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Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) is Interviewed about Elon Musk and DOGE; March Madness Begins Today; Rep. Greg Landsman (D-OH) is Interviewed about Funding Cuts to Tracking Russian War Crimes; Fed Holds Rates Steady. Aired 8:30-9a ET

Aired March 20, 2025 - 08:30   ET

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

[08:30:00]

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. LISA MURKOWSKI (R-AK): The next billion dollars that he makes off of Starlink and put it directly against Lisa Murkowski.

That's why you've got everybody just like zip lip, not saying a word, because they're afraid they're going to be taken down. They're going to be primaried. They're going to be - they're going to be given names in the - in the media. You know what? We cannot be cowed into - into not speaking up.

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JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: So, Congressman, how much fear do you think there is in terms of speaking up against or raising concerns with what Musk is doing?

SEN. PETE SESSIONS (R-TX): John, while these are valid points and questions, and I think what Senator Murkowski is talking about is, is a reality from a perspective of working together as a team. We have a, without any question, a tighter net number that we're working with. But let's go to the reality of this. Would we have perhaps played things a little differently, each of us ourselves? Yes. As you've heard me say a thousand times, I come from a corporate background. I come from a background of - of tackling the issues that you said you were going to do. And the president actually is tackling about 15 issues at one time. He is moving so rapidly that it is hard for members of Congress to be able to get an angle.

See, we get asked every single question about what he does. And we'd like to zero in on one, two or three things. And we're finding ourselves behind, as well the media.

So, this is where DOGE has an important part of this. We are for government efficiency, and we are moving ahead to looking at education, Social Security and the large amount of - of - of payments that have gone to the wrong place. And I think you'll see, as we get back this next week, there will be legislation, there will be initiatives of committee meetings that you will see real members of Congress speaking their mind about how to fix these issues. BERMAN: Do you think there's some trepidation or fear there, though,

as Lisa Murkowski suggests?

SESSIONS: I think any time you want to take on your party or necessarily a person in that party, when you're, as we are, of course there's a lot of, please come back in. But here's what will happen. Lisa, what would you like to do? Lisa, what are your ideas? And, Lisa, how would you like for us to move forward? And that's where it's up to Senator John Thune, my dear friend, who I came to Congress with, who will reach out to her and say, Lisa, what are the issues that you want to do? Let's get behind you because you're part of the team.

BERMAN: That is what running a conference is - is all about, is reaching out and asking the members what they need to move forward.

There's a - there's a different perspective. A vastly different perspective on Elon Musk that is starting to bubble up inside among some of the Democratic Party.

I want to play for you what Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota said in a town meeting a few days ago about Musk.

Listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GOV. TIM WALZ (D-MN): And there's nothing conservative about an unelected South African nepo baby firing people at the VA.

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BERMAN: I don't know if you heard that, but if you did, I wanted your reaction.

SESSIONS: Well, my reaction is, is that, in fact, the administration, OMB, is moving promptly forward. But in that process, you saw the president himself come and say, it's up to the secretaries of the administration to make the decision.

John, here's the facts of the case. I thought they moved a little bit forward rapidly also, because there are months and months' worth of work left to be done that have been sitting now at Republicans' doorstep. You see, the president agreed to take this where the ball lay on the course. And we've got to make government work. We've got to make government work for the American people. And I think they will see where this finds itself in - in a comfortable position. It's just going to take a while.

The people who are running the government have been in a bullpen for a long time. And we - we, as members, are working. I work directly with the secretary of the VA, Doug Collins. I've worked directly with Sean Duffy. I've worked directly with some of these other members who - some of these other secretaries who do see the daunting task that lays ahead of them. So, they are the ones that are going to have to go back to the boss, just as much as any member of Congress, and say, let's do this in an orderly fashion because we need more workers at work. Mr. President, wasn't that what this was about in the first place?

[08:35:03]

BERMAN: Got a little - OK, Congressman Pete Sessions, thank you so much. I do appreciate the discussion. I really do. Thank you.

SESSIONS: You bet.

BERMAN: Sara.

All right - all right, this morning, the last person known to see the college student who vanished on spring break is now back in the U.S. after being detained for ten days.

And new video of the moment a six year old cowboy was reunited with his stolen pony.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[08:40:06]

SARA SIDNER, CNN ANCHOR: All right, how those brackets going? Well - well, you have just a few hours before the NCAA tournament tips off. So, hurry it up.

CNN's sports Andy Scholes joining us now.

Andy, just so you know, I want to show you that my bracket is not filled out because I waited till the last minute, but I'm going to do it today. So, I'm going to call you just to get some tips, and then only vote for the Gators.

ANDY SCHOLES, CNN SPORTS ANCHOR: Well, I know - I know you, Sara, you're just going to be at Florida, Florida, Florida, Florida, Florida, which is -

SIDNER: I just put Gators at the top. I don't care.

SCHOLES: Yes, and the Gators are a very - very popular pick to go ahead and win it all.

But I'll tell you what, Sara, I absolutely just love this next 48 hours. You got 16 games today, 16 games tomorrow. You know, the upsets, the buzzer beaters, they are coming.

And we already saw a great comeback last night to wrap up the first four in Dayton. Xavier trailed by as many as 13 to Texas. But with the support of all their fans who made that short trip from Cincinnati to Dayton for the game, the Musketeers, they rallied. They closed the game on a 16-6 run to beat Texas 86-80. Some members of their band were so happy they were in tears with the win. They now move on to face Illinois Friday. And Coach Sean Miller, well, he said, the crowd certainly helped his team.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) SEAN MILLER, XAVIER UNIVERSITY HEAD COACH: That's one of the greatest games I've been a part of. You know, I - obviously, the energy of our - of the crowd, our fans, certainly took advantage of the proximity to Cincinnati and - and that emotion. And when we needed them, it was certainly a factor in the game. I think all three of these guys would tell you that we certainly felt it.

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SCHOLES: All right, Mount Saint Mary's, meanwhile, continuing their dream march. They had to win their conference tournament just to get into the play in. And now they get a chance to play Duke tomorrow after beating American 83-72 last night.

All right, later today, Louisville/Creighton, they're going to tip things off in round one, 12:15 Eastern. High Point, a 13 seed, popular upset pick, they take on Purdue at 12:40. And you've got top seeds Houston and Auburn also in action this afternoon.

Now, it is crunch time if you're still trying to fill out your bracket, like Sarah I got some last minute tips for you. If you're looking for upsets, 11 seed is the way to go. Eleven seeds, they're 30 in 26 against the six seed since 2010. And there's only been one year that a team from the first four did not advance to the round of 32. So, a good chance either 11 seed North Carolina or 11 seed Xavier, who won in the play in, are also going to win their first game. So, keep that in mind.

Now, while 11 seeds have been great, ten seeds, not so much. They're 14 in 26 over the last ten years. So, avoid picking a ten seed.

And everyone is in love with the one seeds this year with good reason. But every tournament since 2013 has had a five seed or lower reach the final four. So, you know, you probably want to have a one seed, like a Florida, Sara, winning your bracket. But if you like another team that's a five, a six, even an 11, you can easily win your bracket pool if you put them in the final four and you're one of the only people to do so.

SIDNER: OK, so Xavier. Xavier you say.

SCHOLES: Good luck. 12:15, got to get it done by.

SIDNER: OK, Xavier, right? Xavier, is that the 11 seed.

SCHOLES: Xavier, you know, they won the play-in. They - they are pop -

SIDNER: Got it.

SCHOLES: You know, they're a good chance they're going to win their next game. Same goes for North Carolina, who a lot of people said shouldn't have even been in the tournament.

SIDNER: Going for Florida all the way, though. Andy Scholes, you should too. Just saying. Thank you so much. Appreciate it. SCHOLES: Houston. Cougars.

SIDNER: John.

BERMAN: I've got to say, Andy's advice is so good. Every line of it I take in.

All right, this morning, a six-year-old cowboy is ecstatic after being reunited with his beloved pony. Little Evil, I think that's the pony, went missing after two weeks - two weeks ago after someone broke into his pen in the family's front yard. Ruben Vasquez Jr. was devastated. After Ruben spoke to local reporters, good Samaritans reported seeing the pony in a field. Police helped track the pony down and now Ruben is making sure that he gets plenty of love.

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RUBEN VASQUEZ JR., REUNITED WITH MISSING PONY: He wasn't eating nothing. No water. No food. No house.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Nothing? He didn't have anything where he was?

VASQUEZ: He was getting wet too in the rain.

Thank you for helping me and sending the pictures.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: OK.

SIDNER: Sweet.

BERMAN: That's ridiculously cute.

SIDNER: That is so cute.

BERMAN: It is unclear who took the pony, but shame on you.

SIDNER: Yes.

BERMAN: The family believes the suspects likely abandoned the animal after seeing the story on the news.

Ruben, good on you.

SIDNER: What a sweetie.

BERMAN: Look at him. Oh, man. All right, he's my hero.

SIDNER: I love that story. He's so sweet.

BERMAN: All right, Sara.

SIDNER: Thank you, John.

All right, in the wake of White House funding cuts, researchers lose access to critical evidence surrounding alleged Russian war crimes.

It is known as the happiest place on earth. And, no, it is not Disney World. We'll explain.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[08:49:23]

BERMAN: All right, the man who was the last known person to see missing University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki is headed back to the U.S. after being detained in the Dominican Republic. A judge allowed Joshua Riibe to leave. He is not considered a suspect and has not been accused of wrongdoing. Konanki has been missing for two weeks now. Her family is asking for her to be declared dead.

All right, this is the Cheesecake Factory news apparently some of you have been waiting for. They are changing some menu items, which they say they do every year. I think actually twice a year. The loaded mashed potato omelet and everything flatbread pizza are being slashed, as are a handful of other things. But worry not, 20 items are being added.

[08:50:04]

This morning, the U.S. is officially the 24th happiest place on earth, according to the annual report ranking the worlds happiest countries. The U.S. slipped to its lowest position ever. Way below, for instance, Mexico, which is at number ten. The all-time high for the U.S. was 11, which was achieved back in 2012. I would like to say to our vast Finnish audience, congratulations. Finland is the number one happiest place on earth for the eighth year in a row.

SIDNER: They are smiling at you right now, John. A huge audience. Thank you so much.

All right, this morning, a bipartisan group of senators is sounding the alarm after the Trump administration announced it would no longer fund a program tracking evidence of alleged Russian war crimes. Researchers at Yale's humanitarian research lab say they lost access to a database that included tracking locations of more than 30,000 abducted Ukrainian children.

Leading the charge for answers is Democratic Congressman from Ohio, Greg Landsman.

Thank you so much for joining us this morning.

When you see that this funding has been cut, why do you think it's cut, and what are you going to do about it?

REP. GREG LANDSMAN (D-OH): Well, let's hope - hopefully it's just a mistake and not something more sinister. But we are raising awareness. We sent a letter to the administration. And it has caused some - some positive responses in the sense that the administration is saying that they are going to retrieve the data. And we heard last night that they may, in fact, reinstitute the contract. The contract is, obviously, very important. But what matters most is

getting these kids back.

Three things to keep in mind. One, Putin and -and Russia stole 30,000 children. And, two, the, you know, if you lose the data, you can lose the children. The data was tracking where these kids were. The biometrics, name, satellite images. That is going to be huge in negotiations. And then, three, the only thing that really matters ultimately is getting these kids back.

SIDNER: Yes. I'm curious, though, because there have been a lot of purges happening at the DOD, the Department of Defense, where they are purging all sorts of things, like stories from Holocaust survivors, you know, war heroes that happen to be black, in their effort to get rid of anything that touches DEI.

What do you make of this? What is the point of this? How is this helping Americans?

LANDSMAN: It's not helping Americans. It's hurting Americans. It's chaos. And - and - and because of Elon Musk's role and other, you know, donors, it's corrupt. It's - it's - it's donors getting access because they gave hundreds of millions of dollars. It's - it's terrible. And it's not going to ultimately wear well with Americans. Americans appreciate good services. They're undermining core services. They're indiscriminately firing people. And in - in - in the case of - of - of these children, they may have. Hopefully they didn't, but they may have killed the data that would have gotten 30,000 children home, back to their families. Children that had been trafficked.

SIDNER: That is a horrifying thought. We have met some of the families, I have, in Ukraine who have lost children, who are wondering where they are at this - at this hour. So, we'll see if this was a mistake or on purpose, or if it is being fixed. We will check back in with you.

I want to talk about something. "The New York Times" reporting that there was a U.S. lawmaker sending a letter to Marco Rubio on Wednesday. And, you know, about this very thing. When you look at the - the whole of it, you look at the whole of what DOGE has been doing and the town halls that have been very raucous and angry against Republicans, but then Democrats are facing huge town halls as well with people very angry that Democrats, they feel, are not fighting hard enough. So, what do you say to Democratic voters who are angry that they don't feel like you all are fighting hard enough for them? What do you say to those constituents who think that?

LANDSMAN: Yes, I don't get that as much anymore. I mean, there was a period at the beginning where there was some frustration at my town halls that, you know, folks wanted, you know, me or others to fight back harder. I think they're seeing that, certainly with me, but others too, you know, obviously there was a great deal of disappointment with the way in which, you know, Schumer didn't fight back on - on this budget and say, look, there are some lines that have been crossed, serious lines that have been crossed.

[08:55:01]

Until we get a resolution on that, we want a short term - a budget deal that would keep the government open. We were frustrated about that. But I think most Democrats know that the vast majority of us were on the same page. And, you know, there's going to be frustration until the chaos and the corruption and the higher cost ends. So, you know, we just have to fight.

SIDNER: I want to ask you about this. Democratic Congressman Glenn Ivey is one of two Dems who have said they believe that Senator Schumer should step down from his leadership role as minority leader. Do you think the same?

LANDSMAN: You know, I - I - I don't know. I'm not in the Senate caucus. So, not for me to say.

I certainly am in - in the camp of being very, very frustrated. And ultimately, you know, we need new leadership. I mean the - I, you know, Senator Schumer is not going to do this very long. So, you know, this, you know, at some point there's going to have to be somebody who - who else - somebody else who steps up.

SIDNER: Representative Greg Landsman, thank you so much for coming on and talking about these really important issues to Americans across the country. Appreciate your time.

John.

BERMAN: All right, happening now, Dow futures slipping a little bit. Futures across the board slipping a little bit ahead of the opening bell. Stocks were up big yesterday.

The Fed held interest rates steady. But bankers are taking a wait and see approach as they weigh the impact of the tariffs that President Trump has threatened and the ones he has enacted.

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JEROME POWELL, CHAIR, FEDERAL RESERVE: The other factor though, as I mentioned, is just really high uncertainty. What would you write down? I mean, it's just - it's really hard to know how this is going to work out. And again, we think our policy is in a good place. We think it's a good place where we can move in the direction that need - where we need to. But, in the meantime, we - we - it's - it's really appropriate to wait for further clarity. And, of course, you know, the costs of doing that, given that the economy is still solid, are very low.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: All right, with us now, CNN global economic analyst and global business columnist and associate editor for the "Financial Times," Rana Foroohar.

Rana, our friend Matt Egan said that Jerome Powell used the word uncertainty like a dozen times and his thesaurus was hard at work. When he wasn't saying uncertainty, he was using nearly the same words as much as he could. What was your takeaway from that?

RANA FOROOHAR, CNN GLOBAL ECONOMIC ANALYST: Absolutely. Well, uncertainty is the word of the day. I suspect it's going to be a word of the next four years, to be perfectly honest.

You know, the Fed is in a - you could call it an interesting spot. You could call it a tight spot. It was fascinating to me that the market went up, even though Jerome Powell is using the word uncertainty. And that's because we seem to be going into a period of what might be called stagflation. You know, you probably remember that word - I was a kid in the '70s but I remember that word. It's a very, very tricky period for policymakers.

And what's happening is that the Trump tariffs at - not only the breadth of them, the depth of them, but the fact that the president keeps changing his mind, is creating a tremendous amount of uncertainty. But let's assume that some of those tariffs go forward. They probably would be inflationary given just how broad they are and on how many countries.

So, the Fed has to think about inflation going up. That would tend to mean rate hikes. But at the same time, the economy appears to be slowing a little bit, and that's related to some of what Trump's doing because business leaders are saying, oh, gosh, I don't know what's going to happen. Uncertainty again. So I'm going to button up. I'm maybe going to trim back staff. Consumers are feeling that uncertainty. There's a certain amount of, you know, spending drop that's - that's happening. They're a little bit more careful about what they're spending. And so that's slowing the economy.

And that would mean that rates might want to either stay where they are or even start to be cut. The market always likes the idea of rate cuts. And so the market went up. So, we're in that bizarre situation, I always find this amazing, where the market likes what it's hearing, but the real economy may not.

BERMAN: Almost every article I read this morning used the word stagflation. The possibility of stagflation looming out there. And Powell was asked about it. And he - he said he doesn't think it's likely. He wouldn't bet on it. But he also seemed to entertain the notion a little bit more than we'd heard before.

FOROOHAR: Yes. I think that no Fed chair wants to come out and use that word stagflation because, boy, that reminds you of the 1970s, which was, you know, we're talking double digit mortgage rates. I mean people - people were paying unbelievable rates on interest for homes and cars. And so I'm sure that, you know, while he's comfortable with the word uncertainty, we're not going to hear the word stagflation for several more quarters, if at all. But honestly, you look at the data, you look at what's happening, and it's hard to get away from that possibility.

[09:00:00]

You know, it's possible that the president could really pull back on tariffs and that this sense of slowing in the economy may turn out to be a short-term thing.