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Mangione in Court Today; Iran Responds to U.S. Criticism; Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) is Interviewed about Primaries, Trump and the Congressional Black Caucus; Trump Drops Lawsuit Against IRS; Two Navy Jets Collide at Air Show. Aired 9-9:30a ET

Aired May 18, 2026 - 09:00   ET

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

[09:00:00]

CLARE DUFFY, CNN BUSINESS TECH REPORTER: Break that encryption.

Now, as I said, there are companies and governments that are working to address this by adopting what's called post-quantum cryptography. Google and the cyber security company Cloudflare are now targeting 2029 to adopt post-quantum cryptography. The White House is recommending that businesses adopt post-quantum cryptography by 2035. But there is data that suggests that 90 percent of businesses still are not ready for this. So, there is much more work to be done within the next three to five years to get ready for this milestone.

SARA SIDNER, CNN ANCHOR: Quantum cryptography. I feel like we are living in the days of "Star Trek,"

DUFFY: Yes.

SIDNER: In 2030 or something. Like, we're headed there very, very quickly.

DUFFY: Three years from now. Four years from now.

SIDNER: That's crazy. What?

OK, Clare Duffy, thank you for reminding me how old I am.

A new hour of CNN NEWS CENTRAL starts right now.

KATE BOLDUAN, CNN ANCHOR: Very soon, Luigi Mangione will be back in a New York City courtroom. A New York judge set to decide if key evidence can be used or should be tossed out.

There's also a new warning from President Trump and a new proposal sent from Iran. What is the president going to do now?

And the World Health Organization is sounding the alarm over an Ebola outbreak in central Africa. More than 80 people are dead. Cases are climbing now across two countries.

I'm Kate Bolduan, with John Berman and Sara Sidner. This is CNN NEWS CENTRAL. JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: All right, we are standing by for what could be a crucial moment in the case against accused CEO killer Luigi Mangione. The 28-year-old is charged with killing the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. His defense attorneys will argue in court that the alleged murder weapon and other pieces of evidence should not be allowed in his state murder trial. They say police illegally recovered the items from his backpack without a warrant. The defense is also looking to suppress any statements Mangione made to police before his extradition to New York.

Let's get right to CNN legal analyst, criminal defense attorney, Joey Jackson.

Joey, first, let's just talk about this evidence, if you are with me, and why it is so important in this case.

JOEY JACKSON, CNN LEGAL ANALYST: Yes, it's critical, John. It's critical because of the fact -- good morning to you -- that it has a lot to do with incriminating things that can be used against him. Like what? Like, for example, the actual gun that was in his possession at the specific time. Like, for example, the red notebook, which contained a manifesto, chapter and verse, with regard to what his plans were and why they were. That goes to the motivation. Like travel plans, et cetera, as we look at the number of things that were found there. And all told, fake I.D., you've got cash, you have all these things that could be used against him in that bag, which could be incriminating.

And so, when you have these hearings, the basis and purpose of a hearing is to determine whether the police got it right. When you're stopped, when you're questioned, when you're approached by police, yes, they have to have probable cause. But then, in order to check the backpack, did they need a warrant? That's the critical question. And that's what the hearing that lasted three weeks, I might add, and had 17 witnesses was all about. Attorneys were allowed to brief their specific legal positions. The judge will announce his decision today.

BERMAN: Generally speaking, what is the standard as to whether or not going into a backpack without a warrant is legal or illegal?

JACKSON: So, the standard relates to probable cause. And at the hearing, the prosecution certainly has to establish, by a preponderance of the evidence, is it more likely than not, that the police did, in fact, have probable cause to do it? Now, when we're talking about this, remember, as we look there, the items that are found, and specifically what they were, remember that there are a number of exceptions. It's not just cut and dry. It's not, hey, I have probable cause. It's over, right? There are exceptions that the prosecution can use as to why you don't have a warrant.

Now, the defense is arguing it was a warrantless search. Prosecution says, doesn't matter. Now, you might say, well, why wouldn't it matter? Let me tell you why.

Number one, they're arguing that it was a search incident to a lawful arrest. And when officers arrest you, they can -- they can look at and examine anything within their searchable area for their own safety.

Number two, public safety exception. Maybe the contents of the bag contained a bomb or something else, and that would give officers pause with regard to whether or not they need to go into it, right?

Number three, inevitable discovery. When you take something from a defendant, whether you search it or not, you ultimately go back to the precinct and you inventory it. So, the contents may not be discovered there, but inevitably they could be discovered at the later time at the precinct. Prosecution says, no way, no how. You need a warrant. That's the standard.

[09:05:01]

You exceeded the basis of doing it. The public emergency exception is a pretext and a farce. It's being used in order to get in evidence that should not have been admitted. And no matter how a person seems, no matter how guilty a person looks, there's something called the Fourth Amendment. The Fourth Amendment was violated as a result of that. Judge, we want these items excluded.

And so those are the arguments that the judge has evaluated and is ready to make a decision on today, John.

BERMAN: And then, of course, that last argument was the argument from the defense.

So, Joey, if the judge here does exclude this evidence, it's some pretty crucial evidence. How much damage do you think, in your opinion, does this do to the prosecution's case?

JACKSON: Yes. So, any time that evidence is excluded, that is as valuable as the evidence found here, and is as incriminating as the evidence is found here, obviously it makes a big difference.

However, I hasten to add that there's a number of things -- it doesn't mean the case is over. It's not the death knell of the case. There's so much other evidence the prosecution can introduce, just not this.

What other evidence might there be? Well, how about surveillance video that shows allegedly engaged in the killing of Mr. Thompson, the executive? How about the tracking of his movements around town? How about the DNA that is found on the bar -- cereal bar at that specific location? How about all the other evidence that they have, including him pulling down his mask and there being a picture of him?

So, what am I saying? What I'm saying is that, no, it's not good for the prosecution's case in the event the judge would suppress, that is say you can't show this to the jury. However, there's other evidence that is very compelling that the prosecution can use to establish its case. John. And I would suspect that that's what they would do.

BERMAN: All right, We are standing by to hear from the judge, making this key ruling we expect shortly.

Joey Jackson, thank you very much. Kate.

BOLDUAN: There's a new threat from President Trump to Iran and new warning signs that U.S. voters are souring on the war. The president saying this, quote, the -- "for Iran, the clock is ticking, and they better get moving fast or there won't be anything left of them." Saing, "time is of the essence."

We're also now learning that Iran has responded to the U.S. criticisms of the latest plan. Details, though, of that response so far quite unclear.

CNN's Kevin Liptak is live this morning from the White House.

But it does seem that while we may think that -- while it's discussed as talks being stalled, they are still somewhat talking somehow.

KEVIN LIPTAK, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE REPORTER: Yes, the gears are kind of grinding forward. You know, both sides passing papers back and forth. And it will be interesting to see what the U.S. response is to this latest Iranian response. Remember, last week President Trump said that the Iranians proposal was totally unacceptable. He said he only read one point before throwing it in the garbage can. So, it remains to be seen whether this latest document resolves any of those issues that the president saw in their negotiating position.

But it is evidence that, yes, the diplomacy continues apace, even as President Trump weighs this very critical decision about whether to resume the military campaign inside of Iran. And we know that he discussed that with his national security team over the weekend. They met at his golf course in Virginia. Our understanding is that that group will convene again early this week to discuss how exactly this will all move forward.

And you know that message that the president wrote over the weekend saying that the clock is ticking, saying that the Iranians better get moving, I think is just evidence, further evidence that the president is growing quite impatient with the pace of diplomacy here. Yes, that is his number one priority. That is his preference is to reach some sort of negotiated settlement. But he is growing frustrated that it's taking so long as gas prices continue to rise, as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, as these questions persist about who exactly is in charge in Iran, about divisions within their leadership.

There's some evidence that the president wants to shake something loose here. And that is, I think, part of what he is discussing with his national security team. He also spoke yesterday with the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, as American and Israeli preparations intensify about potentially resuming the military campaign there.

There are some differing opinions inside the administration about how exactly to proceed. You do have officials who are advocating a more intensive phase to try and coerce the Iranians into a deal. You also hear some advisers encouraging diplomacy. I think it's clear, though, that the president is facing a decision

moment, and it's a very sticky decision, as this war is becoming more and more unpopular.

Kate.

BOLDUAN: Yes. It's good to see you, Kevin. Thank you so much for that update.

Sara.

SIDNER: All right, joining me now is Democratic Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove of California.

[09:10:03]

Thank you so much for being here.

I do want to talk to you about what we're seeing politically right now. Trump-backed challengers are winning in several primaries. Conservative Senator Bill Cassidy taken down in Louisiana and now Trump's got his sights on Thomas Massie of Kentucky. They've had a couple of pivotal votes that went against Trump. With more Trump- backed voters getting into Congress, what does this mean for Democrats trying to find some common ground there?

REP. SYDNEY KAMLAGER-DOVE (D-CA): Well, we've found success this term because we've been able to work with Republicans with discharge petitions. So, unfortunately, we've been passing legislation through this minority tool.

I put my money on Tom Massie. I think, at the end of the day, these are representatives who know their districts, know the needs of their constituents. And so, my hope always is that the best candidate prevails. But we need people who are willing to stand up to the administration. At the end of the day, we have an obligation to represent our constituents, not bend the knee to the president.

SIDNER: I want to ask you about something. We were talking about the war just a second ago. Trump, last night, posted these two A.I. generated images of himself. If we can put those images up. You're seeing one that says "Space Force." It's him with his finger on what looks like to be like a nuclear button or something, and with the explosions going on behind a console. And then there was another depicting him with an alien.

Let's start with the nuclear image. Do you see this as problematic, some sort of disturbing warning? How did you see this when you saw this come out?

KAMLAGER-DOVE: This is completely alarming to me. We are at war, and the commander in chief is continuing to send out childish, reckless, dangerous tweets. Remember, last month he said he wanted to get rid of an entire civilization. Here we are in a war. We don't know how we got here. It is evident that the president doesn't know how to get out. What this all shows me is that, a, he does not have a deal with Iran, and, b, he is mentally unstable.

SIDNER: The aliens image. There's been a lot of talk about UFOs. The government saying, yes, indeed, there are unidentified flying objects out there that they hadn't disclosed before. Do you see this as a distraction tactic or something else?

KAMLAGER-DOVE: Hey, look, I support NASA. JPL is in California. I am all about space. But at the end of the day, the American people are wondering how much higher gas prices are going to go. They are suffering under credit card debt that they can't seem to get out of, and the cost of living is going up and up and up. So, why not have a president talk to Iran, negotiate a ceasefire that will be indefinite so that we can get out of this war rather than trying to post as if he wants to be in the next "Independence Day."

SIDNER: I do want to ask you about something that's happening. You're on the Congressional Black Caucus. Something like a third of the House seats held by members of the CBC have been redistricted, or they're in a vulnerable position. What does this mean for black Americans specifically, but for America as a whole?

KAMLAGER-DOVE: Well, I am totally disturbed, outraged at the Callais decision. Obviously, this is going to impact black representation in Congress. But the reality is, black voters are not just representing -- are not just voting for black candidates, they're also voting for non-black candidates. So, this is an issue the entire country should be concerned.

Last weekend, we just came back from a March to the South. The south is not going back. And our goal is going to be to make sure that as many folks, especially black folks, are registered to vote and are prepared to vote in their states. This is an existential threat, I believe, not just to our Constitution, but to our rights as Americans.

SIDNER: Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, thank you so much for taking the time this morning to speak to us. Appreciate it.

John.

BERMAN: All right, two military jets collide at an air show, seemingly defying physics. Amazing video there. All four crew members ejected safely. We've got new updates on the investigation.

New reporting this morning on five divers believed dead in an underwater cave.

And then unprecedented politics. The secretary of defense goes on a campaign trip during war time to unseat the Republican who pushed the release of the Epstein files.

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[09:18:33]

BERMAN: All right, breaking just moments ago, court documents show that President Trump is dropping a $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service for failing to stop the leak of tax documents. It comes as sources tell CNN the administration is considering establishing a nearly $1.8 billion fund to compensate those who feel they have been unfairly investigated under previous administrations, though presumably would include some of the president's political allies.

Let's get right to CNN's chief legal affairs correspondent Paula Reid for the latest on this non-case now against the IRS.

What have you learned?

PAULA REID, CNN CHIEF LEGAL AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT: Well, that's right. Just a few minutes ago, the president's lawyers filed saying they're going to voluntarily dismiss this $10 billion lawsuit he had filed against the IRS. But this comes as sources tell me there have been discussions about establishing a roughly $1.8 billion compensation fund in exchange for dropping this lawsuit. And this fund would be for the president's allies and other people who believe they have been unfairly targeted by the Justice Department.

Now, again, this $10 billion lawsuit was filed by the president in his personal capacity, along with his two adult sons, suing the IRS over the release of his tax returns. Now, the judge overseeing this case has already expressed some pretty serious skepticism about whether this lawsuit would survive, whether it should even be in her courtroom.

[09:20:03]

So, in the past few days we've heard talks now about the possible establishment of this settlement fund in exchange for just dropping the lawsuit. And initially sources were saying that this would compensate anyone targeted unfairly by the Biden Justice Department. So, in the multiple criminal investigations into President Trump and his associates during that administration. But sources also suggested that could be expanded to even include the previous Trump Justice Department that, of course, oversaw the Mueller probe.

