CNN Politics

President Donald Trump is facing serious backlash from the MAGA world over his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. CNN senior correspondent Donie O’Sullivan explains why Epstein looms so large in the MAGA-verse—and why this controversy isn’t likely to die down soon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: We have new details from the Wall Street Journal on the friendship that once existed between President Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. Trump says the WSJ story isn't true and has asked the Justice Department to release new information about the Epstein case. Plus: We have new details of potential 2028 presidential hopefuls making their way into some early primary states to make early impressions with voters. And: CBS says money is the reason why it has canceled "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." But many think is just another troubling sign of big media companies looking to avoid antagonizing the president. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The Epstein outrage cycle shows no signs of letting up after the Justice Department fired a top prosecutor in the case, who also happens to be the daughter near the top of the president's enemies list. Plus: We have brand new CNN polling that shows Democrats can't wait to vote in next year's midterms. It's an enthusiasm advantage that could pay dividends for the party, except for another unusual finding in our poll. And: Will Bert and Ernie have to get a third roommate to help cover the rent now that the Senate just cut off funding for public broadcasting? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Responding to a question about the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein controversy, President Trump claims Republicans "got duped by the Democrats" and attacks his own supporters for questioning AG Pam Bondi's assertion that there is no "client list" nor conspiracy surrounding Epstein's death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: We bring you brand new CNN polling on the Jeffrey Epstein saga. Do Americans think their government is hiding something? Plus: President Trump's plan to take apart the Department of Education gets a thumbs up from the Supreme Court. It means the department could be virtually eliminated without permission from Congress. And: Democrats in Arizona will pick a candidate to replace a 77-year-old congressman who died in office. Will it be a Gen Z with a big social media presence who just barely meets the age threshold? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: President Trump says there's nothing to see here on Jeffrey Epstein, but many in his base aren't buying it after he and some top officials spent years telling supporters that Epstein's death is at the center of a massive conspiracy. Plus: The president says he's losing patience with Russian President Vladimir Putin. And this time he says he will back up those words with weapons. And: After brutal election losses, what is the Democrat party's path back from the wilderness? Dana asks a man who masterminded multiple Democratic comebacks over the past 30 years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Crisis control. As President Trump nears six months in office, he threatens new tariffs and ramped-up ICE raids. But amid backlash to his bill and a MAGA world mutiny, can the president take back the narrative? And: Survivor. One year after he was shot, how has the assassination attempt shaped Trump? A new book has fresh details on that fateful day. Plus: Exclusive. As Trump hits the road to sell his new law, CNN’s Manu Raju caught up with Senator Lisa Murkowski facing heat for her vote. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash presses White House Border Czar Tom Homan over Trump’s immigration crackdown amid chaotic ICE raids in California. Next, California Sen. Alex Padilla sits down with Dana to respond. Then, Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales joins Dana amid growing calls for accountability after the deadly floods in his state. Finally, CNN Political Commentators David Urban and Kristen Soltis Anderson, Democratic Strategist Faiz Shakir, and Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell join Dana to break down MAGA’s revolt over Trump’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The president and the first lady are on their way to a state ravaged by flooding. They'll arrive to pressing questions about vacancies inside the National Weather service and about red tape slowing federal help. Plus: A candidate's wife shakes up an important primary by dropping a bomb about filing for divorce. She did it on social media, citing biblical grounds. And: It's a bird. It's a plane. It's MAGA's latest culture war obsession: the new "Superman" movie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Investigative reporter Josh Dawsey is co-author of a new deep dive into last year’s historic election, ⁠2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America⁠. He shares some of the most striking moments in the book — from Trump’s trip to the Fulton County Jail to take his mugshot to the buzzing scene at Mar-a-Lago days before his inauguration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: CNN has learned that the homeland security secretary waited a full 72 hours to sign off on a request for more first responders to the deadly Texas flooding. Plus: A couple of days after President Trump publicly turned on Vladimir Putin, he threatens Brazil with massive tariffs if they don't stop a "witch hunt" targeting the country's former leader. And: The authors of a new, revealing look at the presidential race that captivated the world join us to talk about new details, including Donald Trump's belief that in another life, he and Joe Biden may have been golfing buddies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: First responders are searching for at least 160 people still missing since Friday's flood. Meanwhile, we have new details about the real-time response to the disaster. Plus: Russia unleashes on Ukraine after President Trump explained why he restarted weapons shipments to Kyiv. And: Bill Nye "The Science Guy" is spending the day lobbying on the Hill, warning about funding cuts to NASA and real life consequences of climate change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The number of dead in Texas floods eclipses 100 families grappling with immeasurable loss. Could anything have been done to save their loved ones? Plus: In a made-for-TV moment, President Trump is touted as a peacemaker while he defies his MAGA base by sending weapons to fuel a far-flung war. And: While the calendar reads 2025, the California's governor's travels today send a message about 2028. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Politics is taking a back seat to the harrowing and devastating flooding disaster as the hope for a Texas miracle wanes. Rescue crews are trying to outrun the rain and find survivors clinging to life before floodwaters can descend on central Texas again. The death toll sits at 89, making it one of the most destructive floods in the United States in the past 100 years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN’s Chief National Affairs Correspondent Jeff Zeleny and CNN’s Boris Sanchez cover the devastating flash flooding in central Texas. Sanchez is on the ground in Hunt, Texas. Hear from Texas officials who provide an update on the deadly flooding. Plus, President Trump signs a Texas disaster declaration. And, the midterm elections are 16 months away, but President Trump's mega bill is already shaping the competitive races that will help decide control of Congress. Will his legislation help Republicans or Democrats? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is getting exactly what he wanted this Independence Day, signing his mega MAGA bill into law at a huge celebration. His tax cuts got extended. He got more money for defense and immigration. But will Republicans pay a political price for Medicaid and SNAP cuts? Plus, two top politicians join us with two totally different takes on the big beautiful bill. Republican Congressman Mike Lawler calls it a historic tax relief bill. Democratic. Governor Wes Moore says it's a heartless assault on the American people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rahm Emanuel isn't shy about criticizing his own party. He also isn’t shy about his potential political ambitions. He’s made it clear he’s considering a potential 2028 presidential run. He shares how he’ll make that decision, what he brings to the growing field of potential candidates and why he thinks Dems shouldn’t talk about democracy without also talking about affordability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today show begins, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is in his seventh hour of a marathon speech delaying a vote on President Trump's big beautiful bill. Meanwhile, President Trump holds a crucial phone call with Vladimir Putin just two days after the US announced a pause in certain weapons shipments to Ukraine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs is found guilty of two counts of prostitution but is acquitted of the more severe charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. 12 New York jurors delivered the bombshell verdict after 13 hours of deliberations. CNN's Laura Coates and Kara Scannell have been covering this case since the beginning. They join the show to explain the ramifications of the verdict and give us a sense of what it was like in the courtroom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today show begins, the Senate, after at least 27 hours in the chamber, is holding the final vote on President Trump's massive agenda bill. Majority Leader John Thune has just said he hopes they will have the votes. (Spoiler alert: They do.) CNN's Lauren Fox kicks off our coverage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Senate Democrats are gearing up for what's essentially open mic night on Capitol Hill as they rail against the president's "big, beautiful bill" with endless amendments. Republicans hope to get the massive legislation to the Oval Office by President Trump's self-imposed July 4th deadline. Plus: Just hours after getting berated by the president for saying he won't vote in favor of the big, beautiful bill, North Carolina GOP Senator Thom Tillis announces he won't seek reelection, setting up what could be a nail biter of a race in a crucial swing state. And: The fate of Sean "Diddy" Combs' is now officially in the hands of 12 New Yorkers. CNN is inside and outside the courthouse to bring you all the breaking details from his sex trafficking trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On CNN's State of the Union, Jake Tapper speaks to Republican Senator Katie Britt about the President's domestic policy agenda as it nears its final vote in the Senate. Democratic Senator Mark Warner slams Republicans for supporting this bill while also what he knows about the state of Iran's nuclear program. Finally Republican Rep. Riley Moore, Democratic Rep. Chris Deluzio, Ashley Allison and Alyssa Farah Griffin discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Make or break. After a late night of arm twisting, the Trump agenda clears a key hurdle. But with the July 4th deadline just days away, can badly divided Republicans seal the deal? My panel joins me with the very latest from Capitol Hill. Plus: Identity crisis. Political shockwaves after a Big Apple bombshell. But as Democrats divide over a new messenger, is this the Democrats' future or downfall? And: Extreme makeover, White House edition. And: RFK Jr. shifts vaccine policy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zohran Mamdani pulled off a major political upset over Andrew Cuomo in this week’s New York mayoral primary. CNN senior reporter and New York City native Edward-Isaac Dovere explains how Mamdani was able to secure the victory and what Democrats more broadly can learn from his surprise success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump Administration is laser focused on telling Americans that the US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities were an unequivocal success, even as questions remain about whether the regime's capabilities were actually eliminated. Plus: Republicans are running out of time to get their massive policy bill over the finish line by July 4th. So today the president is bring food delivery drivers and border agents to the White House to pressure GOP lawmakers still hesitant to support it. And: Democrats are racing to understand NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's rise from obscurity and whether he will help or hurt their efforts to win back power next year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: President Trump insists the US strikes on Iran "obliterated" the regime's nuclear capabilities. But he also concedes it may be too early to really know how much was destroyed. Plus: In the New York Democratic mayoral primary, a 33-year-old Democratic Socialist toppled the former governor, not to mention many others in the party's establishment. Is it a one-off upset or a blueprint for progressives moving forward? And: The president nominated his former personal lawyer and enforcer for a seat on the federal bench. We're tracking a key Senate hearing as he tries to convince senators he can be fair and impartial on the bench. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins, we're following a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran brokered by President Trump, who's about to land in the Netherlands for a summit with America's NATO allies. He's already taking a victory lap after a turbulent and potentially transformative 48 hours that rocketed through fear of world war to a stunning diplomatic announcement to a barrage of fire and apparently back to a truce. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The world is bracing for Iran's next move as the country warns the US will pay for bombing three of its key nuclear facilities. US officials are racing to assess the damage and determine if Iran still is a nuclear threat. Plus: President Trump is floating the idea of regime change to "make Iran great again." The White House claims he's raising a question, but it underscores the crucial concern across the political spectrum: How does this all end? And: Wall Street is zeroing in on the Strait of Hormuz amid growing fear Iran could retaliate by disrupting that essential shipping lane, which would send oil prices through the roof. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN’s Wolf Blitzer joins Manu Raju to discuss the United States’ attack on three Iranian nuclear facilities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On CNN's State of the Union, Kasie Hunt speaks to Israeli President Isaac Herzog about the aftermath of the U.S. strikes against Iranian nuclear sites. Democratic Senator Adam Schiff speaks about the congressional response to President Trump’s order to strike Iran arguing the action was "not constitutional." And Trump's former National Security Adviser says the Iran regime "is in trouble." Finally Joel Rubin, Scott Jennings, Xochitl Hinojosa and Rebecca Heinrichs discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anderson Cooper again joins Manu Raju for a special edition of Inside Politics as we bring you the latest of the Israel-Iran conflict. As today's show beings, President Trump is huddling with his national security team after declaring a two-week pause, delaying a decision on striking Iran for another two weeks as diplomats meet in Geneva in what feels like a last-ditch bid for a ceasefire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The killings and attempted killings of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses are raising alarms about an apparent uptick in political violence in America. Robert Pape, the director of the ⁠Chicago Project on Security and Threats⁠, has studied political violence for 30 years, and he argues the country is in the midst of what he calls an “era of violent populism.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is a US military strike on Iran imminent? A source tells CNN President trump has reviewed attack plans but is holding off for now to see if Tehran is willing to back away from its nuclear program. Meanwhile, an Iranian missile strikes a hospital in the southern part of Israel, prompting the Israeli defense minister to say Iran's supreme leader cannot be "allowed to exist," calling him a "modern Hitler." Anderson Cooper joins the show live from Tel Aviv. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special edition of Inside Politics, Wolf Blitzer and Erin Burnett bring you the very latest on the Israel-Iran conflict. Among the big questions: What will President Trump do? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: President Trump is on the cusp of the most important decision he's made to date as Commander in Chief. Will the US join Israel in seeking to destroy Iran's nuclear capabilities? The vice president just issued a remarkable new statement clearly aimed at MAGA opponents to American assistance in Iran. Plus: CNN has new reporting on what the US intelligence community is saying about Israel's justification for striking Iran in the first place. Dana discusses that with the Israeli ambassador to the US. And: Democrats in Minnesota say Republican Senator Mike Lee has made a horrific situation even worse with his social media posts about the state lawmakers gunned down in their homes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: President Trump is meeting with top US allies on the world stage amid crucial flashpoints on trade, immigration, and the new wave of strikes between Israel and Iran. Plus: Officials are struggling with how to keep public leaders safe after two Minnesota lawmakers were gunned down in their homes. We take you live to a press conference, where chilling new details are revealed. And: Exactly 10 years ago today, a reality TV star rode down that golden escalator at Trump Tower to announce his presidential campaign. We're reconvening the people who brought you that news about the wild, norm-shattering decade that would follow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Shocking killings. The shooting of two lawmakers jolts an uneasy nation. What's the latest on the manhunt? Minnesota Senator Tina Smith joins me live. Plus: On edge. Israel and Iran trade unprecedented blows. But as the fighting rages on, can the U.S. prevent a wider war. And: Split screen. Trump gets his parade as his military crackdown sparks nationwide protests. Can Democrats seize the moment? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On CNN’s State of the Union, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar joins Dana Bash to react to the shocking assassination of a Minnesota state legislator and her husband, as well as the manhunt for the suspect behind the attack. Then, former Vice President Mike Pence joins Dana to discuss the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Dana also presses him on Trump’s decision to deploy US troops to Los Angeles. Next, California Senator Alex Padilla sits down with Dana after his confrontation with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem amid his state’s showdown with the Trump administration over immigration. After, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joins to discuss the latest developments on the protests in her city. Finally, CNN Political Commentators Shermichael Singleton, Karen Finney, Brad Todd, and former Democratic Congressman Andy Levin break down a tense week in America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Israel warns its unprecedented attack on Iran is not over and says it used 200 warplanes to strike well over 100 targets in a massive and highly covert operation intended to decapitate Iran's nuclear capabilities. Iran's supreme leader promises Israel will face severe punishment after several top military leaders and nuclear scientists were killed in the strikes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tensions over President Trump’s immigration enforcement reached a boiling point this week. CNN correspondent Priscilla Alvarez explains how Los Angeles became a political flashpoint and why the administration’s move to call in the National Guard and the Marines to respond to anti-ICE protests there was a long time in the making—and could be a playbook repeated in other cities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: We're following the showdowns on the streets, the halls of Congress and the federal courthouse as protesters, lawmakers and top Democratic governors sound off on the Trump Administration's immigration crackdown. Plus: Is it big and beautiful or a bust? We have exclusive new reaction to President Trump's massive domestic policy bill from the voters who helped put him back in the Oval Office And: Officials fear more than 200 people are dead after a Boeing flight bound for London crashed into a residential area in western India. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're now seeing a tidal wave of protests across the country over resident Trump's deportation policies. They've spread from Los Angeles to other major cities including Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, and New York. And the primarily peaceful protesters are enraged and horrified that ICE officials are ramping up the speed and magnitude of their arrests, all to meet White House quotas. Multiple sources tell CNN that agents have been instructed to search anywhere and everywhere for undocumented immigrants. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: President Trump pats himself on the back after ordering marines to a major American city. But Democrats accuse Trump of abusing both his power and the military itself, and acting like an authoritarian. Plus: New Jersey voters go to the polls after the most expensive primary ever for the Garden State. And: RFK Jr. fires a group of scientists whose job is to keep America's vaccines safe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: After three days of protests in California against his deportation policies, President Trump sends in the National Guard - against the wishes of the governor, who says the state plans to sue. Plus: Elon Musk deletes his harshest anti-Trump posts and applauds the president's National Guard deployment. Is it an attempt to get back in Trump's good graces? And: More than 300 NIH workers say the Trump Administration is politicizing health, and lives are hanging in the balance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On CNN’s State of Union, Democratic Rep. Nanette Barragán sits down with Dana Bash to react to President Trump’s stunning decision to deploy thousands of National Guard troops to quell immigration protests in her district and elsewhere in Los Angeles County. Then, Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders joins Dana to react to the breaking news and lay out Democrats’ strategy for opposing Trump’s massive spending and tax cut bill. Next, Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin spars with Dana over Trump’s handling of the situation in Los Angeles and says it shows the need to pass his agenda. After, Republican Sen. Ron Johnson reacts to Defense Secretary Hegseth’s suggestion he could deploy active-duty Marines to Los Angeles. He also lays out his concerns with Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.” Finally, CNN Political Commentators Bakari Sellers, Xochitl Hinojosa, Kristen Soltis Anderson, and Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis join Dana to discuss the breaking news out of California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: California clashes. Trump deploys the National Guard to crack down on immigration protests. As sources say the president could cut funding for the Golden State. How will this end? And: Breakup. Trump's feud with Elon Musk threatens his coalition. Can the president's agenda survive the onslaught? Congressman Mike Lawler joins us live. Plus: Election night. What will the first big primaries in Trump's second term tell us about how voters feel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: We have brand new reporting on one of the most epic and heated breakups in the history of politics. Dana spoke to President Trump this morning about why he has no plans to call his former first buddy Elon. Plus: Will this big, not-so-beautiful breakup help or hurt Trump's massive tax and spending bill? We're watching the signals today on Capitol Hill, where Republicans feel stuck in the middle of a billionaire's brawl. And: Attempting a Sunshine State switcheroo, Republican congressman David Jolly talks about his bid to become the first Democrat in three decades to lead what is now ruby red Florida. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From China talks to “TACO,” CNN’s Chief Domestic Correspondent Phil Mattingly helps navigate the latest twists and turns of President Trump’s tariffs and explains why we may be in the “eye of the hurricane” of this trade war. Have a question or a guest you'd like to hear from? Let us know. Email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠ or give us a call at (202) 430-5460. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's show begins immediately following President Trump's remarks at a White House meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. It's been a busy day for Trump, who spoke with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and made his first public remarks about Elon Musk after the Tesla founder blasted the president's "big beautiful bill." To no one's surprise, Trump is "disappointed" in his former DOGE bro. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Moderates, MAGA hardliners, even first buddy Elon Musk are attacking President Trump's sweeping domestic policy bill just as a brand new congressional report on its price tag complicates the president's pitch. Plus: We have new reporting on the House GOP push to launch new investigations into the Biden family. And: Could Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's erasing the name of a gay rights pioneer off a Navy ship be the start of a fleet-wide overhaul? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices