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The Brief with Jim Sciutto
CNN International: U.S. Indicts Former Cuban President Raul Castro; Putin Wraps Up Meetings with Xi in Beijing; Trump Undecided About $14B Weapons Deal for Taiwan; Video Shows Israel's Ben-Gvir Taunting Flotilla Activists; SpaceX Files for Blockbuster IPO; Trump's Retribution Tour; Aston Villa Win the Europa League. Aired 6-7p ET
Aired May 20, 2026 - 18:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[18:00:00]
PAULA NEWTON, CNN ANCHOR: Hello and a very warm welcome to our viewers joining us from all around the world. I'm Paula Newton in New York. Jim
Sciutto is off. You are watching "The Brief."
Just ahead this hour, the U.S. indicts former Cuban president Raul Castro over the downing of two civilian planes in 1996. SpaceX files for a record-
setting IPO that would value the company at well over $1 trillion. And Aston Villa win the Europa League title after beating Freiburg in Istanbul.
We do begin, though, with mounting U.S. pressure on Cuba. The Trump administration unsealing an indictment against its former president Raul
Castro. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the charges in Miami.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TODD BLANCHE, ACTING U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL: This isn't a show indictment. This is an indictment because we expect that -- there was a warrant issue
for his arrest. So, we expect that he will show up here by his own will or by another way and go to prison.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NEWTON: The 94-year-old is charged with conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals, destruction of an aircraft and murder. The accusations are related to the
1996 shoot-down of two civilian planes that killed four men, including three American citizens. The indictment raises concerns about a possible
U.S. military operation in Cuba. President Trump says the U.S. will soon make an announcement about the embargo against Cuba, but he says there will
be no escalation.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Should we expect any escalation here or should they expect anything?
DONALD TRUMP, U.S. PRESIDENT: With Cuba?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.
TRUMP: No. No, we won't -- there won't be escalation. I don't think there needs to be. Look, the place is falling apart. It's a mess. And they've
sort of lost control. They've really lost control of Cuba.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NEWTON: The Cuban government condemns the U.S. indictment, calling it a despicable accusation. Patrick Oppmann is with us from Havana. And,
Patrick, we heard that one line in terms of reaction, but I am really curious to see what the reaction was today, especially as this is just the
latest in a long list of contentious issues with the Trump administration.
PATRICK OPPMANN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Absolutely. This is probably the most symbolic part of a pressure campaign, but that involves many, many more
steps. And certainly, for the average Cuban that is buckling underneath the energy embargo at this point, that has been much harder, the fact that
there is simply no gasoline for your car, that the lack of oil means the power plants are shut off for most of the day, every day, and people are
having to spend nights in the sweltering heat.
So, that probably impacts them more than the federal charges against former leader Raul Castro. But the concern is among many people who already feel
like they're living during a time of war, is that this really could lead to some sort of military action, which would be highly destabilizing for this
island.
Already the government is warning people to have food ready, to make preparations in case there is some sort of military attack. As the
government says here, it will be up to people, regular people, given weapons to possibly repel a U.S. attack, as incredible as that sounds. So,
people are very concerned.
There's no off-ramp to this conflict, and Raul Castro being indicted is simply the latest step. And you could see, like we saw in Venezuela at the
beginning of the year, some sort of military action to try and capture Raul Castro, because despite what the acting U.S. attorney said today, Raul
Castro is not going to be showing up in Miami under his own volition anytime soon, even though it's a very short flight from here.
The Cuban government has rejected for many, many years any responsibility. They said that they were defending their country when they shot down these
unarmed planes off Cuba's waters 30-some years ago, and they remain defiant, even if the impacts of the Trump pressure campaign against Cuba
continue to be felt more and more each day.
[18:05:00]
NEWTON: And I hear you. You're saying it's not out of the question that people in Cuba believe that the U.S. would make a move to try and grab, you
know, a man in his 90s and bring him back to the United States.
Having said that, Cuba's also, you know, indicated that it is ready to make a deal. We saw the extraordinary still photo, right, of the CIA director
there having his meeting with Cuban officials. I'm wondering, what do you believe all of these moves put together tells you about what the Trump
administration is likely to do next? Meaning, if they can get a deal with Cuba, what could that look like?
OPPMANN: It would be amazing to see what kind of deal they could agree on, because, of course, you have Marco Rubio as a Cuban-American who does not
feel this is a legitimate government, and has said that the top leadership is incompetent and that they are responsible for the economic disaster of
this country and need to leave. So, that seems to be sort of a deal- breaker, even before they've even been able to sit down and really get negotiating.
The fact that we've been talking about negotiations for months now without any real negotiations, the CIA director came here to lay down the law, to
say, kick out the Russians, kick out the Chinese spy bases, which you by the way deny even exist, quit -- you know, giving assistance to America's
enemies, open up the economy, open up the political system, and Cuba says, it doesn't matter how much you squeeze U.S., you've squeezed us now for
more than six decades, we will not give up our communist form of government.
So, it really is hard to negotiate with a government, according to Cuban officials, that wants to see you out of power. Could there be some deal
that allows Trump to claim victory? It's very difficult to see because as we saw today in Miami, emotions there are running high, people there feel
that the government in Havana is on its last legs, victory is around the corner.
So, any kind of compromise would seem like a betrayal at this point when they really think they are going to retake the island.
NEWTON: Yes, especially, you know, any kind of compromise that leaves the current leaders in power. Patrick Oppmann for us live from Havana, really
appreciate it.
Now, Russian President Vladimir Putin wrapping up his visit to Beijing. His trip came just days after the U.S. President's state visit there. Chinese
leader Xi Jinping called ties with Russia a force of, quote, calm amid the chaos.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
XI JINPING, CHINESE PRESIDENT (through translator): The world today is very unsafe. Unilateralism and hegemonism are causing serious harm, and the
world is at risk of sliding back toward the law of the jungle.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NEWTON: Now, while both countries condemn the U.S. president's plans for a, quote, "Golden Dome" missile defense shield, Mr. Putin failed to get a
contract that would have helped Russia more than double the amount of natural gas it sells to China.
Ivan Watson is live for us in Hong Kong. I mean, Ivan, you and I is not our first rodeo. I'm not sure that we could have imagined with all of our times
living in Russia that we would have seen Xi Jinping declare that he and Putin were the keepers of the world order. But here we are. I couldn't help
but, you know, really look at the split screens that look Putin's visit looks so much like President Trump's visit. That's a provocative move on
the part of China, right?
IVAN WATSON, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, I guess. I mean, certainly Vladimir Putin visiting Beijing less than a week after Donald
Trump had his own summit with Xi Jinping. But recall that Trump had to postpone his because he launched a war in Iran that hasn't gone according
to plan.
Yes, the two visits in some ways look almost identical. Certainly, this welcoming ceremony that you're seeing with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin
identical, I would argue, to the welcome that the Chinese government afforded to Trump down to the 21-gun salute and the cheering children that
greeted them in this red-carpet walk-in front of the Great Hall of the people. But there are dramatic differences, of course. The partnership, the
no limits partnership between China and Russia has expanded in recent years as trade has expanded between these two neighbors.
This is Putin's 25th trip as leader of Russia to China. And he has met with Xi Jinping more than 40 times. Part of what unites them is their hatred, I
would argue, their criticism of a world order that has been dominated by the US. So, there were a lot of digs at Washington at this meeting.
And Putin highlighted one of the measures that China and Russia have taken to insulate themselves from pressure from the U.S., and that is conducting
their growing bilateral trade through their own currencies and not using the dollar. Take a listen.
[18:10:00]
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
VLADIMIR PUTIN, RUSSIAN PRESIDENT (through translator): Practically all Russian Chinese export import operations are carried out in rubles and
yuan. In essence, we have built a resilient system of mutual trade that is shielded from external influence and negative trends in global markets.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WATSON: Another difference here is that after this summit between Putin and Xi, there were just a lot of documents that were published, joint
communiques, Paula, whereas when Trump left Beijing, a lot of us reporters, we were left kind of scratching our heads trying to figure out what Trump
and Xi had agreed to. One of the measures, for example, is China is extending visa-free travel for Russian citizens to the end of 2027.
But as you pointed out, Putin failed to, as far as we know it, get a commitment to expanding and building a second power of Siberia to pipeline
between the two countries that Russia has long lobbied for. And perhaps part of that is due to the fact that Putin is mired in a more than four-
year war with Ukraine that also has not gone according to his script. And he is showing up and has been in Beijing as a weakened leader, in some ways
similar to President Trump, who came to China asking for help with his war with Iran.
NEWTON: Yes. And to be clear, both of those scenarios certainly serve China quite well, and Xi Jinping specifically in terms of what his goals
have been over the last few years. Ivan Watson, grateful to you to be with us live from Hong Kong, appreciate it.
Now, U.S. President Donald Trump said again today he'll speak to Taiwan's president about controversial arms sales to the island. A president-to-
president call, we'll remind you, is extremely rare. The sitting presidents of the U.S. and Taiwan have not spoken directly since Washington moved
diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979. A meeting could anger China, where Mr. Trump, as we were just talking about, just visited
last week. Listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Do you have any plans to call President Lai of Taiwan before you make a decision on the weapons package?
TRUMP: Well, I'll speak to him. I speak to everybody. We have that situation very well in hand. We had a great meeting with President Xi. It
was amazing, actually. It was amazing. Many of you were there. We'll work on that, the Taiwan problem.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NEWTON: It is worth noting that phrase, right? The Taiwan problem, it echoes Beijing's official political language.
Now, my next guest says discussions between the arms deal threatened decades of bipartisan support for Taiwan's security. Joining me now,
Democratic Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. I want to thank you for joining us as we try and parse exactly what is going on in this relationship.
I have to tell you, I'm not sure President Trump read the briefing book on Taiwan, maybe even going back to his first term, but you and I both know
that's kind of the point, right? He doesn't care for it. Do you think this administration will soon dramatically pivot its policy on Taiwan, a pivot
that is likely to please China?
REP. RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI (D-IL): I hope not. I think that would be extremely dangerous. You're absolutely right. I very much doubt he read
anything before he entered into those conversations with Xi Jinping. Certainly, if he had done his homework, he would have known two things.
One, that we have made numerous assurances to Taiwan and to others that we will not consult China before selling arms under the Taiwan Relations Act
to Taiwan. And two, when you do that, when you actually consult with Beijing and violate our longstanding policy, you basically lower our
deterrence, and you lower deterrence for potential conflict. And my belief is that when you lower that deterrence, you invite aggression, and that
could lead to war. And so, this is a dangerous moment.
NEWTON: Yes, and that theory of deterrence has worked in other, as we call, strategically neutral scenarios like this one is supposed to be, or
actually strategically ambiguous is the word that they use for us. I have to ask you, though, in terms of the nuts and bolts of this arms deal, can
he actually do something about it? Because, again, Congress has said Taiwan will get this arms deal.
KRISHNAMOORTHI: He can always, as he has so far, delayed it, and that would, in my opinion, again, lower deterrence.
[18:15:00]
But at the end of the day, I think there's enough bipartisan support on Capitol Hill to make sure that this arms deal goes through, that it will go
through.
All that being said, why is that important? And the reason it's important is to maintain the status quo. The status quo is now in jeopardy because of
two things. One, Xi Jinping himself has commanded the People's Liberation Army to be ready by 2027 to take Taiwan by force. 2027 is next year.
And then, secondly, that region has seen the biggest arms buildup potentially in history, certainly in modern history, as China has embarked
on something that we have not seen even with the Soviet Union in terms of their arms buildup. And so, that is really changing the status quo in a way
that is very dangerous.
So, for them to acquire armaments is only logical. It's to basically maintain the status quo in terms of their own deterrence.
NEWTON: What do you believe, though, is China's next move? And what's at risk for U.S. policy? And we can talk about Taiwan. We can talk about
Russia. We can talk about Iran. China really has not really shown its cards on a lot of these issues. I'm wondering, though, when it comes to what
Congress can do about this.
I mean, look, the Senate just voted to bring forward this bill to have Donald Trump not be able to continue to prosecute this war in Iran. You and
I both know that's unlikely to go anywhere. What can you or anyone else at Congress do about it at this point?
KRISHNAMOORTHI: Well, look, I think that in Congress, we have to use the appropriations process, the nominations process, and various oversight
vehicles to enforce the will of the people and the law of the land. In this case, it's the Taiwan Relations Act, among other things, that requires us
to provide defensive armaments to Taiwan. And so, that is what I think people are going to do around here, whether it's through the NDAA, which is
a must-pass vehicle for -- it's called the National Defense Authorization Act, or through any other vehicle. I think that you're going to see a lot
of bipartisan pressure to, you know, make sure that Taiwan gets what it needs.
NEWTON: That is Taiwan. But right now, you guys can't even stop a war. And there is skepticism in Congress of whether or not he has authority to do
that. So, I ask again, we've outlined the problem. Majority of Americans don't want this war in Iran, and yet there seems to be this congressional
impotence.
KRISHNAMOORTHI: I agree with you. My colleagues on the other side have not mustered the courage to stand up for their own constituents who desperately
want to see this war end. It's unconstitutional, and it is mounting in cost every single day, and it cheers our adversaries as they see us deplete our
munitions and erode our national security.
Now, there's another War Powers resolution vote coming up later this week, I think maybe as soon as tomorrow, and it may be very close to passage. Of
course, as you know, then it needs to go to the Senate. But the main point is, if it passes, that's a huge moment because it will have reflected
enough Republicans basically defying Trump and doing what's in the best interest of their constituents.
NEWTON: I hear you. I just mean, if even the Taiwan policy is ambiguous at this point in time, here you have a war with Iran that most Americans do
not agree with, and it's hurting them materially. And still, it seems like the president just goes forward with his policy. Congressman
Krishnamoorthi, really thank you for being with us. Appreciate it.
KRISHNAMOORTHI: Thank you so much.
NEWTON: Now, in the Gulf of Oman, U.S. Marines boarded an Iranian-flagged oil tanker suspected of attempting to violate the U.S. blockade. On X, U.S.
Central Command uploaded this video of a helicopter and Marines boarding the ship called Celestial Sea. CENTCOM said after searching the vessel and
directing the crew to not head towards an Iranian port, it was released.
There is growing international anger at Israel's far-right national security minister caught on video taunting detained Gaza flotilla
activists. Itamar Ben-Gvir recalls them terror supporters. Nada Bashir has our details.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
NADA BASHIR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: This was a scene at the port of Ashdod, where hundreds of activists attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza
by sea were detained. Israel's far-right national security minister was filmed touring the port and taunting activists, some seen kneeling with
their hands tied behind their backs, and faces to the ground, while the Israeli national anthem plays in the background.
[18:20:00]
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ITAMAR BEN-GVIR (through translator): They came with a lot of price, like great heroes. Now, look at them. See how they look now. Not heroes, terror
supporters. I say to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, keep them with me for a much, much longer time. Keep them in the terrorists' prisons. This is
how it should look.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BASHIR: More than 400 activists attempting to sail to Gaza as part of the Freedom Flotilla coalition were detained on Monday and Tuesday after their
boats were intercepted and boarded by Israeli forces off the coast of Turkey, with shots fired by the IDF towards some of the roughly 60 boats in
the flotilla. The Israeli officials say IDF forces did not fire live ammunition.
Independent counsel from human rights organization Adalah are said to have met with some of the detained activists at the port before they were
transferred to Israel's Ketziot prison. International criticism to the video release was swift, including from Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia
Meloni, who described the incident as an unacceptable violation of the activists' human dignity. Ireland's Prime Minister Micheal Martin also said
Israel was in breach of international law, adding that he intends to raise the issue at E.U. level.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, defended the stopping of the flotilla, but also sought to distance himself from Ben-Gvir, saying
the actions of his national security minister were not in line with Israel's values and norms.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NEWTON: Coming up for U.S., it's make or break time for A.I. investors. Chip Giant NVIDIA is just out with earnings. What it all means for the A.I.
boom. That's next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NEWTON: Welcome back. In today's Business Breakout, Green Arrows cross the board on Wall Street. All the major averages rose by more than 1 percent.
The Bulls getting a boost from a pullback in bond yields and falling energy prices. Brent Crude dropping more than 5.5 percent. U.S. crude fell back
below $100 a barrel.
Now, hey, busy couple of hours in the tech world. A.I. giant NVIDIA easily beating earnings and sales expectations in its first quarter, raising hopes
that the A.I. trade is alive and well. All this as Elon Musk's SpaceX officially files for what could be the largest IPO of all time. The stock
will likely trade on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol SPCX.
[18:25:00]
Bob O'Donnell joins me now. He is the president and founder of TECHnalysis Research. Really good to see you, especially on this busy evening here.
BOB O'DONNELL, PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER, TECHNALYSIS RESEARCH: Yes.
NEWTON: I mean, let's get first to NVIDIA. This company has been intertwined with A.I.'s fortunes for months now. I'm wondering if that
lasts. I mean, look, these are impressive results. But what do you have to say about what happens next and where this company goes next?
O'DONNELL: Well, so what I have to say is I think it continues to grow at an amazing rate. And some of the math behind that reasoning is relatively
simple. Some of its biggest customers, the big hyperscalers, the Googles, the Metas, all of these companies, they've all announced capital
expenditures next year of, you know, $700 billion.
Well, guess what? Even if you take half of that for NVIDIA and it's probably could be even more, that would be huge growth even over where they
were this year. So, you've got that. But on top of that, just this past week, earlier in this week, I was at a Dell Technologies event where Jensen
spoke, the CEO of NVIDIA was there.
NEWTON: Right.
O'DONNELL: And he and Michael Dell were on stage talking about how enterprises, businesses themselves, are now starting to buy GPUs to do
their own A.I. work. And so, they had over 5,000 customers that they've sold these solutions to over the last couple of years. So, that part of the
equation is just starting to be built into this NVIDIA growth number.
So, in my mind, there's still plenty of upside opportunity. And I think, you know, obviously the potential IPO for not only from SpaceX, but from
open A.I. that's been rumored as well to be coming soon. All of that is good for NVIDIA as well.
NEWTON: Yes, that is the next big one. We'll talk about the one that we heard about today. SpaceX is making its move. What do you make of the dense
details that they released about this IPO?
O'DONNELL: Well, I mean, you know, there were -- there have been a lot of questions about, you know, exactly how successful this business was and how
it was constructed. And I think there will continue to be a lot of analysis. That document is huge.
But, you know, a couple of takeaways are that the Starlink connectivity piece is very successful. And I think it's going to continue to be very
successful. The space stuff has been interesting. Ironically, xAI, which was -- you know, is Elon Musk's attempt at an A.I. foundation model
company, has not been doing so well. But it's been somewhat hidden, frankly, in the past because of the way things have been structured. So,
now it becomes a little bit more apparent what's going on.
And I think there are clearly some challenges there. But I believe overall the excitement about the connectivity story as well as the space launching
story. And, you know, he has a very grand vision for interplanetary life. And I think it may take a while for some of that to happen. But (INAUDIBLE)
there's good opportunity. Sorry.
NEWTON: I do want to ask you about that vision. I mean, for Musk's compensation, it actually says in the filing that the board will give him
one billion shares of common stock if he, among other things, manages to, and I'm quoting, establish a permanent human colony on Mars with at least 1
million inhabitants.
I mean, look, this is clearly Musk's idea of a joke. But it's also a not- so-subtle pushback to the haters, to the doubters saying, do not bet against me. What do you think of that?
O'DONNELL: Yes. Well, it's you know, it's -- you know, it's classic Musk. I mean, it's kind of -- you know, I mean, what do you say to something like
that? I mean, obviously, that's ridiculous. It's not going to happen in his lifetime. So, there's no real point to it.
NEWTON: Right. But you put it in there for a reason, right? I mean, he's put it in there to make a point. What is his point?
O'DONNELL: Yes. He -- well, look, his point is that there are opportunities. Look, one place where I think even people who are not big
Elon fans have to acknowledge is he thinks big. He thinks very big. And this is his attempt to say, look, I'm thinking bigger than most of you
people are. And these are the kinds of things that I'm thinking about. And I do think it's important that big goals get set.
I mean, we've seen so many technological advances happen at a rate way faster than we've expected. I mean, this thing has opened people's minds to
incredible advances in science and medicine in all kinds of areas. So, I think it is important that we have a bigger picture vision. So, you know,
give him credit for that. You know, he's still going to tick off of people who just don't care for the way he handles things. But, yes, he's got the
right to, you know, kind of stick it to some people, basically.
NEWTON: That's the way I saw it. But I hear you. I mean, just given what he's done with Tesla, even though that's the old business. And look at
Starlink, which is really going to drive a lot of the revenue in this company. It's extraordinary, really, what he's done. And we'll continue to
watch. Bob O'Donnell, thanks for being with us. Really appreciate it.
O'DONNELL: Thank you so much.
NEWTON: Now, checking some of today's other business headlines. New data shows U.S. Crude inventories are falling at their fastest pace on record.
Energy officials say stockpiles dropped by almost 18 million barrels last week. It's the largest weekly drawdown since records began in the 1980s.
[18:30:00]
The International Energy Agency has warned that commercial oil inventories only have a few weeks of supply left. I'm going to repeat that again. A few
weeks of supply left on average.
Now, the minutes of the latest Federal Reserve policy meeting show officials turning more hawkish due to inflationary pressures. The minutes
show more Fed officials open to a rake height. Fewer officials see rate cuts as an option if inflation eases. All this points to challenging times
ahead for incoming Fed chair Kevin Warsh, who is set to be sworn in on Friday.
Rupert Murdoch's son James is buying up New York Magazine and other parts of the Vox Media Group, including its podcast network. CNN estimates the
price tag at about $300 million. Vox websites like Eater and The Verge are not included in this deal.
Still to come on "The Brief," takeaways from the latest U.S. primary races, and what Trump's retribution tour is doing to those he considers disloyal.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NEWTON: And welcome back to "The Brief," I'm Paula Newton. Here are the international headlines we're watching today.
The U.S. has indicted former Cuban leader Raul Castro. Prosecutors say Castro, while serving as Cuba's defense minister, ordered the deadly shoot-
down of two civilian planes belonging to a Cuban-American exile group in 1996. Four men were killed, three of them Americans. The charges include
murder and conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals.
The World Health Organization says the number of cases from the Ebola outbreak in time is likely to rise. It reports around 600 suspected
infections in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, with 139 suspected deaths. The WHO also says the outbreak likely began a couple of
months ago.
[18:35:00]
Construction crews are working to fix a sinkhole at New York's LaGuardia airport on the side of a runway. Now, the runway will be closed at least
until Thursday morning. Travelers are already facing many flight delays and cancellations. That's according to FlightAware, as there are only two
runways at LaGuardia. Turning now to U.S. politics.
President Trump is purging his party of those he considers disloyal ahead of this year's midterms. Senator Bill Cassidy was decisively defeated on
Tuesday in the Louisiana primary race. Coming in third, Cassidy voted to impeach Mr. Trump for the Capitol insurrection.
And Congressman Thomas Massie lost his Kentucky primary to Ed Gallrein . He is the president's pick. Massie was crucial in pushing for the release of
the Epstein files. He suggests there's more at work here and more work to be done over half a year left that he still has in office.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. THOMAS MASSIE (R-KY): We've taken out two dozen CEOs, an ambassador, a prince, a prime minister, a minister of culture. And that was just six
months. I got seven months left in Congress.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NEWTON: Not exactly subtle. Let's bring in CNN Senior Politics Analyst Ron Brownstein. Really good to see you.
RON BROWNSTEIN, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST: Hey, Paula.
NEWTON: And I want to know what you made of this. I mean, he definitely had an inkling that he could lose. He was the incumbent, though. That's
supposed to say everything that you need to know about who gets this. Trump had his way. But will that bear out in the end here?
BROWNSTEIN: Yes. You know, first of all, I think for international audiences, we have not seen a president work this hard to purge members of
his own party that crossed him since Franklin Roosevelt did it in 1938. And Roosevelt almost entirely failed. Trump has almost entirely succeeded.
I mean, if you look at polls, his approval rating among Republicans is showing a bit of a fracture, but it's still around 80 to 85 percent. And
that is plenty for him to exert his will in these Republican primaries, particularly in solidly red places, states like Louisiana or the Thomas
Massie district where Trump won by 35 points.
The problem is, is that is Trump is tightening his grip on the Republican Party precisely as he's lost his grip on the country. And in the process, I
think he is going to make it very hard for Republicans, even in places where Trump is much more unpopular than in Thomas Massie's district, to
show any distance or differentiation from him. And that could be a real problem for them in November.
NEWTON: So, I'm not sure what the GOP is going to make of all of this going into the midterms, because then, you know, look, I cheated. I looked
at your notes ahead of this and you agree with me. Thank goodness, because my point was that look, this makes things harder during the midterms
because you speak to Americans, I speak to Americans are like, look, we voted for Trump, but we did not vote for this, especially when it comes to
the war, especially when it comes to the cost of living.
So, if you have these people that are so identified with the president and MAGA, do you think the GOP is actually worried about this in the midterms?
They're already behind. If you look at what the polls are saying.
BROWNSTEIN: Yes, I think generally that's right. I mean, Trump is kind of lashing Republicans to the mast when his ship is going down beneath the
waves, particularly in blue and purple states.
And, you know, we saw -- we had a real-world example of this last year. Basically, what we're seeing is that Republicans almost everywhere, maybe
with the sole exception of Susan Collins, are fearful of demonstrating any separation from Trump because they worry that he will either turn against
him in the primary or kind of unleash a thunderbolt on social media against them.
And what that translated into in 2025 was that the Republican gubernatorial candidate in New Jersey would not criticize Trump even when he froze
funding for that transportation tunnel between New Jersey and New York. And the Republican gubernatorial candidate in Virginia would not criticize
Trump even over the doge cuts that hurt so many federal workers in their state.
Well, what happened? They both lost by double digits and over 90 percent of the clear majority of voters in each state who opposed Trump voted for the
Democrats. That is, I think, the conundrum that so many of these Republicans face outside of safe, red places. If they separate from Trump
at all, they risk his wrath. If they don't, they run headlong into the reality that the majority of voters in their states now disapprove of
Trump. And the vast majority of those disapprovers are not going to see any distance between them and Trump. It's a very dangerous place to be.
NEWTON: You know, Ron, those comments from Massie were about, in fact, the Epstein files. Do you think this is still an issue that will sway voters by
the midterms?
[18:40:00]
I mean, at times it is in the headlines, we do get more information, we certainly hear that Americans are still quite upset about it, and yet do
you think it'll feature as an election issue?
BROWNSTEIN: You know, I do, but not in the -- not as a distinct stand- alone kind of proposition. The core Democratic argument, and really the core challenge Trump faces, is the argument that you elected Trump to solve
your cost-of-living problem. And all he's done is make that worse with his tariffs and the gas prices and the Medicaid and Medicare -- Medicaid and
ACA cuts, while he's been protecting and enriching himself, his family, and his rich friends.
And the Epstein files, and the destruction of the East Wing and the ballroom, this new $1.8 billion fund to pay off potentially violent January
6th rioters, his sweetheart deal with the IRS and the Justice Department, all of that is just kind of supporting evidence in this core argument,
which is really the biggest challenge that Republicans face in November. You elected him to solve your problems, all he's done is focus on his own.