Now we know that retribution and helping his allies has been a big focus for the president. But even though the president is not expected to directly benefit from this fund, that is unlikely going to quell the significant political blowback he is already facing over this idea.

It is unclear exactly where these funds are coming from, but these are going to be taxpayer funds. And the idea that this would potentially enrich his allies, this is something that Democrats are crying foul over already before we've even gotten details. But we're waiting to get those additional details. We expect some sort of announcement in the coming days that will maybe flush out a little bit more exactly what they're doing. And, John, I would certainly expect that this will face lawsuits of its own.

BERMAN: Yes, I mean the political implications here, obviously, are enormous going forward with the midterms not that far away.

Paula Reid, with this brand-new reporting on what could be the first step on something that is still developing. Thank you so much, Paula.

Sara.

SIDNER: All right, thank you, John. Happening now, officials investigating in Idaho, trying to find out exactly what happened after this video. Two Navy fighter jets colliding during an air show. Officials say all four crew members, you can see them eject there. And then the plane crashed to the ground. They actually are OK. They ejected safely and they're being checked out by medical personnel.

CNN aviation correspondent Pete Muntean is following all this.

I -- how does something like this happen? You're looking at a clear blue sky, right? And you have these two fighter jets very close to one another.

PETE MUNTEAN, CNN AVIATION CORRESPONDENT: That means it will be an interesting investigation, Sara. But the best possible news here, four good chutes, four good parachutes, meaning four successful ejections from that EA-18 Growler. Those two jets from the United States Navy. The latest from Mountain Home Air Force Base, where this air show was taking place, is that all four crew members are in stable condition, non-life-threatening injuries. That's especially good news because of the extreme forces associated with ejecting from a fighter jet.

That video there shows these two Navy jets in formation. When the wingman appears to descend into the lead aircraft, the two airplanes then pitch up together. The crew of two in each jet ejected nearly simultaneously. The airplanes equipped with a zero-zero ejection seat, meaning you can eject at zero airspeed at zero altitude and be OK.

That wreckage there came down about two miles from the base according to base officials. It caused a small fire, which was put out pretty quickly. Nobody on the ground injured.

Again, these planes are Boeing EA-18G Growlers. That's the two seat electronic warfare version of the FA-18 Super Hornet. The Navy says these planes are from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington state. They're part of what's known as the Growler Demo Team. It appears from a post on Instagram that this was their first show of the air show season this year in 2026. The Navy now says this incident is under its investigation.

But remember, military crash investigations are not like civilian NTSB crash investigations. The proceedings, typically behind closed doors, and the results are not always made public.

Of course, online, some are already wondering whether this demonstration team will fly again. Air show flying brings some pretty unique risks. Low to the ground, high speed, very little margin for error. The pilots are typically the best of the best. But formation flying adds even more risk, and investigators will want to know whether the wingman lost sight of the lead aircraft.

These airplanes are designed to give very good pilot visibility in the battlefield environment. But like any aircraft, they still have blind spots. Not unlike the blind spots in your car, Sara. It can really compound quickly.

SIDNER: Yes, it's hard to look away from this, but really good news that the -- all four pilots that were aboard, you see them ejecting there, and all are relatively safe today.

Pete Muntean, thank you so much for your reporting on this.

Kate.

BOLDUAN: So, there's a growing international effort now underway to contain an Ebola outbreak in Africa. An outbreak, the World Health Organization is calling a global health emergency now.

And we have the latest on the severe storms that hit overnight, also forced new rescues and are getting some first look at the damage and where the risk is heading next.

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[09:29:05]

SIDNER: This morning, world health officials are racing to contain a new Ebola outbreak in central Africa. It is centered in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. So far, at least 105 people have died. And there are more than 300 suspected cases. But officials say it could be much bigger than currently known. A, quote, "small number" of Americans have been reportedly exposed and are currently being relocated. Earlier, I spoke with Dr. Celine Gounder, who deployed to west Africa during the 2014 epidemic. She told me this outbreak is serious and comes at a particularly vulnerable time for world health.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DR. CELINE GOUNDER, INFECTIOUS DISEASE SPECIALIST AND EPIDEMIOLOGIST: This outbreak of Ebola has me very worried because we're not responding quickly enough.

Not to mention that we have a huge multinational event coming up in the United States, the World Cup. You're going to have millions of people, many different cities in the United States.

[09:30:01]

And I'm very concerned that we're not prepared.