
CNN One Thing
347 episodes — Page 3 of 7
‘Total Disaster’: Why Some Fear Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful’ Bill
The House passed President Donald Trump’s sweeping domestic policy bill on Thursday, despite divisions within the GOP. We break down what’s in it and hear from a Medicaid recipient who is worried she could lose coverage at the worst possible time. Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How Trump Clouded America’s Weather Forecasting
As hurricane season approaches, the National Weather Service is grappling with a DOGE-fueled staffing shortage that has left some local offices unable to operate 24/7. A former meteorologist explains why it’s leaving behind a patchwork system that could threaten lives when disaster strikes. Guest: Andrew Freedman, CNN Climate & Weather Senior Reporter & Brian LaMarre, former NWS meteorologist Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What to Expect When You’re Expecting More Tariffs
The US and China have agreed to drastically walk back their trade war – for now. But will consumers feel the pain anyway? The co-founder of a baby products company tells us why he isn’t afraid to talk to his customers about tariffs. Guest: Michael Wieder, Lalo co-founder Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Trump, a Newborn, and Her Parents' Birthright Fight
The Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments Thursday in a case involving President Donald Trump’s birthright citizenship order. We examine how the outcome could impact other Trump court cases and hear from immigrant parents of a new baby who are worried their child could be branded an ‘outcast.’ Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Air Traffic, Out of Control?
The Department of Transportation announced it will build a “brand new air traffic control system” by 2029. It follows more than a week of massive delays and cancellations at Newark Liberty International Airport sparked by a frightening communications blackout. We look at the plan for the new system and hear from a former air traffic controller who says government funding is at the heart of the problem. Guest: Michael McCormick, Air Traffic Management Program Coordinator at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University & Alexandra Skores, CNN Transportation Reporter Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Conclave Watch: The Book That 'Pope Pilled’ The Internet
Interest in the 2024 Oscar-winning film “Conclave” skyrocketed as Cardinals gathered in Rome this week and elected Pope Leo XIV. We talk with the author of the book that inspired the movie, who shares why he thinks the story has resonated with Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Guest: “Conclave” author Robert Harris Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Conclave Watch: An American Pope
We have a pope – and he’s an American! Cardinal Robert Prevost has been selected as the next pope, the first American pontiff in history. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV. We break down the significance of this unprecedented moment and what challenges the Catholic Church's new leader will face as he takes over. Guest: Christopher Lamb, CNN Vatican Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Conclave Watch: We Have a Nope
Spoiler alert: we don't have a new pope – yet. While we wait, we get an update from St. Peter’s Square as the conclave begins and dig into the political ramifications of the job. Guests: Christopher Lamb, CNN Vatican Correspondent & Massimo Faggioli, Villanova University theology professor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A Beginner’s Guide to the Papal Conclave
Catholic cardinals in Rome are preparing to pick a new leader following the death of Pope Francis. We break down what to expect from the private ritual and look at why questions about the church’s future will persist no matter who is selected. Guest: Christopher Lamb, CNN Vatican Correspondent Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why It’s So Easy to Fall for Conspiracy Theories
Conspiracy theories are not new. They’re as old as time itself. But if you feel like they’re everywhere right now, you’re not alone. So, what do you do when somebody you love has fallen down a rabbit hole? CNN’s Donie O’Sullivan has been covering the world of misinformation for more than a decade, but now he's less interested in what people believe than why they believe it. So, he’s trying to find out. Listen to ‘Persuadable’ here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Americans Are Souring on Trump. Does He Care?
New CNN polling shows historically low approval ratings for President Donald Trump as he moves past his 100th day in office. We hear from a first-time Trump voter how he feels about his vote now and look at how the Trump administration may approach the next 100 days. Guest: Alayna Treene, CNN White House Reporter Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Is Horse Racing on Its Last Legs?
Ahead of this year’s Kentucky Derby, horse racing critics are asking familiar questions about animal safety and care in an industry fueled by gambling. We examine how high-profile horse deaths and an FBI investigation into doping allegations have pushed the sport towards reforms. Guest: Katie Bo Lillis, CNN Senior Reporter & Author, “Death of a Racehorse: An American Story” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why Trump is Sticking with Hegseth (For Now)
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is under fire following revelations that he shared detailed military plans on a second Signal group chat. It comes amid infighting with his closest advisers. We examine the unfolding drama at the Pentagon and how it could impact military operations. Guest: Haley Britzky, CNN National Security Reporter Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Remembering Pope Francis
A look back on the life, papacy and legacy of Pope Francis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
They Got Into Dream Schools. Trump Got Involved. Now What?
Harvard University is refusing to make key policy changes requested by the Trump administration, kicking off a funding fight with students and researchers caught in the middle. We look at what’s next for other universities and hear from incoming Harvard and Columbia freshmen about how they feel about their college choices now. Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The US-El Salvador Deportation Deal, Explained
President Donald Trump and El Salvador's president Nayib Bukele have both made clear in recent days that the Maryland man who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador won’t be returned to the United States. We hear why Bukele is so eager to work with Trump on immigration issues and get a firsthand account of the notorious mega-prison Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia is being held in. Guest: David Culver, CNN Senior National Correspondent Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Inside Trump’s ‘Dangerous’ Health Research Cuts
Researchers and study participants across the country are grappling with the abrupt cancellation of hundreds of research grants directed by the Trump administration. We hear from one researcher who believes anti-DEI policies led to the defunding of her clinical trials. Guest: Katie Edwards, University of Michigan Professor of Social Work Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How Trump’s Tariff Trade War Could Hit You
As President Donald Trump plows ahead with his plan to impose massive tariffs on America’s trading partners, fear and uncertainty have taken hold from Wall Street to Main Street. We examine how the administration is handling blowback from the business world and look at how your finances could be impacted. Guest: Phil Mattingly, CNN Chief Domestic Correspondent & Anchor Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Hidden Costs of Trump’s National Parks Cuts
As DOGE-led cuts continue to rock the federal government, we hear from National Parks employees about what’s at stake for visitors and wildlife, as well as the threat to the preservation of the history behind public lands. Guests: Andria Townsend & Helen Dhue Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This Group Has a ‘Deportation List.’ Is the Government Reading It?
As federal agents detain a growing number of international college students, some are wondering: where are they getting these names? We hear about pro-Israel groups working to reveal details about student activists and how it could chill free speech. Guests: Gloria Pazmino, CNN Correspondent Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why Musk Is Pouring Millions into Wisconsin
Elon Musk and other outside groups have poured millions of dollars into advertising and organizing ahead of Wisconsin’s Supreme Court election on Tuesday. We hear about why the outcome could tell us something about the national political mood early into the second Trump administration. Guest: Arlette Saenz, CNN Correspondent Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Trump’s DEI Data Purge
As datasets and web pages across the federal government disappear to comply with President Donald Trump’s executive orders, a coalition of concerned citizens is rushing to preserve information and access. We talk to one of the researchers behind the Data Rescue Project about how they're doing that work and how federal data purges could impact trust in government. Guest: Lynda Kellam Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tesla in Trouble
Since Inauguration Day, Tesla has seen its stock price drop amid declining consumer interest and occasionally violent protests pushing back against CEO Elon Musk. We hear from drivers who have (and haven’t) ditched their cars and explore why it’s not just DOGE giving the company reason to worry. Guest: Allison Morrow, CNN Business Senior Writer Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
If a Judge Says It, Do You Have to Do It?
The Trump White House is denying it defied a judge’s order to halt deportation flights by using a wartime power to speed up removals. A former federal prosecutor tells us why the administration’s rhetoric may be brasher than its legal arguments. Guest: Elie Honig, CNN Senior Legal Analyst Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Can You Be Deported for What You Say?
