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The Brief with Jim Sciutto
CNN International: Search for Survivors in Venezuela; France Heat Wave Breaks New Records; Apple Price Hikes; Supreme Court Sides with Trump on Immigration; Trump Refuses to Sign Bipartisan Housing Bill; U.N. Commission: Israel "Deliberately" Killing Palestinian Children. Aired 6-7p ET
Aired June 25, 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]
PAULA NEWTON, CNN ANCHOR: Hello and a very warm welcome to our viewers joining us from all around the world. I'm Paula Newton in New York. Jim
Sciutto is off. You are watching "The Brief."
Just ahead this hour in Venezuela, rescuers are racing to find survivors after powerful back-to-back earthquakes kill nearly 200 people. We're live
in Bogota and Caracas. The Supreme Court hands the Trump administration two major wins on immigration cases, and France struggles as heat records are
broken once again in many towns and cities, including Paris.
Now, rescuers are desperately working to reach those trapped in the rubble 24 hours after two powerful earthquakes hit Venezuela.
The Venezuelan government says at least 188 people were killed and more than 1,500 injured. Those numbers are expected, unfortunately, to rise much
higher. A 7.2 magnitude quake hit first. That was around 6:00 p.m. local time on Wednesday. Then, just seconds later, one hit of magnitude 7.5. That
is the largest earthquake to hit Venezuela in more than a century. Survivors describe the horrific moment.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): What I did was throw myself on the floor to call on God. The walls cracked. The kitchen collapsed. The
living room is about to fall. One more movement and it will come down. Here I'm going to stay. Here in the street, I have nothing else. At that moment,
I only ran out with my rosary, my phone, which I had on me, and my clothes.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NEWTON: Government says there have been nearly 140 aftershocks since that quake. Stefano Pozzebon joins us now from Bogota, Colombia. Hello, my
friend. You have spent so many years reporting from Venezuela. I know, given the reporting that you're getting from on the ground, that the days
and weeks ahead will be some of the toughest that Venezuela has faced, really, in decades.
STEFANO POZZEBON, CNN CONTRIBUTOR: Oh, yes. The toughest in 30 years. That is what the government spokesperson Jorge Rodriguez told us, calling it the
gravest and most -- the largest natural tragedy hit in the country since 1999. So, 27 years, to be correct.
Hundreds of people are currently sleeping rough, preparing to sleep rough or somehow try to spend the night outdoors because they're either too
afraid to get back into their homes or they don't longer have those homes. The majority of the damage, Paola, has been confined to the state of La
Guaira, which is a coastal area north of the Venezuelan capital, south of the Caribbean coast.
That is where several buildings have collapsed, one on top of each other. The images that our team has been compiling out of Venezuela are truly
frightening. Take a listen to what we've prepared for you and your audience.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
POZZEBON (voice-over): Not one, but two earthquakes shaking Venezuela in a matter of seconds, killing well over 100 people and injuring around 1,000
more. Authorities say dozens of buildings collapsed in the capital, Caracas, less than 200 miles from the epicenter.
The first quake measured magnitude 7.2, striking just after 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Less than a minute later, an even stronger 7.5 tremor.
Authorities say more than 30 aftershocks were reported, Interim President Delcy Rodriguez declaring a state of emergency, while survivors are still
in shock.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): I am 59 years old, and I felt the earthquake very strongly. Inside my house, the glasses, the plates,
everything fell. We believe it was quite strong because it shook. for a long time.
[18:05:00]
You could see the water in the hotel pools sloshing out, and there is a lot of debris in the streets and many people outside.
POZZEBON (voice-over): In the areas hit the hardest, entire buildings reduced to piles of concrete and twisted metal. Rescue teams working
through the night have been able to rescue at least one person. The search for people trapped in the rubble never ceasing.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): I was here when I managed to get dressed. He helped me, and all the walls were cracked. We managed to open
the door however we could. There was a cloud of smoke that wouldn't let us see. And when we went downstairs, the scene was like a horror movie. We had
to climb over the rubble and everything. The building superintendent with the baby and all the neighbors coming down. But from that building, I only
saw that one family got out.
POZZEBON (voice-over): Officials warned the death toll could rise as first responders reach areas still cut off by the damage, while international aid
is starting to reach Venezuela to provide help for one of the deadliest natural tragedies here in this century.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
POZZEBON (on camera): And, Paula, well, you can see the level of damage, the level of catastrophe that is hitting their country. If there was one
nation in this continent that was not prepared to deal with such a level of devastation, it was Venezuela. And it's hit at the very worst possible
time. Paula.
