Inside Politics

As today's Inside Politics begins, top European leaders are about to arrive in Washington for a pivotal meeting with President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. More than three years after Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine, the stakes could not be higher for that sovereign democracy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeff Zeleny hosts this Sunday's edition. President Trump's implications in US-Russia relations, the stakes for Ukraine's President Zelensky ahead of a crucial meeting with Trump and European leaders, and the geopolitical tension surrounding Ukraine's conflict with Russia. The segment also explores US domestic politics, focusing on redistricting efforts in California and Texas, with insights from reporters and political analysts on how these moves might redefine the landscape for upcoming midterm elections. Additionally, the show delves into Trump's law and order narrative, positioning around crime in DC, and touches on the historical diplomatic significance of Alaska in US-Russia relations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jake Tapper steers the Inside Politics ship today live from Anchorage, where President Trump is scheduled to touch down for his historic summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin and try to end the Russia-Ukraine war Trump vowed to end within the first 24 hours of his second term. Today will be their very first face- to-face meeting in more than six years, and potentially the most consequential.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The White House and the Kremlin are gearing up for what could be a defining moment in global diplomacy, as both President Trump and Putin get a head start on tomorrow's psychological chess with new public comments this morning.  Plus: President Trump is ramping up his federal police takeover of Washington DC, putting more national guardsmen on duty and expanding the mission to round the clock enforcement.  And: Two political titans of the Obama years join us for a strategy session on the question plaguing their party: What is the Democrat's path back to power?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We begin today's show during another lengthy, wide-ranging press conference by President Trump, this one coming after he announced the latest Kennedy Center honorees. Our in-depth analysis of his comments begins with CNN's Kristen Holmes.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: President Trump says his unprecedented takeover of the Washington, DC police could extend to other cities across the country. But is the new White House push. about public protection or political posturing? Or maybe both?  Plus: The Texas House just failed to meet a quorum for the fifth time in a row as the Republican governor warns redistricting is inevitable.  And: The president picks a MAGA loyalist to run the nation's most important economic statistics agency, leaving Wall Street questioning whether crucial data can still be taken at face value.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show gets underway, we are following breaking news regarding a remarkable moment in US history. President Trump has just announced plans to take over law enforcement in the District of Columbia by putting Washington DC police under federal control and deploying nearly 1,000 national guard troops to the capital's streets.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump, set to meet with Putin this week. Trump allies look to hold house by redrawing maps beyond Texas. Has RFK Jr. lived up to the vaccine promises he made to Congress? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Texas Democrats who left the state in protest face a deadline to get back to the capital. If they don't the Texas attorney general says he'll seek a court order to fire them.  Plus: She prosecuted President Trump and now his Justice Department may prosecute her. The DOJ subpoenas Letitia James, looking for information about her case against the Trump Organization.  And: We introduce you to the biggest company you may never have heard of. It's worth more than Disney, Mcdonald's or Bank of America. And it just signed a $10 billion contract with the Pentagon.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The US puts a patchwork of tariffs on nearly every major trading partner. The markets are shrugging. But will your wallet be shrinking?  Plus: Will GOP attempts to gain seats in the House through redistricting spread to other Republican-led states?  And: John King is back on the road in an Arizona heat wave to take the temperature on a potential midterm flashpoint.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins, we're following breaking news out of Georgia, where the US Army's Fort Stewart is in lockdown for an active shooter situation. CNN's Isabel Rosales begins our coverage from Atlanta.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: President Trump is desperate to move on from the Jeffrey Epstein saga engulfing his administration. But even his own party is helping to keep it front and center. We have breaking news on the House Republican push for answers.  Plus: The political firestorm in Texas is exploding across the country as Democrats declare war on the GOP push to deliver the president more seats in Congress ahead of the midterm elections. But what's their actual plan?  