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Erin Burnett Outfront

Soon: Senate Votes On Hegseth, Trump's Defense Pick; Trump Threatens California Aid; Meeting With Kim. Aired 7-8p ET

Aired January 24, 2025 - 19:00   ET

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


[19:00:37]

KATE BOLDUAN, CNN HOST: OUTFRONT next:

Breaking news: Hegseth in danger. Less than two hours before his confirmation vote, Republicans unsure if Trump's pick for defense secretary has the votes. Could his nomination actually go down tonight?

Also, breaking, Donald Trump on the ground in California face to face with the very governor he ridicules and name calls regularly. Will he withhold aid to the state because of petty politics?

Plus, Trump cozies up to Kim Jong Un again, calling him smart and predicting another summit soon. What will Kim want in return?

Let's go OUTFRONT.

Good evening, everyone. I'm Kate Bolduan, in for Erin Burnett.

OUTFRONT tonight, we are following breaking news: Pete Hegseth in jeopardy. Republican leaders at this hour unsure if they have the votes to confirm Trump's embattled defense secretary, Pete Hegseth. That vote is expected to take place in less than two hours, and President Trump can only afford to lose three Republican senators and still pull this off.

And as of this moment, two Republicans are confirmed noes, they are Senator Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski. But now, there is growing concern and question among Republicans that there could be two more senators, Mitch McConnell and Thom Tillis. Both men have not said publicly how they intend to vote after expressing reservations about Hegseth. And if they do vote against him, this will be the first time in 36 years that a defense secretary nominee has failed on a confirmation vote. Hegseth has faced a slew of allegations that have been dogging him since he was tapped to lead the defense department, including an alleged sexual assault, which he has denied.

Donald Trump's vice president, J.D. Vance, is on standby right now in case he is needed to break a 50-50 tie. That's what they're dealing with.

The resistance from within the Republican Party, it seemed to surprise the president today, who until now has seen his party stand with him very firmly on his nominees. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I hope he makes it. I was very surprised that Collins and Murkowski would do that. And of course, Mitch is always a no vote. I guess.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BOLDUAN: I guess. We'll see.

Lauren Fox is OUTFRONT right now live on Capitol Hill outside of Senator Tillis' office, no less.

Lauren, how uncertain is this vote right now?

LAUREN FOX, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yeah. I mean, if you're a Republican leader or you're a Donald Trump in this moment, it is never a good sign that you are sitting on uncertainty two hours before a critical confirmation vote. Right now, it is not clear how Mitch McConnell or Thom Tillis are going to vote.

Our colleague Ted Barrett reporting just a few minutes ago that Thune's office is in regular contact with Tillis' office. That is a sign, obviously, that they still are trying to keep those lines of communication open, perhaps because they are trying to convince him to get to yes or get him information that would convince him to get to yes in this moment.

Look, a couple hours ago, it seemed like everything was moving forward on a on a glide path. In this moment, it's just really unclear if Hegseth is going to have the votes. Let's walk through a couple of different scenarios. Yesterday, we saw Murkowski and Collins vote against advancing this nomination. If those are the only two Republicans, then this nomination would be approved at 9:00 when the Senate votes tonight.

Let's say that there are three Republicans, either McConnell or Tillis. Join those two Republican women in voting against Hegseth. Then you have a situation where the vice president would have to come and be a tie breaker, obviously, still a dramatic moment for a key position like defense secretary.

And finally, if you have all four of those Republicans vote against Pete Hegseth, this nomination fails. And like you said, that would be historic. That has not happened since 1989 -- Kate.

BOLDUAN: Lauren, keep us updated. What you are hearing from behind that door from in those hallways. We're going to stay close to it.

Let's get some more insight right now. OUTFRONT now is Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen.

Senator, do you have any insight tonight on Tillis and McConnell? And what you're hearing about this?

SEN. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN (D-MD): I do not anything more than you're reporting here, but I can say that as the 9:00 hour comes closer, which is when we have to cast this vote, I think there are some Republican senators who are going to look at what the consequences of this vote would be.

[19:05:01]

And that would be to put the most unqualified candidate in history in the highest position of the Defense Department, secretary of defense.

So I think what's happening, people are really beginning to zero in on just how momentous this vote could be and how dangerous it could be to the country and the men and women of our armed forces and the Pentagon.

BOLDUAN: Senator, help me with something. That -- what could still be uncertain right now and what could be going on behind closed doors to get any senator to. Yes on a nomination right now. Is it more information about the nominee, or is it strong arming tactics?

VAN HOLLEN: Well, all of the above could make a difference. But I think when you're talking about senators who still have not made up their mind, it's because they're having really personal moments of conscience with respect to their advice and consent role in the United States Senate.

And look, I mean, we would be putting a person of very low character in the highest position of the Defense Department, someone who is disparaged many of the men and women in the armed forces based on their faith, based on their gender, based on their sexual orientation. And so this person is really not qualified at this really important moment, any time, really, to take this on.

And so I think as the hour draws closer, I think some of these senators are beginning to realize that if they vote yes and this person becomes secretary of defense, the country could be at greater risk.

BOLDUAN: The thing what strips me up is McConnell here, right? Senator McConnell formally, you know, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. I mean, this is a man that his job was to push a cabinet official over the line, if need be, when he was in charge of the Senate.

And now he could be the guy this the senator that could potentially help sink it, do you think? Could you see Mitch McConnell voting against Donald Trump on this?

VAN HOLLEN: We'll find out soon enough. But I think changing your position right from the leader of the party to an individual senator representing his state, has a liberating quality, right? When you're the leader, you obviously have to represent the majority of your caucus as an individual senator. That is not his responsibility.

And so I think he's probably looking very closely at the historical consequences of this vote. I certainly hope he is. I don't know any more than you do at this point in time, but I've heard the same reports that you're sharing.

BOLDUAN: If Hegseth is confirmed in the end, no matter how the math works it out, what's your biggest fear?

VAN HOLLEN: My biggest fear is this is a person, number one, who's just unprepared to deal with the challenges around the world from the war in Ukraine and Putin's assault on Ukraine, to the challenges with President Xi in China, to what's happening in the Middle East. Iran is a malign actor, a very fragile situation.

And when you have somebody like that, you want it to be a person that the men and women of our armed forces can look up to at least a little bit of a role model. But at least not somebody who is the opposite of a role model, right? Somebody who has this terrible record of personal conduct. Somebody who has disparaged the very men and women who are going to be on the front lines of the United States. Everybody bleeds red. And yet this is a person who has attacked women's -- the women's role in the Defense Department, attacked gay men and women, attacked Muslims for their faith.

You cannot be a leader of the U.S. Armed Forces when you're attacking members of the 3.5 million who are part of that armed forces. So that's at the top of a long list. I mean, he has no management experience. In fact, the management experience he's had has shown that he does not know how to manage. We're talking about the largest department in the federal government.

Over half of our discretionary budget goes to the Department of Defense, close to $9 billion. This guy is going to be an absolute disaster. And so I worry across the board. But I worry that our adversaries and our allies will -- our adversaries will not fear us and our allies will really worry about us.

BOLDUAN: What you're laying out, regardless of how it goes tonight, there is a lot on the line with especially this particular cabinet position.

[19:10:04]

And were going to find out soon.

Senator, thank you for your time. Appreciate it.

VAN HOLLEN: Thank you, Kate.

BOLDUAN: And if Hegseth nomination goes down tonight, it will be because of the many of the allegations that you just heard the senator talking about.

Oren Lieberman is OUTFRONT at the Pentagon now.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

OREN LIEBERMANN, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: President Donald Trump standing by his pick to run the Pentagon --

TRUMP: Pete's a very, very good man. I hope he makes it.

LIEBERMANN: -- after weeks of revelations about the former Fox News host and combat veteran.

TRUMP: He's a good man. I don't know what's going to happen.

LIEBERMANN: CNN has learned that Hegseth former sister in law gave an affidavit to the Senate Armed Services Committee accusing Hegseth of being abusive towards his second ex-wife, Samantha Hegseth. According to the affidavit, the former sister in law did not witness any abuse firsthand. But she said Samantha Hegseth at times feared for her safety and had a code word in case she needed to get away from her husband.

Pete Hegseth has denied the allegations, and his ex-wife Samantha Hegseth told NBC News there was no physical abuse in my marriage.

But sources also tell CNN that Samantha Hegseth recently gave a new statement to the FBI regarding concerns about Hegseth's drinking.

He has repeatedly denied having a drinking problem. He's also said he wouldn't drink as defense secretary, but refused to say whether he would resign in case he did drink.

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO (D-HI): Will you resign as secretary of defense if you drink on the job, which is a 24/7 position?

PETE HEGSETH, DEFENSE SECRETARY NOMINEE: I've made this commitment on behalf of men and women I'm serving.

HIRONO: Will you resign as secretary of defense?

HEGSETH: I've made this commitment on behalf of the men and women I'm serving.

HIRONO: I'm not hearing --

HEGSETH: Because it's the most important deployment of my life.

HIRONO: I'm not hearing an answer to my questions.

LIEBERMANN: CNN has also previously reported on an accusation of sexual assault against Hegseth from 2017, which Hegseth has denied.

HEGSETH: I maintain that false claims were made against me.

LIEBERMANN: A police report shows a California woman accused Hegseth of blocking her in a hotel room, taking her phone and sexually assaulting her. Hegseth says the encounter was consensual and he was never charged with any crime.

But he did disclose to the Senate Armed Services Committee that he paid the accuser $50,000 as part of a settlement, which included a confidentiality agreement.

In a statement, Hegseth lawyer told CNN, as we said from the beginning, these were false claims that we settled for nuisance value much less than it would have cost to defend.

HEGSETH: I'm not a perfect person, but redemption is real and God forged me in ways that I know I'm prepared for.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LIEBERMANN (on camera): As we wait to see the results of this confirmation vote, it's worth pointing out that the last three secretaries of defense had overwhelming bipartisan support. Lloyd Austin, 93-2. Mark Esper, 90-8. And James Mattis, 98-1.

However, this turns out tonight it will be a very partisan vote. And Hegseth doesn't even have the support of his entire party, Kate.

BOLDUAN: Oren, thank you so much.

OUTFRONT for us next. We have breaking news: President Trump on the ground in southern California at this hour. Take a look at these pictures. Touring some of the disaster area, but also making clear federal aid may come with a catch.

Also breaking, Donald Trump now using the U.S. military to deport migrants out of the United States. Tonight, cities on alert for more raids. And we have new reporting next.

And a new crackdown in China. This time it's over what people are posting about pandas. Some people even arrested. According to "The New York Times", this as a pair of giant pandas from China just made their U.S. debut.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[19:17:58]

BOLDUAN: Breaking news president Trump on the ground right now in California, as he also threatens to withhold wildfire aid. The president is touring damage from the deadly fires that just devastated the Los Angeles area. Moments ago, California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, he met the president on the tarmac as he arrived. Despite their long history of personal attacks, today's face to face, very cordial.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TRUMP: I appreciate the governor coming out and meeting me, Kevin. Thank you very much. And we'll be talking a little bit. We want to get it fixed. We want to get the problem fixed and there'll be some ways, but it's like you got hit by a bomb, right?

GOV. GAVIN NEWSOM (D), CALIFORNIA: Thank you for being here. It means a great deal to all of us and not just the folks in Palisades, the folks in Altadena that were devastated. We're going to need your support. We're going to need your help.

(END VIDEO CLIP) BOLDUAN: But it appears there could be strings attached to that help. The president seeming to suggest now that California will have to bend to his demands if it wants the resources.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TRUMP: In California, we want them to have voter ID so the people have a voice, because right now the people don't have a voice because you don't know who's voting. And it's very corrupt. And we also want them to release the water.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BOLDUAN: So, of course, there was no talk of any ultimatum or demands like that. When Donald Trump was in North Carolina earlier today, a state that he won in the election, the president vowing there to do all he can to help victims of Hurricane Helene.

Natasha Chen is OUTFRONT for us live in Pacific Palisades, California, this evening.

Natasha, a much friendlier face to face for Donald Trump and Gavin Newsom than many really expected.

NATASHA CHEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yeah, Kate, we saw an exchange there in the initial handshake, right as President Trump came down the stairs from air force one. We could not hear that conversation between them. But at least when they walked up to the microphones on the tarmac, they appeared to be in sync, talking about working together.

[19:20:01]

Now, President Trump did make some comments in that moment, saying that he was going to get this permanently fixed so that it cannot happen again without mentioning specifically what that meant. Perhaps, though, in reference to the clip you just played about potential strings attached to federal aid, including him wanting to see northern California, quote, release water to southern California.

Now, experts have told us that what happened here in these neighborhoods during the fires that the water supply was really not related to whether southern California gets its water supply from northern California. The problem here on January 7th was those huge, fierce winds that ripped through the fire was moving so fast that aircraft could not fly in water from other sources, really, everything was relying on local water supply and the supply was just so overburdened. The system was overburdened because of how quickly the blazes that blaze passed through this area.

As you can see, some of the residents behind us here just coming back to clean up and take a look. And of course, President Trump now visiting with residents in the area -- Kate.

BOLDUAN: Yeah, you see that -- you've got -- you're in one of these neighborhoods so hard hit. And what we're looking at live pictures of is the president and the first lady there speaking with firefighters, Los Angeles firefighters who have been -- I mean, talk about the hours they have worked, the days they've stayed on the job, some of them losing everything. Their house is being lost and still trying to battle these blazes.

So taking time there as he's going to continue to tour the damage, these are live pictures were watching, so well keep an eye on this and we're going to -- we're going to hear more from the president in a little bit, which were going to monitor.

And as we watch this, let me bring in right now, former Democratic senator from California, Barbara Boxer. David Urban is here, former Trump campaign adviser. And "New York Times" podcast host Lulu Garcia- Navarro.

Thanks for being here, guys.

Senator Boxer, President Trump in landing in California. He -- the greeting with Gavin Newsom. They shook hands. They -- when it came to coming to the cameras, they were cordial. It was as if you would expect a president and a governor of any state to interact when they're facing disaster -- in the aftermath of a disaster.

What do you think was going through Gavin Newsom's mind here, after all their history? You know him well.

BARBARA BOXER (D), FORMER U.S. SENATOR FROM CALIFORNIA: I certainly do. And Gavin Newsom was not going to be snubbed. He was not going to be absent. He wanted to thank the president for coming. He's acting like a normal governor.

I've gone through so many things earthquakes, floods, fires. I was in the Senate for one year. This is a long time ago. Bill Clinton was president and Republican Governor Pete Wilson, we were all joined at the hip.

So I think what our governor is doing, he's saying to the president without so many words, this -- this is a moment we have to come together for the people who are hurting. And by the way, you don't attach strings about, you know, voting to this because the fact is, it's already a crime in California to vote if you're illegal. And when you register, you have to show your papers. So I don't know what he's thinking.

BOLDUAN: I want to get to the strings attached element and the voter ID that we've just played in a second.

But, David, Isaac Dovere -- CNN's Isaac Dovere, he had some interesting reporting that the governors team was totally in the dark basically all day about Trump's plans in traveling to California. But again, it looked and sounded really respectful. I keep repeating it because I myself was surprised, considering the nicknames that Donald Trump has called Gavin Newsom and things Gavin Newsom has said about Donald Trump when they're not in the same room.

And Gavin Newsom, though not invited to the briefing that's going to be coming up in the palisades. At least that's what we heard. What do you think Donald Trump's team did with this? Why do you think they did this?

DAVID URBAN, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL COMMENTATOR: Did what? Kate, when you see that, you see the governor and the president, the scene I'm saying theyre shaking hands. They're being respectful to one another.

BOLDUAN: That's why I'm surprised. The lead up to it was everybody's in the dark. They're not getting along. You know, he had extended an invite for Adam Schiff to come with him, so said Adam Schiff.

Then Donald Trump says, absolutely not. I'm not inviting that guy. It was like the lead up was all the fire and flame. And then it was like, oh, wow.

URBAN: Well, a lot takes place on the plane ride out there, right? So a lot of advance work is done. And look, what's important is the presidents there, he's meeting with the people. It doesn't matter whether Gavin Newsom is there or any other politicians there. What matters is that the presidents there to see the people who are affected, who are displaced, whose houses were lost, right, and see how the federal government can help those people reestablish their lives and get back to some level of normalcy.

It is a terrible tragedy with these people underwent, and President Trump is there to see that firsthand. It's not a political photo op. I know people think it is, but it is really for him to get out there, see firsthand, let the people know that the federal governments going to stand behind them, that FEMA is going to be there to help.

[19:25:08]

I've gone through this here, Kate, in southwest Florida with hurricanes. As you remember, Hurricane Ian destroyed my neighborhood, my community here. It's a terrible feeling. I've not been in a fire. But you want to know the people are there to help.

And I guarantee you, the people on the ground there tonight, they are just happy to see president Trump there, Democrat, Republican, independents. They're happy to know the federal governments going to be there to help them out.

BOLDUAN: It's important to show as the leader, as the country's leader, to show that your eyes are on it and that you care. And, you know, this happened before he came to office, but it's important that he's there now.

But you cannot think, Lulu, of maybe any other governor that these that have -- there's more animosity between these two men. I mean, they -- it's great. It is good. I think everyone can agree what they are saying right now. And one can hope that it continues.

But I want to play for you what -- how -- what the name calling has looked like in the past.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) TRUMP: I think that Gavin is largely incompetent.

Gavin Newscum, one of the worst governors in the world.

I call him Gavin Newscum because he really is bad.

Guys like Gavin Newscum is -- is -- he's a disaster.

Gavin Newsom, he's a terrible governor.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BOLDUAN: And maybe when you're faced with having to respond, those things go to go by the wayside. But do you see these two leaders working together on this?

LULU GARCIA-NAVARRO, CNN CONTRIBUTOR: I think Gavin Newsom showing up was actually really smart, because he wanted to show that he is the governor of this state, and he is welcoming the president to his territory. So I think it was a good moment for both of them. I think it also shows that president Trump can put that aside for a moment. And sort of speak up for the federal government.

But, you know, to what David Urban was saying, if he was really there to bring the aid of the federal government, he wouldn't be talking about actually disbanding and getting rid of FEMA, the federal agency that deals with disasters.

So, you know, there is -- there are two --

URBAN: Lulu, I disagree with you there, Lulu.

GARCIA-NAVARRO: There are two different things in conflict here, which is one thing were here to help you. And another thing, either these are going to have strings attached and the -- and the federal arm that actually deals with this might not be there when you need them. So I think that there are mixed messages that are going to have to be sorted through.

BOLDUAN: What do you think, David?

URBAN: Yeah. Lulu, I would just say this. I am sure that Barbara Boxer, Senator Boxer there believes that the California Department of Emergency Management is incredibly competent. The local fire departments know how to deal with this stuff. They've been doing it for years. There is no reason to put another level of bureaucracy in between that and the money that could go to those folks.

(CROSSTALK)

GARCIA-NAVARRO: It's people that come out there that have expertise. I'm from Florida, too. And I've been in hurricanes.

URBAN: I know so --

GARCIA-NAVARRO: So I know what FEMA does very, very well. URBAN: Right. And you're saying the Florida Emergency Management

system kicks butt.

BOLDUAN: Go ahead, go ahead, Senator.

BOXER: Could I -- could I -- could I speak for myself because I've been there through every kind of disaster you can imagine. And with Republican presidents, Democratic presidents, governors of both parties, local officials of both parties, and it is absolutely false to say that FEMA is getting in the way.

Are they perfect? No. And no state agency is perfect and no local agency is perfect. But when it comes to these natural disasters where it hits a certain level of destruction and pain, you work together if you love your country. And no, it is not normal that a governor wouldn't be invited.

And good on Gavin Newsom for being the bigger person to show up and say, Mr. President, I'm glad you're here. I hope you're glad I'm here. We've got to work together because we have to call out this president when he's not normal and it is not normal to come to a state --

URBAN: Senator, I'm not sure he was not invited, Senator.

BOXER: -- if they don't do voter ID, which we already have, he's not going to give us any money. He got more votes in California than any other state except Florida by a hair.

BOLDUAN: Well, I'll say this, let's see, I think.

URBAN: I think the governor was invited. I think he was invited to be there on the tarmac. I don't think he would have gotten through if he wasn't invited. So to say he wasn't invited, I don't believe is correct.

BOLDUAN: More reporting to be done. Let's see what happens with this roundtable that's going to be coming up. Will the governor be there? Won't there? Another uncertainty tonight that we will continue to follow.

Glad to see all of you. Thank you so much.

OUTFRONT for us next, more breaking news, new images tonight of U.S. military planes carrying hundreds of migrants. The administration says deportation flights have begun. But just how many are taking off tonight?

Plus, we have more breaking news moments before the Senate votes to confirm Pete Hegseth, Republicans, now, they still do not know if they have the votes.

[19:30:07]

Could Hegseth nomination for defense secretary really go down are you sitting right now?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[19:34:34]

BOLDUAN: Breaking news, Donald Trump right now trying to secure more planes from half a dozen sources to speed up the deportation of migrants from the U.S. This is according to deputy White House chief of staff Stephen Miller, who is speaking to reporters just moments ago.

The White House tonight is using the U.S. military now for those deportations. Those are C-17s and C-130s and at least two of those flights landed in Guatemala today. And we can confirm 79 of the migrants on those flights are right now being housed in shelters managed by the Guatemalan government.

[19:35:06]

The White House, very quick to post about all of these moves, showing images with hundreds of men in shackles and lined up with a caption reading deportation flights have begun.

This comes as state and local police are now being asked to take part in the immigration sweeps across the country.

I want to go straight to Priscilla Alvarez, who is all this reporting for us.

Priscilla, what more can you tell us tonight about who's involved in these raids?

PRISCILLA ALVAREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, the Trump administration is looking for more manpower. This is what they call force multiplier, essentially a concession that Immigration and Customs Enforcement has very limited resources and agents. So they are looking toward other federal agencies to bolster that.

So this week, the Department of Homeland Security putting out a memo extending immigration authorities to agencies like DEA and ATF, allowing them to carry out immigration enforcement. But in another remarkable memo, the acting Homeland Security Secretary, invoking a sweeping legal authority to also enlist the aid of state and local law enforcement.

Now, it's not unusual for local law enforcement to assist ICE. There are programs set up to do exactly that so that they can help one another in any given area. But the way that this is written suggests that the administration wants everyone's help in all 50 states, and it is citing a, quote, mass influx. So, saying that over the last over the recent years, there were too many migrants coming into the U.S. migrant surges, and even though numbers are low, that the U.S. cannot sustain it.

So that is their argument for why they are seeking the help of these state and local law enforcement. So what we have seen, really, Kate, over the course of the week, is this bolstering of resources both on the personnel front, but also, as you were mentioning there with those military aircraft to repatriate migrants to their origin country.

All of this laying the groundwork for their operations moving forward. Again. Kate, the Trump administration came in on the first day saying that they were going to crack down on the U.S.-Mexico border and also in the interior, and they are slowly putting that into motion with these memos behind the scenes. But also clearly, as you see here in these images, by starting these military aircraft flights.

BOLDUAN: Great to see you, Priscilla. Thank you so much for the reporting as always.

OUTFRONT with us right now, Democratic Congresswoman LaMonica McIver of New Jersey.

ICE raided a business in her district this week, and it's gotten a lot of attention.

Congresswoman, thank you for coming in.

You reached out to DHS and ICE. I saw you say demanding more answers and information about that operation in New Jersey and how it came about. What have you heard back?

REP. LAMONICA MCIVER (D-NJ): We really have not heard back anything yet.

You know, first of all, thank you so much for having me this evening.

We were told that in order for them to give us any information, we would have to get a signed affidavit from the detainees, which is almost impossible to get. I mean, we don't know where folks are. We don't know who they are. And so in order to get that, to just get general information, you know, it's just -- it's unacceptable. It's honestly unprofessional, as members of Congress. And to be able to serve our constituents of our district, we should be given at least the bare minimum of information regarding these operations.

BOLDUAN: A local immigration rights group and Newark's mayor, the what the information that they have coming out is that they said eight people were questioned and detained, including U.S. citizens and also a U.S. military veteran. And three people were then taken into custody.

Do you know anything more about those who were taken into custody?

MCIVER: And that is exactly the same information I have on me, as well as other local elected officials here in the city, are lockstep in the information that we're getting and we have that same information, but other than that, we do not have any other information. That is -- that is exactly why we reached out to DHS, as well as ICE to get more information. And like I said, at this hour, you know, we haven't gotten anything.

I'm, you know, super happy that the entire New Jersey Democratic delegation joined together to send that letter to DHS and ICE to be able to demand more information regarding these raids, these unlawful raids, because once again, these raids were conducted with no warrant, no justification. And so, you know, it's definitely just totally unacceptable.

BOLDUAN: Do you definitely know at this point that they had no court order? They had no warrant?

MCIVER: I mean, according to some of the witnesses that were there in the business, they did not produce a warrant. And I think even the statements that have been put out, you know, via DHS or ICE, they have not stated that they had a warrant or haven't said, hey, you know, you're incorrect.

[19:40:02]

We did have a warrant.

But the folks that were there, the business owner, they -- they indicated that they were not given a warrant. The warrant was not produced. And they really had no reason, you know, or they didn't have a justification themselves of why ICE, you know, came in heavily armed, you know, harassing and detaining and even, you know, taking, arresting, you know, of folks and taking them with them. They had no idea why that was happening.

BOLDUAN: I want to play you. You mentioned the owner of the business. They are speaking out, giving a little more information about how it went down. Let me play this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BUSINESS OWNER IN NEWARK, NJ: They didn't have a court order or I mean, I didn't even ask. A couple of the guys couldn't show their identification. Three of them got arrested. Twenty-six years in business. I've never seen anything like this.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BOLDUAN: I think the question now becomes, if you can get more information, is, is there anything you can do to stop this?

MCIVER: Well, I think at this point, you know, definitely my office has, you know, been, you know, answering calls, speaking with many constituents who are scared to death. You know, these deportations in these harmful executive orders, they're just not about deporting, you know, non-documented, you know, immigrants here. It's scaring everyone. Everyone scared.

I mean, you already heard that a citizen, army veteran, was basically questioned and detained. I mean, how do you know who is undocumented versus who isn't? You know, by -- by our looks, you know, are you going to tell me that someone's going to come up to me on the street and say, hey, let me see your paperwork, let me see identification? I mean, this is just disgusting. And it's -- honestly, it's unacceptable.

It's unconstitutional. And this should not be happening. This is going to cause more problems. I mean, this is why people are so scared. Today in one of my schools, in my district, many kids who were here on green card, their families were calling. The kids were scared to walk home.

They were printing copies of their, you know, cards in order to walk home because they were scared that ice would approach them. These are the types of, you know, dangers and just, you know, just uncomfortable-ness in our communities. This situation is just bringing to it. And it's -- it's just so unacceptable. It's super scary.

And, you know, we just keep telling all of our constituents, we're here for you -- if you need anything. You know, of course we have caseworkers who are working on many of these cases where they can call our office and we can help them navigate some of the federal agencies.

But honestly, you know, we are fighting back. I'm going to fight back, you know, as a member of Congress, as and as a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I'm not just going to lay down and allow this and not fight back for the people that I serve. You know, we you know, we know we all know that we need immigration, you know, changes.

But at the end of the day, we have to do it with decency and we have to do it humanely. So at the end of the day, we just can't accept this.

BOLDUAN: Let's see what more information comes out about this operation to learn more about it for sure.

Congresswoman, thank you for your time.

OUTFRONT for us next, Donald Trump wants a reunion with Kim Jong Un, but will Kim sit down with Donald Trump again? And what will he want in return?

Plus, China now cracking down on what people post about, of all things, pandas. This is panda. Fans in the United States are going crazy over the debut of two new cubs in Washington.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[19:47:53]

BOLDUAN: Tonight, a Donald Trump/Kim Jong Un reunion.

President Trump says he's trying to revive his relationship with North Korea's leader, calling him a smart guy. Could we be soon looking at another summit?

Will Ripley is OUTFRONT.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

TRUMP: I'll give you an example, Kim Jong Un.

WILL RIPLEY, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Some of President Donald Trump's proudest moments. These historic summits with North Koreas leader full of made for TV moments, their first handshake, the garden stroll, comparing armored limousines and security details, groundbreaking diplomacy that temporarily dialed back tensions.

From this --

TRUMP: They will be met with fire and fury, like the world has never seen.

RIPLEY: To this --

TRUMP: I have great respect for Chairman Kim, and I have great respect for his country.

RIPLEY: In a new interview, Trump is again touting his personal relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

TRUMP: I solved that problem and I got along with him. He's not a religious zealot. He happens to be a smart guy. Kim Jong Un is a smart guy.

INTERVIEWER: You'll reach out to him again.

TRUMP: I will.

CHAD O'CARROLL, CEO AND FOUNDER OF KOREA RISK GROUP: I think we're going to see a summit before the end of the year.

RIPLEY: Longtime Korea watcher Chad O'Carroll says Trump 2.0 could bring a flurry of new U.S. North Korea diplomacy.

What do you think, Kim, would do differently this time when it comes to Trump?

O'CARROLL: I think he would expect the U.S. to come to North Korea. I think he's not going to leave the country. I think he would expect Trump to visit Pyongyang or his massive new resort facility in Wonsan that, incidentally, features state function level facilities.

RIPLEY: After more than 24 hours of waiting at this luxury resort for senior North Korean military officials.

I was in Wonsan when Kim's beachfront luxury hotels were still under construction. Trump even floated the idea of developing property there at their first summit in Singapore in 2018.

TRUMP: They have great beaches. I said, boy, look at that view. Wouldn't that make a great condo?

RIPLEY: Critics mocked that idea, underscoring Trump's transactional approach to diplomacy with North Korea.

[19:50:03]

Despite three face to face meetings and a flurry of so-called love letters --

TRUMP: I just got a great letter from Kim Jong Un.

RIPLEY: -- diplomacy during Trump's first term fell apart.

Today, North Korea's nuclear program is arguably stronger than ever, and Kim is arguably closer than ever to Russian President Vladimir Putin, even supplying thousands of North Korean soldiers for Putin's war in Ukraine, and perhaps more to come.

Especially given everything we've seen with this pivot to Russia and Putin, how does Trump and the U.S. still have value for the North Koreans?

O'CARROLL: Because if you are Kim Jong Un, you're never going to get an opportunity like this, probably for a very long time, to have a leader like Trump.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

RIPLEY (on camera): North Korea has long been known for playing foreign powers against each other. We've seen that with Russia and China, and we know this war in Ukraine won't last forever. So for Kim, having another option for diplomacy, including a U.S. president willing to engage directly like President Trump, strategically pretty valuable potentially in the future, Kate.

BOLDUAN: Here we go again. Well, it's good to see you. Thank you so much.

OUTFRONT next, we're going to take you to Washington where a pair of giant pandas from China just made their U.S. debut.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[19:55:53]

BOLDUAN: Tonight, cracking down. China now, tightening control around what people can say and post about, of all things, pandas. According to "The New York Times", some online influencers have been arrested or questioned over what officials call rumors or radical fan radical fan culture. President Xi waging war on all online fan groups, comparing them to evil cults.

It comes as panda fans in Washington are going wild over a pair of giant pandas from China that just made their U.S. debut. The first pandas sent to the U.S. in 24 years.

Our David Culver was the only American journalist to witness their departure from China. Today, he's at the National Zoo, and there's a lot of fanfare around this reveal tonight, David.

DAVID CULVER, CNN SENIOR NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Kate, this is. Really what you want to be looking at. This is Qing Bao. She's having dinner at about this hour and a lot of food and a huge crowd. And that's because this is debut day here in Washington. I mean, it's a big week altogether, domestic politics aside. Now, you've got panda diplomacy, maybe a bit of geopolitics, but

you've got Bao Li and Qing Bao. So they're both here. They're both from Sichuan province. And you've got now these crowds that have come in, been waiting for several weeks to be able to see them in person, and you could just see. They all crowd out the windows in enclosures like this, it's up to pandas if they want to be inside or out. We've seen them go back and forth.

A lot of people are also stocking up on their merch here, all the panda, things that you see from teachers to person, whatever you can imagine, you got that.

And what's unique about what you see here and what's purchase is a lot of that money then goes to panda funding, where we've often have no idea what that looks like and where it actually goes, except for, well, you got media from all around the world here in D.C., we were given exclusive access, the only foreign journalist allowed to China back in October when they were being prepared for their travels here, and we've got to go to their natural habitat to see where pandas are re-wild, that is reintroduce to their natural spaces.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CULVER: When we think about seeing pandas, we think about zoos and there are about 700 pandas in captivity all around the world. But here, this mountain is part of Sichuan province.

We're climbing up a pretty steep incline with a group of researchers from the Smithsonian, and were meeting with some of the folks who are their Chinese counterparts, focused on rewilding. That is introducing some of these pandas back into their natural habitat, which is what's surrounding us. It's beautiful.

It's pretty rare, as you see it, for even us to be up here.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yeah, this is definitely like a behind the scenes type of thing. I doubt that any western media have filmed this site. This is a more wild place than that, designed to create large enclosures for giant pandas that are going to be released to the wild.

CULVER: So they want it in stages essentially?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, they want to have pandas that are born under human care to get used to this type of thing before you release any of them to the wild.

CULVER: And the cameras out here, you're able to go through a lot of that footage and get a sense of what they\re doing out here.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yeah, we get a lot of shots of pandas, but also were learning about other species that are sharing their space. Pandas are what we call an umbrella species. They're like creating an umbrella of protection over the other animals that aren't as adorable.

CULVER: So even though people may say, oh, why do the pandas get all the attention and love? Its actually trickling down. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yeah, exactly.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CULVER (on camera): A big question is how do they actually know how many pandas are in the wild? Well, they rely on the DNA that they find in panda poop. So there was a lot of feces that they would discuss from an expert level. We go into all of this and much more and show you some really unique aspects of life in China and just how large these creatures loom.

I mean, if you think they draw big crowds here, wait until you see what it's like in China. And that's this weekend on the whole story of "Operation Panda".

Kate, I think it's going to be an experience for most folks to take in, to just realize that there is a beloved-ness about these creatures, not only here in the U.S., but really globally.

BOLDUAN: David, it's so great to see you. Thank you so much.

They are just adorable. You can't deny it in a good way to end on a Friday. Thanks so much for joining us everybody.

"AC360" starts now.