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What We Know with Max Foster
Sources: CIA Drone Strike Targets Port Facility In Venezuela; Kremlin Doubles Down On Claim Of Drone Attack On Putin Residence; Demonstrations Erupt In Tehran And Beyond Over Currency Plunge; Police: Alleged Bondi Beach Massacre Gunmen Acted Alone; Eurostar Gradually Resuming Channel Tunnel Service; Search For Missing Plane Resumes In Indian Ocean. Aired 3-4p ET
Aired December 30, 2025 - 15:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[15:00:29]
ISA SOARES, CNN HOST: The CIA strikes Venezuela.
I'm Isa Soares. This is WHAT WE KNOW.
We are learning more today about the first known U.S. land strike on Venezuela since President Donald Trump began a pressure campaign.
In exclusive CNN reporting, sources say the CIA carried out a drone strike on a port facility earlier this month. They say it targeted a remote dock
that the Trump administration believes was being used by a gang to traffic drugs.
President Trump has acknowledged the attack, saying there was, quote, a major explosion in an area where boats are loaded with drugs. No official
comment yet from Venezuela or from Nicolas Maduro.
The U.S. is using military action to try to force President Nicolas Maduro from power. It struck yet another alleged drug boat in the eastern Pacific.
That happened on Monday and is also imposing a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers coming to and from Venezuela.
Let's get more on this story. Our Zachary Cohen is in Washington.
Zachary, this is your exclusive reporting. Just bring us up to date with what we know about this strike and just how significant this move is by the
U.S. administration.
ZACHARY COHEN, CNN SENIOR NATIONAL SECURITY REPORTER: Yeah. So we're told by sources that the CIA did conduct a drone strike targeting a port
facility in a remote location on the coast of Venezuela. That this strike was against a site that is believed to be used by a Venezuelan gang, one
that the Trump administration has designated as a terrorist organization to essentially take drugs, put them onto ships so that they can transport them
around the world. And we're also told by sources that there was nobody physically present at the facility at the time of the strike, and that's
why there were no casualties involved.
One source, though, describing this strike as successful and that it destroyed the facility itself, as well as the boats that were present at
the time. The source also, though characterizing the strike as largely symbolic in nature, as there's several other locations and facilities
around Venezuela that drug traffickers can similarly use to transport their products out from Venezuela itself.
So, ultimately, we are still waiting to see what, if anything, Nicolas Maduro and the Venezuelan regime has to say about this. But remarkably,
this information came to light in part because Donald Trump, the U.S. president, first revealed it during a radio interview a few days ago. He
was speaking on a podcast to a Republican donor and made the first mention of a U.S. strike inside Venezuela itself.
And that has always been viewed as a significant escalation, something he's been threatening to do for weeks now. But his comments really did. We're
the first public indication that the U.S. had taken that step.
Donald Trump was again asked about his comments yesterday at the White House and pressed on not only the nature of these strikes, but who was
behind it. He was asked by our Kevin Liptak if it was the U.S. military or the CIA. He declined to answer. We now know from our sources that the
operation itself was carried out by the CIA. Obviously, the question next is what will the Trump administration do if Nicolas Maduro does not see
this as the kind of pressure, the sort of pressure tactic that the administration is intending?
We know from Susie Wiles that interview she did with the -- with "Vanity Fair" earlier this month, the intention behind these strikes, as well as
the campaign writ large in Latin America, is, in her mind to push Maduro out of power. So far, no indication he is headed in that direction.
SOARES: And this is quite a different strategy, right? Because up to now we've seen that even on Monday, we have been seeing strikes on these
alleged drug boats. On Monday we saw two people killed.
Give us, give us a sense, Zachary, what you're hearing, whether there's any clarity on your end from the sources you're speaking to about whether these
strikes this strategy, if there is a strategy, are having, you know, the desired objectives, here because Maduro is still there. He's been taking to
rallies on the streets, as we have seen on the ground, he -- people rallying around the flag and it seems his generals are still standing by
him. So, what's the next move?
COHEN: Absolutely. And that's really what makes the silence from Maduro in the wake of this reporting and Trump's public comments so interesting is
we've seen Maduro publicly, you know, push back on this U.S. pressure campaign, insisting it is an attempt to push him out of power, which,
again, is something the White House chief of staff has said. That is, in fact, the ultimate objective here. But it's not something the Trump
administration has officially stated as its overarching goal.
But -- so, we're waiting to see how Nicolas Maduro might handle this ultimately, because that will influence how the Trump administration
responds next, if it chooses to do so.
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This strike by the CIA has been widely characterized to us as sort of a moderate option on the escalation ladder, and that there are additional
steps the U.S. could take that would ramp up that pressure even more. But at the same time, it increased risk comes with those additional options. We
know there's a huge armada of U.S. Navy ships sitting in international waters near Venezuela right now. There's a lot of firepower in the region
that has been there, for months now, but only been used to target those alleged drug boats, raising suspicions that maybe they're there for
something else as well.
