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Trump Signs 10 Percent Global Tariff after Supreme Court Ruling; Military Buildup Increases as Trump Ponders Possible Strikes; U.K. Police Contacting Andrew's Royal Protection Officers; Olympic Gold Medalist Alysa Liu on Her Trademark Style. Aired 3-3:30a ET

Aired February 21, 2026 - 03:00   ET

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

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BEN HUNTE, CNN ANCHOR (voice-over): Hello. Wherever you are in the world, you are now in the CNN NEWSROOM with me, Ben Hunte in Atlanta. And it is so good to have you with me.

Coming up on the show, a stunning rebuke. The U.S. Supreme Court strikes down president Trump's tariffs. He responds with more tariffs on all countries.

Iran proposes what it's calling a win-win outcome in its nuclear talks with the U.S. even as U.S. military resources surge in the region.

And she brought home the gold. Our Coy Wire speaks with Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu after a spectacular performance.

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UNIDENTIFIED MALE (voice-over): Live from Atlanta, this is CNN NEWSROOM with Ben Hunte.

HUNTE: Welcome.

President Donald Trump is attempting to find a way around the Supreme Court's decision to strike down his sweeping emergency tariffs. He is now slapping a new 10 percent levy on all countries.

But these tariffs can only be in place for 150 days, unless Congress extends them. The president called six of the justices a disgrace to the nation after they ruled his use of emergency powers unconstitutional.

Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch, who are both Trump appointees, joined with chief justice John Roberts and the three liberal justices in the majority.

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TRUMP: They're just being fools and lapdogs for the RINOs and the radical left Democrats.

They don't want to do the right thing. They're afraid of it.

I think their decision was terrible. Yes.

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TRUMP: I think it's an embarrassment to their families, you want to know the truth.

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HUNTE: Trump also suggested, without providing any evidence, that the justices who voted against him may have been influenced by foreign actors. Here's how a former chief judge reacted to those accusations.

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JOHN E. JONES III, FORMER CHIEF JUDGE, U.S. MIDDLE DISTRICT COURT OF PENNSYLVANIA: These allegations, you know, it's throw it against the wall and see if it sticks.

I really think we owe better; as you know, he's a co-equal member of the three branches of government. And this rhetoric is very, very unfortunate. And again, we're going to get somebody hurt if he doesn't stop.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CNN's Kristen Holmes has more now from the White House.

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KRISTEN HOLMES, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: President Trump on Friday night announcing on Truth Social, he had signed a 10 percent global tariff.

Now this, of course, came after the Supreme Court had ruled that his tariffs were illegal and after we saw President Trump giving a press conference in which he essentially berated the Supreme Court. It was very clear that he took this incredibly personally.

He also singled out those justices that he had appointed to the Supreme Court, Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch. This is what he had to say about the decision and those justices.

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TRUMP: The Supreme Court's ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing. And I'm ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed for not having the courage to do what's right for our country.

HOLMES: Now it didn't stop there. At one point, he was asked if he regretted appointing those two justices to the Supreme Court. He wouldn't answer that but said that this was an embarrassment to their families. Getting incredibly personal here.

Now, of course, we should note that these tariffs are not just a critical part of President Trump's economic agenda.

But he's also been using them as leverage in almost all of his foreign policy and these meetings with foreign leaders, something that he clearly took incredibly personal that they ruled against him. Now we, of course, know that they are going to work around this.

One of the biggest questions now, of course, is what happens to that money that had already been collected. The Supreme Court didn't mention that. President Trump believes it's going to be tied up in litigation for roughly two years.

I've talked to a number of Trump advisers who say, well, the court has made this ruling. They're not going to have to step in and fix this because there is a belief that a lot of these corporations are going to try to litigate this to get refunds back on some of these tariffs.

Another question is what happens to the money that has already been used?

We know, again, they've been using this revenue for quite a few endeavors if President Trump's list is accurate. Still a lot of questions as to what exactly this ruling means -- Kristen Holmes, CNN, the White House.

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HUNTE: CNN's Will Ripley takes a look at the global reaction pouring in now to the Supreme Court's ruling.

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WILL RIPLEY, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: The general consensus is that uncertainty is the name of the game when it comes to dealing with the United States and particularly the Trump administration.

And so when you have trading partners and allies like Japan, like South Korea, that have pledged to invest huge amounts of money into the United States to try to minimize the impact of tariffs -- and they've negotiated trade deals with the United States here in Taiwan, of course, as well.

You have governments cautiously saying that they will be reviewing this ruling and taking a very close look at next steps. A little more of snark, if you will, coming from other countries, both here in the region and around the world.

Like New Zealand, they're saying that any relief from tariff is welcome. But, of course, they're saying the uncertainty remains. The E.U., there's a lawmaker there saying this is a victory for the rule of law but they're still actually reviewing what the impact is going to be.

The U.K. saying that they expect their favorable trade ties, their privileged trading relationship with the U.S. to continue. Business groups say it's still unclear what exactly is going to change here, particularly because there are other tariffs that are in place under different laws.

Now here in Taiwan, where semiconductor trade is crucial between the United States and this self-governing democracy -- in fact, Taiwan exports to the U.S. are now higher than China. So they're obviously watching this very closely, saying that a new 10 percent tariff would have limited impact.

President Trump actually talked about Taiwan in that press conference from the White House. Listen.

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TRUMP: Taiwan came in. They stole our chip business. Now all those companies in Taiwan are building factories in Arizona, Texas and various other places because they don't want to pay tariffs. They are all pouring into the United States.

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RIPLEY: Yes, the U.S. is now Taiwan's top export market, replacing China, which was holding the top spot for a number of years. Imports from China to the U.S. fell sharply last year. Imports from Taiwan surged.

So the bottom line, I think, they're aware, both here in the Taiwanese capital and capitals around the world, rules may change again. Existing trade deals are now in question and global uncertainty continues.

That's probably the key word here to remember -- uncertainty -- and that's been the name of the game throughout this administration with president Trump.

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HUNTE: President Trump is set to visit China at the end of next month for a high-stakes meeting with Chinese president Xi Jinping. The visit will be complicated by the Supreme Court ruling that struck down Trump's tariffs.

When negotiating over a potential trade deal, the president has used tariffs as a main source of leverage. The tariffs on China went beyond efforts to reduce the U.S. trade deficit. They also slapped duties to pressure Beijing to reduce shipments of chemicals used to produce fentanyl. The visit is scheduled for March 31st until April 2nd.

Another American strike on a suspected drug smuggling boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean has left three people dead. The U.S. military released an online statement, saying the vessel was operated by, quote, "designated terrorist organizations" and that no U.S. military personnel were injured in the attack.

At least 138 people have been killed in strikes on boats, which the Trump administration says are aimed at curtailing narcotics trafficking.

Iran is laying out its vision of a nuclear deal with the United States, just as more American military assets are moving in for possible strikes on the country. The USS Gerald Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, is set to join the USS Abraham Lincoln and other vessels, too, that are already in the region.

But Iran's foreign minister says there's a win-win solution here, which would allow Iran to keep a peaceful nuclear program in return for lifting some sanctions. He also says the U.S. has not demanded a stop to nuclear enrichment, which president Trump said was his goal. On Friday, Trump had this message for the Iranian people.

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QUESTION: Do you have any message to the Iranian people?

TRUMP: The Iranian people?

In Iran or people here?

QUESTION: People in Iran.

TRUMP: They better negotiate a fair deal.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HUNTE: On Thursday, Mr. Trump said he'd know in up to 15 days if a nuclear deal is still possible. His military options are ranging from limited strikes to sustained operations that could last for weeks. Paula Hancocks spoke with a former deputy commander of the U.S. Central Command about potential targets.

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BOB HARWARD, FORMER DEPUTY COMMANDER, CENTCOM: Number one, the missiles that's their really their best -- ability to project power. Number two, then the protection of the Strait of Hormuz, their ability to mine the waterways and that the naval forces that can put at risk international shipping bringing and taking oil.

So those would be my two priorities. And then after that, I'd focus on those elements that really oppress the people.

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They're on the IRGC, where their facilities, their barracks, their head command and control. Those would be almost the pecking order my priorities.

PAULA HANCOCKS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Is this all simultaneous?

Or this would be over a number of --

HARWARD: Well, it depends on how they respond. One of the things that's really happened in our military our capacity is unprecedented. So the amount of ordnance we can deliver real time and over a short period of time is massive.

HANCOCKS: Can military power alone topple this regime?

HARWARD: Well military power in support of the Iranian people. Again, this has to be about the internal dynamics of Iran. And as we've seen, they've had enough and this regime murdered more people in a matter of weeks than we lost in the Iraqi-Iranian war over 15 years in those wars.

So again, it has to be in support of the people and they've shown the capacity, they've shown the desire, they've been murdered. I think that's if these strikes and our military actions enable and support that transition through the people, then it's effective.

HANCOCKS: Do you believe these military strikes are imminent?

HARWARD: I'd say they're more likely than not. And again, it's driven by two things. I'd say the negotiation, what comes out of the negotiation sign.

We'd also say how well we understand the impact of the internal. I think both those dimensions are being assessed at the moment and that will define if and when we go but I sense it's more a matter of when, not if.

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HUNTE: Ukraine's president expects the next round of peace talks to be held before the end of the month. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met his negotiating team on Friday following trilateral talks in Geneva earlier this week.

He said there was no positive movement on the issue of territory. That is still one of the main sticking points there. But he revealed more details about discussions on a future ceasefire and a possible prisoner swap.

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VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY, UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT (through translator): In the military subgroup, I believe there is a constructive outcome. All three sides recognizing that if there is a ceasefire, if there is an end to the war, then the Americans will be primarily responsible for monitoring the ceasefire.

They will take the lead in this area. The humanitarian track was discussed with the political subgroup. And also it is still too early to speak of positive results.

A constructive outcome was also found. In the coming days, the details of the swap will be determined, including the number of prisoners and the timing, the swap of Ukrainian prisoners of war for Russian prisoners of war.

(END VIDEO CLIP) HUNTE: Russian negotiators also reported back to president Vladimir Putin on Friday. However, the Kremlin says it can't confirm when and where the next round of talks will be held.

The estate of Jeffrey Epstein is agreeing to pay up to $35 million to settle a class action lawsuit brought by survivors of the late sex offender.

The 2024 complaint alleges that Epstein's former personal lawyer and accountant helped create a complex financial web that let Epstein hide the abuse while they were, quote, "richly compensated" for their work.

Both Darren Indyke and Richard Kahn deny having any involvement in Epstein's sexual crimes and say they don't believe that anyone was harmed or damaged by their work with the convicted pedophile.

British police will likely continue to search the former home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor through the weekend. The former prince Andrew was released from custody on Thursday. He was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Andrew has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged. Once police finished their investigation, the U.K. government could introduce legislation to remove Andrew from the line of royal succession. That's according to U.K. media reports.

He's currently eighth in line to the throne. CNN's Max Foster has the latest on the biggest crisis facing the British royal family in decades.

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QUESTION: Your Majesty, how are you feeling after your brother's arrest?

MAX FOSTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Keep calm and carry on. Britain's wartime motto, seemingly what King Charles is going with as his brother Andrew's legal woes unfold. Charles promises full support for the investigation, saying the law must take its course.

We're now learning that London Police are now contacting former Prince Andrew's personal protection officers.

They're also assessing U.S. DOJ documents suggesting that London airports were being used to facilitate human trafficking. But as searches continued at one of Andrews former properties on Friday, experts warning the investigation into the former Prince could be slow.

GRAHAM WETTONE, RETIRED LONDON METROPOLITAN POLICE OFFICER: Looking for offenses relating to any potential misconduct in public office. So documents, emails, electronic messages, those sorts of materials which obviously can these days can be held on like flash drives and USBs.

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So it would be a very slow and methodical search.

FOSTER (voice-over): Now released from custody. Police haven't said what led to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office but it came after a tranche of documents relating to convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein were made public by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Some of the emails released appear to allegedly show Andrew sending confidential U.K. government trade material to the late Epstein. Whilst the appearance of someone's name in the files is not evidence of wrongdoing.

Thames Valley Police previously said it was assessing whether Andrew shared confidential material with Epstein during his time as a U.K. trade envoy from 2001 to 2011.

The former prince hasn't responded to the newest allegations but he has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein, even claiming he terminated his friendship with a convicted sex offender back in 2010.

Still, the sheer complexity and publicity around the case also why some experts believe it may take some time for police to finish their investigation.

DAL BABU, FORMER CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT, MET POLICE: There's not a great deal of sympathy but the police have a duty of care to everybody they arrest. They want to make sure that he receives all the support.

FOSTER: Whilst the authorities go through due process, the U.K. government is now coming under more pressure to act and that's because Andrew, despite being stripped of his titles is still eighth in line to the throne. According to a poll released on Friday, 82 percent of Britons want him removed from the line of succession.

So far, the government seems to be keen to see the investigation play out. But with mounting calls from lawmakers and the public that resolve may be tested in the weeks to come -- Max Foster, CNN, London.

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HUNTE: OK, the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy, end tomorrow. But there are still big events and plenty of medals to be won in the coming hours. Stay with CNN.

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HUNTE (voice-over): At least two people are dead after torrential rains triggered flooding and landslides in southern Peru. Authorities say one person was struck by lightning, while another was overwhelmed when a river overflowed its banks.

The storms have submerged entire neighborhoods and left vehicles trapped on flooded roads. Crews are working to rescue the stranded and assess the damage. In one region, days of rain caused a bridge to collapse while a truck was crossing, cutting off access to a rural district.

A tanker truck full of liquid gas crashed and exploded in Chile on Thursday. You're seeing a shocking video there of the scene that was caught on highway surveillance cameras. This all happened in Santiago province. At least four people died in the accident.

Police say the driver lost control, hit a safety barrier and overturned the tanker. Seven cars on the highway were destroyed. The fire also damaged at least two other buildings near the wreck.

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HUNTE: The second to last day of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics is just hours away and 10 gold medals will be awarded in 10 events. Athletes will be hustling for the top of the podium in men's and women's speed skating mass start, men's curling, women's ski halfpipe, women's bobsleigh and men's team aerials, to name a few.

Can't wait to see what they are.

Meanwhile, U.S. figure skater Alysa Liu is riding high after winning Olympic gold in women's free skating. The last time the U.S. took home the gold in that event was 2002, three years before Liu was born. The 20-year old sat down with CNN's Coy Wire.

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COY WIRE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: When you knew you won that gold medal, what was that feeling that hit you?

And don't worry. We have a bleep button.

ALYSA LIU, OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST, WOMEN'S FIGURE SKATING: I mean, it didn't really change how I felt about anything. The moment I finished my program, I was like, on such a high. Literally, nothing could bring me higher or lower.

WIRE: When you stepped away from figure skating, what did maybe the silence and the absence of the crowd teach you that the roaring arenas never could?

LIU: I mean, it showed me a different side. That's for sure. And I got to experience something new and that's always valuable.

WIRE: Watching you out there. I don't know what was stronger. Your jumps or your joy is just emanating from you.

LIU: Thank you. WIRE: Who is Alysa Liu now compared to the 13-year-old kid who burst onto the scene?

LIU: Oh, I mean, I would say I know myself a lot better but I hope I do at 20. But yes, I don't know. I -- I'm a lot happier now.

WIRE: As athletes through all the highs and the lows, the ups and the downs, parents, family are there every step of the way. How much has your family meant to you in this journey?

LIU: Family is everything to me. Same with my friends. They keep me grounded and, yes, honestly, like, they're the reason why I feel like I am able to do so much.

WIRE: When young girls look at you now, what do you hope they see?

LIU: I hope they see that they have limitless potential. Limitless?

WIRE: Yes. And this is unlimited. What's next for the hair?

LIU: I mean, it's -- I'll let it grow out and then December, I'll add another one.

So this will end up down here and I'll just add a new one.

WIRE: And what would this last ring say about this past year?

LIU: I don't know. I don't know. Another year.

WIRE: Just another year.

LIU: Just another year.

WIRE: Easy breezy. You come out here with your striped hair, your unique piercings. What do you hope you being you says to anyone out there kind of struggle to find their place?

LIU: Oh my god. I hope they know that it's good to break down, I guess, barriers and do risky things and go against some people sometimes.

[03:25:04]

Yes. It's liberating.

WIRE: Can you teach me a pose, a position?

I got to show these to my daughters.

LIU: OK.

WIRE: All right. What do we got for you?

LIU: We'll do my ending pose.

WIRE: Your ending pose. LIU: So you point your toe.

WIRE: Point my toe.

LIU: Hand on your hip.

WIRE: Hand on my hip.

LIU: And then point up.

WIRE: Point up.

LIU: And that's it.

WIRE: Oh. I got that gold medal glow.

Congratulations.

LIU: Thank you.

WIRE: Amazing.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HUNTE: If you love Topo Chico, brace yourself. The brand's flagship mineral water is temporarily unavailable in the U.S. Coca-Cola says it's upgrading facilities to address quality issues that have impacted Topo Chico's water source in Mexico.

That is forcing a temporary halt in production. Coca-Cola says it expects the mineral water to return to U.S. shelves later this year. Other Topo Chico drinks, including the brand's canned cocktails, will not be affected.

Colombian pop star Shakira will perform a free concert in Mexico City next month. It is set to happen in Zocalo square on the 1st of March. The singer sold out more than 12 shows during her last tour.

The Zocalo is one of the world's largest public squares and is often used for big concerts. Shakira is also expected to headline at Rio de Janeiro's public concert at Copacabana Beach.

Love that.

NASA is getting ready for its long-awaited flyby of the moon. The U.S. Space agency says it expects to launch its Artemis II mission no earlier than March 6th. NASA's new heavy lift rocket will carry its Orion spacecraft with four astronauts on board into deep space.

The crew will spend 10 days traveling to the moon, looping around it, then returning to Earth. On Thursday, the agency conducted a key rehearsal, a fueling test and said everything went well. The mission will be the first trip by humans to the moon since the Apollo missions in more than 50 years.

Cannot wait for that. All right, that's all I've got for you. Thanks for joining me and the

team. I'm Ben Hunte in Atlanta and I will see you tomorrow. "CONNECTING AFRICA" is next. Have a good day.