Transcripts For CNNW CNN Newsroom 20210114

The man seen in this picture here carrying a Confederate Flag flew the halls of the capitol during last weeks riot. Hes identified as Kevin Seifried of deldelaware. Police arrest add man accused of striking a u. S. Capitol Police Officer with a fire extinguisher during the january 6th riots. The criminal complaint identifies the man as robbed sanford, a retired chester, pennsylvania, firefighters. In this sanford seen wearing a dark plaid shirt and picks una fire exting gishers, hits an officer bounces all the helmet and over other officers standing near him. There are warnings now from federal officials that extremists are more emboldened to carry out attacks after what happened at the capitol last week. All 50 states are told to be on alert for possible armed protests. One official is telling cnn the chatter is off the charts. Lets bring in cnn crime and justice correspondent Shimon Prokupecz and what more can you tell us about the warnings and fears of more violence . Reporter certainly a lot of fear and a lot of concern for what could happen because of the amount of people that are basically talking on social media about doing harm, and this is what has authorities very concerned. The head of the nypd counterterrorism division, john miller, said that the temperature is high right now, but they do think that because of what theyre doing, Law Enforcement across the country, rounding up some of these individuals, making arrests, is helping to bring some of the temperature down. Hes saying they have never seen anything like this before. The level of threat that is facing this country right now. I just want to show you. Were at the National Mall here, and kind of just give you perspective about some of the fencing here that has gone up all around. If you look through the reflective pool here, this is all now fenced off. This is a very big part during normal times of an inauguration. This is now all fenced off. Of course, because of the pandemic, the city, washington, d. C. , has told people to stay away. Theyre not going to allow people to congregate here. Certainly with the level of threat, thats increased and theres fencing all around here now, brianna. Supposed to get more fencing here, more security, in the days to come. As you said, some National Guard troops will be placed around here as welling. All right. Shimon, quite the security scene here in the nations capital. Shimon prokupecz live here in washington, d. C. Federal investigators are looking into the possibility rioters had help to pull off their siege. A serious accusation. Laying out where the concerns are coming from. They started with one of the leaders of a Stopthesteal Group publicly claiming he coordinated with three republican lawmakers to plan the rally right before the attack. Im the guy who came up with the idea january 6th when i was talking with congressman gosar and andy biggs and mel brooks. To build momentum and pressure and on the day change hearts and minds of congresspeoples who werent yet decided or saw everyone outside and said, i cant be on the other side of that mob. A spokesman for congressman biggs told cnn he hasnt ever met or worked with alexander. He says hes not apologize for inspiring patriot americans and he would not comment. During the riot he tweeted for those involved to come back if they were beyond the line. Two Law Enforcement officials told cnn this doesnt mean members of congress and staff are under investigation but the phish fib is checking voracity of the claims along with over 125,000 tips that have come in. Meantime, 34 democratic lawmakers signed a letter raising concerns about several groups they saw getting tours of the Capitol Building the day before the attack, and this letter says that the groups appeared to be associated with the rally at the white house the following day. These tours, mind you, have not been allowed for anyone for months because of covid proceed k protocol, a former helicopter pilot went as far as calling them reconnaissance tours. Those members of congress who had groups coming through the capitol on saw on january 5th, ra con sans for the next day. Im going to see theyre held accountable, and if necessary, ensure they dont serve in congress. And then there is this new video that indicates how determined some of the rioters were to penetrate the capitol. Listen to how some insurrectionists communicated with one another during the attack. Ive been in the other room with the the other room on the other side of this door. Right where youre standing there is a glass that if somebody gets through can drop down into a room underneath. Also two doors in the other room. One in the rear and one to the right you can go in. So people should probably coordinate together if youre going to take the building. Were in. We got another window to break to get in and out easy. Needs to be broken. That was taking place, one of the members of the socalled squad democratic congresswoman i o ona pressley noticed buttons torn out. Buttons installed because of threats pressley received in the past and tested during drills. Then when they went to press them in the midst of the riot they were gone. Learning that those panic alarnls, those panic buttons had been removed from my office was certainly unnerving. There is an investigation under way. And so i cant say much more about that. More than 70 people already have been charged with federal crimes related to the attack. So far none have been accused of coordinating with republican lawmakers or sympathetic Police Officers but two capitol Police Officers have been suspended and at least ten more under investigation for allegedly playing some sort of role in the insurrection. The Justice Department and the fbi says the massive investigation is still in its early stages. Were looking at significant felony cases tied to seditious and conspiracy. Just yesterday our Office Organized a strike force of very Senior National security prosecutors and public corruption prosecutors, theyre only marching orders from me, to build seditious and conspiracy charges related to the most heinous acts that occurred in the capitol. These are significant charges that have felonies with prison terms up to 20 years. The alarms possible armed protests over the next few days are sounded in all 50 states right now. Maura healey, attorney general from massachusetts and joins us now. I wish you could tell us, what are you hearing from federal officials . What are you being told about the threat that your state may be facing . Well, i think, brianna, we know that what happened last week has reverberations, and theres a lot we dont know right now, but heres what we do know. We no that state, local and federal Law Enforcement across this country are in regular communications. I know i am here in massachusetts with my counterparts. We are watching closely and vigilantly for any activity. I assure you that anyone who attempts in our states to breach the security of state assets or our people will be held accountable. Just as those who may have travelled from our state to the United States capitol last week and engaged in criminal or unlawful acts will also be held accountable. The election, of course, in massachusetts was not even close. Joe biden got more than 65 of the vote, and i wonder if you think that makes your state more or less of a target to extremists . You know, unfortunately, no, i dont. While we havent had particular threats made here, i think that we have all seen the threats that have gone out, and the communication online. I know Law Enforcement is watching closely about activities contemplated for january 17th to the 20th as the United States capitol excuse me, at state Capitol Buildings and state governmental buildings next week. So all of us across our states are on high alert. In regular communication. And taking steps necessary to protect and defend the safety and wellbeing of those in our states and our state assets. You know, as for last week, there are any number of individuals who left massachusetts, who may or may not have committed illegal, criminal acts here in massachusetts with respect to activities that took place in washington, d. C. They willish investigated, and held accountable. Just as i know individuals as i talk to my counterparts in other states are being investigated and will be held accountable, if they committed illegal, criminal acts in their states, in connection with last weeks heinous insurrection. Thank you so much for being with us. Madam attorney general, appreciate it. Well, thank you for having me. Be well. Be well as well. Maura healey from massachusetts. Thank you. Next, new details about the fullcourt press it took to convince President Trump just to record his latest video about the attack. Plus, learning enraged trump has now told his staff to stop paying Rudy Guilianis legal fees, and well break down the key senators to watch who could decide the president s fate and whether hell ever be allowed to run for office again. Youre watching cnns live special coverage. Robinhood believes now is the time to do money without the Commission Fees and account minimums. So, you can start investing today, wherever you are even on the bus. Download now and get your first stock on us. Robinhood. Took a fullcourt press to force President Trump to make his latest video, cnn learned. Came a week too late but condemns future violence as well as attacking the capitol. And a source tells cnn there was a coordinated push by allies and aides from mark meadows to Jared Kushner to senator lindsey graham, all to convince the president that he had to come out forcefully against further violence and if he didnt, and another incident happened he was told you will own it. Joining me now, cnn White House Correspondent kaitlan collins. You have much more reporting on the president s mindset now that he has become the lone u. S. President to be impeached twice. Reporter yeah. Brianna, by own it basically meaning if there were future acts of violence spurred on by what we saw happen that wednesday at the capitol they were worried, by they i mean the president s advisers, more backlash he would face knto wha these faced so far, members of his party wanting to impeach him. Questions about events held at his own properties. Thats part of what drove that decision after the president had been briefed on what those attacks could look like. Those potential threats of violence by the u. S. Secret service. And they also encouraged the president he needed to come out more forcefully, because every iteration he put out in response what happened on the hill had not obviously rang clear to people. It rang haollow. The president said he u unequivalently denies it, but the president took no responsibility for words used when the president went to the capitol. The same happening in private. The president has not taken any responsibility there either. In addition to publicly. So this really comes as the president is being encouraged to make that video that he read, of course, off of a teleprompter, but privately has been much more c consumed whats happening publicly with impeachment, people in his own party going against him. Mccarthy, said hes angry saying the president bears responsibility what happened at the capitol and upset with his own attorney, rudy guiliani, expectsed to play a role in the president s impeachment trial in the senate. That seems unclear now given their relationship is fractured a bit and the president telling people to stop pays Rudy Guilianis legal fees. We should note the people the president told that to, not sure if he was serious and another campaign adviser, aide to the president , jason miller saying the president praised rudy today but did not deny the president told people to not pay his legal fees. Did not deny it. Kaitlan, great reporting. Joining me, cnn political analyst and veteran investigative journalist who helped break the watergate story that led to president nixons resignation, which you can real all about in all the president s men iconic book he cowrought with bob woodward. Worth a reread. Great book. I find inspiration in it. You heard kaitlan report doesnt want to pay his attorney rudy guiliani. That the president is in selfpretty mode because he doesnt think people are defending him enough. How do the final days of this president s compare with Richard Nixons final days . First of all, President Trump is delusional, dangerous, and he needs to be put in a constitutional straight jacket so he can do no further damage to the interests of the United States and its people. Hes already responsible for among other things hundreds of thousands, perhaps, of deaths, because of his hohomosile handlg of the coronavirus. Smoor more sedition. What this is about. The president of the United States willing to undermine the interests of the United States through submission. Nothing a president has ever done. What nixon did in his final days, he came to a point of introspection, finally. He realized his really horrible crimes including undermining the american electoral system and including especially vengeance on political enemies, like trump, but nixon came to recognize that and in his farewell in the east room a very emotional speech he said, i gave them a sword, meaning his enemies, in which to bring him down. It was the press. He was, had the same attitudes towards the press as trump did. It was his, politicians in the other party. He blamed them. I gave them a sword, and the night before he resigned, he got down on his knees with henry kissinger, his National Security adviser and urged kissinger to pray with him for forgiveness, for peace and he started banging the carpet with his fists saying, what have i done . What have i done to the country . What have i done . Big difference. Certainly not playing out at the white house. I dont think im going out own a limb to say that. President trumps final days. Congress override a National Defense bill. And georgias votes, inciting uprising only the capitol, banned from twitter and finally impeached a second time, which makes him the first president to be in that position. Could you ever have imagined i know that, you know, weve spoken over the years here over recent years, and rarely are you surprised. I think sometimes were a little shocked, but also not really surprised. In the end, does it surprise you how the president outdid himself with how hes ending here . No. The only surprise is that finally what he has done has been so heinous and so shameful and so, well, undermining the interests of the United States through sedition and worse. Close to treasonous, if you really look at it and its up to others to define what is treason and what is not, with the whole idea any president of the United States would come close to treason, and be outright seditious. Thats a little hard to have imagined. And at the same time, its really important that we realize that his crimes, even in his last days, continue to put the interests of the country at great risk for most of his presidency. You cannot say this about nixon. The gravest danger to the United States and our National Security interests have been the president of the United States himself. And the real difference in watergate and nixon and trump, the Republican Party, the republicans on capitol hill, especially, mcconnell on down, who enabled him and coddled him for four years, and even yesterday almost 200 republican members of the house refused to vote for impeachment. When nixons case, perhaps 50 republicans who would have voted for impeachment. As opposed to 200. Imagine that . Of course, it was the republican leader. Who marched to the white house, told Richard Nixon he had to resign, otherwise they would convict him in the senate of the United States. That, indeed, is what should have been happening for weeks here. And the Republican Leadership really has a lot to answer for because of what this country has been put through, through this seditious president and his unpatriot, damaging behavior that has harmed our people and our National Interests and our constitution as no other president in our history has. It is always great to see you. Carl bernstein, thank you. Good to see you. Next, new details about the relationship between president elect biden and Mitch Mcconnell. A source saying that they talk more often than people realize. Plus, majority leader, one of a few dozen senators who has not ruled out the possibility of convicting President Trump in an impeachment trial. We are going to break down who to keep an eye on. Now is the time for a new bath from bath fitter. Every bath fitter bath is installed quickly, safely, and beautifully, with a lifetime warranty. Go from old to new. From worn to wow. 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Remember, the number is 17. It if every democrat were to vote to convict, once democrats were in charge they need 17 republicans to come over and join them to actually have the conviction stick with twothirds. Take a look. The five most likely you can imagine would be on the watch list of people likely to vote to convict. Lisa murkowski calling for trumps resignation already. Susan collins expressed reservations. Mitch mcconnell the only one to stroet mitt romney voted, a year ago and sasse, critiquing the lie about the election and pat toomey is retiring, called for impeachment. Most likely to convict. The senates to watch. Of course, starts with leadership. Mitch mcconnell who has said hes going to take a look at the o evidence and decide. Doesnt rule it out motion to convict. Not as saying he will convict, but if Mitch Mcconnell does end up voting to convict, maybe he would bring like a john thune, his number two, over with him. And the senator from nebraska. Impact on numbers. Why all eyes stay on mcconnell. Potential retirees this year. Richard berg, not running again. Freeing up political pressure. Grassley of iowa. On the watch list making potential targets swayed by the impeachment managers to convict. These folks reelected. Six years. Dont have to woo the base of the party necessarily now. Got an election not for six yes. In inhofe, senator from alaska and others on a potential target list if a house impeachment manager looking for votes. Of course, you have final category here. These are folks up for reelection next year in cycle in 2022 might be potentially open to vote to convict but in cycle and need to woo the trump base now powerful inside the Republican Party. Roy blunt, rob portman, lankford, todd young. These folks have to weigh so carefully the political consideration here. If, indeed they want it to play into their vote pap vote of conscious and dismiss politics whatsoever. We dont see that a lot around here nap is rare. That is rare. We dont see a lot of that. Thats some of the truest words i ever heard. David chalian, thank you. David mentioned Senate Majority Mitch Mcconnell is one of the folks to watch. Not just for his vote on impeachment but how his relationship plays out with president elect biden over the next four years. I want to bring in cnn chief political analyst Gloria Borger who is here. This is fascinating. Something thats fascinating to watch and gloria, you have new information how often biden and mcconnell are in touch. I was told by somebody close to biden that they talk more than people know. Which means probably a lot. These men have known each other for many years, and i was also told that the feeling inside the Incoming Administration is that mcconnell is not someone whos going to pull a quick one on them. That is shaped by biden himself. That every time they get all exorcised whatless we get these people through . Biden tells them, hold back. Take a deep breath and wait a minute. They believe that is in part because of hes having these conversations with mcconnell as well as with other people on the hill. So mcconnell, i mean, hes not going to be majority leader anymore. Right. But he could also be very consequential, because there is a need for a filibusterproof majority any getting agenda items passed and there arent enough democrats to do that. Right. How much is biden going to take these positions of mcconnells into consideration . Well, a lot. I think its bidens inclination to try to start with, first of all, a covid package coming up. He knows a lot of republicans are opposed to the 2,000 stimulus and that the 2 trillion price tag is very large. Hes going to talk to mcconnell about what they can actually get done. What is doable. What republicans will go for. So they can negotiate in effect behind closed doors so he knows where theyre coming from. I think hell keep an open conversation going there, which is more, by the way, than Mitch Mcconnell ever had with the president of the United States, donald trump. He was often very surprised. Remember when donald trump pulled the rug out on the stimulus on him . Then when he came out and said, no, no. Im back in on the stimulus but i want 2,000 for each person . Has was not in any consultation with Mitch Mcconnell. I think there may be more conversations going back and forth ironically than ever with this white house. That is pretty wild. Gloria borger, thank you so much. Sure. Next, the unbelievable argument that is now being made by republican backers of the president. Thats actually democrats being divisive and causing violence by holding President Trump accountable. Were going to roll the tape. After the attack on the capitol, after trump was impeached a second time including by members of his party, the white house is still lying about the election. The Democratic Party did violence to this country by attacking a president who i believe was legally elected on november 3rd. Ive never been more pissed off in my life at this place and i think theres 74 million americans out there voted for President Trump and feel exactly the same way. So i would say to these people on capitol hill, knock it off. Stop this. There are two refrains were hearing over and over from republicans since the capitol siege. In the first, if you impeach trump it will cause division. The second, that division will cause violence. The sham articles of impeachment will serve to further fans flames of ip rest. This access will further enflame. I can think of no action to further divide to the American People a. Vote to impeach would further divide this nation bhanc. What we need to do take time and reflect. A vote to impeach will further fan the flames of partisan division. I urge you, please, do not, im mixing metaphors here, attempt to douse the remaining embers with gasoline. A time our country needs unity it is concerning my democratic colleagues is invoking impeachment get the president. Lets link arms and begin to heal. Stop impeachment. If you truly want or nation to heal vote no on this resolution. This impeachment is causing tremendous anger, and youre doing it and its really a terrible thing that theyre doing. If you want to end the violence, end impeachment. The very people who have been saying for months that trump won an election that he did not, who are knowingly telling supporters this lie who have enabled a president who wants to break the system as he tries to harness the rage of extremists and racists for his own preservation are telling people who want accountability to let it go. Its too divisive. Its what will cause violence. They are kowtowing to insectionists, racists, to conspiracy here to if theorists. Witnesses to an attempted coup inspired by the president and his lies. This is a get out of jail free card cynically cloaks in a call for unity. It is the appeasement of domestic terrorists. Since when are republicans into placating terrorists . Not so long ago in a land not so far away there was a Republican Party that would have confronted russia for putting bounties on the heads of u. S. Soldiers. There was a Republican Party that would have done something about russia hacking a huge part of the federal government. There was a Republican Party that would have stood up to a president who spent taxpayer money like he didnt have to pay it back to deutsche bank. Donald trump sass roll over. Republicans ask, how far. He says far enough that you dont recognize yourself anymore. And now the gop has a choice to make. Next, the cdc warns 90,000 americans could die from coronavirus in the next three weeks. 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See tens of thousands deaths doesnt almost saaffect us. Think of individual people, husbands, wives you mothers, fathers, sons, daughters. These are real people and now look at the numbers. Look at deaths in the u. S. In the past two weeks there have been 38,000. So 38,000 deaths over two weeks is about 19,000 deaths per week. Now the forecast, from the cdc. Not from some fringy kind of place, thinks that they forecast over the next three weeks well see 92,000 deaths. So thats a rate of about 30,000 a week. So a much an increased death rate in the three weeks to come, and the death rate that weve seen in these past two weeks has been horrible enough. Brianna . That is incredible. I mean, when you break it down like that. 30,000 in a week. You also have new reporting about an escape mutant that may decrease the efficacy of coronavirus vaccines. What does that mean . So weve been talking about these variants weve been seeing. Variant first spotted in the uk. Talk about the variant physical spotted in south africa in november. When i talked to scientists about that variant, they are really concerned and worried about this one. They say that they are seeing in their labs that this variant, first spotted in south africa, has many mutationss one of the mutations they say has shown to be an escape mutant. Meaning that it could escape some of the antibodies created by the vaccine. Nats a problem. It could render the vaccine less effective than it is right now against the strains that were currently seeing in the United States and other places. So theyre keeping an eye on this variant coming from south africa. They are worried it could, in part, escape the vaccine. Very bad news. Elizabeth cohen, thank you for that report. At least three lawmakers tested positive for covid after sheltering with colleagues who refused to wearing a masks during the lockdown. And mandating coronavirus testing on capitol hill. Well discuss why that has not happened yet. S right, not whats easy. So when a hailstorm hit, usaa reached out before he could even inspect the damage. Thats how you do it right. Usaa insurance is made just the way martins family needs it with hasslefree claims, he got paid before his neighbor even got started. Because doing right by our members, thats whats right. Usaa. What youre made of, were made for. Usaa if these beautiful idaho potato recipes are just side dishes, were made for. Then im not a real idaho potato farmer. Genuine idaho potatoes not just a side dish anymore. Always look for the grown in idaho seal. Its moving day. And while her friends are doing the heavy lifting, jess is busy moving her xfinity internet and tv services. It only takes about a minute. Wait, a minute . But what have you been doing for the last two hours . Delegating . Oh, good one. Move your Xfinity Services without breaking a sweat. Now thats simple, easy, awesome. Xfinity makes moving easy. Go online to transfer your services in about a minute. Get started today. Just in, the d. C. Attorney general wants to interview donald trump jr. As part of the investigation into the abuse of the president s inaugural funds. Prosecutors are alleging that the Trump Organization and the inaugural committee misused more than 1 million raised by the nonprofit by overpaying for the use of event space at the trump hotel. Ivanka trump has already been interviewed, and well have updates on this as we get them. Last weeks deadly insurrection on our nations capitol you would scored another major oversight, which is the lack of mandatory coronavirus Safety Measures on Capitol Grounds. My next two guests say that congress isnt doing enough to keep themselves safe. A former aid to senators bob casey and dick durbin and also the former press secretary to then Vice President joe biden. And the former rnc communications director. And you two actually came together to cowrite an oped in the Washington Post late last year calling for mandatory coronavirus testing on capitol hill. Is that enough, kendra . Walk us through the safety risks that lawmakers face right now without this. Thank you for having me on. Its frankly not just the lawmakers. Its also the staff of the Congressional Staff and the staff who go to the capitol complex every day. Theyre still not mandatory testing for the staff, for members. And theres still not mandatory mask wearing for the staff who are on capitol hill either. Its putting everybody from the capitol complex who work at the capitol complex at risk but also those who, you know, when the members get on planes and travel elsewhere could put others at risk as well. And so this is a sort of a bipartisan effort certainly in bringing this forward between you two, kendra. You are of course a democrat, kepd area. You are a republican, doug. What are you hearing from people who you know work on the hill, are watching whats going on, on the hill about why this is so essential . And how much of a reality is getting this done for congress and all of the staffers around these members . The main thing i hear is that its really difficult. Congress has taken a laz dakal approach. You are pampered as a member of congress. You are a pin that quite often is a shield from all the other things that anybody member of the public or staff or journalists have to face. But you arent shielded from covid. And the reality is anybody who comes in the capitol can bring it in. We saw last week a very obvious leap. The president ial chain of succession be under direct threat by the insurrection. The reality is theyve also been under threat as has every other member of congress, support staff, journalist, anybody who goes into the capitol because theres not mandatory testing or mandatory mask wearing throughout the complex. They can spread it to 435 communities throughout the country. Thats right. These folks, as you mentioned, are going back. Theyre flying back to their home districts, to their states. And watching that video of the room where you saw members of the house convening last week, and you saw some republicans who were refusing to wear masks. I think that was a reminder for all of us that there is a rule that masks must be worn on the house floor. But you can actually walk around if you choose not to, youre a member of congress and not wear a mask. That is okay on capitol hill. Youre right. And to be honest, its pretty disgusting. And its disgraceful. Its an insult to every Frontline Worker who puts their life at risk every single day going to work to save the lives of those others who do get sick from the coronavirus. It should be a requirement that anywhere on Capitol Grounds you have to wear a mask regardless of who you are. And it should be a requirement that everybody on Capitol Grounds gets tested both before you go there and after there are ways that can do it. The capitol physician i will say has not done what he has supposed to have done. Hes allowed members to testify and to be a part of hearings who have had covid. Hes allowed them to show up for votes. Congress should lead by example. They should have all of these requirements, and they should quarantine if they get sick and follow the guidance and the rules that the cdc has laid out and that every other american should also be following. And i think, doug, we know, and i want to ask you about something separate from coronavirus, but it sort speak to this idea that members of congress, they are treated like theyre special and they come to expect that treatment. We saw magnometers, metal detectors on the floor. There were a number of republicans upset by this. What did you make of this back and forth between republicans and democrats on that . It should be pretty simple. There are metal detectors that are at every capitol entrance. Just make the members go through that as they would otherwise. Every time i entered the capitol with a member of congress with a former majority leader or recently just a few weeks ago with a member of congress i skipped through that line. I could have been packing heat every time, and thered be no way to check that. Whether thats a house floor or in a hallway, with covid, you just dont know what people have. For the record, though, you are not packing heat. We just want to make that very clear. Doug, kendra, thank you so much for joining together and talking to me today, both of you. Thank you. Thank you. Our special coverage continues now with brooke baldwin. This is cnn breaking news. Hi there. Im brooke baldwin. Youre watching cnn. Thank you so much for being with me. Very shortly, Vice President mike pence will be attending this briefing at fema headquarters folked at security on next weeks inauguration ceremonies. This comes as 20,000 National Guardsmembers descend upon washington, and they built a huge fence. Theres this new Intelligence Report thats coming out thats warning that domestic extremists are now more emboldened to carry out an attack on or after Inauguration Day because last