Inside Politics

As today's show begins, Supreme Court justices are hearing arguments in two cases that could determine whether states could ban transgender athletes from playing in women's and girls' sports.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump's Justice Department opens a criminal investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell having to do with a multimillion dollar renovation project at the central bank's headquarters. The government's unprecedented action prompts an equally unprecedented rebuke from Powell.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Manu Raju explores the high tensions following the Minneapolis shooting and its labeling as domestic terrorism by the Trump administration. He discusses the consequences of such hastily drawn conclusions and gets insights from Minnesota Senator Tina Smith. The show also dives into President Trump's foreign policy ambitions, including a potentially contentious stance on Greenland, and assesses his influence on the Republican party ahead of the midterm elections. Additionally, the episode features an interview with Mary Claire Nik, author of a new book providing an oral history of January 6th, detailing the personal accounts and perspectives from that pivotal day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From coast to coast, protests are erupting after an American citizen was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. It comes as another shooting involving a federal border patrol agent in Portland adds to the scrutiny over President Trump's immigration crackdown.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's show begins just after a press conference by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in New York. While she continued to place the blame for an ICE officer's deadly shooting entirely on the victim, she also said there needs to be an investigation.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins we head straight to the White House, where Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is addressing reporters in the briefing room for the first time since Saturday's military operation in Venezuela.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The White House says the Venezuela strike is just the beginning. Who should be on watch? Neighboring countries are trying to game out what the United States might do next, as is Greenland. As for the president's mindset right now, the Commander in Chief spent the morning with House Republicans, reveling in America's military might.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Manu Raju delves into the stunning arrest of Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro on US soil and its global implications. The episode features extensive coverage and expert analyses on the US military's Operation Absolute Resolve, the geopolitical impacts, and the legal ramifications. Trump's former Venezuela Envoy, retired military officers, and seasoned journalists discuss the future of Venezuela under US control, the international reaction, and the potential precedents set by this bold move. The episode also parallels past US regime changes and explores the country's foreign policy strategy moving forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump kicked off the new year with a remarkably candid interview in the Washington Post in which he talks about his age, hand bruising, aspirin use, and why he doesn't like to work out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In what could be a significant escalation in the US pressure campaign against Venezuela, sources tell CNN the CIA carried out a drone strike on a port facility on the Venezuelan coast. It's the first known US attack inside the country.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump just wrapped up a call with Russia's Vladimir Putin just hours after a face to face with the Ukrainian president. But did any of the sticking points get resolved?   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the president, nears his one year mark. Manu dives into his polling slump and ask what's in store for 2026. Plus, with midterms on the mind, can Democrats actually land the plane? A Zohran Mamdanidigital guru joins the show to discuss what works best. And, Manu's most notable moments from a busy year in the halls of Congress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Volodymyr Zelensky says he'll meet with President Trump on Sunday. Could we finally be on the verge of peace in Ukraine?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While many are focusing on last-minute gifts today, the Trump Administration is in deep damage control as they attempt to quell the fallout from the latest Epstein documents release. And additional documents are expected to drop throughout the next week. CNN's Kevin Liptak begins our coverage in West Palm Beach, Florida, where President Trump is celebrating Christmas at Mar-a-Lago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins, CNN reporters are combing through more than 30,000 new Epstein documents released overnight by the Justice Department. Unlike the first tranche of files released last week that featured heavy redactions and few mentions of President Trump, this time we're seeing his name again and again. So what have we learned? The big headline so far, according to a 2020 email from a federal prosecutor in New York, is that Trump traveled on Epstein's private jet at least eight times, once with just Epstein and a 20-year-old.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump's base is signaling a complicated path for the America-first movement, based on thousands of MAGA faithful turning out over the weekend for the Turning Point USA annual summit. Was it a turning point for the MAGA movement?    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A deep into the heated controversy surrounding the partial release of the Epstein files, which has led to allegations of a coverup and questions about President Trump's handling of the situation. The episode also explores new CNN polling about the 2028 presidential election, revealing voters' preferences and key traits they seek in candidates. Additionally, legendary rocker Gene Simmons visits Capitol Hill to advocate for the American Fairness Music Act and shares insights on his relationship with President Trump and his views on the MAGA movement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tension grips Washington as we wait to see if the Justice Department meet its deadline and releases the Epstein files by midnight. Whatever happens, Democrats are already crying foul, claiming comments from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanch suggest they might not get everything that they are required to release.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just before we came on the air today, House Democrats released -- without context -- five new photos from the Epstein estate. They arrive just a day before the deadline Congress set for the DOJ to release all the Epstein files.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A mini revolt of endangered moderate Republicans turning on their leadership over health care forces House Speaker Mike Johnson to insist "I haven't lost control." As Manu Raji reports, it's not exactly a sound bite the GOP wants out there.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why did White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles do an extraordinarily candid interview with Vanity Fair? That's the question on the minds of everyone both in and out of Trump World. Dana and her panel take a deep dive into Wiles' words, which include describing her boss as having an "alcoholic's personality."    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins, Nick Reiner, son of Hollywood icon Rob Reiner, has just been taken into custody after both of his parents were found dead in their home last night of what police call a "homicide." CNN's Josh Campbell reports from Los Angeles     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into our in-depth coverage on the tragic mass shootings in Rhode Island and Australia. Follow along with our expert panel as we dissect these heart-wrenching events and their implications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee release new photos of powerful people captured in Jeffrey Epstein's orbit. They include Donald Trump before he was president, as well as Steve Bannon, Bill Clinton, and Woody Allen. It's not clear where or when these photos were taken, but it's important to note that none depict any sexual misconduct, nor are they believed to depict underage girls. But they do give you a behind the scenes look at how Epstein was connected with some of the most powerful men in the world.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins, the Senate is voting on competing health plans from Democrats and Republicans. But don't hold your breath for a Christmas miracle, as both plans were expected to fail, which means in just 20 days, 24 million Americans who rely on Obamacare subsidies will face crippling health care costs unless something dramatically changes.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump claims he wants to "make America affordable again." Is it just lip service? He's in Pennsylvania today where he visited a swing district to speak to Americans struggling with high prices. But his message was ... confusing?    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Asked today what grade he'd give the US economy, President Trump responded, "An A plus plus plus plus!" This, despite poll after poll showing most Americans disagree. But the real question is, what will midterm election voters think?    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Supreme Court is hearing arguments in a case that could permanently hand over even more power to the president of the United States. The court's conservatives signaled they seem likely to side with the White House and overturn 90 years of precedent. And it's a case that could give the president more power to fire anyone for any reason.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of 'Inside Politics Sunday,' the discussion focuses on the Republican Party's struggle with affordability issues and Donald Trump's disconnect from economic realities. The show features a one-on-one interview with Pennsylvania Republican Brian Fitzpatrick, who criticizes the GOP's lack of focus on critical issues like healthcare premiums. The episode also covers the potential Senate run of progressive Democrat Jasmine Crockett in Texas, and the controversial tenure of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, including his handling of military strikes and internal Pentagon issues. Additionally, the program highlights the unique political scenario with Texas Congressman Troy Nehls not seeking reelection, paving the way for his identical twin brother Trevor Nehls to run for his seat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A vaccine advisory panel handpicked by the HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. voted to end the longstanding recommendation to give all newborns the Hepatitis b vaccine. The CDC said more than 6 million cases were prevented by routine vaccines over the past 30 years. But today, the panel recommended delaying the dose until a child is two months old. The recommendation heads to the CDC director for approval. CNN medical analyst Dr. Jonathan Reiner joins the show to discuss.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A man in Woodbridge, Virginia is arrested in the DC pipe bomber case from five years ago. Meanwhile, not far away on Capitol Hill, Admiral Frank Bradley and Joint Chiefs Chair General Dan Caine brief top senators on the disputed double tap boat strike, making the case that those survivors appeared to be radioing for help and could have continued trafficking drugs, which made them legitimate targets.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ICE agents are descending on two more blue cities, with threats of more on deck. New Orleans and Minneapolis are bracing for major deportation operations, the next steps in the administration's immigration crackdown. Our Priscilla Alvarez is learning that ICE is aiming to arrest 5,000 in the Big Easy, while in the Twin Cities the targets will be undocumented immigrants from Somalia, who President Trump has been talking about in increasingly racist terms in recent days.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's show begins as President Trump is in the middle of what he said is the final Cabinet meeting of the year. Following an evaluation by Pete Hegseth, Dana and her panel analyze the defense secretary's words, especially his defense of the admiral accused of a "double tap" strike that killed survivors of a September US attack against a suspected Venezuelan drug boat.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did the Pentagon order a second strike to kill injured survivors after the US military attacked a suspected drug boat off the coast of Venezuela? If so, it could be a war crime, and it's leading to the most significant GOP demands for oversight since President Trump took office.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump threatens military action in Venezuela while at home in the wake of a National Guard shooting he clamps down on immigration. Is his furious reaction overreach?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is promising his harshest immigration crackdown yet after a shooting in Washington, DC left one National Guard member dead and another in critical condition. The suspected shooter, a 29-year-old Afghan national who worked with the US government during the war, came to the United States in 2021 through a program created under the Biden Administration. He was granted asylum under the Trump Administration on Thanksgiving call with US troops.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We begin today's special Thanksgiving Day show with new developments on the man accused of gunning down two young National Guard members in the nation's capital. The CIA revealed that the 29-year-old Afghan national actually worked with the US government during the war. He was resettled in the US after that chaotic withdrawal four years ago, part of a program to protect those who helped Americans from Taliban retribution. Now, prosecutors say he was living in Washington state and allegedly drove across the country to carry out the attack.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Six democrats on Capitol Hill are now under federal investigation over their video urging service members to reject illegal orders. The lawmakers say President Trump is "using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress." The administration is acutely focused on Senator Mark Kelly, a decorated and retired Navy captain. The Pentagon has threatened to demote him, dock his pension, and even prosecute him.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The White House says Russia and Ukraine are on the verge of a peace deal. Volodymyr Zelensky could come to Washington as soon as this week to finalize the plan to end the unprovoked war Vladimir Putin initiated. The White House press secretary bragged of tremendous progress but added, "There are a few delicate but not insurmountable details that must be sorted out and will require further talks." So the question becomes, what does Russia think about all of this?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On December 31st, health care premiums are set to spike for 22 million Americans who buy their insurance on the Obamacare exchanges. It's why Democrats shut down the government. They had demanded Republicans extend subsidies to help offset those costs. Democrats lost that fight, but Republicans know the politics aren't exactly on their side. So today, sources tell CNN the president will unveil a new plan to temporarily extend subsidies without restrictions while Republicans keep working to come up with a longer term health insurance plan.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Manu Raju covers a tumultuous week for President Trump and the GOP. It highlights Trump's declining poll numbers, internal party fractures, notably the resignation of Marjorie Taylor Green, and growing discomfort among Republicans over various issues, including the Epstein files and Trump's call to jail Democrats. The panel of experts discusses the midterm elections, the potential impacts of gerrymandering, and the looming threat of GOP losses. The show features an interview with Texas Congressman Wesley Hunt, who is challenging Senator John Cornyn, revealing internal GOP conflicts regarding his candidacy. Additionally, the episode touches on Trump's extensive and controversial remodeling projects, including plans to renovate golf courses with Jack Nicklaus and updates to the White House ballroom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we take a deep dive into today's Oval Office meeting between New Yorkers: the city's mayor-elect and the nation's president. President Trump Zohran Mamdani are two dramatically different people with dramatically different worldviews. Each sees the other as a problematic partner but pitch-perfect foil.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices