CNN "Erin Burnett Out Front" - Transcript: "Interview with Rep. Ted Lieu"

Interview

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BURNETT: All right. Thank you very much, Barbara Starr. Certainly -- certainly so when you think about the significance of this.

I want to go to now to Democratic congressman from California, Ted Lieu, because he sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

And, Congressman, I appreciate your time. I know you received a briefing about the explosion. Look, the word "Chernobyl" has been used. President Trump is tweeting. People are worried about the air around the facility and far beyond.

What can you tell us?

REP. TED LIEU (D-CA): Thank you, Erin, for that question.

[19:50:02] Let me first say that it's not surprising the Russians are trying to build a new class of nuclear weapons. Donald Trump has been very weak towards Vladimir Putin. As we sit here today, he still takes Putin's denials over our intelligence experts for Russia cyber attacks.

With regards to this explosion, the Russians had admitted that it was nuclear propulsion system that exploded. All counts show it was a "Skyfall" cruise missile, and that if it worked, would be an unlimited range nuclear power cruise missile. And the U.S. tried developing this many decades ago, we stopped because we realize this isn't going to work and this explosion shows that we were likely correct.

BURNETT: OK. Here is my question, though, because the president, of course, we have similar more advanced technology and, obviously, they have this explosion and now, this possible huge health risk as I say with a nuclear explosion. But nonetheless, they are going ahead with something. So, when he says we have way more advanced technology, given -- understanding that their test did fail. Is it true, though, or are we also pursuing something?

LIEU: I have no idea what the president is talking about. To the best of my knowledge, the United States is not developing or looking at developing a nuclear powered cruise missile. One reason for that is it turns out, when you have a cruise missile powered by nuclear material, it spews out active waste. And that's just not something the U.S. is gong to develop and I frankly don't really understand what president is saying.

BURNETT: So, how big of a risk or threat is this technology if they were to develop it and perfect it. As you say, it is unlimited in range and of course, in power, if you're able to get past -- they clearly wouldn't have the moral qualms you're raising but if they were able to get past the explosive issue.

LIEU: If the Russians could perfect this technology, it would increase the risk the United States somewhat, which is why I think the United States and Russia should get back into their INF Treaty, which is an intermediate range nuclear treaty, and it was not a good idea for the United States to pull out of that. We need to deescalate tensions and look again at stopping nuclear proliferation.

BURNETT: So, you know, recently, you mentioned that you feel like that Putin has become emboldened. Obviously, the president recently, when it comes to North Korea has downplayed all these missile tests which are in violation of U.N. treaties and obviously are tests which could be used, which could kill tens of thousands of U.S. troops in South Korea or be used to perfect other technology. But to him it was all fine because, this is how he put it.

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DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The missile tests have all been short range. No ballistic missile tests. No long range missiles.

These are short-range missiles. They're very standard.

They are short range missiles and many people have those missiles.

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BURNETT: So what's he going to say to Putin? Many people want long- range unlimited range nukes and I'm fine with that or is this relevant to what Putin is doing?

LIEU: So again, I don't really understand what the president is talking about. I know with respect to North Korea, I previously served in active duty under U.S. Pacific Command. It's very clear to me that we have no good military options against North Korea, which is why I do support diplomacy.

At the same time, we have to rely on facts. And as of right now, North Korea has not gotten rid of a single nuclear missile or a single nuclear weapon. And when it comes to Russia, again, we need to rely on facts, and not what the president actually thinks.

BURNETT: Thank you very much, Congressman Lieu. I appreciate your time tonight.

LIEU: Thank you, Erin.

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