Anderson Cooper 360

President Trump continues to face blowback from within his own base over the Justice Department's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. Now he says questions about the case and all the action against him by Democrats over the years are “all the same hoax." Award-winning investigative reporter Julie K. Brown, of The Miami Herald, has been digging into the Epstein saga from the beginning. She's also the author of "Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If President Trump trying to put the lid on the Jeffrey Epstein story, why does he keep talking about what's in the pot? Plus, the President defends his decision to give Russia more than a month and a half to come to terms with Ukraine even as Moscow continues its attacks.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Jeffrey Epstein case divides Trump world, with one staunch ally calling for a special counsel, and the #2 man at the FBI on very shaky ground. Plus, former President Obama's tough message for Democrats and who he thinks the party should focus on as they search for future leaders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Multiple sources say the FBI's number two was a no show at work today. Dan Bongino, the Deputy Director of the FBI, has told people he is considering resigning amid a major clash between the FBI and Justice Department over the continued fallout from the release of the Jeffrey Epstein memo, sources familiar with the matter told CNN. Plus, a week after people in Texas Hill Country woke up to the worst of the flooding, President Trump tours the area and questions continue over FEMA's delayed response. Anderson speaks to Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz, who is calling for a formal investigation into FEMA's response to the flooding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hear what a firefighter told a dispatcher as floodwaters rose in central Texas, and what that says about the timeliness of the emergency response that followed. Plus, the broad-daylight assassination of a senior intelligence officer on a street in Ukraine. Was it payback for a string of daring Ukrainian operations inside Russia? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the death toll climbs in Texas, FEMA insiders tell us that internal red tape and cost-cutting slowed their response to the state's flooding, in some cases, by days. Plus, Vladimir Putin ramps up deadly strikes on Ukraine, and President Trump is asked again about those delayed shipments of weapons to Kyiv. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Devastating news from Texas Governor Greg Abbott who announced that 161 people are missing in Kerr County alone after last week's flooding. That brings the total missing across the region to more than 170 people and at least 111 people are dead. CNN's Ed Lavandera and Shimon Prokupecz are on the ground in Texas with the latest. Plus, Anderson speaks to United Cajun Navy Chaplain Tony Dickey, who is providing emotional and spiritual support to families and first responders in the community. And a change in tone from President Trump when it comes to Vladimir Putin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Guadalupe River in Texas rose more than 20 feet in the predawn morning of Independence Day, killing over 100 people and leaving dozens more missing. Anderson speaks with one of the volunteer groups in Texas helping with search and rescue efforts.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump takes a victory lap on his big bill. But will he still be celebrating when the political bill comes due and millions of Americans may be hurt by it? Plus, an alternate juror in the Sean "Diddy" Combs trial speaks exclusively to CNN's Laura Coates on the prosecution evidence that landed, and more that didn't.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean "Diddy" Combs is acquitted of the most serious charges against him, convicted of the rest, and denied bail by a judge who cited the defense's own admissions of Combs's violence. What that means for Combs's sentencing. Plus, President Trump's sprawling policy bill stalls for hours, as Republicans try to round up votes from within their own ranks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jurors agree on some, but not all, of the counts in the Sean Combs sex trafficking trial. The judge has asked jurors to continue deliberating after they said they are unable to reach a verdict on one of the five counts. What their partial verdict may say about what their final decision will be. Plus, inside President Trump's newest migrant detention center, who it will house, and the opposition to it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A marathon Senate voting session is underway, known as a “vote-a-rama,” where lawmakers are offering changes to President Donald Trump's “big, beautiful bill” before a final vote. Meanwhile, Elon Musk tells Republicans: vote yes and say goodbye to another term. Plus, the man accused of murdering four college students takes a plea deal. How it came about and where it leaves four families seeking justice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Supreme Court ruled to limit the ability of lower courts to issue nationwide orders that temporarily stop the government from enforcing a policy, giving presidents more unchallenged power. President Trump says he'll use it. Plus, new satellite new photos show earth-moving equipment at the Fordow nuclear site in Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The ceasefire between Israel and Iran continues to hold, but many questions remain about exactly what the state of Iran's nuclear capabilities are, as well as what their intentions are, and what will happen next. Today, members of the Senate were briefed behind closed doors by the administration with many emerging from the meeting divided over what they heard. Anderson speaks to Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley who sits on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, former senior operations manager with the CIA Norman Roule, and retired Air Force general and former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Philip Breedlove. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump says the U.S. will meet with Iran "next week" about a potential nuclear agreement and maintains the strikes against the country's nuclear facilities caused "total obliteration.” Meanwhile, CIA Director John Ratcliffe on Wednesday issued a statement saying the agency had obtained “a body of credible evidence (that) indicates Iran's Nuclear Program has been severely damaged by the recent, targeted strikes.” He goes on to say, “This includes new intelligence from a historically reliable and accurate source/method that several key Iranian nuclear facilities were destroyed and would have to be rebuilt over the course of years.” This comes after an early U.S. intelligence assessment found the U.S. strikes on three nuclear sites over the weekend did not destroy the core components of Iran's nuclear program and likely only set it back by months, according to sources briefed on the report. Anderson speaks to Norman Roule, a former senior operations manager with the CIA, who is now a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and former U.N. Weapons Inspector David Albright. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The U.S. military's strikes on three of Iran's nuclear facilities over the weekend did not destroy the core components of its nuclear program and likely only set it back by months, according to an early U.S. intelligence assessment that was described by sources briefed on it. The White House acknowledged the existence of the assessment but said it disagreed with it. Plus, those concerned about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza for Palestinians and the health and safety of hostages being held by Hamas and others are hoping attention will return to negotiations for a deal on a ceasefire and hostage return. Anderson speaks to Rachel Golberg and Jon Polin, whose son Hersh was taken hostage during the October 7th attacks and executed by Hamas.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump has announced on social media an Israel-Iran ceasefire. The White House says Israel agreed to it on the condition Iran stops its strikes.  And Iran's foreign minister says Tehran has “no intention to continue our response” if Israel stops attacks first.  Anderson has all the new developments from Tel Aviv.  Plus, he gets reaction from two lawmakers in Washington, Alaska Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski and Colorado Democratic Congressman Jason Crow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tensions continue to rise in the Middle East with Israel and Iran trading more missile fire. Anderson reports live from Tel Aviv. And, Brett McGurk, the former Middle East & North Africa Coordinator for the National Security Council, talks about how we got to this point. “Right now, this is blowback on decisions that Iran has made from October 7th on,” said McGurk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN's Fred Pleitgen is in Tehran, Iran where he and his team have been hearing an increase in aerial activity over the city. Plus, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi talks with Anderson about a key report from the agency that has fueled arguments on both sides of this fight about how close Iran is to a nuclear weapon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump held a Situation Room meeting Wednesday afternoon to discuss U.S. options in the Israel-Iran conflict. A person familiar with the matter told CNN that the President has reviewed attack plans for Iran, but is holding off to see if Tehran steps back from its nuclear program.  Plus, how domestic politics and a political divide the President faces over deeper American involvement overseas, could shape the coming days. Anderson is live from Tel Aviv.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Iran and Israel are exchanging strikes for a sixth day, with Israel's defense minister saying the country plans on striking “very significant targets in Tehran," and Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei posting on social media, “In the name of the noble Haidar, the battle begins.” President Trump has demanded an “unconditional surrender” by Iran, and met Tuesday with his national security team, according to the White House. Before the meeting, he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to an Israeli source familiar with the matter. All this as the President weighs further U.S. involvement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump gives a dire warning to people in Tehran tonight, posting on Truth Social "Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!"  This comes as the President leaves the G7 summit in Canada early to fly back to Washington due to the situation in the Middle East. Plus, with a suspect in court, two people dead and two more wounded, authorities in Minnesota detail how much worse the alleged plot might have been. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More explosions tonight in Tehran and Iran fires retaliatory strikes on Israel as the conflict between the two countries escalates. This follows Israel's unprecedented attack early Friday on Iranian nuclear and military targets, which killed some of the country's most senior leaders. And a senior Iranian official tells CNN his country will target the regional bases of any country that defends Israel. Earlier today, U.S, and Israeli sources told CNN the U.S. military had helped to intercept Iranian missiles launched against Israel. And one Israeli source told CNN other countries in the region had also supported Israeli air defenses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Breaking news tonight, Israel has launched "preemptive strikes" against Iran targeting its nuclear program and its long-range missile capabilities, an Israeli military official said. Sirens sounded across Jerusalem as a state of emergency was declared in Israel. CNN's Oren Liebermann joins 360° from Jerusalem, Kristen Holmes has the White House reaction from Washington, DC. Plus, Anderson talks with former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Parts of downtown Los Angeles remain under a curfew for the second night in a row as ICE raid protests continue. Meanwhile, similar protests are popping up in other U.S. cities, including New York, Raleigh, and San Antonio. More demonstrations are planned this week. Plus, the Trump administration is making moves to relocate some Americans out of the Middle East amid heightened security concerns and tensions ratcheting up between Israel and Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced a local emergency curfew will be in effect for parts of downtown Los Angeles starting tonight, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time. As protests grow to other cities, Nick Watt is on the ground in Los Angeles, Shimon Prokupecz is live from New York, and Whitney Wild has the latest from Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Protests over ICE deportation raids are heating up in Los Angeles for the fourth night in a row. About 300 National Guard members are now deployed in the city, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom's office, with about 1,600 more nearby, awaiting orders. And now President Trump has ordered the Department of Defense to deploy an additional 2,000 guard members. CNN's Erin Burnett, Kyung Lah and Jason Carroll are on the ground with the latest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The man mistakenly deported to an El Salvadorian prison has been returned to the United States and indicted. We are now learning the prosecutor in charge has resigned over it. Plus, what Elon Musk and Donald Trump are saying now about their breakup. Also, a look at how Musk's insinuation about the President and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is landing with the MAGA faithful.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Elon Musk and Donald Trump's very public breakup has gotten loud and full of threats and allegations.  How it happened, and what the fallout could be. Few journalists have as much insight into Musk as CNN Contributor Kara Swisher, who predicted that the Trump-Musk alliance would not end well. Swisher shares her reaction to today's drama. Plus, a live report on what could be Russia's answer to Ukraine's drone strikes over the weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Breaking news on a travel ban proclamation that President Trump has signed regarding a number of countries in Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean. CNN's Chief White House Correspondent Kaitlan Collins has the new reporting.  Plus, as new video emerges of Ukraine's drone strike on Russia, President Trump talks to Putin. But it's unknown if the President said anything to try and stop the Russian leader from launching a counterstrike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just days after leaving the administration, Elon Musk lays into President Trump's so-called "big, beautiful bill” calling it a "disgusting abomination.” Anderson looks at how the White House and Congress are reacting. Plus, Kara Swisher and Anthony Scaramucci weigh-in on Musk's message. And, is the President turning on the Supreme Court justices he nominated? Trump's new war of words on the court. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Colorado, a peaceful march is targeted in what authorities are calling an antisemitic terror attack. We have the latest on the investigation and hear from a witness. Plus, Ukraine's stunning drone strikes on Russia's strategic bomber fleet. How they did it and how it could usher in a new era in warfare all around the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Covid confusion as Health and Human Service Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says "no" to those shots for kids, but the CDC says otherwise. Plus, how Taylor Swift won the fight to take back control of the best-selling songs she created. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A day after one court put President Trump's tariffs on hold, a higher court lets them go forward, for now. Just one of three rulings today, in more than 200 legal challenges that this second Trump administration is facing. Plus, Anderson's conversation with the CEO of leading AI company Anthropic, and his warning that the technology could have a sudden and devastating impact on American jobs in the next few years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley are out of prison after their presidential pardon. Anderson speaks with their attorney Alex Little. Plus, a U.S. federal court has just blocked the bulk of President Trump's tariffs. Former federal prosecutor Elie Honig and CNN chief political analyst David Axelrod, former senior adviser to President Obama, discuss the new development. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're covering breaking news on presidential pardons. Reality television couple Todd and Julie Chrisley are getting out of federal prison. Plus, SpaceX lost contact with its Starship megarocket while conducting its ninth uncrewed test flight. The spacecraft likely broke apart over the Indian Ocean after losing control upon reentry to Earth. CNN Aerospace Analyst Miles O'Brien and CNN Space Analyst Kristin Fisher join our live coverage.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We have breaking news in the Trump administration's battle with Harvard University. Details on what a federal judge said about the case and what happens next. Plus, tech journalist and podcast host Kara Swisher on the president's push to have iPhones and others built in America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New details on what investigators and witnesses are revealing about the suspected gunman arrested for the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers. Plus, San Diego officials are looking into what caused a private jet to crash into a neighborhood in the middle of the night killing people on board and leaving a trail of destruction.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another Oval Office ambush. First it was Zelensky and now President Trump confronts South Africa's president. His facts, however, don't add up. Plus, it turns out Newark Airport isn't alone with trouble in their skies. New reporting shows what appears to be a nationwide problem with old technology, stressed out controllers, and close calls in the air. Also, we check in with the guy who hated his job, quit, and is now sailing the high seas by himself.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Breaking news, a judge reportedly tells the Trump administration to find the plane they placed deported migrants on and see if it can be turned around. Attorneys for Vietnamese and Burmese migrants alleged in a new emergency motion Tuesday that the Trump administration deported their clients to South Sudan in violation of a previous court order. Plus, former FBI Director James Comey speaks to AC360, just days after the Secret Service called him in for questioning about what some administration officials say was a call for President Trump's assassination. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump's phone calls with Putin and Zelensky were supposed to jumpstart the peace process and ultimately end the war, but now the president is signaling he could completely back away. Plus, CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta, on former President Biden's shocking cancer diagnosis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New video released tonight of a daring jail break in New Orleans. Authorities say the inmates should be considered "armed and dangerous," and that they might have had help from a guard or someone in law enforcement.  Plus, a photo of the numbers "86 47", in seashells, and why President Trump is saying they add up to a call for his assassination by former FBI Director James Comey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices