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Trump Announces 15 Percent Global Tariffs; Pakistan Launches Deadly Strikes; Making Halfpipe History. Aired 3-4a ET

Aired February 22, 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: 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 here with me.

Coming up on the show, another hike a day after the Supreme Court blocked President Trump's tariff policy, he doubles down.

Pakistan launches deadly strikes on Afghanistan, saying it's a response to recent suicide bombings.

And as the Winter Olympics draw to a close, Coy Wire sits down with Louie Vito, the oldest half-pipe snowboarder to ever compete in the games

Welcome. U.S. President Donald Trump is raising his new global tariffs to 15 percent as he tries to keep his economic agenda on track. He made the announcement just one day after the Supreme Court overturned his so-called reciprocal tariffs. The justices ruled for his use of emergency powers was illegal. As for when these new tariffs will take effect, well, that's unclear. The president said it would happen sometime in the next few months.

CNN's Julia Benbrook is following the latest developments for us from the White House.

JULIA BENBROOK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Tariffs have played a big role in President Donald Trump's agenda during his second term, and he is making it clear that he does not plan to completely walk away from them anytime soon. After the Supreme Court ruled on Friday that Trump violated federal law when he unilaterally imposed sweeping tariffs across the globe, he announced that he was going to place an additional 10 percent tariff on levies already in place. And then over the weekend, he said he would raise that rate to 15 percent.

I want to pull up that post for you now. In it, he said, I as president of the United States of America will be effective immediately raising the 10 percent worldwide tariff on countries, many of which have been ripping the U.S. off for decades without retribution until I came along to the fully allowed and legally tested 15 percent level. Now this new rate could stay in place for up to 150 days and then he would need to seek Congressional approval if he wants them to remain in place. He was questioned during his press briefing following the ruling about the lack of Congressional approval so far and some of the bipartisan criticism that he's received. He essentially said that he still doesn't believe he needs to consult with Congress.

Trump has made it very clear that he is not happy with this ruling. He called it deeply disappointing and said that he is ashamed of some of the justices.

Now, it was a 6-3 ruling and two Trump appointees, Justice Amy Coney Barrett, as well as Justice Neil Gorsuch, joined Chief Justice John Roberts and the three liberal justices.

Trump is also, on the flipside of that, praising those who sided with him. In a post on Saturday, he called Justice Brett Kavanaugh his, quote, new hero on the Supreme Court, adding that the justices that did dissent wanted to make America great again, using his own campaign slogan to describe those in the judicial branch.

Julia Benbrook, CNN, the White House.

HUNTE: President Trump is using a trade law to impose his new tariffs, but CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig says they're probably also going to be contested in the courts.

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ELIE HONIG, CNN SENIOR LEGAL ANALYST: So what the Supreme Court said in their opinion is you can try again to impose tariffs under some of these other more limited laws. But Donald Trump tried to suggest that the Supreme Court outright greenlit it and said, you can try again and you will be in the right. The second part of that, we don't know yet. So, yes, he can try again. Yes, he is trying again under this plan B, under Section 122, but the Supreme Court kept its powder dry. They're reserving judgment on whether those tariffs are going to be legal or not.

I do expect that even these new, more limited tariffs under Section 122 will certainly be the subject of lawsuits. I think companies are going to come forward, and in this case they're going to argue, well, you can only use that law, Section 122, if there's some sort of trade imbalance or if a country's doing something that destabilizes the dollar. So, I think you're going to see impacted countries here -- impacted companies here in the United States argue that's an improper invocation of Section 122, and they're going to try to strike that down too.

[03:05:02]

Now, there's a separate question, well, what happens with the $130 billion-plus that have already been collected over the last eight, nine months under the law that was struck down yesterday, and Donald Trump was right yesterday when he said, why would the Supreme Court not have even told us a thing about what happens? And they did not. In fact, Justice Kavanaugh complained appropriately in the dissent that now we have a, quote, mess on our hands, and we do.

What I think is going to happen is that American importers, the people who actually have paid those tariffs, are going to bring a series of lawsuits saying, well, we paid X in tariffs under a law that has now been ruled unconstitutional, so we get our money back. So, we're going to have a, a slate of those lawsuits and it could even wind up back at the Supreme Court for round two.

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HUNTE: Ukraine is investigating a deadly double bombing in the west of the country. Officials say a 23-year-old female police officer was killed. About two dozen other people wounded in the city of Lviv on a Sunday morning. One explosion struck after officers responded to a report of an intrusion at a store. It was followed by another blast when a second crew arrived at the scene.

Officials say the incident is being investigated as a terrorist act, but they're not saying if they have any suspects yet.

Pakistan says it launched multiple strikes on militant camps in Afghanistan late on Saturday. A senior Afghan police official said 18 people were killed, including women and children. Pakistan says it targeted seven camps in two eastern provinces.

Islamabad claimed to have intelligence showing the camps belong to militants responsible for recent suicide bombings. Afghanistan called the strikes of violation of its national sovereignty and a clear breach of international law. The two countries have been at odds since the Taliban retook Afghanistan in 2021.

Protesters are back on the streets of Iran weeks after Tehran brutally suppressed the largest anti-regime rallies in years. Videos posted by human rights groups show new demonstrations at multiple universities. The protests coincide with the end of a traditional mourning period after thousands of protesters were killed last month.

All of this comes as the U.S. ramps up its military buildup near Iran with threats of strikes over Iran's nuclear program. But in a new statement, Iran's president says Tehran is not giving in.

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MASOUD PEZESHKIAN, IRANIAN PRESIDENT: We will not bow down in the face of these difficulties. World powers are lining up with cowardice to force us to bow our heads. Just as you did not bow down in the face of difficulties, we will not bow down in the face of these problems.

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HUNTE: The U.S. is preparing for possible strikes, and that's despite holding nuclear talks of Iran last week. Meanwhile, Iran's top diplomat said on Friday that Tehran could have a new proposal on the table within days. A former U.S. national security official says Iran usually wants more than the U.S. is willing to give.

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BRETT MCGURK, FORMER COORDINATOR, U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL: Iran always demands in exchange for any steps on the nuclear side, massive sanctions relief. You know, one reason in the Biden administration we did not kind of get to a nuclear deal is because Iran demanded such extensive sanctions relief and never came off that, and we just didn't agree to do that. For example, we're not going to lift sanctions on the Revolutionary Guards Corps, which is responsible for their terrorism and attacks against Americans.

So, I have a hard time seeing here. The Trump administration granting significant sanctions relief, which I think Iran will demand. And even more complicated is that the U.N. has acted last fall to put the nuclear program back under Chapter 7 sanctions and the missile programs. That's another layer of complexity.

So, given the timeframe, and given that what I'm seeing from Iran, despite some of their public statements from their foreign minister, they seem to be treating this negotiation very similarly to as they might have done two, three, four, five years ago, not fully recognizing the game has really fundamentally changed.

So, I'm looking at the calendar, I'm looking at the extent of these deployments, the kind of meandering pace of the negotiations and, what Iran is saying, which is very similar to their past positions, and it's hard to see a deal coming together.

I hope that Iran comes in this week with a new proposal that is significantly different that perhaps gets rid of their enrichment program, which is really the crux of the matter. But, again, I don't see that in the cards right now.

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HUNTE: British police say their search of Andrew Mountbatten- Windsor's former residence outside of London is expected to continue until Monday. The former prince was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He returned home some ten hours later. Mountbatten-Windsor has not commented on the recent allegations against him, but he has previously denied any wrongdoing related to the late convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.

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CNN's Nada Bashir has more for us.

NADA BASHIR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The investigation is still ongoing, but Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released under investigation. He isn't under bail, so he is not under any conditions specifically, but that doesn't remove the possibility of him being rearrested for further questioning if police deem it necessary.

Now, we understand that he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct while in public office, and it's understood that this is all centered around his time as the U.K. trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. And this comes after documents were released by the U.S. Department of Justice as part of the Epstein files, which appear to indicate that the former Prince Andrew may have shared sensitive government information with the convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, so somewhat different from the allegations surrounding the Epstein scandal.

And as you mentioned, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has not commented on these most recent allegations, although he has previously denied any wrongdoing in relation to the Epstein scandal. But, of course, as you mentioned, the investigation is ongoing. There are multiple calls now for further accountability, including questions around the possibility of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor being removed from the line of succession. That is something that lawmakers in Parliament may be considering following the end of this investigation once it does come to a close.

He's already, of course, been stripped of his royal title, but he remains eighth in line to the throne here in the United Kingdom. But, of course, as the investigation continues, police will be looking for further evidence to substantiate any claims that have been made against him, that includes searching his properties, but also it includes, according to London's Metropolitan Police, reaching out to his current and former close protection officers for any information they might be able to provide with regards to things they may have witnessed while serving for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

HUNTE: A horrifying story now out of Nigeria. At least 50 people were killed by armed men who attacked a village in a northwestern state of Zamfara. A lawmaker says the attackers burned buildings and shot residents for some ten hours on Thursday. Reports say several women and children were also abducted. Residents may have feared an attack was likely because some contacted security forces the day before when they saw more than 150 armed men riding motorcycles in the area.

A record-breaking paraglider and instructor and an American tourist have died in a hang gliding accident at a beach in Rio Janeiro. According to Brazilian media, the body of the instructor was found on Saturday. His student, a U.S. citizen, died a short time later at a nearby hospital.

In a statement, the paragliding club said, quote, the exact causes of the accident are still being investigated, and that a full review of the pair's equipment will be undertaken.

Okay. The U.S. has turned off the energy tap and now Cuba is in crisis. Next, how people are using alternate energy sources to power their homes and businesses.

Plus, CNN speaks with an American snowboarder making Olympic history at this year's winter games. Still ahead, how a 37-year-old, this dude, aims to inspire athletes of all ages to chase their dreams.

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HUNTE: Welcome back. American Salsa Musician and Social Activist Willie Colon has died, according to his family. Colon was a pioneering trombonist, vocalist, and composer. He explored the dynamic between his life in America and his Puerto Rican heritage. His sound combined notes of jazz, rock and salsa into a melody all of his own, drawing inspiration from the rhythmic roots of Puerto Rico, Cuba, Brazil, and the African continent too.

In a statement, Colon's family said, quote, while we grieve his absence, we also rejoice in the timeless gift of his music. Colon was 75.

Cuba is in the midst of a critical energy crisis that's causing everything from long blackouts to transit disruptions, and long lines at gas stations. It is due to the U.S.'s decision to shut off the flow of oil to the communist-run island. And now Cubans are scrambling to find alternatives.

CNN's Polo Sandoval explains.

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POLO SANDOVAL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): One thing in Cuba that's not only free but usually abundant is sunshine. And on an island where fuel is increasingly too hard to find or too expensive, solar power is a hot commodity. A cafe manager in Havana says, installing solar panels was one of the few options that was left to him to power his business.

DARIEM SOTO-NAVARRO, CAFE MANAGER: We initially used a portable power plant, but diesel became increasingly difficult to obtain. After analyzing feasibility and operating costs, we decided to install solar panels.

SANDOVAL: Just keeping the lights on is a growing problem in Cuba especially after the U.S. cut off oil shipments to that country by turning off the taps from its main supplier, Venezuela, and threatening other countries like Mexico with tariffs if they continued exporting oil to Cuba.

The shortages of plunged many parts of the island into darkness, sometimes for several hours a day due to energy rationing and electricity blackouts. But one rickshaw driver says the outages haven't stopped him since he added solar panels to his vehicle.

ALEJANDRO, ARRITOLA, RICKSHAW DRIVER: It helps me a lot. It extends my range, and I don't have to use gasoline. When the power goes out, I put it in front of my house and charge it.

SANDOVAL: Installers say the energy crisis has caused a surge in demand for solar panels as residents try to find alternative ways to power their homes.

ROBERTO SARRIGA, HAVANA RESIDENT: So, the idea was to at least have the basics covered, like turning on the T.V., especially for my mom so she can watch your soap operas. If you can have internet too, somehow being able to charge cell phones. SANDOVAL: The U.S. as it wants to see dramatic changes soon in Cuba and is putting pressure on Cuba's communist-run government for political change. But for many Cubans already suffering from years of economic hardship, gleaning drips of energy from the sun is one of the few bright spots in a future that's increasingly dim.

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Polo Sandoval, CNN.

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HUNTE: The Italian Olympic cities of Milan and Cortina making their final preparations ahead of this year's Winter Games closing ceremony. Sunday's grand finale will be held in a historic Verona arena. We're seeing some live picks there. It's like we're there. It will celebrate the unity among athletes and nations as well as the future of the Olympic movement. The next Winter Games are set to be hosted in a French Alps in 2030.

There is still plenty of action left and a few more gold medals up for grabs before this year's Winter Olympics draw to a close. Norwegian cross country skier Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo has made Olympic history. He went six for six sweeping all of his events to become the first athlete ever to win six gold medals in a single Winter Games.

And one of the most climatic contests still to come will be the men's hockey finals where fierce rivals Team USA and Canada are set to leave it all on the ice on Sunday.

CNN's Coy Wire has the latest for us from Italy.

COY WIRE, CNN WORLD SPORT: Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo has done it again and again and again and again. The Norwegian wonder becomes the first ever athlete to win six golds at a single Winter Olympic Games after a victory in the men's 50 kilometer cross country skiing mass start. The most successful winter Olympian ever also extends his lead at the top of the all time list after picking up an astonishing 11th career gold medal. He said, it's hard to find the words to describe what this means. I feel you. I can't really describe it either. It is incredible.

Now, to the fastest mullet on the ice, the Netherlands' Jorrit Bergsma winning the men's speed skating master at 40 years old, his second medal of these Milano Cortina games, first Olympic gold since 2014. He's the cherry on top of the elder movement here at these games, third athlete in his 40s to win a gold. Before this, there had only ever been one.

Finally, for the very last event at these Winter Olympics, we get an epic men's hockey gold medal game, just like the women's final, the USA versus Canada on Sunday. February 22nd, same date as the 1980 U.S. versus Soviet Union Miracle on Ice Game. These teams have combined for 27 Olympic hockey medals. Canada has the most all time, the U.S. third most. Both teams fully registered and rostered with NHL players. Celebrities and dignitaries will be in the stands. Get ready for these games to end with drama ahead of the closing ceremony also on Sunday in Verona.

HUNTE: Well, Coy Wire also spoke with American snowboarder Louie Vito, who became the sport's oldest rider to ever compete in the Olympics this year. Have a listen to what he hopes his trailblazing efforts will manifest into.

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WIRE: Louie Veto, 37 years old, oldest Olympic halfpipe snowboarder of all time. Has the magnitude of that history hit you at all?

LOUIE VITO, OLDEST ALL-TIME OYMPIC HALFPIPE SNOWBOARDER: I think it really started to hit me when I have some photos on my phone of some of the riders that were in the finals. I was competing with when they were eight to 12 years old, and they're younger, but they're not the youngest I've ridden with this year.

So, I think that's when it kind of really resonates with me of, you know, how long I've been doing it. But at the same time, it's something that I've been very proud of and kind of chasing in a sense this past season, knowing that if I could make this Olympics, that I would be the oldest half-pipe snowboarder ever. And it's kind of a badge of honor. Also, maybe I'm the only one that's maybe not the smartest to keep chasing it with how much I put my body through, but it's something that I'm very proud of.

WIRE: An incredible accomplishment, Louie. If someone out there watching this thinks maybe I'm too old to chase my dream, what would you say to them?

VITO: I mean, it's very cliche to say age is just a number, but it really is, and snowboarding and competing is something that I truly love. I have such a strong passion for. And I'm going to do what I want to do it, how I want to do it. I've done that my whole career, but I'm going to go out on how I want to go out, not when someone tells me they think I should be done competing. It's just what I love to do.

I'm willing to put my body on the line. I'm willing to put in the work, but it really comes down to what's in your heart, what do you want to do. And if it's something that you really are passionate about, then chase it because you're the one putting in the work.

WIRE: When your Olympic story is told years from now, what's that one single headline you hope it has?

VITO: I would want the headline to say, Louie Vito, great snowboarder and amazing person. Because for me, you know, I have had done a lot of things in my career I'm very proud of with results and things that have never been done in snowboarding that I kind of was a part of. But at the end of the day, I think when I look at photos with me with these kids that I'm competing with now when they were younger, I really want to have left a positive impact on snowboarding.

[03:25:09] And, normally, in my prayers every night, it's -- I want to be a good representative of God, a good representative of my family, but I really want to be a good representative of snowboarding as a whole. And I think being a good representative of snowboarding involves more than just your results in the halfpipe. It's how you make people feel, how you help the next generation and just show the sport in a positive light.

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HUNTE: Wildlife conservationists in Ecuador are celebrating an environmental milestone. Giant tortoises have been reintroduced to the Galapagos Islands after they became extinct locally more than 100 years ago. 158 giant tortoises were released in total on the volcanic island. The reintroduction is the result of more than a decade of scientific and ecological work. Conservationists say the return of the reptiles is a hugely significant landmark.

NASA's Artemis 2 mission, which will fly by the moon, is getting pushed back once again, and this time because of an issue with helium pumps. The U.S. space agency says the rocket will have to be rolled back into the vehicle assembly building to correct the problem, and as a result, it will no longer launch in March.

NASA did not set a new date for liftoff. The mission is aiming to take four astronauts on a ten-day trip around the moon before returning to Earth.

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. Quest's World of Wonder is next. Enjoy.

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