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Connect the World
U.S.-Backed Aid Group Announces Start of Operations in Gaza; U.S. Envoy Urges Hamas to Accept Ceasefire-Hostage Deal; Two or More Killed in Russia Attacks across Ukraine; Vehicle Crashes into Fans at Liverpool Trophy Parade; Officials' Update on Liverpool Crash; IRC Looks to UAE to Build New Partnerships for Aid; King Charles III to Deliver Parliamentary Address in Canada; Trump: Make Phones Here or Face 25 Percent Tariff; Monsoon Season Arrives Early in India with Floods Wreaking Havoc. Aired 10- 11a ET
Aired May 27, 2025 - 10:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
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ERICA HILL, CNN ANCHOR AND U.S. CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Welcome back to the second hour of CONNECT THE WORLD. I'm Erica Hill, joining you from
New York, where it is 10 am.
A deal is on the table to bring home Israeli hostages in exchange for a Gaza ceasefire. That's according to the U.S. special envoy, Steve Witkoff.
To optimistic celebrations in Liverpool turning to horror after a car rammed into a crowd cheering on their football team. New details this hour
about the investigation.
And a royal welcome for King Charles, who is getting set to address the Canadian parliament for the first time as head of state.
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HILL: U.S. President Donald Trump's top negotiator is urging Hamas to take a deal which could provide a pathway to peace in Gaza.
Steve Witkoff says the proposal currently on the table is there but says Hamas has not yet accepted that proposal. It's said to include a temporary
ceasefire and the release of some of the remaining Israeli hostages, as well as talks on ending Israel's war with Hamas inside Gaza.
A controversial humanitarian effort backed by the U.S. and Israel now says that its operations are underway. It is unclear, however, if any aid has
actually reached civilians at this point. Critics have called the plan insufficient and also noted that it lacks transparency.
CNN's Jeremy Diamond is in Jerusalem following all of these developments for us, including the latest developments out of Gaza.
JEREMY DIAMOND, CNN JERUSALEM CORRESPONDENT: Yes, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation says that it has indeed begun operations in Gaza. It released
several images yesterday of trucks that were going to these, what they are calling secure distribution sites, three of which are in southern Gaza. One
is in the central part of the Gaza Strip.
And they also showed an image of about a dozen men carrying boxes, which they suggested was a distribution to Palestinians in Gaza, having begun.
Now it's important to note, we can't verify that aid was actually distributed to civilians at this point through those distribution sites.
We haven't actually seen much evidence of that as of yet from our freelance journalists who work with us in the Gaza Strip. But what this foundation is
saying is that their operations are going to ramp up over the course of the week to eventually feed by the end of the week, they had previously said,
about 60 percent of Gaza's population.
It's, you know, so far we haven't seen the fact that they have the ability to ramp up to that kind of a number so quickly but that is the goal that
they have set for themselves.
And it also comes as this Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is still facing enormous levels of scrutiny, as well as criticism in particular, after the
group's executive director, Jake Wood, resigned on Sunday out of concerns about the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's autonomy.
Saying that he did not believe he could continue to lead this organization while also adhering to strict humanitarian principles, including principles
of independence and impartiality.
And that feeds into a lot of the criticism that we've been hearing already from many humanitarian aid organizations, including United Nations
organizations, which have refused to participate with this mechanism.
Now for the time being, aid is still getting into Gaza in very limited quantities through the traditional humanitarian mechanisms; 170 trucks of
aid were allowed into Gaza by Israeli authorities just yesterday.
But then, of course, we are finding that the problem inside the Gaza Strip is distribution, with the Israelis not giving permissions for, you know,
many of these trucks to actually make it to the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
Where we are seeing, even today, devastating images out of Gaza as people in the northern part of the Strip are still struggling with hunger and
facing an absolutely desperate humanitarian situation that has yet to actually be alleviated -- Erica.
HILL: Yes, all such important points as we're watching all this play out, too. There's been a little bit of back and forth on this latest ceasefire
proposal, which is also obviously -- excuse me, Jeremy -- also includes a hostage deal.
Where do things stand?
DIAMOND: Well, yesterday you had Palestinian officials close to Hamas, claiming that they had agreed that Hamas had agreed to a new U.S. proposal
for a ceasefire. I then texted with Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy who's been intimately involved in these negotiations.
[10:05:00]
And he quickly told me that what he has seen from Hamas is, quote, "completely unacceptable." And he made clear that, while there is a deal on
the table, Hamas has yet to actually accept it.
He said that his proposal would see the release of half of the hostages and half of the deceased hostages in exchange for an unspecified amount of
temporary ceasefire and negotiations to end the war that would take place during that ceasefire, which he said he would personally preside over.
He told me the deal, that deal is on the table and Hamas should take it. So for now, though, it seems like these two sides remain at a standstill.
Hamas has been pushing for an end of the war in Gaza altogether.
Israel wants a temporary ceasefire and it wants a temporary ceasefire that's going to get at least half of the hostages out, that remain in Gaza,
out of captivity.
And Israel is very much showing the alternative to a ceasefire at the moment, as we have been witnessing one deadly strike after another over the
course of the last several weeks, with hundreds of Palestinians being killed, many of them civilians.
As we saw in strikes over the weekend with the doctor at Al Nasr Hospital, nine of her 10 children killed in a single strike. Just yesterday, we saw
another strike on a school that killed more than 31 people, the majority of whom were women and children, according to the director at the hospital
that received the bodies.
And the Israeli military also issuing fresh evacuation orders, making clear that it plans to displace enormous numbers of Gaza's population to move
them into a smaller part of the enclave.
And then, as the Israeli prime minister himself has said, to, quote- unquote, "encourage voluntary migration," making clear that Israel's goals at this point go beyond defeating Hamas but also as it relates to getting
Palestinians out of Gaza. Erica.
HILL: Jeremy, thank you.
And just ahead too, we're going to dive a little deeper into the aid crisis in Gaza. The president of the International Rescue Committee, David
Miliband, is my guest a bit later this hour.
Meantime, German chancellor Friedrich Merz says that Ukraine's allies have now lifted all restrictions on Ukrainian forces attacking Russia with long-
range missiles supplied by the West, a decision the Kremlin has called dangerous.
Russian president Vladimir Putin had previously threatened war with NATO if long-range weapons supplied by the West were used against Russia.
This follows, of course, a weekend of massive Russian drone and missile strikes across Ukraine that prompted U.S. president Donald Trump to say
that Putin had, quote, "gone crazy."
Chancellor Merz, meantime, is hoping president Trump's words could possibly lead to some concrete action.
FRIEDRICH MERZ, GERMAN CHANCELLOR (through translator): Trump is obviously increasingly disillusioned with Putin due to the massive attacks on Kyiv
and other cities in Ukraine over the weekend.
In this respect, I hope that America stays on board. The question is whether the USA will continue to see it as its political and military duty
to help Ukraine. And that is what we are trying to achieve.
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HILL: In the latest round of attacks, Russia hit the Donetsk regions, killing at least two people. CNN military analyst and retired Air Force
Colonel Cedric Leighton joins me now from Washington.
Colonel Leighton, good to see you. Those comments from Donald Trump, of course, where he said he thought that Putin had changed, this is not the
Putin that he knows. He's known him for some time. There was some head- scratching over those comments because, to most, this was the Vladimir Putin that had been here all along.
As we watch the fallout from these comments, what is the impact, do you think, on the war itself?
COL. CEDRIC LEIGHTON (RET.), CNN MILITARY ANALYST: Well, good to be with you, Erica.
Yes, I think the impact on the war is going to be multifaceted. One aspect of this is that this is basically Trump's realization, I guess we'll call
it, that Putin is doing evil things. At least his partial realization may very well pave the way for further use of U.S. aid in this war.
However, it could branch off into another way, where Trump will wash his hands of everything. So the German chancellor's comments become, I think,
quite interesting in the sense that he is definitely looking for the U.S. to continue its support.
The Europeans are trying very hard to step up. But they are also counting on the U.S. to do its share; in essence, to maintain some of the weapons
deliveries and munitions deliveries and intelligence support that the U.S. has provided in the past.
So it could very well, you know -- in one sense, it could, you know, make the war more survivable, if you will, for the Ukrainians. On the other
hand, it could also draw, eventually draw the Russians closer to the negotiating table.
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And that, of course, is the hope of Chancellor Merz and others who heed us (ph).
HILL: And it was an interesting word choice on the part of the chancellor, talking about the U.S. duty there and how the U.S. would choose to follow
that.
It's also, as we watch what has been this real intensifying on the part of Russia, in terms of attacks over the last several days.
Do you see this as Russia trying to maybe see how far it can push Donald Trump in some ways?
LEIGHTON: Yes, I think that is part of it. Erica. One of -- one aspect of this, you know, could be from a military perspective, that they're, in
essence, trying to soften up Ukrainian targets for a summer offensive that a lot of us think will actually happen, that the Russians will try to
engage in.
But the Russians are clearly testing Trump. They're clearly testing the West. They've been doing that really since the beginning of this phase of
the conflict. And it seems to me that they are going to continue to do this as much as they can.
Now one possible outcome of this is that the Russians will more quickly deplete their weapons as they, you know, do these, conduct these attacks.
But on the other side of that is the fact that the Russians have actually made their economy a wartime economy and basically increased their
production capacity substantially. So if there are any diminutions in the ability of the Russians to conduct attacks like this, I think they might be
short-lived.
HILL: As we look at how this is playing out, the fact that, you know, Chancellor Merz was talking about Ukraine can now defend itself using these
long-range missiles to fire into Russia.
The Kremlin responding, calling this dangerous.
And then I thought it was interesting that Merz said, hey, this has been the case for months.
The fact that it's being said out loud, though, what does that change?
LEIGHTON: Well, I think Merz is, you know, in some ways he's at least publicly distancing himself with what his predecessor, chancellor, former
chancellor Olaf Scholz did.
Scholz was very clear that, you know, at least in his public pronouncements, that German weapons could not be used for long-range
attacks into Russia.
What the new policy under Chancellor Merz is, that, in essence, the Germans are mirroring what the French, the British and the U.S. have done in the
past, with systems like the Storm Shadow and the ATACMS HIMARS missile systems.
So that basically brings the Germans up to the same standard, if you will.
Now the question remains, will the Germans provide one of their weapons systems, which would be extremely useful for the Ukrainians?
And that would be the Taurus missile. If they provide the Taurus, that could be a potential game-changer, at least in the short run, for the
Ukrainians. And the Ukrainians would certainly welcome that.
HILL: Colonel Cedric Leighton, always appreciate your insight. Thank you.
LEIGHTON: You bet.
HILL: We are waiting at this moment for a news conference out of Liverpool, England, where officials, of course, are investigating why a
British man plowed his minivan into a crowd full of football fans, leaving dozens injured.
This happening at the tail end of a victory parade for the Liverpool Football Club in the heart of the city on Monday. Police arrested the 53 -
year old suspect at the scene as the angry crowd of fans surrounded his vehicle. CNN's Nic Robertson is following the story, joining us now from
Liverpool.
As we wait for this update from officials, what do we know at this hour, Nic, in terms of the investigation and where things stand?
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN SENIOR DIPLOMATIC EDITOR: The investigation is still ongoing, at least at the crime scene. And it is still a crime scene here.
It is still taped off.
So Luis, if you can just zoom in to that police truck.
And immediately behind that large police truck, there is an inflatable tent. And inside that tent, we understand, is the vehicle that was involved
in ramming through the crowds less than 24 hours ago.
Every half an hour or so, we see the forensic teams come out, take a look on the street around. And we're hoping that, when the police press
conference begins -- and it was due to begin just a few minutes ago -- we may begin to get more details.
But the details that we have from the police last night, that it's not terrorism, not looking for other suspects. A 53-year old white British male
from the local Liverpool area was the person police took into custody. We don't understand so far what caused this incident.
What triggered his action?
What precipitated it?
Any of that just hasn't become clear.
But in the forensic search, the police will able to check if there was if there were any mechanical faults on the vehicle, check the surrounding
scene for clues and other evidence.
And the other thing that the police have done here -- and they've been really specific and very quick about this, not just announcing that they
very clearly understood who their prime suspect was here.
[10:15:00]
But asking people not to share video on social media because some of it is very triggering for people. It's awful, some of the material.
But the police have asked people to send them video that they have of the incident, which, of course, would be valuable for the police as they build
a timeline and try to examine the sequence of events that led up to so many people being injured.
We're waiting as well for an update on all those injured. More than 50 injured, 20 with moderate injuries treated at the scene; 27 taken to
hospital for children among the injured.
And two people seriously injured, one adult and one child seriously injured. And the firefighters saying they literally had to pull four people
out from underneath a vehicle when they arrived at the scene, physically lift the vehicle and then pull those people out. One of them a child
underneath that vehicle.
All of these things we're waiting for updates and details on. They are expected to -- those details to come soon. But it really is a mystery and a
shock, frankly, for the city, as to what precipitated this tragic series of events.
HILL: Yes, absolutely. So many questions, of course, many that we're hoping to be answered. I mean, Nic, just remind us as well in terms of, as
you've noted, this was the tail end of this celebration.
But so many people there in the streets turning out, of course, in the wake of this massive victory for Liverpool. This had been a big event to begin
with.
How long did it take, if we know at this point, to get people safely out of the scene, to get things cleared up, to get people moved so that the
investigation could begin?
ROBERTSON: Yes, a 10-mile trophy tour through the streets of the city, open-top bus for the team with the trophy, hundreds of thousands of people
on the streets. And it was about 6 pm local time yesterday when this incident happened.
And I think there was a lot of confusion. I heard people talking about it saying, look, there were so many people crowded in the city. The cell
service wasn't working properly.
The gentleman I was talking to on this corner a few minutes ago said I was just around the corner here, less than 100 yards from where it happened.
And he said we weren't even really understanding what was going on.
So it did take a little while to get the streets clear. But it was a huge celebration and it was the second time that Liverpool had won this trophy.
The last time was during the COVID years. And so this was the first time that could really be a proper big celebration.
I met somebody here who traveled from the Middle East to be part of the celebration. He had his Liverpool strip on, you know, a big fan. People had
traveled not just into the city from locally, from the region but from across the country and from around the world.
This is a major event, a major team with a big international following. And so many of those fans were here. And, of course, what happened is, is so
tragic.
HILL: Yes, absolutely. Nic, really appreciate it. And, of course, we'll check back in with you as we wait for that news conference.
Still ahead here this hour, the head of the International Rescue Committee, who is just back from Syria, weighs in on why he is saying it's now time to
rethink the way international organizations operate in conflict zones. That's just ahead.
Plus, president Trump's on again-off again trade wars. We'll take a closer look at the impact of these tariff threats. Some of the worst economic
indicators coming in to us on a very busy week here in the U.S. Consumer sentiment, where it stands and what those numbers tell us about the
economy.
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HILL: Some of the scenes unfolding this week in Gaza as Israel begins to allow a trickle of aid in. Humanitarian organizations say it is just a drop
in the ocean compared to what is needed after 11 weeks of a blockade that has pushed the enclave now to the brink of famine.
It is one of many spiraling humanitarian crises that we are seeing around the world. The United Nations estimates 305 million people would need
humanitarian assistance this year. It is important to note, though, aid efforts are expected to only reach around 190 million of them. And that is
not just due to a lack of funding.
It's also, in many cases, a lack of political will. On top of that, the climate crisis is worsening insecurity across the globe. And, of course,
drastic cuts here in the United States, made to the international development agency, that has cut off a critical lifeline for millions.
My next guest, David Miliband, is the CEO and president of the International Rescue Committee and joins me this morning from Abu Dhabi,
where he's looking to continue building partnerships for aid distribution.
David, it's good to have you here this hour. You are actually just back from Syria and I do want to get to that in just a moment.
But I'd like to, if we could, begin with what is happening in Gaza. So we know that this somewhat controversial group says it has now begun operating
in Gaza, backed by the U.S. and Israel.
There are questions, though; despite pictures of boxes, it's not clear whether any of that aid is actually reaching civilians at this point.
When you look at the situation in Gaza, what do you see as a solution in this moment?
DAVID MILIBAND, INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE: Well, there are two things that are absolutely vital and they need to happen urgently and in parallel.
The first is the humanitarian aid effort is being absolutely blocked by the closure of the crossings and by the fact that aid is not being allowed in.
Just our own organization, the International Rescue Committee, we have 27 pallets of medical and other nutritional support stuck on the wrong side of
the border.
Eleven weeks of blockade are responsible for that. And so the most direct route is to get those border crossings open, get the aid flowing.
I've been in touch with our team today; 12 of our 15 mobile health teams are still operating in Gaza, despite the 11-week blockade. But there's an
absolute necessity, a dire necessity for a transfusion of aid.
Of course, one of the things that you do, if you get a flood of aid going in, is that you lower the value of any individual goods and so the dangers
--
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HILL: I apologize. I'm going to have to interrupt you. Stay with us, David. We do need to go quickly, though, to Liverpool, as we're getting
some updates on what happened there yesterday. Let's listen.
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JENNY SIMS, ASSISTANT CHIEF CONSTABLE, MERSEYSIDE POLICE: -- Liverpool Football Club as they paraded their Premier League trophy. The atmosphere
was electric.
But sadly, just after 6 pm, the joy of the day dissipated quickly after more than 50 people were injured when a car collided with people gathered
on Water Street. We had worked extensively with event organizers and key partner agencies in the months ahead of the potential parade.
And a robust traffic management plan was in place, which included a number of local authority road closures throughout the route and the city center.
This included Water Street, which was closed to traffic.
It is believed the driver of the Ford Galaxie car involved in this incident was able to follow an ambulance onto Water Street after the roadblock was
temporarily lifted, so that the ambulance crew could attend to a member of the public who was having a suspected heart attack.
As with many large events with event organizers, we plan for all contingencies. And this included the implementation of road closures to
protect pedestrians and an armed policing.
Presence was also in place throughout the day. There was no intelligence to suggest an incident of this nature would take place. And as we've
previously stated, the incident is not being treated as terrorism.
[10:25:05]
An extensive investigation into the precise circumstances of the incident is ongoing. And we continue to ask people not to speculate on the
circumstances surrounding the incident and refrain from sharing distressing content online.
I have no doubt regarding the impact that this appalling incident has had on those who were injured, their family and friends and for those who
witnessed the incident unfolding in front of them.
It is so heartening to hear that the public has also recognized the human impact on our attending officers, staff and other emergency service
colleagues from North West Ambulance Service and Merseyside Fire and Rescue.
And I want to personally thank the public for their support of first responders, who were on scene in a matter of seconds following the incident
yesterday. I can confirm, on behalf of the National Health Service, that we are aware of 50 people who were treated at hospital for ongoing treatment.
Of those, 11 remain in hospital for ongoing treatment. They are all in a stable condition and I am pleased to say that they appear to be recovering
well.
I want to take the opportunity to pay tribute to the brave members of the emergency services who were on the scene of yesterday's incident.
Within a matter of seconds following such a shocking incident, they immediately ran toward an extremely uncertain and potentially dangerous
situation in an effort to protect members of the public and fellow emergency responders from harm.
Merseyside Police continues to work with other emergency services: Liverpool City Council, Liverpool City, combined regional authority, local
hospitals and health providers and Liverpool Football Club collectively.
In response to this incident, an extensive investigation into the precise circumstances of the incident is ongoing and we continue to ask people not
to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the incident and refrain from sharing distressing content online.
Information, including video footage, can be passed via the Merseyside Police Major Incident Police Portal and all details are available on our
website. Anyone with information or footage should contact Merseyside Police Social Media Desk via X @myrtlecc (ph) or, on Facebook, Merseyside
Police Contact Center or call 101.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
I'm now going to hand over to detective chief superintendent Karen Jaundrill, who will update on the investigation. Thank you.
KAREN JAUNDRILL, DETECTIVE CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT, MERSEYSIDE POLICE: My thoughts are with all those injured in this awful incident, their families
and friends and everyone who has been affected.
Like us, many of you will still be coming to terms with what was a harrowing end to a day of celebration. I want to reassure the public of
Merseyside that detectives are making significant progress as we seek to establish the full circumstances that led to this awful incident and bring
the person responsible to justice.
We have arrested a 53-year-old man from West Derby on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offenses and driving whilst unfit
through drugs. He remains in custody where he is being interviewed.
We have a total of 65 confirmed casualties, many of whom required hospital treatment. And our officers and family liaison officers are providing
specialist support to a large number of these victims.
Further work is ongoing to identify other people affected and we will continue to support these individuals in the days and weeks to come.
Due to the number of victims in this case, we have received assistance from our neighboring forces, for which we are extremely grateful. Our detectives
are speaking to any witnesses, including those injured witnesses at the scene, and emergency responders as we seek to get a full picture of exactly
what happened.
In addition, extensive CCTV inquiries are being carried out across the city to establish the movements of the car, a Ford Galaxie, before the incident
took place. We have already had an incredible response from many of those who were there last night. I thank them for their cooperation and support
with our investigation.
[10:30:00]
And I would encourage anyone who has not yet contacted the police who may have information on this incident to do so. Thank you.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Thank you.
HILL: It looks like they are not taking any questions there. But an update from officials in terms of what we know about this crash into the parade
area, obviously where the celebration was happening after the Liverpool victory.
Not clear exactly why but an important note here: we did learn that there were a number of road closures.
And according to the assistant chief constable there, the driver is believed to have actually followed an ambulance onto Water Street, an area
that was blocked off when a barrier was moved for that ambulance to potentially treat someone who may have been suffering from a heart attack.
I believe we may have my colleague, Nic Robertson, with me as well.
Nic, you've been following this so closely since it began. A couple of -- a couple of nuggets in that press conference but still a number of questions
and, of course, ongoing requests for the public to help here, Nic.
ROBERTSON: Yes. So they were talking about Water Street. And this is Water Street, where, where we're standing. And that -- the vehicle had followed
an ambulance driving onto Water Street to go and treat somebody who was suspected of having a heart attack.
And then we got additional details there about the suspect, this 53-year- old white British male from, I think, West Derby, another town, perhaps less than 100 miles,, maybe 60 or 70 miles away from here, not so far away.
And an indication there of the state of mind of that person, saying that, I believe, from what I heard there, that he was under the influence of drugs,
that he is being -- that he has been arrested and that he is being charged with attempted murder.
So very significant charges for a man who appears to have been under the influence of -- and we don't know what drugs the police are talking about
here -- but this is the beginning of their investigation.
As you heard them there at that press conference, still appealing for the public to provide information, to provide video footage if they have it, to
assist the police. And we also got an update on the number of injured people; 50 people now known to have been treated at the hospital; 11 of
them remain in hospital but in stable condition.
"Recovering" is how the police officer described their condition but also the mention that 65 total people had been helped by the emergency services.
Again, it speaks to the scale of what happened. It speaks to the tragedy of what happened.
And now we get a glimpse of how it happened, not why it happened but the circumstances under which it took place.
HILL: Yes. But that's certainly providing some insight to your point on the on the how, how that vehicle was able to get there in the first place,
which, of course, was one of the questions. Nic, really appreciate it. Thank you.
Stay with us. You're watching CONNECT THE WORLD. We're going to fit in a quick break here. Much more to come on the other side.
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HILL: Welcome back to CONNECT THE WORLD. I'm Erica Hill, in for Becky Anderson today.
We have been following very closely today the lack of humanitarian aid in Gaza, the growing crisis there and, frankly, the larger funding crisis
across the humanitarian crises around the world.
My guest, David Miliband, is the CEO and president of the International Rescue Committee and knows this all too well. He's joining us from Abu
Dhabi this hour, looking to help continue building some partnerships for aid distribution.
So David, I was noting before we went to that press conference, you are just back from Syria. The IRC had actually been working in northwest area
for some time.
What did you discover, though, when you were there?
What changed in terms of your assessment of what the needs are in this moment in Syria?
MILIBAND: Yes, I've just visited Damascus, the capital of Syria, but also Idlib in the northwest of the country, the famous city of Aleppo and the
city of Homs. I especially looked at our health service support there.
There's devastation across the country as you drive out of Damascus; towns and villages absolutely slaughtered by the fighting.
And what was remarkable was that some of the health needs in what were previously government-controlled areas, Assad regime-controlled areas, the
health provision there is actually in a worse state than in the rebel-held areas in the northwest of the country.
I also had the chance to sit with the president of Syria and the foreign minister of Syria and talk about how they are going to get the timelines
right for the political changes they're bringing in, the economic changes supported by president Trump's decision to end all sanctions on Syria and
then the social provision that we specialize in.
The needs are huge but there's a sense of possibility for the first time in 13 years in Syria.
HILL: A sense of possibility is welcome but important to keep those needs in view.
I was struck by some comments over the weekend from the U.S. ambassador to Turkiye, who's also, of course, a special envoy to Syria, who tweeted --
and I'm pulling part of the tweet here, quote, "The era of Western interference is over. The future belongs to regional solutions but
partnerships and diplomacy grounded in respect."
He goes on to say, "Syria's tragedy was born in division. Its rebirth must come through dignity, unity and investment in its people."
This largely echoes some of the comments that we heard, of course, from president Trump over the course of his Middle East tour.
I'm curious, when you hear those comments, both from the president and when we see this tweet from the ambassador, what does that tell you about the
potential U.S. commitment from an aid perspective, from a humanitarian perspective?
MILIBAND: Well, of course, we know that secretary Rubio has made clear that 80-plus percent of the U.S. global aid effort should be reduced. And
we also know that, in the Senate, in the House of Representatives' bill for the new U.S. budget, there's an 80 percent-plus cut in the aid budget. So I
think that's pretty clear.
Of course, the Syrian civil war was not generated by the West. The Syrian civil war was generated internally. It was an internal conflict. And what I
heard from the president, from the foreign minister, they want orderly and stable relations with the region.
They want -- that means including the Gulf states, Turkiye; importantly, they want stability in the region but they want global help as well.
They were very clear that, what was once a middle income country just 15 years ago is now a very poor country, with enormous reconstruction demands,
both physical reconstruction and the human reconstruction.
They've got 6 million refugees outside the country who they want to welcome back. They've got internal displacement. And they want global help as well
as regional help.
HILL: When we look at what is needed across the world, I know the IRC, one of the organizations that felt this shock at the pull of USAID funding,
which is critical to so many important aid efforts around the world, how are you making up for that gap in funding?
Is this simply about private donors?
Is this reaching out for new partnerships?
Because so many of these programs are critical to survival in many areas around the world.
MILIBAND: Well, that's a very good point. I mean, 40 percent of the global aid effort was coming from the U.S. And however much there is a genuine
case that the burden should be more fairly shared around the world, If you pull 40 percent of the funding out of any sector of the global economy,
you're going to have very severe consequences.
[10:40:05]
My own organization, we've had to lay off literally thousands of staff. We've had to shutter vital services in places like Afghanistan and Yemen.
And the truth is that there isn't yet a replacement for that 40 percent.
Up to 40 percent of the global aid effort that is threatened to be lost from the U.S., that means the first victims of that are people in need,
whether for health, education, other services.
But there's obviously also a danger of destabilization that happens when humanitarian need isn't provided. We are certainly appealing for private
help for countries in the Gulf to support, whether from government or other sources.
But I think there's a global question here, which is that, at a time when there are more people in need, as your introduction showed, than ever
before, when there are conflicts still raging, it's very dangerous to neglect the humanitarian help that keeps people alive.
And that's an appeal that we'll continue to make, both in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world. This is a matter of moral interest but also
strategic interest, because there's a vital need for the services that we provide.
HILL: Yes, absolutely. And in many places, too, it is a matter of life and death for the people who could benefit. David Miliband, really appreciate
your time. Thank you.
Still ahead here, the British monarchy, of course, long standing ties to Canada. Today, King Charles is there to address the parliament, a highly
symbolic move and an important one for both the king and Canada.
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HILL: Pictures here out of Ottawa. Of course, that is King Charles, preparing to open parliament in Ottawa. He'll be making a ceremonial speech
from the throne. A few moments ago, as he arrived at the Canadian senate building, he received full military honors.
King Charles is, of course, Canada's head of state. Today's historic address marks just the third time a British monarch will open the country's
parliament. CNN's Paula Newton back with us now this hour from Ottawa.
A lot of symbolism here, diplomatic symbolism as well. Walk us through the importance of this moment, Paula, and also what we'll be seeing, if you
would.
PAULA NEWTON, CNN ANCHOR AND CORRESPONDENT: Yes. An uncommon moment, really. And we're used to royal visits being historic. Right. But this is
something set apart against the threats that Canadians feel, as Donald Trump continues to talk about making Canada the 51st state.
This is a certain patriotism that Canada, Canadians, many have leaned into.
But also prime minister Mark Carney, who, against so many odds, became the prime minister just a few weeks ago, was one of the first things that he
did was extend this invitation to King Charles.
And King Charles, even though he is battling cancer, accepted. And this is why you see this kind of ceremonial arrival right now. It was in an open
carriage, escorted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
[10:45:00]
Certainly more ceremony than we have seen from the opening of parliament in several decades. And in just a few minutes, Erica, he will read the speech
from the throne.
And a reminder that, of course, those are the words of the government but they will resonate throughout Canada as certainly marking not just what the
government's plans are for the next few years but the fact that Canada stands sovereign, independent and distinct from the United States.
We don't expect to hear that kind of blunt language but certainly subtle reminders that Canada is trying to renegotiate its relationship with the
United States. That will be part of this speech.
And the king, as I said, just in accepting this, certainly reinstates his role as king, as Canada, as king of Canada. As you can imagine, Erica, it
doesn't mean that every Canadian is thrilled about being a constitutional monarchy or thrilled about having a monarch in general.
But there are so many people that normally would not lean in to this kind of ceremony or this kind of political import, that have said, no; this time
is different. And I think for many reasons, many appreciated the fact that King Charles accepted this invitation from Mark Carney, even though perhaps
it was a little unorthodox.
And King Charles himself, of course, knows it will also be controversial.
HILL: Will be controversial but could also be helpful to King Charles in some ways, even with that controversy, Paula.
NEWTON: Absolutely. I mean, given everything he's been through in the last few years, whether it's with the family turmoil or his own health, the
health of Princess Kate, is his daughter-in-law, there has been a lot going on.
And if you intend to uphold this institution, the institution of the monarchy and what it means in far-flung realms, including Canada, yes. I
mean, being present in an hour of need here is important.
And make no mistake, that's not hyperbole. Canadians really do feel it is their hour of need.
And I heard from so many people, Erica, over the last few weeks, thinking, if you're going to have a king, even in name, even in symbolism, what good
is a king if he doesn't come to Canada at a time when symbolically but even literally, it will send a message directly to the Oval Office and beyond?
And that is what is going on here. And I think, for the king, it is a reason that he decided, even though it's less than a 24-hour visit and
given his health issues, that he still decided to come.
Erica, the weather cooperated. OK, these pictures are just fabulous. There is not a cloud in the sky. Perfect temperature, open carriage. Everyone has
a smile on their face and they await, in the next few minutes that important speech. Again, the words of the government of Mark Carney,
uttered by King Charles.
HILL: Yes, absolutely. Paula. Appreciate it as always. Good to see you. Thanks.
U.S. President Donald Trump's erratic trade war already unsettling markets. Now he is reigniting tensions with that threat of a 50 percent tariff on
the European Union, which, of course, then was quickly delayed again, back to the original date. Mr. Trump says that the E.U. is now working, in his
words, quickly to set a date for trade talks.
He's also demanding smartphone companies, including Apple, make their phones in the U.S. or face a 25 percent levy. This latest tariff turnaround
is leaving Wall Street and a number of Americans on edge about the future of the U.S. economy. CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten joining us now.
He's also here in New York.
So when it comes to how Americans are feeling, what they think about president Trump, do they get the sense that the president is clear or
unclear in his trade policies?
HARRY ENTEN, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: I think the back and forth you just did there, I was left confused. The American people are confused. He is
about as clear as mud, Erica Hill.
What are we talking about here?
Well, as Donald Trump, does he have a clear plan for tariffs and trade?
The majority winner here, 55 percent saying no; just 45 percent say yes. I will note that the yes number has been falling. The no number has been
climbing. And, of course, in American politics, it's all about the independents.
And what are we dealing with?
Sixty-four percent of independents say that Donald Trump does not have a clear plan. So your intro was unclear; the American people think that
Donald Trump is unclear.
HILL: We know, too, that Wall Street seems to feel that way. It seems that every economist I speak to, every smart financial person I speak to, talks
to me about the uncertainty.
Is there data now that's coming in to back up that uncertainty?
ENTEN: Yes. The voters aren't off in la-la land. What they are doing is they are responding to president Trump the same way that the stock market
has been, you know, going up and down and all the way around.
And we have something called the Trade Policy Uncertainty Index. And get this, compare this point in time versus a year ago, up 846 percent. As our
dear friend John Berman said, that is a slight bit outside the margin of error, ha-ha.
And I will note that that is the highest number for any point before this year. We just keep breaking records upon records upon records. As I said at
the beginning, Donald Trump's trade policy about as clear as mud.
HILL: Breaking records that perhaps one does not actually want to be breaking.
When it comes to -- there's been a lot of back and forth, too, about the tariffs that have been threatened by the president.
[10:50:00]
What would the practical impact be?
Talk to me about just how significant a 50 percent tariff on European Union goods, for example, or even that 25 percent on the iPhone, what does that
translate to?
ENTEN: Yes, to borrow a phrase from the current president of the United States, it would be huge. It would be huge in terms of the economic impact.
What are we talking about here?
Well, what's number one in America?
What's the number one smartphone?
Well, it's the iPhone. I don't have one but most people do. There are 155 million active units in America alone. My goodness gracious.
How about the number one trade partner for the United States?
Well, it's the European Union. In fact, according to "The Wall Street Journal," we're talking about 4.9 percent of total GDP in 2024 was because
of trade with the European Union.
So if these tariffs ever came into effect and, of course, who knows if they actually will, the economic impact would be huge. That is clear as day, not
clear as mud, as Trump's trade policy is, Erica.
HILL: Look at you, tying that up nicely with a little bow there, Harry, thank you. You can go back to your Blackberry now.
ENTEN: Thank you.
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HILL: More news after the break.
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HILL: The Sean Diddy Combs sex trafficking trial is now back underway, after the jury had a four-day break for the Memorial Day holiday weekend
here in the United States. Week three kicking off with another former employee of Combs on the stand.
Capricorn Clark was an executive at his record label and is the third former employee to testify. Also scheduled to take the stand today, the
LAPD and L.A. Fire Department. Combs has, of course, pleaded not guilty to the charges of racketeering and sex trafficking.
The White House is planning a new move against Harvard University. CNN has learned the U.S. president's latest salvo is an order for federal agencies
to cancel all government contracts with the university. That would total about $100 million.
There was also a separate court hearing, which got underway in just the last hour, on the administration's ban on Harvard enrolling foreign
students. Harvard's president telling NPR it is vitally important for the university to stand firm.
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ALAN GARBER, PRESIDENT, HARVARD UNIVERSITY: We think it's a real problem, if particularly a research university's students don't feel free to speak
their minds. What is perplexing is the measures that they have taken to address these, that don't even hit the same people that they believe are
causing the problems.
Why cut off research funding?
Sure, it hurts Harvard but it hurts the country because, after all, the research funding is not a gift.
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HILL: That, again, was the president of Harvard, Alan Garber.
Let's get you up to speed on some of the other stories on our radar right now.
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HILL (voice-over): France's national assembly is voting today on a bill to legalize assisted dying. It would allow adults with incurable illness to
voluntarily end their life by taking a prescribed lethal substance. It comes as demand is growing across Europe for legal end of life options. If
approved, the bill then heads to the senate for debate.
At least five people were killed, six remain missing, following a huge blast at a chemical plant in eastern China. The explosion sent a towering
plume of smoke into the air and damaged nearby buildings. One factory worker at another factory, some six kilometers away, said she not only
heard the blast but also felt the ground shake.
And we have pictures for you. Look at this. This is the result of massive flooding inside a metro station in Mumbai, India. Mumbai is getting hit
with its earliest monsoon rains in decades.
[10:55:00]
The deluge has caused chaos and delays across India's transport networks, including at this new station in Mumbai.
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HILL: For tonight's "Parting Shots," pharaohs still making headlines even after thousands of years in the Egyptian city of Luxor. Archeologists have
uncovered three new tombs in an ancient burial complex.
They're believed to belong to prominent statesmen of their time and contain artifacts, statues and inscriptions that are more than 3,000 years old.
The discovery itself comes as the country is preparing for the highly anticipated full opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which will display
more than 100,000 artifacts.
That does it for CONNECT THE WORLD on this Tuesday. Be sure to stay with CNN. "ONE WORLD" is up next.
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