Return to Transcripts main page
One World with Zain Asher
Sources: Iran's FM Reached Out to U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff; Trump Tells Cuba: "Make a Deal Before it's Too Late"; DOJ Opens Criminal Investigation into the Fed & Jerome Powell; This Week: Presidential & Parliamentary Elections in Uganda; Trump: One Way or Other, We're Going to Have Greenland; Two Giant Pandas Make Public Debut at Malaysian Zoo. Aired 11a-12p ET
Aired January 12, 2026 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[11:00:00]
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ZAIN ASHER, CNN HOST, ONE WORLD: All right, Iran's judiciary is warning it will have zero tolerance for anyone calling for anti-government protests.
"One World" starts right now. As Iranians face a brutal government crackdown U.S. President Donald Trump is floating the idea of military
intervention.
Plus, the U.S. Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into the Federal Reserve and its Chairman, Jerome Powell. And Ugandans also go
to the polls this week, faced with a choice of propelling a leader into his fifth decade in power, or backing a candidate seeking to capitalize on the
desire for change. I'll speak with Opposition Candidate Bobi Wine.
All right, coming to you live from New York, I'm Zain Asher, and you are watching "One World". I want to begin with one of the biggest challenges to
Iran's clerical rule since the 1979 revolution. As the country enters a third week of nationwide anti-government protests, Iran called for pro
regime marches today to show that it is still in charge.
State media is reporting that large crowds are gathering in several cities. Meantime, anti-government protests are spilling into the streets of Iran as
well, fueled by anger over the economy, the authoritarian rule and the deadly crack down on demonstrators.
One U.S. based human rights group says that more than 500 protesters have been killed in the past 15 days of unrest. Some 10,000 people have been
reported arrested too. Information is certainly hard to come by, after the government has cut off internet access. U.S. President Donald Trump says
that Iran called to negotiate as administration weighs a series of potential military options.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: There seem to be some people killed that aren't supposed to be killed. These are violent. If
you call them leaders, I don't know if their leaders are just, they rule through violence, but we're looking at it very seriously. The military is
looking at it, and we're looking at some very strong options. We'll make a determination.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ASHER: CNN's Nada Bashir is following all of these developments out of London. But first, let's begin with Senior White House reporter Kevin
Liptak. So, Kevin, I just played some of the sound from the U.S. President aboard Air Force One.
Just talk to us about how willing Trump is to follow through on some of these military threats. We know that Iran's Foreign Minister actually
called and spoke to Steve Witkoff this past weekend. What do we know about what came out of that phone call?
KEVIN LIPTAK, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE REPORTER: Yeah, and they're essentially reviving this channel of communication that existed earlier
last year as they were trying to come up with some sort of nuclear agreement. They seem to be putting that channel back into use now.
And President Trump did say that the Iranians want to negotiate, but in the same breath, he also said that he wouldn't wait for a potential meeting to
follow through on some of these threats that he's been waging to take some sort of action to support the protesters.
Now, what that looks like, precisely. We don't know. We know that the president has weighed both strikes, but also steps that stop short of
actually firing a missile into Iran, things like some sort of cyber action that would be used to stymie the regime somehow, or sanctions, potentially
on regime figures.
The other option that you hear discussion of is taking steps to potentially try and bolster internet connectivity Iran, where it has been cut off and
you know, this information blackout for these protesters, trying to find a way to get around that.
So, all of these options that the president is weighing, we know that he's due to meet tomorrow with senior national security officials to go into
more depth on some of these options. And he's not ruling out, you know, potential military strikes on what targets we don't know precisely, but
certainly, the president does have a history here of following through when he's making threats.
And I think President Trump has kind of demonstrated an appetite for risk when it comes to Iran that some of his predecessors haven't necessarily
shared. Of course, the real fear that you hear inside the administration is two-fold. One is that this could cause a retaliation by the Iranians. And
you've heard Iranian officials talk about how American targets in the region would be in play, including potential military bases.
[11:05:00]
And we saw Iran do that just back in June when they fired towards the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in retaliation for the U.S. strikes on those
nuclear facilities. The other fear you hear is that this could potentially strengthen support for the regime among the Iranians, essentially cause
them to rally behind the flag.
And so, there are a number of factors that it seems clear that the president is thinking about as he weighs these various options. But I think
you know, the president seems intent on following through. Whether or not these potential negotiations and potential discussions can act as a
preemption of all of that remains unclear, but certainly all options appear still on the table for Trump.
ASHER: All right. Kevin stand by. Nada, let me bring you in, because there has obviously been an intense crack down on protesters over the past three
weeks, but at the same time, there's no internet connection right now. There's no telephone access. It is very difficult to know what is happening
in Iran right now. Based on that, what do we know for sure Nada about what's happening on the streets of Tehran?
NADA BASHIR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, there have been some slight moments of connectivity for some individuals on the ground in Iran who have been
sharing updates eyewitness accounts over the course of the weekend, of the protests that have taken place, and, of course, of the violence that has
been installed and used by the regime security forces to try to quell these protests.
And we've been keeping a close eye on human rights groups that are monitoring these updates that are coming through despite the total internet
and communications blackout that has been imposed on Iran since late Thursday.
And according to one U.S. based human rights organization, at least 500 protesters are believed to have been killed since those protests began in
late December, and some 10,000 are said to have been arrested. And of course, CNN cannot independently verify these figures.
But of course, it gives you a picture of the scale of the security forces crack down. And of course, that had been a concern the moment we heard that
there had been an internet and communications blackout on late Thursday, as we have seen in previous instances, this often indicates that the regime
may be ramping up its violent crackdown on protests.
And we've certainly been hearing firmer rhetoric as well from the regime itself. We've heard from Iran's Foreign Minister, who has claimed that the
situation is under control. He has blamed these protests and what he has described, in his words, as terrorist operatives saying that the Iranian
regime has evidence of foreign interference when it comes to these protests.
The Head of Iran's Judiciary has also come out to say that there will be zero tolerance for anyone calling for protests. And we've also seen the
Iranian regime trying to reshape the narrative, so to speak, during this internet and communications blackout.
We have seen broadcast on state media over the course of today, huge rallies and demonstrations being held in Tehran in support of the Islamic
regime, despite the protests that we have seen over the last few weeks.
And it's important to underscore, of course, that these protests have been growing and gaining momentum since they began in late December, what began
initially as protests being staged by owners of the workers of the bazaar and business owners as well as university students over the country's dire
economic crisis.
We're talking about soaring inflation and a plummeting currency. That was the initial cause of these protests, but this has expanded and morphed into
so much more. We are hearing protesters, of course, calling for the toppling of the Islamic regime.
We are seeing members of the Iranian diaspora across the globe also taking part in protests calling for an end to the Islamic Republic's regime in
support of these demonstrations. But again, real fears that during this internet communications blackout, we will continue to see more violence
being opposed on protesters and real questions as to what this will mean for the potential reaction and military response from the United States.
ASHER: Nada Bashir and Kevin Liptak, thank you both so much. All right, more than a week after U.S. military forces seized Venezuelan President
Nicolas Maduro, Donald Trump is ramping up pressure on Cuba and warning the island nation to make a deal or face the consequences.
The U.S. President is demanding Havana negotiate with Washington or risk being cut off from the Venezuelan oil and money that has been Cuba's
lifeline. However, it is unclear what exactly Trump means by striking a deal.
Meantime, the Cuban President responded defiantly, saying that no one dictates what we do. History certainly does back up his statement. Cuba's
communist regime has outlasted up to a dozen American presidents. On Air Force One on Sunday, Trump says his push for a deal is about more than just
oil.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: We're talking to Cuba, and you'll find out pretty soon. And one of the things I want taken care of, and one of the groups I want taken care
of, are the people that came from Cuba, that were forced out or left under duress.
[11:10:00]
And the great citizens of the United States right now, you have a lot of people forced out of Cuba unfairly. So, we're going to take care of most
importantly, right now we're going to take care of the people that came from Cuba, that are American citizens or in our country.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ASHER: Patrick Oppmann joins us, live now from Havana. So, Patrick, Cuba is heavily dependent on Venezuela for oil, oil that its needs for electricity,
oil that its needs for transportation. I believe that half of all of Cuba's energy needs, in terms of oil, comes from Venezuela. Just walk us through
what's been the reaction on the ground there in Havana to Donald Trump's comments.
PATRICK OPPMANN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: You know, there's real concern, because already, Cubans have been suffering severe energy deficits. I mean, you
think all the times last year Zain we talked about major blackouts taking place in Cuba, and that was before the flow of Venezuelan oil was cut
basically to nothing.
Obviously now the U.S. has a lot of say, if not complete, say, in what Venezuelan oil is leaving, who that oil is being received by? And they have
cut off the Trump Administration any shipments of oil from Venezuela to Cuba.
We are talking about millions of barrels over the years that, as you correctly said, was the lifeline kept the lights on when they were on here
and so Cubans who have already been absolutely beaten down by these daily power cuts, sometimes power cuts that last more than an entire day.
Are very concerned what this could mean for them, because if you cut off this supply of Venezuelan oil, who is going to step in? Mexico sends a good
amount of oil. Russia has sent shipments in the past, but they want a payment for those shipments, as you would expect.
So, there's really no country, no oil producing nation, that can step in as Venezuela did for decades and decades. And essentially either give oil at
very preferential agreements or essentially just give it away to Cuba, as has been the case up until now.
And it's not a promising sign that both the Cuban and Trump Administration, Cuban government and Trump Administration can't seem to agree if they're
even talking here. Donald Trump says they are engaging in talks with the Cuban government, but the Cuban government has flatly denied that, saying
that, other than some discussions about migration affairs, the flow of migrants back to the U.S. They are not seriously talking.
They left the door open, saying they are willing to have a dialog with the U.S., but it's unclear whether they would meet the kinds of demands that
Donald Trump appears to be making to allow Cuban Americans to come back and perhaps retake some of their property. That is something Cuban government,
the Cuban Revolution, has been staunchly again since Fidel Castro took power.
So, you hear Cuba's President saying he will not be dictated to. But certainly Cuba, at this moment, is in precarious situation. Is looking at
the possibility of running out of the fuel that this economy depends on.
ASHER: All right, Patrick Oppmann, live for us there from Havana. Thank you so much. Let's dig a little deeper here. I'm joined live now by Natasha
Linstaedt, Professor of Government at the University of Essex. Natasha, thank you so much for being with us.
As our Patrick Oppmann was just mentioning on the ground there in Havana, Cuba has gotten used to this sort of symbiotic relationship with Venezuela,
where it receives oil from Venezuela at very preferential rates, and therefore, if that lifeline is cut off, it could lead to rolling blackouts
across the country.
It could lead to, obviously, fuel shortages and essentially, total economic collapse without that energy coming from Venezuela. Walk us through what
Cuba's options are at this point in time.
NATASHA LINDSTAEDT, PROFESSOR OF GOVERNMENT, UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX: Well, interestingly, Cuba doesn't have that many options, because it used to
receive a lot more support, obviously, decades ago, from the Soviet Union and, to some extent, from Russia. But Russia is more distracted, obviously,
by what's going on in Ukraine.
And Russia has pledged to provide some support, but we don't know if that has come in. They pledged to provide some 1 billion in support, up to 2030.
China doesn't really want to be Cubans patron, Cuba's patron. They had been providing some support. So that's another potential lifeline.
But really the biggest support was coming from Venezuela, particularly under the Hugo Chavez years, it was providing Venezuela with some 90,000
barrels a day of oil, and now it's way, way less that than that, and Cuba has struggled with its tourism industries suffering since COVID.
So, there's not a lot of revenue streams. And as the report already mentioned with huge blackouts, you know, going 13, 14, hours a day with
food shortages.
[11:15:00]
The Cuban regime will really need to negotiate with the U.S. to get some kind of sanctions relief, or else there's going to be mountain -- mounting
pressure from the public for some kind of change. I know that Cuba hasn't really experienced a lot of protests compared to some other authoritarian
regimes, but they're really seeing their economy in total free for all free fall.
ASHER: So, if it was, I mean, Donald Trump was talking aboard Air Force One about striking some potential deal. I mean, a lot of us aren't really sure
exactly what he's speaking of. But if the Cuban government was to negotiate with Trump Administration essentially asking for sanctions relief, walk us
through what the U.S. would want from Cuba in exchange for that.
LINDSTAEDT: I mean, I would just guess, based on what I know of Marco Rubio, who's a Cuban American Secretary of State, and that he wants to see
the end of the communist regime. And this is something that many Cuban Americans would agree with as well.
They really detest the current communist regime and celebrated when Fidel Castro died, and were hoping that this regime would eventually be ousted.
So, what I would see is they would want the current leader of Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel, to leave, that the communist regime leaves.
And then that would be what they would need to do to get some kind of sanctions relief. I can't imagine some kind of other deal, other than the
end of the regime from Trump's standpoint.
ASHER: I want to pivot to what's happening with Iran and these threats that Donald Trump is making to sort of intervene militarily. What does the U.S.
risk by getting involved here?
LINDSTAEDT: So, it definitely could be a huge risk, because the Iran -- the Iranian regime, has already mentioned that if the U.S. were to attack Iran,
that they would target U.S. interest in U.S. bases in the Middle East. Of course, there are many U.S. bases throughout the Middle East, so there's a
lot of points of vulnerability.
So, they're trying to threaten the U.S. not to get directly involved. But of course, there's many other ways that the U.S. could destabilize what's
going on Iran right now, destabilize the regime, either by ramping up the sanctions or engaging in some kinds of cyberattacks are continuing to
support the protest movements or civil society.
So, there is, of course, the chance that the U.S. could attack, and that also, as well, is going to play into Iran's calculations. And I think
they're really in a corner right now the Iranian regime. They know that there is the potential that the U.S. could do this, because they did it
this summer, this past summer, by attacking Iran's nuclear sites.
And they really severely also saw Iran's air defenses weakened by Israel's 12-day war. And they're facing huge economic problems. They're facing
rising inflation, food inflation, of 72 percent the currency dropped by some 12, 14 percent just in December, and the only way that they can
improve the situation is getting some kind of sanction relief.
So, while they may make threats to the U.S., it's really them that are going to have to push the U.S. to come to the negotiating table to get some
kind of sanctions relief to solve all the issues, economic issues, that they're facing, which is what is driving these protests.
ASHER: And just speaking of coming to the negotiating table, we know that, just in terms of our reporting from Kevin Liptak, that Iran's Foreign
Minister this weekend actually spoke to Steve Witkoff, the U.S. National envoy. Just give me sort of, obviously, we don't know exactly what came out
of that conversation, of course?
So, you know, but just give us your take on what potentially the Iranians may be offering the U.S. in exchange for, as you point out, sanctions
release. I mean, obviously part of one of the things that Donald Trump wants is not so much of a heavy hand when it comes to cracking down on
protesters, but beyond that, walk us through. You know what you would think that the Iranians would be asking for here.
LINDSTAEDT: So. So, I would guess that the Iranians would be offering something about their nuclear program, eliminating their nuclear
programming. They had offered this in the past, that they would completely eliminate their nuclear program. So that's probably the only thing that
they would offer.
And maybe they would say that they would go -- that they wouldn't repress the protesters as much. But I mean that they're not going to agree to
anything that would be regime ending, and it's hard to know what Trump's calculations are at the moment and what he's going to do with Iran?
I think he wants to keep everybody on their toes and guessing what he's going to do next. That might not be enough for Trump. If they just said,
OK, we're going to, you know, make some changes to our nuclear program and eliminate it.
He may want, you know, promises that that are deeper or deeper style reforms, and it's -- there's still a lot of unknowns going forward, what
you know is going to happen between these two regimes? I think for the moment, what Trump is trying to do is just keep Iran on its toes and ramp
up the pressure.
[11:20:00]
And ensure that the protest movements know that there is some support coming from the U.S.
ASHER: All right. Natasha Linstaedt, thank you so much. Appreciate it. All right, still to come, unprecedented escalation. The Justice Department
opens an investigation into the Fed Chief following months of pressure from the White House. Jerome Powell's extraordinary response just ahead.
Plus, Homeland Security is sending a new surge of border patrol agents to Minneapolis, inflaming an already incendiary situation after ICE shot and
killed a mother of three protesting their actions.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ASHER: All right, just into CNN, Paramount has announced a lawsuit against Warner Brothers Discovery, the parent company of CNN. Paramount, is
attempting a hostile takeover of the company, which has been rejected by WBD.
The lawsuit asked for more information about the value of the company's assets and signals Paramount will continue to pursue Warner Brothers
Discovery. The company is in the process of dividing and merging with Netflix. President Trump has repeatedly included -- including this weekend,
criticized that deal and promised to be personally involved in reviewing the merger.
The Trump Administration is sharply escalating its pressure campaign against one of the president's most high-profile targets, the Chairman of
the Federal Reserve. The DOJ has opened a criminal investigation into Jerome Powell over the central bank's renovation of its Washington
Headquarters and whether Powell lied to Congress about it.
Since taking office for the second time, Trump has repeatedly blasted Powell for not lowering interest rates fast enough, but in a blistering
statement, Powell insisted the investigation has nothing to do with this testimony whatsoever.
One Republican Senator says it's now the independence and credibility of the Justice Department that are in question. CNN's Venessa Yurkevich joins
us live now. Obviously, we've seen this playbook before, but yes, I mean this idea that the independence of the Fed is questionable at this point in
time, obviously, ostensibly, this is to do with the $2.5 billion renovation of the central bank's headquarters.
But a lot of people looking at this knowing how much Donald Trump has criticized Jerome Powell for not lowering interest rates fast enough say
that it's obviously more to do with that. Vanessa walk us through it.
[11:25:00]
VENESSA YURKEVICH, CNN BUSINESS AND POLITICS CORRESPONDENT: Yes, certainly, and that's what Jerome Powell is saying himself, and I'll get to that in a
minute. But this DOJ probe into whether or not Jerome Powell lied to Congress in June really centers around the fact that the president believes
that Jerome Powell has mismanaged the renovations of these Headquarters in Washington DC.
Both in the scope of it, but also in terms of the money, how much it's costing. We do know that Jerome Powell has said this was initially going to
cost $2.5 billion in terms of renovations, but it has gone over by hundreds of millions of dollars, so much so that the president visited the Federal
Reserve and took a look at these renovations, and sort of called out Jerome Powell in terms of why there were so many excess bills coming because of
this renovation.
Jerome Powell has said that this is a 100-year-old building. They're removing asbestos. They're removing lead. They're making it handicapped
accessible for the first time. But Jerome Powell is a man, if you've been watching him, who is really measured in what he says.
He doesn't attack the president. He doesn't respond to attacks from the president. But last night, Jerome Powell put out a video responding to this
DOJ probe. Listen to what he had to say.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JEROME POWELL, U.S. FEDERAL RESERVE CHAIRMAN: This new threat is not about my testimony last June or about the renovation of the Federal Reserve
buildings. Those are pretexts. The threat of criminal charges is a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best
assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the president.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
YURKEVICH: So, since the beginning of the year, President Trump has been unhappy with the Federal Reserve, particularly Jerome Powell, because the
Federal Reserve, for nine months did not lower interest rates, which the president wanted Jerome Powell and the Fed governors to do.
Jerome Powell has said in his press conferences following all of the Fed meetings that they were waiting to see what happened with inflation, with
employment because of President Trump's trade war, and how tariffs may affect those two things.
Now I will say Zain, in the last three meetings that the Federal Reserve has held, the Federal Reserve did lower interest rates, and we're looking
at a Fed funds rate at the lowest level in nearly three years. But clearly the president has not been able to sort of let go of this.
Of course, the DOJ is operating separate from the president, according to President Trump himself. But this investigation certainly is unprecedented,
and it really follows a lot of what we've been seeing from President Trump himself, in terms of the attacks both on Jerome Powell, but also other
political figures.
Jerome Powell is set to leave his position in May. That's when his term runs out. We know Zain that the president has signaled that he knows who he
wants to replace Jerome Powell, and he will make that announcement in the coming weeks. He has signaled, but it remains to be seen what unfolds with
Jerome Powell in his last few months in office.
And there you can see some of the picks that we've heard potentially may be filling Jerome Powell's seat. There you have Kevin Hassett the Head of the
National Economic Council at the White House, Kevin Warsh, Former Fed Governor. And then you have the Chief Investment Officer of Black Rock, so
sort of more of a financial outsider in terms of being involved in the government right now.
But Zain really sort of a stunning move by the DOJ and a stunning response honestly from the Head of the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell.
ASHER: All right, Vanessa Yurkevich, live for us there. Thank you so much.
YURKEVICH: Thanks.
ASHER: All right, sources tell CNN about 1000 more Border Patrol agents are expected to deploy to Minneapolis, even as heightened tensions escalate
between ICE and local leaders and residents. More than 1000 anti-ICE protests were also planned nationwide over the weekend after an ICE agent
shot and killed American citizen Renee Good last week.
But the Secretary of Homeland Security continues to defend her agency's actions inflaming unrest in Minneapolis and across the country.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KRISTI NOEM, U.S. HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY: I had just been in Minneapolis and had been with those officers. Had seen what they were
facing on the streets every day, and had talked to their supervisors as soon as the incident happened, and had gotten the facts and seen videos
before I ever went to talk at that press conference.
If you look at what the definition of domestic terrorism is, it completely fits the situation on the ground. This individual, as you saw in the video
that we released just 48 hours after this incident, showed that this officer was hit by her vehicle, she weaponized it, and he defended his
life, and those colleagues around him and the public.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ASHER: Minnesota officials, including the government, the Governor, rather and the city's Mayor, are disputing claims from DHS that good was stalking
and impeding law enforcement. All right, still ahead on "One World", Uganda's path forward. We'll take a closer look at the country's tumultuous
presidential elections set to unfold later on this week.
[11:30:00]
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ASHER: All right. Welcome back to "One World". I'm Zain Asher from New York. Here are some of the headlines we are watching for you today. Iran's
judiciary is warning it will have zero tolerance for anyone calling for anti-government protests, which have entered their third week.
A U.S. based rights group reports that more than 500 people have been killed. Meantime, Tehran says it is ready to talk to the U.S. based on
mutual respect as Donald Trump weighs military options to back the protesters.
Cuba's President is making it clear that no one will dictate what his country does. This comes after Donald Trump warned him to make a deal with
the U.S. on oil in his words, before it is too late. Trump also warned that Cuba will not receive any more money from Venezuela's oil industry.
And Venezuela's Opposition Leader Maria Machado met with Pope Leo earlier on Monday. They spoke about political prisoners in her country, this just
days after the Pope issued an appeal for the world to respect the will of the Venezuelan people and safeguard their rights. Machado is set to meet
with U.S. President Donald Trump this week.
The U.S. Senate is expected to vote this week on a full measure to limit President Trump's use of armed forces in Venezuela, unless authorized by
Congress. It comes after five Republicans voted with Democrats last week to advance the resolution in a notable rebuke of the president's actions. The
House will also vote on a similar measure later this month.
All right, on Thursday, polls are set to open for voters in Uganda, but it's a vote the UN Human Rights warns that will be marked by widespread
repression and intimidation against the opposition.
[11:35:00]
Well, a run up to the election, hundreds of opposition supporters have been detained and at least one person was killed at a campaign event.
Authorities say they are banning live broadcasts of what they are calling riots and unlawful processions.
President, 81-year-old, Yoweri Museveni is looking to extend his 40-year rule with a seventh term. The outcome all but guaranteed. Among the eight
candidates vying for the top spot, Museveni's main challenger is Musician Turned Politician Bobi Wine. The 43-year-old finished runner up in last
year's elections, or rather, the last elections back in 2021.
The U.S. State Department said after the vote it was deeply troubled by reports of election violence and voting irregularities. Bobi Wine joins us
live now from Kapala, Uganda. Bobi, thank you so much for being with us.
When you think about the fact that most Ugandans who are under the age of 40, which, by the way, is 75 percent of the population, have only ever
known one president. They've only ever known Museveni as their leader.
Just in terms of that and the widespread rigging that we have seen in previous Ugandan elections, the widespread voter intimidation, the fact
that Museveni has such a tight grip on the institutions in your country. Talk to us about why it is important for you to run again this time.
BOBI WINE, UGANDAN OPPOSITION LEADER: Thank you very much. It is important for us to challenge the authoritarian ruler again and again and again,
until we eventually get our freedom, because no challenging him means giving up.
Yes, we know that all odds are up against us, the military, the police and all institutions of state, but also it is clear that the people of Uganda
are standing firmly behind the forces of change that I am leading.
So, we are challenging Museveni first foremost, to remove any iota of doubt to the world, especially in the international community, and to remove all
the pseudo legitimacy that lies the international community with and therefore the people of Uganda will be able to fight for their rights while
the world will stand with them. That is why we're running again.
ASHER: In 2021 you contested the results. You talked about the fact that the results were essentially all but guaranteed the voting what was rigged.
You can test the results, but obviously it didn't lead to any meaningful outcome.
Talk to us about what you have learned this time around. What are some of the lessons that you learned from the last time you ran back in 2021? I
remember interviewing you then, what lessons have you learned from them that you're applying now Bobi?
WINE: First and foremost, we've learnt that dictators might not go with the first or second or third push, but eventually they fall if we don't give
up. We have learned that we have to devise various means of communication. But most importantly, we've learned that we have to send back the
responsibility to the population.
In the previous election, I was under house arrest immediately after casting my ballot, which I expect the same thing now. As we speak right
now, more than 730 of our colleagues are in detention. They've been arrested. Many are abducted and missing. Some have been killed. But we're
pushing on.
But again, this time, we don't anchor it on an individual. We don't anchor it on myself. Yes, I'm the presidential candidate. Yes, I'm the leader. But
we have tasked the people of Uganda to take charge of the campaign, to take charge of the voting of the fort protection. But most importantly, in case
Museveni rigs the election, like all signs are showing, the people of Uganda must rise up and demand for their victory.
ASHER: What message do you have for young Ugandans who feel disillusioned about politics? I mean, we've seen in neighboring Tanzania, for example,
just a few months ago that that election was also widely contested and there was a massive crackdown as well on opposition voices as well.
Just talk to us about how young Ugandans who feel disillusioned about politics? Who feel at this time the vote is all but certain, and that is,
it is rigged? How do they stand up for peaceful and democratic change in your country?
WINE: To the young Ugandans, we've constantly told them that democracy works, but democracy only works when who stand firm and defend it.
Therefore we, I mean, we would have opted for violent means, but we don't believe in violence. Violence has never gotten nations anywhere.
We believe in voting firmly and outstandingly many and then defend that election, defend that victory. We've called upon the people of Uganda to
exercise their constitutional right.
[11:40:00]
Our Constitution, Article 29 provides that the people of Uganda can peacefully, unarmed, protest any wrong doing, and that is what we're
calling upon the people of Uganda in case General Museveni rigs the election this time.
ASHER: Obviously campaigning, Bobi is very different from governing. Just in terms of your plans. I mean, what can you share with us if, if you ever
were to reach the top job in Uganda, what would you share?
What can you share about your plans in terms of tackling the economic hardship that has plagued the young people of Uganda in terms of tackling
corruption, which is obviously a massive issue as well, in terms of uniting Ugandans across ethnic lines? What is -- what would be your priority Bobi
from day one?
WINE: Thank you. The issue of leading our country is not a matter of if. It is a matter of when, because we are confident. We've seen that all across
the country. And we assure that the people of Uganda will entrust the next generation with the leadership.
Back in the day, our problems were three, ignorance, disease and poverty, but now our problem can squarely be circled into one, corruption, massive
corruption, which has been institutionalized, which has been turned into a currency and as a way of living and a way of staying in power.
We want to crack down on that corruption when we take power. But most importantly, we also want to re empower the institutions, institutions of
state, and end the state capture, ensure that the judiciary and the legislature are independent and can check the executive. That way we will
be able to stop the one-man rule and have knowledgeable, talented and able people to bring minds together and lead our country ahead.
ASHER: Bobi Wine, live for us there. Thank you. Thank you so much for joining us again ahead of the elections in your country. We appreciate it.
WINE: Thank you very much.
ASHER: Of course. All right, as President Trump remains resolute in his bid to acquire Greenland historical precedent warns the move is unlikely to be
successful. We'll explain after the break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARK RUTTE, NATO SECRETARY GENERAL: All allies agree on the importance of the Arctic and Arctic security, because we know that with sea lanes opening
up, there is a risk that the Russians and the Chinese will be more active in nature.
[11:45:00]
And currently we are working on the next steps to make sure that indeed we collectively protect what is the stake here?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ASHER: That's NATO Chief Mark Rutte, announcing the organization is taking steps to keep the Arctic safe, mainly to keep Russia and China from
controlling it. This as Europe tries to deflect Donald Trump's interest in taking over Greenland, while European Leaders have put their support behind
keeping Denmark in control of the island, Trump's remains defiant.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: If we don't take Greenland, Russia or China will. And I'm not letting that happen. If we don't take Greenland, Russia or China will take
Greenland, and I am not going to let that happen. Yeah, sure. I'd rather. I'd love to make a deal with them. It's easier, but one way or the other,
we're going to have Greenland.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ASHER: Trump certainly may sound confident and defiant there, but as our Nic Robertson reports, previous attempts by the U.S. to take over Greenland
have failed.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR (voice-over): It's not the first time a U.S. President has been interested in Greenland. Over 150
years ago, after the United States purchased Alaska from the Russians, the then Secretary of State, William Stewart floated the idea of buying
Greenland and Iceland from Denmark.
Even back then, Greenland was recognized for its wealth of minerals and resources. The purchase never materialized, but Greenland remained on the
U.S. radar. In 1910 the U.S. Ambassador to Denmark suggested the United States give Denmark an island in the Philippines in exchange for Greenland
and the Danish West Indies?
But that didn't happen either. By 1916 leaders signed the Lansing Declaration, a U.S. proclamation, saying that they would not dispute
Denmark's control over the entire territory. But after World War II, U.S. President Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million in gold for Greenland.
Denmark rejected the offer.
The bid was secret at the time, but was made public in 1991 by a Danish newspaper after documents had been declassified two decades earlier.
Despite the U.S. not gaining control of Greenland, they were given permission to operate military bases, including the Fuel Air Base, now
known as the Pituffik Space Base, where they still have a presence of U.S. forces.
TRUMP: But we need it really for international world security, and I think we're going to get it one way or the other. We're going to get it.
ROBERTSON (voice-over): While the world waits to see if President Trump's threats about Greenland come to fruition, and Secretary of State Marco
Rubio is set to talk about buying Greenland. History has told us it may not be so easy.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ASHER: Many thanks to our Nic Robertson for that report. All right, still ahead on "One World" it's called the Golden Globes for a reason, and its
winner's matter. See, he took home film, TV and first time Podcast Awards as well.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[11:50:00]
ASHER: The Golden Globes have been handed out in Los Angeles. One battle after another took home four Golden Globes, including one for the best
comedy film. And when it comes to TV, it was Netflix's limited series Adolescence that swept its categories, taking home four rewards.
So, what happened with the first ever Golden Globes Podcast? It was presented as well, going to Good Hang with Amy Poehler. Let's bring in
CNN's Stephanie Elam joins us live now with more. So just walk us through the highlights.
I mean, I had one favorite moment because my old roommate actually took home a Golden Globe for Best Picture. Chloe Zhao used to live with me. She
directed --
STEPHANIE ELAM, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That is so breaking news.
ASHER: -- an apartment in Brooklyn 15 years ago when we both had nothing, and I was dreaming of working in news, and she was dreaming of Hollywood,
and she made it. I'm still on my way.
ELAM: I don't know about that Anchor, Zain Asher. You're one very connected lady in Hollywood who knew that is an amazing story. Well, I have to say,
obviously, Chloe had a great night.
ASHER: She did.
ELAM: There were a lot of great moments in a show that had a lot of very earnest speeches. In fact, let's take a look back at what happened last
night.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The winner is "One Battle After Another".
ELAM (voice-over): A huge night for "One Battle After Another" winning four awards, including Best Musical or Comedy, but not for Star, Leonardo
DiCaprio instead.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Timothee Chalamet.
ELAM (voice-over): Timothee Chalamet topped industry titans Leo and George Clooney for his role in Marty Supreme.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: If you would have told me when I was 19 years old, I'd be thinking, Mr. Wonderful from Shark Tank.
ELAM (voice-over): Another fresh face, Teyana Taylor, bringing the emotion.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I almost -- right to speech because --
ELAM (voice-over): She won Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role for "One Battle After Another"
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: To my brown sisters and little brown girls watching tonight, we belong in every room we walk into. Our voices matter.
ELAM (voice-over): The Pitt One Top TV Drama, and Unofficial ER Reunion as Star Noah Wyle hugged George Clooney.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Everybody wants to see George and Noah together again in the ER.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I said my rant on the red carpet. So, I won't do it here.
ELAM (voice-over): Jean Smart, who wore a be good pin in honor of Renee Good shot by ICE in Minneapolis called for compassion after her win for
"Hacks".
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think everybody in their hearts knows what the right thing is to do, so let's do the right thing.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Best Editing goes to the Justice Department.
ELAM (voice-over): Host Nikki Glaser took on the headlines, including Jeffrey Epstein.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There are so many A listers. And by A listers, I do mean people who are on a list that has been heavily redacted by --
ELAM (voice-over): And "Wall on CBS", Glazer roasted the network for controversy over new leadership at CBS News.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: CBS News, America's newest place to see BS News.
ELAM (voice-over): But Glaser mostly stuck to roasting the stars, with the famously private DiCaprio bearing the brunt.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The most in depth interview you've ever given was in Teen Beat Magazine in 1991 is your favorite? Is your favorite food still
pasta, pasta and more pasta?
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ELAM: And Glaser's jokes seem to be a hit inside of the ballroom as her second turn as host of the show. Also, worth noting when it comes to the
Golden Globes, they are voted on by a group of international entertainment journalists. So, a lot of times, what they favor may not exactly be what
American voting pools may favor.
So, while you may have seen some ones that may have been surprising to you here, Zain here, when we get to the Oscars, they could see a bit of a
change here, although it does seem like there are some front runners, one of them being "One Battle After Another".
ASHER: Yeah, that is the one that a lot of people are talking about. Yeah, we'll see what happens at the Oscars. Stephanie Elam live for us there.
Thank you so much. All right, two giant pandas are making their unbearably un -- dee what I did there. Unbearably cute debut at a Malaysian Zoo. Chen
Xing and Xiao Yue arrive from China in November. Now they're settling into their new home for the next 10 years.
[11:55:00]
Zookeepers say the pandas are in good health and ready to have people watch them, climb, chew on the highest quality bamboo, or simply do nothing at
all. And finally, this hour, think these people here take a look here, may have actually forgotten something, something pretty important, their
trousers.
Hundreds of people in London dropped them and opted for just their underwear on the underground. It might seem a bit strange, but it's a
tradition called "No Trousers Too Bright". It's actually New York that is credited with starting this trend where people go pant less or trouser
less, as you say, in the UK, on the subway.
Since then, the event has spread to several other cities across the world. And stay with CNN, there is much more "One World" with my colleague, Bianna
Golodryga, after this short break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
END
