Over yet. Now he has his sights set on a connection between fundraising and the push to breach voter equipment. Mathematical evidence of trump votes being trashed and biden votes being injected. Abuse of power, bribery, retaliation. Some of the allegations facing ken paxton, Texas Attorney general, whose historic Impeachment Trial begins. They will call him to testify. To say this case is not about politics, nonsense. Its definitionally political. Tennessee is the latest state to enact a Third Grade Retention Law about growing concerns about Learning Loss. They should be going to fourth grade because theyre ready to go to fourth grade. I dont want him to be behind on reading, which will influence everything for the rest of his life. Good morning, everyone. So glad youre with us. As you can see, theres a lot of news. But here is where we begin. The morning the kremlin is refusing to comment on kim jonguns apledged plans to visit russia and meet with Vladimir Putin. U. S. Officials are sounding the alarm. They say the north korean dictator wants to meet face to face with putin to discuss a secret arms deal to supply weapons and ammunition for the war on ukraine. The New York Times reports the meeting is expected to happen this month. Possibly just days from now. Kylie atwood is live at the state department. Kylie, the white house says this is about advancing an arms deal, talks have been going on for several months here. Walk people through what this actually means, big picture. Reporter yeah. So the significance here is that there could be new capabilities, new Military Capabilities going to russia to be used on the battlefield in ukraine. This is, of course, as russia has been running out of some of its ammunition and the like. That is exactly what u. S. Officials say could potentially be involved in this new Arms Agreement between north korea and russia. Were hearing, according to adrian watson, the spokesperson, that its kim jongun expects hes going to meet with President Putin, to have some sort of engagement with President Putin in russia. And of course, the u. S. Isnt saying exactly when that could happen, but as you said, the New York Times is reporting it could happen as soon as this month at an economic forum. We should note that kim jongun has traveled by train in the past, but it would be hugely significant if he makes that visit again this month. The backdrop is there has been a flurry of engagement with north korea and russia with the Defense Minister from russia traveling to north korea in july, according to nsc, that was an effort to try to convince north korea to go ahead with selling weaponry to russia. And of course we saw according to the nsc additional officials from russia traveling to north korea. Letters have been exchanged between kim jongun and President Putin talking about deepening their bilateral cooperation between the two country. So it appears that all things are advancing with the nsc saying these are actively advancing efforts to try to pursue this new arms control agreement. We dont know exactly what would be in it, phil. But u. S. Officials are saying the expectation is that it would include a significant amount of ammunition to russia for multiple of their weapon systems. And also the possibility of Raw Materials for russias Defense Sector. We know that is key because the number of sanctions on russia right now are just huge. And so their Defense Sector has really been struggling as they have engaged in the ukraine war. Phil . Big developments. Kylie atwood for us. Thank you so much. Joining us now former Defense Secretary under President Trump mark esper. How much this reporting if it happens and it plays out the way that u. S. Intelligence is indicating that it might, how much could north korea actually help the Russian Military. Well, look, they could help the Russian Military in the sense that russia is struggling to produce for the Battlefield 155 ammunition, rockets, antitank weapons et cetera to sustain the fight against ukraine. And thats important because we know, of course, ukraine is on the counteroffensive right now. They seem to be making some bigger progress here the last few days, the last week or so. So it could aid them in that regard. Now, look, this isnt the first time we heard about north korea supporting Russian Troops or wagner. Its been going on for a year. Each point the administration has done a good job calling it out. Im concerned from a different regard and that could be that kim jongun is going to russia possibly as soon as next week to ask for something more, something that could affect the Balance Of Power on the Korean Peninsula and something that could possibly affect the United States interests. Lets get into that a bit more because theres obviously been a focus on, you know, getting russian oil but youre not talking about that. Youre talking about how to make their weapons more effective, is that right . Yeah. From a strategic perspective, im concerned that a couple things that kim jongun may be asking for would be Nuclear Submarine technology and satellite technology. Both of which could affect their ability to strike the United States through submarine, icbms. The white house statement is pretty much what you would expect, saying we urge the dprk to cease its Arms Negotiations by russia, abide by public commitments that pyongyang made not to buy or sell arms to russia. There are already a lot of sanctions on north korea. If you were in the Biden White House, is there more right now that the Biden White House can do in terps of deterrence . Well, look, north korea will ignore those warnings, of course. As you mentioned, theyre heavily sanctioned now as is russia. This transaction, transactions are important to kim jongun. It props him up internationally in terms of showing the importance of him and his regime. Thats why they had Defense Minister in july. Of course, we also know the russians and chinese invited north korea to join a trilateral exercise. This boosts his credibility. They have to crack down on the russian side of this and try to interdict, if possible, any north korean cargoes trying to make their way into the region. What also makes this more fascinating is the meeting between Vladimir Putin and turkish president erdogan. There had been increasing signs that the west maybe had a little less to worry about regarding cozy relationship between russia and turkey. That meeting indicates not so. Well, you have that but you also have reports knew the United States, United Kingdom and eu are going to the uae. So you see these things breaking out where the allies are trying to tamp down on any type of support for russia. And you mentioned the case of erdogan supporting russia, trying to lift grain embargo, doing things like that. Erdogan has improved swedens admission to nato, we have yet to have the Turkish Parliament act to do so. That will take another month or so. Thats still on hold in many ways as well. I would love your take on what republican president ial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy said yesterday and really what he didnt say when asked multiple times by reporters in New Hampshire if he thought Vladimir Putin is a war criminal. Listen to this exchange. Yes or no, do you think putin is a war criminal . I think that putin is a dictator and there are open questions that need to be adjudicated by the iccj. We have an iccj for a reason. My job as the u. S. President is to advance american interests. Putins actions have been craven. That much ill say. But do you believe hes a war criminal act. We have to get the facts before we get to the bottom of that. The iccj is referring to the International Criminal court but hes punting. Whats your response . Well, clearly Vladimir Putin is a war criminal. He bombed civilian cities, killed civilians. His troops have raped and pillaged, kidnapped ukrainian children. Theyve committed more war crimes than one can count. But look, i think ramaswamy has drawn criticism from most quarters rightfully so for many of his Foreign Policy stances that are just in some ways certainly out of the norm and outlandish and others. And i think we would actually harm our National Security if implemented. Look, he has a right to his views and will probably continue to advance them in the republican gop nomination. Well see how that plays over time. Many observers have said a lot of his views on Foreign Policy actually echo and remind them of trump. Do they remind you of trump . Yes, in many ways. Its a more isolationist approach. Hes talked about somehow meeting with putin and cutting a deal so that putin can have a chunk of ukraine. Thats just ridiculous or saying that by 2028 once we move Semiconductor Industry here to the United States, china can have taiwan. I mean, those views just undermine american leadership. They undermine u. S. Values abroad. They certainly dont make a major break with people like me who consider themselves reagan republicans. Thats not how Ronald Reagan would see the world. So, and there are other things again that he said that i think are really outside the bounds of what americas role in the world is and should be. Interesting given that he compares himself to reagan quite often. Before you go, i want your assessment of the new oped in the Wall Street Journal by the secretaries of the army, navy and the air force. Just again, saying that this holdup that secretary senator Tom My Tubervillle continued to hold up these appointments and confirmations of senior military officials getting through is in their words putting National Security at risk. Are you in the same page as all of them . Well, look, i argued months ago with previous secretaries of defense that it does affect Military Readiness and over time could affect National Security. Its important to make the statement. But i think it becomes to republican senators to put the pressure on tubberville to release his hold. Democrats have done it in the past as well. But this has gone on too long. But look on the other hand, i think ive said publicly, Chuck Schumer should start moving nominations through the system, particularly the joints chiefs of staff. Theres three of them right now coming up on four. He should start moving those and start moving these nominees through. Take one a week. Get it done. It doesnt undermine the rightfulness of the broader position but start moving them. Dont leave our military at risk like this and stop using the generals, the admirals as pawns in this political game. Its not good for dod. Its not good for our uniform leadership. Secretary es per, you signed that letter back in may asking for this. Its been months and months now. We appreciate your time this morning. Thank you. Thank you. Ahead this morning, donald trump is already indicted, but Special Counsel jack smith is still digging. We have exclusive reporting about what hes looking into now. We just learned this morning next hour officials in pennsylvania will hold a News Conference on that escaped inmate who has been on the lam since thursday. When you walk up to the counter at the pharmacy and you have a new prescription, you dont know what its going to cost. Thats why i always recommend you check the singlecare app before you go to the counter. I found the cheaper price wi singlecare yes, you did. See. Give it a try. Go to ngecare. Com or download the free app today. The first time you connected your Godaddy Website and your store was also the first time you realized. Well, we can do anything. Cheesecake cookies . The chookie manage all your sales from one place with a partner that always puts you first. we did it start today at godaddy. Com at pnc bank, you can find us in big cities and small towns across the us, where our focus is to always support the people who live and work there. Because you call these communities home, and we do too. Pnc bank. You founded your Kayak Company because you love the ocean not spreadsheets. You need to hire. I need indeed. Indeed you do. Indeed instant match instantly delivers quality candidates matching your job description. Visit indeed. Com hire we handcraft every stearns foster® using the finest materials, like indulgent memory foam, and ultraconforming innersprings, for a beautiful mattress, and indescribable comfort. For a limited time, save up to 800 on select stearns foster® Adjustable Mattress sets. Welcome back. This morning First Lady Jill Biden is battling a mild case of covid. The white house says she tested positive monday. She will remain at home in rehoboth beach, delaware. President biden did test negative. No changes have been made to his plans for this week including a Medal Of Honor Ceremony Today And A Trip To India for a g20 summit later this week. Arlette saenz joins us live at the white house with more. Shes doing okay . Reporter yeah, she is, poppy. She is experiencing mild symptoms and will remain at their home in rehoboth beach, delaware. The president after the first ladys test he tested and the white house says he tested negative. But he will continue to go through a regular testing cadence throughout the week as well as monitor for symptoms. Now, this comes after the couple spent the weekend together. On saturday they traveled down to florida to survey the damage before traveling on to rehoboth beach, delaware. It comes as the 80yearold president has quite a packed weekend ahead. He was in philadelphia for a labor day parade. Today at the white house, he will host a medal of honor ceremony and thursday he is set to travel to india for the g20 summit and travel on to vietnam. Questions remain whether this could have any impact on his schedule going forward. The white house will monitor the president s symptoms and have him test regularly. The first lady was set to start teaching today at Northern Virginia community college, but the covid19 test has now up ended those plans. The first ladys office tells me she is working with the school to try to find a Substitute Teacher for these first days of classes. She typically teaches on tuesdays and thursdays. So, the first lady for the time being will remain in rehoboth beach, delaware and the president will continue to test during the week. Some disappointed students im sure. Were glad shes doing okay. Thank you. Phil . Today after 40 days away, the u. S. Senate will officially gavel back into session. Theyll be back on capitol hill following their august break. They have a whole host of issues to tackle in the coming days. In fact, to some degree i hope staff rested during those 40 days. It is about to get real really quickly. The biggest pressing deadline we want to walk you through right now. You see the clouds over the capitol building, probably s sunny. Not so much the next four weeks. Primary deadline, potential government shutdown. Lawmakers have four weeks to reach an agreement. Where do things stand at this point in time . House republicans versus everybody else. Now, there is a recognition on all sides that they will not have a full Year Spending agreement that is going to be complete in the next 26, 27 days. So they all agree there has to be some type of shortterm stopgap bill. Here is the problem. Mccarthy and his conference arent there yet. When it comes to spending they want hundreds of billions of dollars less than what House Democrats want. Right now, theres no Clear Pathway forward, even though they all know what the actual solution is going to be. A shortterm stopgap agreement. Also a wrinkle, disaster aid and ukraine aid, Emergency Supplemental Request now more than 40 billion. Obviously disasters in hawaii, hurricane idalia, ukraine funding. Thats an issue as well. Theres a solution that lawmakers agree with behind the scenes, attach to the stopgap agreement. The pathway forward, well, this is where you get boo the very real roadblocks that underscore the House Republicans verse everybody die naj right now. Top line spending numbers. Huge disagreements. Senate appropriators passed all 12 spending bills. House appropriators very different