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The Situation Room

Russia Announces Three-Day Ceasefire in Ukraine; Trump Marks 100 Days in Office; Polls Open in Canada; NFL Draft Prank Call. Aired 10:30-11a ET

Aired April 28, 2025 - 10:30   ET

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

[10:30:00]

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: -- this comes just hours after Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, and just days after Russia launched intensified attacks across civilian areas, major cities in Ukraine.

Joining us now, CNN Political and National Security Analyst David Sanger and CNN Military Analyst Retired U.S. Army Major General Spider Marks.

David, the last ceasefire declared by Putin wasn't much of a ceasefire at all. Do you expect anything different this time?

DAVID SANGER, CNN POLITICAL AND NATIONAL SECURITY ANALYST AND WHITE, NATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT, THE NEW YORK TIMES AND AUTHOR, "NEW COLD WARS": Not necessarily, and it's going to be a week or two in the future. He declared it around the anniversary of Russia's defeat of Nazi Germany. And of course, the -- it'll be the 80th anniversary of the end of that part of the war.

Now, you could see in that a sort of both a unifying element. Obviously, Ukraine was invaded by Nazi Germany as well, and a divisive one because what you've heard from Putin is that the Zelenskyy government is filled with Nazis, something that he's never quite fully, you know, explained in a way that I think most of the world would ever understand or likely agree with.

But I think, Wolf, that the key element here is these short-term ceasefires are pretty meaningless. The divisions right now are on the question of land. Obviously, the American proposal would give the Russians most of what they have seized so far, Crimea. The U.S. would recognize Crimea as Russian territory. And basically, impose no penalties on the Russians. And an alternative Ukrainian one would force them into reparations and delay the land issues.

BLITZER: Let me get the general into this conversation. General, do you think this weekend's meeting between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy and Secretary of State Marco Rubio's call with Sergey Lavrov of, the Russian spokesman, yesterday had anything to do with this latest development?

MAJ. GEN. JAMES "SPIDER" MARKS (RET.), CNN MILITARY ANALYST, HEAD OF GEOPOLITICAL STRATEGY, ACADEMY SECURITIES AND U.S. ARMY (RET.): I have to be pretty skeptical that those events, meaningful as they were, had nothing to do with Putin's declaration. I think he's on his own agenda. Putin has the momentum and the initiative. David laid out very clearly. The issues are all about the status of the Donbas and Boston Crimea and the Land Bridge, and that 18 percent of Ukraine that now belongs to Russia and where that's going to go, you know, who has ownership of that moving forward?

However, a ceasefire of some sort is a good deal. I think we need to emphasize that, but how do we then take that 72 hours and then expand it into something that is meaningful, that is obtainable and can be assessed moving forward? I'm not sanguine that we're there yet since Putin declared this, and then he established the conditions for the ceasefire.

So, he's stepping -- he, Putin, is stepping out, establishing what I would think are the -- you know, the next steps necessary for what the engagements look like in Ukraine.

BLITZER: David, I want you and our viewers out there to listen to what President Trump said about Ukraine's President Zelenskyy just last evening. Listen to this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP, U.S. PRESIDENT: I see him as calmer. I think he understands the picture and I think he wants to make a deal.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Is Zelenskyy ready to give up Crimea, do you think, Mr. President?

TRUMP: Oh, I think so. Yes.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Zelenskyy has said giving up territory, including tribe Crimea, of course is not an option at all. And it goes against the Ukrainian charter, its declarations, as we all know. They say it isn't an option. Something else has to develop. What do you see happening, if anything?

SANGER: Well, that's right, Wolf. And there was no scenario in which I think President Zelenskyy would acknowledge this as Russian territory. I think the best one could hope for is a Korea-like solution. The approach that was taken in ending the Korean War, and that was basically to make the status of the disputed lands something you would resolve in the future. And of course, in Korea's case, it's never been resolved. But I think that ambiguity is probably pretty critical to getting to an agreement.

I think the fundamental issue with President Zelenskyy is that, for the first three years of this war, he was convinced the United States was on his side and would be around to help make sure that after any agreement was reached that Russia could not then move in further a few years from now and try to take the whole country again. He no longer has that confidence, and rightly so, given what President Trump has said.

[10:35:00]

David Sanger and General Spider Marks, to both of you, thank you very much for your analysis. Coming up first on CNN, Former Vice President Kamala Harris will give her most extensive public remarks since leaving office as she weighs her political future right now. Harris is expected to deliver appointed critique of the Trump administration as the president mark's 100 days in office this week.

Joining us now, CNN's Senior Political and Global Affairs Commentator Rahm Emanuel. He also served as ambassador to Japan under President Biden and chief of staff over at the White House to President Obama. Rahm, Harris will be back on the national stage with his speech. Is she the right me messenger, do you believe, for Democrats right now?

RAHM EMANUEL, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL AND GLOBAL AFFAIRS COMMENTATOR AND FORMER U.S. AMBASSADOR TO JAPAN: Look, I think the short answer is we have to look to the future. She can give a critique. There are a lot of voices out there. But I think for the benefit of the party, it would be new voices.

But I'll also add this, as it relates to coming not just the hundred days, but go looking at both the elections in 2025 and into 2026. This is going to be a referendum on Donald Trump and the rubber stamp Republican Congress. And we need to focus it on the Congress being a rubber stamp, because when you look at the numbers that are across all the polling, he's down at 29 percent among independents. That tells you have an energized Democratic base and a disaffected independent voter with the Republicans, and it's about the Republicans being a rubber stamp.

If you didn't have a rubber stamp Congress, you wouldn't have these tariffs. If you didn't have a rubber stamp Congress, you wouldn't have this corporate cronyism. And that's where the focus should be. And you know, to me it's about them, not about us. And we want to keep it there at least for 2026. 2028, that's a different story.

BLITZER: Rahm, as you know, new CNN polling just out has Trump's job approval rating falling to just 41 percent. That's the lowest for a newly elected president in -- at 100 days in this new administration, in more than 70 years. Are Democrats doing enough right now to take advantage of Trump's unpopularity?

EMANUEL: Yes. I mean, in the end of the day, like I've said, this is about them. They -- and you want to focus on them. This is all the makings of a wave election. It's not an accident. Look, consumers, Wolf, are stressed. The economy is struggling. Our alliances are shattered. And our strategic posture is being second guessed across the globe, and the public gets it.

And you know, outside of that, you can ask Mrs. Lincoln what she thought of the play. And he is at 41 percent. And for any Republican in a district that Donald Trump won 55, 56 percent or less, he's got you in a hammerlock -- a headlock rather, because if you support him, you're going to anger both independent voters and energize a Democratic base. If you vote with them, that's going to be the result. If you vote against him, you're going to get a primary.

And he has created a condition for Republican members of Congress and Senate and State House elections across the country that are untenable for them politically. And the honest truth is, like in 2018, like in 2006 with George Bush, he doesn't care. He's not on the ballot, but the chaos that he has created is on the ballot.

29 percent support among independents, that means two-thirds of the vote, independent voters, which will swing the election and swing districts, have made a judgment about Donald Trump and a Congress that is permitting, which is why I think it's a key for Democrats to show -- to work on the message of a rubber stamp Congress that has both permitted crony capitalism and the corruption and this chaos to take hold. That's what's on the ballot in 2026.

In 2028, Wolf, to shift. Being against Trump's not going to be none (ph). You have to fight for the American dream. You have to fight for the fact that the American people want a shot at the American dream, and what they have gotten is a shaft.

BLITZER: Rahm, while I have you, I want to get your reaction to something President Trump said in this brand-new interview with The Atlantic Magazine, and I'm quoting Trump right now, "I think that the Democrats have lost their confidence in the truest sense. I don't think they know what they're doing. I think they have no leader. You know, if you ask me now, I know a lot about the Democratic Party, right? I can't tell you who their leader is. I can't tell you that I see anybody on the horizon," close quote.

What's your reaction to what Trump is saying? Is he right? How do you respond?

[10:40:00]

EMANUEL: Well, we're in the -- I mean, first of all, on the first piece of it, that's what a primary process is about, is creating. He wasn't the leader of the Republican Party. He became that through a primary process, that will happen for the Democrats. The main focus is kind of a one-two punch.

In 2026, Republican rubber stamp Congress that has brought you this chaos and this corruption. 2028, what is it as a message we are fighting for? And when you look back at what has worked and created a majority, the American people -- and by 2028 the question is, are we going to give you the keys to the car? And to me, the core question in that message is about the American dream and the forgotten middle class that have been left behind in this process by Washington.

Both parties are responsible. That is a different thing. And I'm not sure -- he may be right politically at one level, the messenger, that's what our -- the Democratic primary voters across the country will do. The message is about fighting for a future that brings in a majority, that brings in an activated majority.

He has given us an opportunity, both among independents, also revealing in these polls, 15 percent of the Republicans are not happy with them. That is the makings of a coalition, which is the Democratic Party brand, of a majority to get back the confidence of the voters, not just being anti-Trump, but pro-America, pro the American dream. That has been forgotten.

I mean, I grew up both -- you know this, my dad was a pediatrician, my mother was an RN nurse. When we used to ask for a second opinion in medicine, it was another medical professional, not an insurance bureaucrat who told you, you can't have that practice. You have people owning in America today multiple homes, and you have families who can't get a starter home. You have a 401(k) that's become an ATM machine rather than your savings for your retirement. That American dream is under assault and we need to defend it and be a party that defends it.

BLITZER: It'll be an issue to be sure. As you know, Rahm, in the past few days, there's been increased speculation that you, Rahm Emanuel, are actually plotting a potential presidential run. Anything you want to announce here in the Situation Room? What do you think -- do you think you would make a good president?

EMANUEL: Wolf, if I had to do it, I would miss the opportunities to spend Mondays with you. So, don't worry about it. I got -- look, you know this, I'm not shy. Got something to say, I'll say it. To me, the thing that's most important is to work through the issues that I think matter to the American people understand. And if I have something to say that I think is not being said, not being addressed, not just fighting Trump, key, not just fighting the rubber stamp Republicans, key, but fighting for something that matters in a way that I don't think the party has done in the past, which is it's basically accepted as fewer and fewer people.

Look, Wolf, if you and I have talked about our children. Our children are going to be OK. But for a lot of Americans that American dream and their children is under assault. They never thought when the kids came home, they're going to have $30,000 in debt and live in the basement until they're 35. That's wrong on a fundamental moral, ethical, economic in the future of America. And we have to be fighting for that. And if I think I have something to add, I'll add it.

BLITZER: All right. It sounds like to me like you're thinking about it. We'll see what happens. Rahm Emanuel, appreciate it as always. Thanks so much for joining us.

EMANUEL: Thank you, Wolf.

BLITZER: And just ahead, Canadians are heading to the polls today. Why their election has largely become a referendum on President Trump. We'll be right back.

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[10:45:00]

BLITZER: Happening now, Canadians are going to the polls in a crucial national election. It's a vote that largely has become one about something involving threats for President Trump to Canada. He is made Canada a specific target of his tariffs, and repeatedly said it should become the 51st state of the United States.

Just a short time ago, President Trump doubled down on his comments, posting this in part, quote, "Have your car, steel, aluminum, lumber, energy, and all other businesses quadruple in size, with zero tariffs or taxes, if Canada becomes the cherished 51st State," close quote.

CNN's Paula Newton is joining us from Ottawa right now. Paula, have Trump's threats, really upended this potential campaign that's ongoing right now, the election today?

PAULA NEWTON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Perhaps more than that, Wolf. I'd have to say that Donald Trump really has been the defining presence in this campaign and has really come down to two leaders. The current prime minister, he is only been prime minister for a few weeks, Mark Carney, and Pierre Poilievre, the conservative leader. Canadians really the ballot question here, Wolf, is who can stand up to Donald Trump?

Now, if you look at that Truth Social post, while Mark Carney, the prime minister, has said he doesn't think that Trump would try anything militarily but does believe that Donald Trump is intent on breaking Canada economically and taking it over as a 51st state, and that means that that presents an existential threat to Canada. That is what so many voters really believe in their heart that they're voting on today. And which leader can stand up to Donald Trump the best.

Wolf, if I point out that. Donald Trump says, you know, look how beautiful this landmass would be. Canadians will be incensed at this as they have been for weeks. It's really inspired quite a bit of anti- Americanism because it's as if Donald Trump is treating Canada as a possession, as an -- as a commodity. I will say Pierre Poilievre, the conservative leader, posting back just in the last few minutes saying, stay out of our election. Wolf.

BLITZER: Yes, I heard that repeatedly when I was on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls recently. So many Canadians who recognize me, came over to me and said how angry they are at the United States right now, and they're not crossing over the rainbow bridge to come into the United States because they don't want to support the United States because of Trump.

[10:50:00]

I repeatedly heard lines like that. I'm sure, Paula, you hear that all the time as well. Paula, thank you very, very much. Paula Newton reporting.

Coming up, a prank call to an NFL hopeful and now an apology. We'll have the latest on Shedeur Sanders, the controversy that's erupted, that's just ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: This morning, we're getting some new details on that prank call that nearly overshadowed the 2025 NFL draft. The son of NFL defensive coordinator has apologized to former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders after prank calling him as he waited to be drafted.

CNN Sports Anchor Coy Wire is joining us right now. Coy, what do we know about this call and the apology that followed?

[10:55:00]

COY WIRE, CNN SPORTS ANCHOR: We know that it was 21-year-old Jax Ulbrich, who is the son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator, Jeff Ulbrich, Wolf, apologizing for this prank call made to Shedeur Sanders on Friday. The Falcons released a statement saying he came across Sanders' number on an open iPad while visiting his parents' home, and he wrote the number down to later conduct a prank call. Sanders received this call, you're seeing here, from someone saying they were the GM of the New Orleans Saints and that they were picking him. Well, that was the hoax.

Sanders thought by many to be a first rounder was eventually picked almost 24 hours later in the fifth round by the Browns. Ulbrich apologizing to Sanders on social media, saying in part, I made a tremendous mistake. What I did was completely inexcusable, embarrassing, and shameful. Thank you for accepting my call earlier today. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.

Now, the NFL confirmed the CNN, Wolf, that the league is looking into additional prank calls made and has been in contact with the Falcons and is reviewing this matter.

Now, to a quick NBA highlight from that. Last night, Wolf, the Pistons get robbed of game four with the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Tim Hardaway Jr. with a potential game winning three, which has seconds left. He looks like he's fouled. New York's Josh Hart, there's no call though. There would've been 0.3 seconds left, Wolf, with three free throw attempts. The coaches are livid afterwards. The refs admitting a foul should have been called. Knicks win 94-93. Take a three-one series lead.

We have two more games tonight. Cavs can sweep the Heat at 7:30 and then it's Rockets-Warriors, both on TNT.

BLITZER: We'll be watching. Coy Wire, thanks very, very much.

WIRE: You got it.

BLITZER: Coming up, a Situation Room special report. We're fact- checking President Trump's first 100 days. Just ahead, we'll focus in on the economy and your wallet.

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