Full transcript of
On this “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” broadcast, moderated by Margaret Brennan:
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent
- Rep. Mike Turner, Republican of Ohio
- Sen. Mark Kelly, Democrat of Arizona
- Rep. John James, Republican of Michigan
- European Union diplomat Kaja Kallas
Click on right here to browse full transcripts from 2025 of “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.”
MARGARET BRENNAN: I am Margaret Brennan in Washington.
And this week on Face the Nation: the newest on the fallout following Friday’s Oval Workplace brawl. And People say they need extra motion from the Trump administration in the case of combating inflation.
(Start VT)
DONALD TRUMP (President of the US): You do not have the playing cards proper now. With us, you begin having playing cards, however proper now, you do not…
(CROSSTALK)
VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY (Ukrainian President): We aren’t enjoying playing cards.
(Finish VT)
MARGARET BRENNAN: It was a debacle seen and heard world wide, because the assembly meant to solidify an alliance between the U.S. and Ukraine melted down right into a shouting match that includes President Trump and Vice President Vance versus Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
U.S. and Ukrainian officers at the moment are in full injury management mode, with European leaders racing to carry either side again collectively and transfer in direction of a decision to the struggle in Ukraine.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent crafted the settlement with Ukraine that fell aside throughout that assembly. We are going to discuss to him about that, in addition to the administration’s plans to assist the financial system.
We can even discuss with Arizona Democratic Senator Mark Kelly and two Republican members of Congress, Ohio’s Mike Turner and Michigan’s John James.
And simply earlier than President Trump’s first formal deal with to Congress, how do People suppose he is doing in the case of tackling their priorities?
It is all simply forward on Face the Nation.
Good morning, and welcome to Face the Nation.
We are going to get to the ramifications of that assembly within the Oval Workplace in a second, however we need to start with the problems which might be high of thoughts for many People, inflation and the financial system.
They might be on the high of their precedence checklist for the brand new administration, however we’re seeing a disconnect. When requested what they suppose the administration is prioritizing, People see inflation and the financial system taking a again seat to the border, the federal work power, tariffs, and extra.
The truth is, in response to our CBS Information ballot, though individuals do approve of him on a few of these different points, there’s a 50-point hole between individuals who say the president ought to make inflation a precedence and those that say he’s.
We need to welcome to this system Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Good morning to you, Mr. Treasury Secretary.
SCOTT BESSENT (U.S. Treasury Secretary): Good morning, Margaret.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, let’s dig on – in on this, as a result of it appears there is a little bit of a notion hole there.
Our polling additionally exhibits no less than half the nation stories concern about paying for meals and groceries and housing. They proceed to name the financial system dangerous, much more so than final month, and 49 p.c advised us the financial system is getting worse.
When can People count on to expertise the advantages that President Trump stated can be coming in day one?
SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: Sure, what – you understand, Margaret, what I discover fascinating is, for the previous year-and-a-half and through the marketing campaign, many of the media stated, oh, the financial system is nice, it is only a vibe session.
Now that President Trump’s in workplace, there’s an financial downside. And I’ll inform you what the issue was. That is…
(CROSSTALK)
MARGARET BRENNAN: We had been fairly easy on this program.
SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: Properly, I have not seen this program, however the – usually, this concept that working-class People did not know what they had been speaking about, they did not know their lived expertise, they did not know what their pocketbooks had been feeling.
And I’ll inform you, President Trump was elected, one of many causes was the affordability disaster, and we’re setting about doing that.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Primary.
(CROSSTALK)
SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: So, after 4 years, 4 years of disastrous insurance policies, they had been operating these gigantic deficits that the – that led to the affordability downside, huge authorities laws, so what we had was a requirement shock from the federal government spending that was met by provide constraints with overregulation.
So we’re within the technique of deregulating, which can free the provision aspect, and we’re reducing again the federal government spending. It took 4 years to get us right here. President Trump has been in workplace 5 weeks.
And I can inform you, we’re working day-after-day. What I’ll level out, rates of interest, the 10-year bond, which I’m targeted on, have been down each week since President Trump was president. Mortgage charges have been down each week. In order that’s a fairly good begin.
MARGARET BRENNAN: I hear you that typically the info lags actuality, however once we are speaking about individuals’s perceptions of the financial system, it is simply how they’re feeling proper now, we see in our polling, 52 p.c of People say Trump’s insurance policies are making grocery costs go up.
They explicitly stated that on this bar chart you see there. So it is an expertise and a notion problem. When does that shift? When will we see the advantages of the planning you say is underneath manner?
SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: Look, I feel President Trump stated that he’ll personal the financial system in six or 12 months. However I can inform you that we’re working to get these costs down day-after-day.
But it surely took 4 years to get us right here, and we have had 5 weeks. So rates of interest are down. That is an excellent begin towards housing affordability, towards auto affordability, and we’re tackling this.
At Treasury, we’re going to appoint an affordability czar. We’re going to have an affordability council. We’re laser targeted on this. We…
MARGARET BRENNAN: What does that imply? What’s an affordability czar?
SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: Somebody who picks the 5 or eight areas the place this administration could make a giant distinction for working-class People.
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK.
Properly, one of many issues that we hear the president speak about loads is the plan to make use of tariffs. I do know this falls underneath the purview of Commerce and the commerce rep, however you will have spoken a bit about it earlier than.
If the president does roll out the ten p.c tariffs that he says are approaching China this week, the 25 p.c on Canada and Mexico, how a lot do you suppose they may impression what People expertise? The Peterson Institute says it should price households a further $1,200 a yr.
SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: Look, a few issues.
I respect my mates on the Peterson Institute. I feel they are a bit alarmist. I feel lots of their supporters are anti-tariff, so that they take an anti-tariff place.
And, look, we’ve got the expertise of President Trump’s first time period, the place the tariffs didn’t have an effect on costs. And it is a holistic method, that there might be tariffs, there might be cuts in regulation, there might be cheaper power. So I’d count on that in a short time we might be all the way down to the Fed’s 2 p.c goal.
So I am anticipating inflation to proceed dropping over the yr.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So ought to we count on these tariffs to return March 4?
SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: Properly, there is a collection of tariffs. There’s March 4, after which there are the large – the – there’s the large tariff program that is going to be outlined on April 2 by commerce and USTR, and that is the president’s notion of reciprocal tariffs.
And that is going to be very path-dependent. It is – we’re going to present, what are different international locations’ tariffs on particular items, what are non-tariff obstacles, what are the foreign money manipulation, what’s manipulation of financing or labor manipulation, and what are these horrendous fines that the European Union is placing on our tech corporations, and we’re going to consider that and provides them a chance to treatment that.
So we might both see a ratcheting up in tariffs, or, if our buying and selling companions need to treatment what has been unfair commerce, then we might see the tariffs come off. So it is going to be path-dependent.
MARGARET BRENNAN: And that is Europe in April, primarily?
SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: Properly, that is the world over.
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK.
So once you say the Peterson Institute is just too alarmist with $1,200 a yr on the typical family, what’s the price of the family? You suppose it is zero?
SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: Properly, we – we do not know but, as a result of it is path- dependent.
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK.
SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: However what I can inform you is that I am not apprehensive about China. China goes to – China pays for the China tariffs, as a result of their enterprise mannequin is exporting their manner out of this inflation.
They’re probably the most imbalanced, unbalanced financial system in fashionable instances. And the concept that, due to a tariff, that they’d decrease their manufacturing is unsuitable. They will proceed flooding the market. They are going to eat this worth lower. They are going to eat any tariffs that go on.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So I noticed you say on Bloomberg lately that Mexico has provided to match the U.S. tariffs on China, and that you want to for the Canadians to take action as properly. You described it as a fortress in North America. Is that within the works?
SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: I – I – I do not know but. We’ll see. The Mexican management has provided to try this. We have not heard from the Canadians, however I feel that will be an excellent begin, as a result of…
MARGARET BRENNAN: By Tuesday, probably, to offset the potential punishment on them?
SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: By Tuesday, or perhaps the tariff wall goes up, after which we see what occurs from there.
However I can inform you that, underneath the quilt of COVID, China dramatically elevated their export capability, and they’re making an attempt to export their solution to prosperity. They’re in an financial disaster. They’ve gigantic deflation. And it is unacceptable for them to export that to the remainder of the world. And I feel North America can be an excellent begin for pushing again in opposition to this unfair commerce coverage.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Properly, that will be a major improvement.
SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: Very important.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Which might keep away from tariffs which might be speculated to exit on Tuesday.
SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: We’ll see.
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK, we’ll be watching that house.
I need to ask you about Ukraine. You had been in that Oval Workplace assembly that went sideways on Friday. He – President Zelenskyy was advised to depart the White Home earlier than he signed the minerals settlement that I do know you will have been engaged on. He stated yesterday, although, he is able to signal it.
He referred to as it “step one in direction of safety ensures. It is not sufficient. We want extra than simply that. A cease-fire with out safety ensures is harmful for Ukraine.”
Is the deal nonetheless on the desk, or has President Trump instructed you to drop the undertaking?
SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: Margaret, it’s inconceivable to have an financial deal with no peace deal. The sine qua non for an financial deal is that Ukrainian management needs a peace deal.
MARGARET BRENNAN: I assumed this was a constructing block in direction of attending to a peace deal.
SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: Properly, it was speculated to be, however President Zelenskyy got here into the Oval on Friday. There have been – there have been three issues that had been going to be achieved. There was going to be a press convention.
There was going to be a personal lunch with 16 of us. And as you’ll be able to see from Dan Scavino’s – the submit on his X account, we had been all prepared set as much as signal – to signal the deal. So it is unclear now. President Zelenskyy has thrown off the sequencing.
And, Margaret, let me inform you probably the most tragic a part of this. The – President Trump’s concept for this financial association was to additional intertwine the American individuals and Ukrainian individuals and present no daylight…
MARGARET BRENNAN: However…
SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: … to indicate the Russian management that there was no daylight. And President Zelenskyy got here into the Oval Workplace and tried to relitigate in entrance of the world the deal.
And we had been going – the place to have achieved it will have been within the non-public lunch.
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK, properly, it is information to me that this was – that the sequencing is shifting, that you’re saying it’s a must to comply with a peace deal earlier than the minerals settlement? There aren’t even negotiations for a peace deal underneath manner.
SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: Properly, to begin with, it is not a minerals settlement. It is a common financial settlement. So, calling it a minerals settlement is wrong.
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK.
SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: And I feel we’ve got to see if President Zelenskyy needs to proceed.
What’s – what is the use in having an financial settlement that is going to be rendered moot if he needs the combating to proceed? President Trump needs a peace deal.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Vladimir Putin, it is unclear if he needs a peace deal, although. There aren’t any negotiations underway. The secretary of state stated that on one other community this morning.
SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: Sure.
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK.
SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: And President Trump – President Trump has stated that. President Trump is making an attempt to maneuver in direction of peace. He stated repeatedly throughout – throughout that episode within the Oval…
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: … we do not know if we’ll get a peace deal, however we obtained to attempt.
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK.
Final Sunday, President Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff stated on one other community that the plan for negotiations was the so-called draft Istanbul protocol. The Institute for the Examine of Battle says that this would go away Ukraine helpless within the face of future Russia – Russian threats or aggression.
If – if that is described as the way forward for U.S. diplomacy and the framework, why is not Mr. Zelenskyy asking the best query when he says, how can I comply with a cease-fire with no safety ensures or perhaps a minerals settlement or funding settlement with out safety ensures?
SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: Properly, look, I feel the plan is for the European Union to supply this safety, not NATO, the European Union.
And, once more, the tragedy of Friday – and I do not know what President Zelenskyy was pondering. We had President of France Emmanuel Macron in on Monday. Nice assembly. The – we had Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday, improbable assembly. They had been all on board the arc of the peace settlement.
All President Zelenskyy needed to do was are available in and signal this financial settlement and, once more, present no daylight, no daylight, between Ukrainian individuals and the American individuals.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: And he selected to blow that up.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So the deal is not on the desk, simply to be abundantly clear?
SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: Not at current.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Treasury Secretary Bessent, thanks for coming in right now.
SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: Good. Thanks, Margaret.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Our social media producers inform us that, as of this morning, we’ve got had greater than 100 million views on posts associated to the assembly throughout our CBS Information social media platforms.
There isn’t a scarcity of Trump viral movies, however this one has unfold world wide.
(Start VT)
J.D. VANCE (Vice President of the US): Mr. President – Mr. President, with respect, I feel it is disrespectful so that you can come into the Oval Workplace to attempt to litigate this in entrance of the American media.
Proper now, you guys are going round and forcing conscripts to the entrance traces as a result of you will have manpower issues. You need to be thanking the president for making an attempt to carry an finish to this battle.
(CROSSTALK)
VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY (Ukrainian President): Have you ever ever been to Ukraine, that you simply say what issues we’ve got?
VICE PRESIDENT J.D. VANCE: I’ve been to…
PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: Then come as soon as.
Initially, through the struggle, everyone has issues, even you. However you will have good ocean and do not feel now, however you’ll really feel it sooner or later.
God bless…
(CROSSTALK)
PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: God bless…
DONALD TRUMP (President of the US): You do not – you do not know that. You do not know that.
PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: God bless you would not have a struggle.
(CROSSTALK)
PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: Do not inform us what we will really feel. We’re making an attempt to resolve an issue. Do not inform us what we will really feel.
PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: I am not telling you, I am answering…
(CROSSTALK)
PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: Since you’re in no place to dictate that. Do not forget that.
You do not have the playing cards proper now. With us, you begin having playing cards, however proper now, you do not…
(CROSSTALK)
PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: We aren’t enjoying playing cards. I’m very critical, Mr. President. I am very critical.
PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: You are enjoying playing cards. You are playing with the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals.
PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: You suppose…
PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: You are playing with World Battle III.
PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: What do you suppose…
(CROSSTALK)
PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: You are playing with World Battle III. And what you are doing could be very disrespectful to the nation, this nation…
PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: I am with all respect to your nation.
PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: … that is backed you, way over lots of people stated they need to have.
(CROSSTALK)
VICE PRESIDENT J.D. VANCE: Have you ever stated “Thanks” as soon as this complete assembly?
PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: Quite a lot of instances.
VICE PRESIDENT J.D. VANCE: No, on this whole assembly, have you ever stated “thanks”?
(Finish VT)
MARGARET BRENNAN: Face the Nation might be again in a single minute. Stick with us.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: And we’re again now with Republican Congressman Mike Turner.
Good to have you ever again.
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER (R-Ohio): Thanks. Respect you having me.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, what had been you pondering once you noticed that Oval Workplace meltdown?
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER: Properly, I imply, the very first thing, clearly, is, we’ve got to appreciate why that is necessary and actually what was at stake right here.
I imply, that is necessary as a result of Ukraine is necessary. That is concerning the struggle between authoritarianism and freedom and democracy. That is the Ronald Reagan evil empire in opposition to democracy. So, as we’re watching this struggle, we’ve got to be involved about what’s crumbling right here and what must be put again collectively.
I feel that is what all of us felt in our – in our stomachs as – in our nervousness as we watched what was in danger right here. The second factor is, is admittedly how inappropriate this was for Zelenskyy. I imply, the context is, this was a signing settlement. Zelenskyy had been negotiating with the US on a minerals deal, an financial deal, because the Treasury secretary stated.
He’d been doing so for weeks. I would met with him with members of Congress in Munich.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Proper.
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER: He had advised us among the phrases that he needed. He had a profitable deal. The USA had conceded. He was flying right here underneath the pretext that he was going to signal this deal.
This could have been a win. As he is sitting within the Oval Workplace, he stated, I would like the president to face with Ukraine. In moments, he was going to be standing with the president of the US with a win that he had negotiated.
And as a substitute of taking that win, he turned it right into a debate on American safety ensures on – throughout peace negotiations – on the peace negotiations, as a substitute of taking that win after which from that going ahead.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
Properly, all of it went sideways after a Polish reporter within the room requested President Trump about his perceived alignment with Vladimir Putin. That is what the president reacted to. After which the vp jumped in praising Trump’s diplomacy.
And that is when Zelenskyy stated what he stated about, properly, what sort of cease-fire and diplomacy are you speaking about? I’ve brokered offers with Vladimir Putin previously.
Do you actually suppose that this was all to blow it up, or was it simply persons are speaking previous one another? What do you truly suppose occurred?
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER: Properly, I feel, essentially, right here, once more, the – you do not fly 1 / 4 the world over for a signing ceremony for a take care of the president of the US and switch it right into a debate on American safety ensures on peace negotiations which might be unrelated to the mineral deal that you simply got here – the financial deal that you simply got here to signal.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However you’ll be able to’t take issues out of the context within the vac – like, deal with them in a vacuum.
Earlier within the week, President Trump had referred to Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a dictator. He had instructed diplomats…
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER: Which he had retracted as a result of the negotiations had…
MARGARET BRENNAN: Properly, he then stated, did I actually try this?
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER: As a result of the…
(CROSSTALK)
MARGARET BRENNAN: After which he advised individuals on the U.N….
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER: In Trump’s manner, he had taken again as a result of the negotiations had gone ahead in a manner that was constructive.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However there – this is not taking place in a vacuum.
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER: Proper.
MARGARET BRENNAN: It’s inside query, the truth is, the place America’s alliances are.
French President Emmanuel Macron advised a newspaper in a single day: “There should be – there must be a strategic dialogue with European international locations that do not have nuclear weapons as a result of they’ll not rely on the American nuclear deterrent.”
That is an unbelievable assertion from a NATO ally.
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER: Proper. And, once more…
MARGARET BRENNAN: That is – that is how that is heard world wide.
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER: Proper. And I – once more, all of these items are actually hysterics and manner overstatements, however they’re all coming from the crux right here of the – that Zelenskyy has made – and I actually consider that is Zelenskyy.
He has made a precondition of going ahead with peace negotiations American safety ensures. And what you noticed was him enter into a really public debate with the president of the US within the Oval Workplace of, I would like – and also you heard it, you truly your self stated it to the secretary of the Treasury – I would like an American safety assure as a precondition for peace negotiations.
Nobody goes to – no president goes to offer him a – as a precondition to peace negotiations. You do the peace negotiations. Then you definately decide what safety ensures, what preparations…
MARGARET BRENNAN: Proper, however he additionally referred again to failed peace negotiations and failed diplomatic agreements brokered by Europe that had no American assure that failed. So it is – what’s completely different this time? That is the query.
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER: However you do not proceed to work for it.
You bought to listen to President Trump – I imply, he engaged by saying, persons are dying. We have to cease the dying. We won’t have – we won’t go into World Battle II and – and imploring him to let’s go ahead with the peace negotiations, after which we’ll decide what safety preparations should be made across the peace negotiations.
The truth that Zelenskyy has it backwards, the cart earlier than the horse. I desire a safety assure to enter peace negotiations…
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER: … is admittedly what has induced the obstacle.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Are you snug with the U.S. diplomatic outreach and the choice to not isolate Vladimir Putin?
As a result of he has not stated something about making any form of concession. Volodymyr Zelenskyy is being requested to try this publicly.
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER: Properly, truly, no, he has not.
However the Russians confirmed up. I imply, I am very snug that Marco Rubio, as our secretary of state, within the lead with these negotiations, could be very assured in…
MARGARET BRENNAN: Is he within the lead with the negotiations?
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER: I feel…
MARGARET BRENNAN: Or is it Steve Witkoff?
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER: I feel he’s within the lead with the negotiations. I am very – I am very assured of his power. He has – has commenced the negotiations.
I consider that Zelenskyy must belief him and he must not have this precondition of American safety ensures, which aren’t coming.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER: Bear in mind, Ukraine has been earlier than each president since Clinton, Clinton within the problem of the Budapest, once they had been giving up their nuclear weapons.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Proper.
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER: Obama, Bush, everyone has had Ukraine earlier than them. Each American president has declined to offer American safety ensures as a precondition to any negotiations.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Which is why Zelenskyy is saying, give them to me now, as a result of nothing stopped them earlier than. So…
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER: The peace negotiations have to happen.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Proper.
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER: After which we have to have a look at the – what are the assemble of what safety ensures must be and what’s that assemble that must be put in place.
MARGARET BRENNAN: I need to ask you one thing due to the place you will have on Armed Companies.
CBS has confirmed these stories that Protection Secretary Hegseth has ordered U.S. Cyber Command to briefly halt cyber operations and planning in opposition to Russia. “The Washington Publish” stories that that is so long as the negotiations proceed. There aren’t any negotiations underneath manner.
Does this concern you? Have you ever been briefed on this?
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER: I am unable to – I do not – no, I am not – unaware of that. And I do not consider that that will be – there are too many, I am sure, concerns there for that to be an correct assertion, so blanket.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However they’ve ordered Cyber Command to halt cyber operations.
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER: I…
MARGARET BRENNAN: It is the linkage to the negotiations that you simply’re questioning?
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER: Contemplating what I do know that – that – contemplating what I do know what – what Russia is at the moment doing in opposition to the US, that will, I am sure, not be an correct assertion of the present standing of the US’ operations.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You might be assured that the US…
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER: I am assured, contemplating what Russia is at the moment doing in opposition to the US, that the US, the standing in opposition to Russia wouldn’t be that, contemplating what we face from Russia operations.
MARGARET BRENNAN: All proper, thanks very a lot…
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER: Thanks.
MARGARET BRENNAN: … Congressman Turner.
We might be proper again with much more Face the Nation. Stick with us.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: President Trump might be addressing a joint session of Congress this Tuesday. Be sure you be a part of us for that. Our community protection of the speech begins at 9:00 p.m. Japanese time Tuesday night time.
However CBS Information’ 24/7 particular protection begins at 5:00.
We might be proper again.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: We might be proper again with much more Face the Nation, together with Arizona Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, Michigan Republican Congressman John James. And our personal Anthony Salvanto joins us with extra from our CBS Information ballot.
Stick with us.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: We go now to Senator Mark Kelly in Tucson, Arizona.
Good morning to you, Senator.
SENATOR MARK KELLY (D-AZ): Good morning.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You had been one of many lawmakers who met with President Zelenskyy previous to the Oval Workplace meltdown. Senator Lindsey Graham later advised reporters he had warned Zelenskyy, quote, “do not take the bait.” Do you suppose Zelenskyy took the bait? Is that the way you perceive what occurred?
SENATOR MARK KELLY: I feel he was cornered after which he was bullied within the Oval Workplace. And, Margaret, that simply makes us look weak. You already know, I feel Donald Trump was making an attempt to look powerful. J.D. Vance was making an attempt to look powerful. The one winner in that alternate is Putin, who’s a felony, who’s killing, you understand, tons of of hundreds of Ukrainians.
So, it was a tragic day for our nation. It was a dumpster hearth of diplomacy. It shouldn’t have been achieved. That form of negotiation shouldn’t be achieved in public in entrance of cameras.
Once we had our assembly earlier within the day with Zelenskyy, he – he – he has this like recurring gratitude. He was very grateful. And the chairman of the Armed Companies Committee kicked the cameras out of the room earlier than we began to speak. That is the way in which this ought to be dealt with, not what – not what Donald Trump did.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Properly, the treasury secretary, who was simply with us, stated you’ll be able to’t get an financial deal with no peace deal first. So, it appears the dynamic is altering by way of what the Trump administration is placing ahead right here.
What was your understanding of what Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s considerations had been?
SENATOR MARK KELLY: Properly, I imply, his concern is that he would not have a safety assure and he is being requested to surrender minerals, that this can be a enterprise deal.
Margaret, we’re about to rejoice our 250th birthday as a rustic. And I did not suppose we had been simply in it for – for the cash. I imply we’re a rustic of values and rules. We stand with our allies. He wants safety ensures.
Sure, I perceive this idea of an financial deal and a ceasefire, however the financial deal comes after the ceasefire. None of that is sensible. They should get in a room, together with with the Russians. I imply have the Russians given any indication that they need peace?
Our Treasury secretary questioned whether or not Zelenskyy needs peace. After all he does. He has his inhabitants being murdered, raped, kids are kidnapped. He needs out of this case. However he – he – he – he is having a tough time –
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
SENATOR MARK KELLY: Clearly, negotiating this in public. By the way in which, I imply his English isn’t the perfect. So, that is exhausting for him. To nook him within the Oval Workplace on that form of stage was unsuitable. And it makes us look weaker as a nation and it makes us much less protected.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You’ve got been to Ukraine numerous instances. Our final visitor, Mike Turner, has been in Ukraine numerous instances as properly. Neither the president nor the vp have in any respect. J.D. Vance, the vp, stated to Zelenskyy, these are propaganda excursions. Is that what you probably did? Did you go on propaganda excursions?
SENATOR MARK KELLY: No, I imply, I – I went into patriot batteries and, you understand, talked to the troops that each night time are defending themselves from incoming ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles, making an attempt to maintain their inhabitants alive. I met with troopers, you understand, a few of that are, you understand, amputees at this level who simply – and troopers that simply got here from the frontlines to speak to me in particular person about what the state of affairs on the bottom is. I met with pilots there who had been about to get their F-16s. And we talked particularly about, you understand, how are you going to use this airplane in fight?
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
SENATOR MARK KELLY: I feel J.D. Vance, the vp, with all due respect, it appears like he is watching movies on the web. And to say to Zelenskyy, you are not being grateful sufficient. I imply Zelenskyy thanks the American individuals on a regular basis.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
SENATOR MARK KELLY: And I’ve obtained to say, Margaret, if – if – if we will finish this – and I would like this to finish as a lot as anyone –
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
SENATOR MARK KELLY: But it surely has to finish in a manner that the Russians are going to respect. And what was within the Oval Workplace yesterday was an illustration of weak point. And I can inform you, Putin doesn’t respect weak point.
MARGARET BRENNAN: I need to ask you concerning the U.S. border. The variety of migrants crossing the southern border illegally in President Trump’s first full time period – first full month in workplace plunged to a stage we have not seen in 25 years. That is in response to knowledge reviewed by CBS. This looks like that is good on your state. Do these numbers show President Trump’s concept is correct?
SENATOR MARK KELLY: Properly, I feel the numbers being down, that is a very good factor. What we’d like long-term is a negotiation with the Republicans on longstanding border coverage. What the administration is doing, particularly with ICE raids in colleges, with flying – repatriating individuals who typically aren’t solely criminals, in navy airplanes, for intimidation, speaking about housing individuals on Guantanamo, that is intimidation.
I’m – it is good the numbers are down. That is a constructive factor.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
SENATOR MARK KELLY: We want – we’d like a border safety settlement. We want laws. We additionally want immigration reform.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
SENATOR MARK KELLY: Speak about my state for a second. We have got lots of dreamers. They deserve a pathway to citizenship. We want some – we’d like a plan for farm staff as properly.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Secretary of Protection Hegseth is sending one other 3,000 troops to the border, together with an aviation battalion and striker autos, CBS has confirmed. Now these troopers aren’t allowed to intercept migrants. Do you perceive the mission, the intent? You’ve got oversight over armed companies, so I ponder how you are feeling about this.
SENATOR MARK KELLY: Properly, I do not be ok with it. The way in which this ought to be dealt with is, if we might work collectively inside the US Senate, Democrats and Republicans, get the Border Patrol more cash, rent extra Border Patrol brokers, give them extra assets to do the job they’re speculated to do. If you do it with troops, that impacts their readiness. This is not what they’re skilled to do. Then they do not get to coach to do – that striker battalion would not get to coach to do the job that they want – could have to do sooner or later.
I do not need to see us in a battle world wide anyplace. However what prevents that’s for our allies to appreciate that they are not going to win in a struggle. And once they see us doing issues like this, police actions with the navy, that is also exhibiting the remainder of the world that our navy is much less succesful and we’re weaker. And that impacts everyone’s security.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Lastly, since you sit on the Intelligence Committee, I need to ask you about one thing President Zelenskyy stated. He stated in Munich, “Ukraine has intel the Russians are sending troops to Belarus to make use of it as a launch pad militarily into maybe not simply Ukraine however different European international locations.”
Are you involved about that?
SENATOR MARK KELLY: Properly, I’m very involved about what Putin will do subsequent. If he – if he comes out of this and thinks he obtained a very good deal and this was value his effort and time and lack of life.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
SENATOR MARK KELLY: He would not care about Russian troopers. He clearly would not care concerning the Ukrainians. Sure, that will be very regarding for me.
I used to be within the Baltic nations, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania earlier this yr. They’re very involved. That will be a staging floor for them to assault the Baltics.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Understood. That is why we’re watching it so rigorously.
Senator Kelly, I recognize your perception.
We’ll flip now to Michigan Congressman John James.
Good morning to you, Congressman.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN JAMES (R-MI): Good morning, Margaret.
MARGARET BRENNAN: I need to ask you about what’s taking place in your state with the financial system and tariffs, however simply staying on the theme for a second. I do know you will have lots of Ukrainian People in your district. You voted in assist of final yr’s Ukraine supplemental. Are you snug with the Trump administration’s determination to cease recognizing that Russia began the struggle in Ukraine?
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN JAMES: Russia is the aggressor. Putin is a struggle felony. And Volodymyr Zelenskyy additionally fumbled the bag fairly exhausting. All these issues may be true at the very same time. We completely should stand by our allies at the very same time. We additionally have to be sure that we’re giving transparency and accountability to the American individuals.
Below the Biden administration, billions of {dollars} got away with little or no accountability and no mission – no finish state. I am a fight veteran, and my troopers anticipated from me that I’d be capable of articulate targets, a mission and an finish state. And the commander in chief, final time, could not try this.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN JAMES: President Trump is doing every little thing that he can to get an enduring peace, and enduring peace in japanese Europe and all through the world. He is already ended one struggle within the Center East. I feel we should always give him an opportunity to finish one in Europe.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Properly, I feel there’s developments on the Mid-East entrance that – that throw that into query, however we’ll maintain monitoring that.
Let me ask you about tariffs and Michigan since you are actually in a novel spot in the course of the auto state.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN JAMES: This Tuesday, count on tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China. That is what the president stated. On March twelfth, 25 p.c tariffs on all imported metal and aluminum. Non-exceptions for buying and selling companions. Auto tariffs in April. What’s your district bracing for?
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN JAMES: Look, America is open for enterprise however we’re not on the market. Michigan remembers what NAFTA did to us. And over the previous 30 years, Mexico has constructed 11 main automotive crops to just one in the US.
Michigan remembers 900,000 automotive jobs over – again within the ’90s to 600,000 now. That is over 300,000 misplaced manufacturing jobs within the automotive sector. Michigan remembers the nice recession the place 50 p.c of all the roles misplaced in all of America had been misplaced in Michigan alone. And Michigan remembers the dangerous EV mandates which have pressured compliance slightly than truly permitting a regulatory atmosphere that allows innovation. We have misplaced jobs to Mexico and China.
Proper now in my district, as you talked about, the primary manufacturing district in all of the nation, overflow manufacturing isn’t going to Sterling Heights, it is going to Saltillo, Mexico.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN JAMES: If you have a look at the alternatives which might be lacking us, once you have a look at the truth that – that – that Michigan is seeing its alternatives cross by, sufficient is sufficient.
Margaret, the established order isn’t ok for People, which is why Donald Trump obtained elected.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Understood.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN JAMES: He is placing People first. And, frankly, even our allies haven’t been enjoying a good sport.
Look, honest – free commerce is the target however honest commerce –
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK, however I am asking you concerning the particular – the –
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN JAMES: Truthful –
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure, the precise –
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN JAMES: Proper. Sure, OK, go forward.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Tactic right here since you – you introduced up Sterling Heights. The Republican mayor of Sterling Heights, Michael Taylor, your district, says the president’s tariffs are the, quote, “single largest menace to our native financial system.” He is anticipating it to be devastating and staggering. It is a Republican saying this concerning the impression in your district. What’s he lacking?
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN JAMES: The – what’s devastating and staggering is the very fact of the matter that we’ve got been taken benefit of for many years. The president, underneath his authentic tax plan, lowered company tax charges from 35 to 21 p.c, and he is providing decrease tax charges to fifteen p.c for individuals who construct in the US of America. We’re additionally power independence. We’re additionally reducing the regulatory burdens for folk to succeed and excel.
However what Democrats are doing is they will truly make it tougher once they vote in opposition to this – these tax reforms for small companies to excel –
MARGARET BRENNAN: Republicans –
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN JAMES: And for entrepreneurs to get their ft underneath them. And so, no matter what it’s, once you check out the EV insurance policies that Joe Biden put in place, that really exacerbated the inflation, simply have a look at work vans.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure. Properly –
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN JAMES: Work vans 5 years in the past had been – are – had been $15,000 cheaper than they’re proper now. SUVs, $8,000 cheaper than they’re proper now. That inflation was attributable to horrible Democrat insurance policies. And that – and that’s – that –
MARGARET BRENNAN: Did you inform the mayor he is unsuitable?
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN JAMES: What’s that?
MARGARET BRENNAN: The – so that you’re telling the mayor he is unsuitable? I imply the Ford – Ford’s CEO stated at an investor convention final month, a 25 p.c tariff would blow a gap within the U.S. trade that we’ve got by no means seen.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN JAMES: Properly, you understand what, reminiscence is form of quick as a result of once you have a look at the OECD nations, they’re already speaking about leveling 15 p.c tax on something in companies which might be making $750 million or extra. All people ought to have a look at the impression that that makes on high of the tariffs which might be already imposed on items which might be made in the US of America. Nobody is speaking about this, Margaret. And all these economists – we – we count on that these are going to be on (INAUDIBLE) however they are not. We aren’t working at – you understand –
MARGARET BRENNAN: It is the CEO of Ford, the automaker.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN JAMES: You may go discuss to the CEO of Ford, however what I am coping with is individuals I am speaking with after I go to manufacturing unit flooring every single day. I’m an automotive provider in the US of America and I really feel this ache. We have seen it for too lengthy.
And like I’ve stated, we have been taken benefit of for years and we have to stage the enjoying discipline. If you’re not enjoying honest with America, then we’ve got to do what we will to be sure that we will compete on a good enjoying discipline.
And, Margaret, I feel that equity is what we ought to be pursuing. And I do not suppose that is unsuitable to ask for out of our allies and our companions.
MARGARET BRENNAN: The worldwide provide chain, I do know you understand it properly, is difficult right here. And the manufacturing goes backwards and forwards throughout –
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN JAMES: Sure, I’ve a masters in it, Margaret. I perceive it. And I am additionally within the automotive trade.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure. Proper.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN JAMES: Sure, go forward.
MARGARET BRENNAN: And – properly, what I am making an attempt to say is that the automobiles trip throughout the border a number of instances. So, what’s the development of the tariffs that you simply suppose is definitely going to be helpful right here?
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN JAMES: You already know what additionally comes throughout the border? Fentanyl coming in from Mexico, and China sending in precursors. And because of these negotiation ways, Mexico surged 10,000 of their very own Nationwide Guard troops to the border. And simply as you had been mentioning within the – within the final section, I feel it was nice that border apprehensions on the southern border have plunged to the bottom ranges this century.
You already know, that is working. Mexico is paying for the border safety. They’re extraditing drug lords to be prosecuted in the US of America. And these are the varieties of issues that we’re – that we’re in search of. Eighty-four p.c of these on the phobia watch checklist, on the FBI terror watch checklist, are apprehended on the northern border. And we’re getting Canadian cooperation, which might have by no means occurred underneath the earlier administration.
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN JAMES: And solely began when President Trump began enjoying hardball and speaking about these items. We have now numerous levers, diplomatic, financial and navy.
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN JAMES: And diplomatic levers have not works. We’re utilizing financial ranges to safe our borders –
MARGARET BRENNAN: All proper, Congressman.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN JAMES: And to be sure that we’ve got equity throughout our financial system.
MARGARET BRENNAN: All proper, thanks. Congressman James, we have got to depart it there.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: President Trump’s approval score in our ballot is 51 p.c, nonetheless in constructive territory, however by a smaller margin than he had a month in the past. And on his approval on the problems, it is a blended bag. A slim majority of voters approve of his dealing with of the border and the financial system, whereas a slim majority disapprove of his dealing with of inflation.
And we’re joined now by our elections and surveys director, Anthony Salvanto.
You requested a couple of host of points, Anthony, earlier than this explosive Oval Workplace alternate. You probably did ask People how they’re assessing the battle between Ukraine and Russia. What did you study?
ANTHONY SALVANTO: Sure, good morning, Margaret.
You already know, you’ll be able to have a look at Ukraine and Russia and the battle, after which see a wider worldview that People have. So, let me begin with this.
Assist to Ukraine particularly divides the nation. It divides it alongside partisan traces. And it has for some time. Democrats extra in favor, Republicans extra opposed.
However then you definitely ask individuals, OK, who do you assist within the battle? Simply over half say they assist Ukraine and the remainder say they’re impartial, that the U.S. ought to keep out.
Now, the place this comes again to the administration is, the individuals who say they’re impartial are extra approving of how Donald Trump is dealing with all this. The individuals who say they again Ukraine, along with supporting help, really feel that Trump’s actions have favored Russia on this battle.
Now, let’s check out views on Russia. And the large majority calls Russia both an enemy or unfriendly. It is rather less so amongst Republicans. However then widen out to how the U.S. ought to act on the world stage. Views of our European allies. By and huge, People name them allies or as a minimum friendlies, Nice Britain, France, Germany, et cetera.
Now, what ought to the U.S. truly do? The large majority is, cooperate with allies on the world stage. These of us are typically much less approving of the modifications that they see Donald Trump making to U.S. international coverage.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, again to the – the important thing problem, the financial system, how are People perceiving what the president is doing on that, in addition to his cuts to the federal workforce?
ANTHONY SALVANTO: Properly, on the purpose about cuts, let’s begin with this kind of central premise about, is there waste within the federal authorities? By and huge People agree that there’s. The distinction is, the place does it come from? If I ask individuals, is it poor spending decisions? Is it fraud? Properly, you get extra Democrats saying, it most likely comes from poor spending decisions. Republicans saying it comes from fraud.
After which that goes right into a cut up on the modifications you are making within the federal workforce. That divides the nation. And also you begin to see individuals and questioning about what the implications of this could be.
So, I ask, is that this going to have an impact? There’s lots of people who say, sure, it should impact reducing companies that they like, an impact on their native space. However there’s additionally simply as many who say it is going to save taxpayer cash, it is going to get rid of waste. And after I see that broad span of solutions, what my sense is, is, persons are anticipating lots of issues. They’re uncertain at this level. However they’re positively trying and ready to see what they consider might be an impression.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Anthony Salvanto, thanks very a lot.
ANTHONY SALVANTO: Thanks.
MARGARET BRENNAN: We’ll be proper again.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: Our Imtiaz Tyab stories on response from Kyiv.
(BEGIN VT)
IMTIAZ TYAB (voice over): President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s heat welcome at 10 Downing Avenue could not have been extra completely different than his reception on the White Home.
REPORTER: What’s your message to the U.S. president?
IMTIAZ TYAB (voice over): He and U.Ok. Prime Minister Kier Starmer later signed $2.8 billion value of loans to Ukraine, forward of right now’s summit of presidents and prime ministers from throughout Europe, convened by Starmer.
KIER STARMER (U.Ok. Prime Minister): European international locations should do extra and supply a safety assure. However I’ve all the time been clear that that’s going to wish a U.S. backstop.
IMTIAZ TYAB (voice over): Oleksander Merezhko is the chairman of the Ukrainian authorities’s international affairs committee.
OLEKSANDER MEREZHKO (Ukrainian Authorities’s Overseas Affairs Committee Chairman): The difficulty of Ukraine is an important key problem for European safety. Let’s not overlook that the ultimate objective of Putin isn’t solely destroying Ukraine but additionally dominating the entire Europe.
IMTIAZ TYAB (voice over): This spectacle of an American president and vp berating the chief of a war-torn ally has left Ukrainians reeling and European leaders scrambling to reply. It has additionally triggered delight from the Kremlin.
OLEKSANDER MEREZHKO: And I assumed that Mr. Trump can play the function of latest FDR. Sure. However now we will see that we’d like to consider European function and Europe as a frontrunner of the free world.
IMTIAZ TYAB: There’s clearly one other participant right here. And that is Russia. What do you suppose the temper in Moscow is correct now?
OLEKSANDER MEREZHKO: I am certain that they rejoice. Putin counted. He could not think about that one thing like that, that such a present can occur. However now issues have modified. And it emboldens him. He thinks that he is proper and he can destroy Ukraine. That is why it is so harmful.
IMTIAZ TYAB: A harmful struggle which exhibits no signal of letting up. In a single day there was one other huge Russian drone assault within the japanese metropolis of Zaporizhzhia that left a residential neighborhood devastated.
(END VT)
MARGARET BRENNAN: The free world wants a brand new chief stated the EU’s high diplomat, Kaja Kallas, following that Oval Workplace assembly. We spoke along with her Thursday about what Europeans are doing to assist Ukraine.
(BEGIN VT)
KAJA KALLAS (VP, European Fee): We’re coordinating. And – and, in fact, the message is, there are a number of layers. One is that the struggle that Ukraine is having isn’t solely about Ukraine’s sovereignty, however it’s a lot, a lot broader. It is about freedom of the free world actually. It’s concerning the world the place worldwide legislation applies. And – and the world the place would possibly doesn’t make proper. It’s clear that Russia attacked Ukraine. There’s one aggressor and one sufferer.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However the Trump administration has determined now to not say that explicitly, arguing that the president wants negotiating room. Do you suppose that that is persuasive to Vladimir Putin?
KAJA KALLAS: Properly, it’s actually, you understand, a really robust Russian narrative that they need to run to essentially push – saying that, you understand, oh, it is a battle between two equal events. It is vitally clear, one nation attacked one other nation very brutally with power and is – is bombing Ukraine day-after-day. I imply President Trump says that he needs the killing to cease. I do not suppose that anyone needs the killing to cease greater than the Ukrainians.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, why do you suppose acknowledging who’s accountable does matter?
KAJA KALLAS: We have now the United Nations constitution the place we’ve got agreed how international locations are, you understand, interacting with one another. And it says very clearly that you could’t assault sovereign territorial integrity of one other nation. And should you do, there are penalties. And why is it necessary? It is vital for small international locations on this planet, for whom that is the one factor that protects them. If we do not actually defend this precept, then we will see all these developments that we do not need to see as a result of all of the international locations who’re afraid of their neighbors will need to go for nuclear weapons as a result of that is the one factor that protects them. It is not the worldwide legislation anymore.
(END VT)
MARGARET BRENNAN: That is it for us right now, till subsequent week.
For FACE THE NATION, I am Margaret Brennan.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
