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CNN Headlines: Trump Says He Doesn't Know If $1.8 Billion Weaponization Fund Is Dead; Mixed Messages On Progress Of U.S.-Iran Peace Talks; GOP Lawmakers Blast Colleague For Homophobic Social Media Post. Aired 5:30-6a ET
Aired June 04, 2026 - 05:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
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[05:31:05]
BRAD SMITH, CNN ANCHOR: It is half past the hour. Let's hit the refresh button on our top stories.
In a major rebuke to the president and his handling of the war in Iran the House passes a resolution to limit President Trump's war powers in that conflict. Now it was pushed over the edge by four Republicans crossing over party lines, but the resolution is unlikely to advance in the Senate.
And the Supreme Court is expected to hand down new opinions today. June is the final month of the court's term and the justices -- they still have 26 cases to decide. The Trump administration has taken an active role in all but one. Two of the most anticipated, birthright citizenship and restrictions on mail-in ballots. We'll be watching for that.
Plus, President Trump says that he will nominate Todd Blanche to be his next attorney general. He made the announcement in a private White House dinner Wednesday night. Blanche has been acting AG for two months since Pam Bondi was fired, and he was also previously Trump's personal attorney.
Well, Senate GOP leaders are powering ahead with plans to pass $70 billion in new immigration enforcement funding. Now it comes as the president continues to defend his controversial $1.8 billion anti- weaponization fund. The immigration money has been held up because of concerns about that fund.
CNN's Kristen Holmes has a look at what the president has to say.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KRISTEN HOLMES, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: President Trump once again mucky up the waters when it comes to this anti- weaponization fund after we heard from the acting attorney general Todd Blanche telling Congress that this was over. This fund was not going anywhere, period. You saw President Trump kind of trying or at least acting as though that wasn't necessarily the case. That this wasn't dead in the water the way that we had heard from Blanche.
Here's what he said about it.
DONALD TRUMP, (R) PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: It's uh -- I'd have to ask the lawyers. I don't know. I know one thing. The weaponization --
REPORTER: But what --
TRUMP: Are you talking about the weaponization fund?
REPORTER: Yeah. What's your decision?
TRUMP: The weaponization fund, uh, as far as I'm concerned was a beautiful thing.
HOLMES: Now obviously, President Trump is talking to his lawyers. We know that they've been working together going through whether or not they were going to move forward with this fund and ultimately deciding that they weren't going to, at least according to the acting attorney general Todd Blanche.
But this is also raising an enormous amount of questions here as to what could happen down the road. President Trump -- he has said that he thought this was beautiful. You just heard that. He also -- we are told behind closed doors that he still believes there should be some kind of weaponization fund where people, allies of his, are reimbursed for what he believes were political weaponization under the Biden administration.
So that is something that lawmakers on Capitol Hill are watching closely because while the acting attorney general said point blank, we are done with this, it is over, period, he also wouldn't commit to that in writing.
So there's still an enormous amount of question, particularly when you hear President Trump talking like that, as to what exactly this means or what's coming next with this weaponization fund.
Kristen Holmes, CNN, the White House.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SMITH: All right. Thank you, Kristen.
More now on that resolution passed by House to limit President Trump's war powers in Iran. Democrats have repeatedly tried to force votes on the issue but yesterday it cleared the House after four Republicans backed it. Ahead of the vote, House Speaker Mike Johnson warned the resolution could send the wrong signal to Iran as fragile peace negotiations continue.
Now as for those talks, the U.S. and Iran are sending different messages on how the talks are going. Iran's foreign minister said that there's been no significant progress over the past few days. But in Washington, President Trump says his administration is negotiating a very powerful deal with Iran.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: The negotiation itself has gone very well actually -- very well.
REPORTER: Mr. President --
TRUMP: I mean, if it happens -- and it might not happen, you know -- who knows? But if happens it could happen like over the weekend.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
[05:35:00]
SMITH: Our team is in Iran to get the view from within the country. CNN operates in Iran only with the permission of the government but maintains full editorial control of it reports. And here is Fred Pleitgen.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
FREDERIK PLEITGEN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: We've just entered Iran and we're currently driving towards Tehran. I would say that the drive is probably going to take well north of 12 hours.
And we come here at a pretty decisive time as the United States and Iran are trying to inch closer to a memorandum of understanding that would at first end the hostilities between the United States and Iran but also pave the way for negotiations for a broader peace agreement that could then happen maybe a month, maybe two months down the line.
At the same time, the security situation, especially in the Persian Gulf area, between the U.S. and Iran remains fragile and it remains volatile. Just overnight there have been attacks that went back and forth. The United States hitting some targets on some islands in the Persian Gulf. The Iranians responding with ballistic missile strikes targeting American installations in places like Bahrain and Kuwait.
So all of that, of course, makes for a very difficult situation as the two sides say they are committed to try and reach some sort of agreement to end this war.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SMITH: That's Fred Pleitgen reporting from inside Iran.
Well, the FAA is now investigating a close call between a flight school plane and a JetBlue plane near Fort Lauderdale. They came within 500 feet of one another on Monday. The JetBlue pilots got an alert that another plane was nearby and not communicating with air traffic control.
Here's that conversation between the JetBlue pilot and air traffic control.
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JETBLUE PILOT: They're turning towards us.
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER: Yeah, I seem them also descending. Yeah, they are southwest bound. Nope, JetBlue 1286, they appear to be leveling at 4,400 feet now. That guy is insane.
JETBLUE PILOT: I agree.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SMITH: The flight was in an area where flight training activity goes on. Weather records show that flight conditions were visual, meaning pilots were responsible for maintaining distance by seeing and avoiding other planes. And generally, they are not required to be in contact with air traffic control.
We have an update on those videos of people entering sewers through manholes in New York City. Law enforcement officials are saying that the group could be scavengers or simple thrill seekers who climb into the sewers to explore. Police are trying to identify everyone, and they could be arrested and charged with trespassing. I hope they let us know if they see any of those famed alligators down there beforehand.
It is time for Buzz Express, the stories that have people talking.
Russell Wilson calling an audible on his football career. The Super Bowl-winning quarterback announced his retirement from the NFL on Instagram after 14 seasons in the league. But he may not be off your screen for long. ESPN reports that Wilson is being considered for a role as a CBS sports analyst.
And quite a few famous faces showed up and saw the Knicks beat the Spurs last night in game one of the NBA Finals in San Antonio. Now you have Ben Stiller. You've got Spike Lee that was just on your screen. Tracy Morgan there. And Timothy Chalamet along with former Knicks star Patrick Ewing and Spurs legend David Robinson. And by the way, the Knicks won 105-95. The next game, tomorrow.
And The Wall Street Journal is reporting that country music superstar Garth Brooks wants to sell his catalogue. The deal would cover both his songwriting and recorded music and could fetch as much as $2 billion. A sale at that price would be one of the biggest ever for an individual artist or group's catalogue.
And we are getting our first look at a mini "FRIENDS" reunion. Jennifer Aniston sat down with her former co-star Lisa Kudrow to kick off the latest season of CNN and Variety's "ACTORS ON ACTORS" series. Take a look.
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JENNIFER ANISTON, ACTRESS: Remember when you sent me and Courtney --
LISA KUDROW, ACTRESS: Yeah. ANISTON: -- a picture of you and Jimmy and --
KUDROW: On stage 20.
ANISTON: Stage 24, which is where the "FRIENDS" show -- how did you even walk onto that -- how did that happen?
KUDROW: Oh my God. So we were looking at stages and Warner Bros. offered stage 24.
ANISTON: Stop it -- that.
KUDROW: Yeah.
ANISTON: Just coincidence.
KUDROW: Well, maybe, or they intentionally offered stage 24, which was really nice. I mean, we needed a big stage.
ANISTON: Yes.
KUDROW: And I can't tell you --
ANISTON: Oh.
KUDROW: -- how many ways --
ANISTON: Um.
KUDROW: -- that moved me.
ANISTON: I can't --
KUDROW: Oops.
ANISTON: I know.
KUDROW: Because knowing, you know, this is the end of Valerie Cherish and the comeback. And that was where it was the end of "FRIENDS."
ANISTON: Um-hum.
KUDROW: And, you know, next to "FRIENDS" this is -- I know.
ANISTON: Sorry.
KUDROW: Give me one.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SMITH: I'm not crying, you're crying.
[05:40:00]
Their chat is already on the CNN app. You can catch a new "ACTORS ON ACTORS" episode at 9:00 a.m. every day on the CNN app through June 15. And Variety's annual "ACTORS ON ACTORS" issue is available on newsstands.
Next up on CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS, carmaker Ford issues a rare "do not drive" warning for more than 4,000 vehicles. We've got the details on the problem coming up before you head out to the garage or the driveway.
And bomb technicians had to come to a TSA checkpoint as investigators say that someone tried to bring an explosive device to an airport. We've got the details.
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[05:45:00]
SMITH: A deleted social media post is putting a Republican congressman under fire, including from members of his own party.
CNN's Lauren Fox has the details.
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LAUREN FOX, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: "Homosexuality has no place in America. Happy nuclear family month." That was what was posted to Rep. Andy Ogles' X account on Tuesday just a Pride Month was getting underway. It was later deleted and Ogles blamed a staffer for posting it, but that didn't stop House Republicans from noticing their colleague's post.
REP. MIKE LAWLER (R-NY): That tweet was offensive. Uh, I know it was offensive to many colleagues and staff members here. Uh, and, you know, it was pretty clear that it was (bleep) stupid.
REP. TIM BURCHETT (R-TN): Actually, I didn't see anything about it until they pulled it, and he claimed that staffer had done it or something. I just -- it was ill-advised.
FOX: Speaker Mike Johnson even responded to it during his weekly press conference.
REP. MIKE JOHNSON (R-LA), SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: We want every member here to walk in the dignity of their office -- Republican, Democrat, Independent or otherwise -- and we're always consistent about that. That's my statement on it. You know, there's nothing more to say. Andy took it down and, you know, did it publicly.
FOX: Now, Ogles explained on X later when he deleted the post that it was "stupid, hurtful, and a complete distraction from my American First focus."
But it comes just months ahead of the midterm election and it's certainly not something that his GOP colleagues want to be commenting on.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SMITH: Let's go around the globe to see what else is making headlines today.
We begin in India with a deadly fire. Police say that at least 21 people were killed when the fire engulfed a hotel in New Delhi. Relatives told one of our affiliates that they lost eight loved ones. Officials say at least 40 people were rescued.
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Argentina to stand up to violence against women. The protests followed last month's murder of a 14-year-old girl that shocked the nation. Police have a suspect in custody. And organizers say a woman is killed in Argentina every 31 hours on average and the number is rising.
And you have to see this video coming out of Brazil. A woman just walking down the street when she fell into a manhole. And watch as the cover falls back on top of her, trapping her inside. Fire crews rescued her and she went to the hospital. Officials say that two men tampered with the cover as they tried to steal cables.
And in Japan a bear appeared on the grounds of a factory and video shows it chasing and attacking someone. The same bear injured three others and all four went to the hospital. They're expected to be OK. The city says it's still trying to catch the bear.
One of Paris' most iconic landmarks is getting a dramatic new look. A French artist is unveiling a massive installation that wraps the historic bridge turning it into a cave.
CNN's Melissa Bell takes us there.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MELISSA BELL, CNN SENIOR CORRESPONDENT: It's often said that Paris is just an open-air museum. But here at the city's oldest bridge, the Pont Neuf, that has been brought to a new level by the French artist JR and this monumental grotto. For two weeks, Parisians and tourists alike have wondered what's inside.
When you look at it from the outside you can't possibly expect this. Oh, so an entire sensory experience.
CAMILLE PAJOT, ATELIER JR CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Yes.
BELL: The idea is that we enter this cave and we experience something together.
PAJOT: You're here but you're in the middle of Paris on one of the oldest bridges in Paris.
BELL: And you are somewhere else entirely at the same time.
This holds --
PAJOT: Yes.
BELL: -- because of air pressure.
PAJOT: Exactly. There is no strings. There is nothing that holds it.
BELL: Wow!
PAJOT: Changing the pressure behind those walls --
BELL: Yes.
PAJOT: -- that make it rise.
BELL: And hold.
Eight hundred people in all have worked on this project --
PAJOT: Yeah.
BELL: -- for two years. Is it the biggest one JR has ever done?
PAJOT: It is.
BELL: There is a 15-minute walk through here and nine different little spaces in which people will be encouraged to stop and really be cut off from everyday life.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SMITH: That's magnifique, mona mi.
Still to come on CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS, there is this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHILD: Please!
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Are you OK, buddy? Come here. Come here. Come here. I got you. I got you. Come her.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SMITH: A shocking and scary scene as a boy is hurled from a truck during a crash.
And a startling discovery at a governor's mansion. Human remains found buried. Details on that coming up on CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS.
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[05:54:12]
SMITH: In Money Express, parents can now set their kids up for President Trump's savings accounts.
CNN's Jenn Sullivan shows us how it works.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JENN SULLIVAN, CNN REPORTER-PRODUCER (voiceover): Parents can now open what's known as a "Trump Account." It's a special savings account for U.S. citizens 17 and under. The federal government will put in a $1,000 investment into the account if your child is born between January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2028. Deposits can't be made before July 4.
So how do you know if this is right for your family?
STEPHEN KATES, BANKRATE FINANCIAL ANALYST: You need to think about what is the purpose of this money. Do you want it to be used for higher education or education more generally? Uh, you know, is this going to be for them to have flexibility to put a downpayment on a home in their 20s or 30s?
[05:55:00]
SULLIVAN (voiceover): If you want to open an account, here's what you need to know.
Your child needs a Social Security number. You can open the account by going to TrumpAccounts.gov. It's free to sign up. You also have to file Form 4547 with the IRS. You can deposit up to $5,000 per year until the child turns 18, and you can't withdraw --
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SMITH: Well, heads up. Ford has issued a rare "do not drive" warning for more than 4,000 vehicles.
Maribel Aber has more details on this. And Maribel, what are we learning here?
MARIBEL ABER, CNN CORRESPONDENT, MONEY MATTERS: OK, Brad, again, Ford issuing this rare "do not drive" recall for multiple models due to a defect that increases the risk of a crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says control arm joints may have been installed incorrectly. The parts could disconnect while the vehicle is in motion and cause the driver to lose control.
More than 4,600 Ford, Bronco Sport, and Mavericks built between 2021 and 2026 are affected. Ford will contact owners to schedule a free repair, and full details can be found on NHTSA's website.
More homeowners nationwide are pulling listings rather than selling right now. According to real estate marketplace Redfin, nearly six percent of homes on the market were de-listed in April. That's the highest share since December and the largest pace of de-listings since March of 2020 when the pandemic hit. Redfin says higher mortgage rates, elevated gas prices, and weaker consumer confidence are all playing a role here. Atlanta, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Seattle were among the cities with the highest reversal rates.
And summer is coming up pink at Dunkin' with a new lineup of Barbie- inspired iced beverages. The collaboration includes a variety of fruity-infused drinks like Pink Pineapple, Pink Daydream, and Pink Mango Refreshers. There's also a Strawberry Cloud Macha and Almond Strawberry Shortcake iced coffee -- OK. Customers can also request Barbie-pink cold foam to top any drink. It's all available now for a limited time.
Brad, summer is calling and I'm answering.
SMITH: Yeah. It sounds like the pink cold foam to go into my bucket that I would have already had to get from Dunkin' to go into my tote bag that I also picked up at Dunkin'.
ABER: You're set, man.
SMITH: Dunkin' doing the most right now. All right, I'm interested.
Thanks so much, Maribel.
Let's take a look at stories making headlines across the country.
We start in Georgia. That's where a child walked away with just minor injuries after being thrown from a truck in a crash. Take a look at this video.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Can we go?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.
(Truck-police car crash. Boy thrown from truck).
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Are you OK?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Four-11 to radio signal 21. Officer involved. Start an ambulance.
CHILD: (Screaming).
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Are you OK, buddy? Come here. Come here. Come here. I got you. I got you. Come here. I got you. Sit in here, OK? Sit in here.
CHILD: Thank you.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Are you OK, buddy?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Are you OK?
CHILD: Yeah.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You OK?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SMITH: Wow. That crash also involved a police car. You could see there on the screen. The child hit the driver's side of that patrol car before walking away with a few scratches. Police call it a miracle, and they say this crash highlights the importance of seat belts and child safety restraints. Let's take you out to Iowa. That's where a train derailed, killing one person and seriously injuring another. Officials say that the train went off the track after colliding with a truck, killing the driver. Police say it could have been a lot worse.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHERIFF MATT MASCHMANN, POWESHIEK COUNTY, IOWA: Thankfully, there was no hazardous materials involved with this, which is a huge thing for us, especially with the trains. You know, we never know what they're hauling. But the railroad tracks are really messed up. It's going to take some time to get this fixed.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SMITH: The sheriff said that the highway will be closed for a least a couple of days because of this.
Construction at North Dakota's governor's residence had to stop because they discovered human remains. They were uncovered along with parts of a coffin while diggers were digging last month. The remains are believed to be historical since the property was Bismarck's first cemetery in the 1870s.
And in California a man has been charged after authorities say he tried to take a "viable and energetic" explosive device through security at Sacramento's airport. Investigators say that the device could have damaged a plane. TSA officers also found a knife and other bladed weapons, and a torch lighter and zip ties. The man told police he didn't know that those were in his possession and denied owning the bag. Now, if he's convicted, he faces up to five years in prison.
Two zoo workers in Indiana are recovering this morning after being attacked by wolves inside their enclosure. Officials say one person has minor injuries while the other had multiple wounds across her entire body. The zoo is still open, but the main wolf exhibit is closed. The incident is under investigation.
[06:00:00]
And in Illinois, a sneak peek inside the Obama Presidential Center before it opens to the public later this month. The center, located in Chicago, includes a four-story museum, the John Lewis Plaza, the Eleanor Roosevelt fruit and vegetable garden, and much more. The grand opening is June 19. They started building this in 2021.
Well, that does it for CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS. I'm Brad Smith. "CNN THIS MORNING WITH AUDIE CORNISH" starts right now.
