CNN Inside Politics

As today show's begins, President Trump is pontificating to reporters in the Oval Office as part of an event with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who was by his side. During the Q&A, Trump was asked about a New York Times that Elon Musk, who visited the Pentagon today, was due to get a briefing on the Pentagon's plan for handling a war in China. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The Trump administration escalates attacks on a federal judge and publicly questions the court's authority. But are they willing to actually defy a judicial order? There's a key deadline right now that may provide an answer. Plus: Today, President Trump will sign an executive order to shut down the Department of Education. We break down potential consequences for students, parents and teachers. And: A top Democratic pollster joins us with new data on how the party should solve its messaging problem. One clue: It involves talking about the richest man in the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: President Trump just wrapped up a pivotal phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He says they are "very much on track" for a ceasefire deal. Plus: The president is unleashing a full-throttle attack on the federal judge who derailed Trump's deportation plans. The courts are pushing back and sending a clear message that there are limits to presidential powers. And: Democratic critics are still furious at Chuck Schumer for not fighting harder against a Republican spending bill. But that's not what the party's base wants to hear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are having a crucial conversation, with the fate of Ukraine hanging in the balance. Plus, A federal judge probes the Trump administration response after he ordered weekend deportation flights turned around. And a handful of are positioning themselves in very different ways to take the reins ahead of 2028. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The Trump administration is gearing up for a high-stakes judicial faceoff after seemingly ignoring a court order to stop the deportation of hundreds of individuals it claims are gang members. Plus: A new CNN poll shows just 29% of Americans have a favorable view of Democrats as the party turns on one of its leaders. And: The death toll rises after powerful storms rip through the Midwest and Southeast. It's the first major natural disaster since cuts to NOAA and FEMA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Outrage. Democrats' anger boils over. Brand-new CNN poll results this morning flash warning signs for the party. Where does Leader Schumer stand? And is AOC having a moment? And: Trade war. As stocks plunge, economic discontent spooks the GOP. Plus: New reporting on Trump's quest for revenge. And: Baby steps. A rare bipartisan move may help new moms and dads on the Hill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Democrats are at odds over how to handle the looming government shutdown. We have new reporting from inside their tumultuous private meetings. Plus: From daytime talk show to Senate confirmation hearing right now, Dr. Memet Oz is trying to convince senators that he's done hawking dubious supplements and ready to lead the agency in charge of Medicare and Medicaid. And: Is Donald Trump in his expansionist era? We're learning his inspiration may be a little-known, 19th-century president who fought a war with Mexico to expand the United States to the Pacific Ocean. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The president just responded to Europe's new reciprocal tariffs with new reciprocal tariffs of his own. It's all impacting your wallet. But many Republicans so far are saying no pain, no gain. Plus: The White House pulls the plug on its nominee to lead the CDC, Dr. David Weldon, who's been facing growing scrutiny over his anti-vaccine views. What about other Trump appointees with similar views? And: We have brand new reporting about Pete Buttigieg, who's decided not to run for the US Senate in 2026. That leaves the door wide open for a presidential run in 2028. Will he choose that door? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Brand new CNN polling shows Americans overwhelmingly disapprove of President Trump's tariff tug of war, while his newest salvo threatens to drive up. prices even more. And it's unleashing a worldwide trade war. Plus: As Americans' retirement funds took a nosedive, the president chose to help the richest man in the world with his bottom line by turning the White House lawn into a car dealership. And: Senate Democrats must decide whether to support what they call a "horrible" GOP spending bill, because if it doesn't get a handful of their votes, we could see the government shutdown this weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: We're following the twists and turns as the markets react to new threats from the president to impose more tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum and cars. Plus: Is it time to muzzle Musk? Trump's billionaire bestie seems to float the idea of cutting money from popular programs like Social Security and Medicare. And: Five years ago today, the world began to shut down due to Covid. The aftershocks are still being felt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Donald Trump was elected to end inflation, but economists fear his policies could do the opposite. And even possibly trigger a recession. The president himself admits it's possible, but that it's for the country's greater good. Plus: Hostility from the Great White North, as Canada's next prime minister is warning that President Trump wants to "destroy our way of life." And: Top Democrats flood sports radio stations and podcasts. It's their new playbook to try to meet the voters where they are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Whipsaw. Trump injects uncertainty into a shaky economy as tensions rise over Elon Musk. Does Trump have a plan? And as Democrats flail, is Congress barreling toward a shutdown? Plus: COVID five years on. How has the pandemic reshaped politics? And: Back to the future? Democratic heavyweights test the waters as the next campaign has already begun. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Exactly one week after the Oval Office slugfest that left the entire world flabbergasted, and just four days after halting all US aid to Ukraine, President Trump threatens "large-scale banking sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and final settlement on peace is reached." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we came on the air today, news was breaking on those tariffs Donald Trump slapped on Canada and Mexico. But as you'll hear, the specifics were confusing to say the least. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: President Trump makes clear in his historically long speech to Congress that, from culture wars to trade wars, he's not retreating from the divisive agenda that seeks to upend American government and society. Plus: A divided Supreme Court deals the president a blow in his effort to shut down American foreign aid. And: Will "Mayor Pete" try to become "Senator Pete?" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: After 43 turbulent days, Donald Trump will address Congress for the first time in his second term, and he's bringing Elon Musk with him. The president will take credit for his promises kept. But what will he do about the chaos? Plus: Higher tariffs are likely to mean higher prices from everything from the cars you drive to the vegetables you eat to the shoes you wear. So how big is the economic and political risk the president is taking? And: Senate Majority Leader John Thune joins us to describe the challenges of trying to implement President Trump's legislative agenda. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The global community is still trying to process the ramifications of the Oval Office rumble that's put both the future of war-ravaged Ukraine and America's role as leader of the free world in serious question. Plus: President Trump says he will punish America's largest trading partners in fewer than 12 hours. Will he follow through on his plan, even though it would almost surely mean higher prices for the already struggling US consumer? And: Andrew Cuomo will attempt a political comeback in the Big Apple, four years after resigning from the governor's mansion in disgrace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Back in the House. Trump is set to address Congress weeks into his executive power grab. We have brand new CNN polling. What do Americans think? Plus: Breakdown. New reporting on the fallout from that remarkable meeting. And: Clash of the titans. Andrew Cuomo says he's running. What are his chances to come back from scandal? Will he stand up to Trump? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky are holding critical talks in the Oval Office today. The presidents are expected to sign a deal giving the US a financial stake in Ukrainian mineral deposits. Zelensky is hoping to get some sort of security guarantee in return. Our coverage begins with CNN's Jeff Zeleny at the White House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The British PM and the US President met in Washington today. A lot was on the line. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Millions of federal employees are in limbo today. They don't know whether to listen to their supervisor, their government HR department, or Elon Musk. And their jobs may be on the line. Plus: Musk's Starlink system is scoring a major new contract with the FAA while directing cuts at that very agency. Remember, this is the same person who promised to avoid any conflicts of interest And: We have new details on a potential feud brewing between the president and the governor of Florida over who should lead the Sunshine State. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: "What did you do at work last week?" The seemingly almighty, albeit unelected Elon Musk says millions of federal employees have just hours left to answer that question or lose their jobs. But even some of the most MAGA cabinet members are telling Musk to back off. Plus: Ukraine marks a grim milestone as Donald Trump seems to side with the man responsible for brutally invading a sovereign democracy. And: The president names a right-wing podcaster known for pushing wild conspiracies as second in command at the FBI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Under fire. Trump orders a Pentagon purge and directs Elon Musk to get more aggressive as his cuts spark blowback. Then: Trump's calling himself a king. But is he bleeding support? Plus: Sea change. Trump pivots to Putin as Ukraine scrambles. And: Making his mark. Does the V.P. have eyes on 2028? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Some Republicans are getting an earful from their constituents as thousands of federal workers are laid of all over the country. There are signs the White House may be rethinking some of its planned cuts. Plus: Members of the Trump Administration are telling America's European allies that the official US stance on the war in Ukraine is to not blame it on "Russian aggression." And: We explore the battle of the billionaires, as Elon Musk and George Soros invest millions of dollars in a state supreme court race in Wisconsin. Why do they care? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: It's been one month since Donald Trump's inauguration, and since then we've seen a firehose of executive orders and mass firings, not to mention what could be the start of a reordering of global alliances. We have a brand new CNN poll of what voters think so far. Plus: Mitch McConnell, one of the Senate's most historic figures, says he will not run for reelection. And: Israeli President Isaac Herzog joins the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: President Trump ramps up his criticism of his Ukrainian counterpart, falsely blaming Volodymyr Zelensky for starting the war, one in which Russia invaded his country three years ago. Plus: Trump and Elon Musk sit down for a fawning interview on Fox. What did we learn from that lovefest And: Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove is in New York today to ask a court to let him drop corruption charges against Mayor Eric Adams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Details about the just-concluded, high-level talks between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his Russian counterparts. Can they end the war against Ukraine without giving Vladimir Putin everything he wants? Plus: We are standing by for a news conference in Toronto about yesterday's plane crash where a jet flipped over. Will President Trump and Elon Musk think twice about the cuts they've already ordered at the FAA? And: It's yet another day of upheaval for the Justice Department as a top prosecutor is out. CNN has brand new reporting on how she resigned after being told to investigate the Biden administration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The Trump administration wants the Supreme Court to weigh in on the president's efforts to expand executive power in unprecedented ways, as he takes new steps to dismantle key parts of the government he now runs. Plus: What do voters who flipped from Biden in 2020 to Trump in 2024 think of the president's first weeks in office? Hear the results of a fascinating focus group. And: A defiant Eric Adams says he will not resign as New York City mayor despite calls from his fellow Democrats to do exactly that. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Move fast, break stuff. The Trump tidal wave upends American life, bringing sweeping cuts with unintended consequences. As Trump suggests he's above the law. Could it backfire with voters? And: America first? A stark message overseas sparks panic for America's friends. Is the art of the deal, reshuffling the world order? Plus: Senate shake up. Could retirements make or break Democrats' path back to power? And: My new reporting on the lawmaker with new questions on an age old case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: President Trump and top administration officials are blaming the war in Ukraine on Joe Biden and NATO, rather than the country that actually launched an unprovoked invasion of its neighbor. It's causing fear across the western world that the US is on the brink of abandoning Ukraine. Plus: We're following the breaking news on the upheaval at the Department of Justice and the mind-boggling accusations about prioritizing politics over the rule of law. And: Broadway and Hollywood star Josh Gad joins us for a much-needed palate cleanser. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The president and his billionaire benefactor are barreling ahead with their plan to slash the federal workforce, which could include eliminating entire agencies. Plus: The Senate just confirmed RFK Jr. as secretary of health and human services. It's a tough pill to swallow for many Democrats, but not those who want to overhaul America's food and pharmaceutical industries. And: We bring you a special report on the "make America wealthy again" movement featuring two people who have covered Elon Musk's entire career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The Senate confirms Tulsi Gabbard as the director of national intelligence, which begs the question: What happened to those Republicans concerned about her lack of experience and apparent support of US adversaries? Plus: An official tells CNN that Trump and Vladimir Putin spoke by phone this morning, just hours after an American teacher was released from a Russian prison. And: Candidate Trump promised to bring down costs on day one. But the president is finding out very quickly that it's not so easy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: As the show begins, Donald Trump is about to meet inside the Oval Office with the King of Jordan, trying to convince that key US ally to open up his country to a massive influx of Palestinian refugees - who, by the way, don't want to go anywhere. Plus: The president publicly dares to defy the co-equal judicial branch of government as multiple federal judges push pause on his plans to dismantle the federal government. And: The Constitution is clear: Congress has the power of the purse. So why do many Republicans appear willing to hand it over to the richest man in the world? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: We're tracking a key court hearing this afternoon that could determine the fate of the Trump-Musk plan to take a sledgehammer to the federal workforce. But does the trump administration even care what judges say? Plus: President Trump is teasing new steep tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports as a majority of voters in a new poll say they approve of the president, but also say he's not spending enough time on lowering prices. And: We have new reporting on the president's right-hand man, Stephen Miller, who went from fringe of the GOP to one of the most powerful people Washington. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Trump takeover. The president takes a sledgehammer to the government. Now, judges are saying not so fast. The news overnight, and what's next. My panel weighs in. Plus, my new reporting and how Democrats are responding. And: The Elon effect. I'll talk to a close ally of musk about his next steps. But is it all legal? House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan live. Plus: It's Super Bowl Sunday and Trump's the first president to go. What to expect when the president shows up at the big game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: As Donald Trump hosts the second foreign leader to visit him this week, the world carefully watches his frenetic moves that could have serious implications far beyond the US. Plus: The Trump Administration is smacked with a tidal wave of lawsuits. But can the scales of justice keep up with the onslaught of actions from the White House. And: Hollywood and Broadway star Josh Gad joins us for our Friday Palate Cleanser. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: New reporting on how Elon Musk and his allies are inserting themselves into what seems like every facet of the US government. Plus: House Republican leaders meet with the president to hash out their plan to cut taxes and spend more money at the border. And: Why is Clarence Thomas swearing in so many Trump cabinet officials? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: We're tracking the world's stunned reaction after President Trump announced his new idea to seize the war-ravaged Gaza Strip, relocate more than two million Palestinians, and turn the area into "the Riviera of the Middle East." Plus: Democrats say they're ready to fight back against Donald Trump's and Elon Musk's efforts to dismantle the federal government. But is anyone in the party prepared to lead the charge? And: Dana talks to a former House Republican about why her party seems to be ceding the powers of the legislative branch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's show begins just after the conclusion of a speech by Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, a medical doctor, explaining why he cast the deciding vote in favor of advancing the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be the country's next Secretary of Health & Human Services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This morning, the President Trump agreed to delay a 25% tariff on Mexico and that country's President Claudia Sheinbaum said they would harden its border with the US. But major new tariffs on Canada and China are still set to go into effect in just 12 hours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Trade war. Trump slaps sweeping new tariffs on American adversaries and friends. Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers on what it means for you. Plus: The political blowback and another dizzying week. Trump unveils a strict hiring freeze and FBI purge and a botched funding halt. My panel will break it down, and what to expect next. Plus: Democrats' decision. The new leader elected to lead the party through the new Trump era. His game plan for how to take on Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We begin today's show with the latest info on the deadliest US plane crash in nearly a quarter century. The FAA just revealed it is indefinitely shutting down the low-altitude helicopter route that was in use the night of the collision. It comes on the heels of a New York Times report and presidential social media posts suggesting the Blackhawk was flying outside its approved flight path. CNN has also obtained two exclusive videos that will be critical yo the ongoing investigation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First responders have been working tirelessly since last night to recover bodies from the frigid waters in the Potomac River after an American Airlines passenger plane collided with an Army Blackhawk helicopter near Regan National Airport. Tragically, all 67 people on board the two aircraft are presumed to have perished, making this the deadliest aviation disaster in the US in more than 20 years. President Trump wasted no time blaming, without evidence, Democrats and their support of diversity programs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Donald Trump is putting the world on notice by threatening a trade war with Colombia until that country agreed to work with him to deport migrants from the US. His strong arm tactics worked ... but will they next time? Plus: It's Pete Hegseth's first official day at the Pentagon, and we're expecting him to receive multiple executive orders from President Trump that will reshape the military, including a ban on transgender troops. And: Tech stocks plunge after a surprise announcement from a Chinese AI startup that appears to threaten companies here in the US and has national security experts on edge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Whirlwind week. Trump takes the reins of power and unleashes a torrent of change. My panel will break down the avalanche of news. And: Law and order? As troops head to the border, federal agents ramp up enforcement. What to watch as Trump’s immigration crackdown enters week two. Plus: Moment of truth. Trump’s next picks take the stand in just days. Do they have what it takes? And: What one legendary musician has to do with Biden’s last-minute act of clemency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump visited both hurricane-ravaged North Carolina and wildfire-ravaged California today and reiterated that he wants the latter state to meet certain conditions before it can get crucial federal aid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump took center stage - virtually - at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland today. It was his first major speech to global business and political leaders since taking office just a few days ago. We cover this story from all angles, with Richard Quest beginning our reporting from Davos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Sources tell CNN President Trump is considering a White House visit for his supporters who stormed the Capitol and tried to derail the peaceful transfer of power on January 6th, 2021 Plus: The new president is moving feverishly to remake the federal government in his image. His latest power move is revoking decades of diversity programs and possibly firing the men and women who ran them. And: Claiming "my party left me," New York City Mayor Eric Adams, indicted on corruption charges, is slamming his fellow Democrats while cozying up to President Trump and his allies. Is this all part of winning a pardon? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's show we break down some of the most consequential changes Donald Trump made in his first 24 hours in office. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Ceasefire. Israel and Hamas halt fighting overnight. Three Israeli hostages are now in the custody of the Israeli military and are back in Israel. Then: Trump 2.0. Hours away from Trump returning to The White House. Trump promises a series of executive actions on day one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices