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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

May 1st, 2025: Inside Ukraine’s Deadly Assassination Program & U.K. Joins Houthi Fight

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: Ukraine confirms it was behind the bombing that killed a top Russian general near Moscow—part of a growing assassination program targeting high-level figures inside Russia. Pakistan claims it has credible intelligence that India plans to launch military strikes within 36 hours, as tensions between the two nuclear powers escalate. The United Kingdom joins the United States in launching airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, marking a...

May 01, 202523 minSeason 2Ep. 862

PDB Afternoon Bulletin | April 30th, 2025: China Caves On More Tariffs—Exempts List Of US Goods & Why Trump May Be Turning On Putin

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin : First, China is reportedly caving on tariffs, quietly issuing a list of U.S.-made products that are exempt from the duties as the financial impact wreaks havoc on their export dependent economy. But it's not all sunshine for the U.S. economy, which shrank over the first quarter of the year. Later in the show—we’re learning more details about the pivotal meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Vatican...

Apr 30, 202514 min

April 30th, 2025: The Real Reason Behind Putin’s Three-Day Ceasefire & Sectarian Clashes Continue In Syria

In this episode of The President’s Daily Brief: We begin with Vladimir Putin’s surprise announcement of a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine. The Kremlin says it’s a humanitarian gesture—but we’ll break down what’s really behind the timing. Then, we turn to Syria, where sectarian clashes near Damascus have left 13 people dead. We’ll examine the growing instability and what triggered the violence. Plus, a widespread blackout across Europe is being blamed on solar plant failures. We’ll look at what ha...

Apr 30, 202523 minSeason 2Ep. 860

PDB Afternoon Bulletin | April 29th, 2025: Trump Slams The Border Shut In First 100 Days & Canada's Liberal Party Pulls Off Historic Election Comeback

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin : We’ll begin today with an update on Donald Trump’s sweeping immigration crackdown, and where things stand at the southern border after the president’s first 100 days in office. Later in the show—Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and his Liberal Party won Canada’s national election on Monday, pulling off a historic political comeback over a conservative opposition that was leading in the polls by a wide margin just months ago. The Liberal Party wi...

Apr 29, 202516 minSeason 2Ep. 859

April 29th, 2025: Factories Shutting Down In China As Tariff War Bites & North Korea’s Dirty Secret Confirmed

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: U.S. tariffs are hitting China hard, forcing factories to shut down production lines and scramble for new customers as orders dry up. The world's worst kept secret is now official—North Korean soldiers are fighting alongside Russian forces, and President Putin is giving them a public nod of appreciation. The Trump administration is quietly game-planning for a potential restart of talks with North Korea, including a possible new face-to-face meeting...

Apr 29, 202524 minSeason 2Ep. 858

PDB Afternoon Bulletin | April 28th, 2025: Putin Announces Ceasefire In Ukraine & Pakistan Warns Of Imminent Indian Military Incursion

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin : First, following a pivotal meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of Pope Francis’s funeral at the Vatican, Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a temporary, three-day ceasefire in Ukraine. But the international community remains highly skeptical of his motives. Later in the show—an update on the brewing conflict between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan, as their for...

Apr 28, 202515 minSeason 2Ep. 857

April 28th, 2025: Border Patrol and Mexico Crush Cartel Posts — Cartels Launch Bloody Retaliation & Trump-Zelensky Private Talks

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: A major cartel crackdown at the southern border scores big wins — but sparks bloody retaliation across Mexico. President Trump and Ukraine’s President Zelensky share a private conversation at Pope Francis’s funeral — before Trump delivers a warning to Vladimir Putin. U.S. and Iran conclude their latest round of nuclear talks — but major divisions remain over key issues. And in today’s Back of the Brief: A deadly explosion rocks Iran’s largest comme...

Apr 28, 202522 minSeason 2Ep. 856

PDB Situation Report | April 26th, 2025: Inside China’s Struggling Economy & Kashmir Attack Sparks Crisis Between Nuclear Rivals

In this episode of The PDB Situation Report : The U.S.-China tariff war continues to simmer. Washington floats the idea of cutting tariffs—while Beijing warns the world not to strike deals with America at its expense. Christopher Balding, a leading expert on Chinese financial markets, joins us to break it down. A brutal terrorist attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir leaves 26 civilians dead. Now, tensions are rising between India and Pakistan—two nuclear-armed rivals. Intelligence analyst Siddhan...

Apr 26, 20251 hr 6 min

PDB Afternoon Bulletin | April 25th, 2025: China Blinks Again: Beijing Lifts Tariffs On Some US Goods & India, Pakistan Exchange Gunfire As Tensions Soar

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin : First, with their economy buckling under the weight of steep U.S. tariffs, it appears China is making a move towards de-escalation, reportedly granting exemptions for certain critical goods, though officials in Beijing are staying quiet about the development. Later in the show—Indian and Pakistani soldiers briefly exchanged fire across the Line of Control in disputed Kashmir on Friday, as fears mount that the two nuclear-armed neighbors are on the ...

Apr 25, 202516 minSeason 2Ep. 855

April 25th, 2025: China Rebukes Trump, Demands US Cancel All Tariffs & India And Pakistan Inch Closer To War

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief : We’ll start things off today with an update on the U.S.-China trade war, as officials in Beijing demand all U.S. tariffs be cancelled and contradict President Trump’s claims that his team has been engaging in direct trade talks with the communist regime. Later in the show—India and Pakistan inch closer to war as New Delhi suspends a landmark water-sharing treaty in the wake of the deadly terror attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Plus—President T...

Apr 25, 202525 minSeason 2Ep. 854

PDB Afternoon Bulletin | April 24th. 2025: FBI: Maduro Weaponizing Gangs Against America & Trump Unloads on Putin & Zelensky

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin : First, in a shocking report, the FBI has alleged that some top Venezuelan government officials have been facilitating the migration of members of the violent gang Tren de Aragua into the US. Later in the show—Russia unleashes a massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv overnight, killing at least 12 people. It marked the biggest attack on the Ukrainian capital this year, and came just hours after peace talks between Washington and Kyiv appeared to f...

Apr 24, 202516 minSeason 2Ep. 853

April 24th, 2025: Cartels Deploy New Tactics At The Border & Abbas Torches Hamas

In this episode of The President’s Daily Brief: We begin at the southern border, where Trump’s immigration crackdown is pressuring Mexican cartels to shift tactics—some now targeting Americans in alarming new ways. Then, a deadly terror attack in Indian-administered Kashmir leaves dozens dead. A known militant group has claimed responsibility, and Indian forces are already responding with major force. Plus, Hamas signals willingness to release hostages under a new truce proposal—but the Palestin...

Apr 24, 202524 minSeason 2Ep. 852

PDB Afternoon Bulletin | April 23rd, 2025: Trump Signals De-Escalation In Tariff War With China & Zelensky Rejects White House Plan To Cede Crimea To Russia

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin : First, President Donald Trump is reportedly considering cutting tariffs on China "substantially," in the first real sign that the crippling trade war with the communist regime could soon de-escalate. Later in the show—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has poured cold water on a peace proposal from the Trump administration that would recognize Russia’s hold over Crimea, calling it unconstitutional. The comments come in the wake of an ultimatum ...

Apr 23, 202515 minSeason 2Ep. 851

April 23rd, 2025: China’s Rare Earth Ban May Be Backfiring & Rubio Overhauls The State Department

In this episode of The President’s Daily Brief: China’s rare earth export ban was meant to punish the U.S.—but it may be backfiring, as countries around the world rush to cut their dependence on Beijing. The State Department unveils a major reorganization plan aimed at slashing bureaucracy and aligning with President Trump’s America First foreign policy. Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky both signal—for the first time in years—that they may be open to direct talks. And in today’s Back of the...

Apr 23, 202523 minSeason 2Ep. 850

PDB Afternoon Bulletin | April 22nd, 2025: China Unveils Devastating New Hydrogen Bomb & White House Doubles Down On Support Of Embattled Pentagon Chief

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin : We'll begin with an alarming new weapons breakthrough out of China, where researchers for the communist regime recently tested a non-nuclear, hydrogen-based bomb. Later in the show—an update on the latest Signal chat scandal involving Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, as the White House blasts media reports that President Trump is looking to replace his Pentagon chief as "fake news." To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The Pr...

Apr 22, 202515 minSeason 2Ep. 849

April 22nd, 2025: Beijing Now Targeting Members Of Congress & Hamas Recruits Kids

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: China lashes out—Beijing has sanctioned multiple U.S. lawmakers and officials over what it calls “egregious behavior” on Hong Kong. Hamas reportedly recruits 30,000 youths to replenish its militant ranks, including untrained minors. The Trump administration floats a confidential peace deal to Ukraine that would recognize Crimea as Russian and block NATO membership. And in today’s Back of the Brief—President Trump comes to the defense of Pete Hegset...

Apr 22, 202525 minSeason 2Ep. 848

PDB Evening Edition | April 21st, 2025: US Touts 'Very Good Progress' On Iran Nuclear Talks & Hegseth Back In Hot Water Over Second Signal Group Chat

In this episode of The PDB Evening Edition : We’ll start things off with the latest update on the diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Iran, as the Trump administration says "very good progress" is being made, and Tehran says they are working on designing a new framework for a nuclear deal. Later in the show—U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is once again in hot water after fresh revelations that he used a second Signal chat group on his personal phone to discuss sensitive information abou...

Apr 22, 202517 minSeason 2Ep. 847

April 21st, 2025: Signs Emerging That Trump’s Tariff Strategy May Be Working & The ‘Easter Truce’ That Wasn’t

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: President Trump’s tariff strategy appears to be yielding results, with Japan, Indonesia, and others signaling trade deals that could open up massive markets to American exports. Russia’s so-called Easter ceasefire proved hollow, as its military continued launching attacks across Ukraine despite Putin’s pledge. A suspected terrorist long wanted by India has been arrested on American soil—a big development in the growing counterterrorism partnership ...

Apr 21, 202521 minSeason 2Ep. 846

PDB Situation Report | April 19th, 2025: How Long Can The Tariff War Last & A Ground Campaign Coming In Yemen?

In this episode of The PDB Situation Report: Fallout from the U.S.-China tariff war intensifies. Chinese factories are idling, export orders are drying up, and both sides are starting to feel the strain. Preston Brashers from the Heritage Foundation joins us to break down the economic impact—and what might come next. Then we turn to Yemen, where strikes on Houthi rebels are threatening to reignite the country’s long-running civil war. Government forces are reportedly preparing a major ground off...

Apr 19, 202556 min

PDB Afternoon Bulletin | April 18th, 2025: US Accuses China Of Aiding Houthi Attacks & Rubio Threatens To Abandon Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin : We’ll start things off with China, as reports emerge that a satellite company with links to the CCP has been helping the Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen target vessels in the Red Sea. Later in the show—Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the U.S. may walk away from peace talks regarding the war in Ukraine if significant progress is not made in the coming days. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President’s Daily ...

Apr 18, 202516 minSeason 2Ep. 845

April 18th, 2025: China Accused Of Supplying Weapons For Russia's War On Ukraine & UN Warns Iran On Verge Of Building Nuclear Bomb

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief : We’ll start things off with new accusations from Ukrainian President Zelensky, who claims his nation has gathered intelligence that shows China is now supplying Russia with artillery and gunpowder—a major escalation of Beijing’s involvement in Moscow’s war effort. Later in the show—as the US and Iran once again head to the negotiating table this weekend, the UN’s nuclear watchdog chief warns that Tehran is not far from acquiring a nuclear weapon. ...

Apr 18, 202524 minSeason 2Ep. 844

PDB Afternoon Bulletin | April 17th, 2025: Trump Calls Off Strike On Iran & Hamas Struggles To Pay Fighters

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin: President Trump has called off U.S. support for an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear program. Later in the show—Hamas isn’t just losing ground on the battlefield. The group is reportedly in financial freefall, struggling to pay its fighters as war costs mount. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President’s Daily Brief by visiting PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Dai...

Apr 17, 202513 minSeason 2Ep. 843

April 17th, 2025: China Finally Blinks In Tariff War & Gaza Talks Collapse Again

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: China signals a possible retreat in the trade war, saying it’s open to talks—but only if President Trump shows some “respect.” Hamas rejects Israel’s latest ceasefire proposal, which included a pause in fighting and negotiations to disarm Gaza militants. The U.S. and Iran are set to resume nuclear talks in Rome, but Tehran says uranium enrichment is off the table. And in today’s Back of the Brief: A Pentagon shakeup—two senior Defense Department of...

Apr 17, 202521 minSeason 2Ep. 842

PDB Afternoon Bulletin | April 16th, 2025: Chinese Weaponize TikTok In Tariff War & U.S. To Reduce Troops Numbers In Syria

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin : China unleashes a new tactic in the ongoing tariff war, weaponizing TikTok to convince American consumers they're massively overpaying for luxury goods. We'll explain how viral videos are reshaping perceptions and why this strategy matters. Later, the United States is reportedly preparing a major drawdown in Syria, potentially cutting troop numbers in half. We'll discuss what this means for regional stability and America's future role in the Middle...

Apr 16, 202515 minSeason 2Ep. 841

April 16th, 2025: Trump’s Tariffs Crush China’s Chip Market & A Wave Of Narco Terror In France

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: Fallout from Trump’s tariff blitz is hitting hard in China, where chip traders say business has all but collapsed. Following weeks of U.S. airstrikes, Yemen’s government may be preparing a ground offensive against Houthi rebels. France is rocked by coordinated attacks on its prisons, as gunmen torch vehicles and fire on facilities amid a crackdown on cocaine trafficking. Back of the Brief: Caribbean leaders warn Haiti’s government may soon collapse...

Apr 16, 202523 minSeason 2Ep. 840

PDB Afternoon Bulletin | April 15th, 2025: China Halts Rare Earth Exports In Latest Retaliation & Illegal Border Crossings Plummet To Record Lows

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin : First, the U.S.-China tariff war is taking another alarming turn, as China stops shipments of essential rare earth metals and magnets, imperiling U.S. industries reliant on Beijing’s minerals monopoly. Later in the show—we turn to the southern border, where according to new data from US Customs and Border Protection, illegal migrant crossings have plummeted to a record low under the Trump administration. To listen to the show ad-free, become a prem...

Apr 15, 202515 minSeason 2Ep. 839

April 15th, 2025: Iranian Leaders Drop The Mask: “We Want the Bomb” & Israel’s Veterans Demand Peace

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: The United States and Iran are heading back to the negotiating table for another round of nuclear talks—but at the same time, top Iranian officials are now openly advocating for the development of a nuclear bomb. Washington and Riyadh are on the verge of finalizing a nuclear cooperation deal, signaling a major milestone in Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to develop atomic energy. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under growing pressure at home....

Apr 15, 202524 minSeason 2Ep. 838

PDB Afternoon Bulletin | April 14th, 2025: Chinese Factories Halt And Ports Jammed In Trade War Fallout & Russian Missile Attacks Rocks Ukraine

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin: Trouble is brewing at China’s biggest ports. With factories slowing and exports backing up, the pressure from President Trump’s new tariffs is starting to show. Russia marks Palm Sunday with a deadly missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy. At least 30 civilians are reported dead, underscoring President Putin’s continued defiance of peace efforts. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President’s Daily Brief by visiting ...

Apr 14, 202514 minSeason 2Ep. 837

April 14th, 2025: Trump Rolls Back China Tariffs & American And Iranian Officials Meet Face-To-Face

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: The White House is easing off the gas in the trade war with China—at least for now. Smartphones, hard drives, and other electronics are getting a last-minute exemption from steep new tariffs. American and Iranian officials meet face-to-face in Oman for the first time in years. The White House calls the meeting “constructive,” raising hopes for a potential thaw in relations. President Trump unveils his plan to buy Greenland. There’s no invasion invo...

Apr 14, 202523 minSeason 2Ep. 836

PDB Situation Report | April 12th, 2025: Can China Survive A Tariff War? & Russia Launches Spring Offensive

In this episode of The PDB Situation Report: President Trump pulls back on tariffs—except when it comes to China. Gordon Chang joins us to explain what this economic clash means for the global economy—and why it could hurt China more than the United States. On the battlefield, both Russia and Ukraine have launched fresh offensives, with fighting intensifying on multiple fronts. George Barros from the Institute for the Study of War breaks down what’s driving the new surge in combat—and what could...

Apr 12, 202553 min
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