Return to Transcripts main page

CNN News Central

Interview with Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA): Trump Weighs Military Action in Iran and Deadly Protests; Trump: I'm Not Letting Russia or China Acquire Greenland; DOJ Opens Criminal Investigation into the Fed and Jerome Powell. Aired 8:00-8:30a ET

Aired January 12, 2026 - 08:00   ET

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

[08:00:00]

STEPHANIE ELAM, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): ... Jean Smart, who wore a "Be Good" pin in honor of Rene Good, shot by ICE in Minneapolis, called for compassion after her win for Hacks.

JEAN SMART, ACTOR: I think everybody in their hearts knows what the right thing is to do, so let's do the right thing.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Best editing goes to the Justice Department.

ELAM (voice-over): Host Nikki Glaser took on the headlines, including Jeffrey Epstein.

NIKKI GLASER, COMEDIAN AND ACTOR: There's so many A-listers, and by A- listers I do mean people who are on A-lists that has been heavily redacted.

ELAM (voice-over): And while on CBS, Glaser roasted the network for controversy over new leadership at CBS News.

GLASER: CBS News, America's newest place to see BS News.

ELAM (voice-over): But Glaser mostly stuck to roasting the stars, with the famously private DiCaprio bearing the brunt.

GLASER: The most in-depth interview you've ever given was in Teen Beat magazine in 1991. Is your favorite food still pasta, pasta, and more pasta?

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ELAM (on camera): And I was in the room for Nikki Glaser's second time as helming the show, and I have to say it seems like she was well- received yet again. Also must mention Adolescence, that's the show that continues to win. It took away four awards last night, including the award for best limited series anthology.

So a fun night was had here in Hollywood for sure, Kate.

KATE BOLDUAN, CNN ANCHOR: Stephanie Elam, thank you so much. A new hour of CNN NEWS CENTRAL starts right now. SARA SIDNER, CNN ANCHOR: The breaking news this morning, the Trump administration gearing up for potential action against Iran. Trump saying he is weighing strong options as deadly protests explode against Iran's regime.

An extraordinary escalation, the Department of Justice opening a criminal investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell, the usually reserved Federal Reserve, firing back at the Trump administration. The developments overnight could shake up the markets.

And a car speeding through the streets of Massachusetts going airborne, slamming into the front of a home.

I'm Sara Sidner with John Berman and Kate Bolduan. This is CNN NEWS CENTRAL.

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: All right, breaking overnight. President Trump says he is weighing his options, including military action, as the death toll rises from Iran's huge anti-government protests. Now, Iran's state TV released new images saying that they show pro-regime protests, but it really is the anti-government demonstrations that have rocked the country. They're now entering a third week and mark the biggest test for the regime's power in years, maybe decades.

The regime launching a severe crackdown. At least 544 people have been killed and more than 10,000 arrested and taken to prisons over the last 15 days. That's according to a U.S.-based human rights group. President Trump says he is considering, quote, very strong military options, but maintains the pressure is bringing Iran to the negotiating table. This is what the president said overnight.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: They called yesterday. Iran called to negotiate yesterday. The leaders of Iran called.

They want to negotiate. I think they're tired of being beat up by the United States. Iran wants to negotiate, yes.

We may meet with them. I mean, a meeting is being set up. But we may have to act because of what's happening before the meeting.

But a meeting is being set up. Iran called. They want to negotiate.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: Iran's foreign minister said today the country is ready to negotiate with the U.S. based on, quote, mutual respect and interests, but other Iranian officials have said that if the U.S. military intervenes, they will treat American military and commercial bases as targets -- Kate.

BOLDUAN: Let's talk about this right now. Joining us is the Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania. Senator, thank you for your time.

The president saying he's now considering taking military action inside Iran. Do you want the U.S. to get involved like that?

SEN. JOHN FETTERMAN (D-PA): Sure, absolutely. And now if it continues to make more sense, absolutely. I think I was the only Democrat that fully supported our strike of their Iranian nuclear facilities last year.

And now by then, without those kinds of strikes, Iran could have acquired a nuclear bomb. I think I hope we can all agree that Iran should have never acquired a nuclear bomb. And Iran is one of the world's top terrorist underwriter.

And now you have that poisonous regime now in spiral. So why? Why wouldn't we want to support that? And those those brave protesters, they've killed probably more than 600 by now.

[08:05:00]

So now why would we want to have the kinds of targeted kinds of action that could break that regime?

BOLDUAN: There are sources do tell CNN that there are concerns inside the Trump administration, though, that taking military action, military strikes could actually backfire and undermine the protests by swelling support for the Iranian government. Do you see that?

FETTERMAN: Yes, if it makes sense. Again, if those strikes make sense, absolutely. I do support those things.

You know, I don't know exactly what the conversation is. I'm saying I'm open to that. And I am actually inspired by the real kinds of courage that those protesters in Iran are demonstrated now.

So I don't know why we can't all want to support that to back them and now bring that awful regime to its knees. Now, that's where it's at right now. They're so desperate.

Now they're -- they killed the Internet and now they're mowing down their own citizens. Now they're even so desperate, offering six dollars a month as some kind of a payoff now, too. Now for for me, I think we can all agree that the world would be better, safer and more just if you could break that regime.

BOLDUAN: Ask about Greenland. The president now says in no uncertain terms that he is getting Greenland, acquiring Greenland one way or another. Let me play this for you.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Look, if we don't take Greenland, Russia or China will. And I'm not letting that happen. If we don't take Greenland, Russia or China will take Greenland.

And I am not going to let that happen.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (INAUDIBLE) something they could offer you --

TRUMP: Yes, sure. I'd love to make a deal with them. It's easier. But one way or the other, we're going to have Greenland.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BOLDUAN: You are one of the few Democrats, rare Democrats who supports the idea of the U.S. buying Greenland. I've been told in no uncertain terms by anyone, any elected politician, any elected anyone from Denmark and beyond that it's clearly still not for sale and won't be. How are you helping a NATO ally or the NATO alliance in continuing the conversation?

I mean, you know, we are Republican senators calling this stupid conversation.

FETTERMAN: Yes, I mean, of course, I don't think anyone really believes that they're going to invade Greenland. It's 50,000 people in a gigantic, you know, slab of ice. You know, this is not like a military kind of a thing.

It's primarily diplomatic. And now I've said this on my own social media that I would never, ever support any kinds of aggressive way and take that. America is not a bully.

Absolutely. We are not a bully. You know, we're not going to take Greenland from our ally.

You know, that's not what America is. But I do think it does make sense to acquire it. And if they refuse to ever do it and purchase it.

But that's not a new conversation. That's 80 -- that's 80 years ago. They had they offer that same thing, $100 million. Truman did that.

So it makes sense strategically for military and for other kinds of resources as well, too. But now it's not a serious conversation. If you think we're going to invade Greenland in that kind of way.

BOLDUAN: The Fed chairman is now facing a criminal investigation centered by the Justice Department over the headquarters renovation. But he says that this is nothing to do with the construction project. Everything to do with the fact that the Fed isn't bending to President Trump's pressure campaign over interest rates.

What do you see here?

FETTERMAN: I absolutely back Jerome Powell. I think he's done a magnificent job. You know, he's been around for years and he actually helmed our economy for all these years through the pandemic and taming inflation.

Now, I absolutely support them. And I think Wall Street supports those kinds of guidance now. So for me, I sure hope that he is able to remain.

And I haven't looked at these kinds of an indictment, but it probably may come from a way to motivate him to leave or for that terms. I don't believe he's criminal or he's engaging any kinds of things like those things. But again, I fully support Jerome Powell. BOLDUAN: Do you support Tom Tillis now says he's going to stand in the way of the pick -- of the pick to take over as chairman until all of this is sorted out because he disagrees so vehemently with it. He's going to oppose confirmation of any nominee for the Fed. Would you do the same?

FETTERMAN: Sure. Absolutely. Because I do believe Jerome Powell.

He was a bipartisan kind of a pick. I mean, it's really not controversial to me. I really don't understand that.

[08:10:00]

So that's what my colleague from North Carolina is proposing. And it seems interesting. And one thing I'd like to continue to explore that kind of an option.

BOLDUAN: Senator John Fetterman, thank you so much. Really appreciate your time coming in today -- Sara.

SIDNER: All right, Thank you, Kate. This morning, Fed Chairman Jerome Brown standing up -- excuse me, Jerome Powell standing up to the Trump administration. His warning after the Justice Department launched a federal investigation against him.

And the suspect accused of killing an Ohio dentist and his wife in their home due in court today. What led police to arrest the victim's ex-husband.

And the terrifying fall at an indoor park? A child falls from a zip line. What happened next and how he's doing this morning?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[08:15:00]

BERMAN: All right, breaking overnight, the news that shocked investors and lawmakers alike. The Justice Department has launched a criminal investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Federal prosecutors are said to be focused on Powell's June testimony before Congress about the Fed's renovation of its Washington, D.C. headquarters.

A spokesperson for the GOJ told CNN that the attorney general wants to, quote, prioritize investigating any abuse of taxpayer dollars. But The Fed Chair, Jerome Powell, fired back in a really extraordinary video statement, and he questioned the motive behind this unprecedented investigation.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JEROME POWELL, FEDERAL RESERVE CHAIRMAN: The threat of criminal charges is a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the president. This is about whether the Fed will be able to continue to set interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions or whether instead monetary policy will be directed by political pressure or intimidation.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: Fetcher Jerome Powell saying he's being investigated basically for doing his job. With us now CNN senior reporter Matt Egan. So Matt, how is all of this being received this morning?

MATT EGAN, CNN SENIOR REPORTER: I would say with alarm, John. Look, it feels like in some ways a red line here has been crossed. In the past, not even the Trump administration would go directly after Fed Chair Jerome Powell so as to avoid rocking financial markets or unsettling corporate America.

And you can see the instant reaction right here from stock futures. Markets are down. The Dow futures are down by about 350 points, about 3/4 of 1 percent, a little bit steeper losses for the Nasdaq.

But look, you got to remember that that is designed to be insulated from politics, right? They're supposed to be free to raise or lower interest rates to protect the job market, to fight inflation, not to help one political party or another. And I got to tell you, there was a lot of negative reaction from economists, investors, obviously Democrats, but also some Republicans as well.

Justin Wolfers, the economist, he told me that this is an outrage. He said it's bad economics. One former Fed official this morning, he told me this is lawfare at its worst.

And perhaps the most telling response came from Republican Senator Tom Tillis. He said on X last night if there were any remaining doubt whether advisors within the Trump administration are actively pushing to end the independence of the Federal Reserve, there should be none -- should now be none. And he went on to say, I will oppose the confirmation of any nominee for the Fed, including the upcoming Fed chair vacancy until this legal matter is fully resolved.

Now, former Fed officials, they tell me that Powell is not going to just back down here and give the president what he wants, which is dramatically lower interest rates. And I thought that Powell, his extraordinary response last night was really telling and how defined it was. Take a listen to what else he said.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

POWELL: I have served at the Federal Reserve under four administrations, Republicans and Democrats alike. In every case, I have carried out my duties without political fear or favor, focused solely on our mandate of price stability and maximum employment. Public service sometimes requires standing firm in the face of threats. I will continue to do the job the Senate confirmed me to do, with integrity, and a commitment to serving the American people.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

EGAN: Now, Powell certainly doesn't sound like a guy who's going to just suddenly fall in line. We should note that President Trump said he didn't know anything about this investigation. Telling NBC, however, that Powell is, quote, certainly not very good at the Fed, and he's not very good at building buildings.

Just two other things to keep in mind, John. Even though Powell's term as Fed chair doesn't expire until May, he's on the Board of Governors until 2028. When I asked Powell last month whether or not he'd consider staying on the Board of Governors after his time his term expires, he kind of punted.

But you got to wonder whether or not this kind of attack on the Fed causes him to consider sticking around. And one last point. Is this the kind of attack on the Fed that causes business leaders and perhaps moderates in the Senate to really speak out and defend the Federal Reserve? That'll be telling and that may be dictated in part by the market reaction.

BERMAN: Yes, we will keep our eye on that this morning to be sure. Matt Egan great to see you.

EGAN: Thank you.

BERMAN: Thank you very much -- Sara.

SIDNER: All right, the head details on the new surge of immigration agents headed to Minneapolis as tensions continue to rise after ICE shot and killed a mother of three, protesting their actions.

And a suspect is in custody after an Ohio dentist and his wife were found dead in their home. The clues that led police to the victim's ex-husband.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SIDNER: This morning, the suspect accused in the murder of an Ohio dentist and his wife is due in court in Illinois. Michael McKee was taken into custody over the weekend. Officials say he is the ex- husband of one of the victims, Monique Tepe.

Monique and her husband, Spencer, were found shot to death last month in their Columbus home where they lived with their two children, ages four and one. The suspect now faces two counts of murder and is expected to face extradition back to Ohio.

Joining me now to discuss CNN legal analyst and criminal defense attorney Joey Jackson. Joey, first of all, McKee is expected in court today in Illinois. What are we expecting to see happen in court today? What are the decisions that come out of court?

JOEY JACKSON, CNN LEGAL ANALYST: Yes, sir, good morning to you. So what happens is, is that he has to be sent back to Ohio. And so this is an extradition proceeding.

What does that mean? It means that he didn't commit the offense in Illinois. However, Illinois has custody of him.

[08:20:00] And so therefore he has the right in a actual extradition proceeding to either contest it to say, hey, I'm going to contest this and not voluntarily go or waive it. Now, if he contests it, they're very limited grounds. Procedurally, if you contest it, is it my identity? Is it me or is it another Mr. McKee?

Does it allege a specific offense? Does it, on its face, allege something for which I can be returned? So you don't contest it on the merits. That doesn't happen yet.

In the event he waives it, then they have 30 days, they being the authorities in Ohio to come get him, he'll be brought back there and the proceeding will begin. And so this today is simply an extradition proceeding to advise him of the charges to indicate that he's wanted back and to tell him you have a right to counsel, you have a right to contest. What, sir, do you wish to do?

SIDNER: And then he'll go through the normal process once that extradition, if it's granted, happens.

JACKSON: Absolutely.

SIDNER: All right. So I just want to catch people up to speed. How in the world did they find him. In other words, what was used? What are some big things that could play also in court as far as evidence in this case?

JACKSON: Sure. So, Sara, once he goes back, now you answer the charges and now it's on. You have, you know, you defend yourself.

He hasn't been indicted. That means a grand jury has not yet convened to determine, not guilt or innocence, but just whether there's reason to believe that a crime was committed and that he committed it, but a criminal complaint has been issued. And why did they do that?

Well, there seems to be, look, surveillance is everything, technology is everything. And apparently there was vehicle in the location where the murder occurred right around the home. It was there and then it disappeared. They tracked that vehicle 325 miles. Guess what? Registered to him.

There's also surveillance, which would seemingly be or perhaps not be him. And so they believe that that gives them probable cause, right? Remember, the standard to arrest someone is not that you're guilty. That's what trials are for.

It's simply whether there's reason to believe that you may have engaged in this crime. They believe he has, and we'll see what the discovery and other investigation unfolds as the matter goes forward and as he goes back to Ohio.

SIDNER: This case is slightly baffling in that not knowing what the motive is here, he was married to one of the victims in the case. And then, but it's been what, 10 years?

JACKSON: Right. SIDNER: Now, I know that the prosecution does not have to prove motive. They just have to prove that you did a crime, that you committed the crime. But it helps. Is there any sense of motive and in that, any sense of what his defense might be?

JACKSON: Yes, so I think, Sara, that'll develop through the course of time. There's some indication, of course, as you noted, they were married 10 years ago. Was there some jealousy? Was there some animus?

They didn't have any children together, right? And so they believe that there was some bad blood, at least as to him, and so they're alleging, again all allegations innocence until proven guilty, presumption of innocence, that this may have motivated him to do it. And as you noted it doesn't have to be -- motive doesn't have to be proven.

Now the fact is -- and I'll end here -- which is that initially they charged him with double murder. There were court indications that they elevated that to aggravated murder. So Ohio has the death penalty. They don't use it. There's been a moratorium on it for several years.

SIDNER: But you still bring --

JACKSON: Absolutely, and in fact, Sara, if they bring that aggravated murder charge predicated upon a double murder, right, then you can have that exposure. But because of issues involving the, you know, the ingredients that are used and killing people and putting them to death, there's been a moratorium. Let's see if that changes.

But that will change the dynamic here because murder is 15 years to life. Aggravated premeditated murder, which they're charging, changes that because now it's life without parole or indeed the death penalty. Although, again, Ohio has not employed it in some time.

SIDNER: Yes very similar to the Reiner case where California has got a moratorium And yet, you can still go for a death penalty case, but you don't know if that's ever going to be carried out. Still these cases are just so disturbing. And there are two children involved in this one.

JACKSON: And they were in the home at the time, crying, and they went to the house, just gruesome scene, terrible.

SIDNER: Really, truly. Thank you so much for being here this morning -- on this Monday -- Kate.

BOLDUAN: Developing this morning, the death toll really surging amid the massive protests that are sweeping across Iran. President Trump now says that he is weighing military action, and the U.S. could be getting involved in a very big way. New reporting coming in on that.

And there's also new video this morning showing a car losing control. We will show you this. And speeding down, it looks like a neighborhood, seen crashing into multiple homes. What we are learning about how that driver is doing and what happened here, coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

END