A Trump administration effort to deport prominent Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil has sparked fear on college campuses across the country that other international students could be targeted for their views. A year after student protests unsettled the nation, we look at the new administration’s moves on college campuses and hear from someone worried even US citizens could soon be caught up in the crackdown. Guests: Belinda Davis, Rutgers University Professor of History Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why Government Cuts Are About to Ramp Up
Ahead of a March 13 deadline for federal agencies to submit reductions in force plans, one agency in particular has drawn the attention of Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency: The Social Security Administration. We explore why advocates fear crucial outdated technology is ripe for outages which could put vulnerable Americans at risk. Guest: Tami Luhby, CNN Senior Writer Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Will ‘Don’t Give Up’ Cut It for Democrats?
Democrats continue to struggle with being an effective opposition party in a Washington under full Republican control. Ahead of a looming government shutdown, we hear from one lawmaker who thinks they’re “getting there.” Will voters buy it? Guest: Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In MAGA Country, Musk Has Free Rein (For Now)
As President Donald Trump reshapes international relations and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency continues to gut the federal workforce, CNN wanted to know how his most diehard supporters feel about Trump 2.0. We found some are willing to tolerate potential financial hardship – but for how long? Guests: Elle Reeve, CNN Correspondent Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Measles was Considered Eliminated. But It’s Spreading in Texas.
As a measles outbreak continues to grow in West Texas, questions are mounting over the quality of federal response, as Health and Human Services secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. downplays the outbreak’s severity. We ask a Houston doctor if he’s expecting a major livestock show to bring more measles cases to his city. Meanwhile, experts fear disrupted meetings about vaccines could threaten timelines and transparency from health officials around other key shots. Guests: Meg Tirrell, CNN Medical Correspondent & Dr. Wesley Long, Director of Microbiology at Houston Methodist Hospital Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Boycotts, DEI, and Trump 2.0 Resistance
Some progressive groups are calling for an ‘economic blackout’ on Friday, urging Americans not to purchase anything from major retailers in protest of corporate greed and Trump administration actions. But what could it accomplish? We examine why similar calls to boycott companies retreating from DEI policies could have unintended consequences. Guest: Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Business Reporter Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘This Shouldn’t Be Their Reality’: Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
As the Trump administration works to carry out its mass deportation operation, undocumented immigrants without criminal records fear being caught up in potential raids at schools, churches, or other places in their communities. In this episode, we hear from people doing what they can to fight back. Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What Elon Musk Sees in Germany’s Far-Right
As US and Russian officials meet about the war in Ukraine - without Ukraine - European leaders are feeling similarly sidelined. Meanwhile, Germany’s controversial far-right party could make major gains in elections on Sunday – and Elon Musk is cheering them on. Guest: Sebastian Shukla, CNN Producer Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bird Flu Isn’t Trump’s Fault. But It’s His Problem.
If you’ve been to the grocery store recently, you know egg prices are through the roof (if you can even find any). We explore how a growing avian flu outbreak is frustrating farmers and hindering President Donald Trump’s plans to lower prices. Guests: Doug Corwin, President of Crescent Farms & Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Business and Politics Correspondent Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
When Trump and Musk Meet Checks and Balances
As many of President Donald Trump’s sweeping executive actions get challenged in court, some on the right are suggesting his presidential power could exceed certain legal rulings. We examine the implications of ignoring court orders and what could put us on a path towards a constitutional crisis. Guest: Paula Reid, CNN Chief Legal Affairs Correspondent Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Real-Life Impact of DOGE’s Cuts
Many aid programs around the world have been paralyzed in the wake of the Trump administration’s 90-day pause on foreign aid. We hear how an Elon Musk-led effort to dismantle the US Agency for International Development (USAID) is already having ramifications at home and abroad. Guests: Teddy Ruge & Brian Aliganyira Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Musk and Trump Take a Wrecking Ball to DC
Some federal employees are on edge as Elon Musk continues his work on behalf of President Donald Trump to overhaul the federal government in unprecedented ways. We examine just how sweeping his actions are and why resistance to them is growing. Guest: Zachary Wolf, CNN Politics Senior Writer Sign up for the CNN What Matters newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
More Planes, Fewer Air Traffic Controllers: Recipe for Disaster?
In the days since the deadly midair collision outside Washington DC, questions are being asked about what could have contributed to the tragedy. We hear from an expert who says the push for more flights isn’t making jobs easier for a workforce already stretched thin. Guest: David Soucie, CNN Safety Analyst/Author, ‘Safer Skies’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Trump’s ‘America First’ Agenda Meets China’s AI Advancement
Wall Steet, Washington, and Silicon Valley are scrambling after a little-known Chinese startup claimed its artificial intelligence model can operate like ChatGPT at just a fraction of the cost. We examine why the breakthrough could reverberate beyond the tech sector as President Donald Trump looks to counter China's influence. Guest: Matt Egan, CNN Reporter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Movement Behind Trump’s DEI Takedown
Employees in federal diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility offices have been placed on paid leave amid of flurry of actions from the new Trump administration aimed at reshaping the federal workforce. We examine the backlash to DEI in recent years and how it could impact businesses across the country. Guest: Rene Marsh, CNN Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Trump Floods the Zone. Here’s What Matters.
President Donald Trump issued a slew of executive actions after taking office for the second time on Monday. We examine which ones are having an immediate impact and what they can tell us about what the next four years may bring. Guest: Betsy Klein, CNN Senior White House Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Federal Workers Prepare for Trump, Musk, and Uncertainty
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take power for a second time, we hear from two government workers who have mixed feelings about potentially being on the receiving end of his campaign promises. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How Long Will the Gaza Deal Stop the Fighting?
Hamas and Israel have reached an agreement on a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza, providing hope to war-weary Palestinians and family members of Israeli hostages. However, implementation could prove challenging and grim. Guest: Jeremy Diamond, CNN Jerusalem Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How Serious is Trump About the Panama Canal?
President-elect Donald Trump has not let up on recent suggestions that the US should retake the Panama Canal. While the idea has been rejected by the Panamanian government, officials working at the canal are not laughing it off. Guest: Phil Mattingly, CNN Chief Domestic Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
'Is That Really My House?’: The L.A. Fires
The deadly wildfires in Los Angeles have caused unimaginable devastation, especially for those who least expected it. We hear from two longtime Angelenos about the memories they made in their homes, and what comes next now that they’ve been reduced to rubble. Guest: Courtney Kay Kirsh & Anthony Lewis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Case For (And Against) Banning TikTok
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on Friday in a case that could decide whether a ban on TikTok is allowed to go into effect later this month. We break down the arguments on both sides and whether President-elect Donald Trump has any power to save the platform – years after trying to ban it himself. Guest: Clare Duffy, CNN Business Reporter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
New Orleans, ISIS, and 2025’s Violent Start
After the deadly New Orleans truck ramming attack on New Year’s Day, investigators have been digging into the suspect’s potential ties to ISIS. We look at why the terror group is still luring in vulnerable people around the world, years after its fall in the Middle East. Guest: Katie Bo Lillis, CNN Senior Reporter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Remembering Jimmy Carter
In this special edition of CNN 5 Things, we look back on the life and legacy of former US President Jimmy Carter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Elon Musk, Bans and Free Speech: What Happens Next?
Two years ago, three reporters were kicked off Twitter by its new owner, Elon Musk. Now with Musk firmly entrenched in President-elect Donald Trump’s orbit, they reunite to discuss what's changed, what hasn’t, and how TikTok can avoid being banned in the US starting next month. Guests: Donie O’Sullivan, CNN Senior Correspondent Drew Harwell, The Washington Post Reporter Ryan Mac, New York Times Reporter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What The Holidays Look Like After Hurricane Helene
Nearly three months after the remnants of Hurricane Helene washed out large parts of western North Carolina, the community surrounding Asheville is still cleaning up and taking stock of what comes next. We check back in with one displaced resident who is still coming to terms with the damage to her neighborhood. Guest: Olivia Cooner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s...Probably Not a Drone
When mysterious lights started appearing in the skies over parts of New Jersey last month, some residents wondered if something nefarious was at play. As more and more sightings continue to be reported, experts believe the truth is far less sexy. Guest: Pete Muntean, CNN Transportation Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices