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CNN Inside Politics

CNN Podcastswww.cnn.com
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.
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Episodes

Who's the Boss?

First: Millions of federal employees are in limbo today. They don't know whether to listen to their supervisor, their government HR department, or Elon Musk. And their jobs may be on the line. Plus: Musk's Starlink system is scoring a major new contract with the FAA while directing cuts at that very agency. Remember, this is the same person who promised to avoid any conflicts of interest And: We have new details on a potential feud brewing between the president and the governor of Florida over w...

Feb 25, 202541 min

Musk Says Fed Workers Must Justify Their Existence

First: "What did you do at work last week?" The seemingly almighty, albeit unelected Elon Musk says millions of federal employees have just hours left to answer that question or lose their jobs. But even some of the most MAGA cabinet members are telling Musk to back off. Plus: Ukraine marks a grim milestone as Donald Trump seems to side with the man responsible for brutally invading a sovereign democracy. And: The president names a right-wing podcaster known for pushing wild conspiracies as seco...

Feb 24, 202541 min

Trump Ramps Up Dramatic Cuts & Power Grab Despite Pushback

First: Under fire. Trump orders a Pentagon purge and directs Elon Musk to get more aggressive as his cuts spark blowback. Then: Trump's calling himself a king. But is he bleeding support? Plus: Sea change. Trump pivots to Putin as Ukraine scrambles. And: Making his mark. Does the V.P. have eyes on 2028? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Feb 24, 202541 min

Dodging DOGE

First: Some Republicans are getting an earful from their constituents as thousands of federal workers are laid of all over the country. There are signs the White House may be rethinking some of its planned cuts. Plus: Members of the Trump Administration are telling America's European allies that the official US stance on the war in Ukraine is to not blame it on "Russian aggression." And: We explore the battle of the billionaires, as Elon Musk and George Soros invest millions of dollars in a stat...

Feb 21, 202537 min

America Turned Upside Down

First: It's been one month since Donald Trump's inauguration, and since then we've seen a firehose of executive orders and mass firings, not to mention what could be the start of a reordering of global alliances. We have a brand new CNN poll of what voters think so far. Plus: Mitch McConnell, one of the Senate's most historic figures, says he will not run for reelection. And: Israeli President Isaac Herzog joins the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Feb 20, 202541 min

Trump Lashes Out

First: President Trump ramps up his criticism of his Ukrainian counterpart, falsely blaming Volodymyr Zelensky for starting the war, one in which Russia invaded his country three years ago. Plus: Trump and Elon Musk sit down for a fawning interview on Fox. What did we learn from that lovefest And: Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove is in New York today to ask a court to let him drop corruption charges against Mayor Eric Adams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Feb 19, 202538 min

Who Got What At US-Russia Summit?

First: Details about the just-concluded, high-level talks between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his Russian counterparts. Can they end the war against Ukraine without giving Vladimir Putin everything he wants? Plus: We are standing by for a news conference in Toronto about yesterday's plane crash where a jet flipped over. Will President Trump and Elon Musk think twice about the cuts they've already ordered at the FAA? And: It's yet another day of upheaval for the Justice Department as a ...

Feb 18, 202555 min

See You in Court

First: The Trump administration wants the Supreme Court to weigh in on the president's efforts to expand executive power in unprecedented ways, as he takes new steps to dismantle key parts of the government he now runs. Plus: What do voters who flipped from Biden in 2020 to Trump in 2024 think of the president's first weeks in office? Hear the results of a fascinating focus group. And: A defiant Eric Adams says he will not resign as New York City mayor despite calls from his fellow Democrats to ...

Feb 17, 202542 min

Firings Sweep Through Government Amid Legal Challenges

First: Move fast, break stuff. The Trump tidal wave upends American life, bringing sweeping cuts with unintended consequences. As Trump suggests he's above the law. Could it backfire with voters? And: America first? A stark message overseas sparks panic for America's friends. Is the art of the deal, reshuffling the world order? Plus: Senate shake up. Could retirements make or break Democrats' path back to power? And: My new reporting on the lawmaker with new questions on an age old case. Learn m...

Feb 17, 202541 min

Parroting Putin

First: President Trump and top administration officials are blaming the war in Ukraine on Joe Biden and NATO, rather than the country that actually launched an unprovoked invasion of its neighbor. It's causing fear across the western world that the US is on the brink of abandoning Ukraine. Plus: We're following the breaking news on the upheaval at the Department of Justice and the mind-boggling accusations about prioritizing politics over the rule of law. And: Broadway and Hollywood star Josh Ga...

Feb 14, 202542 min

The Incredible Shrinking Government

First: The president and his billionaire benefactor are barreling ahead with their plan to slash the federal workforce, which could include eliminating entire agencies. Plus: The Senate just confirmed RFK Jr. as secretary of health and human services. It's a tough pill to swallow for many Democrats, but not those who want to overhaul America's food and pharmaceutical industries. And: We bring you a special report on the "make America wealthy again" movement featuring two people who have covered ...

Feb 13, 202541 min

From Long Shot to a Senate Lock

First: The Senate confirms Tulsi Gabbard as the director of national intelligence, which begs the question: What happened to those Republicans concerned about her lack of experience and apparent support of US adversaries? Plus: An official tells CNN that Trump and Vladimir Putin spoke by phone this morning, just hours after an American teacher was released from a Russian prison. And: Candidate Trump promised to bring down costs on day one. But the president is finding out very quickly that it's ...

Feb 12, 202545 min

Pressure Campaign on Pennsylvania Avenue

First: As the show begins, Donald Trump is about to meet inside the Oval Office with the King of Jordan, trying to convince that key US ally to open up his country to a massive influx of Palestinian refugees - who, by the way, don't want to go anywhere. Plus: The president publicly dares to defy the co-equal judicial branch of government as multiple federal judges push pause on his plans to dismantle the federal government. And: The Constitution is clear: Congress has the power of the purse. So ...

Feb 11, 202546 min

The Trump Agenda Meets the Halls of Justice

First: We're tracking a key court hearing this afternoon that could determine the fate of the Trump-Musk plan to take a sledgehammer to the federal workforce. But does the trump administration even care what judges say? Plus: President Trump is teasing new steep tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports as a majority of voters in a new poll say they approve of the president, but also say he's not spending enough time on lowering prices. And: We have new reporting on the president's right-hand ma...

Feb 10, 202541 min

Elon Musk Is Reshaping The Government, But Is It Legal?

First: Trump takeover. The president takes a sledgehammer to the government. Now, judges are saying not so fast. The news overnight, and what's next. My panel weighs in. Plus, my new reporting and how Democrats are responding. And: The Elon effect. I'll talk to a close ally of musk about his next steps. But is it all legal? House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan live. Plus: It's Super Bowl Sunday and Trump's the first president to go. What to expect when the president shows up at the big game. Lear...

Feb 09, 202541 min

Global Shock and Awe

First: As Donald Trump hosts the second foreign leader to visit him this week, the world carefully watches his frenetic moves that could have serious implications far beyond the US. Plus: The Trump Administration is smacked with a tidal wave of lawsuits. But can the scales of justice keep up with the onslaught of actions from the White House. And: Hollywood and Broadway star Josh Gad joins us for our Friday Palate Cleanser. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Feb 07, 202550 min

Dismantling DC

First: New reporting on how Elon Musk and his allies are inserting themselves into what seems like every facet of the US government. Plus: House Republican leaders meet with the president to hash out their plan to cut taxes and spend more money at the border. And: Why is Clarence Thomas swearing in so many Trump cabinet officials? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Feb 06, 202541 min

Trump Provokes Global Gasp of Disbelief

First: We're tracking the world's stunned reaction after President Trump announced his new idea to seize the war-ravaged Gaza Strip, relocate more than two million Palestinians, and turn the area into "the Riviera of the Middle East." Plus: Democrats say they're ready to fight back against Donald Trump's and Elon Musk's efforts to dismantle the federal government. But is anyone in the party prepared to lead the charge? And: Dana talks to a former House Republican about why her party seems to be ...

Feb 05, 202541 min

RFK Jr. Nomination Clears Senate Committee

Today's show begins just after the conclusion of a speech by Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, a medical doctor, explaining why he cast the deciding vote in favor of advancing the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be the country's next Secretary of Health & Human Services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 04, 202542 min

Trump Makes a Deal

This morning, the President Trump agreed to delay a 25% tariff on Mexico and that country's President Claudia Sheinbaum said they would harden its border with the US. But major new tariffs on Canada and China are still set to go into effect in just 12 hours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 03, 202541 min

Trump Announces Sweeping Tariffs On China

First: Trade war. Trump slaps sweeping new tariffs on American adversaries and friends. Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers on what it means for you. Plus: The political blowback and another dizzying week. Trump unveils a strict hiring freeze and FBI purge and a botched funding halt. My panel will break it down, and what to expect next. Plus: Democrats' decision. The new leader elected to lead the party through the new Trump era. His game plan for how to take on Trump. Learn more about your ...

Feb 02, 202541 min

Was Doomed Helicopter Responsible for Deadly Crash?

We begin today's show with the latest info on the deadliest US plane crash in nearly a quarter century. The FAA just revealed it is indefinitely shutting down the low-altitude helicopter route that was in use the night of the collision. It comes on the heels of a New York Times report and presidential social media posts suggesting the Blackhawk was flying outside its approved flight path. CNN has also obtained two exclusive videos that will be critical yo the ongoing investigation. Learn more ab...

Jan 31, 202542 min

No Survivors After DC Midair Crash

First responders have been working tirelessly since last night to recover bodies from the frigid waters in the Potomac River after an American Airlines passenger plane collided with an Army Blackhawk helicopter near Regan National Airport. Tragically, all 67 people on board the two aircraft are presumed to have perished, making this the deadliest aviation disaster in the US in more than 20 years. President Trump wasted no time blaming, without evidence, Democrats and their support of diversity p...

Jan 30, 202550 min

A Global Wake-Up Call

First: Donald Trump is putting the world on notice by threatening a trade war with Colombia until that country agreed to work with him to deport migrants from the US. His strong arm tactics worked ... but will they next time? Plus: It's Pete Hegseth's first official day at the Pentagon, and we're expecting him to receive multiple executive orders from President Trump that will reshape the military, including a ban on transgender troops. And: Tech stocks plunge after a surprise announcement from ...

Jan 27, 202541 min

Trump Returns to White House With Whirlwind First Week

First: Whirlwind week. Trump takes the reins of power and unleashes a torrent of change. My panel will break down the avalanche of news. And: Law and order? As troops head to the border, federal agents ramp up enforcement. What to watch as Trump’s immigration crackdown enters week two. Plus: Moment of truth. Trump’s next picks take the stand in just days. Do they have what it takes? And: What one legendary musician has to do with Biden’s last-minute act of clemency. Learn more about your ad choi...

Jan 27, 202542 min

Trump Reiterates California Quid Pro Quo

President Trump visited both hurricane-ravaged North Carolina and wildfire-ravaged California today and reiterated that he wants the latter state to meet certain conditions before it can get crucial federal aid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 24, 202540 min

Trump Does Davos ... Virtually

Donald Trump took center stage - virtually - at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland today. It was his first major speech to global business and political leaders since taking office just a few days ago. We cover this story from all angles, with Richard Quest beginning our reporting from Davos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 23, 202541 min

Trump Issues 'Get Out Of Jail Free' Cards

First: Sources tell CNN President Trump is considering a White House visit for his supporters who stormed the Capitol and tried to derail the peaceful transfer of power on January 6th, 2021 Plus: The new president is moving feverishly to remake the federal government in his image. His latest power move is revoking decades of diversity programs and possibly firing the men and women who ran them. And: Claiming "my party left me," New York City Mayor Eric Adams, indicted on corruption charges, is s...

Jan 22, 202541 min

Trump's Dizzying First Day

On today's show we break down some of the most consequential changes Donald Trump made in his first 24 hours in office. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 21, 202542 min

Three Freed Hostages Now Back in Israel

First: Ceasefire. Israel and Hamas halt fighting overnight. Three Israeli hostages are now in the custody of the Israeli military and are back in Israel. Then: Trump 2.0. Hours away from Trump returning to The White House. Trump promises a series of executive actions on day one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 20, 202542 min
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