NEWTON: Yes, Stefano, you know that more than most. I'm curious, given all of your contacts, whether it's in the government or your friends that are
there in Venezuela, co-workers, I mean, what are you hearing from them at this hour? Because we reported as well that there are so many aftershocks
and people are just terrified.
POZZEBON: Yes, exactly. I think two things are staying with me as we've been reporting this story for pretty much 24 hours. It's 5:00 or 6:00 here
in Bogota. I felt the first quakes here in the Colombian capital exactly 24 minus two minutes from just yesterday.
The other one is the fear. People are frightened. People are terrified. The idea of you not knowing whether your building, your bedroom will collapse
on top of you in your sleep is something that is really, really keeping people awake, of course. And they just cannot come to terms with that level
of worrying. This is one thing that we're hearing from local Venezuela. We have two teams out in Caracas that are speaking with survivors, speaking
with first responders. The main sentiment that is coming out of the capital right now is fear.
The second one is that the nation is still coming to terms with the magnitude of this disaster and sort of like scrambling plans for how to
respond. For example, several countries have offered their help, the United States, of course, but also the Dominican Republic. And here in Colombia,
they have already prepared two military planes, two cargo Hercules 130 to fly into Caracas.
And we're in touch with the people running these planes, running this operation, trying to understand how quickly can the aid get into Venezuela,
where right now they don't even know which of the runways of the airports around the capital are available and fit for use. This is the level of
devastation that more than 24 hours after the earthquake hit, we still don't know what airports have been identified as potential rescue center
for the aid to come in.
So, there is a big bottleneck because a lot of the international community, especially coming from the diaspora, this is a nation that has 25 percent
of its population living abroad. So, there is a great Venezuelan diaspora that is really ready to help, to chip in, to allow the aid to come in. It's
just the preparedness and the logistical aspect of moving the aid from abroad into the country, into Caracas. Fear and chaos. This is what's
happening in Venezuela still, more than 24 hours after the first quake hit the northern Venezuelan coast, Paula.
NEWTON: Yes, Stefano, and from the devastation we're seeing, of course, they do need the aid as soon as possible. And there are so many challenges
in the meantime. Stefano thanks so much. Appreciate it.
Joining us now is Cristina Garcia. She is the region's director for Save the Children. And I thank you for being with us. I do want to ask you what
your priorities are right now and how difficult getting the aid will be. I was just discussing with Stefano and I saw the pictures of the airport
myself. We know the infrastructure is a problem here and so is the issue of having towns and villages that are still quite isolated.
CRISTINA GARCIA, REGIONAL DIRECTOR, SAVE THE CHILDREN: Yes. Hi. Thank you. Thank you so much for having me.
[18:10:00]
So, you know, the most critical needs right now, of course, you know, search and rescue activities, that's the most immediate needs. The next 24,
48 hours are critical for that. But at the same time, we also need to assess, you know, the immediate humanitarian needs so that we can respond
accordingly and in coordination with the rest of the stakeholders.
You know, children are always the most affected ones by this type of big earthquakes and disasters and events. And that's one of the things we are
most concerned about.
NEWTON: You mentioned how difficult this is for children. The first issue has been trying, obviously, as you said, to rescue them. How difficult will
that be given we are more than 24 hours out now? There are still problems with power and communication and obviously lack of water as well.
GARCIA: Yes, no, absolutely. You know, the last information we have from the ground is that around 200 buildings have collapsed. So, you can imagine
the level of devastation in the most affected areas. So, those are the most immediate needs. I think rescue, search and rescue, it's very important.
But also, families have been forced to leave their homes.
You know, last night, many families, children and families, they were sleeping outside in open spaces, you know, some of them because, of course,
they could not return to their buildings because either they collapsed or they were not safe and others because they were already very scared about
the aftermath, you know, the replicates of the earthquake.
So, to those families, of course, the most immediate needs would be for sure shelter, food is going to become a need very soon, safe water and
healthcare for those injured and also for those with critical and chronic conditions that need to have access to the already collapsed health
services that are attending those injured by the earthquakes.
So, luckily, our teams were already in country. We were able to talk to them last night. Everybody has been accounted for and safe, which is very,
very good news for us because we have a large team in country. They are already working to assess the situation and the most urgent needs and are
starting to respond especially, you know, psychosocial support to families and children.
We know from previous emergencies that restoring a sense of, you know, safety routine and normality to children is very, very important for their
well-being. So, those are some of the critical things our teams are really focusing on right now. But as you were mentioning, you know, getting the
support that the families and children needs right now is going to be extremely complex.
You mentioned the airport. I think the airport has been open recently. I mean, that was the last information I had from like a few minutes ago from
our teams. We are still confirming that. But definitely, the logistics to get, you know, the support needed is going to be extremely challenging.
NEWTON: And I do want to ask you, I've been in and out of pediatric wards in Venezuela for years now. They had great humanitarian need before this
earthquake. What are your fears now when you think about the needs of children who were already needed that health care or who will need it now
to come?
GARCIA: Well, our most immediate fears is that, you know, to restore this sense of safety, normality and well-being for children is going to be even
harder than before. So, that's what our teams will be focusing on. You know, the schools have been temporarily suspended -- and the schools have
been temporarily suspended. And, you know, getting back children to normal life, school, safety, well-being is something that is going to be harder
than before. So, that's one of our most critical fears right now.
I mean, luckily, our teams are already responding. You know, some of them, they could not return to their homes yesterday, but still, they are there
and responding, assessing the situation and responding to the most immediate needs right now.
NEWTON: Yes, and we are grateful that your staff has accounted for. And I'm sure the days and weeks ahead will be quite arduous as they try and get
to the most needy. Cristina Garcia for us, thanks so much. Appreciate it.
GARCIA: Thank you. Thank you.
NEWTON: Now, we turn to a record-breaking heatwave that continues to plague Western Europe, killing hundreds of people.
[18:15:00]
The temperature in the U.K. hit a record high for June on Thursday for the second day in a row. The U.K. remains under a rare red extreme heat
warning, which has been extended now into Friday.
France has been particularly hard-hit, seeing its hottest night ever recorded Wednesday into Thursday. Officials in Paris say hospitals are
absolutely overwhelmed. The city is even banning public alcohol consumption beginning Friday in an effort to keep people safer.
Now, significant relief from these dangerously high temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius or 104 degrees Fahrenheit in some places isn't expected
until Sunday.
Now, as France endures the heat, a growing debate is emerging over whether to expand access to air conditioning to try and protect vulnerable
populations or save energy because of a climate crisis. Saskya Vandoorne has our report.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SASKYA VANDOORNE, CNN PARIS BUREAU CHIEF: France is arguing over something many people wouldn't think twice about, air conditioning. AC isn't a given
across much of Europe which is currently sweltering through a heat wave.
Here in France many schools, hospitals and homes don't have it and that's become the focus of a fierce debate. Is it a central protection against
extreme heat or indulgence the planet cannot afford?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think I don't need it because I'm young and I can survive this kind of event, it's not a big deal.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's not a solution, it's going to help to people feel good but it's not going to help the environment.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I don't think it's a good thing for a planet.
VANDOORNE: With France battling record temperatures and parts of the country grinding to a halt, now the debate on how to stay cool is heating
up too, turning air conditioning into a political issue ahead of next year's presidential election.
Far-right leader Marine Le Pen has promised a massive nationwide air conditioning plan if elected. She argues the French shouldn't have to
suffer through increasingly intense heat waves.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARINE LE PEN, FORMER LEADER, NATIONAL RALLY (through translator): It is absurd to have people die because of the heat. If I am elected president, I
will put in place a massive air-conditioning plan.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VANDOORNE: But her rival on the far left, Jean-Luc Melenchon, says installing AC everywhere would only make the problem worse by increasing
energy consumption and emissions.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JEAN-LUC MELENCHON (through translator): We mustn't do it. (INAUDIBLE) air conditioning everywhere. (INAUDIBLE) causing more harm.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VANDOORNE: Le Pen's plan also sparked outrage among the center-left climate-focused Marines who say that AC heats up the air outside and France
should adapt differently by renovating buildings to improve insulation and planting more trees.
But as temperatures climb, more French people are looking for relief, with some even sleeping outside. Fans and portable cooling units are flying off
the shelves, with long lines forming outside Paris stores. And despite the debate, air conditioning has become more common, with the share of homes
equipped with AC nearly doubling between 2016 and 2020, according to the country's Ecological Transition Agency.
Saskya Vandoorne, CNN, Paris.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NEWTON: Still ahead for us, Apple products are about to take a bigger bite out of your wallet. Why artificial intelligence is helping push tech prices
higher.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[18:20:00]
NEWTON: In today's business breakout, another mixed day on Wall Street. The Dow finishing in the green, but tech-heavy NASDAQ fell for a fourth
straight session. All that despite a big rally for chip giant Micron. Its shares spiked more than 15 percent after reporting blowout earnings thanks
to rising demand from A.I. firms.
Also, today, oil moved higher amid word that a cargo ship came under attack in the Gulf of Oman. The U.N. paused ship evacuations in the Strait of
Hormuz as a result.
New numbers show the Fed's preferred measure of inflation rising at an annual rate of more than 4 percent in May due to higher energy prices.
That's its highest level in three years.
Now, adding to our inflation woes, the higher price of electronics. Apple announcing Thursday it's raising prices on MacBooks, iPads and other
products because of shortages of memory and storage chips. Microsoft is raising prices on its Xbox consoles again for the same reason.
Now, memory chip prices are on the rise because they're also being used to power artificial intelligence. It's yet another example of how A.I. is
putting upward pressure on inflation. Our electricity bills are also on the rise because of soaring power demand from A.I. data centers.
Lisa Eadicicco joins us now. I mean, look, Apple shares fell more than 6 percent. That got my attention. It's its worst day in more than a year. I
mean, where do you see Apple in this? And are they really a warning sign of what's to come?
LISA EADICICCO, CNN BUSINESS TECH EDITOR: So, it's difficult to tell, but this is certainly significant because Apple rarely changes prices on its
products. And when it does, it'll usually lower the prices of some products when it releases new ones.
Apple said in a statement today that the industry is facing unprecedented challenges around this memory shortage, that it's never seen component
price increases happen like this, this quickly, and that it's working tirelessly to find a solution. So, this is significant.
But I think this also raises a lot of questions about what this could mean for future product launches. Apple did not raise the prices of any iPhones.
It has not talked about raising the prices of iPhone. But I think there's a lot of speculation about what this will mean for iPhone prices in the fall
when the company typically releases new models.
Now, the International Data Corporation has previously forecasted that the memory shortage could drive prices up around $50 to $100 for upcoming
iPhones. But based on today's price hikes that we saw, one analyst from that firm, Nabila Popal, she shared her thoughts on the price hikes with me
over email today and said that she expects that possibly prices could climb even a little bit higher than those initial projections for iPhones in the
future. But of course, we don't know yet.
And the reason why this is so significant for Apple is because most of its business relies on hardware sales. So, while it does have a really healthy
services and subscription business, the bulk of its revenue still comes from selling products like iPhones and iPads and Macs. So, this is very
significant for the company, and we'll have to watch and see where this goes.
But as you mentioned, this isn't just an Apple-specific issue. This is really industry-wide. In addition to Microsoft and Apple raising prices,
we've also seen companies like Sony and Nintendo raise prices on their products recently as well.
NEWTON: Sure. I think for consumers, they're going to have to really pay attention, especially as we get into back-to-school season in just a few
weeks from now. Lisa, thanks so much. Really appreciate the reporting.
Now, checking some of today's other business headlines, reports say Iraq could become the latest global oil giant to leave OPEC. According to
Reuters sources, Iraq is thinking about leaving the oil cartel if it doesn't get permission to increase oil production significantly. It is the
second largest oil producer in OPEC after Saudi Arabia. The UAE announced that it will be leaving OPEC earlier this year.
Major U.S. banks are announcing dividend hikes and stock buybacks after passing the Fed's latest stress test. The Fed carries out stress tests each
year to find out how healthy banks are and whether they can withstand a severe economic downturn. Citigroup, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley are
hiking stock dividends by more than 10 percent. JPMorgan Chase is announcing a new $50 billion share repurchasing program.
[18:25:00]
A big victory for European chemical giant Bayer, the parent company of Monsanto. The U.S. Supreme Court Thursday ruled against a Missouri man who
claims Monsanto's weed-killer Roundup caused cancer. He said the company failed to warn against the cancer risk. Monsanto argued that the U.S.
government does not require a cancer warning on the label. The decision could have implications for thousands of other lawsuits filed against that
product.
Still to come for us, we'll continue our coverage of Venezuela's latest devastating earthquakes. That's just ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NEWTON: And welcome back to "The Brief." I'm Paula Newton. Here are the international headlines we're watching today.
International aid efforts are ramping up after Venezuela suffered its worst earthquake in a century. Meantime, massive search and rescue efforts are
underway for those missing or trapped. Many others have been displaced. The disaster comes at a dire time for the country, which was already struggling
amid a political and financial crisis.
Europe continues to suffer under a scorching heat wave, with the U.K. setting record high temperatures for a second straight day. Officials in
Britain have extended a rare red extreme heat warning into Friday. France has its hottest night ever recorded from Wednesday into Thursday.
Authorities are taking steps to reduce health risks to the public, as hundreds have already died from heat-related issues.
The U.S. Supreme Court has given Donald Trump two big wins on immigration. The conservative-dominated court said migrants cannot apply for asylum
unless they are already on U.S. soil. The high court also voted to allow the Trump administration to end temporary protections that have been
granted to people fleeing war and violence in Haiti, Syria and other countries.
And we return now to our top story. Venezuela rocked by twin earthquakes. The strongest tremor had a magnitude of 7.5, the country's strongest in
more than a century. Close to 200 people have died and more than 1,500 injured, and many still missing or trapped beneath the rubble.
[18:30:00]
The disaster comes at what was already a difficult time for Venezuela, which is in the middle of a political and financial crisis. Isa Soares has
more on the devastation.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ISA SOARES, CNN ANCHOR AND CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): One of hundreds of thousands of moments just like it. Two earthquakes 39 seconds apart.
The most powerful Venezuela has seen in more than a century, striking on a public holiday evening across several states. A friend in Caracas sent me
this voice message. Cleveland Cartaya had made it out, but are still waiting to hear from several others.
CLEVELAND CARTAYA, VENEZUELA RESIDENT (through translator): You run and you fall, you bounce off the walls and try to get out of the building
quickly. You think you're going to die.
SOARES (voice-over): Families outside, on the streets, in squares, just too frightened to go back inside. On social media, images only now coming
online. Luis Reyes (ph) and the elderly woman he cares for doing what thousands across Caracas did on Thursday. They slept on the street.
CARTAYA (voice-over): A lot of people are in the streets, in the squares, under the bridges. There are many homeless people, there are many people
who have been left with nothing. Truly, this is horrible, horrible.
SOARES (voice-over): By daybreak, the damage is clear to see. This footage aired on state TV shows the utter devastation. And for the millions who
fled violence and a crumbling economy in Venezuela in recent years, the night brought its own particular torment. Communications severed across the
capital. The airport, as you can see, effectively destroyed.
It falls to the acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, to lead the response. A government still finding its footing after Nicolas Maduro's capture by the
United States in January, now facing the worst natural disaster in Venezuela in over a century. Her government announcing a $200 million
emergency fund, the death toll already in the hundreds and rising.
DIOSDADO CABELLO, VENEZUELAN INTERIOR MINISTER (through translator): We have ordered by instructions from the president the cutoff so that everyone
is aware of the direct gas service to buildings, because we have some damaged structures. We do not want any kind of accident with the gas to
occur.
SOARES (voice-over): Venezuela has already lived through political rupture, economic collapse and the loss of millions of its people to
immigration. For a country that already given so much, now this.
Isa Soares, CNN.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NEWTON: Joining me now is Ciaran Donnelly. He is senior vice president, the International Rescue Committee. Grateful to have you here.
I actually am at a loss as to where to begin, Ciaran. I mean, I've traveled several times to Venezuela. I know how desperate they are on so many levels
for just the basics. And right now, at this hour, they must be terrified. So, I'm wondering where an organization like yours begins. I mean, how do
you begin to help, especially when the infrastructure is already so compromised?
CIARAN DONNELLY, SENIOR VP, INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE: Yes, I think you've hit really on the crux of the challenge ahead of us, and not just
for the IRC, but for the humanitarian community, indeed, for the Venezuelan government and their international partners as well.
Our team in Venezuela, we have a team that's working there, and we've been there for over five years spent last night, like so many, sleeping on the
street for, because their homes have been destroyed or because they were afraid to go back inside them. This morning, they regrouped, gathered and
started to assess the situation. Engage with our Venezuelan civil society partners and try to understand how we can help.
There is huge needs, and we know that the numbers of people affected, those killed, those who've lost their homes, those who've been injured, is going
to grow as we learn more information. But as you said, the starting point for Venezuela here is really one of a significant humanitarian crisis.
The U.N. estimates in its 2026 humanitarian plan for Venezuela, 8 million people, about a third of the population, in need of humanitarian
assistance. Many people struggle to be able to afford basic food. The health system has functionally collapsed over many years.
And so, this is a country that has been struggling on many fronts through political, economic, financial transitions with real humanitarian needs,
and now faced with this just devastating catastrophe. We're focused right now on trying to meet the most immediate needs of as many people as we can.
There's obviously big logistical and other challenges ahead of us in doing that. But the road to recovery here is one that's going to take many
months.
NEWTON: You say months, and yet I think this might actually have generational impact. I actually fear for some of the regions that I've
traveled to that I have not seen video out of yet, and that is not good news, because it means that, you know, rescuers, they don't have any
communication. We don't know who's been able to get to them yet.
[18:35:00]
So, what is the most impact here when you look at an international community now newly mobilized? And I say this because the United States and
the E.U. immediately have said as well that they will come to Venezuela's aid. So, how do you really make sure you pool all that support, all that
muscle to get Venezuela what it needs in the next few weeks?
And I add, Ciaran, that, look, I've also covered this from Haiti, right? And when I returned to Haiti, I saw large parts of the city in Port-au-
Prince that never recovered from the earthquake.
DONNELLY: Yes. And we see this in crises around the world, that this kind of catastrophe leaves, as you say, a generational mark on countries that
fundamentally changes many things. I think of driving around Caracas as well, and just the construction and the buildup of buildings on those steep
hillsides and the significant damage that's caused. And as you say, the rural areas that haven't yet been able to access.
You asked about the international community and how it comes together. It's really good to see the U.S. and the E.U. and others and regional partners
like Colombia stepping up and offering assistance. That needs to be coordinated. The U.N. has a really important role to play, as does the
Venezuelan government.
There are real challenges, obviously, in just the basic logistics of getting people and getting supplies in, given not only the damage to
infrastructure, the airports not fully functioning, the damage needs to be repaired, but also the bureaucracy and getting visas, getting permits,
getting customs waivers.
So, there needs to be real coordination and a focus on deploying resources where they can do the most good. But there also needs to be a concerted
effort and a real will to remove barriers from organizations, civil society organizations, international organizations, from being able to scale up to
get the resources of the people where they're needed to go.
We're also watching the regional dimensions of this. As you know well, 8 million Venezuelans are living in countries outside Venezuela, the biggest
number in Colombia. One real concern is that the impact of this earthquake could see more people leaving and placing additional strain in those
countries too.
NEWTON: Yes. A lot to think over there. And, Ciaran, I'm glad that you mentioned certainly the task at hand for the government, this regime
itself, and I hope that they realize the challenge ahead and as you said, try to lift some of those restrictions for the good of the people in the
country. Ciaran Donnelly, we'll leave it there for now. Thanks so much.
DONNELLY: Thank you.
NEWTON: Coming up for us, the U.S. Supreme Court hands President Donald Trump two major wins on immigration. We'll break down the rulings after the
break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[18:40:00]
NEWTON: So, just hours ago the U.S. Supreme Court handed Donald Trump a pair of major wins on immigration. First the court said migrants cannot
apply for asylum unless they are already on U.S. soil. That means that migrants who approach the border but don't cross it have no means of
pleading their case.
The second ruling will allow the Trump administration to end temporary protections that have been granted to people fleeing war and violence in
places like Haiti, Syria and elsewhere. It could result in the deportation of more than a million migrants who have been in the United States legally
for years. Immigration advocates say that could lead to thousands of deaths.
Now, two Supreme Court justices had in fact a tense exchange on the bench. Sonia Sotomayor, one of the liberal justices, read her dissent on the
asylum seeker case from the bench. That's rare but not unheard of. Justice Samuel Alito meantime, a conservative who wrote the majority opinion, fired
back criticizing her argument.
Joining me now Republican Congressman Marlin Stutzman of Indiana. Thank you so much for joining us Congressman.
I mean, Justice Sotomayor was in fact scathing. She compared this policy to America turning away Jews before the Holocaust and I will point out that
you know Republican Governor Mike DeWine from Ohio says changing the immigration status is not in the best interest of the United States or
Ohio. Florida, Florida companies are not happy of this either. I want to ask you, is this the complexion of the immigration and asylum system that
you support for your country?
REP. MARLIN STUTZMAN (R-IN): Hi, Paula, great to be with you. You know, immigration is complicated and one of the things that we know and I come
from Northeast Indiana where we have a lot of workers there that work in the agricultural industry as well as the manufacturing industry and I work
closely with companies that are trying to do the right thing by making sure that every employee is legal and in some cases they're not and it's really
a case-by-case basis.
I think it's hard to just try to throw a full blanket across everybody but you know the court I think made the right decision by just simply saying
the executive branch has the ability to end these programs if they deem necessary.
Again, there's plenty of appeal processes. It's hard, it's not easy. Our immigration system isn't perfect. In fact, I'm, you know, one of the people
that believe that there should be some sort of registration process that the Dignity Act of actually allows for those who have been here for a
certain period of time. But I think that the courts are making the right call on these particular cases just to be sure that you know the executive
branch has the ability to make decisions as they need to.
NEWTON: Yes. I just will point out that those executive decisions will in future years apply as well to Democratic presidents as much as Republican
ones. I do want to get to the animosity that we heard from the bench today. I mean, is there any way to reach a consensus in politics anymore or even
in the justice system?
I mean, yesterday there was this bipartisan bill on housing that I'm sure you support that wasn't even signed because your president torpedoed it. I
mean, where do you see this year because that was considered a big win for where you sit in the House.
STUTZMAN: It sure was. And I still think that it becomes law at some point. And, you know, the president has just simply said I have another
priority that I want the Senate to take up, and that's the Save America Act. And so, you know, he was making his point and he made his point very
clearly yesterday on the Hill as he met with Senate Republicans saying, look, the priority for me is the Save America Act. I understand the housing
bill is a big priority for the Congress.
In fact, it's a -- there's priorities in there that the president wants. For example, limiting in large investment firms from buying up single-
family homes. That was one of the things that he suggested in his State of the Union.
So, the president is a negotiator and he definitely knows that if he can find a way to get the Save America Act passed even if he has to stop for a
period of time the housing bill that's what he's going to do. I think it'll eventually become law but, you know, it gets complicated on the Hill
sometimes especially during political season.
NEWTON: Complicated, but some of your colleagues have been more blunt than that. They don't much like the president's negotiating strategy. I want you
to listen now to Representative Thomas Massie who was blunt as I say about the situation on Capitol Hill right now. Listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. THOMAS MASSIE (R-KY): I think it's ironic that we control the House, the Senate, the Supreme Court and the White House and we're yelling
election fraud.
[18:45:00]
I mean, we won all the damn elections and we're in charge and what are we doing with it. We're bankrupting the country. We're starting new wars.
We're violating the Constitution. We're not cracking down on the fraud. The problem is not the elections. We won the damn elections.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NEWTON: He also warns that your party will get in his words a shellacking in the midterms if this doesn't change. I mean, that could have come out of
the mouth of any of your Democratic colleagues. Where do you sit on this in terms of trying to get Congress to actually do its job? It's -- on a lot of
voters are backing some more bipartisan commitments on Capitol Hill.
STUTZMAN: Yes. You know, I mean, Paula, you're right there is a lot of partisanship on the Hill. You know, whether we go back to 2008-'09 when
Obamacare was passed that was done under reconciliation just by Democrats. Tax cuts have been passed just by Republicans.
And so, you know, there's a lot of finger-pointing back and forth and that's part of the process where, you know, with the majorities being so
slim that the way they are in both the House and the Senate neither party wants to give an inch because we're trying to maintain majorities.
I do think though that just like the Save America Act that's supported by 80 percent of Republicans according to polling. So, that means Democrats
support it as well as Republicans. That's the one I'm baffled by. You know we got good strong bipartisan support on the housing bill. If 80 percent of
Americans support the Save America Act, why we can't find a solution there as is baffling to me.
But the president is a strong negotiator. He's going to continue to push for his agenda. He won the election this last -- you know, in 2024 and he's
going to -- he knows this is one term for him and he wants to get as much done as possible.
NEWTON: I know your colleagues though, Mr. Massie, are saying it might cost you, meaning the Republicans, the midterms if he gets his way.
Congressman we have to leave it there.
STUTZMAN: Well, the thing is, but Massie lost his own primary. So, he's in a tough spot to kind of show that he should have been sticking with the
team more.
NEWTON: We understand the politics at work, but again, this is -- he still has quite a few more months in Congress the last time I looked. So,
Congressman we do have to leave it there but we invite you back. It's always good to hear from you.
STUTZMAN: I'm sure we'll hear more from him. Yes.
NEWTON: We will.
STUTZMAN: Thank you, Paula.
NEWTON: Good to have you and hope to have you back. Thanks so much.
Now, Save the Children says a new U.N. report must mark a turning point in accountability for the suffering of Palestinian children. An independent
U.N. Commission of Inquiry claims Israeli forces continue to commit genocide by deliberately targeting children in Gaza even after the
ceasefire last year. It says it has identified Israeli military units responsible for the killing and injuring of Palestinian children. The U.N.
report says Israel is attacking the very capacity of the Palestinian people to exist by killing their sons and daughters, noting that some attacks have
wiped out several generations.
Now, Israel has repeatedly denied committing genocide and is slamming the new report as a quote libelous sham that ignores Hamas's cynical use of
Palestinian children as human shields.
Earlier my colleague Isa Soares spoke to the chair of the U.N. Commission of Inquiry Srinivasan Muralidhar and she asked him what was the strongest
evidence they had that children were deliberately targeted. We should warn you he speaks in very graphic terms.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SRINIVASAN MURALIDHAR, CHAIR, U.N. COMMISSION OF INQUIRY ON OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY: The strongest evidence is the use of what I would
call a combination of quadcopters, sniper rifles and drones. Quadcopters are pre-fitted with thermal imaging cameras which tell the person viewing
the screen whether the image on the screen belongs to a child or an adult.
Israeli soldiers are seen speaking on videos which they have uploaded on social media or it's on the television channels in Israel where they
proudly proclaim that it is like a game for them. They can sit anywhere and shoot Palestinians by just looking at the screen. They get commended by
their commanders for using this kind of a tactic.
The second thing is we're finding that these gunshot wounds are specifically directed at the head and the neck, the upper portions of the
body for maximum damage. So, you have a 10-day old baby while breastfeeding being shot through the head using a quadcopter weapon.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NEWTON: Now, CNN cannot independently verify the claims made in that U.N. report. In response, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said this. Every child
deserves protection and a future free from terrorist incitement and martyrdom training camps. Yet the Commission of Inquiry's latest report is
a propaganda piece as outrageous as its previous ones. The COI is a fundamentally flawed mechanism. Its very purpose is to single out and
vilify Israel rather than seek the truth.
[18:50:00]
And we will be right back with more news in a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NEWTON: Group games for Group E at the World Cup just wrapped up, with Germany finishing top of the table despite their 1-2 defeat against
Ecuador. Ivory Coast beat Curacao 2-nil.
In less than 10 minutes, the final matches of Group F are set to take place with the Netherlands and Japan among those taking the pitch. And of course,
later tonight, it's Group D's turn. Team USA will take on Turkey, and Australia will clash with Paraguay.
For more on today's World Cup highlights, Patrick Snell is with us now. All right. Group E just wrapped.
PATRICK SNELL, CNN WORLD SPORT: Hi there, Paula. Yes, much drama, history in the making, some great storylines everywhere you look. Let's start with
Germany. Ecuador, Ecuador, with an amazing performance. They fell behind early in this game, but then came right back to win it. And Gonzalo Plata
is the man who scores with just over 10 minutes to go, instantly making him a national hero in his homeland, as Ecuador advance for just the second
time to the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup.
You know, the last time was 20 years ago in Germany, when they were in the same group as Germany, by coincidence. But this is a massive, a massive
accomplishment by the Ecuadorians, and they have so much to be proud of. Imagine having to beat Germany to go through, and that is exactly what
they've done. And our congratulations to them.
Another really significant result from the same group. Ivory Coast, Cote d'Ivoire beating Curacao by two goals to nil, two from the Villarreal
player Nicolas Pepe. Wonderful moment for him as he nets a brace. Why is this significant? Because the Ivory Coast, as a result of that win, they
now advance for the first time ever in the history of trying. They've been trying for 20 years, going back to that Germany 2006 campaign. This is
their fourth World Cup. They are through to the knockout stages. Massive, massive accomplishment again.
Remember, they couldn't even do it during the golden era of Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure. Those legends from their country couldn't achieve it. But the
current generation have, and that is absolutely fantastic. Hat tip to Curacao with a population of just 150,000 up against Ivory Coast with a
population of 30 million. But wow, what a statement from the Ivory Coast.
Six matches on tap for this day, Thursday, at the FIFA World Cup. A reminder that we've got the USA and Turkey, that one kicking off in a few
hours from now. Remember, the Americans have already qualified, having won their first two matches, and that's really impressive for them. They're
looking to at least emulate the achievements of what they did in Asia back in 2002, when they got to the last eight of the tournament.
[18:55:00]
But let's hear now from a USA perspective, why it's so important to keep up momentum and get that third straight win in this tournament, if at all
possible. Take a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ALEJANDRO ZENDEJAS, USA WINGER: Just because we're through doesn't mean we have to let our foot off the pedal. We have to keep on going with that same
confidence, same rhythm, and keep showing each other and the world what this team's made of.
FOLARIN BALOGUN, USA STRIKER: There's definitely a belief we have within ourselves. There's up to maybe 15, 20 guys who would put their life on the
line, you know, for a win, for a result, you know, to block a goal. And when you have that sort of mentality, I feel like you're always going to
give yourself the best chance.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SNELL: Will star player Christian Pulisic play? We shall see. Let's get to some great video from the Dutch national team. A sea of orange as the
Netherlands prepare to kick off in just over four minutes from now. They're taking on Tunisia in Group F, where their fans go. It is amazing. They are
there in their tens of thousands. They've just taken over Kansas City.
Dutch, you've also got Japan and Sweden in that group. Three of those four teams could go through. It's fascinating performance and scenarios, Paula,
everywhere you look.
NEWTON: The group stage has exceeded expectations. Patrick, we want this to continue. I want to thank you for that wrap up as everyone gets ready
for this evening's games.
I want to thank you for your company. I'm Paula Newton in New York. You've been watching "The Brief."
Stay with CNN for more news.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[19:00:00]
END
