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No Response Yet from Oman After Trump Threatens Bombing; Overnight Russian Strikes in Kharkiv Region Kill at Least 10; Interceptor Missile Shortage Crippling Ukraine's Defense; Meta Facing Its Biggest Social Media Addiction Trial Yet; Predictions for Shein's IPO Shows Sharp Decline in Value. Aired 9-9:45a ET

Aired August 18, 2026 - 09:00   ET

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

[09:00:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

CHRISTINA MACFARLANE, CNN HOST, CONNECT THE WORLD: You're looking at live pictures of the White House as Donald Trump's foreign policy choices face

growing questions, from his threats against Oman and pressure on longtime ally South Korea to his efforts to revive ties with North Korea.

It's 09:00 a.m. in Washington, and it is 02:00 p.m. here in London. Thank you for joining us. I'm Christina Macfarlane, and this is "Connect the

World". Also coming up, polls are open in Florida, where voters are choosing candidates in a series of closely watched Republican primaries.

A major trial against Meta is getting underway in California, with 29 states accusing the company of designing Facebook and Instagram to keep

children addicted. And futures are pointing to a lower start today due to concerns over higher oil prices and the potential knock-on effect on

inflation.

We will take you to Wall Street for the opening bell in about 30 minutes from now. We start with another vessel hit in the Strait of Hormuz. A UK-

based maritime monitor says the ship was hit by an unknown projectile while transiting out of the strait. This comes as we wait for Oman to respond to

U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to bomb the country if it intervenes in U.S. efforts to reopen the strait.

Well Oman has been talking with Iran about overseeing traffic through the strait. The U.S. Senate Democrat says President Trump's threats against

Oman are counterproductive. Take a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. MARK KELLY (D-AZ): Oman has been a security partner of ours and are critical in any kind of negotiation we're going to have with the Iranians.

So, if Donald Trump thinks he's going to find a way out of this. And I certainly hope that he does. I think the Oman is a critical negotiator with

Iran, so it doesn't make a ton of sense.

I mean, it looks like he's trying to just make more enemies, and that's not a strategy.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MACFARLANE: CNN Politics Senior Reporter Stephen Collinson is joining us with his analysis, but Stephen, I just want to start with the latest Truth

Social post from the president from just over around an hour ago, which shows the Strait of Hormuz labeled as new U.S. territory.

Your thoughts on that post and how you think Oman, Iran, and the UAE will be viewing that at this point?

STEPHEN COLLINSON, CNN POLITICS SENIOR REPORTER: I think that at a time when a lot of Donald Trump's big foreign policy moves seem to be hitting a

brick wall. This is another sign that a classic Trumpian move, the reinvention of reality and the subversion of truth to a more politically

palatable one, is not working for him.

I'm sure that Iran will view this as another sign of Trump's frustration. And of course, the reality is that Iran's attacks on shipping in the strait

have largely strangled the flow of oil and gas along a key exporting route. The question of Oman is a very interesting one as well, because if there's

going to be a solution to this, it looks increasingly like the U.S. will not be able to impose it because it's failed to bring Tehran to heel and

has no trust in its relationship with Iran.

It will have to come through the Gulf states. The most likely conduit for that right now is Oman talking to Tehran, and in fact, the memorandum of

understanding, which was fractured but officially expired on Monday, actually mandated Oman to talk to Iran on the future of the strait.

So, threatening to bomb an intermediary that may offer the only way out of this just, I think, expresses the lack of strategy and the frustration at

this situation in the White House. You can't have intermediaries that just follow the U.S. foreign policy line because that would make them on the

U.S. side, and their negotiation position would be absolutely useless.

So, none of it, as the senator there says, makes an awful lot of sense.

MACFARLANE: Yeah. Well, let's talk a bit about strategy, because in your analysis for CNN today, you write, quote, Trump's swipes at Oman and South

Korea are not isolated incidents.

[09:05:00]

They are symptomatic of a foreign policy that lacks conventional strategy, deliberately sidelines diplomats and experts, and seems to spring only from

his gut. So, Stephen, if there is no conventional strategy behind these moves, what is the strategy if indeed there is one?

COLLINSON: Well, it's very hard to see one, and I think this has been the problem with the war from the start. It was based on the forced assumption

that Iran would quickly cave, the regime would fall in the face of overwhelming U.S. and Israeli force, and it would all be over in a matter

of weeks or even a matter of days.

So there has never been, I think, any capacity in the White House to think about. OK, so if we take this step, what happens next? That is very

characteristic of Trump's leadership style. He's impulsive, he's unpredictable. In some cases, in his first term and perhaps during his

second term, that sense of putting the world on edge and taking the counterintuitive move in foreign policy.

Sometimes that has been working for him. Sometimes it expresses is a way of imposing U.S. power on smaller countries. But right now, Trump just lashing

out seems to be failing, and I think you could argue if you look at developments in the Gulf over the last two or three days that we are

potentially on the verge of an escalation rather than getting towards the end of this.

And of course, as the midterm elections approach, that is going to be very difficult for Trump. It's imposing a great deal of pressure on Republicans,

and that tension almost seems to be making Trump even more erratic, and is bringing out the more unpredictable sides of his nature.

MACFARLANE: Yes, and I mean on the ground, all of this is having an impact on regional partnerships as well. I mean, you argue that Trump sees

alliances more as deals where allies have to pay for protection. I mean, how are we seeing that play out, especially in the Gulf?

You know, as regional partners look to themselves rather than relying on the U.S.

COLLINSON: Yeah, exactly. There is a growing sense in the Gulf that the guarantees that they thought they had that the United States would protect

them against Iran cannot be counted upon in the future. One possible scenario is that the U.S. just ends up walking away from this and leaving a

real mess in the Gulf.

If you talk to people in the Gulf, they argue that there has to be some kind of regional framework in the future. There's been talk even of an

arrangement with Iran to manage the strait and the traffic flows in and out to oil facilities around the region. That might be the way that this

finally ends, even if it ends up perhaps infringing upon the principle of freedom of navigation if some kind of transit fee ends up getting charged.

But you know it doesn't seem as though the relationships that the Gulf thought they had with the United States can sustain this war, and that I

think is something that is happening more broadly across Europe, and with Trump's pressure on South Korea in recent days, which was motivated by his

anger that they didn't sign up to his war in Iran, even though the U.S. relationship with South Korea is specific to the Korean Peninsula and has

nothing to do with wider security interests.

MACFARLANE: Yeah, and of course, all of these seemingly erratic moves being watched very closely by Iran. Stephen, thank you so much for your analysis.

Always great to have you on the show. And in another restless night for Ukrainians, Russia launched a barrage of overnight strikes in Kharkiv,

killing at least 10 people, according to authorities.

Pictures posted by President Zelenskyy show destroyed stores and residential buildings. Further, 17 people were injured in the attack. It's

yet another strike Ukraine hasn't been able to defend due to the lack of interceptor missiles. CNN's Nick Paton Walsh reports in this exclusive.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

NICK PATON WALSH, CNN CHIEF INTERNATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT (voice- over): Out in the quiet corn, a moment of absolute desperation. Ukraine's never shown anyone these before an American-made patriot air defense

launcher. The interceptors they fire, the only thing that can take down Russian ballistic missiles that rain down on Ukraine, are under a huge

global supply shortage, but these here are sitting idle, doing nothing.

When in Ukraine, they could be saving lives almost nightly. Why? They're empty, out of ammo.

[09:10:00]

WALSH: This tube being empty is a sight really that would spark fear for ordinary Ukrainians. And is the product of dozens of phone calls to any

ally, all sorts of deal making. President Zelenskyy told me to try and find the interceptors to fill this up. An extraordinary step they're taking by

showing us the fact.

This particular patriot battery is essentially out of action until interceptors arrive a sign of desperation.

WALSH (voice-over): Chief Engineer Dmytro says it is 2.5 months since this one fired, and six weeks since he saw one fire at all.

DMYTRO, CHIEF ENGINEER, UKRAINE'S PATRIOT SYSTEM: You know, factually, this is really heart-breaking sight when you have equipment, but you are not

able to intercept any missile. This is very sad when you know that ballistic missiles are flying over your head and you are not able to do

anything with it, and you know that behind you, there are citizens.

WALSH: And how did that make you feel, knowing that you should help but can't?

DMYTRO: Like you learn how to walk, but you're not able to walk, or you're able -- or you know how to breathe, but you're not able to breathe.

WALSH (voice-over): He knew the global supply crunch was coming.

DMYTRO: When we saw how many interceptors were launched in Middle East, we predicted that we will be in trouble.

WALSH (voice-over): Ukraine has been reluctant to admit if they have zero interceptors left. President Zelenskyy telling me every morning he begs

allies for more.

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY, PRESIDENT OF UKRAINE: Do some things which I can't even share. It's not. It doesn't mean that it's out of the law. No, but

it's. I can't speak about it.

WALSH (voice-over): Kyiv is rocked by a massive ballistic attack, normally once a week, racing to the subway and shelters where before they felt

protected, they are not anymore. It is America First in the queue, and Ukraine left to anxiety in the rubble.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MACFARLANE: CNN's Nick Paton Walsh joins me now live from London. And Nick, you're reporting there really paints the picture of just how desperate the

situation is for Ukrainians, with no ability to protect themselves to fight back, which you know is worth reflecting on as we talk about those attacks

overnight in Kharkiv.

But Nick, I wanted to get you to a different issue today regarding Russia's warning to Britain that it could face consequences for supplying drones to

Ukraine. What more are you learning about those threats? What it's related to, and what response the UK is giving today?

WALSH (on camera): Yeah, it comes after reports that the United Kingdom has supplied British-made drones to Ukraine and are being used in the longer-

range strikes inside of Russia. The Russian embassy clear that it considers this to be an escalation by Russia, saying that London is deliberately

opting for an escalation of the Ukraine crisis, seeking to contain Russia and inflict maximum damage on it by proxy.

Now, I should point out we've seen a very strident response from effectively the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Andy Burnham, who

just basically is saying this is what United Kingdom has always done, which is 100 percent support Ukrainian illegal war led by Vladimir Putin that the

UK is not a fair-weather friend.

And we will be there in Ukraine's hour of need, and that won't change. Now, this clearly is a moment where possibly you might argue Moscow is trying to

test the resolve of a new prime minister in London. He is simply painting it as business as usual. I should point out too in prior years.

We have seen the United Kingdom offering quite strident military direct support to Ukraine. Some of it is not publicly spoken about. Other

elements, the Storm Shadow stealth missiles that were used two years ago, caused significant damage and indeed continue to inside occupied Ukraine

and possibly inside Russia as well.

But clearly, I think a moment here where Russia, who many western intelligence officials believe is looking for a way to try and escalate

this war, perhaps to explain to the Russian population why it's going on so long, why it might require further mobilization, or simply to provide a

moment of greater resolve or perhaps flex for the Kremlin against the larger adversary.

There are concerns we might see some sort of escalation in the months ahead. Is that an errant missile in Poland, like we saw in recent weeks? Is

that a drone in NATO airspace? Are there other explosions or fires that are unattributed inside European territory, unclear.

[09:15:00]

But a moment here certainly where Russia is seeking to remind NATO and its member, the United Kingdom, of its ability or desire to respond to what it

sees as indeed escalation. A reminder that we've seen constant attacks on European territory, often loosely attributed to Russia over the past years,

Christina.

MACFARLANE: Yeah, it's important context. And Nick, we thank you for your important reporting there too on the patriot interceptor missiles in

Ukraine. Thank you. And you are watching "Connect the World". Still to come this hour, it's another primary election Tuesday in the U.S.

And today the spotlight is on Florida, Wyoming, and Alaska, where voters are delivering key tests for both Democrats and Republicans.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MACFARLANE: Welcome back. Polls have been open for a couple of hours in Florida, where voters are casting ballots in key primary races. The results

will determine who moves on to the November general election and who could have a big impact on the battle for control of the U.S. House.

And now, in one of the closely watched contests, incumbent Republican Congressman Cory Mills is facing a tough battle for re-election in

Florida's seventh congressional district. He's being investigated by the House Ethics Committee for potential campaign finance violations, an

accusation of a revenge porn threat, and an assault allegation.

Mills has repeatedly denied wrongdoing. CNN's Steve Contorno is following the primaries for us from Orlando. So, let's just focus on those Florida

Republicans who are set to choose their nominee in the race to replace the term limited Governor Ron DeSantis. What more can you tell us?

STEVE CONTORNO, CNN SENIOR REPORTER: Well, it's been very interesting because, as many of our viewers know, Governor Ron DeSantis has been one of

the more consequential governors in the U.S. in recent history, and he ran for president against Donald Trump, but the succession plan to replace him

has been somewhat messy.

It should be straightforward on paper. Representative Byron Donalds has the endorsement of President Donald Trump, but DeSantis has not endorsed in

this primary, even though his lieutenant governor that he appointed is running in this race. There are a handful of other candidates who have not

been convinced to stay out of this race by the president's endorsement as well.

And so, you will see tonight the results sort of reflect how much power and sway President Trump has in his adopted home state of Florida. We've been

talking to voters just outside of this polling location for the past few hours. It's been interesting to hear quite a few of them say they did not

listen to the president today.

Take a listen to what one of them told us.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CONTORNO: In the race for governor, how much did President Trump's endorsement factor -- for you?

[09:20:00]

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It didn't this time. I think Byron Donalds is going to win. I think he's going to make a good governor, but I had to go with my

gut.

CONTORNO: What is it about Byron Donalds that you know couldn't get him over the finish line for you?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He wouldn't do an interview, or not an interview. He wouldn't do --

CONTORNO: A debate.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A debate with and it just that just bugged me.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CONTORNO: Now I have to tell you about one of the more colorful races that is taking place today. That's in Florida District 19, where the race to

replace Byron Donalds has attracted six people who have run for Congress in other states. Pretty unusual down here.

MACFARLANE: Yes, certainly, and obviously the race for Cory Mills is been somewhat messy. I guess is the word in the run-up to this. How much do you

think he's likely to succeed here, given the sort of battles he's facing against him?

CONTORNO: Well, what's been most interesting to watch is how the Republicans in Washington have pulled away from Cory Mills in recent weeks.

In fact, President Trump recently rattled off a list of the candidates that he is endorsing in congressional races in Florida, and he excluded Cory

Mills even though he had previously endorsed them.

And there is much belief around here that his opponent in that race, a former news anchor named Ryan Elijah, has lately been gaining considerable

traction, and there are certain Republicans who are hopeful in Washington that Elijah will ultimately prove victorious.

But Cory Mills is an incumbent and does have that advantage, and we'll be interesting to see those results when they come down tonight.

MACFARLANE: Yeah, we'll be keeping an eye out. Steve Contorno, appreciate it. Thank you. Turning now to the feud between U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff and

President Donald Trump, ignited by the Democrat senator's comments about one of Trump's close aides. At a rally, Ossoff questioned Trump's

relationship and brought up his sneaking out of Air Force One after the NATO summit.

Well, in that elaborate ruse to avoid a threat from Trump -- from Iran, Trump took a handful of aides with him, including Natalie Harp, his little-

known executive assistant. Here's what Ossoff had to say and Trump's response.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JON OSSOFF (D-GA): He doesn't want to do the job. He wants to build his ballroom and travel with Natalie on their apparently defenseless flying

palace, gifted by the Emir of Qatar.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What is your response, Jon Ossoff?

DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: You mean Pee-wee Herman? Pee-wee Herman looks a lot. No, I would much rather do other

things. It's a we're building a great facility here.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MACFARLANE: Our CNN's Betsy Klein has been following the story from us. She joins us from the White House. And Betsy, Natalie Harp has become one of

Donald Trump's closest aides, and was, as we said, there among the very few people that were on that secret flight with him.

What does her proximity to the president? Tell us about how Trump's inner circle operates, do you think?

BETSY KLEIN, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE REPORTER: Well, I think it really speaks to how President Trump has disrupted hierarchies and traditional

power structures within the Republican Party, and that has created a vacuum of talent. And what we have seen is that people with really non-traditional

political backgrounds have filled that vacuum.

A lot of women, a lot of people coming from different types of backgrounds than you would traditionally see here in Washington D.C. And one thing that

they overwhelmingly all have in common is this idea of loyalty, specifically to President Donald Trump. And what could be more loyal than

Natalie Harp's origin story?

She first came on President Trump's radar back in 2019 when she credited him with saving her life. She suffered a rare form of bone cancer. She

pointed to his right to try policies as really helping her to survive. Then she went on to speak at conventions and in conservative media, ultimately

becoming President Trump's personal assistant back in 2022.

And since then, she has become one of his closest aides and sources of information. She, as you mentioned, was one of a very small handful of

aides to go with President Trump when he disembarked Air Force One to fly on a decoy plane just a few weeks ago due to threats from Iran.

But the bigger question, I think, here is what exactly Senator Jon Ossoff, the Democrat from Georgia, is trying to accomplish here. He has come under

some fire from people who say that his comments may have been perceived as sexist. They are questioning what exactly he was trying to insinuate.

So, a lot of questions there as this feud only continues to escalate here, Christina.

[09:25:00]

MACFARLANE: Yeah -- one for debate as to what Ossoff was actually planning with those comments, but Betsy, for now, thank you very much. And you are

watching "Connect the World". Still to come, Meta is heading to court for a social media addiction trial, which could change how it runs Instagram and

Facebook.

That kicks off in two hours from now. We'll have the details for you, after the break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MACFARLANE: Welcome back. I'm Christina Macfarlane in London, and you are watching "Connect the World". A UK-based maritime monitor says another ship

has been struck in the Strait of Hormuz. It reports the vessel was hit by an unknown projectile, causing damage to the engine room and one crew

casualty.

Oman's coast guard has been helping the other crew members. Florida is the headliner on a busy primary election day in the U.S. with voters also going

to the polls in Alaska and Wyoming. Today's contest in Florida also marks the first time voters will head to the polls under a new and controversial

congressional map designed by Governor Ron DeSantis to help Republicans net an additional four seats.

Russia launched a barrage of overnight strikes in Kharkiv, killing at least 10 people and injuring another 17, according to authorities. President

Zelenskyy says Ukraine will definitely respond to this Russian strike. And Meta is in court today for what could be its biggest legal battle yet over

youth safety and protection.

29 states are accusing the social media giant of intentionally designing Facebook and Instagram to get young people addicted and of harming their

mental health. They also allege that Meta has been illegally harvesting children's data. Opening statements begin in just under two hours from now.

Clare Duffy is joining us with the latest. So, Clare, just run us through the case and what's at stake today.

CLARE DUFFY, CNN TECH REPORTER: Yeah, Christina. So, in this trial, where opening statements begin today in federal court in Oakland, this is part of

a case brought by 29 state attorneys general. This trial will be argued by lawyers for four of those states, California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New

Jersey.

And as you said, there, what they're alleging is that Meta intentionally designed its platforms to be addictive to children, using features like the

endlessly scrolling feed, the recommendation algorithm, frequent notifications, and that all of that has contributed to a mental health

crisis among children in their states.

They also claim that Meta failed to warn or even misled the public about the risks of their platforms, and also that Meta illegally gathered data on

children under the age of 13.

[09:30:00]

Throughout this trial, we could hear from Meta executives as well as former Meta employees turned whistle blowers, also potentially researchers who

study the impact of mental health on young people, the impact of social media on young people's mental health, and what the states are seeking here

is massive, Christina.

They are looking for as much as 1.4 trillion dollars in damages. That is nearly as much as the company's valuation on Wall Street. They're also

looking for changes to how Meta's platforms operate. So, if Meta were to lose this case, we could see really significant changes to the social media

experience.

Now, Meta has pushed back on these claims, called them unsubstantiated. In a statement to CNN, a spokesperson told us, the AGs offer no proof that

anyone in their states was misled, claim benign features like having an additional Instagram account somehow harmed their residents, and attempt to

penalize Meta for industry-wide challenges like age verification.

Rather than sticking to the facts or the law, the states have instead decided to chase an outlandish payout. Now, Christina, a jury will have a

chance to hear those arguments. The jury will ultimately be advising the judge, who will decide on the verdict in this case.

And the trial is expected to last around seven weeks. So, we've got a lot of time here to listen to these two sides.

MACFARLANE: And just to follow up, Clare, on something you mentioned there about the changes we could see if Meta lose this case. I mean, what

practical changes could that be to Instagram, Facebook?

DUFFY: Yeah. So, there's an example that comes out of the case that Meta lost in New Mexico earlier this year. Meta has already lost two of these

social media addiction cases, one in Los Angeles, one in New Mexico. In total, they're on the hook for nearly a billion dollars in damages in those

cases.

But in New Mexico, the judge also ordered changes to how Meta operates its platforms. For example, limiting the amount of time that teens can be on

the app and on Instagram, for example, in a given week, limiting the frequency of notifications that Meta can send to its users.

Those were sort of minimal, but if we were to see the court, in this case, bring additional orders in terms of how Meta has to change its platforms.

That could potentially have a significant impact on its business. And what I think is really interesting is that in the company's most recent earnings

report, it actually acknowledged that these youth social media trials could pose a risk of material loss to the company.

So, the company seeming to acknowledge that this does pose a real risk to its business.

MACFARLANE: And this comes as we've seen a sort of wave of lawsuits against social media companies this year, and it's been called big tech's big

tobacco moment. Just speak to this shift that we're seeing.

DUFFY: Yeah, I mean we are seeing thousands of these lawsuits brought not only by state attorneys general but also by individuals and families by

school districts. Meta settled a case that was set to go to trial earlier this summer that was brought by a Kentucky school district just a few weeks

ago.

So, we are really seeing this wave of cases similar to what we saw with big tobacco in the 90s. And what parents and advocates are hoping for is that

this adds momentum to their calls for changes to make these platforms safer for young people. I think there is also some hope that lawmakers in

Washington will be watching what happens in these cases and potentially feel motivated to pass federal legislation that would require these

companies to make changes to their platforms.

And ultimately, what I think this does, if Meta continues to lose these cases, it's really sent a message about what the American public thinks of

these platforms. These are juries of regular Americans who, at least in two of these cases, have already sent a pretty clear sign that they don't think

this company is doing enough to keep young people safe, Christina.

MACFARLANE: Yeah. Well, it's fascinating. We'll continue to follow it closely. Clare Duffy, appreciate it. Thanks.

DUFFY: Thank you.

MACFARLANE: Now, $70 billion that's the estimated drop in value of the Chinese fast fashion company Shein. The brand is currently pitching to

investors at a valuation of under $30 billion for its initial public offering in Hong Kong. And CNN's Kristie Lu Stout is breaking down what's

caused this steep decline in value.

KRISTIE LU STOUT, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Probably seen Shein haul videos like this, but how much is the company looking to haul for its long-

awaited initial public offering in Hong Kong? Reports say under $30 billion. That's quite a drop in valuation from its previous funding rounds,

nearly $100 billion in 2022, and $64 billion in 2023.

So why has Shein lost its shine? Shein tried New York and London before finally getting approval to list here in Hong Kong. It's notorious for its

cheap and trendy clothes, mostly made by third-party suppliers in China. It could churn out thousands of new styles a day, which has brought huge

profit margins and rapid growth.

[09:35:00]

But it's been hit with higher costs and slowing sales, according to its prospectus. Thanks in part to the removal of the de minimis exemption in

the United States. Shein's largest market, which allowed goods worth less than $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free. Shein is also facing a probe by the

U.S. Federal Trade Commission that could result in significant fines.

Over the years, it's faced scrutiny from Western lawmakers over its business practices, including accusations of using forced labor, which

Shein denies. Also, weighing on the retailer, a new three-euro sales tax on low value shipments to curb what the EU calls unfair competition from

China.

But the company could still grow in the rest of the world, where their products are not as heavily taxed and where there's still appetite for this

five-dollar T-shirt.

MACFARLANE: Turning now to a major legal move today by Disney against the Trump Administration. The media giant is filing a lawsuit against the U.S.

Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, over the administration's actions against the U.S. television network ABC.

The lawsuit alleges the FCC is violating its First Amendment rights, and that the White House has quote, waged a retaliatory campaign against ABC

for a single reason, it disapproves of what ABC broadcasts. The FCC is currently investigating ABC's talk show "The View" and challenging the

licenses held by ABC stations.

CNN's Chief Media Analyst Brian Stelter explains why we should care.

BRIAN STELTER, CNN CHIEF MEDIA ANALYST: I've just reread the lawsuit that was filed this morning in D.C. District Court. It opens with some strong

words. It says, quote, government censorship is deeply un-American, and that's what Disney is alleging here that the Trump Administration is using

the tools at its disposal to pressure ABC to change its content.

Whether that's late at night on Jimmy Kimmel's anti-Trump late night show, or whether it's during the day on the hit daytime talk show "The View", or

whether it's on other ABC programs. The network says it is feeling pressure from the administration, and that, that amounts to a violation of the First

Amendment, not just because of President Trump's words, where he often maligns ABC and degrades the coverage and calls for its licenses to be

revoked, but especially and more importantly through the government's actions.

Earlier this year, the FCC opened a probe of the view over an alleged equal time violation, and then a couple months later, the FCC called up ABC's

station licenses for a highly unusual, almost unprecedented renewal process several years ahead of schedule.

That process is widely seen as a form of retaliation against ABC for not firing Kimmel and not changing the programming in other ways. And Disney's

message in this lawsuit this morning is very clear. It says that ABC -- that the Trump Administration is bullying ABC, but that the Trump

Administration will come for all the other media companies as well.

Quote, if the administration gets its way, the message to every media company in the country will be unmistakable. Tell only the stories the

administration deems favorable, or face the coercive machinery of the federal government. So, Disney is saying it's suing the administration

reluctantly, not trying to get into a fight with the president, but because it needs to defend its stations against a First Amendment threat.

MACFARLANE: And this is how Disney is trading about eight minutes into the trading day. Investors are buying this stock right now, just hours after

the news of this lawsuit against the Trump Administration's the FCC. All right, let's get you up to see with some other stories that are on our

radar right now.

A student has died in a rare school shooting in the southern Philippines. A gunman, a Grade Nine student from the school, brought a pistol and a rifle

onto the campus, often open firing at the class. Local police add that the alleged shooter then took his own life.

Thousands of people turned out in central London Monday to pay tribute to Jason Arday, the youngest Black Professor in Cambridge University's

history, was found dead last week, days after resigning over accusations of plagiarism. A UK anti-bigotry group says he was the victim of quote a

racist witch hunt in the media.

Paramount wants the U.S. states that are suing to block the Warner Brothers Discovery deal to post a 1.9-billion-dollar bond. The company made the

request in a motion on Monday, saying the bond would help cover its financial losses if Paramount ultimately wins the case.

Warner Brothers Discovery is the parent company of this network. All right, up next in sports, the return of the Williams sisters on court together.

We'll have more on that next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[09:40:00]

MACFARLANE: It might not have ended in victory for the Williams sisters in this first time back on court in four years, but Serena Williams said it

was fun and special after a thrilling match in front of a packed crowd with her sister Venus. I just think it is such a treat now to see these two back

on court or on their own, Amanda, any point now that we can get it.

AMANDA DAVIES, CNN WORLD SPORT: Very much got to relish these moments, haven't we, Christy? I mean, their first match playing together in four

years, only their second match in a decade. And I think it's been a bit more of a stuttering return to action, hasn't it, than Serena Williams had

maybe hoped when she was talking about making that return to competitive action.

This just her first -- fourth match, I should say, since making that return at the Queens Club here in London. But the big question now is all eyes on

the U.S. Open. Will she and Venus be there playing alongside each other, or playing singles? They will both need a wild card to do it.

The indications are good. I think it's fair to say. So hopefully, we'll have a few more moments of these for the memory banks.

MACFARLANE: Yeah. Well, it begins on Sunday, so not long to wait. Amanda, thank you. You'll be back with more "World Sport" after this break. And

I'll be back with more "Connect the World" at the top of the hour. Stay with us.

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[09:45:00]

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