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CNN Inside Politics

Each weekday, Dana Bash and a panel of well-sourced reporters bring you the most important political stories of the day. On the weekend, Manu Raju kicks off CNN's Sunday morning political programming with Inside Politics Sunday. Dana and Manu get answers from the people making headlines, explain the political stories that matter, and report on how the news will impact you.

Episodes

Gripped by Hate

First: The FBI is investigating a horrifying attack on Jews in Colorado as a terror attack after a man allegedly screaming "Free Palestine!" set people on fire who were marching to support the release of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. Plus: Tim Walz says Democrats still licking their wounds need to take a page from the Trump playbook by getting "a little meaner." And: America's extreme weather command centers have been gutted by deep DOGE budget cuts. Will it leave the public in danger? L...

Jun 02, 202543 min

Trump's Lightning-Fast Approach Hits Major Speed Bumps

First: Reality check. President Trump pops off, as he fends off checks on his power. And as Republicans get an earful, are more cuts coming? And: Digging out. As Democrats look to 2028, a brand new CNN poll this hour on the challenges ahead. And as a blue state shifts towards Trump, what is the winning path for Democrats? We're live with Congressman Josh Gottheimer, who's running for governor. Plus: Whiplash. Are RFK Jr.'s personal views impacting your access to health care? Learn more about you...

Jun 02, 202543 min

Checks and Imbalances

First: President Trump launches an all-out attack on the judiciary branch for ruling against his policies on the same day the Supreme Court hands his administration a win. We have brand new reaction from a top Trump adviser Plus: The White House is blaming "formatting issues" after the Make America Healthy Again team released a report on children's well being citing studies that don't exist. And: Why can't the American people vote on having a military parade that will cost more than $40 million?...

May 30, 202542 min

Caps, Gowns and a Gavel

First: We're following the collision of Harvard's graduation and a key court case in President Trump's spiraling war with the country's oldest university. We'll tell you what the judge just decided. Plus: The Trump Administration is claiming Americans are "living under a judicial tyranny" after a panel of federal judges ruled the president overstepped when issuing most of his sweeping tariffs. And: Elon Musk is hanging up the chainsaw after a tumultuous 128 days attempting to gut the federal gov...

May 29, 202543 min

Pardon Power

First: Donald Trump is aggressively using the power of the pardon to let loyalists off the hook, especially conservatives he claims - baselessly - were pursued by the Biden Justice Department for political reasons. The latest example: a reality TV couple convicted in a $30 million fraud scheme. Plus: Trump is clearly getting fed up with Vladimir Putin's seeming unwillingness to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. But will the president actually punish Russia? And: John King talks with Trump ...

May 28, 202540 min

Trump Turns the Screws

First: President Trump tells his government to cancel all contracts with Harvard, his latest move in a full-frontal assault on America's most prestigious university. Plus: Canada invites the British king to open parliament, sending a clear message about Canadian sovereignty after President Trump's talk of pushing the US border all the way to Quebec. And: What will New York's state of mind tell us about former governor Andrew Cuomo's latest political bid? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit p...

May 27, 202543 min

Trump Calls Putin 'Crazy' After Russian Attacks

Reacting to Russia's most extensive air attacks yet against Ukraine, President Trump says Vladimir Putin has "gone absolutely crazy." The Kremlin responded by calling Trump's response "emotional overload." We explore this new back-and-forth after bringing you the president's Memorial Day remarks from Arlington National Cemetary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 26, 202552 min

Trump Ramps Up Unprecedented Use Of Presidential Power

First: Strong-armed. President Trump attacks his political enemies, and swipes at Apple, as he forces his agenda through Congress. Will the GOP face a reckoning? Plus: X'ed out. Elon Musk's time in government winds down. As he pulls back from politics, how have Musk's cuts reshaped America? And. Out cold. More lawmakers caught napping, while Trump's bill advanced in the dead of night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 26, 202543 min

Campus Counterstrike

First: A federal judge just blocked the Trump Administration from banning Harvard from enrolling international students. This comes on the heels of the school filing a suit over the ban. What next? Plus: We have another sudden twist in the Trump trade roller coaster. The president this morning threatened the European Union with a 50% tariff on all goods. Will it jumpstart negotiations with crucial allies or just rattle the markets? And: 80-plus years after paying the ultimate sacrifice in fighti...

May 23, 202543 min

Trump Triumphs

First: It was a nail biter with a whole lot of cliffhangers, but House Republicans were ultimately able to eke out a win for the president, delivering a mega MAGA bill that will bring drastic changes to people's lives across the country. Plus: Why won't the White House reveal which deep-pocketed crypto investors won a meal with the president tonight? We'll break down the lack of transparency with President Trump's new moneymaking venture. And: The FBI is investigating a targeted attack after two...

May 22, 202545 min

This Could Get Awkward

First: President Trump is welcoming his South African counterpart to the White House today, after Trump made unsubstantiated claims that that government in is committing genocide against whites. Will he be getting the Zelensky treatment? Plus: House Speaker Mike Johnson says there will be a vote tonight on the president's mega MAGA bill. But hardline Republicans are threatening to torpedo it unless the speaker agrees to more spending cuts. And: President Trump will have dinner tomorrow night wit...

May 21, 202557 min

Presidential Pressure Play

President Trump goes to Capitol Hill to push House Republicans who are fighting amongst themselves about the president's sprawling bill to cut taxes and slash spending. Nothing short of the entire Trump legislative agenda hangs in the balance. Plus: A Democratic congresswoman is facing federal assault charges after a brawl outside an ICE detention center. And: Chasten Buttigieg, husband of politician Pete, joins the show to share his feelings about his spouse possibly running for president. Lear...

May 20, 202543 min

Dial-up Diplomacy

First: President Trump is holding crucial phone calls today with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky about a potential path to peace, hours after Russia launched its largest drone attack on Ukraine since the war began. Plus: Joe Biden reveals he has an aggressive form of prostate cancer that's spread to his bones. We'll break down his battle with the disease that he's worked for years to eradicate. And: House Republicans remain deeply divided as they race to pass the president's sweeping agend...

May 19, 202543 min

Trump Returns Home To New Blowback After Whirlwind Trip

First: Culture shock. Trump returns home from a week of fanfare and promises to face legal setbacks and infighting. Can the president deliver a long promised deal and get his own house in order? And: Fallout. Shaky new audio as Democrats face questions. Should they have done more? Plus: New reporting, Kamala Harris starts making her move. And: Wild card. The senator who took Mitt Romney's place. How John Curtis is forging his own path in Trump's Washington. Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...

May 19, 202543 min

Pageantry Mixed with Policy

First: President trump is heading home after soaking in the Gulf's opulence, fanfare and regal recognition. He loves a dramatically different approach toward countries he once reviled and renounced. Plus: We follow a critical meeting on Capitol Hill as Republicans butt heads on how to advance President Trump's agenda. And: California Governor Gavin Newsom is shifting to the center on a series of issues. Will this rebrand help a potential 2028 run? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastc...

May 16, 202543 min

SCOTUS Tackles Birthright Citizenship

As today's show begins, the Supreme Court is hearing pivotal arguments involving President Trump's plan to end birthright citizenship. Whatever the Court decides could have major implications for federal courts and their ability to curtail multiple Trump policies being challenged as unconstitutional. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 15, 202556 min

Camels, Horses and Teslas - Oh, My!

First: President Trump is basking in the opulence of the Middle East while cozying up to the Qatari government that plans to gift him a luxury jet. Is he really going to go home with a new plane? Plus: Manu talks to conservative Republican Senator Josh Hawley who says cutting Medicaid is "politically suicidal." But will the House GOP heed his warning? And: "Joe Biden totally effed us." That quote from a top campaign official is in a new book by CNN's Jake Tapper and Axios' Alex Thompson that rev...

May 14, 202544 min

A Regal Return

First: President Trump is soaking up all the pomp and circumstance on the first major international trip of his second term. He's in Saudi Arabia to sign multiple deals he says will bring hundreds of billions of dollars into the US. But criticism is ramping up within his own party over a jet he says he'll accept as a gift from the government of Qatar. Plus: A new book from CNN's Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson of Axios reveals Joe Biden's inner circle floated the idea of getting him a wheelchair i...

May 13, 202543 min

American Hostage Released by Hamas

An American held by Hamas for 584 days is now on his way to freedom. 21-year-old Edan Alexander was handed over by Hamas to Red Cross officials in Gaza. He's now en route to an Israeli military base, where he'll be flown by helicopter to an Israeli hospital and evaluated by doctors. CNN's Jeremy Diamond begins our coverage in Tel Aviv's "hostage square." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 12, 202543 min

Global Conflicts Dominate Trump Agenda Ahead of Trip Abroad

First: Open conflict. The U.S. and China hold high stakes trade talks. And Trump gears up for a trip to the Middle East as he looks to cut deals and broker ceasefires. Can he rein in the crisis he pledged to solve? Plus: Resistance. As the Democratic Party struggles with a winning message. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, just announced he's running for Senate, joins me live. And: Food fight. Republicans spar over Trump's so-called big, beautiful bill. Plus: My new reporting about whether one of...

May 12, 202543 min

The DOJ's MAGA Makeover

First: President Trump names another top ally who's pushed for investigations of Trump's perceived enemies to a job where she can do just that, even as the president keeps baselessly accusing his predecessor of weaponizing the judicial system against Republicans. Plus: The Vatican is turning a page with the first American-born pope now leading the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. Dana talks to a member of the most famous American Catholic family about the decision that sent shockwaves around the g...

May 09, 202543 min

A Divine Decision

First: Cardinals from six continents are sequestered inside the Sistine Chapel for one of history's most sacred and secretive rituals, the Conclave. Plus: India's retaliatory airstrikes inside Pakistan are causing worldwide anxiety as President Trump attempts to brush aside the escalating hostilities. And: MAGA world is mobilizing against the Republican senator who says he won't support the president's highly controversial choice to be DC'ss top prosecutor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...

May 07, 202543 min

Oh, Canada!

As today's show begins, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is about to pay a visit to the Oval Office. Will sparks fly? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 06, 202527 min

Trump Downplays Recession Fears

First: President Donald Trump is brushing off concerns his tariff plan could lead to a recession, claiming everything would still be okay in the long term. Plus: Trump is pushing to reopen Alcatraz prison more than 60 years after it closed. Why? And: How do you cut $1.5 trillion from the federal budget? Dana speaks to a key member of the House Republican Conference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 05, 202543 min

Trump Digs in After a Week of Political and Legal Setbacks

How Will Rubio Balance Two Top National Security Roles?; GOP Amps Up Trump Impeachment Talk in Midterm Battle. Will They or Won't They? Democrats Make 2028 Moves; Conclave to Elect New Pope Set to Begin on Wednesday; GOP Retirements Could Help Democrats Tip Balance of Power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 04, 202543 min

What to Make of Today's Jobs Report

First: An unexpectedly strong jobs report today sends stocks soaring. But with new tariffs taking effect - and many more promised - is this the calm before the economic storm? Plus: J.B. Pritzker, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Pete Buttigieg and Kamala Harris are all dipping their toes in the 2028 waters. What's the temperature? And: Tomorrow is World Press Freedom Day. We look at how President Trump is reshaping who gets to cover him at the White House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podca...

May 02, 202543 min

Is Mike Waltz on his way Out?

As today's show begins we receive breaking news that Mike Waltz is expected to leave his post in the Trump Administration as national security adviser. It is the first top staff shakeup of the president's second term. Waltz has been in a precarious position with the president after he accidentally added a reporter to a group chat about upcoming military strikes. Our coverage begins with CNN's Kaitlan Collins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 01, 202544 min

Warning Signs for US Economy

As today's show begins, President Trump is holding a Cabinet meeting on the heels of a crucial new report showing the US economy shrank for the first time in three years. The GDP fell at a rate of 0.3% as Trump's massive and ever-changing tariffs rattle consumers and businesses. Naturally, the president tried to pin this data on his predecessor. CNN's Kevin Liptak begins our coverage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 30, 202543 min

Chaos, Change Marks Trump's First 100 Days

Exactly 100 days ago, Donald Trump took the oath of office as the 47th president of the United States. And what a turbulent, convention-smashing 100 days it's been as the president moves at a frenetic pace to transform the US and its role in the world, from taking a sledgehammer to the federal government to targeting political opponents and launching a global trade war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 29, 202544 min

A Widespread Rebuke

First: 99 days into President Trump's second term, a new CNN poll shows his approval dropping to the lowest level on record for any president at this point in their presidency. Plus: One top Democrat says it's time to "stop surrendering." So what's in his party's plan for the next 100 days? And: It's Election Day in Canada, and the most important issue could very well be Donald Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 28, 202543 min
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