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hello, and welcome to our viewers joining us around the world. we begin with the final state to be called in tuesday's presidential election. cnn canal project donald trump will win the state of arizona, he has swept the seven battleground states that were the main focus of the campaign for both parties. that puts his total electoral vote at 312 at , harris with 226. it comes as the transition process is in full swing. at least two major players from trump's last term will not have roles in his new candidate. he is not inviting nikki haley or his former secretary of state, mike pompeo, to join his administration. trump's team has not yet submitted a series of transition agreements with the biden administration. the holdup revolves in part around the mandatory agreement over ethics issues.

we are learning more about who may be trumps new u.s. attorney general, a sinner, a former intelligence attorneys general. >> reporter: president elect donald trump spent saturday locked down at mar-a-lago, meeting with his transition team, going through a series of candidates that he is considering selecting for top cabinet roles, as well as white house positions. on saturday, he did not announce new people that will be serving in his second administration, but he did announce who would not be. he talked about not wanting his former secretary of state, mike pompeo, or former u.n. investor nikki haley to have any part in his second term. he said "i will not be inviting former ambassador nikki haley or former secretary of state mike pompeo to join the trump administration. i very much enjoyed and appreciated working with them previously and would like to think them for their

service to our country. make america great again. to give you a little context on where some of this is coming from, mike pompeo is someone who many people in donald trump's inner orbit are still close to, and they believe he did a good job as secretary of state, however, his relationship with donald trump has really soured in recent years, mike pompeo in many ways distance himself from the former president after he had left office in january 2021. i remind you as well, he did not endorse donald trump until after the republican primaries this year, something that, as we know, donald trump viewed as not being as loyal to him. in my conversations with senior advisers, they argued that in the conversations over the past few days, donald trump had asked them whether or not mike pompeo would be loyal to him, or whether he could trust him in a second term. as for nikki haley's part, donald trump has said that he appreciates that

she had gotten up on stage at the republican national convention in july and called for unity, she had actually been in discussions with the trump campaign about potentially meeting for a joint appearance and helping him campaign. that never materialized, but again, donald trump had said that he appreciated that, at some level. i'm told he harbors a lot of animosity toward nikki haley for the attacks she lobbed at him during the republican primary, but also that she had remained in the primary for so long. trump has remarked that he believes that she hung on longer than was appropriate. cnn, west palm beach, florida. the president elect is set to meet president joe biden at the white house, meeting is a tradition that projects a peaceful transfer of power. >> reporter: president biden is looking to bring back a white house addition as he hosts

president elect donald trump in the oval office. biden accepted this invitation and extended it to trump as he congratulated the former president on his 2020 election. he told trump he is committed to a peaceful and orderly transition, which is not something that occurred when biden beat trump back in 2020. at the time, trump put up many roadblocks in the process, never conceded the race, and did not extend the same invitation to biden. trump did come to the white house in 2016, days after he had beaten hillary clinton, and was hosted by then-president barack obama in the oval office. we are also told an invitation was extended to the first lady , to meet with first lady jill biden. it is unclear if and when

that meeting will take place. this is all part of the biden and white house efforts to try to make sure that they will show how they will assist in the transition. it could be an interesting meeting, given the fact one of the last in person engagements was on the debate stage, in june, which relates derailed biden's candidacy and wanted him to drop out. they have spoken since then. biden had called to trump following the assassination attempts, they were both at the same new york city 911 event earlier this fall. this will be an interesting meeting, as the men are set to meet face to face in the oval office. the man who preceded him will now be returning to the white house, in january. cnn, washington. earlier i spoke with scott jennings, former assistant to george w. bush. i asked him about the exclusion of mike pompeo and nikki haley from

future administration positions. i don't think he needs either one of them, not that either are particularly bad people, it's just trump has the mandate to hold the buck government he wants to build, he won the national popular vote and overwhelmingly, the electoral college. there are plenty of good people who support donald trump's agenda and could fill these roles, no, i don't think it's a mistake, from what i've heard, there are plenty of very talented people in national security and diplomatic space, and a lot of other areas, are really talking to trump and his team about coming on board, i'm very optimistic about what they are doing, the fact that he chose susie while so quickly tells me he's in a decisive mood, and building the administration quickly will help him get off the ground quickly and pursue the agenda quickly, i've got no concerns about this. a lot of people praised the decision to choose susie wiles, the gatekeeper to this position. he has worked with her as she

ran his campaign over this last year and a half. he had four chiefs of staff in his previous administration. are you concerned that her time and tenure may not be that lasting? >> i think it's good to look at her arc with donald trump, she's been with him for years, soup to nuts. he hired another seasoned republican operative, here he is on screen, to manage this campaign in the beginning. they were there the whole time, he didn't make any changes at the top of his leadership. susie is credited with running an extraordinarily organized and disciplined operation, and he was obviously appreciative of her on election night. i think she's earned this job, she's proven she knows how to exist in and around donald trump in a way that gives her value and gives

her staying power. and they obviously trust each other, these are the things you need in the office of chief of staff. donald trump's victory looks different this time around, said to feel the vote is a mandate. we looked at homeland security, and talk to an adviser to then vice president mike pence. i asked her about the dangers of unchecked presidential power. >> this is someone who does not believe in basic rule of law, he does not believe in our legal measures, rules, or institutions, he undermines our government institutions, and he did undermine them in his first residency. when you have unchecked power, there is not going to be congressional pushback when he tries to do things, where they are not congressionally mandated. what if he's trying to transfer funds, to actually carry out these mass raids and deep

rotations? it can manifest itself in different ways. i understand people will say the courts will hold, we can litigate this, the lawsuits. what happens when he has full control over the legislation and judicial process as well? who puts the brakes on? who are the guardrails at that point, is my question. >> we know he has just appointed a chief of staff, susie wiles had run his campaign as well, and we are hearing some of the same rhetoric from her that we heard from previous chiefs of staff. we should note that all trump had four chiefs of staff over his tenure in the white house, the last, john kelly, a four-star general, who also said he was going to maintain order, control access to and from the president, and he will be driving the car, not anyone else. and we see where things landed. talk to us about who susie is, and what are the

expeditions that you think she brings to the job. >> susie has been well respected in republican circles. she ran a solid campaign for donald trump, she got him elected. i think she has a lot of trust by the trump team, rightly given, with what she was able to carry out. susie is in a classic mentality, i will have control, and i will be able to manage the situation when it comes to donald trump, the reality. know when is different than anyone else. at some point you will either get thrown under the bus, or you have to abide by his bidding and bends to what he wants you to do. i was therefore john kelly, i was therefore nick mulvaney as chief of staff, i was there when i saw him take a stand against trump and then he was removed from his role as a strong

pushback, and then it was mark meadows, and i lived through that mark meadows era. and a lot of people say i'm not going to have the clown car, not let the charlatans into the white house, but the reality is, all the circles are intertwined, and donald trump listens to them. they are going to have a direct link to the oval office, she may try to put measures, but those measures only last for a short while. and if there was ever a case it was for my former boss, mike pence, who did try to manage the situation, he was, at times, the voice of reason, because it did but it didn't matter, donald trump is going to do what donald trump is going to do. protesters in israel hold pictures of loved ones . we talked to a father whose son has been in captivity for more than 400 days. some fear that donald trump will be an easy pond for russian

president vladimir putin to manipulate. what are his chances for negotiating peace in ukraine? we will ask an expert, and head. attentions at an all-time high after the country's worst natural disaster in its history. all that and more, when we come back. [ music ]

president vladimir putin has signed a law with north korea to come to each other's aid if they are attacked. this comes as thousands of history and troops are already helping russia in the war against ukraine. kyiv is engaging in combat along the border. one critical issue donald trump will face when he comes to the white house is the war in ukraine. trump had previously said he would bring an end to the 2 1/2 year war within just one day. he said next to nothing about how he would actually do it. earlier this week, president vladimir putin expressed his willingness to deal with the u.s. president-elect. >> i was under the impression that he was bullied from all

sides, they didn't let him move, he was afraid to take a step to the left, to the right, to say an extra word. this is his last term, after all, what he will do is a question for him. what was said concerning the desire to restore relations with russia, to help end the ukrainian crisis, in my opinion, seems to me at least worthy of attention. >> my next guests writes that he is starting out from a position of strength. the great-granddaughter of for their soviet leader nikita khrushchev joins me from moscow, it has been a while, good to see you. first of all, your reaction, and the reaction of russians in general to the news of donald trump's victory in the u.s. presidential election this week. >> the russians seem to be not surprised, i think they are much less surprised than many americans. there is a cautious not even optimism, that trump

has the right to come back, because biden has been , the way the russians look at it or the way the kremlin looks at it, biden has been such a present disaster for the relationship, there's some sort of thinking that they can hardly get any worse. at the same time, trump is a chaos president, in this sense, for the kremlin, it's even better, the more chaotic the united states is, the better it is for russia, it has been, as discussed many times before, putin's modus operandi, the kremlin would come in and add to the problems that appear elsewhere. >> it is different to see the reaction and response from trump's victory, this time from vladimir putin versus in 2016, i

believe president putin was then one of the first world leaders to congratulate donald trump, it was a few days in, he was at the summit, we heard some of his commentary. he went on to say he would take the opportunity to create congratulate him in that moment, and basically the united states wants to speak to russia, russia would be open to speaking with the united states. you described that as not only coming from a place of strength, but if you want a deal, you will have to crawl on your knees for it. how does that square with how he says he will bring this war to an end on day one? >> that quote about crawling on your knees was a bit strong, i was qualifying it by the terms, but yes, putin does feel that the ukrainian war is going in his direction, so to speak, and so, if anyone wants a deal, they've been consistent about

this, the kremlin has been consistent, saying the reality is on the ground to be recognized, we see the reality on the ground getting worse and worse for ukraine, i think in the last few weeks, the 10 villages the russians took, putin does feel that he is strengthened by the success, the fact that russian troops are moving forward, and as he said, our goals will be achieved. he feels if anyone wants a deal, he doesn't mind, i'm sure he doesn't mind, that should be absolutely a deal that and if it's russia. and ukraine, international organizations, crimea is not going to be discussed ever again and whatnot, the problem with this great demand is that the west can only do so much, even trump who wants to end the war can

only do so much. if putin refuses, it will start all over again, despite the fact he is cautiously optimistic or potentially optimistic that trump can bring results that are beneficial to russia to end this war. >> it's worth noting one of the first world leaders to congratulate trump was president zelenskyy, the second or third to call and congratulate him. in the meeting earlier this fall, in september, when the president was in new york, there is reporting coming out of that meeting that donald trump told him i promise you will be happy with me. there are reports among his camp, even ukrainians reporting that there is a sense of perhaps some optimism that president trump won't completely turn his back on ukraine. how is that viewed within russia? >> it is possible, one of the

points we made at the start of this conversation, putin is cautiously optimistic, the kremlin doesn't really believe it's going to be all great, you mentioned that, the first celebration with this campaign in 2016, now it is very muted. potentially, that's something that trump actually brings to the conversation, he is unpredictable, he can turn either way. the russians are cautious about it, there were reports, one of the trump advisers recently said crimea is a goner, the trump camp said no, he doesn't speak for us, he was just assisting us. they do seem to be, at least at this point, trying to play both sides. there is certain optimism for ukraine, but remaining optimism for the

russians. >> we have new reporting during the phone call on wednesday, donald trump invited someone else to take part in the conversation with president volodymyr zelenskyy, that's elon musk, who has played a role in the campaign, and is promising to end the administration as well, that title he has given himself, the deputy of government efficiency, cutting wasteful spending. it appears he will have much more on his plate, working alongside donald trump. he is a mercurial figure, as you know, there's reporting that he's had numerous conversations with president newton over the last few years, he's also known to have given ukraine valuable start link satellites. how is he viewed, in the kremlin? >> very positively, the richest man in the world, not entirely

against us , so favorably, elon musk, of course he was helping ukraine. i forgot what the details were, it was a while ago, but he also refused some usage in crimea, he said i don't want world war iii. he is also trying to walk both sides. also, he was there during the call, musks statement was that he's going to bring peace. there were some conversations, musks, if he did talk to putin, he would know what putin would demand and not demand. once again, trump can play this war both ways, either way, and i don't think it's hard to say, at this point, what side he's going to. as putin said, it's his last term, he would want a

legacy, i bet he would want a nobel peace prize, he was already promised to be nominated in another strongman, something like that in trump's mind, as we know, he's quite a vain man. >> always good to see you, thank you so much for taking the time, we appreciate it. a federal emergency aid worker has been fired for playing politics during a disaster relief mission. just ahead, what fema is saying about the employee's actions after hurricane milton.

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the race for the white house is over, but the battle for congress still rages. republicans have secured the senate, but the house is still up for grabs. democrats have 205 seats, with republicans at 213. the magic number to reach a majority is 218. republicans are just five seats away from a unified government. democrats still have a chance, with the majority of the remaining races in california. in the senate, republicans will have at least a 52 seat medora majority. vote counting is still underway into of the swing state state races. president elect donald trump named susie wiles, one of his longest-serving advisers, involved in all of his campaigns. she will be the first female in the key white house role. we are introduced to this

veteran operative. i believe we had an issue with that report and package. a federal emergency worker has been fired for letting her politics get in the way of helping hurricane victims. her name was not released. she told a disaster relief team to skip homes with signs supporting donald trump for president. she was fired, and fema said it goes against their principles of helping people. the house oversight committee has invited fema's chief to testify at a hearing this month, to discuss the incident. demonstrators in new york and washington gathered on saturday to protest against the re-election of donald trump. organizers in d.c. hosted at

what they called a rapid time to resist action. as traders marched to the heritage foundation, the conservative think tank that published project 2025. this was the scene in new york city, as they focus heavily on what republican campaign comes this could mean for immigrants and other groups. i believe he wanted to show you some video, we don't have that for you right now. the rally in israel marks a somber occasion, 400 days since hamas took hostages during a rampage. still ahead, we talked to a father whose son has been held by hamas since last year. [ music ]

qatar is putting a pause button on its efforts to initiate a cease-fire in gaza, saying neither hamas nor israel are serious about talks anymore. i diplomat says they've also decided to close the hamas office, but it could reopen if talks start again. they are kicking them out after a request from the u.s., which hamas denied. sources did not give a timeline for when they believed hamas officials would actually depart. the biden administration has seen the limits of america's power to influence even a chief ally in the middle east. now, change is coming to washington.

the second trump term will meet with high expectations in israel, but concerns elsewhere. >> reporter: history's greatest comeback, that's how the israeli prime minister described donald trump twin. he was remembered for policies favorable to israel. from a second trump term, israelis are expecting a full throated support for military action in gaza, in lebanon, and of course it is run. president elect donald trump since he wants peace in the middle east, but across much of the region, there's trepidation over what his presidency will bring. in iran, further u.s. support for israel is likely to be a major concern. meanwhile, in gaza, more than 100 hostages are being held. some palestinians have expressed hope that trump will help the conflict to a close, when others doubt the u.s.

president will do much to make their lives any better. >> thank you, matthew, for that report. it's hard to believe it has been 400 days since hamas launched a killing and kidnapping spree in gaza last year. some israelis are using the occasion to say it's time to bring the hostages back home. they've been saying that for 400 days. they staged a rally, pressing prime minister benjamin netanyahu to reach a hostage deal. 1200 were killed and 15 others kidnapped during the hamas raid last year. more than 100 hostages are still being held in gaza. we are joined by a man who is 22-year-old son is among the hostages still held by hamas. he is speaking to us from israel. thank you so much for taking the time . you and i have gotten to know each other quite well over the last year, and i

have to say, when we hear it has been 400 days, most people can't even fathom what that is like, to be separated from family , from loved ones, knowing the conditions they are held in. you and your wife, and your family, you've been out there every single week. i think you are the best person to ask, what have the past 400 days been like for you? >> it looked endless, 400 days, we never believed we would come to 400 days, and for us, it is a very, very long nightmare. but then i want you to try to imagine 400 days under the ground, in the dark, in fear, no

fresh air, totally by yourself, the guards, watching you, every day, another day, another day in this condition. i believe normal people cannot imagine this kind of situation. for us, it is a long, long nightmare. i guess for them, for the hostages, it's a nightmare, it is something i don't know how to describe. >> i have gotten to know you as an incredible father who is so resilient, and your son, what i've heard about him, what you've told me about him, the other hostages, one who was held with him, 50+ days, before he

was released back in november. he told me it was owner who got him through, who he counted on like an older brother. every day that he stayed in captivity, he kept him going. just knowing that about your son speaks volumes about the person that he is. he's had two birthdays in captivity, he turned 22 just a few days ago, and you and your family once again were celebrating, marking his birthday, because you didn't want the world to forget. so much has changed, we had a presidential election. president ayden said it was his mission as president, he still has a few months left, we will see what happens, to bring these hostages home. seven of them are american citizens, as well. president trump has expressed interest in

bringing this war to an end and demanding these hostages be released. can you find any help in this transitory process, perhaps an incoming administration can work with the current administration at putting pressure on all sides here? >> yes, i want to say some thing, the story was never a political issue, it doesn't matter for them if you are right, left, democrat, republican, it never was an issue of politics, it never was a political issue. they will keep them in a prison, in very, very bad condition. for them, it doesn't matter who is there, they need to go out. i really want to thank president biden,

and of course wish a huge success to mr. trump, but both of them, they both need to do everything to help, everything in order to help them and take them out from this . >> the families sent a letter and wrote a letter to both president elect donald trump and president joe biden, following the election results, and they stated "we implore president-elect trump and his transition team to work together with president biden and his administration officials to secure the immediate release of the hostages and end this nightmare for the hostage families. what is your message to both the biden administration, right now, and to president-elect trump, really telling them how important it is

right now, every day is crucial here for a hostage deal and cease-fire deal to finally be agreed-upon. >> yes, that's what i say. i say to mr. biden and mr. trump, i know there's about two months that mr. biden is still the president. the hostages cannot wait another two months until mr. trump will come through with this administration. i wish and hope that together they will do everything now, in order to bring them back home. as i say, it is not clinical, it does not matter democrat or republican, they need to come back home. i believe these people, mr. biden and mr. trump, they are the leaders of the world, and they

can do that. it needs to be above all political issues. >> very well said, i've told you personally, i'm telling you now, we will continue to cover the hostages and their plight until they come home, until they are all released. thank you for spending some time with us and talking with us about your wonderful son, we appreciate your time. >> thank you very much, thank you, thank you. >> we will be right back. ms. mac [ music ]

to the follow continues from spain's deadliest floods in modern history. on saturday, people took to the streets in valencia, the hardest hit region, to demand government can ability. >> valencia spilling over again, not just from the devastating floods that killed 220 people, but with anger. protesters crashing clashing with police following a rally demanding accountability. >> the government didn't respond on time, didn't get help from the government on time, they just did everything they could wrong.

>> he has defended his administration's response to the disaster, saying he respects the march, but now is the time to clean up and rebuild. many residents say lives could have been saved if the government had acted faster. on the day of the floods, the spanish weather agency issued a red alert for heavy rain, about 12 hours before the regional government sent out a text alert, warning people to shelter in place. by then, many residents say the water was already at their doors. >> we are live, and i don't know how. this abandonment and institutional negligence must be held at kumble. i'm exhausted, haven't slept at all, but i'm here to demand answer, because this is not normal. >> this isn't the first show of

anger by infuriated residents. the king and queen of spain and the spanish prime minister visited the hard-hit area. locals are frustrated by what they say has been a slow and uncoordinated response by the government. so far, about 8500 soldiers are being deployed to clear the debris, guard against looters, and search for the missing. divers, scouring river bottoms for bodies. many of the troops have only arrived in the last week, too little, too late, for a disaster many say the government of valencia should have known was coming. >> that does it for us this hour, thank you so much for joining me. my friend erica hill has more news after the break. [ music ]