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What We Know with Max Foster

Trump Kicks Off July 4 Weekend With Mount Rushmore Visit; Philadelphia Cancels Parade Amid Dangerous Heat; U.S. Officials: U.S. Indirectly Warned Iran Of Fears That Israel Would Assassinate Mediators At Peace Talks; Cars Arriving At MSG Ahead Of Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce's Wedding; Pope Leo To Visit Migration Hot Spot In Italy This Weekend. Aired 3-4p ET

Aired July 03, 2026 - 15:00   ET

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

[15:00:33]

MAX FOSTER, CNN HOST: The United States gears up for a sweltering celebration.

This is WHAT WE KNOW.

So this weekend, the United States is celebrating 250 years of being a nation. And President Donald Trump is kicking it off with a visit to the

iconic Mount Rushmore, delivering an address today while standing under the gaze of four revered American presidents -- Washington, Jefferson, Teddy

Roosevelt, and Lincoln.

Mrs. Trump has often talked about wanting to put his own face up there on Mount Rushmore. Tomorrow, on July the 4th, the celebration will return to

Washington, though at the National Mall, Mr. Trump says the fireworks show there will be the biggest the world has ever seen. Attendance so far has

been sparse, in part because of a dangerous heat wave lingering over the entire East Coast.

I want to bring in Alayna Treene.

Why do you think he's -- I mean, it's just this context, isn't it? It's not unusual for a president in a moment like this to go to Mount Rushmore

perhaps. But in the context of Donald Trump actually wanting his face up there, he's talked about, do you think this is part of today?

ALAYNA TREENE, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, that's what I'll be watching for, at least, Max.

Look, I mean, it's so Trump to have said, and I would note he's actually mused about this even going back to his first term, this idea of wanting to

have his own likeness added to Mount Rushmore. Of course, it has for other presidents up there, some of the earliest presidents, really, of the United

States history.

But Trump has joked about it. I'd actually remind our viewers that during his first term, he had a meeting with then South Dakota Governor Kristi

Noem. Of course, she was later nominated to be the president's homeland security secretary during his second term, but he had joked with her then

that his dream to have his face on the mountain. And she had said in an interview when recounting this that she was like, all right, we'll go.

Well, I guess we'll have to find you a mountain then.

So it's hard to know how serious the president is about actually wanting to do that. But I am sure you will hear him mention it in some sort of form

when talking to reporters, or perhaps even during his speech tonight in South Dakota at Mount Rushmore.

To your question of why, this is something he talks about, why he's deciding to make this journey there, to serve as the kickoff for all of the

big events that this administration has been planning to highlight America's seminal 250th anniversary and independence weekend overall, I

think a lot of this goes to show he likes the pomp and circumstance. He likes to go to these symbolic places for these types of moments, and all of

that plays into, of course, how much President Trump, even more now than ever, definitely more during in his second term than during his first term,

is so focused on his legacy and what he thinks are going to be legacy building moments.

I think that's also why, of course, he likes to joke about having his face on Mount Rushmore, just like all of the different things he's doing to try

and reshape Washington, D.C., in his own image as well. To give you a little sense of what we can expect, though, from his remarks and this visit

today, the speech is going to be very late. It's around 8:30 p.m. mountain time in South Dakota. That's 10:30 here on the East Coast.

But there's going to be fireworks. There's going to be flyovers. And we're told the president is really expected to talk about, Max, how he believes

America is the greatest country on earth. He'll talk about the history of this country. And of course, he'll likely go into how he believes he is

making America better than it has been trying to tout some of his policies.

I say all of this with the caveat that this is President Donald Trump we're speaking about. He likes to go off teleprompter. He likes to riff. So who

knows what direction this speech will actually take.

And then I do want to turn to tomorrow because that's going to be another big event. The president has worked closely with Freedom 250. You know, a

lot of his allies have been part of this organization putting on a lot of the events we're seeing be carried out here across the National Mall and in

D.C.

As you mentioned, the Freedom 250 said their finale tomorrow is going to be what they argue will be the biggest fireworks demonstration in all of U.S.

history. They said there will be 850,000 fireworks shells that they will be sending off.

So we'll be watching for that. I also think, you know, we're going to hear again from the president. He said he's going to come out and give a lengthy

speech. We'll see if that's actually the case in this scorching, scorching heat. What I am currently suffering at the moment, Max.

You're also going to see other flyovers. We actually got a preview of it today when some of them were rehearsing. There's going to be people

parachuting out of planes.

[15:05:02]

You're going to see Air Force One, the new luxury jet that was gifted from Qatar to the Pentagon, that's going to be flying over the National Mall.

So a lot of this really is leaning in to the pomp and circumstance that President Donald Trump loves so much.

FOSTER: Alayna Treene, thank you so much. We'll see who turns up.

Now, it is shaping up to be a scorcher, of course, Independence Day, across the eastern U.S., more than 160 million people are facing heat warnings

right now, and things could get worse as people head outside to watch fireworks and barbecue on the Fourth of July, heat records were toppled in

Boston on Thursday, and power outages around New York mean no AC for thousands of people in Washington.

The Great American State Fair was temporarily closed and will reopen about two hours from now. The mercury is hovering around 100 Fahrenheit or 38

degree Celsius, and in Philadelphia, the city's parade has actually been canceled as the temperature hit 103 Fahrenheit there today.

CNN's Danny Freeman is in Philadelphia trying to stay cool in this very hot weather.

People want to party, don't they? They want to be outside. But there's a big risk today.

DANNY FREEMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yeah, there is a big risk, Max. You put your finger right on it. But we are still trying to party. That's the

amazing thing about Philadelphia. Of course, the nation's birthplace.

A lot of people are here to celebrate the 250th anniversary. That's going to be tomorrow. They come here to see sights like what we have over my

shoulder, this shoulder Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was approved and signed 250 years ago.

But the heat has been oppressive. The big headline that came today was, we were going to have a massive parade all throughout the city. It was going

to come right behind me. That featured people from all over the country that ultimately did have to get canceled because of that extreme heat. So

sad for so many. I saw some of the floats earlier that were ready to go, but again, the heat just too intense.

You know, I'll tell you though, Max, it was interesting. The folks here though, at the tourism board and the folks who've been putting on the

parade because remember, people came in from out of town to participate, to dance, to play music. They started to do these red, white and blue to do

patriot pop ups, which basically we've been watching it and you can hear some of it here.

People have just come out on the lawn here. They're not marching in a parade, but they're still performing like they would have during the

parade. So we're trying to keep the spirit alive here. But Max, it's been intense.

There was a concert last night also that Queen Latifah was going to perform at. That was going to be right here. They had to call that off because the

heat on the stage alone was getting to a feels like of 117 degrees, incredibly, incredibly warm.

The big thing, though, that we're all looking forward to Max tomorrow on the Ben Franklin Parkway, right, where for our viewers, the Rocky steps

are, there's supposed to be a massive concert. The city urging precaution. They're putting up hydration and water stations all over that area. But

we're still all waiting and watching to see if that event needs to change, because this heat is not going anywhere anytime soon.

And, Max, I'll tell you, I'm using my tissues to dab and the smallest of fans to try and -- to try and give any relief out here because it's hot --

Max.

FOSTER: It is a small fan. I'm sure we'll get you a bigger one later.

Danny, thank you so much.

Now to extraordinary warnings about a potential assassination plot. Two U.S. officials telling CNN the U.S. believed Israel might assassinate

Iranian negotiators during peace talks this spring, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Now, the officials say the U.S. warned Iran, through intermediaries. Israel's defense minister has publicly said the IDF was authorized to kill

senior Iranian figures. Iran has begun week-long funeral ceremonies, meanwhile, for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint U.S.

Israeli strike earlier this year.

Millions of mourners are expected to attend commemorations spanning five cities in both Iran and Iraq. Foreign dignitaries are paying respects as

the ayatollah's body lies in state. The commemorations are meant to highlight the regime's survival in the face of war.

Our Fred Pleitgen is in Tehran.

CNN operates there in Iran only with the permission of the government. But we maintain full editorial control of our reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FREDERIK PLEITGEN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): As the U.S. and Israel launched their war on Iran in late February, one of the

first targeted assassinations, Iran's longtime Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed along with several family members in a massive air strike.

More than four months later, Iran is getting ready to hold possibly the largest funeral events in this country's history.

PLEITGEN: Final preparations are underway here at the gigantic Mosalla complex in central Tehran, and security in the city is extremely tight as

millions of people are set to show up and pay their final respects.

[15:10:00]

PLEITGEN (voice-over): Tehran is plastered with images of the late supreme leader posters, billboards and even statues on buildings and in public

squares, many vowing revenge against the U.S. and Israel for the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

"We don't trust the U.S. for any type of negotiations," this woman says. "Trump is the most bloodthirsty enemy in all the world.

And she says it is our message from here to all the world that all people should stand up, everyone should rise and give the slogan of "Death to the

oppressors, death to America."

This man says, "We do not expect peace from the enemy. Our experience has proven this to us."

After the U.S. and Israel killed the supreme leader and parts of Iran's political and military leadership, Tehran regrouped quickly, naming

Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei as the new supreme leader who still has not been seen in public since taking the reins and only communicates by

written statements.

Iran also launching powerful missile and drone strikes and effectively shutting down the Strait of Hormuz.

With a shaky ceasefire holding for now, Iran's political and military leaders were some of the first to pay their final respects at the coffins

lying in state, including the president, foreign minister and chief negotiator. Among the caskets, a tiny one containing the remains of

Ayatollah Khamenei's granddaughter.

"Without a doubt, this martyrdom has strengthened our resolve," this Revolutionary Guard general says. "Today, with even greater determination,

we address the enemies of the Iranian nation, the United States and the Israeli regime," and say, "We will hold them accountable for the blood of

our martyred leader and all of our martyrs."

Vows of retribution even as both sides negotiators aim to achieve a peace agreement looking to end the decades-long standoff between the U.S. and

Iran.

Fred Pleitgen, CNN, Tehran.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FOSTER: International police have now named the man -- the main, rather, suspect in Monday's bomb attack on a Ukrainian tycoon in Monaco.

Authorities believe they're now looking for a woman who had been disguised as a man, prosecutors say. After the attack, she fled to France, then drove

to Italy. The explosion wounded a Ukrainian businessman in a residential building, as well as a woman and a child who were with him.

Nick Paton Walsh has more on these new details

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

NICK PATON WALSH, CNN CHIEF INTERNATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT (voice- over): An extraordinary twist in the tale of a bombing of a millionaire in a place of luxury, where absolutely none of this is meant to happen.

Monaco's prosecutors announced today they were seeking this woman, Anastasia Berezovska, aged 39, Ukrainian but resident in Germany as prime

suspect in the bombing of this Monaco residential building where this man, Ukrainian millionaire Vadym Yermolaiev, and a woman and child were

critically injured by a bomb hidden in a shopping bag.

It all comes down to this individual caught on CCTV, prosecutors said. They twice scouted the scene with the shopping bag that carried the bomb, both

two and three days before the bombing. But on the day before they didn't, and instead the exact same route was walked bag in tow by this woman.

MORGAN RAYMOND, DEPUTY MONACO PROSECUTOR (through translator): It was then noted that on June 28th, 2026, the only day for which no observations had

been made by the individual wearing the baseball cap, a woman followed the same route around the site of the explosion. Her route was the same as that

of the individual wearing the baseball cap, and her behavior was similar when she was near the site of the explosion. This led to the conclusion

that this woman, who had dark brown hair, was heavyset and had a prominent tattoo on her right arm, might be the same person who had planted the

explosive device.

WALSH (voice-over): The rest was easier. In a place where there is a police officer for every 70 residents, there's not much other crime to solve, and

a third of the residents are millionaires. Her rental car traced back to Germany, where she lived, and an Interpol red notice issued.

The why is still an issue. Why, Yermolaiev? Why the half sophistication? A homemade remote controlled bomb and a suspect who got themselves filmed on

scene. Resident in Monaco about five years Yermolaiev had no obvious links to the war in Ukraine.

This apparent failed hit rattling a place sought for the luxury and tranquility that beams off the waters around it.

Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, London.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FOSTER: Just call it her wedding era.

Still to come tonight, we'll have a preview of what to expect or what we expect is Taylor Swift's wedding later tonight. We're live for you in New

York.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[15:18:07]

FOSTER: It is Taylor Swift's wedding era in New York. Sources telling CNN she's tying the knot with football player Travis Kelce later tonight. These

are live pictures outside Madison Square Garden because no one's getting in apart from the guests. Fleet of black SUVs, though, are pulling in, as you

can see. Could they be guests?

Police arrived at the arena a few hours ago. It's believed the cocktail hour, wedding and reception will all start in just about 90 minutes. This

could be the biggest celebrity wedding of all time. The only public weddings that rival this for interests and scale would be royal weddings, I

guess here in England. Which is why some Swifties are calling this America's royal wedding.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SMITTY KOVACH, TAYLOR SWIFT FAN: I mean, this is like an all timer wedding. I mean, this is like the American royal wedding. We've all seen her love

stories over the years and really rooted for some over others. And we're really happy that that she found her forever.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FOSTER: So what we want to know is this. America's royal wedding.

Joining me now, Sandro Monetti, editor in chief of Hollywood International Film Magazine and a royal watcher as well.

I mean, the expert to ask -- I mean, you remember -- I mean, you think back to Kate and William's wedding. Diana's wedding. Is there a similar vibe in

America?

SANDRO MONETTI, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, HOLLYWOOD INTERNATIONAL FILM MAGAZINE: What better way for America to celebrate its 250th birthday with its own

queen getting married? Yes. Because Taylor Swift is the monarch of music. So, therefore, of course, it is a royal wedding.

It has the security. It has the pomp and pageantry. It's also the World Cup of weddings, people flying in from around the world to see these superstars

in action. Max, I've got wedding fever now.

FOSTER: Yes, of course. And I'm sure you saw this as well. You saw a moment where, Travis Kelce actually consulted an actual royal, this dropped today,

didn't it? On his interview with Prince William. So -- I mean, the parallels here are something else.

Here's a clip though.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JASON KELCE, PODCAST HOST: The Duke of Cambridge, the Duke of Cornwall, the Lord of the Isles, Prince of Great Steward of Scotland, Earl of Chester and

the Prince of Wales. Please welcome His Royal Highness Prince William.

PRINCE WILLIAM, GREAT BRITAIN: That is quite an intro, guys. Amazing.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FOSTER: Well, Sandro, we do like the royals to be have their proper titles. So I think that they met all the etiquette demands there, right?

MONETTI: William has seen it all in his life, until now, he's never had an intro like that. Well done, Jason and Travis. Yes he appeared on the "New

Heights" podcast, which is great. It's kind of like a royal endorsement, I suppose, for this royal wedding.

And I've just been listening to it. He said some interesting things. He was confirming that he would be coming to America himself if England get to the

World Cup final. Fingers crossed.

And he also admitted that his father, King Charles, hates football and has no interest at all, and I say football, of course, soccer as it's known in

America, Prince William, the patron of the Football Association, and, also a big fan. He met Taylor and Travis. He took the family to the Eras Tour,

when it was in London. And, yeah, that's another bit of the wonderful sort of showbiz and modern media surrounding this wedding, a surprise royal

guest on the groom's podcast. Amazing. What a day for celebrity watchers.

FOSTER: I know, I guess, you know, we would know by now if Prince William was going to the actual wedding. But I remember years ago, I interviewed

Taylor Swift at Kensington Palace. She was appearing at one of his charity events.

They've been in touch over the years, and there is a -- I think that does sort of create this parallel to royalty with Taylor Swift, right? Because

she does in many ways, conduct herself like a royal, doesn't she, in terms of a public profile. And I'm not talking necessarily visually in style, but

you saw William actually moving into that style, but she does have many of the hallmarks of a -- of the way a royal would handle their long term

career. Don't you think?

MONETTI: Including support of charities, her and Travis donating millions to charities ahead of this wedding as well. You mentioned that event in

London. That was in 2013. So, yes, friends in high places.

But yes, I was quite serious when I said she is the queen of America, certainly the queen of American showbiz. And I would also suggest one of

the best business people in the world as well.

Now, my theory behind all this, no cameras is because this is going to be turned into a film or a reality series, and they don't want any clips

getting out there early. Look how Taylor Swift was able to turn her Eras concert into a successful movie and spin off TV show, and I think that all

these sort of, incredibly secret wedding images will be out there for all of us to see.

My only regret, Max, is that it's not on pay per view, because I certainly would have paid $200 to watch this wedding as it unfolds over the next few

hours, wouldn't you? Maybe not.

FOSTER: Are you? Well? Well, I don't know, I kind of I wonder if it how, you know, Americans would feel about that because it's meant to be a

private moment, but they desperately want to see it as well.

But I'm just wondering, you know, how on earth they managed to keep all the details, you know, got 1,000 guests. I can't imagine how many members of

staff involved here. You've been involved in these events before. Are you just amazed that no little detail effectively is leaked?

MONETTI: It's incredible. It shows the power that surrounds Taylor Swift and also the fear of disappointing her. That out of a thousand guests,

nobody has blabbed. And again, with all the security and support staff around this, it's an incredible operation of secrecy and so much spectacle

to look forward to.

I love the reports that a fairy tale castle is being built inside Madison Square Garden. I'm hoping that, you know, that, you know, Taylor Swift, you

know, will sing, one of her classic songs, to Travis on stage, maybe "You Belong with Me". We'll see. It's a love story.