NEWTON: Yes. I can't believe it, we're still quite a few months out from the midterms, and here we are, a lot of people already thinking about it.
And not just U.S., right, Ron? I know the voters are thinking about it too.
BROWNSTEIN: No. Only five and a half months away.
NEWTON: Exactly.
BROWNSTEIN: Yes. It's getting closer.
NEWTON: Exactly. Thanks so much, Ron, appreciate it.
BROWNSTEIN: Thanks for having me.
NEWTON: Now, still to come for us here -- still to come here on "The Brief," how A.I. could change the music industry. We talk to the head of
the prestigious Ivors Academy about the risks for songwriters and composers.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NEWTON: Songwriters and composers will be hitting the red carpet in London on Thursday for the Ivor Novello Awards. The Ivors go to music makers who
are British, Irish, or live in the U.K. But the event comes at a time when A.I. continues to change and challenge the music world.
CNN's Anna Cooban spoke with the CEO of Ivors Academy, Roberto Neri, who weighed in on the music industry and the value of lyrics in an A.I. world.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ROBERTO NERI, CEO, IVORS ACADEMY: A.I. has been forced on the music industry as a new thing that's happening and it's come, and it's going to
take away jobs. I'm very concerned about our media composers who write for film, for TV, you know, the underscores, they're the ones I'm really
worries about.
I think the Rosalias, the Rays, the Lividenes are going to fight back and actually be seen more. If you look at the live industry, it's bigger than
ever. People want to go.
[18:45:00]
On the back of COVID a few years ago, people are seeing more and more live gigs now, and I think that will only increase. A.I. is an absolute threat
for part of our community. We have to be concerned. We're in touch with governments and bodies around the world to ensure we're protecting the
interests of songwriters and composers. But these ones that can perform and actually interact with the public, I think they're only going to get
bigger.
ANNA COOBAN, CNN BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS REPORTER: So, are you saying then that artists have, you know, a personality? People know what they look
like. They know their voice. They are more safe than composers whose music is sort of background music to a film, for example. People don't know their
names.
NERI: Exactly. So, they're the other unsung heroes, unless you're a Hans Zimmer or John Williams. Again, most people, they could walk past them on
the street, they wouldn't even know what they look like.
COOBAN: So, I was on Spotify a few weeks ago, and a song got recommended to me, which is absolutely in the sweet spot of the kind of music that I
like to listen to. And I was like, who is this artist? I Google it. It's A.I. Now, is A.I. just giving people what they want to listen to?
NERI: A big part of all of the A.I. debate really is we've got authorization. Are the creators, the music makers, allowing their works to
be trained in the first place? The answer currently is no. Then you've obviously got, if it is happening, is there remuneration going to them for
someone that's basically stolen their IP?
And then lastly is transparency. And this is where it kind of leans into what you're saying. There is no transparency. You've had to look up or
you've had to do some work to find out, actually, that what you thought you liked was a piece of A.I.-generated content. So, these services need to do
better to either label it appropriately or actually push it out from being there in the first place.
We, our board, our Senate, want human creators to be respected and to be the point of value on these services. You pay 12 pounds a month, whatever
you pay. You're not paying that for A.I. You didn't ask for A.I. content. Why is that being pushed on us?
COOBAN: And you use the word stolen there. Does this feel like it's theft?
NERI: It's theft on the grand scale that's been going on.
COOBAN: Now, Rosalia, she is going to be awarded the International Songwriter of the Year Award. Tell me about her, her craft, and what makes
her, in your view, someone that deserves this award?
NERI: She is exceptional, as I said earlier. You know, her performance is exceptional, but her songwriting ability, that album has something for
everyone. People say it's a classical album. You need to dig in deep and actually listen to every track. She's mixing up the genres within the
album, and she sings in 13 different languages. It's audacious.
It's amazing to kind of penetrate the U.S., the U.K., for us to kind of take a Spanish-speaking artist in the way we have, testament to her to kind
of breakthrough in that way. She's a global icon. She's four albums in again, so this hasn't happened overnight for her. You know, she's been
working and grafting for years. She's worked with many other incredible people, the James Blakes, The Weeknd, et cetera.
So, to finally have this moment and to know how much work she put into the album, from a songwriting perspective, that's why she's picking up the
Oscar equivalent, which is the Ivor Novello tomorrow.
COOBAN: And you've mentioned this a few times, you know, the graft that goes into this. Do you think that what differentiates or makes human-made
music special is the sort of blood, sweat and tears of it all?