SOARES: Zachary, excellent reporting. Thank you very much indeed. Zachary Cohen there.
Well, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says talks with leaders and top officials from the Coalition of the Willing will be held next week in
Ukraine and in France. And that's as tensions rise over Russia's claim that Kyiv targeted one of President Vladimir Putin's residences. Ukraine has
rejected the accusation, while the Kremlin has yet to provide any evidence of a drone attack.
Our Fred Pleitgen joins me now from all developments from Berlin.
Fred, let's talk about the European angle on this. I think it's interesting because we now have heard, the kremlin doubling down on this claim, of
course, without providing any sort of evidence. What is your sense that we're likely to see from this meeting with the coalition of the willing,
because the Europeans seem to be striking a more optimistic tone here?
FREDERIK PLEITGEN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, first of all, I think you're absolutely right. I think the Europeans are quite
optimistic at this point in time. In fact, apparently, today, there was another call in the berlin format, as they call it, initiated by German
Chancellor Friedrich Merz, together with the Ukrainians and the European partners of the Ukrainians, on possible next steps to try and move the
diplomacy forward.
One of the things that we've seen really over the past couple of weeks, especially in the last two weeks, when there was that meeting with Steve
Witkoff and Jared Kushner here in berlin, initiated by the Germans. But with almost all European leaders on hand here, in the evening of that
event, is that the Europeans have sort of found their footing and found quick ways to also react to some of the things that the Russians have been
putting forward, but also to that plan that the U.S. had initially put forward as well.
So right now, the Europeans certainly have much more of a sense that they're part of the process and also that they're being heard in the
process. Of course, one of the things that we have to keep in mind is that the Europeans right now are the ones who are essentially bankrolling the
Ukrainian state and also providing Ukraine's military, as the U.S. itself is saying, that they're not providing anything right now. And the Europeans
are actually buying U.S. military gear to then give that to the Ukrainians.
So they certainly have a stake in all this, and they certainly have been a big part of the process as far as some of the things that are in that peace
deal, that sort of shaping up now between the U.S., Ukraine and then hopefully the U.S. hopes to get the Russians on board as well, especially
as far as those security guarantees are concerned. Europeans most probably going to be a big part of that.
But then also as far as that prosperity package that the U.S. has been dangling to the Ukrainians as well is concerned as well, which of course
could mean massive investment into Ukraine, not just for the reconstruction of that country, but in general to create to create more prosperity in
Ukraine, that then hopefully the Europeans, Ukrainians and the U.S. hopes would be at peace and not face attacks from Russia anymore.
SOARES: And you and I were talking about the security guarantees this time yesterday. But you also mentioned from my notes, I remember it that you're
talking about the major challenges here, right? And that's territory. Still one of the major sticking points.
What are you hearing from the European side, how they try to maneuver around this? Because this seems to be the major sticking point from the
Kremlin. Do they think they can -- they have any leverage with -- the U.S. president has any leverage here to try and move on this front?
PLEITGEN: Well, I think they're trying to definitely move forward on. I think as far as the territories are concerned, where we stand right now, a
lot has already shifted and a lot of headway has certainly already been made, at least as far as the Ukrainian side is concerned. If you recall,
I'd say about a month or two months ago, the position of the Ukrainians was they're not going to give up any territory. And the position of the
Europeans was Ukraine should not give up any territory.
And that certainly has shifted at least as far as some European countries are concerned, where they're saying if there is going to be territorial
concessions, only the Ukrainians themselves can decide that. And of course, we know Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, is now also saying
that if something like that were to take place, there needs to be a referendum. And that is definitely where one of the big issues seems to
lie, and that is that the Russians are saying that they don't want a temporary ceasefire, which the Ukrainians say is absolutely necessary if
they are going to hold a referendum because the referendum needs to be prepared.
People need to prepare for ballots, need to be printed, locations have to be identified. Schools obviously need to be safe. And other areas where
voting would take place. So, the Ukrainians are saying they need all that.
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But at the same time, it seems as though things are moving in that direction. But I -- on the whole, it seems as though the deal that seems to
be taking shape now, as far as the U.S. is concerned, and as far as the Trump administration and its negotiators, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner,
are concerned, is that they're telling the Ukrainians and the Europeans that if Ukraine is willing to make that major sacrifice on the territory,
that the U.S. would then be part of security guarantees, but then also see to it, they hope that Ukraine would become a very prosperous country.
On the flip side of that, that's also something that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in one of the rounds of negotiations. But again, of
course, all of this is still predicated on what the Russians are going to say. And so far, the Russians are saying they're maintaining their very
tough line. And especially after that alleged drone attack, of course, the Ukrainians deny the Russians are saying they're going to take on an even
tougher line in the negotiations with the Ukrainians.
SOARES: Which they have not provided any evidence of. But they will stay across it. Fred, great analysis. Thank you very much indeed. Fred Pleitgen
for us in Berlin.
Well, social media posts are showing the scale of protests across Iran, the biggest since 2022. Have a look at this.
Anger boiled over into the streets of Tehran again Tuesday. Shopkeepers -- shopkeepers, pardon me, struck against rising inflation. Demonstrators
erupted across Iran on Monday after the country's currency plummeted to a record low against the U.S. dollar and it's significant low -- rose the
dollar -- I think the annual inflation rose to 42.2 percent in December.
Nada Bashir is with us.
And, Nada, I mean, we'll talk about the process in a moment, but the reason we're talking about rising inflation, this basically means people can't pay
rent, right? People can't buy things and people can't pay rent.
NADA BASHIR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I mean, people can't pay rent. They're struggling to buy food.
SOARES: Yeah.
BASHIR: They're struggling to get a hold of medicine, health supplies. I mean, we're talking about food rising prices rises of 72 percent, health
care items rising by about 50 percent from last year.
SOARES: So wages are not rising.
BASHIR: And wages are not rising. And people are struggling to pay rent for their homes, struggling to pay rent for their businesses. And now we
are seeing these business owners, market merchants, we're seeing students now taking part in these marches and protests today, calling not only for
reform, but some are calling for regime change.
This is, of course, a significant issue that is being felt at home by ordinary Iranians every day. It is something that, of course, has been
crippled by the reimposed sanctions that we've seen being put in place by the U.S., by the U.N. and other European nations, which have obviously
caused the Iranian economy to struggle so much.
And now we're hearing indications from the government of potential tax hikes in the coming year. That isn't exactly what ordinary Iranians want to
be hearing, given the crisis that they are facing.
SOARES: And look, this economic turmoil will no doubt be a challenge to Iranians' lead -- to Iran's leadership, right? And they have faced many
versions of this economic turmoil for some time. What are they promising? And is that -- and is that enough to satisfy these protesters?
BASHIR: Well, look, these are some of the biggest protests we've seen in about three years. And in previous instances, we've seen a very violent
crackdown by the Iranian regime. We've seen mass arrests.
We haven't seen that just yet. We have seen a heavy presence by riot police, certainly on the ground. We've seen standoffs between police and
students. We've seen tear gas, according to witnesses, in some parts of the country.
But at this stage, it hasn't been that typical violent crackdown that we've seen in the past. But of course, people are calling for regime change, so
there is still the potential for that violent repression.
What we've heard from the Iranian regime at this stage is that they're willing to listen to protesters, they're willing to negotiate with protest
leaders, that they do want to take action for reform. They have acknowledged the right to peacefully assemble and protest in the country.
And in fact, we've seen the head of the central bank now stepping down.
But whether this is enough, of course, remains to be seen and how much the actual -- how much the Iranian government can actually do, given the
crippling sanctions that are in place, also remains to be seen, how much leeway they have to actually make reforms that have a palpable change and
impact on people's lives.
SOARES: Yeah, and so quickly as well. And this very quickly, just to clarify, are these protests mostly in Tehran or are they spreading out?
BASHIR: We're seeing them in Tehran at the moment, but we are hearing from witnesses, eyewitnesses on the ground that were seeing pockets of rallies
taking place in other key cities across the country.
SOARES: Nada, thank you very much indeed.
Now, Australian authorities now say the suspected gunman in this month's Bondi Beach massacre were not part of a broader terrorist cell and acted
alone. Police had been investigating a trip to the Philippines that Sajid and Naveed Akram made before the shooting, in which 15 people were killed.
Investigators determined that the father and son rarely left their hotel during their visit, and did not undergo any training.
[15:15:00]
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KRISSY BARRETT, AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE COMMISSIONER: There has been much speculation about the two alleged offenders and their travel to the
Philippines. I can confirm the two individuals who we allege are responsible for the terror attack at Bondi Beach on 14th December this
year, spent almost a month in the Philippines.
Travel records show, they left Sydney for Manila on 1 November 2025 and on the same day traveled to Davao city. They arrived back in Sydney from the
Philippines on 29 November 2025.
The initial assessment from the Philippine National Police is that the individuals rarely left their hotel, and there is no evidence to suggest
they received training or underwent logistical preparation for their alleged attack.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SOARES: The Bondi Beach tragedy will loom over new year celebrations in Sydney, one of the world's most popular. Event organizers will also pay
tribute to the Bondi Beach victims with a minute of silence at 11 p.m. Authorities are promising the largest ever police presence at Sydney
Harbor, with more than 2,500 officers on duty.
