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The President's Daily Brief

The First TVwww.thefirsttv.com
Each morning, the President of the United States receives a highly classified briefing on the most important issues facing the country -- The President's Daily Brief. Now you can hear your very own PDB, in the form of a podcast, every morning at 6am Eastern, and every afternoon at 4pm Eastern. You'll get 20 minutes of the most important topics of the day and why you should care, arming you with what you need to know to help solve America's most pressing challenges. Former CIA Operations Officer Mike Baker hosts new episodes daily.
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Episodes

January 26th, 2026: Iran Chemical Weapons Claims & Minneapolis Shooting Fallout

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: First up—disturbing new reports out of Iran suggest the regime may have deployed chemical agents against protesters, raising serious questions about how far Tehran is willing to go to crush dissent. Later in the show—we break down the latest developments from Minneapolis, where a Border Patrol agent shot and killed a man during an immigration crackdown, fueling renewed calls for federal law enforcement to leave the state. Plus—trilateral talks betw...

Jan 26, 202627 minSeason 2Ep. 1231

PDB Situation Report | January 24th, 2026: Is Cuba the Next Venezuela? & Xi’s Mass Crackdown

In this episode of The PDB Situation Report: First up—new reporting says the White House is actively seeking to topple Cuba’s Communist government, betting that pressure campaigns, quiet backchannels, and lessons learned from Venezuela could finally crack Havana’s grip on power. Later in the show—stunning new figures out of China reveal a sweeping internal punishment campaign, with Communist Party enforcers disciplining nearly one million people in 2025 as Xi Jinping tightens control. Gordon Cha...

Jan 24, 20261 hr

PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 23rd, 2026: Trump Delivers Major Warning To Iran & Putin Talks Peace While Pressing Maximalist Demands

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin : First—In his latest warning to the mullahs, President Trump says the U.S. has an “armada” heading toward Iran — as the death toll from the regime’s crackdown tops 5,000. So, what exactly is being deployed, and how close is Washington to military action? Later in the show—The first trilateral peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. are now underway — and everything hinges on territory. We’ll break down Moscow’s demands, Kyiv’s red lines, a...

Jan 23, 202616 minSeason 2Ep. 1230

January 23rd, 2026: Inside the White House Plan to Topple Cuba’s Communist Government & Sanctions Enforcement Escalates

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: First up—a new report offers an inside look at the White House’s efforts to engineer regime change in Cuba, as U.S. officials—emboldened by events in Venezuela—search for Cuban power brokers willing to cut a deal and bring an end to Communist rule. Later in the show—President Trump meets with Ukrainian President Zelenskiy in Davos, with Kyiv saying security guarantees are settled, but the most critical issue of all—territory—remains unresolved. Plu...

Jan 23, 202627 minSeason 2Ep. 1229

PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 22nd, 2026: Israel Braces for Iranian Strike & China Penetrates Taiwan’s Armed Forces

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin: Israel raises readiness across its military, operating under the assumption that Iran may strike. Air forces, missile defenses, and civilian protection systems are placed on heightened alert as Israeli planners prepare for multiple scenarios, including missile and drone attacks. China ramps up covert operations against Taiwan, with new reporting revealing deep infiltration inside the island’s armed forces, including efforts to recruit and coerce mil...

Jan 22, 202615 minSeason 2Ep. 1228

January 22nd, 2026: Trump Announces Major Deal On Greenland & Iran Crackdown Allegations

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: President Trump announces a major shift in U.S. strategy toward Greenland, shelving planned tariffs after high-level talks with NATO leadership. We’ll walk through what changed in the past twenty-four hours. New reporting alleges severe abuse by Iranian security forces during the regime’s crackdown on protesters, including sexual assaults against detainees. We’ll examine what’s being reported and why it’s drawing international scrutiny. President T...

Jan 22, 202626 minSeason 2Ep. 1227

PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 21st, 2026: Trump Preparing For 'Decisive' Action Against Iran & Another Russian Tanker Seized

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin: First up—we’ve been closely tracking a growing U.S. military buildup in the Middle East, and now we’re getting clarification on why it’s happening, as President Trump reportedly presses his generals for “decisive” action against Iran. Later in the show—another Venezuelan oil tanker is intercepted, marking the seventh seizure as Washington escalates enforcement of sanctions on Caracas. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The Pre...

Jan 21, 202616 minSeason 2Ep. 1226

January 21st, 2026: The Strategic Case Behind Trump’s Greenland Push & Xi Purges His Own

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: First up—What was supposed to be a global economic summit in Davos is overtaken by geopolitics, as President Trump ramps up pressure on U.S. allies and argues Greenland is a critical national security priority. Later in the show—A staggering figure out of China, where Communist Party enforcers punished nearly one million people in 2025 as President Xi tightens his grip and demands total loyalty. Plus—Beijing escalates pressure across the Taiwan Str...

Jan 21, 202628 minSeason 2Ep. 1225

PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 20th, 2026: Cracks Are Forming Inside Iran's Ruling Elite & ISIS Prison Break In Syria

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin: First up— Beyond Iran’s carefully managed show of unity, new reporting points to growing unease inside the ruling elite. We break down what’s driving internal anxiety within the regime, why some senior figures are uncomfortable with the current crackdown, and what it could mean for Iran’s stability moving forward. Later in the show— Chaos erupts in Syria as fighters from Islamic State break free from a prison during a turbulent government handover, ...

Jan 20, 202613 minSeason 2Ep. 1224

January 20th, 2026: Russia Targets Nuclear Power Plants & Secret Venezuela Talks

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: New warnings that Russia may be preparing to strike the power lines feeding Europe’s largest nuclear plant, a move that could threaten reactor cooling systems and raise fears of a potential meltdown. New reporting reveals the United States was quietly in talks with Venezuela’s hardline interior minister months before the raid that removed Nicolás Maduro. The FAA issues new warnings urging caution for flights over parts of Latin America, citing pote...

Jan 20, 202623 minSeason 2Ep. 1223

PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 19th, 2026: Iran TV Hijacked & Venezuela’s New Power Play

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin: First up— Iran’s tightly controlled propaganda apparatus suffers a rare and embarrassing breach, as hackers hijack state television to broadcast footage of exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi and images of anti-government protests the regime has worked to suppress. Later in the show— CIA Director John Ratcliffe makes a high-stakes trip to Caracas, meeting with Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez in the most senior U.S. engagement since Nicolá...

Jan 19, 202615 minSeason 2Ep. 1222

January 19th, 2026: U.S. Deploys Bombers Toward Iran & American Forces Kill ISIS Leader In Syria

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: Bombers, aircraft carriers, and missile defense systems are shifting into position across the Middle East as Washington quietly prepares military options while pressure mounts inside Iran. American forces carry out a third retaliatory strike, killing a militant leader tied to an ISIS ambush that killed three Americans, as CENTCOM works to deter further attacks on U.S. personnel. Newly obtained documents reveal that Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy ...

Jan 19, 202621 minSeason 2Ep. 1221

PDB Situation Report | January 17th, 2026: If the U.S. Hits Iran: A Fighter Pilot Breaks It Down & Venezuela at a Crossroads

In this episode of The PDB Situation Report: Washington says military options against Iran remain firmly on the table. Retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot Ryan Bodenheimer joins us to walk through what a potential U.S. strike on Iran could actually look like, from air superiority to target selection—and the risks involved. Later in the show—political shockwaves out of Venezuela. President Trump meets with opposition leader María Corina Machado as the country enters a dramatic new phase that cou...

Jan 17, 20261 hr 2 min

PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 16th, 2026: U.S. Carrier Strike Group Races Toward Iran & Gaza’s Paper Ceasefire

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: Despite an easing of rhetoric, the United States tightens its military posture toward Iran, moving a carrier strike group into the Middle East. While rhetoric between Washington and Tehran appears to cool, the deployment signals that military pressure—and U.S. options—remain firmly in place. Later in the show—the Gaza ceasefire enters Phase Two…at least on paper. President Donald Trump backs a new transitional governing plan for Gaza, but serious d...

Jan 16, 202615 minSeason 2Ep. 1220

January 16th, 2026: Why President Trump Changed His Mind On Striking Iran & Ukraine Faces Manpower Strain

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: U.S.–Iran tensions appear to ease after days of escalating rhetoric, and new reporting reveals why—President Trump’s closest Gulf allies are quietly urging him not to strike Iran, warning that the regional fallout could be severe. Ukraine’s new defense minister delivers a stark assessment of the war effort, acknowledging widespread desertions and millions avoiding the draft as Russian forces continue pressing their offensive. President Trump threat...

Jan 16, 202624 minSeason 2Ep. 1219

PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 15th, 2026: Iran Protest Momentum Slows & U.S. Cartel Pressure

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin: New reporting suggests Iran’s nationwide protest movement may be losing momentum, following a brutal regime crackdown and a sweeping information blackout that is making it increasingly difficult to assess conditions on the ground. The United States escalates pressure on Mexico to allow U.S. forces to target fentanyl labs, as Washington weighs direct military action against drug cartels in an effort to stem the flow of narcotics into the United State...

Jan 15, 202616 minSeason 2Ep. 1218

January 15th, 2026: How Iran Is Crushing Protests & More Tanker Seizures Ahead

In this episode of The President’s Daily Brief: As Iran’s regime tightens its information blackout, rare eyewitness accounts are beginning to slip through, offering a disturbing look at how Tehran is carrying out its crackdown— from targeted maiming to raids on hospitals and clinics, revealing tactics that go far beyond disputed body counts. The war on the high seas widens, with new reporting that the United States is seeking court warrants to seize dozens of additional Venezuela-linked oil tank...

Jan 15, 202624 minSeason 2Ep. 1217

PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 14th, 2026: Evacuations Begin As US Strike On Iran Looms & America Hits Somali Terror Targets

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin: Diplomacy with Iran appears to be breaking down, as U.S. personnel and civilians are urged to leave key locations amid mounting warnings that a military confrontation may be approaching. The United States launches a new wave of airstrikes in Somalia, targeting ISIS and al-Shabab positions as Washington steps up counterterror operations alongside Somali forces. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President’s Daily Brief by v...

Jan 14, 202615 minSeason 2Ep. 1216

January 14th, 2026: What Could A Strike In Iran Look Like? & A Terror Labeling Shakeup

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: First up—with Iran’s regime now acknowledging mass deaths among protesters and President Trump reviewing his options, we examine what a U.S. strike on Iran could actually look like, from cyber pressure to economic punishment to limited military action. Later in the show—President Trump follows through on a long-standing promise, formally designating three branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations. Plus—Trump prepares to meet wit...

Jan 14, 202625 minSeason 2Ep. 1216

PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 13th, 2026: Trump Speaks Directly To Iran’s Protesters As Crackdown Grows

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin: First up—President Trump issues a direct message to Iranian protesters, urging them to stay in the streets and promising that help is on the way, as pressure mounts on Tehran amid a sweeping crackdown. Later in the show—Ukraine takes the fight far beyond the front lines, striking Russian oil platforms deep inside areas Moscow once viewed as safe, raising new questions about the war’s expanding reach. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium m...

Jan 13, 202616 minSeason 2Ep. 1215

January 13th, 2026: UK Joins U.S. in Seizing Russian Shadow Fleet Tankers & Trump Threatens Cuba

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: The United Kingdom prepares to join the United States in seizing Russian shadow fleet oil tankers at sea, as Moscow’s reflagging gambit raises the risk of direct confrontation between Western forces and Russia. Russian-made air defense systems in Venezuela failed to stop U.S. aircraft during the operation to capture Nicolás Maduro, raising fresh questions about their real-world effectiveness. President Trump issues a stark warning to Cuba following...

Jan 13, 202624 minSeason 2Ep. 1214

PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 12th, 2026: Iran Slaughters Protesters & Hamas Signals Exit

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin: First up— new reporting from Iran indicates coordinated state violence against protesters, with the regime shutting down the internet nationwide to conceal the scale of the crackdown. Human rights groups warn the situation is deteriorating rapidly as President Trump weighs his options. Later in the show— Hamas claims it is ready to dissolve its governing authority in Gaza under a U.S.-brokered plan, but key questions remain over who would take contr...

Jan 12, 202616 minSeason 2Ep. 1213

January 12th, 2026: U.S. Military Preparing to Strike Iran & ISIS Targeted in Syria

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: President Trump weighs strike options against Iran, as the regime unleashes a deadly crackdown on protesters and warns that any U.S. action would trigger retaliation against American forces and Israel. U.S. forces carry out large-scale strikes against Islamic State targets in Syria, signaling Washington’s determination to keep pressure on the terror group despite its degraded state. The United States and Venezuela begin a diplomatic reset, as both ...

Jan 12, 202625 minSeason 2Ep. 1212

PDB Situation Report | January 10th, 2026: Former CIA Caracas Chief Explains What's Next For Venezuela & Iran’s Regime On The Brink

In this episode of The PDB Situation Report: First up—less than a week after a United States special operations mission removed Nicolás Maduro from power, new details are emerging about how the operation unfolded and what comes next for Venezuela. We’re joined by Rick de la Torre, retired Central Intelligence Agency operations officer and former Station Chief in Caracas, with insight into both the mission itself and Washington’s long game in the region. Later in the show—nationwide demonstration...

Jan 10, 202658 min

PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 9th, 2026: Post-Maduro Regime Starts Playing Ball With Trump & Putin Unleashes Hypersonic Missile Near NATO Border

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin : First—Venezuela is making a major concession to the U.S., announcing the release of long detained political prisoners, while signaling it’s ready to talk. But is this real change, or just the actions of a regime trying to buy time under pressure from President Trump? I’ll break it down. Later in the show—Putin responds to ongoing peace efforts by firing off a hypersonic, nuclear-capable missile at a target in Ukraine near the border with NATO—a cle...

Jan 09, 202616 minSeason 2Ep. 1211

January 9th, 2026: Colombian President Backs Down After Call With Trump & Moscow Says No To Peace Again

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: First up—after days of heated rhetoric and even talk of military action, tensions between President Trump and Colombia appear to be easing, with the two leaders now planning a White House meeting. Later in the show—to the surprise of absolutely no one, Russia rejects the latest peace proposal for Ukraine, dismissing Western security guarantees and hardening its stance against NATO. Plus—signs of panic in Tehran, as the Iranian regime shuts down int...

Jan 09, 202625 minSeason 2Ep. 1210

PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 8th, 2026: Iran’s Protesters Just Crossed a Dangerous Line & ICE Shooting Sparks Outrage

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin: Violent clashes spread across Iran as nationwide protests enter their twelfth day, with demonstrators crossing a dangerous new line by burning regime symbols—including statues of Qassem Soleimani—signaling that the unrest has moved beyond economic grievance and into a direct challenge to the regime’s legitimacy. Later in the show—an officer with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement shoots and kills a woman in Minneapolis, sparking public anger a...

Jan 09, 202618 minSeason 2Ep. 1209

January 8th, 2026: Trump’s Endgame in Venezuela: Forcing Out China, Russia, and Iran & Iranian Protesters Make A Dramatic Plea

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: First up—the Trump administration’s endgame in Venezuela is coming into focus, as Washington moves to push rival powers out of the country and reassert U.S. influence over Caracas’s security services and oil sector. Later in the show—dramatic scenes out of Iran, where protesters have reportedly renamed a street after President Trump and issue a stark plea as security forces move to suppress nationwide demonstrations. Plus—new developments in Ukrain...

Jan 08, 202624 minSeason 2Ep. 1208

PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 7th, 2026: U.S. Military Intercepts Sanctioned Russian Oil Ships & Iran Protesters Seize The Streets

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin: The U.S. military seizes two sanctioned oil tankers in the Atlantic, including a Russian vessel that spent weeks trying to evade enforcement tied to illicit Venezuelan oil shipments. We return to Iran, where nationwide protests continue to spread, casualties are mounting, and senior leaders in Tehran are openly signaling that the unrest may be slipping beyond the regime’s control. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The Preside...

Jan 07, 202614 minSeason 2Ep. 1207

January 7th, 2026: Why Maduro’s Fall Is a Strategic Disaster for Putin & Ukraine’s Postwar Plans

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: First up—Russia lashes out over the fall of Nicolás Maduro, but the outrage may be masking a far deeper strategic loss for Vladimir Putin, as Moscow’s influence in the Western Hemisphere takes a serious hit. Later in the show—the strongman is gone, but the crackdown remains, as Venezuelan authorities detain and deport members of the foreign press, raising fresh doubts about any real transition. Plus—new details on what a postwar Ukraine could look ...

Jan 07, 202625 minSeason 2Ep. 1206
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