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The Brief with Jim Sciutto
CNN International: Remaining Epstein Files Released; Lawmakers Attempts to Avoid Lengthy Shutdown; Massive Protests Against ICE Across U.S.; Former CNN Anchor Don Lemon Appears in Federal Court; Trump Picks Kevin Warsh to be Next Fed Chair; Iran: Ready to Participate in Nuclear Talks with U.S.; Iran Warns of Immediate Retaliation to Any U.S. Attack; Venezuela Approves New Law Opening its Oil Industry; The 68th Annual Grammy Awards. Aired 6-7p ET
Aired January 30, 2026 - 18:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[18:00:00]
LYNDA KINKADE, CNN ANCHOR: Hello and welcome to our viewers joining us from all around the world. Great to have you with us. I'm Lynda Kinkade,
live in Atlanta, and you're watching "The Brief."
Just ahead this hour, the U.S. Justice Department releases the remaining Epstein files, including millions of pages, photos, and videos. Massive
protests across the U.S. calling for an end to the Trump immigration crackdown. This is lawmakers' debate funding for ICE. And the 68th annual
Grammy Awards air this Sunday. We'll give you a sneak preview of the music's biggest night.
We begin with the release of the final batch of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Three million pages, 200 videos, 2,000 videos, rather, and 180,000 images.
Now, they include an FBI form that details a complaint from a woman who accused Donald Trump of raping her when she was just 13 years old. The
anonymous accuser previously launched lawsuits against the U.S. president and then dropped them. Mr. Trump has previously denied the woman's
allegations. And we should point out, there is no evidence of wrongdoing against the president related to Epstein.
Today, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche insisted that no one, including the president, is being protected.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TODD BLANCHE, U.S. DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL: There's this mantra out there that, oh, you know, the Department of Justice is supposed to protect Donald
J. Trump. And that's what we were telling. That's not true. That was never the case. And we are always concerned about the victims.
When we said that we were not legally allowed to release documents, that's a fact. That was true. It remains true today. And then with the Axe
passage, we are able now and directed to release documents, which is what we are doing. But -- so hopefully, some of those frustrations are now
eased.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: Not included in the release are files that could identify the victims, victims' personal and medical files, depiction of child
pornography, death, physical abuse or injury, and anything that could jeopardize an active federal investigation or that is covered by various
privileges.
Some survivors tell CNN that they found numerous examples of victims' names appearing unredacted throughout the documents. Haley Robson is an Epstein
survivor, and she tells CNN that she's unhappy with the level of transparency.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HALEY ROBSON, EPSTEIN SURVIVOR: We're worried because we want our own files. We want our own 302s, and we have yet to discover those. We have yet
to receive those. You know, and so there are things that they are not being transparent with or that they're not prioritizing.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: MJ Lee is following the developments closely and joins us now live. Good to have you with us, MJ. So, you and our legal team have been
pouring through all these documents. One thing, of course, stands out, that the U.S. president is named in these latest files. What do they actually
show? What does it say?
MJ LEE, CNN SENIOR U.S. ENTERPRISE CORRESPONDENT: Yes. You know, important as a reminder, whenever we're talking about the current president, that as
far as Jeffrey Epstein is concerned, he hasn't been accused of any wrongdoing related to Epstein. He, of course, himself has called all of
this a political hoax aimed at hurting him.
But it's true that Donald Trump's name appears in multiple instances throughout the files that were released today by the Justice Department in
all different kinds of contexts, in email messages, in witness notes. And there's one document that is particularly noteworthy because it appears to
show Trump's DOJ officials discussing, as recently as last summer, compiling a list of different kinds of allegations of sexual assault that
have been lodged against Trump and received through an FBI tip line.
Now, we are not detailing them because these are unverified tips. But what's interesting is that these FBI officials, in discussing these tips
that were allegedly sent in about Donald Trump, they talk about how some of them are so salacious that they categorize them using a color-coded system.
[18:05:00]
It also gives us some insight into how some of these tips were actually followed up on by the FBI, though we don't have those details. Some of them
were not, and we don't know why. Some of the tips were actually deemed in this document as not being credible.
Now, we also don't know exactly why these DOJ officials went to the lengths of compiling this list that had to do specifically with Donald Trump. But I
think it does just give us a window into how these kinds of discussions have taken place inside of the DOJ by DOJ officials, who probably,
obviously, as anybody paying attention to these files, are keenly aware of the fact that the politics, when it is related to Donald Trump and the
president, and his potential involvement, his appearances in the files, that that has been an incredibly sensitive matter. Lynda.
KINKADE: And, MJ, we've heard from some of the survivors complaining about certain aspects of this release. How were the victims' identities protected
through those redactions? And can survivors challenge or appeal these decisions?
LEE: Yes, I was thinking about this when you were showing the graphic earlier of the redactions that the DOJ is supposed to make when releasing
these files. And one of them is just simply identifying information about the victims. And what I've been hearing from numerous survivors throughout
the day is that they are seeing their names, their information all throughout the files. And this is along the lines of what we saw when the
first batch of files were released by the DOJ as well.
And, you know, this includes some women who have only chosen to be identified thus far as Jane Doe. They have wanted to be anonymous. They
have not wanted their names, their information to be out in public. And as far as what they could potentially do to try to rectify this, well, we know
that Todd Blanche, the deputy attorney general, said at this press conference earlier, mistakes are unfortunately going to be made. And if you
see something that shouldn't be in the files, you should feel free to contact the FBI.
However, I have at least spoken with one lawyer who represents many Jane Does. And she told me yesterday that when she did reach out to the DOJ
because she saw that one of her clients, anonymous clients, was all over the files, she never even got a response.
So, I can tell you that at least for many of the survivors and the lawyers representing them that I've been in touch with, there's not a lot of
confidence and trust that, well, certainly that the redactions have not been properly handled, but that even when they try to raise this as an
issue, that those issues can be fixed.
KINKADE: All right. MJ Lee, good to have you staying across this developing story. Thanks so much. We're going to stay on this. Joining me
now is Neema Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor and president of West Coast Trial Lawyers. Good to have you with us.
NEAMA RAHMANI, FORMER FEDERAL PROSECUTOR AND PRESIDENT AND CO-FOUNDER, WEST COAST TRIAL LAWYERS: Thanks for having me, Lynda.
KINKADE: So, this latest release of Epstein files includes over 2,000 videos, 180,000 images. But many pages are heavily redacted. I mean, some
pages are entirely blacked out. Does this meet the legal obligations under the Epstein Files Transparency Act?
RAHMANI: Lynda, I don't think so. And this is why. Under the act itself, it's plain language. Really, the only redactions or documents to be
withheld that are legally appropriate would be that to protect the identity of victims of sex abuse, like MJ talked about. Obviously, any child
pornography.
But what you heard Todd Blanche talk about today are additional redactions. And those are for ongoing investigations. That would be under the
Department of Justice's law enforcement or deliberative process privilege.
The problem with that, Lynda, is that in July of last year, the Department of Justice said there is no legal basis to charge any third parties for
anything that is contained in the Epstein files. Now, perhaps this relates to the ongoing investigation in Manhattan in the U.S. Attorney's Office in
the Southern District of New York. That's headed by Jay Clayton.
But I think that some of these redactions are likely excessive because we know that the Department of Justice can waive these privileges. And we also
know that it's very unlikely to be any criminal prosecution related to these Epstein files because of what the DOJ has said itself.
KINKADE: And not just criminal prosecutions, but also civil cases. I'm wondering because we've heard, you know, that some of the material is
hearsay. How does that limit future prosecutions or civil lawsuits?
RAHMANI: Well, that's a big issue. Obviously, MJ talked about those FBI tip logs. And it's important to note that everything in the Epstein files,
regardless of whether it's substantiated or corroborated, which a lot of it isn't. And of course, the president denies doing anything wrong related to
Jeffrey Epstein.
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But a civil or criminal case, Lynda, requires a witness who's living, willing, and able to testify under the Confrontation Clause of our
Constitution and accused. It could be, it could be Prince Andrew, it could be President Trump, it could be Bill Clinton. They have the right to cross-
examine their accuser.
So, if someone is going to come forward and testify at a civil or criminal case, well then, we may have a proceeding. But the files themselves, they
may be great for the court of public opinion, but they're all hearsay and nothing that's actually going to be admissible in any courtroom in this
country.
KINKADE: We know certain lawmakers and leaders like the President like to launch defamation suits. Could he do that in this case, given the way his
name is used and what's written about him throughout these files?
RAHMANI: Well, potentially yes, and we know the president's been very aggressive in filing defamation claims against individuals, members of the
media. But in any defamation case, truth is an absolute defense, and of course the president is a public figure and he would have to prove malice.
So, by filing a defamation suit, then it really puts the allegations at issue.
And I think, you know, I'm not speaking for the president, but I think the last thing he wants is any more attention on Jeffrey Epstein and his
personal or professional relationship with him. So, it's probably not a good idea to file any type of litigation affirmatively.
Now, of course, if someone were to directly accuse the president, that might be a different story. But based on the allegations and the Epstein
files themselves, I would be very surprised if the president decides to go after someone and make an issue of this that isn't already existing in a
civil or criminal case in a courtroom in this country.
KINKADE: Plenty more to discuss, but we'll leave it there for now. Neama Rahmani, I appreciate your time. Thank you.
RAHMANI: Of course, thanks for having me as always.
KINKADE: Well in Washington, federal funding is set to expire at midnight tonight, putting the U.S. on track for at least a partial government
shutdown. Lawmakers are now attempting to avoid a lengthy shutdown as the Senate votes today. The key issue is overfunding for the Homeland Security
Department, which oversees ICE and Border Patrol. The House is not expected to return until Monday.
Well, protests against federal immigration enforcement are being held in major cities across the U.S. right now.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Minnesota, make it clear.
CROWD: Minnesota, make it clear.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Immigrants are welcome here.
CROWD: Immigrants are welcome here.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: You're looking there at pictures from Minneapolis, where a massive march called a national shutdown is underway. This is, of course,
the city where we saw those fatal shootings by federal agents which killed two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
Demonstrators also walking out in Phoenix, Arizona, rallying against the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. And in Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
a huge crowd taking to the streets in a sweeping show of anger.
Well, Sara Sidner is in Minneapolis for us right now. Sara, these, of course, are not the first protests we've seen there. Tens of thousands of
people marched and hundreds of businesses were closed in solidarity with demands to stop ICE operations last week. What are they looking like today?
SARA SIDNER, CNN SENIOR U.S. CORRESPONDENT: Look, there were tens of thousands of people, thousands upon thousands of people that came out at
one point spelling out SOS to get help. They're calling for help. And this is what's left of the protests here. People are still out here.
I have to mention the temperatures are absolutely bone chilling. People have come out. Their children have been out here with them. You've got
families. You've got people from all different backgrounds out here. There has been a huge swell, a huge swell of people from this community coming
out to the streets.
We also today saw something that a lot of people weren't expecting, and that is that Bruce Springsteen came to the city to perform his new song,
which is called "The Streets of Minneapolis," which talks about what has been happening here at the hands of federal agents. In his song, he
mentions Alex Pretti. He mentions Renee Good. He mentions bloodshed. And it is sort of a poetic song about what is going on here and that it needs to
stop. Definitely a protest song that the folks in Minneapolis will be using for years to come.
So, we saw that with a large group of people going to see him at First Avenue, a famed venue here for Music One that Prince and the Revolution
used to go to and perform at many, many, many times over the years before his death. But you are seeing this groundswell of human beings here who
have come together to say they want ICE out of their community.
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They don't want to draw down. They want them out because they feel that they have been creating absolute chaos here and breaking constitutional
laws. And that is why they are taken to the streets.
We also know from the president, though, we're hearing mixed messages because his border czar, who replaced the person who was in command here,
came out and said, look, we are looking to try and start to withdraw some of the ice agents here. There were about 3,000, which tripled the number
basically of the local police here. But then the president was asked about and he says he had no plans on drawing down. So, some dissension within the
ranks, if you will. We are waiting to see what happens here.
But certainly, people here who have come out to the streets are fed up and they want ICE out and they want ICE out now. Lynda.
KINKADE: And, Sara, what message do they have for lawmakers right now who, you know, we are headed towards another government shutdown because
Democrats are saying, you know, this budget should be tied to a Department of Homeland Security funding and immigration policy reform, including
limits on how ICE is able to operate. What are protesters saying about that? What is their message to lawmakers?
SIDNER: Their message is very clear to lawmakers. They want ICE defunded. They want it no longer to exist in the form in which it exists. And it
hasn't always been around. It's been around for several decades, but it hasn't always been around. They also don't want to see Border Patrol, which
is normally on the border between the U.S. and other countries, mostly U.S. and Mexico. They want to see Border Patrol go back to the border and stop
coming into internal cities here in cities across the country.
Yes, a lot of frustration, but they want to see it defunded. They want to see monies taken away from ICE. But the Trump administration has exploded
the budget for ICE. It has a huge, huge budget now, larger than we've ever seen before.
So, again, they are telling their representatives, those who showed up here, that they want them to stop funding ICE. And if that means shutting
down the government, then so be it. Lynda.
KINKADE: Sara Sidner, great to have you there in Minneapolis for us. Appreciate you. Thank you so much.
Well, former CNN Anchor Don Lemon appeared in federal court in Los Angeles just moments ago. Lemon and fellow independent journalist Georgia Fort were
arrested in connection with a protest at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota, earlier this month. They were live streaming as demonstrators rushed into
the church to denounce the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. Both journalists say they were there just as reporters, not as protesters.
Fort live streamed her arrest Friday on Facebook. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GEORGIA FORT, INDEPENDENT JOURNALIST: Agents are at my door right now. They're saying that they were able to go before a grand jury sometime, I
guess, in the last 24 hours, and that they have a warrant for my arrest. This is all stemming from the fact that I filmed a protest as a member of
the media. All right, you guys, I got to go. They're knocking.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: Legal Analyst Joey Jackson joins us now for more on this. Joey, good to see you. So, federal magistrate initially refused to approve
charges against Don Lemon, citing insufficient evidence. Despite that, he was arrested last night. What are you learning about his case?
JOEY JACKSON, CNN LEGAL ANALYST: Yes, we are in some very difficult times when you can be a journalist in the United States who's covering an issue
and you're arrested as a result of it. And so, what we're learning is whether or not this is a continued part of the current American president's
retribution campaign. We've seen this in connection with other enemies of the president, including James Comey, the former FBI director. He was
indicted. And, of course, his case was dismissed. We saw it in connection with Letitia James, New York state attorney general, with whom the
president had a feud and with whom she prosecuted his organization civilly. That case was dismissed. I would anticipate that this case will be
dismissed also.
Now, to be clear, Lynda, what happens here is that you have an allegation where it's said that Mr. Lemon, Don, was in effect interfering with the
rights of worshipers, in addition to impeding and obstructing their ability to engage in worship. I think there's a distinction between suggesting he
was a protester on the one hand and, on the other hand, just arresting him as a journalist covering what the protests were doing and what their
objectives are.
And so, you know, tough, tough, tough times, particularly when, as you noted, you go to a magistrate who is a judge who can issue a warrant for
arrest, and they say, there's nothing to see here. Facially and factually, there is no such basis for an arrest. You then appeal it, if you're the
Department of Justice, to a higher court, and they say there is no basis to -- for an arrest, and then you arrest them anyway using another mechanism
that we have here in the United States.
[18:20:00]
So, just as a practitioner, I don't like to see this. We are seeing it, and it's not indicative of what the United States of America represents or is
all about.
KINKADE: And we're just starting to learn, Joey, about the charges. They're quite unusual. They're using two main federal laws. One, most
people associate with abortion clinic protests, and the other was passed to protect civil rights groups against, you know, groups like the Ku Klux
Klan. Just explain how these are being used in this case.
JACKSON: Yes. So, it's being used, and I think being turned on their head. When you look at laws, you look at the basis for which they were passed,
and you look at laws that are used and were used, you know, in the Reconstruction Era of this country in order to protect people who were
marginalized, in order to protect people who were being demonized and really being discriminated against by the government.
Wow, how times have changed. What you're using is one law suggesting that he was conspiring and otherwise interfering and had a preplanned notion of
going there, that is, Mr. Lemon and others, to disrupt the services and to engage in these activities to not allow people to worship. And then you
have the other law known as the FACE Act, which really deals with freedom to access clinics. And that dealt with reproductive rights, of course, but
it's also used in the context of the church.
And what it really says is that you have to either threat or use physical harm or cause physical harm or otherwise impede or obstruct the people's
ability to actually engage in worship. You know, look, I've seen the tapes, and it's about time, Lynda, that we all kind of start believing what our
eyes suggest and say. And we've seen Don Lemon there, and what he was doing, it's appeared, was engaging in journalistic activities.
So, to equate him as a person who was a journalist monitoring an event, reporting and broadcasting on an event with someone who's actually engaged
in the protest itself, not only really conflates the two issues, but I think clearly, to the extent that he's an enemy of the president, goes to
show what this is really all about. And I just think that it puts us in a very, very difficult place, a place we don't need to be, but unfortunately
a place we are. I think that this will be a quick dismissal.
KINKADE: All right. Joey Jackson, always great to get your analysis. Thanks so much.
JACKSON: My pleasure. Thanks, Lynda.
KINKADE: Well, still ahead, President Trump's pick for Fed Chair is winning high marks overall, but could politics stand in the way of Kevin
Warsh's confirmation? We'll have the latest on the future of the Fed, next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[18:25:00]
KINKADE: Welcome back to "The Brief." I'm Lynda Kinkade. In today's Business Breakout, a rough end to the trading week on Wall Street. U.S.
stocks fell across the board, led by weakness in tech. Gold and silver also posting sharp losses after their record runs. Silver plunged 25 percent.
Some of it's tied to President Trump's new pick to head the Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh. Precious metals had been rising on fears that Mr.
Trump would choose a candidate with little concern for Fed independence.
But Warsh is a former Fed governor and has been outspoken about the need for an impartial Fed. He has historically been known as an inflation hawk
who wants pushed for higher rates, though President Trump wants lower rates. Jared Bernstein is a former economics official in the Biden White
House and says this about Warsh's economic outlook.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JARED BERNSTEIN, FORMER COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERS CHAIR, BIDEN ADMINISTRATION: I would argue that the Federal Reserve that Kevin Warsh
envisions in his writing is diametrically opposed to the one that Donald Trump believes he's appointing him for. So, that's going to be a balancing
act, I think, ultimately. I don't think we should down weight his writings, but he also knows who his boss is and he knows that Trump is perfectly
capable of picking up the phone.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: So, politics could hold up Warsh's confirmation in Congress. A Republican on the Senate Banking Committee, Tom Tillis, is refusing to hold
a vote on a Warsh right away. He wants the Justice Department's criminal probe into the current Fed chair, Jerome Powell, to be resolved first.
Tillis says the investigation is unjustified. President Trump had this to say about Tillis today, noting that he's not running for reelection this
year.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, U.S. PRESIDENT: I always liked Senator Tillis, actually, but he did some things that were not smart. And whatever. I mean, you know, if
he doesn't approve, we'll just have to wait till somebody comes in that will approve it, right? So, that's it. But I saw that he wants to be an
obstructionist, but we have a lot of obstructionists.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: So, is freedom of the press under threat? Don Lemon, independent journalist, is speaking now following those federal charges.
DON LEMON, FORMER CNN ANCHOR: Last night, the DOJ sent a team of federal agents to arrest me in the middle of the night for something that I've been
doing for the last 30 years, and that is covering the news. The First Amendment of the Constitution protects that work for me and for countless
of other journalists who do what I do. I stand with all of them and I will not be silenced. I look forward to my day in court. Thank you all.
KINKADE: That was former CNN anchor Don Lemon speaking there, saying that he is looking forward to his day in court. He, of course, was arrested by
federal agents Thursday and is facing two federal charges, one of which comes with up to one year in prison. I was just speaking to legal analyst
Joey Jackson, who expects the charges to be dropped. We will continue to follow that case closely.
Politics, of course. I was just speaking about the Fed Reserve chairman who has, you know, the expectation is it is going to be Mr. Warsh. Kevin Warsh,
who, of course, has been nominated by Donald Trump. Now, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wants a vote on Warsh delayed until that case on
Powell, which is the current chairman, wraps up. Now, he is under investigation for testimony he gave before Congress over the costs of
renovating the Fed Washington headquarters. His term as Fed chair is up in May.
Now, for more on Warsh's nomination and the implications for the market, I want to welcome Sam Stovall. He is the chief investment strategist for CFRA
Research and joins us now live. Good to have you with us.
SAM STOVALL, CHIEF INVESTMENT STRATEGIST, CFRA RESEARCH: Good to talk to you, Lynda.
KINKADE: So, President Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh to be the next Fed Reserve chairman. How does Warsh's background as both a former Fed governor
and also a private sector adviser shape expectations for his leadership?
STOVALL: Well, I believe that we saw a little bit of what the market is expecting from his leadership, and that is somebody who is going to be very
protective of Fed independence, but also to really be making decisions based upon the data.
[18:30:00]
And data recently show a very strong U.S. economy, 4.4 percent GDP growth in the most recent reading. Also, the Atlanta Fed GDP now forecast is at
5.4 percent for the fourth quarter. Also, when we see inflation readings for the producer price index, which came out today hotter than expected,
the Fed at the earliest is likely to cut interest rates again in June and might not even do so any time this year.
KINKADE: We have already heard from some lawmakers wanting any sort of confirmation hearing pushed back until this investigation into Jerome
Powell wraps up. Is that a wise move? And what other pushback do you see -- do you think we'll see from the Senate?
STOVALL: Well, I think certainly the constituents of the Democratic Party want to know that their representatives are still alive and breathing. And
so, I think that's one of the reasons why they said they would hold things up.
Also, they realize that Kevin Warsh is somebody who has already been approved by the Senate as a former member of the Fed. And therefore, the
likelihood of his being accepted is all the more great. So, I would tend to say that, really, let's just get some of these issues resolved before we
move forward with the new Fed chair.
KINKADE: Exactly. We appreciate your time today. We will be following this story closely and see how it plays out. But some of the markets appear to
be quite happy with this nomination right now. Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist for CFRA Research, thank you.
STOVALL: Thank you.
KINKADE: Well, still to come on "The Brief," Iran's top diplomat says his country is open to talks with Washington as the U.S. builds up its military
in the region. We'll discuss what's at stake next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KINKADE: Welcome back to "The Brief." I'm Lynda Kinkade. Good to have you with us. Here are the headlines we're watching today.
[18:35:00]
The U.S. Justice Department says it has released the last batch of documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. It says some
information remains under seal because of redactions and ongoing investigations. The documents contain references to President Donald Trump
as well as other powerful figures, including Elon Musk and Bill Clinton.
Russia says it's agreed to pull strikes on Kyiv until Sunday. The Kremlin said President Trump made the request in order to create favorable
conditions for negotiations. There were no strikes on Kyiv overnight into Friday. Sources telling CNN that Russia's special envoy is expected to
visit the U.S. on Saturday for meetings with members of the Trump administration in Miami.
Accused killer Luigi Mangione will no longer face the death penalty. A federal judge dismissed the murder charge that would have made him
ineligible for -- that would have made him eligible, rather, for the death penalty. Mangione is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
in Manhattan in 2024. The 27-year-old still faces federal stalking and state murder charges in New York.
Iran's foreign minister says his country is open to nuclear talks with the U.S. as long as they are fair and just. Those statements come during a
meeting, came during a meeting with his Turkish counterpart.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ABBAS ARAGHCHI, IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER (through translator): Our nuclear activities have always been peaceful and we never have been in search of
nuclear arms. If these negotiations are based on mutual interest, mutual respect and mutual trust, then we are ready to continue these negotiations.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: What's not clear is how and when those talks might take place. President Trump says he's communicated directly with Iran about setting a
deadline for a deal. He stopped short of giving any details. All this as a U.S.-guided missile destroyer docked at an Israeli port, joining other
warships in the region.
Well, for more, I want to welcome senior fellow at the Center for International Policy, Sina Toossi. Good to have you with us.
SINA TOOSSI, SENIOR FELLOW, CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL POLICY: Thank you.
KINKADE: So, Iran says it's ready to talk, but there are no current talks underway right now. What are the key barriers to resuming nuclear
negotiations at this point?
TOOSSI: Yes. So, the two sides still appear quite far in their positions, at least the rhetoric suggests that, including the Iranian foreign
minister's rhetoric in Turkey today. The key sticking points and points of contention between them have been Iran's nuclear capabilities, obviously,
with Iran wanting to have some kind of uranium enrichment program on its soil within its territory. The U.S. being opposed to that.
And also, the U.S. has made demands in recent times for Iranian concessions on its ballistic missile program and its regional influence and its
regional alliance network. And Iran has been opposed to giving any concessions in that regard and views them as giving away its key means of
defending itself and its deterrence.
And obviously, there's a huge trust gap as well, where the last time the U.S. and Iran were in the middle of negotiations earlier last year, Israel
launched a surprise attack on Iran, which the Trump administration supported despite its negotiations going with Iran at that time.
KINKADE: Yes, exactly. So, while both sides say they're open for dialogue, they're both upping the ante in terms of threats. We heard that Iran warned
that U.S. military assets are within range of its missiles. And President Trump, of course, emphasizing that U.S. naval strength in the region is
increasing. How serious are the current military tensions between both nations, and how would you describe the risk of escalation?
TOOSSI: Yes. Well, the military tensions are really arguably at a peak, a historic peak, really. You know, U.S.-Iran tensions have been ongoing for
years, for decades. They've really come to head in many ways. We've seen that, you know, the broad, this one important context is these real
massacres by the Iranian government of protesters in recent weeks with Trump threatening military intervention over those.
But obviously, U.S.-Iran differences go beyond the Iranian government's repression domestically. And both sides stand to lose a lot in a military
conflict, and both sides also don't have many good options. Like the U.S., if it were to do a big military campaign, it could easily get sucked into a
big military quagmire, like the Iraq War, which Trump has wanted to avoid. Same for Iran. It's obviously going up against a nuclear armed state, you
know, vast military disparity.
And Iran's key issue has been, in terms of hitting back at the U.S., doing so in a way that historically they've been more calibrated and more
restrained.
[18:40:00]
But the rhetoric out of Iran now is that if the U.S. strikes Iran, Iran will react in such a way to really impose a cost on the Trump
administration in the United States. This can include strikes in the Persian Gulf, strikes on U.S. bases in the region. So, both sides are
really grandstanding. The rhetoric is extremely high, and the risk of even miscalculation, even if not by design, you know, things spiraling out of
control at this time is quite high.
KINKADE: So, Iran is facing the external threat of the U.S., but also internally. It's facing a lot of pressure. We were just looking at those
pictures of the mass demonstrations. Of course, Iran's security forces have cracked down, carrying out arrests right across the country. What does that
tell you about the regime's internal stability right now and the way it is managing dissent?
TOOSSI: Well, it tells me that the regime is insecure, it's vulnerable, and it's resorting to harsher and harsher repression to maintain its
control. This is a government that is a theocratic state, is a dictatorial state that was founded in a revolution in 1979, and that has long ruled by
repression, but has also endeavored to gain consent and legitimacy through controlled elections.
And the latest crackdown in Iran, to me, indicates that the government is not even trying to attempt to gain consent or rule by, you know, pretending
to gain legitimacy or trying to gain legitimacy, but really through coercion and force, you know, these reports of many thousands of people
being killed.
But importantly, this is also in a context of unprecedented U.S. economic siege and sanctions. And the goal of those sanctions has explicitly been
from U.S. officials to create the kind of unrest in Iran we've been seeing. Even Treasury Secretary Bessent said recently that these protests in Iran
show that U.S. policy has been successful, you know, this policy that has really crushed the Iranian middle class, sent millions of more Iranians
into poverty.
And a lot of this unrest we're seeing in Iran, you know, Iranians want fundamental change, fundamental political change. And they've been driven
by these grievances regarding their destroyed livelihoods, where young people, especially that they have no prospects, they've fallen out of the
middle class, and they don't feel that there's any hope. And they've been pushed to desperation and anger.
KINKADE: Yes, and that economic hardship might only get worse with the latest sanctions from the U.S. and E.U. Sina Toossi, we appreciate your
analysis. Thanks so much for joining us.
TOOSSI: Thank you for having me.
KINKADE: Still to come on "The Brief," growing concerns in Cuba about its oil supply, now that the U.S. has ousted Nicolas Maduro from power in
Venezuela. We'll have that story next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[18:45:00]
KINKADE: Welcome back to "The Brief." Venezuela approving a new law to make it easier for foreign companies to take part in its oil industry. The
move comes as the U.S. eases some sanctions on the country's oil sector. President Trump signed an executive order threatening to impose tariffs on
countries that provide oil to Cuba.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: Cuba is a failing nation, and you have to feel badly for Cuba. They've treated people very badly. We have a lot of Cuban-Americans who
really were treated very badly, and they'd probably like to go back. I think Cuba will not be able to survive.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: Patrick Oppmann is in Havana, where the energy crisis is only getting worse.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
PATRICK OPPMANN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In the U.S. attack on Venezuela to capture Nicolas Maduro, over 100 people were killed, among
them 32 Cuban soldiers, including Maduro's closest bodyguards operating there in secret.
Now Cuba's closest ally and more importantly its biggest oil supplier appears to be under de facto American control. And this is sending a chill
through Cuban society about what may be next.
TRUMP: Cuba is really a nation that's very close to failure.
OPPMANN (voice-over): It is a prediction many U.S. presidents have made. But the revolution founded by Fidel Castro has endured.
I've been a foreign correspondent in Cuba for 14 years, a country that suddenly feels very different to me. And I want to find out what the
operation in Caracas means for the future of 9 million Cubans who live in this island nation.
The Cuban government received the remains of their fallen soldiers from Venezuela with a hero's welcome after decades of denying their presence
there. Thousands of people lined the streets that day and waited hours to pay their respects.
OPPMANN: This direct confrontation between the U.S. and Cuban soldiers, that's not something we've seen for decades. And it's left many people here
wondering, you know, the loss of their ally in Venezuela, how is that going to impact them?
OPPMANN (voice-over): Outside in the line, I meet Iliana Medrano.
OPPMANN: What would happen if there was an invasion of Cuba by U.S. troops?
ILIANA MEDRANO, CUBA RESIDENT (through translator): We would confront whatever comes. We don't know what will happen, but we are willing to die.
OPPMANN (voice-over): Cubans are no strangers to economic hardship. Since Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution, they have weathered America's embargo and
their own government's disastrous economic missteps. After the Soviet Union collapsed, Venezuela emerged as Havana's lifeline.
Here's how the agreement worked. Cuba sent thousands of doctors, teachers, sports trainers, as well as military and intelligence officials to
Venezuela in return for oil.
OPPMANN: Now with Maduro in jail and out of the picture, it's not clear if Venezuela can or will continue the oil shipments that the Trump
administration has vowed to block.
OPPMANN (voice-over): To make matters worse, Havana's second largest oil supplier, Mexico, has also reportedly suspended oil shipments. Already we
are witnessing the impacts, it can take weeks to get a spot in a gas line using an online system. Gerardo tells me he's waited 29 days.
GERARDO (through translator): Things are going to get tough. I'm glad I was selected today, because I don't know if I will be next time.
OPPMANN (voice-over): As night falls, many here will be left in the dark. And so longer and longer apagones, blackouts, are becoming the new normal.
In many parts of the island, the power is off more hours a day than it is on. Some people tell us they are fed up, but they're too scared to speak to
us on camera.
The Trump administration vows the pressure will continue on Cuba. For now, the Cuban government is defiant, calling for one of the largest
demonstrations outside the U.S. Embassy in Havana in years.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): Cuba does not have to make any political concessions.
OPPMANN (voice-over): For those of us who cover the normalization of diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Cuba under the Obama administration,
there's a sense of whiplash.
OPPMANN: I've even heard from a U.S. Embassy source that diplomats there have been advised to, quote, "have their bags packed" as the Trump
administration explores new ways to stabilize the Communist-run government.
Patrick Oppmann, CNN Havana.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KINKADE: And when contacted by CNN, the U.S. State Department said it would not comment on internal meetings, but that there were no indications
of any embassy drawdown in Havana.
Well, still to come, it's time to once again for the music industry's biggest night of nights, the Grammys, of course. Who's nominated and who's
performing will have all the details of this year's hottest acts just ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[18:50:00]
KINKADE: Welcome back to "The Brief." I'm Lynda Kinkade. The 68th Annual Grammy Awards are coming to a TV near you this Sunday. Music's biggest
night of the year will be hosted by the six-time comedian Trevor Noah. Performers include Bruno Mars, Post Malone, Lauryn Hill, Lady Gaga, Bad
Bunny, and rap icon Kendrick Lamar, who has nine, that's right, nine nominations this year, including album, record and song of the year.
Well, let's get right to it and welcome Lisa France, who joins us here in Atlanta. Great to see you, Lisa.
LISA RESPERS FRANCE, CNN ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER: Good to see you.
KINKADE: So, this is going to be a historic night, according to the critics. There's going to be many historic wins, potentially Bad Bunny for
album of the year. Which categories are you going to watch closely?
FRANCE: Well, album of the year is a big one, you know, and I think given who's in that category, Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Sabrina
Carpenter, The Clips, Pusha T and Malice, Kendrick Lamar, if I didn't already say his name, Leon Thomas, Tyler, the Creator. I mean, that is a
tough, tough category, Lynda.
And, you know, while people do always say that they come for the performances, they do also pay attention to who's nominated. And I'm going
to be checking for album of the year because if Bad Bunny wins, he would make history as the first all-Spanish album to win that category. So,
people have their fingers crossed for Bad Bunny.
KINKADE: Yes, here's hoping. And people also tune in for the performances, right? For the first time in four years, we're going to see Justin Bieber
perform since he was diagnosed with a condition that paralyzed part of his face. This is going to be a moment, right?
FRANCE: It is definitely going to be a moment, not just because he had a rare neurological issue, which fortunately has cleared up, but also because
Justin has been very open about the anxiety that he sometimes has, especially when it came to touring. And so, people have not had the
opportunity in years to see him perform. So, to see him take to the Grammy stage, Lynda, is going to be so exciting. And that's another moment I
cannot wait for.
KINKADE: And, Lisa, for the first time since she was just 17 years old, Taylor Swift is not nominated for a Grammy. Why not?
FRANCE: Well, because I'm a newly minted Swifty, I'm going to say it's actually because the "Life of a Showgirl" came out in October and it missed
the deadline, the cut off in August to be able to actually be nominated. So, you know, sorry Swifties, but she's not nominated this year.
KINKADE: We're going to have to wait another year. She's busy planning her wedding. We'll leave her to that.
FRANCE: Yes, you're right.
KINKADE: But each year at the Grammys, we also remember the musicians that we've lost. And today, of course, we lost an iconic actress, Catherine
O'Hara. This is a woman who's been on our screens for decades. We've known her from "Home Alone" and more recently "The Last of Us." What do we know
about how she passed and how she's being remembered?
[18:55:00]
FRANCE: Yes, we don't know a lot. We know that she passed at her home in Los Angeles after a brief illness, according to CAA, which repped her. But
she just is beloved as America's mom on some levels for playing the mom in "Beetlejuice" and in "Home Alone."
I was blessed to interview her last year because she did a Super Bowl commercial for Michelob. And she told me then that kids still would come up
to her and say, how did you forget Kevin? Why did you leave Kevin at home? And that tickled her so much, Lynda. She adored being part of that movie,
which is iconic. People loved her for that role and so many others. I mean, she just had major range from the small screen to the big screen.
And this was such a shock. People are really, really just grappling with the fact that she's gone because she was so beloved. And recently, she
appeared in the studio, which is a great comedy series from Seth Rogen. And she played Seth Rogen's mentor. And again, she just showed off her chops.
She was one of the funniest actresses in Hollywood and also just a darling, darling person to talk to. She was as lovely and as gracious as people
imagined her to be when I talked to her last year.
KINKADE: I love when you hear that. And you know what, my girls and I, they watched "Home Alone" for the first time this Christmas and asked the
same question. Why did their parents leave Kevin at home?
FRANCE: Yes, that's a big question. It's a big deal. People love that movie. And it's a tradition for many families to watch that every holiday
season. I'm glad that your kids got the chance to take that in.
KINKADE: Yes, it's a classic.
FRANCE: Yes.
KINKADE: Our thoughts are with her family and friends. Catherine O'Hara, dead at the age of 71. A true icon. Lisa France, thank you very much.
FRANCE: Thank you.
KINKADE: And thanks for all of you for joining us. I'm Lynda Kinkade in Atlanta. Great to have your company. You have been watching "The Brief."
Stay with CNN. Much more news ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[19:00:00]
END