So much to look forward to over the next few hours. And my hope is that the public at large, the fans and Swifties get to see it and maybe, they donate

some of the proceeds of that film, TV series or whatever to charities.

This is America's royal family. God bless them. God save them. And, can't wait. What a day, what a moment and what a -- we're so lucky to be alive at

this moment in showbiz history.

Happy birthday, America! Enjoy the wedding.

FOSTER: Yeah. People sometimes forget, I guess, that it's America's birthday today. Focus on this wedding.

Sandro, appreciate it, as ever.

Let's check in, though, with the person who actually does know what few facts there are about this event -- Elizabeth Wagmeister in New York,

outside Madison Square Garden.

Have you got any intel, Elizabeth? Has anything leaked?

ELIZABETH WAGMEISTER, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: Well, look, they have really kept this top secret, as you see behind me. Seventh Avenue is

completely closed off. So much more security now than we are seeing from yesterday with the rehearsal dinner.

But I'm going to step out of frame for a second, because I want you to see the first cars. The first guests are arriving as we speak. If you look

behind me to the left, you can see that there is a steady stream of black SUVs coming by. Now, unfortunately, the windows are tinted, so we cannot

see in. And they have an elaborate very covert security plan here, which is once these cars take a right turn behind me into Madison Square Garden

again, that street 31st closed off as well, and the cars drive under a tent so you will never see who is coming in or out of the cars.

But look, after a ton of speculation and quite frankly, fans not believing that the wedding would actually happen at Madison Square Garden, it is

happening. The guests are arriving. The cocktail hour is set to begin in roughly an hour, and then our sources tell us that CNN that around 5:30

p.m. is when the real wedding is set to begin, and that will be on the arena floor at Madison Square Garden.

Of course, everything will be transformed. It will not look anything like the Madison Square Garden that you go to for a Knicks game. Say there will

be a ton of draping and lighting to conceal Madison Square Garden, so it feels like you're being transported into another world.

In fact, just earlier today, I interviewed a luxury wedding planner who is not affiliated with this wedding. But she told me the price tag on this

wedding could be anywhere from $25 million, to get this, $100 million. That, of course, to transform MSG, and for this huge security presence.

FOSTER: But she's all about her fans, isn't she? And they're desperate to see something.

Do you think she'll share anything or make any sort of appearance? You know, after this, you know, very obviously personal part of the day is

over.

WAGMEISTER: I think that eventually she will. And you are right. Taylor has a quite sacred relationship with her fans. And I have to tell you that her

fans, if you look at what they're all saying, they're saying we want her to be able to have her private day, which is a bit ironic at this very public

venue. But Madison Square Garden makes all the sense in the world when it comes to security. Taylor is one of the most famous, most recognizable

people on this planet. This is a venue that you can keep secure.

So her fans, they want her to be safe, of course, but they also want her to enjoy her wedding day. But I think that Taylor, on her own timeline,

whether that's tomorrow, whether it's in a week or a month, she will probably release some photos. And look, I have to tell you, I spotted a

sign at the entrance at Madison Square Garden that is essentially a filming release.

What that means is that any guest who walks in through there has given away the rights for their name, image and likeness to be used for something. Now

we don't know what that's for, but it means Taylor could be making a documentary about her wedding. She could be filming something for a music

video, or perhaps it's just for her own personal footage to hold on to that.

But I think you are absolutely right. Eventually, when Taylor is ready, she will share something with her fans who really have been along with her on

this journey, with the ups and downs and the trials and tribulations and a ton of heartache on the road to finally meet. I hate to give a pun, but her

love story, this fairytale ending with Travis Kelce.

FOSTER: Well, considering our previous interview, I think it is a fairy tale.

Elizabeth, appreciate it. Thank you.

Still to come, U.S. President Donald Trump heading to Mount Rushmore later today. What are we doing there?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

FOSTER: U.S. President Donald Trump is traveling to the state of South Dakota today to deliver a speech at Mount Rushmore. Now that's the gigantic

stone carved tribute to four of America's most famous presidents -- Washington, Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt, and Lincoln. Mr. Trump has often

mused about adding his own face to that national monument alongside theirs, a bill aimed to do that is currently stalled, but experts say, adding a

fifth face to the mountain is not structurally possible anyway.

During today's visit, the president is expected to take part in a flyover and watch fireworks as well. Earlier this week, Mr. Trump addressed the

nation's 250th birthday whilst visiting neighboring North Dakota. In his remarks, he celebrated American heroism, all while slamming his political

opponents as a, quote, "group of losers".

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: As we enter the 250th year, Americans must never forget, we are a historic and heroic people with a

heroic spirit and a heroic purpose. And in this world, we are a very special group. American courage won our independence. It liberated millions

and millions from slavery, rescued millions from tyranny, and sustained American liberty for two and a half centuries.

And we're not going to lose it to this group of losers. Can you imagine? Have you seen these people? Have you? Have you seen these people?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FOSTER: Well, a different and more unifying vision from New York mayor meanwhile, Mamdani -- Mayor Mamdani earlier today. Now, in a speech

considered something of a prebuttal to President Trump's July 4th address to the nation, Mamdani called on all Americans to come together to fulfill

the values of the Founding Fathers.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MAYOR ZOHRAN MAMDANI (D), NEW YORK: We are told that America is exceptional because we are richer, stronger, more powerful than everyone else. The

truth, my friends, is that America is exceptional because here nothing is fixed into place. The frontier may be closed. We may have walked on the

moon, but the work of fulfilling the values first enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, that work endures and it belongs to us all.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FOSTER: Well, what we don't know is whose vision of America will resonate on the country's 250th birthday?

Joining me now is Jeremi Suri, history professor at the University of Texas in Austin. Thank you so much for joining us, professor.

I want to first go to Mount Rushmore.

JEREMI SURI, PROFESSOR OF HISTORY, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN: My pleasure.

FOSTER: If the president does again suggest that his face should be up there, what would be your response?

SURI: I think it's unlikely that would happen. And it's a kind of cartoonish thing for him to say. This is a monument that was constructed on

the 150th anniversary of the country to revere four great presidents who were long dead. That's been our tradition. It's the tradition in most

societies to revere people long after they have passed, when we can see their legacies and we can think through in a nonpartisan way, how they've

influenced the country,

To build a monument like that to someone who's alive, that sounds more like a caricature than it sounds like a serious historical argument.

FOSTER: I gather, you know, there's going to be, you know, it's a legal process as well, isn't it? Just explain for people around the world how

fundamental this monument is to the national identity

SURI: Well, so it is federal property and it is managed ultimately by the U.S. Congress. The president of the United States is not a king. He does

not own property in the United States because he's president, and he does not get to dictate what happens on that property. This is a national

monument, and it would require Congress both to authorize any work on it and then to fund that work. We don't allow private individuals to fund

things on federal property either.

So again, this is a cartoonish claim. It's sort of like the president saying that he deserves ten Nobel prizes. And I don't know, intergalactic

awards of other kinds. Some Americans will find this offensive because this is a kind of sacred ground. And we don't talk about it this way.

So I don't see anything he gains other than serving his own ego at that moment in making these kinds of comments.

FOSTER: What do you make of Mamdani moment today? It just -- the way he presented himself behind the desk. Even if we're just talking visuals, was

interesting, wasn't it? The way he was clearly projecting a sort of presidential tone, which, when you compare to Donald Trump's recent

address, you know, that rally there very different, you know, he's presenting something here, the mayor. Don't you think?

SURI: I think so very much. We are experiencing now you can see this in all polls, a widespread public disillusionment, anger, rejection of the

behavior and antics and language of Donald Trump, who is, more a clown than a president. And what we expect from someone in that office.

This is even true among Republican and independent voters, for the most part. And so Mamdani is trying to offer an alternative, just as Trump

offered an alternative to Joe Biden, who was seen as out of touch, Mamdani is trying to offer, as are other Democrats and even some Republicans, an

alternative image of someone who is stable, someone who is focused, someone who is serious, someone who is more of a traditional leader, not a cartoon

figure.

And, and I think that is what a lot of Americans are looking for, particularly on a day when we solemnly think through 250 years of our

history and a document that redefined democracy not just for us, but for the world. These are big, serious issues, and we need big, serious adults

to talk about this. And Mamdani is at least trying to project himself not as a progressive street fighter, but as a serious thinker and a serious

leader.

FOSTER: He was also talking about American values. Wasn't he saying that they are something we're all responsible for? I say we I'm not an American,

but all Americans are responsible for. Whereas many of President Trump's speeches I mean, he's -- he's saying something about President Trump now,

right? That he thinks that President Trump thinks that he -- it's his values, that the nation should represent?

SURI: Right, right. I think there are two things in your excellent question that need to be said. I mean, first of all, these kinds of speeches at

moments of celebration of our history are usually speeches designed to unify people, to bring people together. There are no losers.

We're all Americans, even like you people who are not actually Americans. You get included as well. And so these are unifying moments.

And Donald Trump has actually made these into polarizing moments. Look at the number of people who are uncomfortable with the celebration. It should

bring everyone together. So that's one point that Mayor Mamdani was making about unity, very traditional point.

And then the second point about values, just as you said, no one owns these values. They are larger than any individual. That's what makes the

Declaration so significant. It says these rights were endowed by our creator, the king of England, George III, or any president can take them

away.

They belong to us. And it's our job to defend them, not to defend an individual. And so that's -- that's a vector that Mayor Mamdani is shooting

not just at Donald Trump, but at all of his defenders, all of his kiss ups, all of the people who have been unwilling to challenge some of the crazy

things he's doing.

They are -- they are, in a sense, Mamdani is saying not fulfilling their duty. They are negligent in their duty to defend these values that are

larger than any individual.

FOSTER: Jeremi Suri, really appreciate your thoughts today ahead of the birthday.

SURI: Thank you. Thank you.

FOSTER: Happy birthday.

Now, now turning on Wall Street because of the long holiday weekend in the U.S. Stock markets in Europe all finished higher with the Xetra Dax in

Frankfurt seeing the best gains.

This is our Business Breakout.

Commercial activity in the state of Hormuz is recovering, according to data from one consultancy. Morris says 335 ships traveled through the Strait

last week. That compares to about 100 commercial transits a day before the start of the war.

The European Commission is proposing new defense projects that could be worth more than $200 billion. Countries will work together on strengthening

their military systems. The plan includes projects on missile defense and drones, some of which will also involve Ukraine.

Tesla shares in Europe have come back in a big way. Sales were up 77 percent during the first five months of the year, according to European

data. This comes after sales dropped 38 percent last year as Tesla chief executive Elon Musk faced a major political backlash here in Europe.

Anna Stewart joins me now.

This is an extraordinary turnaround. How do you explain it?

ANNA STEWART, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yeah. This is the sales figure. We actually get the full earnings with net profit and everything later in the

month. But this was a huge amount, particularly in Europe, 77 percent. A few reasons why.

First of all, look at oil prices. They've been very high due to geopolitics. That makes EVs just more attractive across the board. We've

certainly seen some of that in Europe. Germany, which is the EU's biggest economy, has a new EV incentive program. So that's fed into it.

But perhaps the biggest reason could be just the reputational issue around Elon Musk. Last year, we reported on this extensively. There was a feeling

that lots of Europeans simply didn't want to buy a Tesla because Elon Musk was both making a foray in politics in the White House, but also being very

vocal about European politics, particularly with elections, with sort of far right parties and fringe parties in Europe.

And lots of people decided they just simply didn't want to buy a car then, perhaps now Elon Musk has taken a back seat, as it were, in politics.

Perhaps it means that people are more interested in buying it. There were also some strong sales in China, actually, which was another market that

Tesla struggled with last year. Very challenging market. Lots of domestic carmakers, a bit of a price war going on.

Essentially what we have here, I think Max, is Tesla kind of swimming upstream a little bit like a salmon against some really difficult market

conditions, really hard currents there.

FOSTER: Yeah. Fascinating.

Can I also ask you what Tesla is these days? I mean, it's not just a car company, is it? So people sometimes get a bit confused about the sales

figures because it's not specifically about electric cars. Always.

STEWART: I know because at the moment, we focus on all the car figures, but Tesla is so much more than a carmaker right now. Yes, selling cars is

currently paying the bills for Tesla, but if you look at what they are spending their money on this year and it is $25 billion earmarked in terms

of investment, they are looking to advance making semiconductors.

They are increasingly making more and more batteries and energy storage. They are getting into supercomputing. They are working on their A.I. All

this to drive self-driving taxi technology. Also, Optimus, the humanoid robots they are developing.

It is so much more than a car company in many ways. Again, and we say this a lot, it is more of an A.I. company, a software company.

And final point, JP Morgan expects the revenue for Tesla to more than double by 2030. And you know what? I don't think that is on the cards.

[15:45:04]

We're actually we're seeing profit margins increasingly squeezed.

FOSTER: Okay. Alice Stewart, thank you so much.

Still to come, Pope Leo urges the U.S. to live up to the ideals in its Declaration of Independence, as he accepts the Liberty Medal.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[15:48:27]

FOSTER: Pope Leo reminding the U.S. of its history of welcoming immigrants on the eve of the nation's 250th birthday, the first U.S. born pope

delivered a virtual address from the Vatican as he was honored with the Liberty Medal from the National Constitution Center. The pope received the

medal in person at a private ceremony in April. He heads to the Italian island of Lampedusa on Saturday, one of Europe's biggest migration

hotspots.

