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, 2025•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2025•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2025•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2025•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2025•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2025•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2025•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2025•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2025•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast On State of the Union, Dana Bash challenges Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance on why he's continuing to spread baseless rumors about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. Then, Springfield Mayor Rob Rue joins Dana to respond to Vance and discuss the security threats in his town. Next, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro breaks down the neck-and-neck race in his critical state. Finally, the panel discusses Trump's struggle to stay on message post-debate and the latest polling in th...
Sep 16, 2024•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast On CNN’s State of the Union, Former 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg joins Dana to discuss how he thinks Vice President Kamala Harris should handle Republican attacks over the Afghanistan withdrawal. Then, Dana presses Sen. Tom Cotton on the Georgia school shooting and DOJ allegations of Russian support for right-wing media. Next, Democratic Sen. John Fetterman joins Dana to provide insight into what rural Pennsylvania voters want in the 2024 presidential race. After that, t...
Sep 09, 2024•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast On CNN’s State of the Union, IDF International Spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani joins Dana to discuss the tragic news that the bodies of six hostages, including an American citizen, have been recovered from Gaza. Then, the parents of another Israeli-American still being held hostage in Gaza tell Dana that more needs to be done by Israeli and American leaders to secure the hostages’ relea3se. Next, Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff joins Dana to react to the tragic news out of Israel and to discuss...
Sep 02, 2024•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast On CNN’s State of the Union, Democratic Sen. Cory Booker joins Jake to unpack the Democratic National Convention and the challenges facing the Harris campaign between now and November. Next, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham joins Jake to discuss Trump’s struggle to settle on a consistent message against Harris. Then, CNN Senior Political Commentator Scott Jennings, CNN Political Commentators Karen Finney and Kate Bedingfield, and Republican strategist Brad Todd join Jake to break down how Harris i...
Aug 26, 2024•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast On CNN’s State of the Union, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joins Jake Tapper to discuss what Vice President Harris’ candidacy means for Democrats’ efforts to take back the House. Then, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker sits down with Jake to preview the Chicago convention, as well as the risk for protests targeting the DNC. Next, Jake presses New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu over Trump’s personal attacks against Vice President Harris. Finally, CNN Senior Political Commentators David Urban and D...
Aug 19, 2024•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
