State of the Union - podcast cover

State of the Union

Hosted by CNN's Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, State of the Union features interviews with top newsmakers on politics and policy—covering Washington, the country, and the world.

Episodes

Kevin Hassett and Sen. Elizabeth Warren

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper presses National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett over the confusion and turmoil caused by Trump’s tariff rollout. Then, Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren joins Jake to discuss how Democrats should respond to Trump’s economic chaos. Finally, CNN Political Commentators Brad Todd and Ashley Allison, Republican Rep. Tim Burchett, and former Democratic Rep. Susan Wild join Jake to discuss the economic and political impact from the turmoil around Trump’s...

Apr 14, 202544 min

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Gov. Tim Walz

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper presses Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins for clarity on Trump’s sweeping tariffs as the economic fallout grows. Then, Democratic Gov. Tim Walz joins Jake to respond and to weigh in on what he thinks Democrats’ strategy needs to be to counter Trump. Finally, CNN Senior Political Commentator David Urban, CNN Political Commentator Jamal Simmons, Democratic Rep. Hillary Scholten, and Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis join Jake to break down the political...

Apr 07, 202547 min

Interviews with Republican Senator James Lankford; Democratic Governor Wes Moore

On CNN’s State of the Union, Republican Sen. James Lankford joins Dana Bash to discuss the fallout from the Trump administration’s Signal chat leak, as well as the impact from President Trump’s escalating trade war. Then, Dana asks Democratic Governor and potential 2028 candidate Wes Moore about Democrats struggle to find a path forward under the Trump administration. Finally, CNN Senior Political Commentator Scott Jennings, CNN Political Commentator Shermichael Singleton, Michigan State Sen. Ma...

Mar 31, 202543 min

Interviews with Secretary of Education Linda McMahon; Representative Ro Khanna

On CNN’s State of the Union, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon joins Dana Bash exclusively to discuss what the future looks like for the Department of Education as President Donald Trump pushes to dismantle it. Next, Dana asks Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna if a new Tea Party is forming among Democrats. Then, Democratic Rep. Jason Crow, CNN Senior Political Commentator Shermichael Singleton, CNN Political Commentator Xochitl Hinojosa, and Republican strategist Doug Heye join Dana to discuss...

Mar 23, 202545 min

Interviews with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff; Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett; Republican Senator Mike Rounds

On CNN’s State of the Union, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff joins Jake Tapper to discuss his hours-long meeting with Vladimir Putin and the prospects for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Next, Jake asks Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett about the finger-pointing in her party after Congress’ shutdown showdown and the frustration with Sen. Chuck Schumer. Then, Jake presses Republican Sen. Mike Rounds over Trump’s use of wartime power to ramp up deportations and the impact from his escalating trade war...

Mar 16, 202543 min

Interviews with Republican Senator Rick Scott; Democratic Senator Andy Kim; US Hostage Envoy Adam Boehler; Democratic Congressman Jake Auchincloss and Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper presses Republican Sen. Rick Scott over Elon Musk’s approach to slashing government, as well as President Trump’s whiplash-inducing tariff policies. Then, with Democrats facing a do-or-die moment this week on a potential government shutdown, Jake asks Democratic Sen. Andy Kim how he plans to vote. After, US Hostage Envoy Adam Boehler joins Jake fresh off his unprecedented meeting with Hamas in an effort to negotiate a hostage deal. Finally, Democratic Rep...

Mar 10, 202544 min

Interviews with Speaker Mike Johnson; National Security Adviser Mike Waltz; Democratic Senator Chris Murphy

On CNN’s State of the Union, Speaker Johnson joins Dana Bash to discuss the stunning Trump-Zelensky blowup, as well as his strategy for preventing a government shutdown in less than two weeks. Then, Dana presses National Security Adviser Mike Waltz on the future of US-Ukraine relations and if it’s possible to repair the damage from that Oval Office meeting. Next, Dana sits down with Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy to discuss the fallout from the Ukraine meeting, as well as how he thinks Democrats s...

Mar 03, 202546 min

Interviews with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff; House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper speaks with President Trump’s point person leading negotiations to end the wars in the Mideast and Ukraine, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Witkoff says he’s optimistic that negotiations over phase two of the Gaza ceasefire will move forward. Jake also presses him over Trump’s attacks on Ukrainian President Zelensky and Witkoff’s suggestion that Russia’s invasion was “provoked.” Then, Jake talks with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries about his party’s ...

Feb 24, 202545 min

Interviews with White House Border Czar Tom Homan; Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar

On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash presses White House border czar Tom Homan over allegations that the Trump administration dropped corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams in exchange for his cooperation on immigration enforcement. Then, with Trump pushing the limits of presidential power, Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar joins Dana to discuss how she thinks Congress and the courts need to respond. Next, Republican Rep. Riley Moore, Democratic Rep. Laura Gillen, and CNN Politi...

Feb 17, 202543 min

Interviews with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem; Democratic Senator Cory Booker

On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash sits down with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to discuss her recent trip to Guantanamo Bay. Dana presses Noem for specifics on Trump’s plan to house tens of thousands of migrants at Guantanamo, as well as questions over his legal authority to do so. Dana also challenges Noem over Elon Musk accessing American’s personal data, including at DHS. Then, Sen. Cory Booker joins Dana to discuss Democrats’ struggle to respond to Trump and Musk’s sweeping ov...

Feb 09, 202545 min

Interviews with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy; Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine

On CNN's State of the Union, new Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy joins Jake Tapper to discuss the latest in the investigation into the deadly midair collision in Washington, DC. Jake also challenges Duffy over President Trump's claims that diversity initiatives were to blame for the accident. Then, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine joins Jake to voice his concerns about overcrowding at Reagan National Airport and Trump's handling of the disaster. They also discuss Elon Musk's growing role in the feder...

Feb 02, 202543 min

Interviews with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham; Illinois Governor JB Pritzker

On CNN’s State of the Union, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham sits down with Dana to discuss Trump’s controversial decisions to pardon violent January 6 rioters and fire independent inspectors general, as well as Trump’s plans for the future of Gaza. Next, Gov. JB Pritzker joins Dana to react to the Trump administration’s planned immigration raids in Chicago and other cities, as well as his view of how Democrats should approach Trump in his second term. Finally, CNN political commentators Karen Fi...

Jan 27, 202546 min

Interviews with Incoming National Security Adviser Michael Waltz; Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan; Former Ambassador Rahm Emanuel; The families of Israeli-American hostages Edan Alexander and Omer Neutra

On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash sits down with incoming National Security Adviser Michael Waltz to discuss the ceasefire in Gaza and the future of TikTok in the United States. Then, Dana discusses Trump’s plans to take aggressive immigration action as soon as he takes office. Next, former Ambassador and Obama White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel joins Dana to discuss the global challenges facing the new administration and how Democrats should confront Trump in his second term. After, t...

Jan 20, 20251 hr 6 min

Interviews with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell; Republican Sen. Katie Britt; National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan

On this week’s State of the Union, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell joins CNN’s Jake Tapper to discuss the response to the devastating California wildfires. Then, Republican Sen. Katie Britt joins Jake to discuss her immigration bill, as well as concerns over Trump’s nominee for Attorney General. Next, Jake sits down with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan to assess the Biden administration’s foreign policy legacy as it prepares to hand the reins to the Trump administration. Finally, CNN ...

Jan 13, 202544 min

Interviews with Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar; Republican Sen. Jim Banks; Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly; New Members of Congress Rep. Brandon Gill, Rep. Yassamin Ansari, Rep. Riley Moore, and Rep. Adam Gray

On CNN’s State of the Union, Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar joins Jake to discuss the certification of Trump’s election win and the legacy of January 6. Then, Republican Sen. Jim Banks joins Jake to discuss how Republicans will get Trump’s agenda through Congress. Next, Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly joins Jake to discuss the New Orleans terror attack and Trump’s national security nominees. Finally, Jake sits down with four new members of Congress – Republicans Rep. Brandon Gill and Rep. Riley Moore ...

Jan 05, 202547 min

Interviews with Democratic Sen. Andy Kim; Republican Gov. Chris Sununu

On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash sits down with new Democratic Sen. Andy Kim to discuss becoming the first Korean American elected to the Senate, how he plans to navigate a second Trump presidency, and his concerns over the legacy of January 6. Then, outgoing Republican New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu join Dana to reflect on his time in office and the evolution of the GOP under Donald Trump. Finally, CNN political commentators Scott Jennings, Bakari Sellers, Karen Finney, and Kristen Solti...

Dec 30, 202443 min

Interviews with Republican Sen. Bill Hagerty; Republican Rep. Tim Burchett; Democratic Sen. Chris Coons

On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash presses Republican Sen. Bill Hagerty over Trump and Elon Musk’s decision to torpedo a bipartisan spending deal and nearly cause a government shutdown. Then, Dana asks Republican Rep. Tim Burchett about Mike Johnson’s future as House Speaker after his handling of the government funding fight. Then, Dana sits down with Democratic Sen. Chris Coons to discuss Biden’s hands-off approach to the shutdown fight and his priorities for the end of his presidency. Afte...

Dec 22, 202443 min

Exclusive Interview with Republican Senator Mitt Romney

This week on a special edition of CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper sits down with former presidential candidate and Republican Senator Mitt Romney as he prepares to leave Washington after nearly two decades in politics. First, Romney reacts to Trump’s reelection and his controversial cabinet nominees, as well as concerns Trump could target him for retribution. Then, Romney reflects on his time in office as a governor, senator, and the Republican presidential nominee. Next, Senator Romney of...

Dec 16, 202444 min

Interviews with Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin

On CNN's State of the Union, CNN Chief International Security Correspondent Nick Paton Walsh joins Jake Tapper to bring the latest updates in Syria after rebels toppled the Assad regime. Then, former Trump Defense Secretary Mark Esper talks with Jake about the future of Syria and the Middle East after the stunning developments in Syria. Next, Jake presses Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin about Trump Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth's alleged history with alcohol. After, Senate Majority Wh...

Dec 08, 202445 min

Interviews with White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Republican Congressman Mike Lawler, Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin

On CNN's State of the Union, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan sits down with Kasie Hunt to talk about the recent Syrian rebel offensive and the newly brokered cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah. Then, Republican Congressman Mike Lawler joins Kasie to discuss Trump's FBI director pick, Kash Patel, and House Republican’s slim majority. Next, Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin talks with Kasie about the implications of having Patel lead the FBI, as well as the end of the fe...

Dec 02, 202444 min

Interviews with Republican Senator James Lankford, Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin

On CNN's State of The Union, Oklahoma Senator James Lankford joins Dana Bash to discuss Trump's controversial cabinet picks, as well as the next steps on immigration in the Senate. Then, Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth talks with Dana about Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth's qualifications, as well as concerns over Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Next, Dana presses Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin over the sexual assault allegation against Hegseth,...

Nov 25, 202444 min

Interviews with House Speaker Mike Johnson, California Senator-Elect Adam Schiff, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, Arizona Senator-Elect Ruben Gallego

On CNN's State of the Union, House Speaker Mike Johnson joins Jake Tapper to talk about Trump's plans for the border and the House Ethics Committee investigation into Congressman Matt Gaetz, Trump's pick for Attorney General. Then, California Senator-Elect Adam Schiff sits down with Jake to discuss Trump's potential plans for retribution against his political opponents. Next, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman talks with Jake about Trump's win in Pennsylvania and ongoing fight in the Pennsylvan...

Nov 18, 202446 min

Interviews with Independent Senator Bernie Sanders; Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan

On CNN's State of the Union, Independent Senator Bernie Sanders joins Dana Bash to discuss his criticism that Democrats lost the 2024 election because they abandoned the working class. Then, Dana presses Republican Congressman Jim Jordan about Trump's plans to use the justice system to target political opponents, as well as his pledge to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. Finally, CNN commentators Ashley Allison, Scott Jennings, Jamal Simmons and Brad Todd talk with Dana about what they...

Nov 11, 202443 min

Interviews with Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott

On CNN's State of the Union, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman sits down with Dana Bash to talk about the final stretch of the presidential campaign and the deadlocked race in Pennsylvania. Then, Dana pushes South Carolina Senator Tim Scott to address Trump's false claims about election fraud and Trump's latest campaign messaging. Finally, CNN Political Commentators David Axelrod, David Urban, Bakari Sellers and Kristen Soltis Anderson talk with Dana about new polls and the push to win over wo...

Nov 04, 202443 min

Interviews with Republican Vice Presidential Nominee JD Vance, Former GOP Congresswoman Liz Cheney

On CNN's State of the Union, Republican Vice Presidential Nominee JD Vance sits down with Jake Tapper to discuss former Chief of Staff John Kelly's description of Donald Trump as a "fascist" and criticism from other former Trump staffers. Then, former GOP Congresswoman Liz Cheney joins Jake to respond to Vance's interview and to clarify her position on reproductive rights. Finally, Democratic Rep. Brendan Boyle, CNN Senior Political Commentator Scott Jennings, CNN Political Commentator Karen Fin...

Oct 28, 202444 min

Interviews with House Speaker Mike Johnson, Independent Senator Bernie Sanders

On CNN's State of the Union, House Speaker Mike Johnson joins Jake Tapper react the Trump's vulgar comments about Arnold Palmer at a Pennsylvania rally and his rhetoric towards Democrats. Next, Independent Senator Bernie Sanders joins Jake to discuss the broad coalition forming behind Harirs and his message to voters concerned about her Gaza policy. Then, Pennsylvania Congresswoman Madeleine Dean, Republican strategists Erin Perrine and Brad Todd, and CNN political commentator Bakari Sellers joi...

Oct 20, 202443 min

Interviews with Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock; Florida Congressman Byron Donalds; South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn

On CNN's State of the Union, Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock joins Dana Bash to discuss the state of the race in the battleground state of Georgia amid Democratic concerns over Black voter turnout. Then, Florida Congressman Byron Donalds joins Dana to discuss Trump’s play for Black men. Dana also presses Donalds on whether he will certify the 2024 election results. Next, South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn shares his concerns with Dana over Kamala Harris' efforts to win over Black men. Fina...

Oct 14, 202446 min

Interview with RNC Co-Chair Lara Trump; Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly; Maryland Senate Candidate Larry Hogan; ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt

On CNN’s State of the Union, RNC Co-Chair Lara Trump joins Dana Bash to discuss the state of the race with 30 days go to. Dana also presses Trump over false claims about Hurricane Helene relief and the 2020 election. Then, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly joins Dana to discuss tensions in the Middle East and the state of the race in his critical battleground state. Next, Dana sits down with Maryland Senate Candidate Larry Hogan as he fights an uphill battle to win as a Republican in a blue state. Finally...

Oct 07, 202443 min

Interviews with White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby; South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham; Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker

On CNN’s State of the Union, White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby joins Jake Tapper to discuss the upheaval in the Middle East after Israel killed the leader of Hezbollah. Next, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham sits down with Jake to discuss the devastation from Hurricane Helene, the unrest in the Middle East, and Trump’s focus on personal attacks against Kamala Harris. Then, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker joins Jake from the critical battleground state of Arizona, where ...

Sep 30, 202445 min

Interviews with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer; Republican Sen. Tom Cotton; Democratic North Carolina Gubernatorial Candidate Josh Stein

On CNN’s State of the Union, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joins Jake Tapper to respond to Donald Trump saying women “will no longer be thinking about abortion” if he wins. Then, Jake challenges Republican Sen. Tom Cotton over Trump’s comments suggesting Jewish voters would bear some blame if he loses in November. Next, Democratic North Carolina gubernatorial candidate Josh Stein joins Jake to respond to the controversy engulfing his Republican opponent. Finally, CNN Political Commentators Kate...

Sep 23, 202445 min