March 22 — Sec. Scott Bessent, Sen. Chris Murphy and Cuban Deputy FM de Cossío

Summary

Meet the Press – March 22, 2026

Main Guests:

• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant
• Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT)
• Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossío
  Host: Chuck Todd (NBC News)
  Date: March 22, 2026

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Episode Overview

This high-stakes episode tackles the rapidly escalating U.S.-Iran conflict and its ripple effects on global oil prices, domestic economics, and international relations, including a new U.S. standoff with Cuba. Through exclusive interviews, the episode explores President Trump’s war strategy, congressional opposition to new war funding, the humanitarian and energy crisis in Cuba, and mounting domestic criticism over economic pain and White House decision-making. The episode includes insight from senior officials and political analysts on the volatile interplay of war, politics, and public opinion.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. U.S.-Iran War Escalation

President Trump’s Threats and Military Strategy

• President Trump threatens major attacks on Iran's infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened:

  “…if Iran doesn't fully open…the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours…USA will hit and obliterate their various power plants, starting with the biggest one first.”
  — Chuck Todd quoting Pres. Trump [05:09–05:24]

• Objectives remain maximalist: destroying Iran's air force and navy, eliminating missile capacity, preventing nuclear development, and halting power projection.

  “The president's been very clear…destroy the Iranian air force and the navy…demolish their missile capabilities…make sure the Iranians cannot have a nuclear weapon…"
  — Treasury Secretary Bessant [05:42–06:09]

• Escalation as de-escalation:

  “Sometimes you have to escalate to de-escalate.”
  — Bessant [07:28–07:33]

• All options—including ground troops in Iran and seizing strategic assets—are “on the table.”

  “All options are on the table.”
  — Bessant [08:48–08:54]

• Analyst roundtable later summarizes U.S. considerations for military options ("escalate to de-escalate"), including targeting Iranian islands, Kharg Island, and even uranium facilities. [43:15–44:59]

The Oil Sanctions Puzzle

• Lifting sanctions on Iranian and Russian oil to ease global prices:
  • Bessant argues Iran and Russia were selling oil to China “anyway,” and U.S. policy shift lets oil go to allies instead, with better oversight.

  “Iranian oil was always going to be sold to the Chinese. It was going to be sold at discount. So…which is better…spiked...or oil prices below 100…”
  — Bessant [09:14–09:41]

  • He claims the $14 billion Iran could gain is overstated.
  • Russia’s access to oil revenues is portrayed as a trade-off to keep prices globally in check.

  “Our analysis shows…maximum extra amount that Russia could get would be $2 billion, which is one day's of the Russian Federation's budget.”
  — Bessant [13:16–13:37]

• Sen. Murphy denounces this as funding America’s enemies:

  “We’re literally putting money into the pockets of the very nations that we are fighting right now…we've never seen this level of incompetence in war making…”
  — Murphy [24:48–25:21]

The Cost of War and Congressional Funding

• War spending soars; White House asking for $200B in supplemental funding.
  • Bessant: “It takes money to kill bad guys.” [04:25]
  • Some Republicans and most Democrats signal opposition.

  “I'm absolutely a no on any funding request…every single day, this war makes less and less sense.”
  — Murphy [24:48–25:21]

• Question of raising taxes: Bessant insists it's not needed—dismisses the notion entirely.

  “Not at all.”
  — Bessant [16:42]

Domestic Fallout: Gas Prices, Economy, and Public Anger

• Gas prices have spiked $1/gallon. United Airlines warns prices may stay high through 2027.

  “For 50 years of not having an Iranian regime with a nuclear weapon…the American people…understand there is no prosperity without security.”
  — Bessant [17:10–17:39]

• Focus group voters express frustration with President Trump over prices.

  “You are a worthless pile of…”
  — PA voter, via NBC’s John Allen [45:18–45:30]

• Panel highlights this as a key vulnerability for Trump and Republicans heading into the midterms.

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2. Political and Partisan Showdown

Senate Democrats and the 'No' to War Funding

• Murphy calls the Trump administration’s policy “totally lost touch with reality” and driven by “real estate developers and talk show hosts.”

  “This war is spinning out of control…no end in sight…It's like they've never read a history book.”
  — Murphy [22:32–23:31]

• No scenario in which Murphy would support sending U.S. troops to Iran:

  “Never. That would be a mistake of colossal proportions.”
  — Murphy [25:34–25:41]

Shutdown and ICE/TSA Crisis

• Department of Homeland Security shutdown causing airport chaos.
• Trump threatens to deploy ICE agents to airports.
• Murphy: Democrats will fund most DHS agencies but not ICE unless they “behave legally”—accuses ICE of lawlessness.

  “They are rounding up legal immigrants, denying them their rights…abusing protesters…”
  — Murphy [28:48–29:27]

Senate Leadership

• Murphy downplays reports of Democratic disunity and dissatisfaction with Sen. Chuck Schumer's leadership.

  “We are united in ending this war. We are united in reining in the lawlessness of ICE.”
  — Murphy [29:56–30:10]

Trump’s Statement on Robert Mueller's Death

• Trump’s comment, “Robert Mueller just died. Good. I'm glad he's dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people,” is widely condemned.
• Bessant defends Trump’s reaction as a byproduct of past investigations and raids. [18:18–19:32]
• Murphy:

  “It’s just disgusting…we have a president who's cheerleading the death of American citizens…”
  — Murphy [30:26–30:49]

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3. The Cuba Standoff and Energy Crisis

Trump’s Threats and Cuba’s Defiance

• President Trump openly muses about “taking Cuba”:

  “I could do anything I want with it.”
  — Trump [32:54–33:13]

• Cuban Deputy FM:

  “Cuba is a sovereign country…would not accept to become a vassal state…”
  — de Cossío [33:23–33:45]

• Confirms Cuba is preparing for possible military aggression, but “hopes” it will not occur. [34:59–35:43]
• U.S. negotiating with Cuba, but “regime change” is not in negotiations.

  “…the nature of the Cuban government…are not part of the negotiation. That is…no sovereign country negotiates.”
  — de Cossío [36:36–37:44]

• De Cossío denies Cuba is collapsing, despite dire conditions:

  “We’re mustering all our creativity…to cope with the reality…pain is there, have no doubt.”
  — de Cossío [38:51–39:14]

Cuba and U.S. Policy

• U.S. economic pressure is blamed for Cuba’s situation.
• Strong statement:

  “You cannot put a question mark on the system of socialism…if the US…has had to dedicate almost seven decades to destroy…yet failed.”
  — de Cossío [39:38–40:18]

• Cuba expresses willingness for meaningful engagement:

  “We are willing to sit down…open to having a respectful relationship…”
  — de Cossío [40:25–40:49]

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4. Analysis and Roundtable Reactions

Military Scenarios in Iran

• NBC’s Courtney Kuby: Outlines options for U.S. military intervention—occupation of islands, oil infrastructure, securing uranium—all potentially high-risk, but with U.S. air superiority. [43:15–44:59]

Political Messaging and Midterm Implications

• Jonathan Martin: The White House is “consumed” by oil prices and their political consequences:

  “Gas prices have gone up $1.02…we're now at four bucks…if we get to five…it's going to be a crisis point…”
  — Martin [45:43–46:42]

• Mike Dubke: Gas prices at the pump a crucial barometer for political fortunes. [46:59–48:00]
• Ashley Etienne: Criticizes administration’s handling of Iran and broadens to Democrat messaging against Trump:

  “[Democrats] need to hit home…this incompetency. The American people are watching as this war continues to escalate…”
  — Etienne [48:03–49:01]

Cuba—Likely Outcome?

• Kuby: U.S. military not actively preparing to invade Cuba; internal collapse may be more likely. [49:13–49:39]
• Martin: “Trump is determined to find a long-term legacy…choosing door B…regime change around the world.” [49:53–50:27]
• Dubke and Etienne: Debate the competitiveness and weaknesses of both parties going into the midterms. [50:27–51:29]

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “Sometimes you have to escalate to de-escalate.” — Scott Bessant [07:28]
• “We’re literally putting money into the pockets of the very nations that we are fighting right now…” — Sen. Chris Murphy [24:48]
• “I do believe I'll be…but I think I could do anything I want with it.” — Pres. Trump on Cuba [32:54–33:13]
• “Cuba is a sovereign country…would not accept to become a vassal state…” — Carlos de Cossío [33:23]
• “It's just disgusting…we have a president who's cheerleading the death of American citizens.” — Murphy on Trump’s Mueller comment [30:26]
• “You are a worthless pile of…” — Disaffected voter [45:24]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [05:09–06:09] — Trump’s threats and U.S. objectives in Iran
• [07:28] — “Escalate to de-escalate” doctrine
• [09:14–11:21] — Debate over lifting oil sanctions
• [15:08–16:42] — Congressional funding and taxes
• [17:10–18:18] — Domestic cost of war, economic impact
• [22:32–26:32] — Senator Murphy's critique of administration policy
• [27:19–29:27] — DHS shutdown and ICE controversy
• [32:54–34:48] — Trump on Cuba; Cuba’s response
• [43:15–44:59] — Panel: U.S. options in Iran
• [45:18–45:30] — Voter soundbite on Trump and gas prices

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Tone and Takeaway

The episode is urgent, confrontational, and at times incredulous—especially from the Senate opposition and expert commentators. The Trump administration is portrayed as both defiant and embattled, while Democratic voices sound alarm at the expanding war and its blowback. The Cuban deputy foreign minister brings calm defiance in response to U.S. threats, and the roundtable zeros in on the coming political reckoning over war costs and gas prices. In summary, it’s a moment of intensifying war and politics—with high stakes at home and abroad.

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Transcript

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[Chuck Todd]

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[Chuck Todd]

This Sunday, battle lines. President Trump threatens to target Iran's power plants if the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy waterway, remains closed. As oil prices soar and the message from the White House shifts, we strongly

[President Donald Trump]

encourage the other nations to get involved with us. Well, we don't need too much help.

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

We may unsanction the Iranian oil that's on the water.

[Chuck Todd]

And as the conflict deepens, the costs of are rising. And now the White House turns to Congress.

[President Donald Trump]

It takes money to kill bad guys. It's a small price to pay to make sure that we stay tippy top.

[Chuck Todd]

Is the mission expanding? I'll talk to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant and Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut. Plus, breaking point. As airport security lines grow, the funding fight over the Department of Homeland Security drags on.

[Jonathan Martin]

We should be able to get this done today.

[Courtney Kuby]

Unfortunately, these are people who are not negotiating in good faith.

[Chuck Todd]

Can Washington strike a deal to end the DHS shutdown? And warning Cuba? President Trump threatens to take over Cuba as an energy crisis pushes the island to the brink.

[President Donald Trump]

Whether I free it, take it, I think I could do anything I want with it.

[Chuck Todd]

I'll talk exclusively to Cuba's deputy foreign minister, Carlos Fernandez de Cocio. Are you saying that regime change is off the table?

[President Donald Trump]

Absolutely.

[Chuck Todd]

Joining me for insight and analysis are NBC News senior national security correspondent Courtney Kuby, Jonathan Martin of Politico, Mike Del, former Trump White House communications director and Ashley Etienne, former communications director to Vice President Harris. Welcome to Sunday. It's Meet THE press.

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

From NBC News in Washington, the longest running show in television history. This is MEET THE PRESS with Kristen Welker.

[Chuck Todd]

Good Sunday morning. The war with Iran is poised to enter a new and potentially more dangerous phase. The Pentagon announcing it's sending thousands of more troops to the Persian Gulf. As NBC News reports, President Trump is weighing several options, including the possible deployment of US Troops inside Iran. One option under consideration, using ground forces to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supply. The president was asked Friday about the buildup. Mr. President, are you deploying the additional troops to the region for deterrence or to optimize your operational capabilities?

[President Donald Trump]

Well, I would say this, that if I told you the answer to that question, my military people would be very happy. But we have a lot of troops. We have unlimited ammunition. We have the greatest equipment in the world, and we are decimating Iran.

[Chuck Todd]

Back here at home, the economic fallout is intensifying. The stock market down four straight weeks and gas prices up nearly a dollar a gallon since the war began. The administration now moving to ease some oil sanctions on Iran and earlier on Russia in an effort to bring prices down. All of this as the Pentagon prepares to ask Congress for an additional $200 billion to fund the war.

[President Donald Trump]

As far as $200 billion, I think that number could move.

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

Obviously, it, it takes, it takes money

[President Donald Trump]

to kill bad guys.

[Jonathan Martin]

It's our responsibility right now to end this reckless war of choice, to end the fact that billions of dollars have already been spent, perhaps up to $2 billion a day, to drop bombs in the Middle East.

[President Donald Trump]

We want to be sure, and it's a small price to pay to make sure that we stay tippy top.

[Chuck Todd]

And joining me now is Treasury Secretary Scott Besant. Secretary Besant, welcome back to MEET THE press.

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

Kristen, good morning.

[Chuck Todd]

Good morning. Good to have. I want to start with the latest of what we're hearing from President Trump. Let me read you what he posted overnight. He says if Iran doesn't fully open without threat the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various power plants, starting with the biggest one first. Has the president changed his mind about winding down the war, as he said a day earlier, and instead plans to escalate?

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

I think he said he could wind the war down at any time he wants. And Kristen, this is the only language the Iranians understand, but this seems to

[Chuck Todd]

be an escalation, a threat of escalation, and it seems to Run counter to his statement that he in fact wants to wind down a war.

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

Again, Kristen, the president's been very clear from the beginning that the goals are destroy the Iranian air force and the navy to completely demolish their missile capabilities, demolish their ability to replenish those capabilities, make sure the Iranians cannot have a nuclear weapon and stop their ability to project power internationally. And the president will take whatever steps it takes to achieve those goals.

[Chuck Todd]

Well, you know, I was on the phone with President Trump a week ago. He told me allies were on the way to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. Has the Trump administration abandoned that strategy and now chosen to go it alone again?

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

What we have done, there has been a campaign to using military assets to soften up the Iranian fortifications along the strait. That's going to continue until they are completely demolished. And Kristen, let me tell you, whether it's this network or the mainstream press, the American people do not have good framing what is going on here. If you were to read what is happening and I'm sure when Senator Murphy is on, you know, he has come out and said we are losing the war. That is wrong. We have demolished the Iranian capabilities. Their air force is completely destroyed, Navy destroyed. And every day we are taking out their missiles, their missile systems and the factories that build those missiles. And now our General Kaine, Secretary Hegseth are leading a campaign to destroy all the fortifications along the Straits of Hormuz.

[Chuck Todd]

Just to put a fine point on this though, is the president in the process of winding down this war or escalating again?

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

They're not mutually exclusive. Sometimes you have to escalate to de. Escalate.

[Chuck Todd]

Okay. NBC News is reporting that President Trump is considering sending troops into Iran. Will the administration use troops to secure the Strait of Hormuz or for any other reason?

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

Mr. Secretary, again, as President Trump said during the press break yesterday when he was going out to Marine One, he's not going to. They give a giveaway what we're going to do. He's as President Trump always does. He's leaving all options on the on the table. We had a very successful bombing campaign against the military installations at Kharg island, the nexus for all the Iranian oil supply. You know what could happen with Karg Island? We'll see. And again, just to be clear, the command and control system of the Iranian regime is in chaos. This is Hitler's bunker. Hitler is dead. Himmler is dead. Goring is dead. The most of what you are seeing are lone wolf activities. This the mid range ICBM that was shot off these two missiles yesterday. That's out of desperation.

[Chuck Todd]

Kristen, you bring up Kharg Island. I want to ask you about your statement. You said it could become a U.S. asset. What exactly does that mean? Could U.S. troops go into Carg island to secure it?

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

Again, as I said, all options are on the table.

[Chuck Todd]

Okay, so that's a possibility.

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

All options are on the table.

[Chuck Todd]

All right. Let me talk about your announcement this past week. On Friday, the Treasury Department lifted sanctions on Iranian oil stored on tankers, a move that would effectively allow Iran to get more than $14 billion of oil revenue. Hold on. Why is the US helping to fund a country that it's currently at war with?

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

Mr. Secretary, again, Kristen, why don't we have good facts here that Iranian oil was always going to be sold to the Chinese. It was going to be sold at discount. So which. Which is better, Kristen? The seven. The. Which is better. If they were. If oil prices spiked to $150 and they were getting 70% of that, or oil prices below 100, it's better to have them where they are now. And to be clear, we had always planned for this contingency. About 140 million barrels are out on the water. In essence, we are jiu jitsuing the Iranians. We are using their own oil oil against them. We have a much better line of sight, to be clear, a Treasury. When this oil goes to, if it goes to Indonesia, if it goes to Japan, if it goes to Korea, we have a much better line of sight and are able to block accounts that the oil goes into. When it goes into China, it completely gets recycled. So the fort, to be clear, that 14 billion number is grossly overstated.

[Chuck Todd]

Let me unpack what you're just saying. First of all, how much is it? And second of all, I don't hear you disputing that Iran will get some of the money.

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

Iran already gets a huge amount of the money because Iran is the largest sponsor of state terrorism and China has been funding them.

[Chuck Todd]

So it was always part of the plan to unsanction Iranian oil.

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

Again, we unsanctioned the Russia treasury. We plan for all contingencies. We have break the glass plans. And to be able. This water, this oil is floating out in Asia and it is our. The mostly our Asian allies. The US Gets virtually no oil from the Gulf. We are energy sufficient. So when we unsanction this, rather than the oil going to China, it can go to Japan, it can go to Korea, it can go to Indonesia, it

[Chuck Todd]

can go to Malaysia, it can go to Iran, too. I mean, isn't the point that the sanctions were in place to prevent Iran from getting any of the money? They will have access to some of the money now.

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

Again, Kristen, you're missing the point. So please listen to me. They were getting it from China anyway.

[Chuck Todd]

All right, let me talk about the real world impact of this because you're talking about 140 million barrels of Iranian oil and that's just a little bit more than what the world uses in one day. How much can that really change prices here?

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

Again, Chris, terrible framing, terrible framework.

[Chuck Todd]

Well, how much can it change prices here at home? Can you talk to consumers? How much will it change prices here at home?

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

Just Let me explain. 140 million barrels. That about 20 million barrels a day comes out of the Gulf. About 5 million has been repurposed by the Saudis, by the UAE. So we're at a 15 deficit. About 1.5 is Iranian oil that comes out. So we are at between a 10 and and 14 million deficit on a daily basis. So if you think about 140 million barrels, that's between 10 days and two weeks of supply. And one of the reasons, one of the reasons that prices in the US of West Texas crude are below $100 and we have not seen this massive spike as we did during the beginning of Russia, Ukraine is because we are well supplied in the market. Whether it is the Russian oil, whether it Iranian oil or it is the largest the SPR release in history done by a coalition of 32 countries, 400 million barrels.

[Chuck Todd]

All right, let's talk about the Russian oil which you just raised. The administration did ease oil sanctions on Russia earlier this month. You had initially defended imposing those sanctions, calling Russian exports, quote, oil that funds the Russian war machine. If the point of the sanctions was to stop funding the Russian, why is the administration effectively rewarding Russia?

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

Again, Kristen, you're missing the point. Which is better? Does Russia get more money? If oil goes to 150 and they get 70% of that, that's 105. Or if oil stays below 100, so they're getting less money? Our analysis shows. Our analysis shows that the maximum extra amount that Russia could get would be $2 billion, which is one day's of the Russian Federation's budget.

[Chuck Todd]

But understood. But they wouldn't have gotten any other than that with Chris.

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

I don't know whoever said would they

[Chuck Todd]

have gotten any of that in place?

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

Whoever does your research, you should get rid of because they were getting it. It was going into China. China was buying over 90% of the Russian oil. And it was Amy.

[Chuck Todd]

But what's the point of sanctions if not to punish Russia? If not to punish countries?

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

Again, it's. We have no ability to do that to China if China wants to be a bad actor. But we were substantially able to degrade their exports. Their exports have dropped about 25% when the rest of the world isn't buying it. So exports are down. But there was a lifeline into China. Now we've opened up that to everyone else.

[Chuck Todd]

Okay, just to be clear, though you did defend imposing those sanctions in the first place.

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

Let me ask, just to be clear, it is a maximum of $2 billion. So let's have good framing on this.

[Chuck Todd]

Okay. Let's talk about the overall cost of this war. The administration's asking Congress poised to an additional $200 billion in additional funding for this war. Some Republicans who could cast key votes on this are expressing hesitation or outright opposition. Take a listen to them and then I want to get your reaction on the other side. Are there any initial red flags for you?

[President Donald Trump]

No.

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

I mean, it's a lot of money.

[Chuck Todd]

I'll go through it, see what they need.

[Courtney Kuby]

I am a no. I've already told leadership I am a no on any war supplementals. I am so tired of spending money elsewhere.

[Chuck Todd]

Should President Trump have gone to Congress on the front end of this war if he was going to ask for Congress's help now for more funding?

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

Again, President Trump was within his authorities the under the War Powers act to initiate this action. And we actually now we have plenty of money to fund this war. What we are doing is this is supplemental. President Trump has built up the military as he did in his first term, as he is now doing in his second term. And he wants to make sure that the military is well supplied going forward.

[Chuck Todd]

Would the administration ever raise taxes in order to fund this war?

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

Again, Kristen, the terrible framing. I think that.

[Chuck Todd]

Well, it's just a, it's a simple question that I think a lot of people have.

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

It's a ridiculous question.

[Chuck Todd]

Well, what. Can you answer it?

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

Why would we do that? That we have plenty. We have a trillion dollars in this year's budget for the military. And President Trump, even before the conflict started, had said that he would like to further build out the military.

[Chuck Todd]

So just. Is raising taxes under consideration at all? You're saying you have plenty of money?

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

Not at all.

[Chuck Todd]

Okay, let's turn to how all of this is impacting consumers. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby is now planning, he says, to cut flights and is planning for oil to go as high as $175 a barrel, with prices potentially staying above $100 a barrel through 2027. This is, according to him, all of this could potentially mean higher prices for consumers. What do you say to Americans who feel they were promised lower costs and now they're getting the opposite?

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

Kristen, I think the American people understand that in any 50. I'm not going to put a time on it, but let's just pick 50 days of temporary elevated prices. Prices will come off on the other side for 50 years of not having an Iranian regime with a nuclear weapon. The American people, they are beginning to understand, thanks to President Trump, that there is no prosperity without security.

[Chuck Todd]

I heard you say 50 days. Are you saying that prices could start to come down?

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

No, no, no. What's the time frame? I was just picking. Picking a point. I don't know whether it's going to be 30 days. I don't know whether it's going to be 50 days. I don't know whether it's going to be 100 days. But to have 50 years, the peace in the Middle east, and know that the Iranian regime is defanged because, Kristen, what we had before was the illusion of security. Imagine this regime, if they had had another year or two years to build out their missile capabilities, they would have built a shield around themselves, and it would have been impossible to prevent them from getting a nuclear weapon.

[Chuck Todd]

All right, I want to ask you on a different topic about a post by President Trump from yesterday responding to the death of former special counsel Robert Mueller. He posted this quote, robert Mueller just died. Good. I'm glad he's dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people. Do you think it's appropriate for the President of the United States to celebrate the death of an American citizen, someone who's a Bronze Star Purple Heart recipient and who served in Vietnam?

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

Kristen, I was with the president in the Green Room at Davos, and there was a video playing of what may have been an illegal raid on his home at Mar a Lago. They are going through his wife's wardrobe, and I watch the look in his eye. And I think that neither one of us can understand what has been done to the president and to his family.

[Chuck Todd]

But to the question of the president's post, I mean, Robert Mueller didn't order that raid. Is it appropriate for the president to celebrate the death of any American citizen?

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

Again, Mr. Secretary, again, I think that given what has been done to President Trump and his family, it is impossible for either of us to understand what he has been through.

[Chuck Todd]

So you don't think that there's anything wrong with the post saying good Robert Mueller's again?

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

I think that the we should all have a little empathy for what has been done to him and his family.

[Chuck Todd]

All right, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant, thank you as always for being here. Really appreciate it.

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

Thank you.

[Chuck Todd]

When we come back, Democratic Senator Chris Murphy joins me next.

[Courtney Kuby]

Let me ask you something. Is your money doing everything it can for you?

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

I don't know.

[Chuck Todd]

How would I know?

[Courtney Kuby]

Is it automatically saving for special events and keeping you posted on its progress like at Huntington Bank?

[Jonathan Martin]

Oh, no.

[Courtney Kuby]

Is it tracking your spending so you can make the best choices at the mall?

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

Nope.

[Courtney Kuby]

Or setting limits on your teenager's debit card?

[Jonathan Martin]

Definitely not.

[Courtney Kuby]

Then it could certainly be doing more.

[Jonathan Martin]

Yeah, sure sounds like it.

[Courtney Kuby]

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[Chuck Todd]

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[Courtney Kuby]

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[Chuck Todd]

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[Jeff Lewis]

Andy live and uncensored.

[Chuck Todd]

Catch me talking with my friends about

[Jeff Lewis]

my latest obsessions, relationship issues and bodily ailments.

[Chuck Todd]

With that kind of drama that seems

[Jeff Lewis]

to follow me, you never know what's going to happen.

[Chuck Todd]

You can listen to Jeff Lewis live at home or anywhere you are. Download the SiriusXM app for over 425

[Courtney Kuby]

channels of ad free music, sports, entertainment and more.

[Chuck Todd]

Subscribe now and get 3 months free offer details apply. Hey, it's Kelly Ripa, and if you

[Courtney Kuby]

don't know, I have a podcast where

[Chuck Todd]

I get to say whatever I want. Hold on, let me get a shovel and a body bag. I envision doing a podcast with the

[Courtney Kuby]

conversations that happen in my dressing room off camera where people feel free to talk.

[Chuck Todd]

No hair, no makeup. This is my kind of job.

[Ashley Etienne]

Only Kelly Ripa can ask me these questions.

[Courtney Kuby]

I'm not flipping the script and saying

[Chuck Todd]

what's really on my mind.

[President Donald Trump]

We're seeing a different side of you. It's a little bit more honest.

[Chuck Todd]

When the cameras go off, the real fun begins. Get my hair done over here.

[Courtney Kuby]

Hey, this is an off camera podcast,

[Chuck Todd]

so it doesn't even matter.

[Courtney Kuby]

It's unfiltered conversations and unexpected confessions.

[Senator Chris Murphy]

My mom says, woody, I knew your dad.

[Courtney Kuby]

Stop the presses. I would like to volunteer to administer any and all DNA tests.

[Chuck Todd]

Maybe that should be part of the show. Let's talk off camera with me, Kelly Ripoff.

[Courtney Kuby]

You just put that in the universe.

[Chuck Todd]

Listen and follow wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome back. And joining me now is Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut. Senator Murphy, welcome back to Meet the Press. Good morning Good morning. Thank you for being here. I want to start with Iran. The Pentagon, as I was just discussing with the Treasury Secretary, is planning to ask Congress for more than $200 billion in additional funding for the war. Most Democrats have vowed that they're not going to approve this funding request. But by opposing this request, are you risking potentially leaving American forces vulnerable?

[Senator Chris Murphy]

I thought that was a really scary appearance by the Treasury Secretary. This administration has totally lost touch with reality. This war is spinning out of control. Prices are spiking for millions of Americans. There's a new war breaking out between Israel and Lebanon. Oil assets of our allies are continuing to be hit in the region. There's no end in sight. The Secretary of Treasury just said we're going to escalate in order to de. Escalate. It's like they've never read a history book. That's exactly what our war leaders said in the middle of Vietnam and the 20 years of mismanagement in Afghanistan. We need to end this war. The only way you are going to get prices down here in the United States, the only way that you are going to bring peace to the region is by ending this war. And it may be that the quickest way we can do that is by denying them the funding that they need to perpetuate this war, which is increasingly out of control.

[Chuck Todd]

Well, let me ask you, though, because the war is underway, you have argued, and I'll put this quote, we need to end this war right now. If the US Ends the war right now, as you're arguing for, could that leave Iran with a more extreme anti American regime and even lead to a potentially larger conflict for the next administration?

[Senator Chris Murphy]

But the administration has already said their goal is not regime change. They are perfectly satisfied to leave in charge of Iran a regime that is going to be worse for American interests than the previous regiment. What we know is that the minute we stop bombing, this new regime is going to start rebuilding their missile capacity and their drone capacity. The estimates are that it'll only take them a handful of months to reconstitute that threat. So what did we get at the end of this war? We're going to waste billions of dollars. We're going to get dozens, if not hundreds of Americans killed. We're going to start new conflicts in the region. And when it's all said and done, a more provocative regime is going to be in charge with the same military capacities. This is nonsensical. This is what happens when you put real estate developers and talk show hosts in charge of American national Security.

[Chuck Todd]

Just to be very clear, you are a no on any funding request.

[Senator Chris Murphy]

I'm absolutely a no on any funding request. I mean, every single day, this war makes less and less sense. We're going to give Iran $14 billion to fund this war with the United States. We're going to give Russia billions of dollars to fund their war with Ukraine. We are literally putting money into the pockets of the very nations that we are fighting right now. Like, we've never seen this level of incompetence in war making in this country's history. And frankly, we've had a lot of incompetence in war making.

[Chuck Todd]

Well, speaking of my conversation with the Treasury Secretary, he said all options are on the table. When I asked him about ground troops, is there any scenario where you would support putting US Boots on the ground in Iran?

[Senator Chris Murphy]

Never.

[Jeff Lewis]

Never.

[Senator Chris Murphy]

That would be a mistake of colossal proportions. And the American public doesn't want this war.

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

Right.

[Senator Chris Murphy]

If we're going to spend $200 billion, they want that money to be spent on them. Think of what we could do with $200 billion here at home. We could make sure that none of the 20 million Americans that are getting a health insurance increase because of Trump's policies have their premiums raised. We could rebuild schools in every neighborhood across this country. The president is so focused on Iran, and Venezuela has no interest in helping people here at home. It's absolutely heartbreaking.

[Chuck Todd]

You heard me ask the secretary about the decision to loosen oil sanctions on Iran and Russia. He said that money was going to go to China anyway. He argues these are temporary moves that are ultimately going to bring down pressure on the supply of the global oil markets. Are you supportive of those moves if ultimately they do, in fact, lower the cost of oil?

[Senator Chris Murphy]

The only way to lower energy prices is to end this war. I mean, what he told you is that Iran was getting discounted prices previously from China, and we are now removing sanctions so that they can get premium prices. So we are literally putting billions of dollars into the very regime that we are fighting. Again, no matter how badly we fought the war in Iraq or Afghanistan or, I don't think at any point during those wars, we were literally handing the enemy cash with which to fight our troops. I mean, we've just never seen anything like this. The quickest way to lower energy prices is to end this war and get this president focused on this country.

[Chuck Todd]

Well, let me talk to you about the shutdown. President Trump is threatening to put ICE agents in airports as early as Monday. As we're seeing these long TSA lines as TSA agents call out sick or don't show up to work because the they're not receiving a paycheck amidst this partial government shutdown. Does that threat make you more inclined to end this shutdown?

[Senator Chris Murphy]

Well, why don't they just reopen tsa? Why don't we just reopen the Coast Guard and fema? Democrats have been clear. We are willing tonight to provide the votes to open up every part of the Department of Homeland Security while we resolve are narrow differences on how ICE is terrorizing our communities. So almost every single day last week, Democrats went to the Senate floor and said, let's open up ice. Republicans said no, let's open up the Coast Guard. Republicans said no, they want to hold TSA hostage so that they can continue getting Democrats to fund the illegality happening at ice. Let's just isolate our difference. Let's not hold TSA hostage any longer.

[Chuck Todd]

Well, during the previous shutdown in the fall, you criticized the eight Senate Democrats who broke ranks to negotiate an end to the shutdown with Republicans. You said they capitulated and lost the, quote, political advantage. Do you see this shutdown ending in the exact same way with moderates effectively saying time to end this, time to make a deal with Republicans?

[Senator Chris Murphy]

Well, I hope the Democrats stay together on a very simple principle, which is we swore an oath to the Constitution to uphold the law. And right now ICE is operating lawlessly, no matter who's in charge. They are rounding up legal immigrants, denying them their rights. They are still terrorizing American citizens. They are abusing protesters who are standing up to this illegal activity. So until we get commitments from the administration that ICE is going to behave legally, yes, I believe the Democrats are should stand together. I think we have an obligation to not fund an agency that is acting this lawlessly.

[Chuck Todd]

And to the point, leadership is of course leading the charge here. And there's a lot of focus on Chuck Schumer right now. The Wall Street Journal reporting that there's growing frustration with Chuck Schumer which spurs talk of replacing him. Senator, do you want to replace Leader Chuck Schumer?

[Senator Chris Murphy]

Well, I think we are united right now as a caucus. There's always a lot of focus on Senator Schumer and Leader Jeffries. Those are very especially at a historic moment like this.

[Chuck Todd]

That's not a yes.

[Senator Chris Murphy]

Well, no. We are united as a caucus right now. Let me just be clear about that. We are united in ending this war. We are united in reining in the lawlessness of ice. And we're going to be united in winning the election this November. So right now we are together as a caucus.

[Chuck Todd]

So if you do win the election, would you vote to keep him as leader?

[Senator Chris Murphy]

Well, listen, I think he has a very tough job. And right now you are seeing the Democratic caucus united. That's really important.

[Chuck Todd]

Very quickly, your reaction to President Trump saying he's glad former special counsel Robert Mueller is dead.

[Senator Chris Murphy]

I mean, it's just disgusting. It's so heartbreaking that we have a president who's cheerleading the death of American citizens. The fact of the matter is, Robert Mueller is amongst many who have been trying to hold this president to account. He's the most corrupt president in the history of the country. And of course, he is going to wish for the death of the people that are trying to hold him accountable to the law. But that doesn't make it any less disgusting.

[Chuck Todd]

All right, Senator Chris Murphy, thank you so much for being here. Know you're here working in Washington. Appreciate your being here in person. When we come back, President Trump threatens to take over Cuba. I'll talk exclusively to the deputy foreign minister of Cuba, Carlos Fernandez de Cosio, next. Do you love hair raising allegedly true

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

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[Chuck Todd]

Then you should summon the podcast Scared to Death. It's the popular horror series with more than 60 million downloads to its name and is co hosted by me, Dan

[Courtney Kuby]

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Think you can handle the horror? Tune in to Scared to Death every Tuesday at the stroke of midnight to find out. Hey everyone, it's me, Morgan Stewart and I have a new podcast called the Morgan Stewart Show. Join me each week as I talk about pop culture, fashion, my personal life and just a warning, I'm gonna be giving my opinion on everything. I'll also have some really fun guests to join in on the fun. The Morgan Stewart show is out now. Listen and follow wherever you get your podcasts or watch full video on YouTube.

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

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[President Donald Trump]

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[Chuck Todd]

Bring it on. Welcome back. On Saturday, I spoke with the deputy foreign minister of Cuba, Carlos Fernandez de Cosio, thank you so much for being here. I do want to start off by playing for you something that President Trump said about Cuba just this week speaking from the White House. Take a listen.

[President Donald Trump]

I do believe I'll be the honor of having the honor of taking Cuba. That'd be a good honor. That's a big honor.

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

Taking Cuba.

[President Donald Trump]

Taking Cuba in some form. Yeah, taking Cuba. I mean, whether I free it, take it, I think I could do anything I want with it. You want to know the truth, Mr.

[Chuck Todd]

Deputy Foreign Minister, what was your reaction to hearing that? Is Cuba bracing for the United States to take it in some form?

[President Donald Trump]

Truly, we don't know what they're talking about. But I can tell you this. Cuba is a sovereign country and has the right to be a sovereign country and has the right to self determination. Cuba would not accept to become a vassal state or a dependent state from any other country or any other superpower.

[Chuck Todd]

Well, let's delve into this a little bit more deeply. Cuba's president released a statement that read in part, quote, any external aggressor will clash with impregnable resistance. Do you believe any action by the United States would escalate into a military conflict?

[President Donald Trump]

We hope not. But what our president expressed is what any country that respects itself would convey if there was a threat to try to take over a country or to try to dominate or control it in any way. But we truly hope that there's no military action and frankly, we see no reason, we see no justification for it. Military action against Cuba. Cuba is a peaceful country. We're not an enemy of the United States. We don't pose any threat to the United States. In fact, we wish, and we said it openly that we would like to have a friendly and respectful relationship with the United States, with its government. And we've been developing it for a long time with the people of the United States.

[Chuck Todd]

And yet you heard those words by President Trump. So I'm wondering, is your military preparing for a potential engagement with the United States?

[President Donald Trump]

Our military is always prepared and in fact, it is preparing these days for the possibility of military aggression. We would be naive if, looking at what's happening around the world, we will not do that. But we truly hope that it doesn't occur. We don't see why it would have to occur and we find no justification whatsoever. Why would the government of the United States force its country to take military action against a neighboring country like Cuba?

[Chuck Todd]

So this is a remarkable statement that you've just made that Cuba is in fact preparing for the potential possibility of a military engagement with the United States. Can you be more specific? What do those preparations look like?

[President Donald Trump]

Our country has historically been ready to mobilize as a nation as a whole for military aggression. We truly always see it as something far from us. We don't believe it is something that is probable. But we will be naive if we do not prepare. That's what I can tell you.

[Chuck Todd]

The U.S. and Cuba have confirmed that they are talking, but have given very few details. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading those talks for the United States. Here's what he had to say from the White House this week. Take a listen.

[Senator Chris Murphy]

So they're in a lot of trouble,

[Chuck Todd]

and the people in charge are.

[Senator Chris Murphy]

They don't know how to fix it. So they have to get new people in charge.

[Chuck Todd]

So is the United States insisting on regime change in order to give Cuba economic relief?

[President Donald Trump]

I don't know what they're insisting among themselves, but I can tell you in conversation with the United States and in dialogue with the United States, the nature of the Cuban government, the structure of the Cuban government and the members of the Cuban government are not part of the negotiation. That is something that no sovereign country negotiates. I don't know how many examples are there of countries that negotiate with a foreign power, their system of government, or the nature of the government. I'm sure the United States is not ready to negotiate with another government, its constitutional system, its political system. Now, the US Government knows that the problems that Cuba faces are in a great, great measure the result of policies of the United States aimed at causing as much harm possible to the Cuban economy, to Cuban society, and to the people of Cuba, which makes any government, makes it for any government, very difficult to manage things and to get good results when a superpower is exerting such level of pressure, above all economically, on the country.

[Chuck Todd]

Are you saying that regime change is off the table?

[President Donald Trump]

Absolutely.

[Chuck Todd]

Mr. Deputy Foreign Minister, NBC News has been on the ground in your country all week long. Our crews have seen people who haven't worked in weeks, kids who haven't gone to school, food and energy running dangerously low. President Trump says he believes that Cuba will collapse on its own. Is your country currently in a state of collapse?

[President Donald Trump]

What does on its own mean when it's being forced by the United States? It's a very bizarre statement, and it's claimed by most US Politicians repeatedly that Cuba will collapse all its own. Then why does the US Government need to employ so many resources, so much political capital, so many human resources, to try to destroy the economy of another country. Evidently it implies that the country does not have the characteristics to collapse on its own.

[Chuck Todd]

But is your country in a state of collapse, Mr. Deputy Foreign Minister?

[President Donald Trump]

It is not in a state of collapse. We're being as creative as possible. We're mustering all our creativity, our ingenuity to try to find ways in which we can cope with the reality that we did not choose of which we are not responsible. And that would help our people go through this with the least pain possible. But pain is there. Have no doubt.

[Chuck Todd]

You say you're not responsible. Putting this Blockade aside, though, Mr. Deputy Foreign Minister, human rights groups have reported that nearly 90% citizens live in extreme poverty. Nearly 80% of your citizens intend to emigrate. Has your system of communism failed the people of Cuba?

[President Donald Trump]

I don't know which are your sources and which are the human rights organizations that claim such, but I'm sure, and I can quite accurately guess that the majority are either financed directly by, by the US Government or by proxies of the US Government. Now, people are hurting in Cuba. There's no doubt about that. But you do not, you cannot put a question mark on the system of socialism or communism or the system of government that we have in Cuba, whichever way you wish to call it. If the US the most powerful nation in the world, has had to dedicate almost seven decades to try to destroy the state system of government and yet failed.

[Chuck Todd]

Mr. Deputy Foreign Minister, just finally, what is your message to President Trump this morning?

[President Donald Trump]

Cuba has no quarrel with the United States. We do have the need and the right to protect ourselves, but we are willing to sit down. We're open for business and for open to having a respectful relationship that I'm sure the majority of Americans would support and I'm sure the president of the United States would support if we could sit down and talk meaningfully about it.

[Chuck Todd]

All right. Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cocio, thank you so very much for joining us this morning. We really appreciate it.

[President Donald Trump]

Thank you. Thank you.

[Chuck Todd]

And you can watch my full interview with the deputy foreign [e-mail] when we come back, we look back on the beginning of the US Cuba standoff that began with questions about democracy and power. Our MEET the Press minute is next. Welcome back. President Trump's threats to take over Cuba are the latest flashpoint in a decades long standoff, one that began in 1959 when Fidel Castro overthrew Fulgencio Batista. Months later, Castro sat down with Meet the Press and was pressed on what moral authority. Cuba had to speak about democracy as his government backed revolutionary movements across the region.

[President Donald Trump]

The right to speak about in the same way that you in the United States speak about democracy, I in the same way speak about democracy because I believe in democracy. And I think that it's not just that some country be under tyranny like Santo Domingo and another country that is an ideal, sir, do not a fire, not an intervention against all kind of intervention in the, in the internal matter of other countries, because we, the Latin American country, were a long time struggling for the principle of no intervention.

[Chuck Todd]

When we come back, the costs of war are mounting. Is President Trump preparing to send in ground troops? Our panel is next. Welcome back. The panel is here. Courtney Kuby, NBC News senior national security and Pentagon correspondent Jonathan Martin, politics bureau chief and senior political columnist for Politico, former communications director for Vice President Harris Ashley Etienne and Mike Dubke, former Trump White House communications director. Welcome to all of you. Court, I have to start with you because you had new reporting this week that President Trump is, in fact, considering potentially deploying ground troops into Iran. And then you just heard Secretary Besant say all options are on the table. Where do things stand?

[Courtney Kuby]

Yeah. So basically right now we're in a escalate to de escalate or escalate to end the war situation. The president weighing several options, and they're kind of in three buckets right now. The first one is addressing the most immediate problem that we're hearing the most about, and that's the Strait of Hormuz. The idea is the US could send in the military to a couple of small islands in the Persian Gulf, Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tombs, and then a couple of ports in the region. And the idea is the way that the Persian Gulf is the depth you have to send large ships through these islands. Iran has put a ton of military equipment on them. And they have spotters. The spotters alert the Iranian navy, hey, this ship is coming here. They send out these fast boats, their Mosquito fleet, and they directly threaten shipping coming through. The US Military could put troops there. They could stop the Mosquito fleet, and ultimately it could help reopen the Strait of Hormuz in conjunction with all of these military strikes we've seen. The second one is the oil and gas Kharg island, which we've heard a ton about, including from the treasury secretary this morning. The US could send troops there. They could not only cut off the revenue stream for the regime by doing that, but they could also then use that as leverage if there were some Sort of a peace negotiation. And then the most dangerous option would be to send U.S. troops for securing the highly enriched uranium. And that would take the most troops. You would need a huge perimeter of security. And it would be a dangerous and difficult undertaking to get all those cylinders out. Remember, the US Military struck those facilities. It's not clear if they've been damaged. There may be poisonous gas. The one benefit to all of these options, which all carry tremendous danger, by the way, is the fact that the US has air superiority, meaning they own the airspace. That means when Iran would almost certainly try to unleash drones and missiles and things, the US could have some defenses against that.

[Chuck Todd]

One of the questions we're watching so closely that matters to Americans, another one, the impact on consumers, J Mart, of all of this. Gas prices have been skyrocketing. Energy prices have been skyrocketing. I about talked to Secretary Bessen about that. John Allen, our reporter this week, was out in Pennsylvania talking to voters. Here's what one voter had to say. Take a look.

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

If you could send, if you could say something to President Trump and he was going to hear you right now, what would it be?

[Courtney Kuby]

You are a worthless pile of.

[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant]

And you voted for him how many times?

[Chuck Todd]

Three times? That was my bad. Apparently I'm an idiot. What do you think the White House thinks when they hear that?

[Jonathan Martin]

Well, brevity is the soul of wit, as Shakespeare said. And she was to the point, wasn't she?

[Chuck Todd]

She sure was.

[Jonathan Martin]

God love the American voter. The White House is consumed with this issue. They're consumed with the price of gas, with the daily gyrations of the market. Look, there's nothing that impacts the American voter like pulling into a gas station, looking up at those big numbers and seeing a four as the first number and then, God forbid, seeing a five. Gas prices have gone up $1.02. According to our friend GasBuddy on Twitter, in the last month, we're now at four bucks a gallon nationwide. If we get to five bucks a gallon in the next couple of weeks or next month, it's going to be a crisis point for this White House. That's why this president is gyrating on a daily or hourly basis about whether or not to climb down from this war or to double down. Because he is so himself, Christine, driven by the market every day and the gas prices every day, because that's how he judges himself, as a tool of his political success or failure. What are the markets say? And I think it's driving him crazy today.

[Chuck Todd]

Well, I mean, pick up on that point, Mike, and the fact that, of course, the backdrop to all of this is the midterms. You heard the Treasury Secretary say maybe it could be 50 days, maybe it could be longer or shorter. But even if the war ends tomorrow, gas prices don't come down overnight. How are Republicans watching all of this, this plan?

[Mike Dubke]

Well, I think you're absolutely right. The White House is consumed by this, and they should be. Gas prices don't come down overnight, but they're probably. They fluctuate more than the price of eggs and milk and other other items. So I do expect gas prices to come down, but they need to be concerned about it because gas prices were the one thing that this administration had going for it in terms of inflation. So those prices will directly affect the midterms if they stay high. The bigger concern I have with the midterms is if we don't, if we don't look at affordability, and if this Congress doesn't get on the ball of making it easier for prices to come down, mortgages to come down, all of that, we're going to have a midterm election without Donald Trump on the ballot, which has proven for Republicans to be bad in 2018, 2022, possibly in 2026. And so we're running into this bit of a buzzsaw, and we're running full on with gas prices at 4 bucks, 5 bucks. They'll come down, but we need to get that under control.

[Chuck Todd]

Ashley, how do you see all of this playing out for Democrats?

[Ashley Etienne]

I'm not sure that the gas prices are going to come down. Iran is digging in its heels, and I think the administration has underestimated their resilience when it comes to this particular issue. But when I was watching Senator Murphy, one word that stuck out to me that Democrats need to hit home, which is this incompetency. The American people are watching as this war continues to escalate. It starts to spread now, starting to spread all over world. The, the Middle East. President Trump has opened Pandora's box with no sort of clear appreciation for the risk that he's running. We could have a situation like Iraq 2.0 where we're spending billions of dollars losing lives for an unjustified war. You got prices, as we've just said, prices are going up from the gas pump to the grocery to groceries. And the last thing I would say is that, you know, this message for Democrats has to be very simple and has to be kept very simple, is that this administration thus far has been a disaster for the American people. The American people are paying the price and this war is only going to exacerbate their pain.

[Chuck Todd]

Quick final zip around to all of you. Court on my conversation with the deputy Foreign minister of Cuba. He was very defiant. He said regime change off the table. What are your sources telling you about how the Pentagon is watching this?

[Courtney Kuby]

Yeah, I mean the military plans for everything. Right. So I wouldn't be surprised if there are military plans for some sort of an invasion. But the reality is the new head of southcom said this week that they are not actively planning or exercising for any kind of a ground invasion of Cuba. And in fact, military officials, they say, look, the economy is struggling. We just saw the electrical grid basically collapse. They have this oil embargo. All of that and the continued protests, the government there may fall without any kind of US Military intervention.

[Chuck Todd]

Well, jmar, the president has said the government is going to fall on its own. But you talk about Cuba. Cuba, Iran, Venezuela. President promised to get the US out of foreign. His MAGA base still largely unified around him. But can that last?

[Jonathan Martin]

Well, it can last if gas prices do come down. I think that that's the best marker as to whether or not there's patience among the American voter no matter their politics on this. Look, I think it's very clear the president is determined to find a long term legacy. He thought he could do it with the Nobel Peace Prize. The Scandinavians didn't want to give him that. So he's choosing door B here, which is the Lindsey Graham door, which is we're going to do regime change around the world. And it worked so well in Venezuela that he got emboldened and thought, well, if I can do it in Caracas, just like that, boy, I can do it all over the world. And it turns out Iran is different than Venezuela.

[Mike Dubke]

Okay, I was very negative in my assessment of where Republicans are, but I will say this. At least they're not the Democrats. So the Democrats, here we go. I'll tell you what that means. They, they are underwater with their own popularity and job approval with Democrats. So 42% of Democrats approve, 48% disapprove. The Democratic Party against. The Republican Party is underwater as well. So the Democrats haven't proven that they have an agenda or a message that works and you know, Republicans can hang their hat on.

[Ashley Etienne]

But here's what's working to our advantage. NBC poll just recently showed that Democrats are up six points ahead of Republicans. We flipped 28 seats thus far. So the trend is headed in our direction. The challenge though is you have no counter agenda to counter where this president is headed. You know the key with the issue in Iran and others is that this is an appeal to independent voters. It's not a base vote appeal and that's who's going to flip these seats come the midterm elections.

[Chuck Todd]

Great conversation guys. Thank you. That is all for today. Thank you for watching. We will be back next week because if it's Sunday, it's Meet the Press.

[Jeff Lewis]

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