN RELIGION CONTRIBUTOR: Well, I think it was really important because it gave people confidence. I mean, this was caught early. It was treated fast. The nodule was found on routine tests. And I think the fact that the Pope saw the possibility of returning that soon, I think was a good sign for everybody. It was very reassuring to see him out that window.
BLITZER: Doctors say the Pope has recovered well from the surgery, at least so far. But what do we know about his prognosis beyond that?
BECK: Well, right now his prognosis is very good. As you know, they are still doing tests, though, to see if the cancer has spread. We don't know yet if he needs chemotherapy or any kind of immunotherapy. So, that still remains to be seen.
It was interesting to me that they were supposed to remove only a nodule from the lung, but they took the whole lower lobe. And that may be just precautionary to make sure that they got everything or it could have been larger than they thought. We won't know that, Wolf, until more tests are done or at least the conclusions of those tests are revealed.
BROWN: So, he has this extensive trip across South America planned for next month. Tell us more about why this trip is so important to the Pope.
BECK: Well, I think it's important for a number of reasons.
[11:50:00]
First of all, one of the places he's going is Peru. And you'll remember that he was a missionary there for two decades. He actually has citizenship in Peru. So, that would be a great homecoming if the Pope was able to go to Peru and return there. So, that would be celebratory.
Also, Argentina is on his list, and no Pope has ever visited Argentina, Pamela. I mean, Pope Francis, who is from there, never made it back. I think intentionally he didn't want to show favoritism to his home country. But I think for this Pope to be able to go to Argentina, the homeland of Pope Francis, would be very special.
And I know the Argentinians would appreciate a papal visit, which they've never had before. And Uruguay is the other country he's scheduled to visit. It's the longest of his papal voyages thus far. And so, we'll see if he's up to it.
As you know, with Peru, there's varying altitudes that he would have to travel. And so, with lung surgery, that may be a little, you know, not advisable. But right now, all systems are go, and the plan is for him to do so.
BLITZER: The diagnosis, as you know, seems to have surprised so many people, 71 years old, and everyone thought he was in very good shape. What has been the reaction, as far as you know, inside the Vatican? BECK: Well, initially, it was real concern, because even inside Vatican, people did not realize that it was cancer. I mean, the Pope suspected it. And when he said from the window when he announced it, which was historic, by the way, I mean, Popes don't usually reveal stuff like that to the public before it happens. Pope Francis didn't even do that when he had a surgery for diverticulitis.
So, the fact that this Pope told everybody was great, but he didn't say it was cancer. We didn't find out that until after the surgery. And so, people were surprised. And the fact that the prognosis is good, that they seem to have gotten the cancer, as I said, while we're waiting more tests. But I think that people were surprised and concerned because he seemed kind of this young, vigorous 71. And now, we see, like everybody else, there's a mortality.
I mean, we never know, right? We never know if the Pope's going to survive. We never know if we're going to survive. So, that's all up to God. But I think the prognosis is good, and people are very confident.
BLITZER: And so, many of us have been praying for a speedy recovery for the Pope. Let's hope that happens. Father Beck, thanks so much for joining us.
BECK: Thank you, as always.
BECK: And coming up, there's more breaking news coming into the Situation Room. Sidelined indefinitely the condition that could end the season for the Philadelphia Eagles star quarterback, Jalen Hurts.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[11:55:00]
BLITZER: Breaking news, the same injury that kept Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts out this past weekend could keep him off the field for a lot longer.
BROWN: All right. Let's go live now to CNN sports anchor Coy Wire. Coy, what more are you learning?
COY WIRE, CNN SPORTS ANCHOR: Hi, Pamela. Hi, Wolf. Frightening health update here on Jalen Hurts. We previously knew that doctors discovered a blood clot in his calf in London before the Eagles played the Jaguars. He still played that game just over a week ago, but now the team and his agent, Nicole Lynn, revealing that further testing showed the clots moved to both lungs.
Hurts is now receiving blood thinners, cannot participate in any football activities, of course, during treatment. The Eagles say the initial clot was caused after taking a cleat to his calf in a game against the Rams October 4th. Now, Hurts missed yesterday's game, of course, on injured reserve. Multiple reports say he may miss the rest of the season. The encouraging news, though, the Eagles and his agent say he's stable, expecting a full recovery, and anticipate no long- term effects. Football can wait. His health comes first. Now, let's get to some of the highlights from Sunday's action, and we will start with our Buffalo Bills, Wolf. Facing the Raiders in Vegas, Josh Allen is the magic show. He's about to get sacked. He escapes, and then how'd he do that, Wolf? I mean, he just flicks that thing like a shot put to Keon Coleman, Allen's second touchdown pass of the day. Tied Hall of Famer Jim Kelly's Bills franchise record of 258. Buffalo out blasting the Raiders, 33 to 30. Great time to be a Bills fan.
Not so great of a time to be a Rams fan. Their new kicker, Blake Grupe, rocked out of the game. Rams just cut their previous kicker last week, so punter Ethan Evans has to come in to kick an extra point to give L.A. the lead with 47 seconds to go. You think the game was over? It was not. Jacoby Brissett finds Jalen Brooks to get Arizona within field goal range, and Chad Ryland connects from 43 yards out. Ryland goes six for six, scoring all 18 of Arizona's points. Beat the Rams without scoring a touchdown, 18 to 16. Rams were favored by 13 and a half this game.
They were preseason Super Bowl favorites for many, but now, for now, they have a two and four record, just like the Cardinals. With that, Wolf and Pamela, we will send it back to you.
BLITZER: All right. Coy Wire, thank you very, very much.
BROWN: Thank you, Coy.
BLITZER: And before we go today, our chief, chief international anchor, Christiane Amanpour, just announced that she will leave CNN in June. Christiane has spent 43 years with all of us here at CNN, bringing the world exclusive interviews with leaders and covering international conflicts and humanitarian crises.
She is the very definition of determined and dogged journalism, and she began as a news desk assistant at our, in our Atlanta newsroom many years ago. In a statement, she said in part, she looks forward to interesting new projects down the line and will always be rooting for CNN and maintaining its history of independent journalism. Remember, she says, "Always be truthful, not neutral," end quote.
And on behalf of the entire Situation Room family, and indeed all of us here at CNN, I want to thank Christiane for her decades of critical reporting. We wish her all the best in her next chapter. She's really a legend. She really is an inspiration. I worked closely with her for so many years. We all love Christiane.
BROWN: We all love -- I've looked up to her since I was a little girl.
BLITZER: Yes.
BROWN: Wow. Well, best of luck to her. She is an icon. And thank you all so much for joining us this morning. Inside Politics with our friend and colleague Dana Bash starts now.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) [12:00:00]
WOLF BLITZER, CNN CO-ANCHOR: Coy Wire thank you very, very much. And before we go today, our chief, chief international anchor Christiane Amanpour, just announced that she will leave CNN in June. Christiane has spent 43 years with all of us here at CNN, bringing the world exclusive interviews with leaders and covering international conflicts and humanitarian crises. She is the very definition of determined and dogged journalism. And she began as a news desk assistant at our -- in our Atlanta newsroom many years ago.
In a statement, she said in part, "she looks forward to interesting new projects down the line and will always be rooting for CNN and maintaining its history of independent journalism. Remember, she says, always be truthful, not neutral." And on behalf of the entire Situation Room family, and indeed all of us here at CNN, I want to thank Christiane for her decades of critical reporting. We wish her all the best in her next chapter.
PAMELA BROWN, CNN ANCHOR, THE SITUATION ROOM: (inaudible) legend.
BLITZER: Is an inspiration. I worked closely with her for so many years. We all love Christiane.
BROWN: We all love. I've looked up to her since I was a little girl.
BLITZER: Yeah.
BROWN: Wow. Well, best of luck to her. She is an icon. And thank you all so much for joining us this morning. Inside Politics with our friend and colleague Dana Bash starts now.