NERI: It does. Like, to make a motion picture, to kind of look at the picture and integrate that sensibility, that kind of moment, that feeling
that makes you, you know, gives you the goosebumps or makes you cry, that's the hard craft, you know? And same with songwriting.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NEWTON: OK. Coming up on "The Brief," Aston Villa lifting their first major trophy in three decades, the highlights from the Europa League final.
That's next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[18:50:00]
NEWTON: All right. we give you Aston Villa and the cliche. 7:30 AMGood things come to those who wait. Aston Villa, indeed, lifting their first
major trophy in three decades. After beating Freiburg 3-0 to become Europa League champions. That victory in Istanbul also earning their coach, Unai
Emery, a record-extending fifth win in that competition.
CNN Senior Sports Analyst Darren Lewis has our details. Darren, Aston Villa not only won, but won in style on the pitch. What did you make of it all?
DARREN LEWIS, CNN SENIOR SPORTS ANALYST: Hey there, Paula. It was a real testament to the talent of Unai Emery, as you've been saying. And his
ability to inspire teams outside the elite to win the three -- the big prizes. These goals you're going to see, so good, they should have been
preceded by a drumroll.
The trophy was Aston Villa's first for 30 years in front of the future King of England, Prince William. It was Emery's fifth win in the competition
with three different sides. The Spanish club Sevilla, three times he won it with them. And he's won it also with another Spanish club, Villarreal.
The key thing about this, Paula, is that Villa don't have the money or the pulling power of a Manchester City, an Arsenal, Barcelona or Real Madrid.
But this really was a win to mark them down as serious players for the big prizes under Unai Emery next season.
NEWTON: Yes. And as you say, despite not having the big bucks, it really does a lot for the fans, doesn't it? Just to kind of get everyone into the
game and understand that this isn't a miracle, but come on, three decades.
LEWIS: Absolutely. I mean, they say that romance is gone from football. But I would offer you in response to Unai Emery, he is the Yoda, the
Gandalf, the Harry Potter of the Europa League. And that kind of describes the esteem in which he is held because of his impact on the competition.
But also, on Aston Villa as well, as well as winning the Europa League five times, he's been in the final seven times before he arrived at Aston Villa
in 2022. They hadn't even played in Europe for 12 years. It's 30 years since they last won a trophy and 46 years since they last won a European
trophy. This is a guy, Paula, I got a feeling we're going to be talking about a lot more next year, next season.
NEWTON: Yes, absolutely. And congratulations to all of them. Darren, while we have you, because we don't have you that often on this show, the World
Cup, you know, it's a little tournament that's happening in a few weeks. I want to get away from the distractions of security and ticket sales and the
turf between the grass, whatever.
I want to ask you, the national teams are set now. What are you thinking in terms of how this is now going to shape up on the pitch? What do you see?
LEWIS: Well, I don't think you can look too much further than the European champions, Spain. They're a wonderful side that have a coach who has been
the coach of their junior teams as well. Luis de la Fuente, understated, but he gets his teams playing fantastic football and it will take a really
good side to beat them.
France, too, Paula. They were winners in 2018. They were runners up in 2022 with an awesome performance in the final. Kylian Mbappe spearheading them.
The South American team's not as strong as they used to be, although Argentina are very good. They won it 2022 and they've won a couple of Copa
Americas since then. So, look out for them. But I think the winner will come from that. I'd love to say England, Paula. I dearly would. But we may
welcome (INAUDIBLE) yet again.
NEWTON: England has broken our hearts before. There was a time when Canada wasn't in the World Cup. Not true this year that it was definitely the
family's next pick.
[18:55:00]
Darren, do you have any doubt, though, that when it comes down to the competition on the pitch, that this will be an incredible tournament from
what you see on paper so far?
LEWIS: It will indeed. There'll be more football than ever. It's an expanded World Cup. We'll have a round of 32 for the first time ever. And I
think it will be exhilarating. I think that there is so much quality in areas that maybe the traditional football fan hasn't really looked, and
maybe even those with a passing interest as well.
So, I do think it will be a really, really entertaining tournament. Obviously, as you say, Paula, once all the politics and everything else is
pushed to one side, the football never does fail to deliver. I was in Qatar in 2022, and that's exactly what happened. There was a lot of drama
beforehand, but once the games began, goodness me, did we have a wonderful tournament. I'm expecting the same again.
NEWTON: And that's what I love about the Olympics as well. It's kind of the same thing. It is about the competition. It is about the athletes.
We're all excited. And, Darren, you now gave us lots of ideas for our pool. Thank you very much. Your work here is done.
LEWIS: You're very welcome.
NEWTON: Good to see you, Darren.
I want to thank all of you for your company. I'm Paula Newton. You've been watching "The Brief." Stay with CNN for more news.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[19:00:00]
END