And some news just into CNN, Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, has died at the age of 35. An
environmental journalist who wrote about science and climate issues at "The New York Times", Schlossberg had announced last month she was suffering
with terminal leukemia, an incredibly moving piece as well. Doctors discovered the cancer shortly after she gave birth to a daughter last year.
She survived by her husband and their two children.
Be back in just a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SOARES: Welcome back, everyone.
There is travel chaos in Europe today after a power outage briefly shut down the channel tunnel between England and the continent. The 50-kilometer
tunnel is one of Europe's busiest travel routes.
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Officials say they have resumed some service, but they are telling travelers that the smart move is to find some other way of getting back and
forth and not going at all.
Anna Cooban is tracking this story for us in such a busy period as well. With New Year's just around the corner. First to tell us, Anna, what
authorities are saying, what Eurotunnel saying has happened here.
ANNA COOBAN, CNN BUSINESS & ECONOMICS REPORTER: Well, you're right. So this really has come at the worst possible time, sandwiched between
Christmas and New Year. What Eurostar is saying is, despite the fact that it's had a partial resumption of service, it said please rebook, please, if
you can rebook to a different date. Quite simply, it just looks overwhelmed with having to cater to all these delayed passengers.
And also, they've said that even if your train is running, expect severe delays and expect last minute cancellations. And just to give you a sense
of the scale of this, this is a tunnel which last year transported nearly 20 million people over that year. And this is a very tiny bottleneck.
There's two tracks, one going to Paris from London, the other going from going the other way, catering to millions of people. So, when something
happens, it definitely gets noticed.
SOARES: When you say something happens, do we know exactly what's happened? Do you know what -- we know what the problem was?
COOBAN: Yes. So earlier today there was a failure, an issue with the overhead power supply in one of the tunnels. This caused a train which was
part of the Le Shuttle Train Service -- basically, the train that delivers cars and trucks with their passengers over to the other side. That broke,
that had an issue and that caused a train to break down, which of course then had this huge domino effect with dozens of other trains and thousands
of other passengers for the rest of the day.
SOARES: And we're not talking just about Paris, right? We're talking Brussels, Amsterdam, lots of other cities.
COOBAN: Yes. So, London goes to Paris, it goes onwards to Amsterdam, to Brussels. And I was at King's Cross station earlier today, speaking with
people that had been impacted. One of them said that he had been on a train not in the tunnel, but at the mouth of the tunnel that had been stationary
for six hours and then had to be ferried back to London.
SOARES: Oh, goodness, are people getting refunds if they do -- I mean, if they want to cancel, what are you hearing from them on that?
COOBAN: So, yes, your staff is saying that they'll refund, they'll allow you to rebook. And you know, it seems that for the individuals, the
financial cost, they'll get recouped. But in terms of time, in terms of missing memories, of missing family and friends for these New Year's Eve
celebrations, that's something that you can't get back.
SOARES: Indeed, Anna, thank you very much. I know you'll stay on top of this for us.
More than 11 years after it went missing over the Indian Ocean, the search for Malaysian Airlines Flight 370 has resumed once more. The American
robotics company Ocean Infinity has signed a deal with a Malaysian government to look for the plane in areas believed most likely to have the
wreckage.
Richard Quest, who wrote a book, if you remember on the search for MH370, says this new search could benefit from improved technologies.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
RICHARD QUEST, CNN BUSINESS EDITOR-AT-LARGE: It is remarkable, but it goes to the fundamental tenet of aviation mysteries, which is you cannot have
this sort of event happen and not know why or what or who or how. The industry needs still to know what happened to MH370.
And the difference this time and the previous searches is advances in things like oceanography, radar technology, sub ocean abilities and
submarine abilities to search. In the last four, 12, 14 years, there have been huge advances. And that's why the Malaysian government has, for the
second time, agreed to let Ocean Infinity search this area. They're keeping very quiet about the area. The search details, the technology being used.
If you look at Ocean Infinity's website, there's very little that's there. And the entire search is being done on the basis of no find, no fee. If
they don't find the plane, they don't get the $40 million or $50 million worth of finder's fee.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SOARES: Our Richard Quest there.
And still to come, Beyonce has joined an exclusive new group. We'll take a look at the latest achievement for the global superstar.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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SOARES: Welcome back, everyone.
Back now to our top story, a CNN exclusive on the first known U.S. land strike on Venezuela. Sources say the CIA carried out a drone strike on a
port facility earlier this month. They say it targeted a remote dock that the Trump administration believes was being used by a gang to traffic
drugs. President Trump has acknowledged the attack, saying there was a major explosion, these are his words, in an area where boats are loaded
with drugs. No official thus far from Venezuela or indeed from Nicolas Maduro.
So, what we want to know is, could these strikes lead to more military action on Venezuela?
Joining me now is CNN's military analyst, Colonel Cedric Leighton, a well- known face on the show.
Colonel, great to have you on the show.
Let me get your thoughts, your expertise really on this covert operation inside Venezuela, one source tells CNN that the strike was largely
symbolic. Do you see it that way?
COL. CEDRIC LEIGHTON (RET.), CNN MILITARY ANALYST: Well, I think there's a bit more to it than that. Isa, it's great to be with you again.
One of the things that you have to look at here is that this is part of a campaign. And what I mean by that is this seems to be the use of all kinds
of methods to achieve one end. And that basically is the removal of Maduro from power -- Nicolas Maduro from power in Venezuela.
So, we basically looking at a scale of escalation here. And when you look at the boat strikes against the alleged narco trafficking boat's, that's
basically phase one. Then you go after the oil tankers. And if that doesn't work, or if more is needed, you go after other targets.
And so now, we're entering the realm of other targets. Those other targets include those that are on the land in Venezuela. And so, this is where this
kind of a strike could be part of that overall strategy of getting rid of Maduro and making it at least more difficult for that regime to continue to
conduct business, to continue to exercise power at least over certain parts of the country. And that's assuming, of course, that you buy some of the
narrative that the Trump administration has put out there.
SOARES: Let's talk about that pressure, because this was a covert operation by the CIA. We had already heard beginning of the year that the
president had authorized the CIA to take action inside Venezuela. I just wonder then, where it goes from here?
We, as we have stated there, Colonel, we haven't heard from Nicolas Maduro.
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We haven't heard from anyone from his administration or his regime so far on this. But just speak to the escalation element here, the escalatory
ladder that we are likely to see because it started with alleged drug boats. Then they went after oil shipments.
Now, this strike inside, how does Maduro respond and what is likely to be the next step from the United States
LEIGHTON: Yes. So, Maduro has several different options. But one of the things that he's basically looking at is whether or not he thinks he can
really realize the plans that he has, he actually has plans. In the case of a U.S. invasion for basically what amounts to a guerrilla war. So, this is
definitely not at that stage yet.
What the U.S. administration is hoping to do is pressure Maduro in such a way that they do not have to put military boots on the ground. Obviously,
they have covert elements on the ground right now or some form of that, either from an intelligence collection perspective or from an actual use of
explosive devices standpoint.
So, this is a -- you know, we're kind of at that point where they are using means of through the intelligence agencies, in this case, most likely the
CIA, that would be useful in, in essence, conducting sabotage operations. And that is what we're seeing here. That is the -- and the way this would
go forward is there would be more attacks like this.
They would basically move forward in a way that would put increasing pressure on the Maduro administration, and that would then, in theory at
least, force them from the scene. So that's kind of what they're looking at here. But whether or not they can realize that is a -- is a different
question, of course.
SOARES: Yeah. We have yet to hear some sort of clear strategy from this administration vis a vis what the intentions are, whether its drug related,
whether its ousting of Maduro. It seems it's more towards ousting of Maduro than anything else. But we have seen, Colonel, an armada of ships close to
Venezuela, quite significant for some time now. We've seen more than 100 people killed in these alleged drug boat strikes.
I wonder whether you feel this is having the desired effect. Do you feel this is bringing pressure on Maduro? Because we had a correspondent on the
ground in Caracas. We have seen Maduro take to the streets dancing, boasting clearly about this. We have seen his generals still standing by
him. What is your -- what is your take on that?
LEIGHTON: Well, I think its going to be very difficult to actually remove Maduro from power. So the strategy is really one in which they are trying
to, in essence, tighten the noose, if you will, on Maduro, and encircle him in a way that, at least economically, by preventing oil exports, by
preventing drug exports, you know, with the idea that any profits that he would get from the drug trade would then be eliminated. So that's kind of
that economic news tightening on him.
Now, in terms of the actual ability to affect regime change as a result of that. You're right. You're seeing all these different manifestations of
resistance, in essence, on the part of Maduro. Now the question is whether or not those manifestations of resistance actually translate into popular
or continued popular support for him by the people that up to this point have been loyal, and that would include the armed forces, the police and
elements of the Venezuelan government. So that is, you know, what we're really looking at here. And I think it's going to be very difficult for
them to do that by themselves.
The one wild card here is the Cuban element, because the Cubans have provided security, personal security for Maduro. They provide intelligence
support to Maduro. And that is, of course, a significant for them force multiplier that could make it at least more difficult for the U.S. to
effect the kind of change that it seems to be seeking at this point.
SOARES: Cedric, thank you very much. Colonel Cedric Leighton, thank you very much, and happy new year to you. Thank you.
Now, Bangladesh --
LEIGHTON: Happy New Year to you, Isa.
SOARES: Thank you very much. It's very kind.
Now, Bangladesh's former prime minister Khaleda Zia has died at the age of 80. Before her death, she had been planning to launch a potential political
comeback in February's general elections.
Our Hanako Montgomery has more on her life, as well as her legacy.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HANAKO MONTGOMERY, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Khaleda Zia came to power as Bangladesh's first female prime minister in 1991. Serving another
term from 2001 her arch rivalry with Sheik Hasina, whose recent rule was toppled by student protests in 2024 defined the country's politics for a
generation.
Zia was married to Bangladeshi President Zia Rahman, who was assassinated during an attempted coup in 1981. Following his death, Zia helped build a
mass movement against a military dictatorship that later came to power, finally ending in 1990.
[15:35:05]
She then took office as prime minister, beating out Hasina, her then political ally against military rule. Zia worked to re-establish the
country as an electoral democracy and replaced presidential rule with a restored parliamentary system.
Over the years, she faced corruption cases that she claimed were politically motivated. Bangladesh's Supreme Court acquitted her of the last
of those in January, which would have freed her to run in the country's next election in February.
The 80-year-old had advanced cirrhosis of the liver, arthritis, diabetes and chest and heart problems according to her doctors. She had returned to
Bangladesh in May after undergoing medical treatment in the United Kingdom.
Despite years of ill health, Zia had promised to campaign in the upcoming election in which her Bangladesh Nationalist Party is expected to perform
well.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SOARES: That was Hanako Montgomery there.
Well, it's the final moments of trade on Wall Street, and stocks are lower. Show you the numbers. The Dow has been in the red for most on the day -- of
the day, on the penultimate trading day of the year. Pretty flat at this stage.
And this is our "Business Breakout".
Colombia's president says he expects to receive insults after business leaders criticize his plan to raise the minimum age by more than 20
percent. Gustavo Petro says the move is to reduce inequality. One business group, called the plan irresponsible and said it would hurt the Colombian
economy.
It's the end of an era in Denmark, the country's state run postal service will deliver its last ever letter today. That makes Denmark the first
country in the world to decide that physical mail is no longer needed. Parcels will still be delivered, but after Tuesday, any letters will have
to be delivered by private courier.
And Beyonce is now a billionaire, that is according to Forbes. The milestone for the megastar comes after her record breaking 2023 world tour
brought in nearly $600 million. His success continued with her Grammy- winning album "Cowboy Carter".
So how's this for a supergroup now that Queen Bey is a billionaire? She joins the ranks of Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna and Jay-Z, who
also happens, of course, to be her husband. What a list. In addition to her musical accomplishments, Beyonce also has a clothing line, a haircare line
and a whiskey brand. Isn't it great just to see three women there on that list?
Joining me now is our entertainment journalist, Segun Oduolowu.
Thank you very much, Segun. Great to see you again.
Look, I was surprised because I thought she was already a billionaire, my friend. She has dominated the music scene for so long, right? What do you
think -- right? Why -- what made her profitable? What's changed?
SEGUN ODUOLOWU, ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST: Well, what's changed is that she's brought everything under her own umbrella. She controls everything,
Isa, and she does it at the highest of levels. So, the tour that you mentioned, her world tour that grossed $600 million, that's all in-house.
She is her own marketing agency. Her separate deals of doing the halftime show at the Netflix Christmas, they paid her around $40 million or $50
million for that. She has different brand deals with other places.
So Beyonce is an entity all to herself now with Jay-Z, they are the ultimate billionaire power couple. And you said it, three women, according
to Forbes, are at the billionaire musician list, Taylor Swift, Rihanna and now Beyonce.
SOARES: And Cowboy Carter was really like the big -- one of the biggest cash cows for her, right? It was also met with critical acclaim, but I was
speaking to my producer about the ticket prices were considered quite expensive.
ODUOLOWU: Yes, ticket prices were expensive and I'm so glad that you brought that up because it really highlights what Beyonce was able to do.
Most touring artists, which is where they make their money, go from city to city to city. Beyonce was doing mini residencies, so she did nine American
cities, but in each city, she would do multiple tour dates.
So, you needed to see her in Houston or in L.A. or in this city or that city. And because the show was so big -- you know, 350 plus crew and
dancers, as well as staging jumbo jets, flying in all of the different background and a flying car, all of these different things. She was just
doing mini residency and banking money all over the world, and it all comes back to her.
And you're right, Cowboy Carter, the catalyst of all of this was a very big deal and got her the Grammys she so richly deserves.
SOARES: Yeah, I'm just going to get my producers to bring -- bring up again the graphic of the $5 billion, according to Forbes, because Beyonce,
in many ways, I think like Taylor Swift, she produced a film of her concert performance.
[15:40:11]
I think was her first solo tour in seven years. That seems to be a trend we're now starting to see, but see, but clearly banking on that front, too.
ODUOLOWU: Yeah, again, Isa, I feel like you're in my head because that's exactly what the Taylor Swifts and Beyonces are doing. Every tour has a
documentary that goes along with it. And, you know, Beyonce had done this before when she headlined Coachella and had had the -- had the concert
documentary that Netflix also paid her a nice sum of money to have on their -- on their -- on their -- on their streamer.
So, the women have been doing this at a much higher level than the men, creating these art pieces, these documentaries to go along with the tours,
to go along with the albums. Or you could just be Rihanna and have arguably the best makeup line in the business and be worth a billion. Beyonce did it
singing and managing.
SOARES: Yeah. And you know what is impressive, Segun, when you're talking about the women on top of that list? They haven't put all their eggs in one
basket, right? They're really diversified their business empire. We have successful makeup lines, closing lines, care lines. I mean, beverage
industry as well, I think. I think Beyonce has a whiskey brand potentially. I can't remember.
Just they're really diversifying here. I suppose that is the message to anyone who's coming up through the ranks.
ODUOLOWU: Absolutely. If I had more time, I would run to my closet at my liquor cabinet and get my bottle of Sir Davis Beyonce's whiskey. I have it,
I enjoy it, and yes, they are so diversified.
You have real estate. You have -- they're owning their own publishing, buying back their music, controlling where their art goes. Beyonce has been
a leader at doing this.
We see Taylor Swift doing it and realistically, these women are economies all to themselves. And I think people should realize that Beyonce's got the
best quote. When you get to a certain level, why give your money away to someone else so that they can market you, control your own destiny, and
she's been doing that since about 2013.
SOARES: Yeah, and these women are not just a seat at the table at the head of the table, critically.
Segun, as always, great to have you on the show. Happy New Year, my friend.
ODUOLOWU: Happy New Year. Good to see you as well, Isa.
SOARES: Thank you.
And still to come, New Year celebrations a live report from the huge street party in Edinburgh.
Our own Max Foster is in Scotland for Hogmanay.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[15:45:46]
SOARES: U.S. Homeland Security, the FBI say they're surging resources to Minnesota to investigate claims of widespread fraud, and it follows the
release of a YouTube video that accused Somali-run daycare centers of taking federal money without providing care, and comes just weeks after ICE
launched operations there, specifically targeting Somalis.
The probe has triggered door-to-door checks by federal agents, but critics say there is no evidence to support the allegations. Do keep in mind
investigations into possible fraud were launched before the Trump administration took office. Some Minnesota Republican lawmakers are calling
for the governor, Tim Walz, a Democrat, to resign.
CNN's law enforcement correspondent Whitney Wild takes a closer look at what's happening in Minnesota and what is taking place now.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WHITNEY WILD, CNN LAW ENFORCEMENT CORRESPONDENT: It's important to remember that the investigations into a major fraud problem here in
Minneapolis goes back at least a decade specifically about problems and frauds involving daycare, but it's so much broader than that.
There are 80 indictments within the last few years of fraud. Many of those indictments concentrated in Minneapolis areas, Somali-American community.
And this is something that local news has been reporting on for years here.
I mean, award-winning, long-running investigative series here from local reporters who have been trying to, you know, raise the alarm about a major
fraud problem here in Minneapolis.
And it was just earlier this month that prosecutors unveiled more indictments, more fraud cases here. So this is something that has been a
long-running issue in Minneapolis. Even still, it seems that it did not catch the attention at the broad scale until there was this YouTuber Nick
Shirley who came to Minneapolis and began knocking on doors here at some of these daycares, saying that he was exposing more fraud.
We've called several of these daycares one answered, several did not. We've reached out to state officials here.
Here's what the Minnesota Children Youth Commission statement says: We have questions about some of the methods that were used in the video. We do take
the concerns that that video raises about fraud very seriously.
This is a major political headache for Governor Tim Walz. It will not go away. We have been reporting on this problem plaguing Walz as a leader here
for 14 months. We have a story about these issues back in October of 2024. Our reporter Rob Kuznia putting together a very detailed long report on
this.
So when you look at the political, you know, ramifications here, this is a problem that Walz just seems to not be able to shake.
We reached out to the governor's office, and here's what he said, "The governor has worked for years to crack down on fraud and ask the state
legislature for more authority to take aggressive action. He has strengthened oversight, including launching investigations into these
specific facilities, one of which was already closed. He's hired an outside law firm to audit payments, to high-risk programs, shut down the housing
stabilization services program entirely." That was one that local reporters exposed was rife with fraud "and announced a new statewide program
integrity director and supported criminal prosecution."
This is just the latest chapter in a long-running story. We have no indication this story is anywhere close to finished.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SOARES: Whitney Wild reporting there.
And still to come, it might be one more sleep before we celebrate New Year's Eve here in London, but they do things a bit differently up in
Scotland. We'll catch up with Max, who's in Edinburgh for us tonight after this break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[15:51:53]
SOARES: Well, if you are wondering where Max is this evening, never fear, he's just getting an early start on his New Year's Eve celebrations because
that's just how he rolls. Edinburgh in Scotland has one of the world's most famous parties every year, known as Hogmanay. And ahead of CNN's New Year's
Eve special, that's where we find Max tonight.
So, Max, yesterday there were Vikings. Today, Tartan. What more have you got in store for us?
MAX FOSTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, it's getting colder by the day, but they don't seem to put anyone off, you know? Everyone's out and about. I
mean, it just goes on and on and on the Hogmanay. I don't know how you're going to get, Susie McCabe, to tomorrow night when you're hosting this huge
event.
SUSIE MCCABE, SCOTTISH COMEDIAN: Yes. It will be great. It will be great.
FOSTER: But you're going to be exhausted. I mean, there's comedy night tonight. There's music tonight. Everyone's been doing stuff today.
MCCABE: The pubs are open to 5:00 a.m.
FOSTER: Yes.
MCCABE: We can go into a barn for 5:00 a.m. We can sleep tomorrow during the day. And then we hit it again tomorrow night.
FOSTER: Tell us about tomorrow night. What everyone's going to see. We're going to be up there near the castle. I was up at the castle today looking
at the fireworks being laid out on your ancient monument.
MCCABE: Isn't it beautiful?
FOSTER: Yes.
MCCABE: It's beautiful.
So tomorrow night, we will kick off at 9:00. Come on the stage. We'll do it. I'll do a bit of a chat about general housekeeping. Then we'll have a
fireworks taster every hour up to up to midnight. We have our musicians. We have two stages.
And in between times, I'll be on and off. And then we have the big event, midnight. The countdown, the fireworks. Auld Lang Syne. Everyone's arms
linked, belting out one of the most world famous songs in raising a glass.
FOSTER: So I've been doing a lot of research on Auld Lang Syne today. A bit like Hogmanay, no one knows where it started because everyone says it
was Burns and he didn't even write the song.
MCCABE: No.
FOSTER: A lot of people don't even know what it means, but it's got this amazing vibe about it which has gone global, and you're going to be, you
know --
MCCABE: Conducting.
FOSTER: -- conducting 50,000 people. So what's the secret?
MCCABE: Look, all you have to do is tell people what they're doing, make sure there's some words on the screen for the people that don't know.
FOSTER: Hold hands.
MCCABE: Hold hands, cross hands. Put your arm around the person next to you and belt out your heart and you'll be friends. And that's you made a
friend for that evening.
FOSTER: Scotland's never struck me as a touchy feely place, but you come to Hogmanay and everyone is hugging and holding hands with you.
MCCABE: Very tactile.
FOSTER: Yes.
MCCABE: Very tight. Once we're not by nature a touchy feely country, but once --
FOSTER: Just one day.
MCCABE: -- we've got a couple of drinks in it, everybody's welcome.
FOSTER: And just briefly, you were explaining that it became such a big thing in new year because you never got Christmas off.
MCCABE: Yeah, Christmas wasn't a public holiday until 1958, so New Year was always the big thing where men and women would get together in a house,
a lump of coal so that you're warm, a bottle of whiskey, sit down, have a drink and a plate of stewed steak.
FOSTER: I think I won, Isa. You're in London. I'm in the home of New Year tomorrow. But you still have the costumes --
SOARES: I do -- I do -- well, I have the costumes, but there's also the element of the cold weather, so I'm not sure whether I've won on this
instance at all.
[15:55:07]
FOSTER: Yeah.
SOARES: But thank you to Susie. She says she's going to raise a glass, glass of what I want to know.
FOSTER: Yeah. What are you going to be raising when you say raising a glass?
MCCABE: Whiskey.
FOSTER: Predictable.
SOARES: So Scottish. Well, we can't wait. We can't wait. Thank you to Susie. Best of luck.
Can't wait to see you in your kilt. Max, this is going to be quite something for all the viewers. Max and Susie, thank you to you both.
So, the countdown is on until 2026. Join us for New Year's Eve right around the world as we bring you celebrations from across the globe. The party
starts December 31st at 8 p.m. in Hong Kong, 11:00 in Sydney, and noon in London.
Do watch us. We'd be very cold, but we'll be so happy to celebrate with you. I'm Isa Soares. This is WHAT WE KNOW.
Do stay right here with CNN. We have much more after a very short break.
END
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