On this “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” broadcast, moderated by Margaret Brennan:
- Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado
- Sen. Mark Warner, Democrat of Virginia
- White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett
- Sen. Bill Cassidy, Republican of Louisiana
Click right here to browse full transcripts from 2025 of “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.”
MARGARET BRENNAN: I’m Margaret Brennan in Washington.
And this week on Face the Nation: breaking in a single day, mass shootings at Brown University and now at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia.
Plus, our unique interview with Venezuelan opposition chief and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado.
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MARGARET BRENNAN: Yesterday, the commander in chief paid tribute to our nation’s most interesting in that time-honored American custom, the Army-Navy soccer sport.
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DONALD TRUMP (President of the United States): We all set?
ANNOUNCER: It is tails.
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MARGARET BRENNAN: Army gained the coin toss, however Navy gained the sport on what was a sobering Saturday. Earlier, President Trump mentioned the U.S. would reply to an ISIS assault in Syria that killed two American troopers and a civilian interpreter.
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QUESTION: Will the U.S. retaliate in opposition to ISIS?
PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: Yes, we’ll.
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MARGARET BRENNAN: As the overseas coverage challenges proceed for Mr. Trump, so do Americans’ issues about excessive costs, significantly painful this 12 months as the vacation buying season peaks.
At least 20 million Americans additionally face skyrocketing well being care premiums beneath Obamacare within the new 12 months. We will speak with White House chief financial adviser Kevin Hassett, Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, and Virginia Democratic Senator Mark Warner.
Plus, in a dialog you will note solely on CBS, Venezuelan opposition chief Maria Corina Machado tells us why she’s so dedicated to democracy in her nation, regardless of the dangers she faces.
It’s all simply forward on Face the Nation.
Welcome to Face the Nation.
On this primary day of Hanukkah, a horrific scene is unfolding almost 10,000 miles away within the suburbs of Sydney, Australia, the place gunmen attacked a Jewish vacation gathering on the metropolis’s Bondi Beach, a well-liked vacationer spot.
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MARGARET BRENNAN: At least 11 folks have been killed and one other 29 injured in an assault the Australian prime minister has referred to as an act of evil, antisemitism and terrorism.
Video footage seems to point out two gunmen on a bridge, certainly one of them firing his weapon. Another clip exhibits what seems to be a bystander tackling and disarming one of many gunmen. Police verify there have been no less than two suspects. One is lifeless, the opposite hospitalized following the assault, and they’re wanting into the potential for extra suspects.
Here within the U.S., Saturday marked what’s no less than the thirty ninth college taking pictures on a university campus this 12 months.
CBS News correspondent Tom Hanson studies from Providence, Rhode Island, from the Brown University campus, the place the assault occurred.
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TOM HANSON (voice-over): After an evening on lockdown at Brown University…
BRETT SMILEY (D-Mayor of Providence, Rhode Island): We have detained an individual of curiosity concerned in yesterday’s taking pictures.
TOM HANSON: … this morning, a quick exhale for a campus nonetheless on edge.
MAYOR BRETT SMILEY: Seven people in secure situation, one in crucial, however secure situation, and one has been discharged.
EMERGENCY DISPATCH: It is a confirmed taking pictures.
TOM HANSON: The first calls got here in simply after 4:00 p.m. Saturday.
EMERGENCY DISPATCH: I’m being suggested 167 Brook within the constructing, within the stairway, there’s an individual shot.
TOM HANSON: The college president says the taking pictures occurred in the midst of a ultimate examination overview session on the college’s engineering and physics constructing.
MAN: And there was an enormous response instantly. You can simply look out the window, there’s tons of cop vehicles, tons of fireside vans. It was quite a bit.
TOM HANSON: As some college students evacuated, Brown’s campus, usually open and walkable, grew to become a spot to cover, the sense of safety at this Ivy League establishment now damaged.
CHRISTINA PAXSON (President, Brown University): We have plenty of restoration forward of us. So my major objective within the coming days and weeks and months, it can take a very long time, is to deliver folks again collectively and assist them really feel secure and safe on campus.
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TOM HANSON: And there’s nonetheless no phrase but on a motive, however, in keeping with one legislation enforcement supply, the particular person of curiosity is 24 and didn’t attend Brown University.
Now, in the meantime, all remaining ultimate exams have been postponed as investigators work with prosecutors to gather extra proof and conduct extra interviews – Margaret.
MARGARET BRENNAN: That’s Tom Hanson reporting from Providence, Rhode Island.
We flip to our unique dialog with Venezuelan opposition chief Maria Corina Machado, who spoke to us Friday from Oslo, the place she simply acquired the Nobel Peace Prize. To get there, she traveled secretly by land, sea and air, as she faces arrest by the Maduro regime.
We needed to listen to about that journey, however she refused to speak about it, citing safety issues for many who helped her, though she has beforehand mentioned she acquired help from the U.S. authorities.
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MARIA CORINA MACHADO (Venezuela Opposition Leader): I’m not going to provide extra data concerning my journey to Norway.
But what am I going to say, how vital it’s for the Venezuelan folks. This is a recognition to a nation that has fought tirelessly, courageously in opposition to a felony narco-terrorist construction. And – and I got here to obtain that prize, that award, and I’m going to deliver it again residence to the Venezuelan folks as quickly as potential.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You say you are going again residence. I do know you despatched your personal kids out of Venezuelan territory in an effort to shield them, your sons, your daughter.
Are they involved that you simply plan to return to Venezuela? When are you going?
MARIA CORINA MACHADO: Well, in fact they’re involved, as every other Venezuelan youngster that has their dad and mom or family again in our nation, as a result of the regime, as I mentioned, has persecuted, tortured, killed, disappeared hundreds of Venezuelans.
And, lately, it has turned much more violent, as a result of, you realize, when – when a felony regime is falling aside they usually know their days are numbered, they flip much more aggressive, much more violent.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Can you assist us perceive what’s going on? Because we’re seeing right here within the U.S. a rise within the stress marketing campaign, extra sanctions on Venezuelan people and vessels. We noticed an armed seizure of a vessel carrying oil out of Venezuela.
Selling oil on the black market is basically vital cash for the Maduro regime. Do you endorse this concept of extra seizures and probably even a blockade?
MARIA CORINA MACHADO: Look, I completely help President Trump’s technique.
And we, the Venezuelan folks, are very grateful to him and to his administration, as a result of I consider he’s a champion of freedom on this hemisphere. And that is why – and I say this from Oslo proper now – I’ve devoted this award to him, as a result of I feel that he lastly has put Venezuela in the place it ought to be, when it comes to a precedence for the United States’ nationwide safety.
And we do help these actions as a result of, Margaret, we face not a traditional dictatorship. This is a really advanced felony construction that has turned Venezuela right into a secure haven of worldwide crime and terrorist actions, beginning with Russia, Iran, Cuba, Hezbollah, Hamas, the Colombian guerrilla, the drug cartels working freely and directed in partnership with Maduro and his regime.
And, as each felony construction is – suffers is when the inflows from their felony actions are reduce. And these, within the case of Maduro regime, comes from the oil black market, to drug trafficking, gold smuggling, arms smuggling, even human smuggling and trafficking.
MARGARET BRENNAN: It sounds such as you help extra sanctions and probably extra seizures of oil. But is not there a threat that slicing off cash will additional damage the already impoverished folks of Venezuela? Isn’t {that a} threat?
MARIA CORINA MACHADO: Of course, what we’re doing is for the well-being of the Venezuelan folks. What we wish to do is to avoid wasting lives.
But Maduro was the one who declared a battle on the Venezuelan folks, a battle we did not need, a battle we’re struggling with lots of of hundreds of killings and compelled executions within the final years. And, proper now, I wish to be very clear with the worldwide neighborhood.
The assets Maduro will get are usually not going to varsities or hospitals. In Venezuela, a instructor earns $1 a day. Pensions are lower than $1 a month. Our kids go twice every week to high school. The sources, the money the regime will get from these unlawful actions goes to purchase arms, to pay gang members, to spy and infiltrate, and to even additional enhance their unlawful narcotics actions and so forth.
So these assets are usually not going for to – in the direction of the folks. They’re going for corruption and crime.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So it sounds such as you need much more seizures and a blockade. Is that appropriate?
MARIA CORINA MACHADO: We need each authorized motion via legislation enforcement strategy, not solely from the United States, additionally from different Caribbean, Latin American and European international locations, that additional block the unlawful actions of the regime.
Why? Because we have to enhance the price of staying in energy by power. Once you arrive to that time by which the price of staying in energy is larger than the price of leaving energy, the regime will collapse. And it is the second the place we, you realize, advance right into a negotiated transition, which is what to start with we supplied Maduro once we gained the presidential election by a landslide final 12 months.
But he not solely refused that possibility, however he, as you realize, unleashed the worst, most brutal repression wave we have seen in our historical past.
MARGARET BRENNAN: And eight million Venezuelans have fled…
MARIA CORINA MACHADO: That’s appropriate.
MARGARET BRENNAN: … since he got here to energy, throughout that point.
But, when it comes to the diplomacy, President Trump spoke with Maduro himself final month. We have not seen any proof, although, that diplomacy, a negotiated exit such as you talked about, is occurring. Are you seeing diplomatic success?
MARIA CORINA MACHADO: Well, within the final years, Venezuela has seen 17 dialogue initiatives, not as soon as, not twice, 17.
Every single time, the opposition or our allies or the United States have complied with each single factor we supplied. The regime of the nation has violated each single factor they supplied on their very own half. What did they get? They acquired time. They acquired legitimacy. They acquired cash.
And that is exactly what they suppose they will get once more – as soon as once more. But, definitely, issues have modified very a lot within the final months. Venezuela is a complete completely different nation. I imply, Maduro is weaker than ever. The armed forces, police are definitely divided and fractured, and our nation is united, cohesive.
And we lastly have the administration, on this case, President Trump, with a transparent technique that actually represents a reputable risk for the regime. So if we had – ever had an opportunity to lastly transfer forward into – in the direction of democracy in our nation, it is right now.
MARGARET BRENNAN: What proof do you’ve that the army is weaker than ever? Was your escape proof of that?
MARIA CORINA MACHADO: We’ve seen an increasing number of members of the army discovering methods to attach with us, to ship messages to – to – to point out that they’re feeling the identical of what the remainder of the nation is feeling.
When – after they – this army return residence, they discover their kids, their mom, their companions saying that they’re hungry, that they’re persecuted, that their households have been divided. They are scared. Yes, they’re scared, as a result of repression and persecution within the army is even harder than on civilians.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, President Trump mentioned that land strikes to cease drug trafficking particularly will begin quickly. He has been saying that for weeks. Do you realize what he’s speaking about? And has he promised you something?
MARIA CORINA MACHADO: No, I do not know. And nicely, if I knew, I would not say it, in fact. But it is not the case.
We are usually not concerned and we won’t get entangled into one other nation’s coverage for their very own nationwide safety.
MARGARET BRENNAN: But would you welcome U.S. army motion?
MARIA CORINA MACHADO: I’ll welcome an increasing number of stress in order that Maduro understands that he has to go, that his time is over.
And I’ll insist one thing that I’ve mentioned a number of occasions earlier than. This isn’t typical regime change. This can’t be in comparison with different instances, like international locations within the Middle East. We had an election. Regime change was already mandated by over 70 p.c of the inhabitants. And what we want is help to implement that call.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, how do you sq. army motion with receiving a Peace Prize? Are we on the level it’s a necessity?
MARIA CORINA MACHADO: Well, what we’re preventing for is exactly freedom in an effort to have democracy, and democracy in an effort to have peace.
And in an effort to preserve freedom and to attain freedom, you do want energy. The opposite can be the peace of the lifeless, by which you’ve a rustic beneath absolute oppression and easily giving in. And that is not the case.
It’s completely absurd that you simply see a regime, a felony regime like Maduro, that will get help from Russia or from Iran, after which ask the Venezuelan folks to not ask help from democratic international locations and democratic leaders.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes.
MARIA CORINA MACHADO: That’s absolute absurd. We do not need arms. We have our will. We have the ability of group and the ability of affection, which, on the finish, I’ve to say that peace is finally an act of affection.
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MARGARET BRENNAN: The Maduro regime maintains it gained the final election and considers Machado a fugitive. The regime additionally refers to U.S. actions as unlawful and brutal interventionism.
In our subsequent half-hour, we’ll converse with Machado about what’s forward in a possible post-Maduro period in Venezuela.
And we can be again in a single minute, so stick with us.
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MARGARET BRENNAN: And we’re now joined by the highest Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, Mark Warner of Virginia.
Senator, had been you persuaded there by Maria Corina Machado’s argument that army motion, stress is virtuous and crucial?
SENATOR MARK WARNER (D-Virginia): Well, to begin with, let me – on the high of the present, now we have acquired this tragic taking pictures at Brown University after which this clearly political strike in opposition to the Jewish neighborhood in Australia, each horrible, and significantly on the primary day of Hanukkah, which is the celebration of sunshine over darkness.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes.
SENATOR MARK WARNER: And, boy, we might use just a little extra gentle nowadays.
Ms. Machado is a hero. She deserves to win the Nobel Prize. And one of many errors the Biden administration made final 12 months, when the opposition candidates gained overwhelmingly, was not put extra stress on Maduro then to depart. But the motion now that Trump has chosen Maduro, who’s a nasty man, and saying – and I’m undecided what his coverage is, however at the exact same time is pardoning, for instance, a Honduran former president who was convicted in America of drug operating.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Right.
SENATOR MARK WARNER: The president, who has not been prepared to face up sturdy in opposition to Putin, who’s most likely probably the most brutal authoritarian chief on the earth, as we go on and off with Ukraine.
I feel it is – sure, it would be nice to do away with Maduro. But when it comes to the query…
MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes.
SENATOR MARK WARNER: … Donald Trump has not come to the American folks and mentioned, listed here are our objectives in Venezuela. We have gotten troops probably in hurt’s method. We have gotten boat actions, for instance, the place we’re blowing up boats the place we are able to clearly interdict, as we noticed with the oil tanker.
I feel the president must make the case if he’ll attempt to put boots on the bottom in Venezuela.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, at this level, all they’ve, as I perceive it, requested for and justified to Congress had been these strikes on the alleged drug boats, nothing with sovereign territory but.
But that will get to your argument about, what’s the finish objective? Unlike different Democrats, relating to the drug boats, you’ve mentioned you are not able to name them battle crimes, significantly what occurred on the September 2 double faucet strike. You have questioned Admiral Bradley.
I do know you need the video launched to the general public. What do you suppose that is going to point out to the general public? What will that change?
SENATOR MARK WARNER: Well, I feel the video is chilling, disturbing, no matter time period you wish to use.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Why?
SENATOR MARK WARNER: Because the thought of those two survivors hanging on to remnants of a ship, after which America taking a collection of extra strikes. The Congress must see it, on the very minimal. I feel the American public must see it.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You have seen it?
SENATOR MARK WARNER: I’ve seen it. It is – it’s…
MARGARET BRENNAN: Only a restricted quantity have.
SENATOR MARK WARNER: It is very chilling.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes.
SENATOR MARK WARNER: What I’m saying is, when you make the accusation of battle crime, you’ll be able to’t take that again.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Right.
SENATOR MARK WARNER: And so what I’ve mentioned…
MARGARET BRENNAN: But a lot of your Democrat colleagues have.
SENATOR MARK WARNER: And I do know that.
That’s why I’ve mentioned to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, I wish to see the written execution order. I wish to see the authorized opinion that was about this particular strike. I wish to know whether or not the overarching coverage memorandum, which was not completed till September 5, three days after the strike, was it modified?
MARGARET BRENNAN: You – I noticed you mentioned that that is not typical, is it? Don’t you usually give you the authorized justification earlier than you’re taking the motion, somewhat than three days after it?
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SENATOR MARK WARNER: Well, that is the place I’ve a query.
The justification was made in late July. They did not write it down till September 5.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Why?
SENATOR MARK WARNER: Can – I haven’t got the reply.
I additionally wish to see the after-action report. I wish to give the army each alternative to make their case, as a result of when you – once more, when you make that declare, what it could do to how we view our army, morale, how we’re seen on the earth, it is so vital.
But this president has not – and, frankly, Pete Hegseth even worse. Here’s the man who goes out and brags concerning the strikes, till there’s controversy, after which he sort of runs for the hills.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, the president mentioned once more this week – and I’ll simply learn it to you – that land strikes on Venezuela are being thought of.
“Land strikes on horrible folks which can be bringing in medication and killing our folks. It would not essentially should be in Venezuela. It’s folks which can be bringing in medication to our nation as targets.”
Have you seen any authorized justification to hit these folks now designated as terrorists on sovereign territory, whether or not it is Mexico or Colombia or Venezuela?
(CROSSTALK)
SENATOR MARK WARNER: The overwhelming majority of the drug – significantly – that is all cocaine. This isn’t fentanyl. The huge…
MARGARET BRENNAN: In phrases of the drug boats that they hit.
SENATOR MARK WARNER: The overwhelming majority is definitely within the Eastern Pacific, but many of the strikes have been within the Caribbean.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Right.
SENATOR MARK WARNER: And does this imply that abruptly you are going to be open warfare with all of American army in opposition to any and all drug sellers?
Again, the drug sellers are terrible. We have to do all we are able to to cease them. But the president, when he places American forces probably in hurt’s method, wants to come back and clarify to the American folks what the objective is right here.
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK.
SENATOR MARK WARNER: Particularly when he is then, on the similar breath, pardoning the previous president of Honduras, who’s a convicted drug vendor.
MARGARET BRENNAN: In phrases of designated terrorists, ISIS is a chosen terrorist group. We simply noticed the primary fight deaths, primarily, of the Trump administration yesterday, three Americans killed, three injured in Syria on this obvious ambush.
The head of the National Counterterrorism Center mentioned it was an insider assault. Are you supportive of protecting the almost 1,000 U.S. troops in Syria? Do you’ve issues that the Syrian authorities is not capable of maintain these infiltrators out?
SENATOR MARK WARNER: Well, to begin with, condolences to the three Americans’ households, armed forces members, one an interpreter.
I feel our troops have performed an vital function. We are working intently with, for instance, the Kurds. We have actually tens of hundreds of ISIS relations in sure prisons in that space. But the president…
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, you need that to proceed?
SENATOR MARK WARNER: But the president – I feel pulling out with out a plan can be a mistake, however the president, once more, has despatched combined indicators.
I imply, months in the past, he mentioned he is fascinated about taking all these American troopers out with out articulating a technique. I imply, the president, if he desires to make the case to the American folks of when our troopers are in hurt’s method, and significantly once we’re speaking concerning the Caribbean, and now potential Venezuela, this has not been an in a single day – this buildup of forces been months.
He owes it to all of us to come back in and clarify what his objective is.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Domestically, now we have Senator Cassidy on this system. We taped with him earlier.
He says he is searching for fellow Democrats to hitch him in a well being care deal by March to make these well being financial savings accounts. And he mentioned he’ll provide to increase the present subsidies for well being care premiums.
SENATOR MARK WARNER: Well, to begin with…
MARGARET BRENNAN: Would you be on board with that?
SENATOR MARK WARNER: … now we have acquired a disaster that hits as of Monday, tomorrow.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Right.
SENATOR MARK WARNER: Because that is when folks have to enroll.
MARGARET BRENNAN: He says, retroactively, you are able to do it.
SENATOR MARK WARNER: Well, hear, it is a mess.
Once you’ve signed up or you’ve dropped out of the system, the concept you are retroactively going to repair it, repair it now, so folks do not go into Christmas considering they’ll not know if they may have the ability to afford well being care. And the notion…
MARGARET BRENNAN: But nothing is occurring.
SENATOR MARK WARNER: But the notion that what – and Bill Cassidy is an effective man. I’ve labored with him in plenty of completely different efforts.
But the concept a one-time $1,500 cost into your pocket goes to abruptly make up – I had an individual on – the opposite day, her present insurance coverage is $544 a month.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes.
SENATOR MARK WARNER: It’ll go as much as over $1,500 a month.
A one-time $1,500 cost isn’t going to fulfill her wants…
MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes.
SENATOR MARK WARNER: … and significantly if that might imply that issues like preexisting situation protections would disappear.
MARGARET BRENNAN: That sounds such as you’re not on board in these remaining days of 2025.
Senator, I’ve to…
SENATOR MARK WARNER: Fix the disaster proper now. Extend the subsidies, after which let’s debate how we repair it.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes, now we have to – now we have to depart it there.
Thank you, Senator.
We can be proper again.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: We can be proper again with much more Face the Nation.
Stay with us.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: Welcome again to “FACE THE NATION.” We’re joined now by the director of the National Economic Council, Kevin Hassett.
Good to have you ever again.
KEVIN HASSETT (National Economic Council Director): It’s nice to be again.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, persons are vacation buying. They’re conscious of costs. The president mentioned this week costs are coming down tremendously. The newest information, although, from the Consumer Price Index is up three p.c 12 months over 12 months, Personal Consumption Index is up 2.8 p.c 12 months over 12 months. What information is he ? What’s your benchmark?
KEVIN HASSETT: Right. Well, one the issues that, for those who noticed his presentation in Pennsylvania, as he put up a bunch of charts, which he likes to do, the place he went via the person gadgets which have – we have already type of made a bunch of progress on.
And so, for instance, beneath Joe Biden, pharmaceuticals had been up 9 p.c. So far this 12 months they’re down 0.6 p.c. Gasoline is method down. It was like the best ever beneath Biden.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Eggs. He was speaking about eggs. Yes.
KEVIN HASSETT: Yes, he was speaking about eggs.
And so, I feel the – the way in which to consider inflation, in fact, is that there are like micro results, just like the time that we had the avian flu affecting drug costs.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Right.
KEVIN HASSETT: And then macro results, which is runaway spending, large deficits and an accommodated Fed coverage. And I feel that –
MARGARET BRENNAN: And now tariffs including to some value will increase in keeping with the Fed chair.
KEVIN HASSETT: Well, I – you realize, I feel that the tariff proof is combined. But the purpose is that we have got deficit going method, method down. So, proper now, it is wanting just like the deficit for this 12 months can be $600 billion decrease than it was final 12 months. That actually helps decrease inflation. We’ve acquired the commerce deficit reduce in half from final 12 months. And so all this stuff are issues that ought to proceed to maneuver us in the direction of the Fed goal of two p.c.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Companies aren’t essentially going to deliver gadgets down, although, when it comes to pricing, proper? I imply the president advised “The Wall Street Journal,” he did not know when all of this cash, quote, “goes to kick in.” I feel he was speaking to enterprise funding and tariffs, “and assist voters. All I can do is my job.”
When do you anticipate voters will really feel this constructive affect?
KEVIN HASSETT: Right. Well, it is undoubtedly the case that – and also you guys have been overlaying it quite a bit, that client sentiment proper now’s decrease than anybody would love.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Right.
KEVIN HASSETT: But, you realize, we discover that that fairly often occurs throughout a authorities shutdown, the place everyone’s actually upset.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, the final administration referred to as that the vibe session, proper?
KEVIN HASSETT: No, however –
MARGARET BRENNAN: The information’s good, however folks really feel dangerous.
KEVIN HASSETT: But what occurred – sure, however what is going on to occur is –
MARGARET BRENNAN: Same factor, you are saying?
KEVIN HASSETT: No, what is going on to occur – I’m not saying that. What I’m saying is that persons are going to see the excessive progress. Growth is 4 p.c. Income progress is up about $1,200 this 12 months. People look of their wallets and see they’re doing higher, which is why we had the largest Black Friday ever. And so on.
And so, I feel that the sentiment –
MARGARET BRENNAN: But that is extra larger incomes.
KEVIN HASSETT: The sentiment will meet up with the fact. Under Joe Biden the very fact is that actual buying energy dropped by about 3,000. So far this 12 months it is up by about $1,200 per household. And the cash that we’re speaking about is like actual cash. So, for groceries, it went from $400 a month to $525 a month beneath Biden. So, that is like an additional greater than thousand {dollars} a 12 months you must spend on groceries.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Uh-huh.
KEVIN HASSETT: It’s down this 12 months for us, the grocery package deal. But it is nonetheless acquired plenty of room to develop – or to go.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Much more to go.
KEVIN HASSETT: Yes.
MARGARET BRENNAN: And the president lowered some tariffs on a few of these grocery gadgets with a watch in the direction of that acknowledgement.
KEVIN HASSETT: On the meals stuff. Yes, if we do not make it right here, then just about we do not tariff it.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Let me ask you – you talked about gasoline.
KEVIN HASSETT: Uh-huh.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Oil costs globally are comparatively low.
KEVIN HASSETT: Uh-huh.
MARGARET BRENNAN: We noticed this Coast Guard interdiction with army forces boarding and seizing this vessel off the coast of Venezuela.
KEVIN HASSETT: Correct.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Do you are feeling you’ve the leeway there, pricing-wise, to conduct extra seizures, or perhaps a blockade of oil from Venezuela?
KEVIN HASSETT: Well –
MARGARET BRENNAN: Without it hurting?
KEVIN HASSETT: Yes, nicely, I’m not a overseas coverage man.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Right.
KEVIN HASSETT: So, like what we do with Venezuela, whether or not we blockade is as much as the president and Marco Rubio.
But I can say that –
MARGARET BRENNAN: But you’ve got acquired the leeway, proper? Pricing (ph).
KEVIN HASSETT: That what’s been happening is there’s been sort of a black marketplace for oil amongst type of this sanctioned international locations. And what we’re doing is we’re shutting that black market down. Whether that impacts costs exterior of the sanctioned international locations is sort of an open query. Probably not.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You do not suppose it can?
KEVIN HASSETT: No, as a result of – as a result of there’s – they’re already sort of on the ropes, these international locations. They’re solely getting oil after they get, like, type of black fleets to sneak in and provides them the oil.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes.
KEVIN HASSETT: And that is what we’re making an attempt to decelerate.
MARGARET BRENNAN: It’s – OK.
I wish to ask you concerning the Fed resolution. The Federal Open Market Committee mentioned job beneficial properties have slowed this 12 months.
We additionally this survey from The Business Roundtable. I’m positive you noticed it. They requested CEOs what they anticipate to occur. And they anticipate employment will lower in 2026 somewhat than enhance.
Are you involved a couple of hiring slowdown?
KEVIN HASSETT: The similar Fed mentioned that they had been extra bullish on progress for subsequent 12 months, proper? And so, I feel that we’re at a sure case –
MARGARET BRENNAN: But on the roles image?
KEVIN HASSETT: But on the roles image, you realize, we will get the info subsequent week. And so, perhaps subsequent Sunday I’ll come again and we’ll speak about it as a result of we have got two months of knowledge popping out on Tuesday and we’ll get a clearer image as a result of proper now we simply have some very troublesome to pin down surveys, just like the gold customary for this can be actually the family survey, which we do not even get for October.
MARGARET BRENNAN: But these had been CEOs. They’re the individuals who can be doing the hiring, proper? And they’re saying, we’re not doing it.
KEVIN HASSETT: But they do not have the broad perspective that we’ll get when he get the massive information launched subsequent week.
MARGARET BRENNAN: And you belief that large information?
KEVIN HASSETT: I belief the family survey particularly. And, sadly, we cannot have one for October. But we will get one for November and that is going to be actually vital for fascinated about the place the job market is.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Employment is among the issues that the Fed watches intently. And we heard once more from the president that you simply had been on this brief listing to be probably the following Fed chair.
KEVIN HASSETT: Yes.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Although he was conducting interviews this week. He mentioned you and Hoover’s Kevin Warsh are on the high of the listing.
On Friday the president was requested how large of a job he desires to personally play in future Fed rate of interest selections.
Take a hear.
(BEGIN VC)
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I feel I definitely ought to have a job in speaking to whoever the pinnacle of the Fed is, or the Fed. I do not actually – you realize, within the outdated days, that used to occur. Nowadays, it is type of – they suppose it should not occur. But I’ve finished nice. I’ve made some huge cash. I’m very profitable. I feel my voice ought to be heard.
(END VC)
MARGARET BRENNAN: As Fed chair, how continuously would you seek the advice of with the president when he says he desires his voice herd?
KEVIN HASSETT: Well, I’m proper now the highest financial adviser for the president and I speak about nearly every part with him nearly on daily basis. I’ve definitely talked about financial coverage. I feel he has very sturdy and well-founded views about what we must do. But ultimately, the job of the Fed is to be impartial and the – to work with the group of individuals which can be on the Board of Governors on the FOMC, to drive a bunch consensus on the place rates of interest ought to be. And to take action, you realize, principally with the steerage of the Fed chair. But ultimately, it is a committee that votes. And I’d be comfortable to speak to the president on daily basis, you realize, till each of us are lifeless as a result of it is a lot enjoyable to speak. And he is –
MARGARET BRENNAN: Even for those who had been Fed chair?
KEVIN HASSETT: Even if I had been Fed chair. If I wasn’t Fed chair, I – you realize what, I’d hope that Kevin Warsh can be speaking to the president as nicely if he – if he had been Fed chair.
MARGARET BRENNAN: And voice ought to be heard goes to be –
KEVIN HASSETT: I – you realize, each Fed chair talks to a lot and plenty of market consultants.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Equal to the opposite members of the – voting members or –
KEVIN HASSETT: Excuse me?
MARGARET BRENNAN: Would the president’s voice have equal weighting to the voting members?
KEVIN HASSETT: No. No. The – he would don’t have any weight. It’s simply his opinion issues if it is good. You know, if it is primarily based on information. And then for those who go to the committee and also you say, nicely, the president made this argument and that is a extremely sound argument, I feel, what do you suppose? If they reject it, then they will vote differently.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Understood.
Well, we’ll be watching to see what occurs.
Kevin Hassett.
KEVIN HASSETT: Great to be right here.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Thanks, as all the time.
We’ll be proper again.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: We go now to Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy. He joins us this morning from Baton Rouge.
Good morning to you, Senator.
SENATOR BILL CASSIDY (R-LA): Good morning, Margaret.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, your well being care invoice offers Americans as much as $1,500 in tax-free accounts to spend on well being care somewhat than lengthen these expiring ACA subsidies. On Thursday, your proposal failed 51-48, as did the Democratic proposal. So which means it seems like these receiving ACA premium subsidies will see their prices go up 114 p.c. Bottom line right here, did Republicans merely wait too lengthy to give you a well being care various?
SENATOR BILL CASSIDY: Well, first, Margaret, let’s simply sort of recap the query. We’ve acquired to do one thing for affordability for the folks within the exchanges. And I’ll say that the one factor that Democrats would settle for was one thing that might lower the premiums. But if a household has a $6,000 out of pocket earlier than they get into the energy of the insurance coverage plan, then frankly the coverage is catastrophic. It brings revenue to the insurance coverage firm, however not profit to the affected person.
So, I’d argue that it truly is – there must be a gathering of the minds between Democrats and Republicans. Let’s acknowledge, you have to put money within the affected person’s pocket to pay the out of pocket. I’d be prepared to do a short-term extension of the premium tax credit for these folks with larger premiums if they may concede that we have got to do one thing for the $6,000 out of pocket. I feel there is a deal available right here. We have to push for that deal.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, you wish to ensure that the typical deductible is lower than $6,000 is what I simply heard you say there, and also you’re open to an
SENATOR BILL CASSIDY: Absolutely. The web deductible, if you’ll –
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK.
SENATOR BILL CASSIDY: That $1,500 is per particular person. Give me a pair – you realize, for folks over 50, give me a pair of their 50s with two kids, 18 and 19. They would get $5,000 in an account, of their purse, pocketbook, you identify it, of their pocket to pay the out of pocket for the insurance coverage. Now, the insurance coverage plan for that couple can be a $6,000 deductible. So, you find yourself lowering the web deductible by doing this. That makes the coverage truly purposeful for them. If the kid has a sprained ankle and also you deliver to the pressing care, you’ll be able to pay the invoice, not sort of include – – come at a – come ahead out of your personal pocket.
By the way in which, I’m advised that about 40 p.c of Americans have lower than $1,000 of their financial savings account. That sort of places into reduction why it is advisable to have one thing of their pocket to pay the out of pocket.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes.
So, I do know the president has mentioned that he likes the idea of your plan, however why did not the White House put its shoulder behind this earlier than Thursday? Why did not they whip votes for you? Four of your Republican colleagues crossed the aisle and voted with Democrats on their proposal.
SENATOR BILL CASSIDY: All 4 of these voted for our proposal, too. And I feel that exhibits you that there’s – there’s curiosity find one thing which addresses each the crucial downside of the out-of-pocket expense, but additionally the upper premiums.
MARGARET BRENNAN: But is the White House behind you on this? Like, are they serving to you for those who’re making an attempt one other –
SENATOR BILL CASSIDY: Well, it definitely appeared prefer it. Their –
MARGARET BRENNAN: You need this up for one more vote?
SENATOR BILL CASSIDY: Their preliminary plan had parts of what I’m talking about, serving to folks with that deductible. So, merely put, sure, the White House is there. But for those who discover, our downside was not on the Republican facet, our downside was on the Democratic facet. So, what I’m saying is, is let’s simply meet collectively.
As a doctor, I can inform you, that deductible, the affected person comes, she’s burdened. She cannot get the process, the x-ray, the no matter, due to her $6,000 deductible. Let’s simply meet. Let’s handle her issues. And then this Republican can be prepared to do one thing on a short-term extension of the premium tax credit if that is what it takes to get the deal to assist these of us with the dearer premium, but additionally serving to everyone with their deductible.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Do you want extra White House assistance on this? And, sir, you are operating out of time right here. Do you actually suppose you will get this finished earlier than January 1st?
SENATOR BILL CASSIDY: Our downside isn’t with Republicans. Our downside has been with Democrats. But, in fact, they could say that about us. So, what I’m sort of trying to find is a deal by which each have their issues addressed. If you do this and you place this in place, you actually have till the top of, like, March to get it finished as a result of with these sort of accounts that folks have cash in, they simply save the receipts, they submit them they usually get reimburse. It occurs – it is what we do in my household. We have a versatile spending account.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes.
SENATOR BILL CASSIDY: And so, we are able to get this finished. And I feel we are able to meet the issues, each concerning the out of pocket, but additionally concerning the premium.
MARGARET BRENNAN: I additionally wish to ask you about what’s occurring with the FDA proper now. CBS has confirmed that there aren’t any ongoing security research into the abortion drug Mifepristone. This was regardless of the Trump administration saying they had been going to conduct one, and anti-abortion teams need this overview to happen.
I noticed a letter the FDA commissioner despatched to you final week claiming they’re reviewing the proof. Do you consider him? And if not, what are you doing about it?
SENATOR BILL CASSIDY: I had a dialog with the commissioner this previous week. It appears as if it is taken a very long time to get that examine up and going, which suggests to me that it is not a precedence. For the pro-life neighborhood, this ought to be a precedence. And if we will make America wholesome once more, this looks like, my gosh, ought to be high precedence.
So, there’s – I’m dissatisfied, in addition to others are dissatisfied, by the way in which that is being slow-walked. I feel – I feel it simply must occur. We have to have the proof on the market.
If you wish to reassure the American folks about one thing which is basically high of thoughts, that is the place they need to be going.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists mentioned that Mifepristone is secure and efficient and that there are unwanted effects in lower than 1 p.c of sufferers. I – with that information level in place, why is not the White House urgent the FDA commissioner to make this occur? There’s some suggestion in reporting that it’s for political issues resulting from affect on the upcoming midterm races. Is this politically motivated, the slow-walking you say is occurring?
SENATOR BILL CASSIDY: You’re asking me to look into the sort of motivations of oldsters with whom I’ve not had a private dialog. I can not do this.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, did the FDA commissioners say that?
SENATOR BILL CASSIDY: The FDA commissioners mentioned that they are making an attempt to get the examine collectively. But they have been in workplace lengthy sufficient that it may very well be. And so, I feel that it is proper to be impatient. It’s proper to demand extra.
I do not know if the choice begins with the FDA commissioner. You simply steered it begins within the White House. That could be the case. Point being, get it finished.
MARGARET BRENNAN: And you’ve confidence within the FDA commissioner?
SENATOR BILL CASSIDY: I feel the FDA commissioner is working very arduous. And I feel that, in lots of instances, he is receiving directives from on excessive. I do not know that for positive, however I think that is the case.
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK. Dr. Cassidy, Senator Cassidy, we thanks on your time.
We’ll be again in a second.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: Here’s extra of our unique interview with Venezuelan opposition chief, Maria Corina Machado.
(BEGIN VT)
MARGARET BRENNAN: The regime itself has finished a lot of issues. They have revoked TV licenses for journalists to broadcast in truth. He has jailed journalists. The United Nations says the nationwide guard focused political opponents, dedicated sexual violence, tortured folks and dedicated different crimes in opposition to humanity.
So, from the place you sit, is Maduro stepping down sufficient, or do you want your entire regime dismantled, by which case that seems like a rustic in collapse.
MARIA CORINA MACHADO (Venezuelan Opposition Leader): That’s an excellent query as a result of definitely Maduro is the pinnacle of the construction, nevertheless it’s like every other mafia system. You have households or teams that function and typically even compete amongst one another.
There are completely different levels within the crimes they’ve dedicated. Certainly people who have dedicated crimes in opposition to humanity, which were reported by the very fact discovering missions (ph) of the United Nations ought to face justice. Local justice and worldwide justice.
There are different members of the regime or the armed forces which have dedicated lesser crimes. And definitely we’ll seek for justice, not revenge.
But this, I’m going to insist, what we’re dwelling proper now’s chaos. Maduro represents chaos. We’re going to place order.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Understood. But respectfully, you even have acknowledged that the drug cartels are exploiting your nation. That Russia is exploiting your nation, Iran, Cuba, China.
Just yesterday, Vladimir Putin spoke with Maduro and mentioned their strategic partnership is rising. Are you involved right here that Russia goes to shore up help for the army and intelligence?
MARIA CORINA MACHADO: Well, I’m completely satisfied that Putin desires the world to suppose that, and particularly desires President Trump to suppose that. But I’d ask you a query. Do you suppose Putin has assets to spare presently or does he have one thing that is extra pressing for him to speculate these assets? I imply serving to a regime that’s going to collapse anyway, no matter what he does, I do not suppose it is a precedence for him.
Nonetheless, I don’t underestimate what the (INAUDIBLE) actors of Tarismo (ph) could be planning on doing as soon as we’re in that transition to democracy. And that may require very environment friendly actions to isolate and neutralize these threats.
And, you realize, we work very arduous to know what is the true nature of our armed forces proper now, figuring out these army which we consider may very well be supportive of a transition to democracy and new authorities –
MARGARET BRENNAN: Have they pledged that to you?
MARIA CORINA MACHADO: Some of them, sure. And we consider that over 80 p.c of our armed forces will take part help the democratic motion as soon as the transition is in place.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, inform me about that transition. What sort of help do it is advisable to maintain the nation collectively, to stop one other refugee disaster? And do you’ve that pledge from the American authorities now?
MARIA CORINA MACHADO: We will want plenty of help, recommendation, data, expertise, not solely from the United States, additionally from multilateral organizations, a few of which we’re already working collectively. Not solely in safety points, however energy provide, meals provide, how will we deliver – you realize, put order in our monetary accounts. How will we restructure our debt. How we open markets for worldwide funding and provides safety to worldwide funding in oil and gasoline and infrastructure, crucial minerals. I imply, Venezuela is exclusive when it comes to the quantity of the pure endowments now we have.
And, you realize, we’re positioned three hours by aircraft from Florida. So, it is arduous to suppose, you realize, on this shortening of the availability chains that’s within the (INAUDIBLE) shoring course of going down, a greater ally within the area than Venezuela.
At the identical time, you realize, turning Venezuela from the felony hub of the Americas right into a safety protect for the United States and for the remainder of the area is a high precedence for all.
So, you realize, now we have the plans prepared. We have the groups prepared. We know what now we have to do, the primary 100 hours, and the following 100 days. And most significantly, and I wish to insist on this, now we have the folks.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Would that embrace U.S. peacekeeping troops or different troops on the bottom?
MARIA CORINA MACHADO: I’m – I can’t reply that query proper now. I do not suppose that is the case. There are different international locations which have supplied help as nicely in an effort to strengthen democratic establishments as soon as the federal government elect is in place. But the – we should handle that after now we have the, you realize, the federal government elect in place and put so as, bringing order again to our nation.
And one factor that you simply talked about for – concerning the, you realize, the refugee disaster, it may be precisely the nation. The day Maduro goes, you will note tens of hundreds, lots of of hundreds of Venezuelan migrants coming again residence from the United States and everywhere in the world. I imply our diaspora is determined to return to Venezuela. So even from that perspective, it’s a win-win scenario to have democracy in Venezuela.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Do you suppose it’s secure for these Venezuelans in America to return there now? Some momentary protected standing was simply revoked bit the president for greater than half 1,000,000 Venezuelans right here. Is it secure for them?
MARIA CORINA MACHADO: Absolutely not. It can be secure as soon as Maduro is gone and each single citizen can be, you realize, dwelling freedom and respect in the direction of the legislation. We will deliver again rule of legislation. We will liberate our political prisoners. And everyone can be free to talk out what they really feel, what they suppose, what they need for the way forward for their – for their very own future and their households.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Maria Corina Machado, we thanks on your time right now. And we can be watching.
MARIA CORINA MACHADO: I thanks and once more (ph) for this nice alternative. And God bless Venezuela. Venezuela can be free.
(END VT)
MARGARET BRENNAN: Our full dialog is offered on our YouTube and podcast channels and cbsnews.com.
We’ll be proper again.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: If you missed the CBS city corridor with Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, final night time, you’ll be able to see the rebroadcast tonight at 8:00 p.m. on our CBS News 24/7 streaming community.
That’s it for us right now. Thank you all for watching. Until subsequent week. For “FACE THE NATION,” I’m Margaret Brennan.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
