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Anthropic CEO Calls For A.I. Slowdown Amid Safety Concerns; Trump Blames Ukraine For Fuel Spike; Sources: Hegseth Pushed Airmen To Tape "60 Minutes" Interview. Aired 7:30-8a ET

Aired September 14, 2026 - 07:30   ET

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

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[07:32:52]

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: All right. This morning, Washington is scrambling to respond to calls to do something before artificial intelligence advances beyond human control. "Politico" reports, quote, "Some of the Democratic Party's most prominent strategists gathered behind closed doors in Washington to craft a strategy for responding to the technology they sensed will become a defining issue of the 2028 presidential race".

And "Axios" just reported this morning that Senator Bernie Sanders and former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, they're going to appear at an event together on the subject this week. And this comes after Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei wrote an alarming essay warning that A.I. is moving too fast for humans to keep up.

With us now, Alex Gangitano, White House political reporter for "Politico", and Jackie Kucinich, the Washington bureau chief for "The Boston Globe". Alex, I just want to start with you because I was reading the playbook this morning about Democrats, and this was before, I think, the Sam -- the Dario Amodei letter.

But Democrats were getting together saying, hey, we got to figure out a way to address A.I. because we see this is a political issue. Does that mean they have answers

ALEX GANGITANO, WHITE HOUSE POLITICAL REPORTER, POLITICO: Right. It's become such a political issue in 2026 that I think both parties are looking to see what's it going to look like in 2028. So, I think Democrats are trying to figure out if they do have those answers. Can they be the party that has answers and has a blueprint for how to approach this, how to slow down development, create guardrails while Republicans are in power? Could it be something that could help Democrats looking ahead to 2028?

I think a lot of presidential hopefuls are wondering, how do they create this platform that its not such a boogeyman issue or an issue that they actually do have answers to come 2028 and even Vice President Vance or, else -- someone else in the president's cabinet who might have political aspirations for the future. I think they're even looking at, can what the Republicans are doing now impact me a couple of years from now? And should I differentiate myself from some of the administration's actions on this?

[07:35:01]

BERMAN: So, Jackie, Sam Altman, who has been all over Washington at times over the last two years, he wrote overnight, this is after he was supportive of Amodei's initial essay he wrote overnight, and it seemed to be tempering, I think, a little bit his support for it. He goes, when we talk about pacing, we do not mean stopping.

And then at the end of this quote, you can see he's talking about where he wants the government to step in. And it's not many places. He goes, where we'll need the help of our government is for international coordination. But first, we should do what we can ourselves. That seemed to be a message to Washington saying, hey, don't jump in and regulate us when you get back to work this week.

How eager, Jackie, do you think the politicians are to wade in here?

JACKIE KUCINICH, WASHINGTON BUREAU CHIEF, THE BOSTON GLOBE: I mean, I don't think he has a lot of worry. He has a lot to worry about this week because the idea that that lawmakers could coalesce around one thing that could help regulate A.I. within the span of a week, that requires, you know, a lot of thoughtful, bipartisan conversations. It's a little -- it's a little far fetched at this point.

So, but, you know, however, the -- sorry, my house erupted into chaos. I apologize, however, you know, there are a lot of conversations going on. You mentioned Bernie sanders. You mentioned a lot of other -- a lot of other leaders.

But there is this fundamental disagreement how much you let A.I. leaders regulate themselves and -- and the -- how much Washington should step in. And I don't think that's a question we're going to get an answer to this week.

BERMAN: Mo, but I do suspect you'll hear them talking about it because they know they need to address something. And I know that's vague, but somehow that's just how politics works.

Texas erupted over the weekend, A, because one of the most amazing college football comebacks we've seen, Texas over Ohio State. But tied to that, there was a picture of the celebrations right in Bo French, who was a Republican candidate for railroad commission, which is a statewide office and pretty important in Texas.

He posted this photo and he said, "I heard UT graduation this year look like this. I didn't believe it. The problem is now obviously far worse than anyone imagined."

Now, people took this to mean that he was saying that this crowd was too diverse for his taste. Celebrating the win of the Longhorns.

Now, Senator John Cornyn, the outgoing Republican senator. Man, did he take issue with that tweet. He goes, "This is the Republican nominee for statewide office. Are other Republican elected officials going to condemn the intolerance and racism or look the other way while it becomes normalized? This is how great political parties self-destruct. Sad."

Alex, you know, you rarely see a fight out in the open quite like this. And there are people taking sides.

GANGITANO: Yeah, it's really interesting that Senator Cornyn, of course, outgoing, after he lost his Republican primary, he decided to make this an issue of this is the whole Republican Party should take issue with it. If were moving in that direction, this could be destructive for us.

And then we saw actually, James Talarico, the Democrat running in Texas, come out and thank Cornyn and say racism has no place in Texas. And called on Ken Paxton, the Republican nominee in Texas, to say something.

Ken Paxton. I thought his answer was interesting. He said, I condemn racism. But he said, actually, Talarico is the person who's dividing Texans by race. So did not directly address that Bo French tweet.

So it's become an issue that I think now Texans for the next week are going to run in and statewide office are going to get a lot of questions about of is this what the Republican Party should be looking like? Is this the message we should be putting out?

And I think John Cornyn in his months left in leadership, could be a real leader in this space because clearly, he was very compelled to -- to call this out. And I think some other Republicans have been as well.

BERMAN: And very quickly, Jackie, you may move beyond Texas too.

KUCINICH: I mean, certainly this is not what Republicans want to be talking about when you look at -- look what happened in Ohio, you had a staffer for Senator Husted that was let go because of Nazi imagery that he was using on social media. So, this is something that Republicans certainly don't want to be talking about, but something that they're going to be asked to address as we get closer and closer to these midterms.

BERMAN: Yeah, Labor Day is long gone at this point. Gas prices are up in the midterms are approaching.

Allison Chinchar, Jackie Kucinich, great to see both of you. Thank you.

Sara?

SARA SIDNER, CNN ANCHOR: Speaking of which, new this morning as we continue watching oil prices surge, diesel prices hit a new record high, hitting $6.23 a gallon. But President Trump is blaming Ukraine for the spike in fuel prices, saying their attacks on Russian diesel refineries are hurting the world.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The Russia plants are being hit by Ukraine. And I've asked President Zelenskyy not to hit the diesel plants, refineries.

REPORTER: Is it potentially that --

TRUMP: Because that's what's driving it up.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SIDNER: He did not mention the diesel prices began surging when the war with Iran began in late February and spiked significantly. The oil prices in general in the past few days after the widening Iran war, saw an attack from drones from Iraq, forcing Saudi Arabia to shut down a key oil pipeline.

Diesel, as you know, critical for fueling many industries, powering trucks, tractors, freight trains, boats, construction vehicles. The rise in cost is also having a real impact on farmers.

Joining me now is John Boyd, Jr., the founder and president of the National Black Farmers Association.

It is good to see you. Thank you for being here early this morning with us.

First, just give me a sense of what it is you're dealing with as you see these diesel prices going up and up and up now at a record high $6.23.

JOHN BOYD, JR., FOUNDER & PRESIDENT, NATIONAL BLACK FARMERS ASSOCIATION: Well, this is a farm crisis. And you know, I'm out here picking corn, you know, $5 a bushel and paying now nearly $7 a gallon for diesel fuel. And we're hearing here at the NBFA from California farmers that it's nearly $10 a gallon for diesel fuel. Oil is up $102 a barrel. And we see this as price gouging and price gouging, you know, for farmers, this money is going somewhere.

And the president continues to come up. I was listening to you come up with different excuses. And it's his war that caused this, this war in Iran. We're not winning that war. And many farmers feel like we shouldn't be there. And it's hurt Americas farmers.

So, it's been a rippling effect for us. You know, we have over 400 pending farm foreclosures. And the president says he made all these all these promises. He keeps his promise.

He has not kept his promise to America's farmers. He's not -- this isn't putting farmers first. And all of this stuff, when we're losing our farms and he's not doing nothing about these diesel fuel prices, and it's harvest time for Americas farmers.

SIDNER: So what are farmers -- what are you and other farmers going to have to do now that these prices are so high for diesel? What does that mean for your farms and your ability to get the food out to the public?

BOYD: Well, it means every struggling, you know, my combine holds a 140 gallons -- for people who don't understand this. And it's nearly $1,000 to fill up one time to fill my combine up to pick corn that I'm barely breaking even on in the first place.

So, we operating in the red and this president continues to make promises to us, he says when the tariff money comes back, it was going to go to farmers. The tariff money is not coming to farmers. It's going to large corporations, you know, that are getting that money back.

Nothing's coming to us, but a lot of empty promises from this administration. And for those who are running for office, man, you need to be out talking to these farmers and tell them how you're going to make their lives better if you want their votes, because this is a breaking point for farmers. And I think for the first time in a very long time, these farmers voted for this president three times before, there's a chance for some Democrats to, to make some ground here. If they reach out to Americas farmers that are hurting at this critical point in their farming operations.

SIDNER: John Boyd, Jr., thank you for taking the time to speak to us on a critical issue, as you said there for farmers. I do appreciate it.

Kate?

KATE BOLDUAN, CNN ANCHOR: So, we are hearing now for the first time about the mission to rescue two American pilots shot down over Iran, hearing from one of the men, the air force colonel, identified only by his mission call sign, "Bravo", described his experience to "60 Minutes". He says, it's part of it, that his parachute did not deploy correctly, and then he free fell to the ground at an estimated 70 to 100 miles an hour.

Here he is, in his own words.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

"BRAVO", U.S. AIRMAN: My parachute was damaged in the initial attack at one point when I looked up and saw no parachute. That was the most -- it was the most terrifying thing I've ever seen. So, I paused right then, and I prayed, Lord, your will be done. But if I'm getting through this, I need help

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BOLDUAN: Unbelievable.

After that fall, he survived, obviously, but he broke his back and arm and a shoulder, still somehow was able to hike and climb a 7,000-foot ridgeline where until he was rescued some 50 hours later.

This new firsthand account of the mission comes after multiple sources also tell CNN that the defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, and his -- some of his advisers in his department pushed the airmen to participate in these interviews.

[07:45:02]

Let's bring in CNN's chief media analyst, Brian Stelter, who has more reporting on this.

And you have some more reporting on how this interview came about, Brian.

BRIAN STELTER, CNN CHIEF MEDIA ANALYST: Right. Hegseth wanted this interview to be broadcast to the American people to hear about the dramatic rescue mission. But both airmen initially had reservations about going on camera. There is an ethos in the military about what it means when you go public, when you speak out. Sometimes it's hard to go back to your day job afterward.

So, both these men were initially reluctant. They had concerns, but there were political appointees in office that were pushing them to go on camera. And ultimately Hegseth himself personally met with both men to discuss it. So, one of the two men in that F-15 decided to speak out. The other decided not to.

And that story by that man using his call sign name "Bravo". It is absolutely extraordinary. It is a reminder of what the military has been going through during this war. But of course, we've been talking day after day, month after month about how unpopular the war is. It seems that Hegseth is trying to change public perceptions by presenting this story about this rescue mission now, trying to encourage and go for public support.

But it certainly is an example of the defense secretary becoming unusually hands on in a television interview. Normally, past defense secretaries, they were not involved in the planning for an interview like this. So, it goes to show maybe where his priorities are and how important this was for Hegseth, Kate.

BOLDUAN: It goes without saying, though, it's an interview that everyone -- Norah O'Donnell secured the interview and her team, but it's an interview that every journalist would like to get and a story everyone would like to hear. This was part of the this was part of the season premiere of the of the "60 Minute" season, a show that has gotten so much attention in the past months over the internal turmoil that has been unfolding over there.

What are you hearing about that?

STELTER: Gosh, turmoil, upheaval, disturbance. It's been a bad stretch for 60 minutes in the past few months. Three months ago, editor in chief Bari Weiss forced out several top producers and correspondents. You'll remember then Scott Pelley criticized the changes. Then he was fired, too. It all amounted to the biggest shakeup in the program's history.

Some in the TV industry wondered how would the program possibly get back on the air this fall? Well, the spotlight has been severe. But the good news for those who care about "60 Minutes" who believe the franchise is important is that the program is still doing what its always done.

Last night's premiere had human interest features, investigations, big interviews. So, look, there's still a lot of skepticism, especially on the left, due to CBS's parent company trying to cozy up to the Trump administration. That skepticism is understandable.

But to me, the good news overnight is that "60 Minutes" is still "60 Minutes". There have been some changes around the edges, some modernization, and we'll see what the coming weeks continue to show.

But given all the drama, given all the concern from past summer, from last summer, it's notable that the program is back and as strong as it ever was, Kate.

BOLDUAN: Yeah. It's great to see you. Brian. Thank you so much.

John?

BERMAN: All right. New developments this morning in the search for a woman in Washington, D.C., who has been missing for more than a week. The family of 53-year-old Antoinette Forbes is pleading for her safe return.

Let's get right to CNN's Dianne Gallagher for the latest on this.

Dianne, what are you learning?

DIANNE GALLAGHER, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yeah, John, it has been more than a week since anybody has seen or heard from Antoinette Forbes. And loved ones say that the 53-year-old single mother would never just vanish on her own accord. Family and friends have called the circumstances surrounding her disappearance alarming. They held a vigil on Saturday night as a way to be together, but also to try and draw more attention to the public relations executive's disappearance

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ALISON WILLIAMS, FRIEND: It's been harrowing, and I know so many other families have gone through similar experiences. It doesn't change how difficult it is, not only for her friends, but especially for her family, who are so desperate to see her back.

RACHEL CLARK, FRIEND: Antoinette is deeply loved. She's a devoted mom, sister, friend. She's family to a lot of us who are here tonight as friends organizing this. We miss her deeply. We are eager to bring her home.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GALLAGHER: Now, police have said that it's an active investigation but have declined to share further details. Antoinette Forbes was last seen in person on the 4th of September at her home. The 3200 block of Nebraska Avenue northwest in Washington, D.C.

Now, her sister Eileen, tells me that she spoke with Antoinette on FaceTime Saturday, September 5th, around 9:30 a.m. that's what the sisters did in the morning. And she said that Antoinette was at home and there was nothing out of the ordinary about the call.

But Eileen says that what was unusual was that she stopped answering messages. She didn't respond even when her sister told her she had COVID, and she became concerned when she couldn't get back in touch with her at all on Sunday as well. Family, friends according to a Eileen Forbes, the sister went over because they had a key to the house to check on Antoinette, and we are told that they found the house unlocked. Inside was Antoinette's laptop. Two phones and her car was outside as well.

Antoinette's beloved dog, Max, was also inside the house and there was no trace of that 53 year old public relations executive at Eli Lilly in the home. Now, they've not been allowed back inside the home. I'm told the family has not.

Spokesperson does tell CNN that Antoinette's 10-year-old son is safe. But again, police are not commenting on any details about this investigation at this point. In a statement last night, her sister did thank the public for sharing all of the missing posters and things like that and say that they are still holding out hope that they will find Antoinette.

BERMAN: And you can understand why this is so concerning. It's got to be so difficult for that family.

All right. Dianne Gallagher, thank you very much.

Sara?

SIDNER: All right. Thank you so much, John.

Ahead, flash floods lead to dozens of rescues in the northeast this weekend. A close look at the damage and where those storms are now. And it's all coming back to her now. Celine Dion's emotional return to the stage after battling a rare neurological disorder

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[07:56:04]

BOLDUAN: New York Giants and new coach John Harbaugh got a dream debut, beating their rival, the Dallas Cowboys, last night.

CNN's Andy Scholes in the flesh, he's here people. He's a real person.

It is nice to see you.

ANDY SCHOLES, CNN SPORTS ANCHOR: Good to see you, too, Kate.

What a wonderful football morning it is here this Monday here in New York, right? The Jets and the Giants both one and O.

BOLDUAN: I mean, let's just stop now.

SCHOLES: Right in the season immediately. It's the first time it's happened since 2009. We'll see how long the joy lasts. But Giants fans certainly optimistic with John Harbaugh now in charge. And it was an emotional night at MetLife Stadium. They held tributes throughout the game for those who lost their lives and all that were affected by 9/11, 25 years ago.

Now, after 18 years in Baltimore, Harbaugh bringing that big physical philosophy to the Giants, they just bullied the Cowboys all game long, outrunning them 165 to 69. Cam Skattebo back from his ankle injury. He rumbled for 81 yards. And this touchdown with a little back flip action quarterback Jaxson Dart. He looked great 230 yards and three touchdowns through the air, 54 yards on the ground. Impressive 28-20 win for the G-men. Harbaugh called the debut victory really special.

All right. Elsewhere, we had a thriller between the Texans and Bills in Houston to open the season. There were eight lead changes in this game, the last coming when Josh Allen hit Joshua Palmer here for a 33- yard touchdown. Allen had two passing TDs, two more rushing that put the Bills up by five with under two to go.

Texans had one last chance, but CJ Stroud picking up where he left off in the playoffs, fumbles in the closing seconds. Buffalo recovers. They beat the Texans 36-31.

Elsewhere, Bears head coach ben Johnson said he wanted to score more points than any team ever this season. And so far, so good. Caleb Williams two passing touchdowns, two more rushing. Chicago scored eight touchdowns in Charlotte as they blew out the Panthers 59-37. That was a score game. First time that score has ever happened in.

BOLDUAN: Those baseball rules, like were so far ahead. We're going to end here. I don't know.

SCHOLES: That's unbelievable offensive performance, 96 combined points the most ever in a season opener in Philly.

Meanwhile we had arguably the play of the day and it was on special teams, Commanders gunner Tyler Owens just destroying anyone in his path. He eventually. Then body slams the punt returner. It was an incredible effort.

Commanders though they did lose to the Eagles in that one, 24-22.

All right. And finally, at the U.S. Open, Ben Shelton was trying to become the first American man to win a grand slam since 2003. But it just wasn't meant to be. Alexander Zverev beating him in four sets to win his second grand slam of the year. And funny moment at the end, Zverev didn't even know he had won somehow.

Look at you. Surprised.

BOLDUAN: Oh, it's over.

SCHOLES: Yeah. Zverev explained that moment to our Patrick Snell after the match.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ALEXANDER ZVEREV, 2026 U.S. & FRENCH OPEN WINS ARE THE FIRST TWO OF CAREER: I thought it was 5-1 instead of 6-2. So, I thought I have one more game left. So, I was quite focused. I was quite calm, but then I was luckily on the side of my team, and they were all screaming that it's over. So I'm very happy that it was okay.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SCHOLES: That's hilarious. I mean, I always know exactly what the score is in the tennis match.

BOLDUAN: I never do. Literally. I mean, one, I've never won a tennis match. But two, no matter what, I'm always like, what is it again, love? I don't know, guys.

SCHOLES: Like these guys would know, especially at match.

BOLDUAN: At that point, at that point. That's how good he is. He's like, let's just have some fun.

Wait. J.B. wants to go back to the body slam of the day. That was crazy.

BERMAN: I just thought he comes in, he runs through the field like you come into the newsroom every day like, like bashing everyone your way. Get out of my way. There's news.

BOLDUAN: News to come.

BERMAN: News to report.

BOLDUAN: Oh, that's the nicest said about me, John Berman.

BERMAN: There's one.

SCHOLES: Kate, every morning?

BERMAN: There goes Kate again.

BOLDUAN: They're not wrong.

BERMAN: And then boom.

BOLDUAN: That's what happens if you get between me and my coffee right before we go.

BERMAN: On the news. All right. Thank you very much. And, Andy, it's great to see you.

BOLDUAN: Thank you, Andy.

BERMAN: We got new video coming in from Connecticut, which saw some pretty major flooding. Look at that. The southern part of the state received up to six inches.