Our Christopher Lamb is there

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CHRISTOPHER LAMB, CNN VATICAN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): On a landmark Independence Day for America, Pope Leo, the first U.S. born pontiff, is not

taking part in big celebrations. Instead, he is traveling to Lampedusa, the front line of the Mediterranean migration crisis, where thousands arrive

each year and many never survive the often perilous journey.

While on the southern Italian island, the pope will meet migrants, celebrate mass and lay a wreath for those who died at sea.

DON CARMELO RIZZO, PARISH PRIEST, LAMPEDUSA (through translator): migrants disembark, we make simple evangelical gestures. Sometimes we give a glass

of water, sometimes we give a smile. We ask for their name, a few words of encouragement, and these sometimes seem like insignificant gestures. But

they are the gestures that give dignity to the person who, perhaps when they arrive, see so many military uniforms.

LAMB (voice-over): Supporting migrants is a top priority for Leo's papacy and a point of tension with the Trump administration. Leo has criticized

the immigration crackdown in the U.S., calling it, quote, "inhuman".

And this week, Vice President J.D. Vance called the Vatican's stance troubling.

[15:50:03]

LAMB: For many arriving here, the first help comes from the Red Cross. This crossing is one of the most deadly in the world, with more than 32,000

people either lost or missing over the last decade.

ROSARIO VALASTRO, PRESIDENT, ITALIAN RED CROSS: We don't know actually how many people died in the in the Mediterranean Sea and how many died during

the old route from Africa to Europe. And I think that it's quite something to be ashamed to consider the lives of the people like numbers.

LAMB (voice-over): Church leaders say the pope's message reflects the history of America and highlights the contribution of new arrivals.

RONALD HICKS, ARCHBISHOP OF NEW YORK: The United States has always been a country of immigrants. Everyone has come from somewhere.

LAMB (voice-over): Leo is also following in his predecessor's footsteps, with Pope Francis making an emotional, high profile visit to Lampedusa more

than a decade ago.

The Chicago born pontiff wants the church to work on the front lines of the crisis, like this parish on the island. In recent months, Leo has shown a

willingness to speak out even in the face of criticism.

CARDINAL BLASE CUPICH, ARCHBISHOP OF CHICAGO: He said before. He's not going to be afraid of opposition. He's going to do what he's called to do

in his ministry.

LAMB (voice-over): As the U.S. celebrates its 250th anniversary, the pope's July 4th message comes from a place where people often arrive, having

risked everything in the hope of a better future.

Christopher Lamb, CNN, Lampedusa.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FOSTER: Still to come, the darlings of the World Cup, Cape Verde, find themselves playing a powerhouse in the round of 32.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

FOSTER: Let's check in on the round of 32 of the men's World Cup. Egypt and Australia are in action right now and could be headed for extra time as

well. Looking pretty close, the score is one all as we reach the end of normal time, an own goal leveled the game actually for Australia after

Egypt had taken an early lead.

Later this evening, Ghana will play Colombia. Every game this Friday features a team from Africa after nine of ten qualified African nations, in

fact, made it through to the round of 32. An amazing African tournament.

Now, the big game that everyone is watching for today could end up in one of the biggest upsets in football history. Cape Verde of Africa, the team

that has captured the attention of the football world takes on reigning men's champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi.

[15:55:14]

Cape Verde are playing at their first ever World Cup. That game kicks off in a couple of hours from now.

Finally tonight, if you feel like you've had, a. You've heard Taylor Swift's name too many times in the news these past few days, this may not

be the story for you, but of all the fans gathered outside Madison Square Garden today, perhaps the strangest is Jake Epstein.

He's livestreaming himself, saying Taylor Swift's name over and over again. 100,000 times.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JAKE EPSTEIN, YOUTUBE STREAMER: So Taylor Swift, Taylor Swift, Taylor Swift, Taylor Swift. Taylor Swift, Taylor Swift, Taylor Swift, Taylor

Swift, Taylor. Swift. Taylor Swift. Taylor Swift. Taylor Swift. Taylor Swift.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FOSTER: Now, he began streaming about eight hours ago. As things stand, he's not quite halfway through. He says he's doing it so Swifties have a

watch party to enjoy. As one famous singer once said, this is why we can't have nice things.

I'm Max Foster. He's still going. That's WHAT WE KNOW. Do stay with CNN.

END

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