Return to Transcripts main page
CNN This Morning
U.S. in 'Active Pursuit' of Oil Tanker Linked to Venezuela; Navigating the Holidays in Addiction & Recovery. Aired 6-6:30a ET
Aired December 22, 2025 - 06:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
ELENI GIOKOS, CNN ANCHOR: De'Aaron Fox led the San Antonio Spurs to a 124-113 victory over the Washington Wizards on Sunday. The talented point guard had 27 points, including five three-pointers, just like this, early in the first quarter.
[06:00:18]
Victor Wembanyama had 14 points and 12 rebounds. Wemby continued to come off the bench and only played 22 minutes.
Next up for the Spurs, Oklahoma City comes to town on Tuesday.
All right. And that's it for EARLY START. I'm Eleni Giokos in Dubai. CNN THIS MORNING starts right now.
AUDIE CORNISH, CNN ANCHOR: Is the U.S. sliding towards a naval confrontation in the Caribbean? CNN THIS MORNING starts right now.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. RAND PAUL (R-KY): I consider it a provocation and a prelude to war. And I hope we don't go to war with Venezuela.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CORNISH: The Coast Guard, now in an active pursuit of another oil tanker. What this means for the escalation against Venezuela.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The Department of Justice, the department that is supposed to protect us and provide law and order, has broken the law.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CORNISH: Where are the rest of the Epstein files? Some of the survivors are wondering if we will ever see all of the documents.
And conservatives literally at a Turning Point. MAGA infighting takes center stage at the first conference in the wake of Charlie Kirk's death.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(MUSIC)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CORNISH: Is this "Roman's Revenge" or just reinvention? Nicki Minaj's conservative crossover is fueling debate about the rapper's influence.
It is 6 a.m. here on the East Coast. This is a live look at our nation's capital.
Good morning, everybody. I want to thank you for waking up with me on this Monday morning. I'm Audie Cornish, and here is where we begin.
The U.S. now in, quote, "active pursuit" of yet another oil tanker off Venezuela's coast.
The ship was on its way to pick up oil from Venezuela. It's under U.S. sanctions for links to Iranian oil. An official tells CNN when the Coast Guard tried boarding the ship Sunday, it refused to stop.
And this is just the latest escalation of President Trump's, quote, "complete blockade" of Venezuela's oil industry.
Two other ships have already been seized this month. The latest on Saturday.
As the situation in international waters grows more tense, you have senator Rand Paul saying this can only get worse.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PAUL: I consider it a provocation and a prelude to war, and I hope we don't go to war with Venezuela.
Look, at any point in time, there are 20 or 30 governments around the world that we don't like that are either socialist or communist, or have human rights violations. We could really, literally, go through a couple dozen. But it isn't the job of the American soldier to be the policeman of the world.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CORNISH: Joining me now in the group chat, Sara Fischer, CNN senior media analyst and senior media reporter at Axios; Zachary Wolf, CNN politics senior writer; and Tal Kopan, deputy Washington bureau chief at "The Boston Globe."
So, I wanted to talk to you guys, because so far, it's really Rand Paul and one or two other people who are saying, wait a second, what's going on? Where are we headed? So, he stays consistent -- right? -- through administrations.
Can I start with you, Zach? At a certain point, are lawmakers going to start talking more about this, or was the double-tap strike really the only red flag for them?
ZACH WOLF, CNN POLITICS SENIOR WRITER: Well, I mean, certainly, that was the -- the big red flag where we ultimately saw, you know, some -- some, you know, distance between Trump and some few Republicans, but they've kind of fallen in line on that.
This is probably more legal. You know, going after oil tankers, that's kind of what they're supposed to be doing in a lot of ways.
CORNISH: Yes.
WOLF: If these were tankers under sanctions. So, I don't think that they're going to see the -- the legal issues with Republicans.
But with the buildup of the Navy in the Caribbean, you know, the entire -- everything feels very deliberately, kind of quietly moving against Venezuela.
And so, there's this growing thought that the administration really just wants to get rid of the Maduro regime. And if it's all moving in that direction, I think at some point you'll start to see the president, you know, who came in saying there would be no more wars. Clearly, you know -- you know, drumbeat.
CORNISH: Putting us in a posture. Yes, yes.
WOLF: There will be some -- some --
CORNISH: James Lankford was asked about this. He's a Republican from Oklahoma. And he kind of laid it out the same way you did. Here's what he had to say.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. JAMES LANKFORD (R-OK): I would tell you, the United States' position for now six years, I believe, has been that he is not the recognized leader of Venezuela. We've supported the opposition leaders, the past two opposition leaders in -- in Venezuela.
[06:05:02]
KASIE HUNT, CNN ANCHOR: And would you support it with -- with arms?
LANKFORD: We've put sanctions on them. Biden did that.
HUNT: With American arms and boots?
LANKFORD: Arms -- arms is a different issue. That's a very different issue on that, Kasie. We -- if you break it, you buy it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CORNISH: Oh, you're nodding.
SARA FISCHER, CNN SENIOR MEDIA ANALYST: Yes I think there's a very big difference between recognizing an opposition leader and actually going in and trying to remove the existing leader.
I also think that, for the Trump administration, they have totally changed their messaging here.
So, at first, this entire thing was about drugs, which was notable, because they specifically called out fentanyl, which, as you know, is really a Mexican and Chinese problem when it comes to imports into the United States. Although Venezuela obviously touches some of that.
Then it changed to, well, the Susie Wiles interview. This is about regime change.
Now we're hearing it. This is about the sanctions, which I think to Zach's point, is more defensible. But now you have three different explanations for our aggressive front in the region.
CORNISH: Yes.
FISCHER: And the next question is not just are Republicans going to support it, but we're heading into the midterms in 2026. What are the American people going to think? Do they want us to be escalating in the Caribbean? We're already in a million trade wars across the world. I don't think so.
CORNISH: Which were also launched, maybe, because drugs. That was another one where there was, like, a different explanation every week.
TAL KOPAN, DEPUTY WASHINGTON BUREAU CHIEF, "THE BOSTON GLOBE": Yes. I mean, I think that's the real key. I mean, if you ask, are Republicans in Congress going to stand up to Trump? I mean, the answer 99 times out of 100 is -- is likely no.
And in fact, the break we saw over the double-tap strike was truly remarkable in the context of how rarely Republicans, you know, do sort of launch an investigation or suggest --
CORNISH: And how far they went in their language.
KOPAN: Exactly.
CORNISH: Yes.
KOPAN: But the question of the American people, I think, really is the key here.
And when I traveled the country over the course of the election cycle and talked to voters sort of all over the place, I found that Trump's talking points about, in that instance, for example, Ukraine, this notion of your lives here in the states are really hard. Why is the U.S. expending so much energy elsewhere?
That talking point really resonated with people, and it wasn't sort of a strict party breakdown on that. And obviously, there are arguments as to why the U.S. should be involved in, you know, defending Ukraine against Russia and that type of thing.
But as Trump increasingly gets involved in these new international skirmishes and apparently is inserting us into more of them, I really do wonder what kind of backlash could build in the midterms as a result of that. Because that talking point really was effective with voters.
CORNISH: OK, you guys stay with me. We've got a lot more to talk about this hour.
Coming up on CNN THIS MORNING, we know the holidays can be hard. And for some people, they trigger stress and patterns that look like addiction. How to help them cope.
And the president makes another diplomatic appointment. Is it really a move to take control of Greenland?
Plus, the Justice Department releases the heavily redacted Epstein files. Now, the fight for transparency is on.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. RO KHANNA (D-CA): And what the American people want to know is who are these people? And instead of holding them accountable, Pam Bondi is breaking the law.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[00:12:05]
CORNISH: It is ten minutes past the hour. Here are five things to know to get your day going.
The DOJ being accused of not complying with the law after the Epstein files release.
And no, there is nothing wrong with your screen. This is an actual web scroll of the documents released on Friday. The department says these redactions are in an effort to, quote, "protect victims" and that they'll continue making these edits.
And the attack targeting Jewish people on Bondi Beach in Australia could have been even worse, according to new court documents that reveal the father and son accused of carrying out the massacre threw four improvised bombs at the crowd gathered just over a week ago. They did not explode.
Still, 15 people were killed in the shooting attack.
And actor James Ransone has died. Fans know him from HBO's "The Wire," where he played Ziggy Sobotka. Records from the L.A. medical examiner say that he died by suicide.
Ransone was just 46 years old.
And President Trump is appointing the governor of Louisiana to be the special envoy to Greenland. Jeff Landry called it an honor and volunteer position that doesn't affect his current job.
Greenland has been a focus for the president, who has floated taking it over.
And here we are: $1.6 billion up for grabs in tonight's Powerball drawing. It's the fourth largest Powerball jackpot yet.
And if you win, here are your options. Winnings spread out over time or a lump sum estimated at just more than $735 million.
And after the break on CNN THIS MORNING, the festive season can lead to some unhealthy coping. We're going to talk with an expert about how to cope in the holidays. For anyone dealing with addictive patterns.
Plus, they're calling her MAGA Minaj. Nicki Minaj joins Erika Kirk in an event praising the administration.
And good morning to our viewers in San Francisco, where the power company expects to have electricity fully restored, hopefully, after a blackout this weekend.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[06:18:28]
CORNISH: The holiday season is supposed to be for celebration and connection, but navigating this time of year can be challenging for those struggling with addiction and recovery.
A reminder: nearly 24 million Americans over the age of 18 consider themselves to be in recovery.
So, here's the thing: this time of year can be triggering. Whether it's spending time with family, the change in routine, or just increased exposure.
Joining me now is Michael O'Dell. He's a Marine veteran and the chief operating officer of Warriors Heart, which is an addiction and PTSD treatment center for active military veterans and first responders.
Thank you so much for being with us.
MICHAEL O'DELL, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, WARRIORS HEART: Yes. Thank you so much for having us.
CORNISH: So, first, I just want to start with the work of Warrior Heart. Do you actually get more calls this time of year?
O'DELL: Yes, ma'am. We've actually received over 16,000 calls in 2025 from veterans and first responders and active-duty military that need our help.
CORNISH: Can you talk about the kinds of things that they're struggling with? Being a first responder, being an active military, how is this kind of recovery process or struggle unique?
O'DELL: Yes, our nation's heroes really, really face a unique struggle. This time of the year can be super difficult. There's high expectations to have a perfect holiday season.
And what you'll see is some isolation, some depression, feelings of survivor's guilt or -- or just not belonging. And those are definite signs that someone might need some help.
[06:20:07]
CORNISH: When you were struggling with your own addiction, what was it about this time of year? And are there ways you handled it now that you can see made things worse?
O'DELL: So, this time of the year, the holiday season, the Christmas season really can set up the environment for a really great time. Lots of joy, peace, kindness, goodness. But it comes with heavy expectations.
And I was struggling inside so much that I was incapable of allowing what this season's environment can bring into my life. And it just -- it just made it even worse, because you start to wonder why? Why me? Why can't -- why can't I change? Why can't -- why can't this season, bring joy to me when it does to so many others?
CORNISH: What are some warning signs that family members can look out for?
O'DELL: So, some warning signs would be, isolation. Anger. You know, feelings of, you might be able to sense that your loved ones are holding something back, or they're not just -- they're not being completely transparent or honest.
You might notice that their presence is no longer there anymore. And, you know, talking about presence: material presents certainly can't create transformation. But what can create transformation is mental, emotional, physical and spiritual presence.
And I think that's -- that's a lot of what this world is missing today is that -- that spiritual and emotional connection with others, as opposed to materialistic things.
CORNISH: So, if people are watching right now, and they may need this help, is it Alcoholics Anonymous, self-help type groups? What are the kinds of resources out there you think maybe people don't always embrace?
O'DELL: Yes. So, there's all kinds of resources out there. Specifically speaking, for active-duty military veterans or first responders, we have Warriors Anonymous. And you can check out some links on our website, WarriorsHeart.com.
For anybody else, there's Alcoholics Anonymous, there's Al-Anon. There's -- there's groups all over the United States that are -- are dedicated just to providing a safe space for you to -- to process, talk through your things, work the steps, and start to get on the right track.
CORNISH: Well, Michael O'Dell, I want to congratulate you on the last couple of years of your sobriety and for your service to this country. Thank you so much for your work.
O'DELL: Thank you so much. It means a lot. CORNISH: Straight ahead on CNN THIS MORNING, what does enforcing a
blockade really mean? The Trump administration moves aggressively against Venezuelan oil tankers. And we're going to be speaking with a congressman about it.
Plus, an unexpected rebuke. Vivek Ramaswamy takes aim at racism on the right.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[06:27:33]
CORNISH: Good morning, everybody. I'm Audie Cornish. I want to thank you for joining me on CNN THIS MORNING. It's half past the hour. And here's what's happening right now.
Australia's most populous state reconvened its Parliament today to push through stricter gun laws. The proposal comes after a deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach last week that left at least six [SIC] -- 15 people dead.
Although Australia has some of the toughest gun control laws in the world, the new reforms would cap the number of guns a person could own and ban terror symbols in an effort to stop antisemitism.
President Trump preparing to dramatically expand his immigration crackdown in 2026. The increase comes from an additional $170 billion that will go to ICE and Border Patrol. And that's on top of the $19 billion budget.
The plan would increase deportations and workplace raids and detention capacity.
And today, a federal judge is set to hear arguments about whether Kilmar Abrego Garcia should be returned to immigration custody after being free for just over a week.
Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported to El Salvador earlier this year, then brought back to the U.S. under a court order. He lives in Maryland with his family and could face deportation again.
And Republican gubernatorial candidate in Ohio, Vivek Ramaswamy, wants his party to take a stand against bigotry.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
VIVEK RAMASWAMY (R), OHIO GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE: If you call Usha Vance, the second lady of the United States of America, a "jeet," you have no place in the future of the conservative movement.
And if you can't say those things without stuttering, then you have no place as a leader at any level in the conservative movement either. Certainly not in my state of Ohio.
(END VIDEO CLIP) CORNISH: Ramaswamy is leading an effort to force a redefinition of conservatism amid fractures on the right. In a recent "New York Times" op-ed, he writes, "Older Republicans who may doubt the rising prevalence of the blood-and-soil view should think again."
Joining me now to discuss, Jim Renacci, former Ohio Republican Congressman. Thanks so much for being here.
JIM RENACCI, FORMER OHIO REPUBLICAN CONGRESSMAN: Good morning, Audie. Thank you for having me.
CORNISH: I notice you have Ramaswamy, in that cut that we just showed, defending the second lady from slurs that -- that he's hearing also, as an Indian American.
Can you talk about how -- why he's being vocal on this issue in a way that J.D. Vance isn't?
