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Supreme Court Rejects Trump's Plan to Restrict Mail Voting; Mariska Hargitay Hosts Emmy Awards; FBI Director Kash Patel Testifies Before Senate Panel. Aired 6-6:30a ET

Aired September 15, 2026 - 06:00   ET

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

[06:00:20]

ERICA HILL, CNN ANCHOR: Today in the group chat, the Supreme Court shuts down President Trump. He tried to change the rules for mail-in voting just as ballots are going out. So, did the court just avert an election crisis?

Plus, Kash Patel facing the Senate Judiciary Committee today. Will there actually be substantive Q&A or a performance for an audience of one?

Trump A.I. hoax? The president calling growing A.I. concerns a hoax as tech leaders push for oversight. So, who should Americans trust here about the future of A.I.?

And Senator Mitch McConnell, back at work for the first time since a fall sent him to the hospital in June. Will his return quiet questions about his ability to do the job?

Good morning, everyone. I'm Erica Hill, in for Audie Cornish. We begin this hour with the Supreme Court's decision to reject President Trump's plan to restrict mail-in voting ahead of the midterms.

In an unsigned opinion, the court blocked that proposal. It would have given the Postal Service unprecedented power to withhold potentially millions of mail-in ballots.

States have argued that it would have caused catastrophic consequences for the midterms, especially since some states had actually started mailing out their ballots already. Others are set to do so this week.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh, one of Trump's appointees, seemed to agree, writing state and local election officials did not have sufficient time to reasonably implement the rule before the elections.

States hailing this as a major victory for voters. Utah's Republican lieutenant governor writing voters can, quote, "have confidence that the 2026 election will proceed as normal."

California's A.G. echoing that sentiment.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) ROB BONTA, CALIFORNIA ATTORNEY GENERAL: This is an important victory for the rule of law and for our democracy. But what does it mean for you, 50 days out from an election, as you consider voting in the upcoming election? And what it means is business as usual.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HILL: Today in the group chat, Paul Kane, congressional correspondent at "The Washington Sun"; Chuck Rocha, Democratic strategist, former senior adviser to Bernie Sanders' presidential campaigns; and Ashley Davis, former White House official under President George W. Bush. Nice to see all of you on this Tuesday morning.

So, at my last check -- things could have changed in the last two minutes -- but we haven't yet heard from the president or from the White House on this decision.

But I think it's notable in the dissenting opinion. What we saw. Justice Samuel Alito, writing in part, "Congress may create such rules under the Election Clause," going on, as well, to say that the crux of the dispute here is "whether the Postal Service has the statutory authority to issue the rule."

Paul, I wonder, do you see this, in effect, as temporary? Is this Alito actually signaling, perhaps, President Trump's next move: to have Congress do his bidding here?

PAUL KANE, CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT, "THE WASHINGTON SUN": Yes, I think that's what Alito is trying to say. But the coming election is not shaping up very good for Republicans, and the House right now seems poised to flip to the Democrats.

And if that happens, you then have a -- basically, a deadlock. You either have a Democratic House and a Republican Senate, with President Trump sitting there in the White House, still, for two more years.

Congress's ability to work on election law is sort of like its inability to work on immigration and border security legislation. They're just issues right now that have become such flashpoints, particularly with this administration and Democratic opponents on Capitol Hill.

That it's really, really kind of naive to look to Congress to be able to try and do something on this issue in these really, really tense times.

HILL: Yes, it is certainly a fair point.

When we look at the larger issue of voting rights and voter fraud, any type of fraud with mail-in ballots in this country, the reality is there isn't much, as we know.

Trump, though, who himself, of course, votes by mail, has effectively, I think you could argue, sowed a lot of doubt among voters. And mail- in voting, of course, is not limited to one party, to one registered voter. So, Ashley, how much damage? Are you concerned about how much damage

has been done with this push to assert control over elections and to assert more federal control?

ASHLEY DAVIS, FORMER WHITE HOUSE OFFICIAL UNDER PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH: Yes, I think -- well, first of all, Paul is exactly right in regards to Congress not being able to do this. But I also feel that, even there's a lot of Republicans that wouldn't want to legislate on this. So, I think even if the House wouldn't flip, which I think it will, that that would be an issue, as well.

[06:05:05]

But yes, I think there's been so much chaos. This really started during COVID when we were all trying to vote at the last minute, and the mail-in voting was a little bit more chaotic.

Now, it's stabilized. There's a process to it. The states are on board. And I think that this was a good decision. And I think, Brett -- I think Justice Kavanaugh, excuse me, had -- wrote a good opinion. And I think that this is a good path forward. And the chaos, hopefully, is over, at least for the time being.

HILL: At least for the time being, depending on how things do shake out, Chuck. I mean, you know, both Paul and Ashley making good points. There's not a lot that we've seen be done by Congress, as we know, in the last couple of years.

Would this, though, be a potential opportunity for Democrats to try to move some sort of legislation forward? Do you see any chance of that happening?

CHUCK ROCHA, DEMOCRATIC STRATEGIST: I think Democrats are always for trying to give as much opportunity for people that can vote wherever they're voting.

Let's remember, there's always just one election day. And over time, mainly Democrats and Republicans -- I give them credit, as well -- has tried to make it easier for folks who have to work on Tuesday all day or work 12 hours on Tuesday. So, we created early voting, so they can come for days in advance.

And then we created vote-by-mail by Republicans in Western states so that rural people, mainly Republicans, could vote by mail.

But let me give you this crazy scenario. This is why they do this, Donald Trump, and the Supreme Court, and other folks that are trying to mess with this stuff: is that on election night, if Republicans now all vote on election day, because they're scared to vote by mail, because they believe Donald Trump; and those come in, and Republicans are ahead because they all voted. And then we go to counting mail-in ballots. And this is the scenario that makes him say that everything is crooked. You start seeing Democrats catching Republicans in the vote count.

And then days later, when they count the votes that have come in a couple days after the election, that are postmarked by the election, that's when they're like, oh, there has to be some kind of voter fraud. How could they catch us? We were ahead. When it was all legitimate votes on both sides.

HILL: I feel like I've seen that movie before, Chuck. I have to say.

All right, stay with us, everybody. Much more ahead here, including Kash Patel facing the Senate later this morning. His tenure at the FBI online. Will President Trump care more about his answers or the way he appears?

First, though, the Emmy Awards, a little different last night, if you stayed up late. Lisa France joining us with the winners, the losers, and the moments everyone is talking about.

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[06:12:07]

HILL: Hosting an award show is really not for the faint of heart. You have to get the laughs. You have to keep the show moving. And more often than not, of course, there's a desire for you to say something that breaks through that ends up in a headline or a viral moment the next morning.

NBC shaking things up a little bit with the Emmys this year. Gone were the days of a late-night comic. Instead, "Law and Order" star Mariska Hargitay became the first woman to host the Emmys in 15 years.

And the night did feel a little different. It was also less politically charged, more focused on television, which is why they were there. Nostalgia. Also, the people who make TV.

So, did it work? CNN's senior entertainment reporter Lisa Respers France joining us now with all the moments, the winners, the losers. The moments we're all talking about.

First of all, what stood out to you with Mariska Hargitay as host? How did it work, Lisa?

LISA RESPERS FRANCE, CNN SENIOR ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: What stood out to me, Erica, is she sang, she danced. She seemed like she was having the time of her life up there on the stage. And that's really what it's all about. You want to have fun, and you want it to feel authentically fun to the audience.

So, that really stood out to me.

But also, the fact that the audience was so with it. People seemed like they were ready to be celebratory. It didn't feel as heavy, as you pointed out, as it sometimes can feel when people focus on politics.

And then of course, Erica, we had the wins.

HILL: Yes, we did have the wins. Can I ask you one more quick question about that, about the politics?

It seems -- I mean, as we know, right? Everything these days feels like it is viewed through a political lens, which it certainly doesn't need to be. But it always feels that way.

Do you think it was more of a conscious decision by the folks behind the Emmys? Or is it just the fact, too, that even -- even there, people are tired, right? And they want a break from it?

FRANCE: Yes, I think it's actually a little bit of both. I think that people want to be able to lean into the joy of anything right now, at this moment, because joy almost feels, I hate to say it, a little subversive some -- sometimes.

And so, I think Hollywood is just like us, just with more money, you know, and more fame and more good-looking people. And so, I think they, too, just wanted to have a really good time.

HILL: So, it was fun. I -- obviously, I went to bed a little early so I could be up this morning. The wins. Let's talk wins. "Widow's Bay." I mean, talk about some sweeps there.

Yes, they were very sweeping, including for its star, Matthew Rhys, who plays the mayor on that show. And he actually became the first actor to win two major awards in a night, because he won for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy for "Widow's Bay."

But he also won for limited series for his starring role in "The Beast in Me," which was a Netflix project.

So, it was just a huge night for the show, for the stars. The Outstanding Supporting Actor and Actress also came from that show. So, it was a really good night for Apple TV, which, you know, has -- has come out from behind to all of a sudden appear to be a bit of a powerhouse.

[06:15:04]

HILL: Yes. I mean, I admit I'm too scared to watch the show, because I can't do scary, even though I'm told it's funny, too.

But I will say I am a huge, huge fan of "The Pitt." It's my go-to with my 16-year-old son. Of course, you know, an HBO MAX, same parent company, event. They had a ton of nominations, did win a couple.

FRANCE: Yes.

HILL: But perhaps not as many as people were expecting.

FRANCE: Very true. You know, Noah Wylie won, and people were really looking to see how well "The Pitt" was going to perform, because it is such a beloved drama.

But I think, also, people just really were tuned in to see if there would be any surprises. And there were.

I mean, we got Taylor Swift. So, you know, that was enough for the Swifties. She did a little pre-taped bit.

And so, I think people come to these shows not just to see who the winners are going to be, but also to see how the show plays out.

And we had heartfelt moments with tributes. Sally Field and Reba McEntire did a really touching tribute to Dolly Parton, which just brought tears to everyone.

Michelle Reiner and Rob Reiner were also, you know, hailed by Jamie Lee Curtis. They did a special little tribute to them.

And the "in memoriam," in and of itself, Erica, just reminded us of how much talent we lost this year. I mean, from Eric Dane to Hayden Panettiere, I mean, so many names. I don't want to say everybody, because I'm sure I'll miss out on someone, and people will get upset, which is, by the way, something that often happens --

HILL: Yes.

FRANCE: -- in these "in memoriam" segments. They'll forget someone, and people will be like, well, what about so-and-so? What about so- and-so?

But we lost so many people this year, including most recently, of course, Dolly Parton and Tim Curry.

So, you know, it was just a little -- a few moments of sadness here and there, but overall, the night just felt really celebratory. It felt like Hollywood just wanted to really lean into it being TV's biggest night, Erica.

HILL: Yes, absolutely. Catherine O'Hara, too.

FRANCE: Yes, Catherine O'Hara.

HILL: It did seem -- it's always fun to watch, you know, a little bit of the red carpet, but also watch -- you know, I love watching the people in the room. Because it did look like they were having a good time.

Lisa, I always have a good time talking to you, my friend. Nice to see you this morning. Thank you.

FRANCE: So much. So much the same. Thank you.

HILL: Ahead here on CNN THIS MORNING, a potential battle of the California titans. Outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom says he won't run for president if Kamala Harris does. But what if Democratic voters deem him to be the stronger candidate?

Also ahead, Kash Patel, going before the Senate today with his leadership under a microscope. Will President Trump be watching for the substance or the fight?

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[06:21:51]

HILL: Just a few hours from now, FBI Director Kash Patel set to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Democrats say they will demand answers for his, quote, "failed leadership."

So, what are the chances it goes better than things went back in May, when he sat before the Senate Appropriations Committee. Here's a reminder of those moments.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And so, there have been no occasions when your security detail had difficulty waking or locating you. Is that right?

KASH PATEL, FBI DIRECTOR: Nope. It's a total farce. I don't even know where you get this stuff, but it doesn't make it credible because you say so.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm not saying it, Director Patel. I -- it's been written and documented.

PATEL: You are literally saying it.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, I'm saying that these are reports, Director Patel.

PATEL: Unlike -- unlike --

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I will say --

PATEL: -- your baseless reports, the only person that was slinging margaritas in El Salvador on the taxpayer dollar with a convicted gang banging rapist was you.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You know.

PATEL: The only person that ran up a $7,000 bar tab in Washington, D.C., to lobby (UNINTELLIGIBLE) --

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This suggests to me --

PATEL: -- was you.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This suggests to me --

PATEL: The only individual in this room --

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: -- the allegations are true.

PATEL: -- who's been drinking on taxpayer dime during the day is you.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Are you polygraphing -- Director Patel, come on.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HILL: Oh, the memories. The group chat is back. So, we have a -- we do have a sense, Senator Durbin signaling where

Democrats will likely focus, at least in part, in a letter to Patel, questioning the decision to lower hiring standards at the FBI, even as the bureau is struggling with recruitment.

Chuck, when you look at what is ahead this morning, what do you think is the most effective line of questioning for Democrats here? Not for soundbites, but for actual questioning and, hopefully, some actual answers.

ROCHA: What's going on over there? Why are there agents leaving? Why are you showing up at soccer games in locker rooms? And what's happening?

I think they want to know an accounting, because the American people have this vision of the FBI, of these guys in suits that protect us, that go after terrorists who are looking to do these things.

And what they see is Kash Patel, which in the theoretical FBI agents with the hat on and the nice suit and the tie, he ain't it. And so, what they should be asking is some commonsense questions to some commonsense things about the FBI this morning.

HILL: It's interesting, because there are also these newly-published internal FBI documents, which showed that Patel ordered the FBI's assistant director for public affairs at one point wanted him to respond to an anonymous post on X, which was criticizing Patel's handling of the Epstein files, a post that had 400 views. He was told wouldn't be a good look. I'm paraphrasing there.

But it does offer another glimpse into the focus for this FBI director. Ashley, how much do you expect that incident to feature today?

DAVIS: Look, of course, I think Democrats will bring that up, as well, as some of the personality issues, lack of better word, that maybe Kash has had over the last -- since he's been in office over the last 18 months.

What he should be concentrating on -- I'm actually surprised that Senate Republicans are bringing him up right now. I'm not sure what the good and bad of that is, because it is going to be 100 percent political theater.

But at the end of the day, crime is down 20 percent. Fentanyl is off the street; 6,000 child trafficked children have been found. I mean, those are the things he should be concentrating on.

[06:25:04]

But he's a fighter. So, I think what you showed, the clip you showed of him fighting and sparring with the senators, is going to what's going to happen again. And I just don't know why that's good for, actually, the country in general. So --

HILL: You know, to that point, Paul, Ashley said it's going to be political theater. I think, frankly, we're all expecting a little bit of that. What do you expect from Republicans today, Paul?

KANE: I think that's the key point, is how do Republicans treat him?

If you go back to Kristi Noem's hearing before the same committee, that was her undoing, and it was John Neely Kennedy of Louisiana who pretends to be a Podunk lawyer who doesn't really know much. He's actually a Rhodes scholar, went to Vanderbilt, UVA Law. He's a really smart lawyer.

And when he decides he wants to turn on you, he can turn the screw. And he exposed Noem in a way that just dropped all support in the White House over questions about her and ad spending from the Homeland Security Department.

Does -- does Kennedy politely but kind of forcefully go after Patel over the seriousness of the job? That's the key issue that a lot of folks have, is that he appears to have more interest in attending country music events or hockey events.

He was playing hockey on the day we launched the war in Iran in an intramural game of the FBI versus the Secret Service. It's those type of questions.

And if Republicans turn on him, they could possibly make him look bad, and he won't be necessarily prepared for that. He prepares for the fight back against Democrats, like he did with van Hollen. And that's the thing I want to see.

Or do they just treat him in good stead and ask questions about falling crime rates?

HILL: We will all be watching.

Still ahead here on CNN THIS MORNING, President Trump says all the warnings you're hearing about A.I., just a hoax. Even though a number of those big tech bosses who are in charge of the technology are the ones saying it's time to slow down. So, at this point, who should you be listening to?

Plus, the Kennedy Center says it could go bankrupt unless Trump's name goes back on the building. In the next hour, how did a name fight turn into a financial crisis?

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