And: Bernie Sanders, Elon Musk, and the Pope ... we break down a new poll showing where they land on the popularity charts.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Texas Democrats have fled the state in a last-ditch effort to block a Republican gerrymander. But is this a strategy or a stunt?  Plus: The White House is trying to justify President Trump's decision to fire the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics because he did not like Friday's jobs report. But contrary to what they say, numbers don't lie.  And: We have brand new CNN reporting on far-right activist Laura Loomer's role playing the administration's "loyalty enforcer" and who she wants to get fired next. >>  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Popping off. An emboldened President Trump reshuffles the global economy. What's his next target? Plus: Democratic dreams. What's giving the party hope as it tries to retake power? And how far will they go to block a takeover in Texas? I go one on one with Senator Cory Booker who says his fellow lawmakers need to do more. And: Camp democracy. As Trump's cuts mount, fired federal workers bring their kids to Congress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: A dismal jobs report delivers a gut punch to the White House as it tries to sell the president's new sweeping tariffs. We'll bring you the latest from Wall Street as the double whammy shakes investor confidence.  Plus: Will the real Democratic leader please stand up? Kamala Harris says she is not going back in the system, but does not name a single person leading her party. Is it a political strategy or a sign of growing Democratic chaos?  And: It's one of the marquee matchups of the year, but President Trump still has not endorsed the Republican nominee for Virginia's next governor. Why not? The candidate herself is Ranu's guest.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The US reaches a trade deal with Mexico, while dozens of other countries have just 12 hours left to reach an agreement with the Trump Administration or face steep tariff hikes. Will the president's gamble make the US rich, as he claims, or leave American consumers paying the price.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Senate Democrats have a new strategy to keep the Jeffrey Epstein scandal front and center. But will a century-old law actually force the DOJ to release the files?  Plus: We're getting the first look at the Texas GOP's push to redraw the congressional map in their favor. How will this change the midterm math?  And: Wolf speaks with a 26-year-old hoping to unseat a 78-year-old Capitol Hill veteran about the push to infuse fresh energy into their struggling party.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: President Trump says he's headed back home to "put out fires all over the world." But will the seemingly never-ending Jeffrey Epstein scandal be the flame that defies all containment?  Plus: According to New York City's mayor, the gunman who opened fire in a busy Manhattan office building had a suicide note expressing grievances with the NFL. We get the latest New York Governor Kathy Hochul.  And: Joe Rogan endorses Democrat James Talarico in ruby-red Texas. Is he a living oxymoron or the future of his party? He joins the show.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: In the rough. As President Trump tees off overseas, he faces urgent questions about a major tariff deadline and deepening starvation in Gaza. Will he make any progress? Plus: No end in sight. As Trump tries to put miles between him and the Epstein saga, could a new tactic by his team backfire? A conservative congressman who's pushing for more information, Eric Burlison joins me live. And: Shake-up. A big win for Democrats as they try to take back Congress. Can they overcome the odds? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The number two at the DOJ, who just happens to be President Trump's former defense attorney, is behind closed doors with Jeffrey Epstein's convicted accomplice for the second day in a row. The president now refuses to rule out a pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell.  Plus: Democrats are trying to use the Epstein scandal as political ammunition, accusing Republicans of a coverup while running ads targeted at vulnerable GOP districts.  And: The FCC greenlights SkyDance's acquisition of Paramount just days after it canceled a top Trump critic's popular late night show and weeks after paying a $16 million legal settlement that Democrats say reeks of corruption.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN has learned a crucial reason why President Trump has changed his tune on the Jeffrey Epstein case: He now knows his name is in the so-called Epstein Files. While that does not implicate him in any crime, it certainly raises questions of a coverup.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's show begins just after President Trump holds another impromptu press conference at the White House while meeting with the Philippine president, who's in Washington to negotiate a trade deal. Asked about the Justice Department's request to meet with Ghislaine Maxwell, the sole living person convicted in the Jeffrey Epstein case, he replied, "That sounds appropriate," but then quickly shifted to talking about former President Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and the Russia investigation, and then accused Democratic Senator Adam Schiff of committing crimes.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: President Trump floods social media with dozens of posts about former President Obama, the Washington Commanders and even a head-spinning video of a woman tossing a snake. But can any of it redirect the spotlight from the Jeffrey Epstein saga?  Plus: A federal judge is hearing arguments in Harvard's effort to reverse the White House's decision to block more than $2 billion in federal funding. CNN is inside the courtroom to bring you all the developments.  And: We have new reporting on how Secretary of State Rubio has become one of the most powerful people in President Trump's inner circle ... and his strategy to stay there.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: MAGA revolt. President Trump faces the fallout over Epstein. Will his latest moves satisfy his base? Or are they digging in for a fight? Plus: Six months in. Trump is taking action on his campaign promises. So why are Americans souring on his approach? We have brand new polling. And: Texas hold up. As Democrats accuse Texas Republicans of stealing seats to hold the House. CNN's Manu Raju goes one-on-one with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. New reporting on Democrats' plans to counterattack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: We have new details from the Wall Street Journal on the friendship that once existed between President Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. Trump says the WSJ story isn't true and has asked the Justice Department to release new information about the Epstein case.  Plus: We have new details of potential 2028 presidential hopefuls making their way into some early primary states to make early impressions with voters.  And: CBS says money is the reason why it has canceled "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." But many think is just another troubling sign of big media companies looking to avoid antagonizing the president.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The Epstein outrage cycle shows no signs of letting up after the Justice Department fired a top prosecutor in the case, who also happens to be the daughter near the top of the president's enemies list.  Plus: We have brand new CNN polling that shows Democrats can't wait to vote in next year's midterms. It's an enthusiasm advantage that could pay dividends for the party, except for another unusual finding in our poll.   And: Will Bert and Ernie have to get a third roommate to help cover the rent now that the Senate just cut off funding for public broadcasting?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Responding to a question about the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein controversy, President Trump claims Republicans "got duped by the Democrats" and attacks his own supporters for questioning AG Pam Bondi's assertion that there is no "client list" nor conspiracy surrounding Epstein's death.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: We bring you brand new CNN polling on the Jeffrey Epstein saga. Do Americans think their government is hiding something?  Plus: President Trump's plan to take apart the Department of Education gets a thumbs up from the Supreme Court. It means the department could be virtually eliminated without permission from Congress.  And: Democrats in Arizona will pick a candidate to replace a 77-year-old congressman who died in office. Will it be a Gen Z with a big social media presence who just barely meets the age threshold?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: President Trump says there's nothing to see here on Jeffrey Epstein, but many in his base aren't buying it after he and some top officials spent years telling supporters that Epstein's death is at the center of a massive conspiracy.  Plus: The president says he's losing patience with Russian President Vladimir Putin. And this time he says he will back up those words with weapons.  And: After brutal election losses, what is the Democrat party's path back from the wilderness? Dana asks a man who masterminded multiple Democratic comebacks over the past 30 years.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Crisis control. As President Trump nears six months in office, he threatens new tariffs and ramped-up ICE raids. But amid backlash to his bill and a MAGA world mutiny, can the president take back the narrative? And: Survivor. One year after he was shot, how has the assassination attempt shaped Trump? A new book has fresh details on that fateful day. Plus: Exclusive. As Trump hits the road to sell his new law, CNN's Manu Raju caught up with Senator Lisa Murkowski facing heat for her vote.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The president and the first lady are on their way to a state ravaged by flooding. They'll arrive to pressing questions about vacancies inside the National Weather service and about red tape slowing federal help.  Plus: A candidate's wife shakes up an important primary by dropping a bomb about filing for divorce. She did it on social media, citing biblical grounds.  And: It's a bird. It's a plane. It's MAGA's latest culture war obsession: the new "Superman" movie.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: CNN has learned that the homeland security secretary waited a full 72 hours to sign off on a request for more first responders to the deadly Texas flooding.  Plus: A couple of days after President Trump publicly turned on Vladimir Putin, he threatens Brazil with massive tariffs if they don't stop a "witch hunt" targeting the country's former leader.  And: The authors of a new, revealing look at the presidential race that captivated the world join us to talk about new details, including Donald Trump's belief that in another life, he and Joe Biden may have been golfing buddies.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: First responders are searching for at least 160 people still missing since Friday's flood. Meanwhile, we have new details about the real-time response to the disaster.  Plus: Russia unleashes on Ukraine after President Trump explained why he restarted weapons shipments to Kyiv.  And: Bill Nye "The Science Guy" is spending the day lobbying on the Hill, warning about funding cuts to NASA and real life consequences of climate change.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The number of dead in Texas floods eclipses 100 families grappling with immeasurable loss. Could anything have been done to save their loved ones?  Plus: In a made-for-TV moment, President Trump is touted as a peacemaker while he defies his MAGA base by sending weapons to fuel a far-flung war.  And: While the calendar reads 2025, the California's governor's travels today send a message about 2028.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Politics is taking a back seat to the harrowing and devastating flooding disaster as the hope for a Texas miracle wanes. Rescue crews are trying to outrun the rain and find survivors clinging to life before floodwaters can descend on central Texas again. The death toll sits at 89, making it one of the most destructive floods in the United States in the past 100 years.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN's Chief National Affairs Correspondent Jeff Zeleny and CNN's Boris Sanchez cover the devastating flash flooding in central Texas. Sanchez is on the ground in Hunt, Texas. Hear from Texas officials who provide an update on the deadly flooding. Plus, President Trump signs a Texas disaster declaration. And, the midterm elections are 16 months away, but President Trump's mega bill is already shaping the competitive races that will help decide control of Congress. Will his legislation help Republicans or Democrats? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is getting exactly what he wanted this Independence Day, signing his mega MAGA bill into law at a huge celebration. His tax cuts got extended. He got more money for defense and immigration. But will Republicans pay a political price for Medicaid and SNAP cuts?  Plus, two top politicians join us with two totally different takes on the big beautiful bill. Republican Congressman Mike Lawler calls it a historic tax relief bill. Democratic. Governor Wes Moore says it's a heartless assault on the American people.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today show begins, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is in his seventh hour of a marathon speech delaying a vote on President Trump's big beautiful bill. Meanwhile, President Trump holds a crucial phone call with Vladimir Putin just two days after the US announced a pause in certain weapons shipments to Ukraine.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs is found guilty of two counts of prostitution but is acquitted of the more severe charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. 12 New York jurors delivered the bombshell verdict after 13 hours of deliberations. CNN's Laura Coates and Kara Scannell have been covering this case since the beginning. They join the show to explain the ramifications of the verdict and give us a sense of what it was like in the courtroom.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today show begins, the Senate, after at least 27 hours in the chamber, is holding the final vote on President Trump's massive agenda bill. Majority Leader John Thune has just said he hopes they will have the votes. (Spoiler alert: They do.) CNN's Lauren Fox kicks off our coverage.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Senate Democrats are gearing up for what's essentially open mic night on Capitol Hill as they rail against the president's "big, beautiful bill" with endless amendments. Republicans hope to get the massive legislation to the Oval Office by President Trump's self-imposed July 4th deadline.  Plus: Just hours after getting berated by the president for saying he won't vote in favor of the big, beautiful bill, North Carolina GOP Senator Thom Tillis announces he won't seek reelection, setting up what could be a nail biter of a race in a crucial swing state.  And: The fate of Sean "Diddy" Combs' is now officially in the hands of 12 New Yorkers. CNN is inside and outside the courthouse to bring you all the breaking details from his sex trafficking trial.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Make or break. After a late night of arm twisting, the Trump agenda clears a key hurdle. But with the July 4th deadline just days away, can badly divided Republicans seal the deal? My panel joins me with the very latest from Capitol Hill. Plus: Identity crisis. Political shockwaves after a Big Apple bombshell. But as Democrats divide over a new messenger, is this the Democrats' future or downfall?  And: Extreme makeover, White House edition.  And: RFK Jr. shifts vaccine policy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices