CNN Inside Politics

Today's show begins just after President-elect Donald Trump holds his first press conference since Election Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Honeymoon phase. Donald Trump taking a victory lap. But with controversial cabinet picks and a messy pressure campaign - Is it effective? How long will it last? Plus: Uncertain path. Democrats look to find their footing in Trump's Washington -- fight tooth and nail. Or cut deals? Who will lead them back to power. We'll have new reporting about Kamala Harris's plans, and I'll talk to a candidate who wants to run the DNC. And: A house divided. A GOP split over a bill protecting kids on social media. Speaker Johnson saying no. As Elon musk and Senate allies rally for it. Who holds the power in Trump's GOP? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: It's been 38 days since the election, and 38 days from now, President-elect Donald Trump will take the oath of office for the second time. We've got the latest on the transition, including how Pete Hegseth's path to confirmation is looking a bit smoother, while Robert F Kennedy Jr.'s may be getting a bit rockier. Plus: Trump says he may pardon January 6 rioters within minutes of taking office. We have new CNN reporting on whether that will include the hundreds of defendants accused of assaulting police officers that day. And: He may be the most powerful figure in Trump world that you have never heard of. We'll tell you about the 38-year-old conservative in charge of hiring thousands of Trump loyalists to staff the federal government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: For the second time, Time names Donald Trump "Person of the Year," giving him the recognition he craves while revealing crucial details about what America's health programs, justice system and foreign policy will look like when he takes the oath of office just 39 days from now. Plus: Democratic Senator John Fetterman says his party can't "freak out" about everything Trump does. Today, he'll sit down with the president-elect's controversial choice to lead the Pentagon - the first Democrat to meet with any of Trump's cabinet picks. And: Dana talks to a top Democrat about the FBI director's decision to step aside so Donald Trump can dramatically reshape the bureau in his image. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Results of a brand new CNN poll show most Americans approve of how Donald Trump is handling his transition to the White House, and are optimistic about his presidency. Plus: Officials now have forensic evidence tying Luigi Mangione to the exact spot UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down in Manhattan as investigators track down new clues about a potential motive. And: Rows of Lamborghinis and Ferraris are among the luxuries CNN saw in our inside look at former Syrian President's Bashar al-Assad's opulent palace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: We're getting new details about the investigation into a privileged young man charged with murdering one of the top business leaders in America, including how he was reported missing just weeks before the shooting. Plus: Last week, the Pete Hegseth nomination was on life support. Today, once- skeptical GOP senators appear to be rallying behind Donald Trump's pick to run the Pentagon. And: Dana speaks with a former hostage who spent 51 days in Hamas captivity. Her husband remains a prisoner. She shares excruciating details about the treatment she endured and has a message for both President Biden and President-elect Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins, police were questioning a 26-year-old man in Pennsylvania in connection with the killing of UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson earlier this week in New York City. CNN's Brynn Gingras and John Miller join Dana with the latest on the case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Assad toppled. The Syrian dictator's regime collapses in a stunning overnight victory for rebel forces. As Donald Trump returns to the world stage in France. How will the president-elect handle his global tests? Plus: Digging in. New comments from Trump show he's standing by his man. And: Times up for TikTok? A federal court clears the way for a TikTok ban in just six weeks. But as 170 million Americans brace for change, will Trump enforce it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Breaking news on possible DNA evidence related to the Manhattan CEO murder and new information on how investigators are trying to close in on the gunman's identity. Plus: Donald Trump boosts his embattled Pentagon pick, posting "Pete is a winner." It's a new public show of support for a nomination that is essentially hanging by a thread. And: Dana discusses preemptive pardon possibilities with Democratic powerbroker Jim Clyburn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: We bring you new developments on the hunt for an assassin who took out one of the most powerful business leaders in America. The search is accompanied by growing law enforcement concern that more than 24 hours after the Manhattan murder, the suspect could be anywhere. Plus: Refusing to retreat, Donald Trump's embattled Pentagon pick says he has the full support of the president-elect. Nevertheless, some Republican senators remain skeptical, including one who's dropping some not-so-subtle, not-so-positive hints about him. And: Dana talks to a powerful Republican committee chair who will meet with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins we're still learning about the shocking murder of United Health Care CEO Brian Thompson this morning outside the Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan. Our coverage begins with a live report from CNN correspondent Brynn Gingras. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: South Korea, a key US ally, is reeling after its democratically elected president declared martial law. CNN is live on the ground with the latest. Plus: Booze, unwanted advances and an Islamophobic chant are some only some of the new allegations facing Donald Trump's pick to run the Pentagon. And: Top strategists from both parties will debate the question many are grappling with in the political environment: What's the moral high ground? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: We bring you the mixed reaction from last night's surprise White House announcement that Joe Biden issued a "full and unconditional pardon" for his son, Hunter, whom the president says was unfairly targeted. Plus: Senate Republicans stand in the way of Kash Patel becoming the FBI director or confirm the man who promises to dismantle the law enforcement agency and rebuild it exactly how Donald Trump wants it. And: Democrats are looking for a new DNC chair. Dana talks to someone who thinks he's best equipped for the job of guiding the party out of the wilderness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Bombshell pick. President-elect Trump chooses a new FBI director. Controversial loyalist Kash Patel. Can he get confirmed? What will he do if he is? My panel of experts will break it all down. And: The Elon effect. Elon Musk celebrates Thanksgiving at Mar-a-Lago as the Tesla CEO gears up for his new role. How will he shape the future of government? Tesla and SpaceX investor Cathie Wood will join me live. Plus: Democrats search for a path forward. Who will they choose to lead their party in the new Trump era? I'll ask Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Ben Wikler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Donald Trump spent Thanksgiving night with loved ones Melania, Barron and ... Elon Musk? We look at their relationship and preview Musk's trip to Washington next week to meet with Republican lawmakers. Plus: A controversy over raw milk as bird flu is found in another batch of it in California. Experts say unpasteurized milk is a vector for infectious diseases. But Robert F Kennedy Jr. wants more Americans drinking it and may soon be in a position to promote it. And: What went wrong? A top Democratic pollster joins the show with some tough truths for his party about why they lost the presidency and the path back to power in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: With 54 days until inauguration the president elect has already filled out his cabinet. Now he's preparing an agenda to quickly push through a narrowly divided Congress. Plus: The Harris campaign brain trust is defending the decisions they made in the final weeks of the campaign. So why do they think Trump won? And: Elon Musk is worth over $350 billion. What will he do with all that money and influence? Wel talk to the author of a new Time magazine cover story on him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The president-elect says he'll slap massive tariffs on America's three closest trading partners the first day he's in office. But will he follow through? And if he does will it get in the way of his promise to fight inflation? Plus: We could be on the verge of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah. Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet is expected to vote on it today. And: One of Trump's most trusted advisers is accused of asking the eventual pick for Treasury Secretary for money to talk him up to the boss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The president-elect has picked a cabinet of loyalists to carry out his MAGA agenda, but now comes the hard part. We have new reporting on how Team Trump is preparing for multiple contentious confirmation battles. Plus: Rejection to affection. After disavowing Project 2025 on the trail, Donald Trump is tapping an architect of the far-right plan for a critical post in the White House. And: A lame duck just spared two 40-pound turkeys from the kitchen table. How Peach and Blossom rode the gravy train all the way to the White House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Reality check. With a flurry of new picks, Trump's cabinet comes fully into focus. But after one falls through, what's next for Trump's other choices? Plus: One on one. Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown on his loss and what he says needs to change. And: Fowl play. A look back at presidential turkey pardons with Biden set to hold his last. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: President-elect Trump has a new pick for attorney general, but his plan to overhaul the Justice Department remains the same. We've got all the latest news from Mar-a-Lago. Plus: With three House races still uncalled, the Republican majority could be one of the smallest ever. We'll look at the challenges ahead for House Speaker Mike Johnson. And: Dana speaks with Colorado Democratic Governor Jared Polis, who is praising Donald Trump's choice of Robert Kennedy Jr. to run Health and Human Services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Donald Trump's embattled pick to run the Pentagon is on Capitol Hill to meet with key Republican senators after new, graphic details about an allegation of sexual assault against him were revealed. Plus: We have new reporting on Tulsi Gabbard's deeply rooted distrust of the agencies Trump wants her to lead And: Dana speaks with former RNC chair Ronna McDaniel about how Republicans won and potential pitfalls for when they gain control in January. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The House Ethics committee meets this afternoon to discuss what to do with the report into Matt Gaetz's alleged sexual misconduct and illicit drug use as President-elect Trump says he's not giving up on Gaetz's nomination. Plus: A top Senate Republican joins the show to discuss Donald Trump's cabinet picks and what he think of Trump's threat to use a constitutional loophole to put his team in place without Senate consent? And: An undocumented immigrant is convicted of killing Laken Riley, a young Georgia woman out for a jog earlier this year. We take you live to that courtroom for reaction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: We're following new pressure on the House Ethics committee to release its report on Matt Gaetz as Donald Trump makes it clear he's prioritizing his attorney general pick over everything else. Plus: We bring you new reporting on why Congressman Hakeem Jeffries may now be the most important Democrat in Washington. And: It was just six months ago that Donald Trump was convicted of 34 felonies in the Stormy Daniels hush money case. Now we're waiting for the judge in that case to tell us what Trump's election win means for that sentencing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The president elect is standing by his decision to elevate MAGA firebrands to top government positions and tells his team that Matt Gaetz, his attorney general, is the most important pick he will make. Plus: Is Elon Musk flying too close to the sun? The richest man in the world seems to go everywhere Trump goes and now is using his social media platform to publicly push his favorite cabinet picks. And: We have new reporting on the hunt to find and fire federal employees the Trump team believes are not totally committed to his cause. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Loyalty test. From Matt Gaetz to RFK Jr., Trump's choices shocked Washington. The Republicans fall in line. Plus: New details on RFK Jr. and Trump's pick for the Pentagon. And: Fighting back. New reporting on the top House Democrat's plans to bring his party out of the wilderness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: New reporting on how the president-elect may reshape the FBI in his image with the hard-right loyalists who talk about going after the self-perceived enemies at home. Plus: As medical experts express outrage that Trump made good on his promise to put RFK Jr. in charge of public health, we tell you whatKennedy could mean for you and your family. And: New details on how Team Trump is planning to carry out his promised mass deportations by expanding detention facilities and issuing executive actions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Donald Trump is sending a clear message on what his government will look like and prioritize when he takes over in just 67 days. We examine this new reality. Plus: With confirmation the GOP will control both chambers of Congress, Trump may have a clear runway to enact his agenda. We have new reporting on a potential pocket of resistance. And: Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, has been attached at the hip to Donald Trump for weeks now. We get new insight into what he may do with his newfound power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's show begins as Donald Trump and Joe Biden are meeting at the White House and Republican senators are choosing their next majority leader. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump's cabinet picks are coming fast and furious and so far, he's rewarding his staunchest allies with plum jobs in his new administration. Vice president-elect JD Vance says who his boss selects for attorney general is Trump's biggest decision. Will whoever that is follow through on trump's vows of revenge Also: As weird as it may seem, there are people who voted for both Trump and AOC. Several are speaking out about why they chose polar opposite sides of the ballot. We bring you the answers and how they help explain the 2024 election results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today show begins, President Biden concludes his Veterans Day remarks at Arlington National Cemetery. Following that, we turn to today's breaking news that President-elect Trump plans to name Stephen Miller as White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy. Miller is the man behind Trump's mass deportation plan and one of the most hardline voices in the first Trump White House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Clean sweep. As Trump allies jockey for roles, the president-elect's plans take shape. Maggie Haberman joins to talk Trump's mind-set. How will his second term differ from the first? Plus: Dems in disarray. After widespread losses, how will the Democratic Party emerge from the wilderness? And: Full house. Republicans could control both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue. Are they ready? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: A top Trump advisor says the president-elect feels emboldened after a decisive election victory and is already preparing the massive policy overhaul he promised on immigration, trade, taxes and much more. Plus: Are Republicans in Congress ready to pass anything and everything the new president wants? Dana talks to Senator-elect Jim Banks. And: What now? That's the question so many Democrats are asking, but few have answers. The party is grappling with how to move forward after losses across nearly all demographics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Former President Trump is now President-elect Trump, and he's headed back to the White House with a mandate to carry out an expansive agenda, one well beyond the economic issues that swayed many Americans to vote GOP. We have new reporting on who may be going with him and what they are planning for day one. Plus: "You can't love your country only when you win." President Biden just restated that message to the nation after Trump's resounding victory Kamala Harris. And: It's another edition of the blame game, with Democrats are in deep despair as they begin their long and arduous journey of examining how their coalition crumbled. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just 12 hours left in one of the wildest presidential campaigns in American history. And if the polls are right, one of the tightest, with the two candidates offering sharply different visions at recent rallies: Harris: "We have the momentum, because our campaign is tapping into the ambitions, the aspirations, and the dreams of the American people, because we are optimistic and excited about what we can do to together!" Trump: "What a terrible thing they have done to our country. And you're going to say that to her. You're going to say, 'You've done a terrible job, you're grossly incompetent, we're not going to take it anymore. Kamala, you're fired! Get the hell out.'" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Final hours. A frantic finish to a historic campaign. CNN's political director breaks down their potential paths after surprising new polling and Harris stops by "SNL". Plus: House of cards. We're on the trail with Speaker Johnson. And: Exclusive. A rare one on one with former President Clinton as he barnstorms the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: It's T-minus four days and 62 million Americans have already cast their ballots as Kamala Harris and Donald Trump blitz the battlegrounds with their closing arguments to that little, little sliver of persuadable voters. Plus: Trump says he'll let RFK Jr. "do anything he wants" with health and vaccine policy if the former president is back in the White House. And: $2 billion has now been poured into presidential political ads this election season. We break down the ones that work with two top political strategists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: With less than a week to go till Election Day, we have brand new CNN polls showing Kamala Harris with a slight edge in two of the must-win Rust Belt states CNN's David Chalian breaks down the impact for both campaigns. Plus: Donald Trump is promising to put RFK Jr., a man known for pushing dangerous conspiracies about vaccines, Covid-19, and antidepressants, in charge of public health. What would that mean for you? And: Dana talks to a House Democrat battling an aggressive neurological disorder and the Republican she wants unseated about why they're now working together to try to elect Kamala Harris. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the clock ticks down to Election Day we bring you a brand new CNN poll from two pivotal battleground states which only affirms that this race cannot be closer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: With just eight days left to win votes, the candidates are spread out across the battleground states trying to reach that dwindling slice of undecided voters, knowing more than 40 million Americans have already cast their ballots. Plus: Vile, racist sexist insults dominated Donald Trump's rally at Madison Square Garden yesterday. The former president's typical fear mongering was actually upstaged by his own warmup acts, who disparaged countless Americans. And: When the votes are in, we could see the biggest gender gap ever. Two pollsters from both parties break down the growing divide and how each side is trying to close it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Nine days. With the race deadlocked, the candidates stormed the battleground. As Trump goes dark, Harris leaned on star power. And: New data on why the race is still so tight. Plus: Anxious nation. Two pollsters on what they're watching in these final days. And: Badger State battle. We go one-on-one as Wisconsin Senate race gets ugly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: A brand new CNN poll reveals the race is literally tied. David Chalian is at the magic wall to take us behind the numbers. Plus: Kamala Harris is zeroing in on Donald Trump's role in overturning Roe v. Wade. Dana talks to a couple forced to leave their home state of Texas to end a non-viable pregnancy. And: Elon Musk is pouring an eye-popping amount of money into his push to elect Trump. We have new details on what he's doing and what he likely wants out of it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With just 12 days left, Kamala Harris is focusing on the threats to democracy and abortion rights, issues she hopes will be at the forefront of voters' minds. Plus: "Daddy's home!" That's what the crowd chanted as Donald Trump took the stage in Georgia last night after a very weird moment. Meanwhile, Mitch McConnell is offering a new, blistering assessment of much of the party he still leads in the Senate, saying the MAGA movement is completely wrong, and that Ronald Reagan wouldn't recognize the GOP today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: John Kelly, who served as Donald Trump's Chief of Staff, tells the New York Times he believes his former boss meets "the definition of a fascist" and warns Trump would rule like a "dictator" if reelected. Plus: It could be a critical night for Kamala Harris - she's going to take questions from undecided and persuadable voters at a CNN town hall. And: We have a special report on the Jewish vote. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With just two weeks till Election Day, the campaigns are putting the finishing touches on their closing messages to the shrinking sliver of undecided voters. Kamala Harris is going all-in on their bet that abortion rights will bring people to the polls. We have brand new reporting on their plans, including a trip to a reliably red state. Meanwhile, the richest man in the world is using his considerable resources to boots Donald Trump's campaign. So what does Elon Musk want in return? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today show begins, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are both on the campaign trail with events in states neither can afford to lose. The former president is just outside of Asheville, North Carolina, while the VP is in suburban Philadelphia with Liz Chaney. We go live to both candidates followed by analysis from our panel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Closing time. Trump gets vulgar, while Harris holds her attacks. As big names hit the trail, hoping to drive voters in the polls. And: Elon Musk's million dollar promise. Plus: Culture wars. The GOP's big bet on anti-trans attacks. And: Great stakes. New reporting on whether the control of the Senate could come down to Michigan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Kamala Harris is camping out in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania this week as it becomes increasingly clear that her best path to the White House leads straight through those crucial states. Plus: The Trump campaign reportedly wants Nikki Haley to join him on the trail during the campaign's final days. So why this morning did the former president take a swipe at her? And: Too close for comfort. That's how the architect of Obama's presidential campaign, David Plouffe, sums up this race. He joins us exclusively. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins we've just learned that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023 terror attack against Israel, was killed in Gaza Thursday, according to a radio station run by Israel. Sinwar is believed responsible for the slaughter of more than 1,200 people, including 46 Americans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"I am the father of IVF," Donald Trump told an audience of women today at a Fox town hall. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris heads to the Philadelphia suburbs, focusing on persuadable Republicans and independents. And Ted Cruz is fighting for his political life in a surprisingly close race against a football star turned Democratic congressman. Can he hang on? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Kamala Harris has a new tactic for highlighting the stakes of this deadlocked race: Not just using Donald Trump's own words against him, but playing the clips. Plus: Early in-person voting begins today in Georgia. That crucial Sun Belt state was decided by just over 11,000 votes in 2020. And: We introduce you to DC's newest and cutest residents after a very long trip aboard the "panda express." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices