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President Trump Targets Afghan Refugees After D.C. Attack; Putin Threatens Forceful Land Seizure If Ukraine Doesn't Withdraw; FBI Expands Investigation Into D.C. National Guard Shooting Suspect. Aired 6:30-7a ET

Aired November 28, 2025 - 06:30   ET

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

[06:33:38]

ERICA HILL, CNN ANCHOR: 6:32 here on a -- 6:33 actually on a Friday morning. I'm Erica Hill. Thanks for joining me on a "CNN This Morning."

Here's a look at what's happening right now. Is the U.S. ready to take new action in Venezuela to fight drug trafficking. The president suggesting Thursday strikes on land could start very soon. The U.S. military has killed more than 80 people in boat strikes with little information available about those strikes. Here's more of what the president said in a call with service members.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP (R), U.S. PRESIDENT: You probably noticed that people aren't wanting to be delivering by sea and we'll be starting to stop them by land. Also, the land is easier. But that's going to start very soon. We'd warn them stop sending poison to our country.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HILL: In recent weeks, the U.S. military has amassed more than a dozen warships and some 15,000 troops in the waters off Venezuela. A fleet of planes grounded by UPS after that deadly crash. What we're learning that fleet of planes is not expected to return to service during the holiday season due to inspections and possible repairs.

UPS saying that that will impact holiday shipments. The airline expects it will actually be several months before the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 fleet is in fact cleared to fly again.

Take a look at this. The moment that a 6.0 magnitude quake rocked Anchorage. That quake striking around 8:00 local time yesterday morning. According to the USGS, Alaska is the most earthquake prone state. It experiences a magnitude 7 quake every year.

[06:35:13]

Following the tragic shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., President Trump is vowing to crack down on asylum and immigration programs. The suspect is a 29-year-old from Afghanistan who came to the United

States in 2021 at the end of America's longest war. He had worked with the CIA in Afghanistan assisting U.S. operations and arrived in the United States under a Biden-era program that was meant to help Afghan allies escape the Taliban. He applied for asylum in 2024 and was granted asylum by the Trump administration earlier this year. The president now says anybody admitted though into the U.S. under the previous administration will now be reviewed.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TRUMP: He went he went cuckoo. I mean he went nuts and that happens too. It happens too often with these people. You see him. Many of these people are criminals. Many of these people are people that shouldn't be here.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HILL: Joining me now Congressman Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts, a Marine who commanded troops in Afghanistan.

Congressman, it's good to have you with us this morning. I want to get your take first of all on what we heard from their president when it comes to asylum when it comes to immigration. The president noting that they would stop all immigration requests actually DHS I should say telling CNN all immigration requests for Afghan nationals are going to be stopped indefinitely and also ordering a review of all assignment asylum cases approved under the Biden administration. Again it's important to reiterate that this individual's asylum was granted under the Trump administration. What do you make of these moves.

REP. JAKE AUCHINCLOSS (D-MA): Good morning. Right now I don't think finger pointing based on conjecture is going to serve the cause of justice very well. The family of specialist Beckstrom and her West Virginia National Guardsmen who is who is -- who is struggling for his life right now. They deserve cold hard facts put forth in a court of law so that this monster can be put behind bars and changes that might need to be made to the vetting process can be made. But the social media swirl is not serving this country well in general and is not serving these families well right now.

HILL: There is to that point. I know you've been outspoken about this country's obligation as you see it to its wartime partners. The President of the AfghanEvac organization raised concerns about the to your point what we're seeing on social media and just the broader impact. Take a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SHAWN VANDIVER, PRESIDENT OF AFGHANEVAC: President Trump on one hand said a lot of things about the withdrawal about how horrible it was and he was right. It was chaotic. It was terrible. We left a bunch of people behind. And then as soon as he got in office he started ratcheting down on Afghans.

My number one concern is that all these 195,000 Afghans that came here during the last administration are going to be painted with the brush of this man.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HILL: In terms of that broad brush are you concerned about the impact on Afghans here in the United States and frankly other immigrants.

AUCHINCLOSS: I'm speaking to you from Massachusetts home to the country's first Thanksgiving 400 years ago celebrated by refugees fleeing persecution. And this country has become the greatest nation in the history of the world in large measure because individuals come here and they build better lives for themselves and their families. We need to continue to do that. It's what makes us so strong and so vital. And we should not paint with a broad brush. That's not who we are as a country.

Individuals are evaluated for who they are, for their work ethic for their talent for their integrity not for the conduct of people who come from the same nation that they do or who look like them. That's not America. And despite this president's rhetoric I know that Americans are not going to forget that core truth.

HILL: The president has asked for an additional 500 National Guard members to be sent to Washington. The Defense Secretary has said that he would follow through on that. Do you believe that an additional 500 National Guard members will keep their fellow guard members who are currently on the streets safer.

AUCHINCLOSS: I think that's a question for the mayor of Washington D.C. and the local police chief to answer in collaboration with the National Guard. Public safety is an issue that Washington D.C. municipal officials are best situated to address and being held accountable by Washington D.C. residents at the national level, if we're worried about public safety and vetting in regards to this this tragedy.

Yes we should be looking at vetting for asylum or parole. And there's a lot of conversations in Congress about how we can get a bipartisan deal on border security and immigration. I'm a co-lead of one of the most muscular versions of that.

[06:40:00]

And we can also look at other flooding vetting excuse me during -- during critical moments in someone's -- in someone's journey. So, for example when they're trying to purchase a weapon, right? In my home state when you're purchasing a weapon you sit down with the local police chief and have a conversation face to face. That may also right in my home state when you're purchasing a weapon you sit down with the local police chief and have a conversation face to face.

That may also be something that improves public safety because this individual had a .357 Smith & Wesson. If this administration is going to be tightening the screws on vetting they should tighten the screws on vetting for purchasing a weapon as well.

HILL: Representative Jake Auchincloss we appreciate you joining us this morning. Thank you.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is doubling down now on his demands to end the war in Ukraine.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

VLADIMIR PUTIN, RUSSIAN PRESIDENT (through translator): Once Ukrainian troops withdraw from the territories they occupy then the fighting will end. If they don't withdraw, we will achieve this through military means.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HILL: So, Russia currently occupies territory that is recognized of course as sovereign to Ukraine. That includes all of the hunks as well as three other regions. Moscow wants Ukraine to surrender that land.

Peace talks with the U.S. delegation which includes Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are set to commence next week. The group chat is back here.

You know, so we look at everything that's laid out. My colleague Nick Paton Walsh who of course has spent quite a lot of time reporting from the region and on the region. As we look at where things stand there are questions about what this means. And as he points out there the net impact as Nick writes about the 10 months of lumbering diplomatic confusion and whiplash -- whiplash in his analysis have made an unthinkable deal. Speaking of unthinkable for Ukraine closer to becoming possible.

When we -- when we look at this, Melik, Ukraine is being asked to give up a lot. There is this push of course to give up not just that land but also initially in that 28-point plan. We saw giving up land that Russia didn't even occupy at that point. Demand for a smaller military footprint following any agreement to a plan and also to abandon its bid to join NATO which of course is enshrined in Ukraine's constitution.

And yet, Melik, we are still waiting to see if there will be a push for Russia to make some concessions. Is that lacking from these negotiations.

MELIK ABDUL, REPUBLICAN STRATEGIST: I think on the part of Russia. Yes. Because there is -- there are two things. There are things that Russia wants and there are things that Ukraine wants. I'm glad that your team actually puts published that -- put forth that graphic because I believe that that red area that you had in the graphic that is the Donbas region. So Russia -- but Russia actually controls the majority.

And I believe that last check about 80 percent of the Donbas region which includes the Luhansk and Donetsk areas. I think what Russia needs to do is actually come to the table. I do believe that there has been -- been a bit of stringing along Donald Trump here. But there are certain guarantees that they want around NATO expansion. But there are also guarantees that Ukraine itself wants. And I don't think well I think that the Donald Trump administration early on they kind of, you know, poured you know a bit of water on this idea of NATO as Ukraine ascending to NATO.

But I do believe that the -- the world actually our allies in the United States have to be able to offer Ukraine some sort of guarantees. But at the end of the day I do believe that they're going to have to concede at least some of those areas they're not going to get back in particularly the Donbas region.

HILL: There -- there is a lot of talk about the land concessions that may ultimately need to be made. But again -- and Eugene, I'll throw this to you. There does not seem to be much discussion. And, you know, to make this point about the U.S. being strung along a bit perhaps a lot because not much has changed over the course of these negotiations. And Russia appears unwilling still to give up anything. And there doesn't seem to be a pressure that is making them do so.

EUGENE SCOTT, VISITING FELLOW, JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY AGORA INSTITUTE: And this is exactly what critics of Donald Trump's foreign policy said would happen this time last year when he was elected to return to the Oval Office that Putin would continue to operate the way he has been that he would get most of what he wanted and that there would be no real pressure on him that would lead to any significant change in strategy.

We have seen in the words that he's released before this meeting that he's even demanding that Ukraine remove their troops and hasn't suggested that he's going to do anything differently. If anything there's real concern that he will want to occupy more than the 20 percent that Russia is currently occupying of Ukraine. And that's a real concern obviously for liberals in Washington but those in Europe as well who are closer to Russia and fear his impact on the continent as a whole.

HILL: Daniella, the president standing by Steve Witkoff. There were some concerns after that "Bloomberg" leaked that transcript of a call. The president believes in Steve Witkoff in this role and his role as a negotiator. Is there any wider concern that within the administration that it does appear as if in certain instances Russia may trying to be playing -- may Trump may be playing the president.

[06:45:12]

DANIELLA DIAZ, CONGRESS REPORTER, NOTUS: Erica regardless of whether there is concern in the administration. President Donald Trump is keeping Steve Witkoff in this position to continue negotiating with Russia.

But we did see, you know, to remind everyone there is a major person in this administration who is a huge defender of Ukraine and that is Secretary of State Marco Rubio who from the moment when he was in Congress in the Senate has defended Ukraine is -- is trying to help Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the effort to negotiate this deal.

And that balance right now is what we're seeing play out in real time as Secretary of State Marco Rubio is trying to help Ukraine negotiate in this. It was a 28-point peace plan. Now, it's -- you know, negotiating. They say that it's still on the table. There's still a lot of changes that can be made.

But regardless of what the administration thinks if there's critics Steve Witkoff is staying in his position and will continue especially since their meetings are continuing as CNN has reported. There will be more meetings next week.

HILL: Yeah absolutely. Still much more to come on that front. That is for sure. We'll see how much of that though is movement.

Thank you all.

Still ahead here in terms of our discussions this morning on "CNN This Morning." A reminder that if you missed any part of that or any part of the show we are also a podcast. You can scan that QR code that's on your screen to find it seen in this morning available anywhere you get your podcasts.

Still to come here, the shooting of the two National Guardsmen in the nation's capital. The president saying he's now looking into deporting the suspects family. So, what is that legal process. What could happen. How quickly could it happen. That's ahead.

Plus --

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

POPE LEO: We are all children of God.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HILL: The pope's new warning about what he calls a danger to the future of humanity.

And a good morning to our friends in New Orleans. Look at that gorgeous sky lighting things up the reflection on the water there. Start of a beautiful Friday for you.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[06:51:32]

HILL: The FBI is conducting a terror investigation into the shooting of two National Guardsmen in Washington, D.C. So far, investigators have searched multiple properties, including the suspect's home in Washington state. Neighbors there expressing their shock.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Out of nowhere, boom, and I go run to my window and I look and guns drawn.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Never really talked to any of them except the kids, telling the kids to quit running through the hallways and quit breaking stuff.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HILL: Investigators seizing electronics from the suspect's home. They interviewed his family as well, which the Trump administration, we have learned, is considering deporting. Now, that at least one officer has died, the alleged shooter could also be hit with more serious charges.

Joining us to discuss is Elise Adamson, former Federal Prosecutor. Elise, good to have you with us. So, in terms of these charges, there is this possibility of a terrorism charge being tacked on here.

And, of course, the fact that one of these National Guard members has now died, that could change what we're looking at in terms of charges. What are you anticipating?

ALYSE ADAMSON, HOST, " AT-LYSE YOU HEARD IT HERE!" PODCAST: Yeah, thank you so much, Erica. So, first of all, it's important to understand that terrorism itself is not a standalone charge. There are two ways to get to, quote unquote, "terrorism charges." The first is very specific statutes that refer to terrorism, like material support to a terrorist organization or transcontinental terrorism. Usually what we're talking about, Erica, however, is a sentencing enhancement. That is when an underlying violent crime was committed with the intent to commit terrorism, which is a specific definition in the U.S. code. And then it opens up for stiffer penalties, such as the death penalty.

So, that's what Attorney General Pam Bondi was talking about in the press conference, that if they can prove that this act was committed with the intent to influence government policy, for instance, which is a definition of terrorism, then they could seek enhancements such as the death penalty.

Right now, Erica, this is just a state case. The defendant has been charged with assault with intent to kill. Now, with the death of this guardsman, it's going to be first degree murder. So, please expect to see the FBI seeking that federal hook because it needs to be a federal crime to bring those terrorism charges in. We know we have interstate travel and that is usually a federal hook. And so, that is what the FBI is investigating right now.

HILL: And just remind us, too, because Washington, D.C. is not a state, right? It is set up differently. The way that cases are handled, the way that charges are filed is slightly different than what we would see, even with the involvement of the federal government in a state.

ADAMSON: That's true. So, D.C. has a very interesting legal system. They do have a local court system and they do have local law. Of course, the United States Attorney's Office prosecutes those cases as well. But they're filed in a different court. So, right now, this case is still a local case.

Assault with intent to kill is a local D.C. crime. But the same prosecutors who bring those charges can also bring federal charges in the federal courthouse. And so that is what we are, we should be looking to see. Are they going to file these charges in the local D.C. superior courthouse or the district courthouse? And again, Erica, that is going to depend on the evidence. Do they have a federal hook?

I like to say, think about Luigi Mangione, who killed CEO Brian Thompson last year. Mangione traveled interstate to commit the crime. He carried the gun interstate. He stalked Thompson on the computer and he used his cell phone. That is how they brought it into federal court. That is what we can expect to see in this case. That is what the FBI is investigating.

[06:55:13]

So, look to where this case is filed. Is it in D.C. superior or is it in that federal courthouse? It's going to make a huge difference for both the charges and the penalty.

HILL: Yeah, a lot to watch for. That's for sure. Alyse, appreciate it. Thank you.

ADAMSON: Thanks, Erica.

HILL: Pope Leo's first foreign trip is underway. He's on a six-day visit to Turkey and Lebanon against a backdrop of several wars, of course, in the region. Now, from the start of his papacy, Leo has emphasized the importance of dialogue between countries with disagreements, a message that he amplified on his first stop.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

POPE LEO: We are now experiencing a phase marked by heightened level of conflict on the global level, fueled by prevailing strategies of economic and military power. This is enabling what Pope Francis called a third world war fought piecemeal. We must in no way give in to this. The future of humanity is at stake.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HILL: The future of humanity is at stake. I mean, he's been pretty direct, too, in terms of where he stands, wanting people to talk to one another. Also, you know, recognizing different faiths coming together to support their own proper faith, but like to speak to one another.

Eugene, how does this set up his papacy, this first trip?

SCOTT: Well, it's significant. The fact that this is his first international stop to places with large Muslim majorities that haven't had the most positive engagement and interactions with the Catholic Church historically suggests that there could be some bit of a pivot coming from the Vatican in terms of how they want Catholics around the world to engage people outside of their faith.

And this is a very important conversation to have right now, considering growing religious extremism, not just among Muslims, but among Christians as well. HILL: Absolutely. I mean, we're seeing it, frankly, across all faiths in terms of that extremism. Emily, does it help or hurt this pope that he is American?

ABDUL: I think it actually helps him. You know, you're right. This is the first American pope in the area that he's visiting in Turkey. It's very significant because especially for Christians, because it is one of the places where Christians, early Christians, for instance, like St. George was persecuted in that area. And I believe it was the Cappadocia area. I may be pronouncing that wrong, but it is very significant.

Even though there is a large Muslim majority population there, it is very significant for Christians. So, I think that this is something, him being American, I'm going to always be biased towards Americans. But this is something that I think will actually help him in bridging that divide, because he has been speaking a message of unity.

HILL: It would be interesting to see how much influence he does have moving forward. Daniella, I do want to bring up what was a lighter moment amidst all of these very important discussions. But, of course, flying on Thanksgiving, Pope Leo, there was some talk of Thanksgiving on the papal plane. I think that we have that. There we go. He was -- I don't know if we can hear him, but he was given a pumpkin pie, a pecan pie as well. There was some discussion of sharing.

Daniella, seeing those moments as well, that's important at this moment in what the world is experiencing.

DIAZ: Yes, Erica, also notable, as we've mentioned repeatedly during this conversation, he's American. So, he has celebrated Thanksgiving before, probably unclear for previous popes. I also think it was worth noting that he actually, when he boarded his plane with journalists from 15 different countries, thanked journalists for their work.

He and previous popes seemed to really respect journalism and their work. And it's really interesting to see his presence, his elegance as he addresses these very intense moments, of course, calling for peace in the Middle East region, wishing Americans on board Happy Thanksgiving. He seems to be a very, very calm, kind man.

HILL: He does have this very calming presence. You're right. And I do think it's an excellent point that you bring up, Daniella, the way that he has been very clear about his support for journalism and the importance of it.

Really hard-hitting question, just to round this out before I let you all go. Elements of the traditional, quote, unquote, "Thanksgiving meal" can be -- they can be divisive. And one of those is pumpkin pie. People love it or they hate it. So, I'm just curious. I'm going to go around the boxes on my screen. She will start with you. We'll go back to start for or against pumpkin pie.

SCOTT: I'm team sweet potato pie.

HILL: You know, we also heard that answer from someone else on the show team this morning. Melik, what about you?

ABDUL: I'm from Mississippi. Sweet potato pie all day.

HILL: Two for sweet potato, zero for pumpkin. Daniella?

DIAZ: I love pumpkin, but I'm from Texas. So, pecan pie.

[07:00:03]

HILL: There you go.

DIAZ: All pie. All pie.

HILL: OK.

SCOTT: All pie.

HILL: I don't love pie. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say it. I like a sliver of each and then I can move on for the year. But anybody who is watching us this morning in the wise advice of my mother, you should probably be having leftover pie for breakfast this morning with your coffee or tea.

Nice to have all of you with us. I hope you enjoyed a good holiday. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. And hey, if you're out there looking for a bargain, may you find one. I'm Erica Hill. Thanks for being with us.

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