The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown

In addition to extensive coverage of the death of Pope Francis, we bring you the latest controversy surrounding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who allegedly disclosed military plans in a second group chat that included his wife and brother. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fresh off high-level talks, Secretary of State Marco Rubio issues a warning to Russia and Ukraine regarding peace talks: "We need to figure out here now, within a matter of days, whether this is doable in the short term, because if it's not, then I think we're just going to move on." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"His termination can't come fast enough." That's President Trump on Fed Chair Jerome Powell after the latter didn't lower interest rates. But Powell plans to remain at his post until his appointment expires in May 2026. Plus: New reporting reveals major cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services, including the CDC and NIH. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins we've just received an update from US Attorney General Pam Bondi about the status of mistakenly deported Maryland man Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Plus, we bring you explosive audio from fiery town halls where lawmakers are getting more than an earful from constituents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First we bring you new CNN reporting about a Columbia University senior who's been detained - but not charged - by immigration officials. Plus, Harvard is refusing to bow to the Trump Administration's demands, despite risking billions of dollars in federal funding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First, we have new details about the fire at the Pennsylvania governor's mansion, including our first look at the man police say caused Josh Shapiro and his family to flee for safety. Plus, despite a Supreme Court intervention, the Trump Administration says it's not required to work with El Salvador to bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins the House was about to vote on a key part of President Trump's agenda. House Speaker Mike Johnson was confident he had the votes, but with more than a dozen holdouts, what concessions has he made? Plus, the president's top officials were scheduled meet to talk about how to deal with Beijing amid the burgeoning trade war between the US and China. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just hours after Donald Trump's 104% tariff on China took effect, China retaliates with an additional 84% tax on all US goods. The president treasury secretary says China has made a "huge mistake." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump administration levels some tough talk at China, giving Beijing until tomorrow to back down. Also: Wall Street rallies after three days of painful losses and very rattled nerves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The CEO of one of the nation's largest banks issues a blunt warning about President Donald Trump’s tariff policy: It threatens to raise prices, drive the global economy into a downturn and weaken America’s standing in the world. Is a recession around the corner? Plus: Severe storms cause death and destruction, and the threat isn't over yet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following President Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs, China responds by slapping a huge tariff on the US, and stocks are tumbling yet again. In contrast, the latest jobs report was stronger than expected. We break down all the latest economic indicators that are coming in. Plus: Both the director and the deputy director from the highly sensitive National Security Agency are now gone after far-right activist Laura Loomer met with president Trump and advocated for their firings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins, nervous investors are reacting to Donald Trump's tariffs by tanking stock markets amid increasing concerns that the US and much of the world may be on a collision course with a recession. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump's "Liberation Day" has arrived. In just hours he's expected to announce sweeping new tariffs. Meanwhile, a new Israeli operation in Gaza includes a strike on a UN facility that kills 19 people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A massive wave of job cuts began this morning at government health agencies as part of the Trump administration's initiative to cut government spending. Also: Cory Booker pulls an all-nighter on the Senate floor, blasting President Trump and Elon Musk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump says he couldn't care less if auto prices rise because of tariffs, arguing the short-term pain will be worth the long-term gain. Also: Elon Musk is visiting the CIA today at the invitation of Director John Ratcliffe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"The old relationship we had with the United States ... is over." Those are the striking words from Canada's new Prime Minister Mark Carney as President Trump escalates his trade war against America's northern ally. Plus: A deadly and devastating earthquake rocks Myanmar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Secretary of Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announces a massive 10,000 jobs cut at the department he oversees, calling it a "win-win" for Americans. Plus, Kennedy's boss slaps a 25% tariff on all imported cars andcar parts, meaning you'll be paying thousands of dollars more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we focus on the military strike plans inadvertently leaked to a reporter via a group chat and subsequently published today. Were they indeed “classified?” The White House says they were not. Many others, including former military experts, think otherwise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In just hours the DC Court of Appeals will hear the Trump administration's argument to resume deportation flights under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act. Plus, the administration is filing new charges against the Columbia University grad student who helped lead pro-Palestinian protests on campus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins, Elon Musk has just arrived at the Pentagon. The question is: Why is he there? According to The New York Times, the original plan was to brief him on the military's top-secret plan for a potential war with China. But President Trump and the Pentagon are flat out dismissing that reporting as completely untrue. CNN's Alayna Treene begins our coverage at the White House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Defense Department is targeting tens of thousands of websites for "DEI" content, including Holocaust remembrance, sexual assault and suicide prevention. Plus, tempers flare from coast to coast as voters confront their Congressional representatives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One day after speaking with Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump gets on the horn with Volodymyr Zelensky. Also: We speak live with the retired US Supreme court Justice Stephen Breyer about the Trump administration's push to expand the powers of the executive branch, and the very rare rebuke from Chief Justice John Roberts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins, President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin were expected to speak on the phone about ending the war against Ukraine. Notably missing from that conversation: Ukraine. The other big story we're following: Israel shatters the ceasefire with Hamas, pounding Gaza with a wave of deadly strikes. We have new CNN reporting live from Tel Aviv. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Communities rom the Midwest to the deep South are dealing with deadly storms that spawned tornadoes, leaving towns unrecognizable. Plus, the White House claims it did not violate a judge's order to stop deportations of alleged Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hamas says it's willing to free Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage held in Gaza. But Israel is now accusing Hamas of engaging in psychological warfare. Plus, Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez is slamming her own party in the US Senate over whether to support a bill to avoid a federal government shutdown later tonight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just minutes before President Trump's pick to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was set to testify on Capitol Hill, the White House pulled his nomination. Our coverage of this breaking news begins with CNN White House reporter Alayna Treene and CNN Medical Correspondent Meg Tirrell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A key report on inflation out today gives fresh encouragement to Americans increasingly worried about inflation, as the Consumer Price Index cooled last month. But with the president's trade war looming, will that last? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins, Wall Street is still grappling with the fallout from its worst day of the year. All the gains since the beginning of the year have been wiped out. Plus, there's a new warning from the White House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump issues new threats against America's top trading partners as those countries hit back. Plus, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is on his way to Saudi Arabia for talks to end Russia's war in Ukraine. What is President Trump now demanding Ukraine must do to restart US military aid? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We begin today's show with details about a new jobs report with numbers covering the first month of President Trump's new term. We get you the reaction from the White House. Plus, new student loan uncertainty in light of Trump's plan to overhaul or completely eliminate the Department of Education. Literally trillions of dollars are now in question. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's show begins with new CNN reporting about President Trump's plans to begin eliminating the Department of Education as soon as today and thus eliminating thousands of jobs. The head of the nation's largest teachers union says this shows Trump "doesn't care about opportunity for all kids." Plus: Ukrainian President Zelensky is "thankful we are not alone," referencing the support from European leaders at their emergency meeting in Brussels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court rejects President Trump's plan to keep billions in foreign aid frozen - money that had been approved by Congress. Our coverage of this very significant development begins with CNN Chief Legal Affairs Correspondent Paula Reid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Target says its prices will likely rise in the next couple of days, as President Trump escalates his trade war. Plus, new CNN reporting on the pause of US military aid to Ukraine as Russia attacks a key Ukrainian city with nearly 100 drones in an overnight aerial assault. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

European leaders are rallying around Ukrainian President Zelensky, but President Trump remains defiant since that fiery Oval Office meeting. We bring you new reaction from the Kremlin. Meanwhile, as Trump prepares for his State of the Union address, a new poll finds most Americans believe he has not paid enough attention to the country's most important problems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

United States-Ukrainian relations are in shambles after tensions between President Trump and President Zelensky explode in the Oval Office with Vice President JD Vance and Trump rebuking Zelensky and then booting him from the White House. Officials in Vladimir Putin’s Kremlin are now cheering and gloating. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump just wrapped up another critically important meeting with a key ally European ally at the White House. Trump and the British prime minister turn their focus to Ukraine peace talks. Plus, concerning silence from the nation’s top health agency amid a deadly measles outbreak in Texas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sources say Elon Musk’s welcome is wearing thin with some Trump officials. This as the administration is embracing Musk’s aggressive approach and is taking steps towards mass federal layoffs across the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The White House finally reveals who is officially in charge of the Department of Government Efficiency and it is not Elon Musk. Questions are now swirling over Musk’s active role in DOGE. Also, a source tells CNN the United States and Ukraine just agreed on a natural resources deal sought by President Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A major reversal from the Trump administration as the federal government now says its employees don’t need to respond to that email from Elon Musk asking them to justify their existence or face termination. Plus, President Trump hosts French President Macron at the White House at a sensitive moment for negotiations over Ukraine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump administration scores a big win in court as a judge allows the president to move forward with dismantling USAID. It is yet another victory for his aggressive push to slash and remake the federal government. Plus, President Trump turns up his attacks on Volodymyr Zelensky again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says his talks with a top Trump enjoy are giving him hope in spite of the growing feud between Trump and Zelensky and the deep uncertainty over reaching a deal to end Russia’s bloody invasion. Also, a major shakeup at the Pentagon could be imminent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump’s top allies are rallying around him after he falsely called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a dictator. This as Vice President JD Vance is warning Zelensky against disgraceful criticism of President Trump’s plans to end the war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump levels a false accusation against Ukraine, claiming Kyiv started the war with Russia. This comes hours after United States officials wrapped up talks with Russian diplomats without any Ukrainians present. Plus, a federal judge just sided with President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency in a major fight over access to federal data. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A stunning crash landing leaves a Delta Air Lines plane upside down on the tarmac in Toronto, Canada. We are awaiting new information on the injured, the evacuation, and what may have caused this latest airline emergency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New fallout from the Justice Department’s push to drop criminal charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Plus, Vice President JD Vance meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Munich after berating European leaders and liking them to Cold War tyrants. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump shares new details on his phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, their agreement to launch talks on ending the war in Ukraine, and their plans to meet face-to-face soon. Plus, the new attorney general, Pam Bondi, is pushing back at Elon Musk, declining to support his call for a wave of judicial impeachments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Elon Musk joins President Trump in the Oval Office to defend their aggressive overhaul of the federal government and to complain about judges, and other people, standing in their way. Plus, President Trump claims the United Staes has the authority to take over Gaza. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A judge just extended the deadline for federal workers to accept or reject the Trump administration’s so-called “buyout” offer. Thousands of government employees are in limbo right now as the court weighs whether the plan is legal. Plus, the White House is being accused of failing to comply with court orders to unfreeze federal grants and to reinstate USAID staffers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A setback for the Trump administration’s dismantling of USAID after a federal judge temporarily blocks plans to put thousands of employees of the humanitarian aid agency on leave tonight. We take a close look at how the organization helps people in need around the world. Plus, the president says he is planning to fire some FBI agents who worked on January 6th investigations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A marathon meeting just wrapped up at the White House with major questions about passing Trump’s agenda still unanswered. We are learning new details about the growing Republican power struggle. Plus, President Trump’s so-called buyouts for federal workers has been paused by a federal judge. We bring you details on the legal challenges to that program and what happens now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices