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New Day

Trump Org CFO To Surrender After Indictment; Bill Cosby Freed From Conviction; Capitol Attack. Aired 6-6:30a ET

Aired July 01, 2021 - 06:00   ET

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

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[06:00:24]

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: I'm John Berman with Erica Hill this morning on this New Day. Any moment the Trump organization's money man expected to turn himself in after a grand jury indicted him and Donald Trump's company. Plus, as we see new video of the condo collapse in Florida at sadness overnight, two children found beneath the rubble.

ERICA HILL, CNN CO-ANCHOR: Anger and disbelief this morning among, Bill Cosby's alleged victims after the comedian suddenly walked out of prison. We have new comments on Cosby himself. And just a week after Britney Spears emotional testimony, a judge denying her request to remove a conservatorship over her.

BERMAN: Good morning to our viewers here in the United States and all around the world. It is Thursday, July 1st. We begin with Breaking News at any moment. Allen Weisselberg, the longtime Chief Financial Officer of the Trump Organization, is expected to turn himself in. A Manhattan grand jury issued an indictment from Weisselberg and the Trump Organization overnight.

HILL: Sources tell CNN the Manhattan DA's office is expected to charge Weisselberg and the Trump Organization with tax crimes in connection with an array of perks and benefits awarded to employees. Now at this point, Donald Trump himself is not expected to be charged. Kara Scannell is standing by live outside the courthouse and joins us now.

So what more do we know about what could be in this indictment?

KARA SCANNELL, CNN REPORTER: Well, good morning John and Erica, we are waiting outside the courthouse because we do expect according to sources Allen Weisselberg to turn himself into authorities. He will then face charges this afternoon and be arraigned on charges that we understand are related to this tax investigation having to do with compensation and gifts that he received as a senior officer of the Trump Organization where he has worked for about 40 years.

Now, in addition, the Trump Organization itself will be indicted. The company will be arraigned, one of their lawyers will speak up in court for them and attorney for the former president says that they will enter a plea of not guilty. Now we're waiting for the details of exactly what these charges will be. There's a range of options that the authorities could bring. And that will really give us some information about how close this gets to the former president. So we'll be coming through those documents when they are unsealed later this afternoon.

You know, but this is really a dramatic moment. I mean Cyrus Vance, the Manhattan district attorney has fought and gone all the way up to the Supreme Court two times to obtain the former president's personal and business tax returns and other records. Now we're seeing the fruits of this investigation, which has been ongoing for years and for the former president who has rebuffed multiple investigations, including one for obstruction of justice, with the special counsel Robert Mueller, now his company, the one with his name on it is going to be presented in court today and indicted on charges relating to taxes. John Erica.

HILL: Kara, thank you. We'll continue to check in with you throughout the morning. Joining us now CNN political analyst Maggie Haberman. She's a Washington reporter for The New York Times.

So Maggie, you know, just a couple of days ago, you and I were talking about this. And you were saying all of the developments this week we're not landing well, understandably with the former president this morning. Do we have any new reporting about his mindset and even that of the family? Because as we know, you know, they still work for the company.

MAGGIE HABERMAN, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: Sure, Erica, there was a lot of anxiety around the Trump Organization obviously and around the Trump family. The former president's moods on this have been described, as you know, generally actually fairly calm because he knew that this was coming. He knew that this was coming this week. And so he had time to sort of prepare. He did vent frustration in a statement that he released earlier this week. But I'm told that has generally been the extent of it.

For now, let's see what happens when the actual indictment is unsealed. And we know exactly what we're talking about. There is no question that it is very different talking at a theoretical about what this might look like, and what it might look like when we see an indictment. And is it just about perks and benefits that taxes were not paid on? Is Donald Trump somehow mentioned in some way and the people close to him have told me they don't expect that, but we will see what prosecutors actually do.

BERMAN: You know, I just want people to understand this is historic in many ways. This is a former president's family business being hauled before a criminal court. This is just not something is far as I know that's ever happened nothing even close to this.

[06:05:04]

So this is important. It is historic. We need to find out more about what exactly is in the indictment, as you say, Maggie, but still it's significant. Allen Weisselberg, Maggie, up until this point, he has not cooperated at all with these investigations, not these phase of the investigations. What's the feeling within Trump world about him going forward? Once he is officially charged with whatever it is, he'll be charged with, how much faith? Do they have that will continue to not cooperate?

HABERMAN: Look, John, that's the big question. Right. And certainly, as you say, this historic. This is a huge deal. Even if it never personally touches Donald Trump. It has enormous implications for him in terms of if he wanted a political future or wants a political future. It has implications in terms of the future of his company, and whether it can make it through an indictment, which can be very dicey for companies. It has implications potentially for his children in terms of how this company does. So there's that prospect -- there's that aspect of it.

In terms of what happens going forward and what this means with Trump and what this means in terms of how he responds how he reacts? I think there's so much we don't know about where this goes. They are concerned about Weisselberg. They have been concerned about Weisselberg for some time.

I spoke to somebody close to the former President last night who said, Look, you know, if Allen Weisselberg was going to flip on the company, or on the former president, he would have done that already. That's not necessarily true. You know, certainly lots of people have talked about not flipping until they face an indictment or are indicted and this, you know, this former president has seen that myriad times over the last couple of years.

So look, I think it just depends, again, John on what is in this indictment, based on what they know from prosecutors so far, they feel OK, but they might not have visibility into everything.

HILL: You know, it's interesting when we talk about Allen Weisselberg, as well, his former daughter in law earlier this week on CNN talked about, and I know, we've discussed his intense loyalty to Donald Trump, but she said he also had this sense that Donald Trump would save him in the end. I know the former president prizes loyalty. But he doesn't always seem to be reciprocal, Maggie.

HABERMAN: Well, look, in terms of loyalty on this front, Erica, it's not clear to me how much Donald Trump can do other than, say, help pay legal fees. We don't know what the structure is in terms of payments on Allen Weisselberg legal fees. We don't know, you know, who was covering all of this. We don't know what method that they're using to try to make sure that their lawyers are getting paid. This is, as you know, been a source of contention with Donald Trump previously with his lawyers.

So in that respect, I'm not sure how much Donald Trump can do in terms of loyalty. My question, though, I guess, to your point is, does Donald Trump try to distance himself from Allen Weisselberg in some way? If he does that, then I do think and we have seen him do that with other people before. That'd be very, very hard to do with the CFO of your company who has been there for decades and has seen everything new Trump's father. I just think it would be extremely hard to do and I think Donald Trump is, is aware of that, in terms of Weisselberg's loyalty to Trump again, yes, he is very loyal. He has been very loyal. He knows where a lot of, you know, financial secrets, if there are any are, but he is an older man. You know, he has kids who have also been swept up in this investigation. He could be worried about them. He could be worried about himself and any potential prison time.

So what this looks like going forward, I think is a huge open question. And anyone making declarations right now this morning at 6:00 a.m. before we have seen this indictment, I think is making a mistake.

BERMAN: Yes, so often, the language of the indictment itself makes such a difference, but obviously legally, but politically as well. And in terms of how people react to it.

HABERMAN: Yes.

BERMAN: This has 2024 implications. This has implications for whatever political future Donald Trump might have. We don't know, at this point, what he's going to do then. He was asked directly in an interview overnight, and Maggie, he gave what I consider to be a reality show answer. I think we have that sound. So let's play that.

We don't have the sound. I'm sorry.

What he basically said is, I know, I know whether I'm going to run in 2024. I've made my decision. But I'm not going to tell you which to me is like on the next episode of The Apprentice, but I want to know what you think of the answer and what you think is really going on behind the scenes.

HABERMAN: Look, I think the -- I don't actually think he knows what he's going to do number one, and I think his advisors are mixed on it about what he's going to do. I think that he said that answer not just because, yes, it feeds into the whole, you know, stay tuned thing that he likes to do, but also because he's knows he's on the eve of an indictment of his company and of Allen Weisselberg.

And I think that he wants to leave an idea in people's minds that he is already planning to run because there is this school of thought both for some Republicans and some Republicans close to Trump that running or saying he's running or saying that he is involved in politics in the future inoculates him in some way against this investigation.

I think that's going to be very hard to argue with realistically, but I do think that it could feel some support for him among Republican base voters.

[06:10:05]

The reality, John, as you know, is he will be much older. He is not a young man. So there's that on its own. And then if he is dealing with and this is an F, but if he is dealing with the reality of a trial in, say, 18 months, and the New York court system moves pretty slowly, it's hard to see somebody running for president with a trial playing out about how their company did business with potentially damaging testimony.

I think this, I understand that there are some people who want to argue this provides rocket fuel and yes, this will make him run again, I've heard that from a number of Trump aides. I'm not convinced that that's the case.

BERMAN: Again, on the right side of your screen there what you see there, I'm sorry, Erica. We're looking at live pictures right now of the district attorney's office in New York. We are waiting at this moment for Allen Weisselberg to turn himself in it could happen in any minute and we'll bring that to you live when it happens. I did not mean to interrupt you, Erica. I'm sorry.

HILL: No worries, John Berman. This is a partnership my friend. Maggie, thank you. Just ahead as well, Bill Cosby a free man this morning after a judge suddenly overturned his conviction. We have a new reaction from Cosby. Plus one of his speakers, one of his accusers, rather will join us live. And a judge denying Britney Spears request to remove the conservatorship over her.

BERMAN: And heartbreaking developments out of Florida. The bodies of two children found in the rubble as we see chilling new video of the condo collapse.

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[06:15:39]

BERMAN: After nearly three years in prison, Bill Cosby is waking up at his home this morning a free man. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court stunned his accusers and the world overturning Cosby's sexual assault conviction ruling he was unfairly prosecuted and closing the door on any retrial in the case. CNN's Jason Carroll joins us now from outside Cosby's home in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. Jason.

JASON CARROLL, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, you know, John, when Cosby's attorneys were out here yesterday, they basically said that this was a win not only for Cosby, but for all of those who they say have been treated unfairly under the legal system.

But as you can imagine, this was a devastating blow to Cosby's accusers, who called it a miscarriage of justice.

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CARROLL (voice-over): Bill Cosby is a free man this morning released from state prison after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned his sexual assault conviction. Following the ruling, the comedian returned to his home outside Philadelphia.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, he has extremely happy to be home with his wife and his children. CARROLL: Cosby was sentenced in 2018 after being found guilty of drugging and sexually assaulting and Andrea Constand that convictions thrown out and he cannot be retried on the same charges.

The court ruling that prosecutors violated his due process rights writing he must be discharged and any future prosecution on these particular charges must be barred. Justice is explaining their decision saying Cosby was originally promised immunity in exchange for testimony in his civil case. A decade later, a different prosecutor used his testimony against him in a criminal trial.

BRIAN PERRY, BILL COSBY'S ATTORNEY: We said from day one, we just didn't think he was treated fairly and that the system has to be fair. And fortunately, the Supreme Court agreed with us.

CARROLL: The 83-year-old did not speak to reporters during his brief appearance outside his home following his release. But Cosby spoke to CNN overnight, saying this when asked if he believed this day would come.

BILL COSBY, ACTOR AND STAND UP COMEDIAN: I'm not guilty. So when I see what they're trying to put up, and I'm saying this is not right.

CARROLL: Cosby also tweeted thanks to his fans writing, I have never changed my stance nor my story. I have always maintained my innocence. Constand and her legal team calling the ruling disappointing, writing in a statement, it may discourage those who seek justice for sexual assault in the criminal justice system from reporting or participating in the prosecution of the assailant or may force the victim to choose between filing either a criminal or civil action.

Cosby's releases also a shock to the dozens of women who have accused him of sexual misconduct over a 40-year period.

PATRICIA LEARY STEUER, COSBY ACCUSER: Well, I'm sad, and I'm feeling like this is a loss for me and for the other women who came forward.

CHELAN LASHA, COSBY ACCUSER: It's been hard in the see him to get away like that, and everything he done to myself. You're (ph) the perfect innocent girl.

CARROLL: Attorney Gloria Allred, who represents many of Cosby's accusers says the ruling is devastating and that the comedian may appear in court once again.

GLORIA ALLRED, ATTORNEY FOR 33 ALLEGED VICTIMS OF BILL COSBY: That's a very unusual set of facts. Mr. Cosby he can celebrate tonight, but this is going to continue. I'm still proceeding with a civil lawsuit against him.

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CARROLL: So again, John, as you just heard there looking ahead, Cosby's still faces civil litigation. But it once again his accusers stunned that Cosby right now sitting at home, a free man, John.

BERMAN: All right, Jason Carroll for us in Elkins Park. Thanks so much for being there, Jason. Appreciate it. Erica.

HILL: And joining me now is Heidi Thomas. She was one of the first witnesses to testify against Bill Cosby in his 2018 criminal trial. She says Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted her in 1984 when she was an aspiring actress.

Heidi, it's good to have you with us this morning. You know at the time you talked about the day you testify being one of the proudest days of your life. How are you feeling this morning?

[06:20:03]

HEIDI THOMAS, FIRST ACCUSER TO TESTIFY AGAINST BILL COSBY: Sucker punched? Like the rug was pulled out from underneath us. It's absolutely clear, Cosby has always maintained his innocence because he does not understand that sexual assault and rape are crimes. He doesn't get it. And that's why he keeps saying he's innocent

And then you add on some arbitrary legal loophole. And you've just allowed a serial rapist to get off. I mean, I'm in a state of disbelief. And Andrea Constand is a bigger person than I. She said she's disappointed. I'm so beyond disappointed. I just love her to death. She's amazing.

HILL: I know you're in touch with a number of the other women who have accused Bill Cosby of misconduct. I'm just curious, what are those messages that you're sharing with each other?

THOMAS: You know, actually, at least from my perspective we're not. I reached out a couple texts and said, I love you. We know that -- we don't really have to do a lot of conversation and back and forth. There's kind of an unspoken we all know what we're going through. So there hasn't been a lot of reaching out. We all know each other's phones are blowing up. We all know what's going on.

HILL: You know, in 2018, you also told us here on New Day that when you testified it was like reclaiming any form of power that you felt had been ripped from you. And Andrew Constand was concerned about people coming forward. What does this do? Do you think to other alleged victims of sexual assault? And also, what does it do to women who have come out who have come forward? What do you think the impact is?

THOMAS: It's devastating. I think. It takes so much courage to come forward in the first place. We're still trying to get people. And I say people because rape happens to men too, and men victims, male victims, we hear you, we see you, we know you're out there. It takes so much to even go forward and report it.

We're still trying to get people to report their crimes. Then to go forward if you can get the evidence on your perpetrator, if you can get them into a courthouse, and then you have the opportunity to face them as I did as a very few of us get then to have some legal loophole, take all of that work, all of those sleepless nights, all of that energy and basically say, sorry, we don't really care about what you've been through. Because some legal arbitrary law says it doesn't matter. That's how it feels.

HILL: Heidi Tommy --

THOMAS: I am terrified that people aren't going to come forward because they won't want to go through this.

HILL: Heidi, we really appreciate you joining us this morning and sharing your perspective. Thank you.

THOMAS: Thanks.

HILL: President Biden is set to depart for Surfside, Florida within minutes. As chilling new video emerges of the moment right before the condo building collapsed. We're going to bring that to next. Plus, we'll also speak with the commander of the Israeli search and rescue efforts who just wrapped up a shift digging through that debris looking for survivors.

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[06:28:09]

BERMAN: All right, welcome back to CNN special live coverage. You are looking at live pictures of the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. Any minute we are expecting Allen Weisselberg to turn himself in. Weisselberg, the Chief Financial Officer of the Trump Organization overnight, the Manhattan da a grand jury issued indictments for both Weisselberg and the Trump Organization.

These indictments are sealed. We don't know exactly what is in them. But CNN has previous reporting it has to do with perks and benefits offered to people in the employ of the Trump Organization and tax issues surrounding those documents.

Again, this is the former president's family business being hauled before a criminal court. Now there's virtually no precedent for this. So this is a big historic moment. Again, we're waiting for Allen Weisselberg to arrive. We do not know what the impact will be on him when he is officially charged up until this point. He has not cooperated with investigators. Will this indictment lead to something called cooperation? That's what waiting to see over the next few days. Again, we'll bring you Weisselberg's arrival when it takes place. Now this.

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MICHAEL FANONE, DC METROPOLITICAL POLICE OFFICER: I don't know what other excuses can be made for the Republican Party at this point. They've been gave given him ample opportunities to, you know, to have an exit ramp from the previous administration and they've chose to embrace that administration and doing so on the backs of hundreds of police officers that responded to the insurrection.

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HILL: That's it DC Police Officer Michael Fanone, who was brutally assaulted during the Capitol insurrection on January 6, telling CNN he was shocked but not surprised after all, but two House Republicans voted against creating a select committee to investigate the attack. That despite the largely party line vote the House did ultimately vote in favor of creating.