The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown

Investigators dig deeper into the possibility that Russia may be responsible for the deadly crash of a passenger plane. A United States official is saying Moscow’s air defenses potentially misidentified the jet as a Ukrainian drone. Plus, Elon Musk is at the center of a new feud within President-elect Trump’s MAGA base. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new United Staes assessment that a Russian anti-aircraft system may have downed a passenger plane in neighboring Kazakhstan. We provide an update on the deadly crash as questions swirl over who is to blame. Plus, President-elect Trump leaves a trail of provocative Christmas Day posts threatening and insulting United States allies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New details in the just released House Ethics Committee report on Matt Gaetz including texts and other evidence that the former Republican congressman paid tens of thousands of dollars for drugs and sex, including with a 17-year-old girl. Plus, Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty to New York State terror and murder charges in the killing of the Unitedhealthcare CEO. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The United States House of Representatives appears to be on the verge of approving a bill to avert a federal shutdown. President Biden was essentially nowhere to be found publicly during this debate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are standing by for a vote on a new deal to avoid a government shutdown. A plan was quickly cobbled together by Republicans after Trump blew up the previous bill. The new bill is expected to fail amid a conservative revolt and a Democratic opposition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

House Speaker Mike Johnson is scrambling to rescue his must past government funding plan from angry conservatives. Now Johnson’s fight just got more difficult with Donald Trump publicly trashing the bill. Plus, multiple sources now tell CNN the House Ethics Committee has secretly voted to release its investigation into former Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A New York grand jury has just indicted CEO killing suspect Luigi Mangione on multiple charges including murder in the first degree and murder in the second degree as a crime of terrorism. Also, police in Madison, Wisconsin are pleading with the public for information about the 15-year-old female suspect behind yesterday’s deadly school shooting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At least two people are dead after a shooter opened fire at a K-12 school in Madison, Wisconsin. Police say the suspect, a 17-year-old female student, is also dead. Plus, sources now tell CNN the United States government is sending drone detection systems to New Jersey after a series of unexplained sightings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The search intensifies for the source of unexplained drones rattling nerves in the Northeast United States. Homeland Security secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on what federal officials are doing to find answers. Plus, the FBI now says it received a tip from police in San Francisco about suspected CEO killer Luigi Mangione. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sources are telling CNN authorities have executed as many as three search warrants in the CEO killing investigation and ABC News is reporting a New York grand jury is already hearing evidence in the case against the suspect, Luigi Mangione. Plus, fear and frustration are mounting in New Jersey as mysterious drone sightings terrify residents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Police are claiming two major forensic breakthroughs in the CEO murder investigation. The NYPD now says Luigi Mangione’s fingerprints match those found on evidence near the crime scene and that the gun found on Mangione matches shell casings found at the shooting. Plus, the FBI director, Christopher Wray, announces his resignation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The suspect in the killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO is now in custody. We are standing by for the 26-year-old to be arraigned in Pennsylvania after being arrested in a McDonald’s following a tip by an employee. Plus, CNN is on the ground in the Syrian capital of Damascus one day after the shocking fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Police now believe the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO has left New York City. Plus, the jury in the trial of a man who killed a fellow New York subway rider with a chokehold deadlocks leading the judge to drop the top charge in the case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Intriguing new clues in the search for the gunman who fatally shot a healthcare CEO on a Manhattan sidewalk. Sources say police are looking carefully at words written on ammunition tied to the killing and whether they offer hints about a motive. Plus, Pete Hegseth holds a fresh round of meetings on Capitol Hill as some key Republican senators still won’t commit to backing him for defense secretary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A massive manhunt is underway for a suspect on the run after the CEO of UnitedHealthcare was shot and killed outside a hotel in New York City. We break down why the police say the attack was targeted. Plus, Pete Hegseth is ready to fight to salvage his imperiled nomination as sources tell CNN the Trump transition team could replace him with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An ominous sign for Trump’s pick for defense secretary Pete Hegseth. Senator Lindsey Graham just now calling the allegations against Hegseth disturbing and telling reporters that his confirmation fight will be difficult. Plus, major political turmoil is shaking a major United States ally as South Korea’s president declares and then rescinds martial law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New fallout from President Biden’s controversial pardon of his son Hunter. That decision is sparking bipartisan backlash as sources tell CNN the president bypassed the United States Justice Department when he made the call. Plus, Donald Trump’s picks for attorney general Pam Bondi and defense secretary Pete Hegseth hold meetings with Capitol Hill senators today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stunning developments out of Syria where rebels have just entered the major Syrian city of Aleppo for the first time in eight years. The surprise offensive is catching Bashar al-Assad’s government forces off guard in a drastic escalation in the country’s civil war. Plus, we are tracking new threats of political violence, this time against Democrats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some residents are returning to their homes in Lebanon as the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah seems to be holding nearly 24 hours after taking effect. Plus, the Trump transition team says some of the president-elect’s cabinet picks and appointees have been targeted with bomb threats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After an 11th hour round of attacks, a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is expected to take effect in Lebanon within just hours. President Biden is touting the United States backed deal and promising a new push for a pause in the fighting in Gaza as well. Also, fears of a global trade war are rising as Trump vows to slap big tariffs on goods from Mexico, China, and Canada as soon as he’s back in the White House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A judge has just granted special counsel Jack Smith’s request to dismiss the 2020 election subversion case against Donald Trump. Smith is also seeking an end to the classified documents case. Also, the Israeli cabinet is preparing to vote on a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New reporting on Trump’s choice to be the nation’s next top intelligence official. Plus, Trump’s second choice for attorney general is winning praise from key Senate Republicans who will consider her confirmation. We take a closer look at Pam Bondi and what the former Florida attorney general would bring to the Justice Department. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Gaetz is out and Donald Trump’s search for the next United States attorney general is back on. We have new reporting on a phone call with Trump that prompted Gaetz to withdraw. Plus, a newly released police report reveals graphic details about a 2017 sexual allegation against Trump’s pick for defense secretary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Republicans on the House Ethics Committee vote to block the release of the panel’s report on Matt Gaetz. Trump’s embattled choice for attorney general has been on Capitol Hill trying to shore up support among GOP senators. Plus, the United States just reopened its embassy in the Ukrainian capital where fears of a significant air attack by Russia briefly prompted it to close. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President-elect and Elon Musk are standing by for the splashdown of the most powerful rocket ever built. We are tracking the SpaceX test flight as well as Elon Musk’s growing influence over Trump and his incoming administration. Plus, someone gained unauthorized access to confidential files including a deposition from a woman who said she had sex with Matt Gaetz when she was 17-years-old. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new account of damning testimony against Trump’s pick for attorney general, Matt Gaetz. The lawyer for two women questioned by the House Ethics Committee says one of them told the panel she personally witnessed Gaetz having sex with a minor. We break down what the lawyer said and the potential impact of Gaetz’s confirmation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump has his eye on yet another controversial firebrand to take on a critically important role. Sources say Trump is considering one of his fiercest allies Kash Patel to become the next FBI director. Plus, House Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing back on calls to release an ethics investigation into Trump’s choice for attorney general, Matt Gaetz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President-elect Trump chooses RFK Jr. to be his Health and Human Services secretary. Public health officials are sounding the alarm over RFK Jr.’s anti-vaccine activism and other provocative views after Trump vowed to let him go wild. Plus, pressure is building for the House of Representatives to release its ethics report on Matt Gaetz as the now former congressman faces a tough confirmation fight to become Trump’s attorney general. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President-elect Trump chooses controversial congressman and MAGA-firebrand Matt Gaetz to be the attorney general of the United States. We break down Trump’s most jaw-dropping picks yet and how these loyalists might use their power on his behalf. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President-elect Trump just revealed his choice for CIA director as he is rapidly expanding his team of loyalists and MAGA die-hards. Also, a new report suggests Trump is being presented with a way to purge United States military generals after he has openly expressed concern over their loyalty and fitness to serve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump team of loyalists is taking shape as more of the president-elect’s choices are revealed with former New York Congressman Lee Zeldin added to the list to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Also, we are expecting the architect of Trump’s mass deportation policy to make a major White House comeback. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Democratic blame game is reaching new heights after Donald Trump’s stunning victory and Nancy Pelosi is pointing the finger at President Biden for not dropping out sooner. Plus, sources tell CNN that critical White House positions could be announced as soon as today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President-elect Donald Trump has just made his first announcement on who he will be bringing with him to the White House. He has revealed his campaign manger Susie Wiles will be his White House chief of staff. We bring you what this may mean for his administration. This as President Biden promises the American people that there will be a peaceful transition of power in Washington. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vice President Kamala Harris delivered her concession speech after Donald Trump recaptured the office he lost four years ago. As of tonight, the president-elect has 291 electoral votes and Harris has 223 with states still outstanding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All across the United States, from Arizona to Pennsylvania, Michigan to Georgia, and battlegrounds in between, the final hours are underway in one of the closest and most consequential presidential races ever. The American people will decide whether to elevate Kamala Harris to the top job or return to former President Donald Trump. We are getting closer to the first major round of poll closings and the CNN’s first chance to make projections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the most unprecedented and unpredictable presidential campaigns ever is about to come to an end. The first polling places will begin closing in less than 24 hours from now. Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are making a last minute push for every undecided voter with dueling rallies in the all important battleground state of Pennsylvania. CNN journalists are covering the final hours of this historic contest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kamala Harris is defending Liz Cheney after Donald Trump takes his violent rhetoric to a new extreme suggesting the former Republican congresswoman should be fired upon. We are also taking a closer look at the massive gender gap in this year’s presidential campaign. Plus, we check in with CNN’s John King on the fifth and final leg of his battleground tour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Harris campaign is seizing on Trump’s vow to protect women whether they like it or not. The vice president is blasting the remark as offensive while her allies suggest it could expand her already wide advantage with female voters. Plus, John King is covering new ground on his tour of swing states. After talking with voters in Arizona, Nevada, and Wisconsin, Michigan is his stop tonight as he visits five battlegrounds in five days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will soon be holding dueling events in Wisconsin as President Biden denies that he labeled all Trump supporters as garbage. Harris is on damage control as Trump is seizing on the president’s remark despite his own repeated references to the United States as a garbage can. Also, CNN’s new battleground poll show Harris has a slim lead in Wisconsin and Michigan and is tied with Trump in Pennsylvania. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vice President Kamala Harris is about to deliver her closing argument to voters with one week away from Election Day. Plus, former President Trump is getting ready to rally voters in a Pennsylvania city with a very large Latino population just hours after defending his Madison Square Garden rally that was filled with racist and hateful rhetoric. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump is campaigning in Georgia a day after his inflammatory and divisive rally where speakers unleashed vulgar and racist remarks. Plus, Kamala Harris is condemning Trump for spreading hate and division. Also, federal authorities are investigating how and why fires erupted in ballot drop boxes in Washington and Oregon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kamala Harris slams Donald Trump for likening the United States to a garbage can for the world. Plus, the far-Right House Freedom Caucus chair suggests North Carolina could assign electors to Trump before votes are even counted. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kamala Harris is about to hold a star-studded campaign event in Georgia. This will be the first one featuring both her on stage with former President Barack Obama. Superstar Beyonce will hit the trail with the vice president tomorrow. Plus, a former swimsuit model is talking with CNN about her claim of being groped by Trump in the nineties in an alleged attempt to show off in front of Jeffrey Epstein. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vice President Kamala Harris is preparing to field questions in the crucial battleground of Pennsylvania at a CNN presidential town hall. This as Harris is speaking out on a bombshell report for Trump’s apparent fondness for authoritarian leaders. We break down the state of the race for the White House with our team of experts and key politicians from both sides of the aisle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kamala Harris is declining to say whether she would pardon Donald Trump if she wins the presidency in a new interview just two weeks out from Election Day. Plus, The Atlantic is now reporting that then-president Donald Trump privately told at least two people in the White House that he needed the kind of generals that Hitler had. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kamala Harris will soon hold her third event of the day as she barnstorms across 'blue wall' battleground states that could make or break her presidential bid. Former Republican congresswoman Liz Cheney is with the vice president the Harris camp’s closing argument is increasingly about Donald Trump. Also, Trump is capping a day of campaigning focused on North Carolina. The former president is lacing his closing argument to voters with profanity, vulgarity, and inflammatory rhetoric. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are holding dueling events in the battleground state of Michigan. Trump is now lashing out at Harris as she seizes on a report that he’s exhausted by the campaign. Also, sources say the Trump team is in talks with Nikki Haley for her to appear with the former president. Plus, we are learning the Israeli’s may use Yahya Sinwar's body as a bargaining chip to persuade Hamas to release its remaining hostages. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Israel confirms its forces have killed the Hamas leader accused of masterminding the October 7th terror attack. Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu is declaring a victory over evil while warning that the war against Hamas will continue until all hostages are released. Plus, Kamala Harris is campaigning in battleground state of Wisconsin and is blasting Donald Trump for calling January 6th a day of love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance just weighed in on whether Trump lost the last presidential election, embracing false claims about the 2020 presidential results. Plus, Kamala Harris is ramping up her warning that Trump is a danger to democracy, backed up by dozens of Republicans in the battleground state of Pennsylvania. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump is getting ready to hold an event in the battleground state of Georgia with only three weeks to go until the election. The former president began the day on the defensive of his economic policy and a whole lot more. Plus, Vice President Kamala Harris wrapped up a town hall where she spent much of the hour directly reaching out to Black voters and harshly criticizing Donald Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices