Overview of Trump Wants GOP to “Nationalize" Elections, Nancy Guthrie Search, Clintons Agree to Epstein Deposition, Olympians to Watch and More.
This CNN Podcasts episode (host Kate Baldwin) delivers five concise news items: President Trump’s push to “nationalize” U.S. elections; the search and investigation into the disappearance of NBC’s Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie; Bill and Hillary Clinton agreeing to testify in the House’s Jeffrey Epstein probe; Elon Musk’s SpaceX acquisition of his AI company XAI and its implications; and two notable athletes to watch at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
1) Election — Trump urges GOP to “nationalize” voting
- What happened: President Trump publicly called on Republicans to “nationalize” voting—i.e., shift control of elections away from state and local authorities to a more centralized system—claiming some states are “crooked” and that vote counts are inaccurate.
- Context and facts:
- U.S. elections are principally governed by state law and run locally (counties, precincts); changing that would be a major departure from longstanding practice and the Constitution’s structure.
- Trump referenced Fulton County, Georgia, where FBI agents recently seized hundreds of boxes of 2020 election materials.
- The episode reports an unusual involvement by Tulsi Gabbard: CNN’s coverage says Gabbard was asked by the president to be onsite regarding election security and that she put the president on the phone with some agents. (Note: the transcript incorrectly labels Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence; she is a former congresswoman. The current DNI is a separate official.)
- Why it matters: A push to centralize elections would raise constitutional, legal, and logistical battles and could further politicize election administration.
2) Search for Nancy Guthrie — treated as a crime scene
- What happened: Nancy Guthrie, 84-year-old mother of NBC’s Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing after not showing for church following being dropped off at home Saturday night. Deputies now treat the home as a crime scene and are offering a reward.
- Investigation details:
- Authorities say evidence suggests Nancy did not leave on her own and believe she was abducted from her bed.
- Investigators have recovered her cell phone, which was left at the home.
- Officials do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the broader community.
- Family statement: Savannah Guthrie called her mother “a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant” and asked for prayers.
- Tip line: Pima County requestors: 520-351-4900.
3) Clintons agree to testify in House Epstein probe
- What happened: Bill and Hillary Clinton agreed to appear before the Republican-led House investigation into Jeffrey Epstein after previously resisting demands — a move coming ahead of an expected contempt vote.
- Key details:
- The House Oversight chair (Rep. James Comer) criticized the Clintons’ offer as lacking clarity and not providing deposition dates.
- House Republicans are pursuing contempt proceedings for earlier refusal to comply; some House Democrats support pressing for testimony.
- Bill Clinton has repeatedly denied wrongdoing related to Epstein.
- Why it matters: The development could change the trajectory of the congressional investigation and the public record if depositions occur.
4) SpaceX acquires XAI — scale, strategy, and implications
- What happened: Elon Musk’s SpaceX announced it is buying XAI (Musk’s AI company), combining space and AI ambitions.
- Financial/strategic impact:
- The deal positions SpaceX as the world’s most valuable private company and reportedly creates an entity valued north of $1 trillion.
- Observers see the move as injecting capital into XAI and signaling the strategic importance of AI to space operations.
- SpaceX recently asked the FCC for permission to launch up to one million satellites to meet projected data and bandwidth needs tied to AI growth.
- Musk has said he intends to take SpaceX public; prior valuations cited around $1.5 trillion before the XAI announcement.
- Why it matters: Integration of AI and satellite infrastructure underscores how AI growth is shaping massive private-sector investments in space-based data and connectivity.
5) Olympians to watch — historic milestones at the 2026 Winter Games
- Layla Edwards (U.S. women’s hockey):
- At 22, she will become the first Black woman to play on the U.S. Olympic hockey team.
- A world championship MVP who recognizes the inspirational impact of representation for young Black girls.
- Tallulah Pru (skiing for the Philippines):
- At 17 and a dual U.S.–Philippine citizen, she is the youngest and first woman to represent the Philippines at a Winter Olympics (a country without recorded snowfall).
- She emphasizes showing that Filipinas can compete on the global winter stage.
- Why it matters: Both athletes represent historic firsts and the expanding global and demographic diversity of the Winter Games.
Notable quotes
- Trump on elections: “We should take over. We should take over the voting in at least many, 15 places. The Republicans ought to nationalize the voting.”
- Savannah Guthrie on her mother: “A woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant. Raise your prayers with us…”
- Layla Edwards on representation: “A little Black girl sitting at home… she’s like, wow, Layla did it, I can do it too.”
Quick takeaways & what to watch next
- Watch for legal and political fallout if the “nationalize” elections push advances; court and constitutional debates are likely.
- Expect updates on the Nancy Guthrie investigation and any public appeals from authorities.
- The House’s handling of the Clintons’ deposition offer (dates/terms) and any contempt vote will determine the short-term course of the Epstein probe.
- SpaceX’s XAI acquisition and its FCC filing signal major private-sector moves tying AI demand to satellite infrastructure — follow regulatory approvals and any IPO timeline.
- Opening ceremony and early competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics will spotlight both historic athletes and broader stories of representation.
Produced by CNN Podcasts — next episode in the series drops at noon ET.