Inside Politics

More US fighter jets are headed to the Mideast, as President Trump weighs widening the war he began five months ago. That's after a dramatic ratcheting up of hostilities over the past few days and the deaths of three US service members, the first troops killed in action since March.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With no end in sight, is the war with Iran becoming untenable? Plus, feeling the Bern? After Graham Platner's implosion, are Bernie Sanders' picks igniting a Democratic civil war? All that and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Promoting last night's primetime speech, President Trump said he'd reveal “really big news” that would “shock you.” Instead, we heard old claims about America's election system with a fresh coat of alarm. CNN has been combing through the hundreds of newly declassified documents from the White House, and my colleagues found they largely address vulnerabilities that have been known for years, and in some cases, they undermine the president's claims.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The US is at war with Iran. Americans are really struggling with rising costs. There is a deadly flood in Texas. Yet the focus of President Trump's rare primetime address tonight is expected to be on “free and fair elections,” including the one he still claims he won in 2020.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's show begins as Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is facing tense questioning during a confirmation hearing held by the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding his nomination to permanently lead the Department of Justice.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins, President Trump is hosting Iraqi Prime Minister al-Zaidi in the Oval Office, praising his guest for how much he's done in a short period of timing. But that meeting is sure to be overshadowed by Trump's announcement just a short time ago that he's stepping back from his threat to levy tolls on ships coming through the Strait of Hormuz.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The unexpected death of Lindsey Graham is reverberating through the Senate, the White House, and the world's most volatile regions. The South Carolina Republican leaves a major void in President Trump's inner circle and in American foreign policy.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From Ukraine to Capitol Hill, Senator Lindsey Graham's story is a testament to resilience and adaptation. Join us this Sunday for exclusive insights from political insiders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump pulls the plug on the ceasefire but says Iran "has asked us to continue talks." Qatari mediators are in Iran, sent there with the goal of getting negotiations back on track after the intense military escalation over the past few days. CNN's Jeremy Diamond begins our coverage from Tel Aviv.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Graham Platner ends his Senate campaign with a remarkable, 11-minute video in which he torches the Democratic party and portrays himself as the real victim, leaving his fellow Dems just about two weeks to determine who will challenge Senator Susan Collins in November.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What was once considered the Democrats' best chance to win the Senate is now their most dire political crisis. Graham Platner's Maine campaign is unraveling after a woman accused him of rape, which he denies. More and more Democrats are pulling endorsements, and the party's Senate campaign arm says it won't spend any cash on this crucial race unless he is replaced.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Folarin Balogun, the leading scorer for the US men's soccer team, woke up this morning thinking he would be sidelined for tonight's game against Belgium after he was suspended for a red card. But President Trump picked up the phone and called his good friend, FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Lo and behold, FIFA lifted Balogun's suspension, something that hasn't happened in more than 60 years.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Missed the fireworks? Catch up on Inside Politics Sunday for a breakdown of the July 4th celebrations and President Trump's latest address. Dive into the discussion of politics, patriotism, and upcoming elections with our expert panel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As America prepares to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday, organizers of July 4th events scramble to keep everyone safe from the oppressive heat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are just four months until election day. And in today's politics, that's short enough that every day is crucial for candidates on the trail. But long enough that almost anything can happen. Today, a brand new CNN analysis ranks the nine Senate races most likely to flip and decide control of the upper chamber. Six are Republican held. Three belong to Democrats.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From New York to Denver, Democratic voters are sending an unmistakable message to Washington lawmakers: The status quo is not working. Last night we saw it in Colorado, where 29-year-old Democratic Socialist Melat Kiros toppled 30-year incumbent Diana Degette by nearly 10 points. Kiros is the third challenger to oust a sitting House Democrat in only eight days. The anti-establishment wave was also clear in Colorado's Democratic primary for governor. We break down what it all could mean for the party, and the country.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Supreme Court closes its term with a pair of landmark rulings. The justices rejected President Trump's attempt to end birthright citizenship, but handed him a major victory on one of his signature culture war issues, siding with states seeking to bar transgender athletes from competing on girls and women's sports teams.      Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While it was a mixed day overall for President Trump at the Supreme Court, the justices gave him another big win on executive power, ruling 6-3 that he had the power to fire a Democratic commissioner on the FTC. The court essentially overturned a 91-year-old decision, signaling presidents can fire heads of agencies that had been considered independent. But they made one key exception, voting 5-4 that he was wrong to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is President Trump's July 4th 'celebration' more a rally than a national holiday? Tune in to Inside Politics Sunday as we dive into the political landscape of America's 250th anniversary, the GOP tensions, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He was White House national security adviser and US ambassador to the UN. Now he's a convicted felon. John Bolton, a pillar of the Republican foreign policy establishment, pleaded guilty this morning to charges that he illegally retained sensitive national security information. Today's plea is a rare win for the Trump DOJ and their attempts to go after the president's self-proclaimed enemies.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Supreme Court's conservative majority delivers two major wins for President Trump's hard-line immigration policies. In one case, the justices ruled that the president can turn away migrants seeking asylum by physically preventing them from stepping onto US soil to make that claim. The second allows an end to a policy that gives temporary legal status to more than a million people fleeing their home countries because of war or natural disasters.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Republicans were cruising toward what they see as a big election year legislative victory, but President Trump just hit the brakes. The president abruptly announced he will not sign a bipartisan housing affordability bill that Congress passed overwhelmingly yesterday. Why? He wants his "Save America" voting act passed first.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's primary day, and voters are at the polls in several states, including Maryland, South Carolina and Utah. But Democrats are laser focused on New York, where a fight for the party's identity is playing out. Democratic Socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani chose to put himself right in the middle of it, backing like-minded candidates in three house primaries, including two challengers taking on Democratic incumbents.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vice President JD Vance is heading back to Washington after what he calls "very, very good" negotiations with Iran, specifically citing Tehran's agreement to allow international inspectors into the country. If that sounds familiar to you, that's because that was an important part of President Obama's Iran deal that Donald Trump scrapped in his first term.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Catch all the behind-the-scenes action as Trump's ambitious beautification plans hit an algae-covered bump. From Iran talks to reflecting pool mishaps, Inside Politics Sunday has you covered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump insists to his critics that Iran "surrendered" despite much evidence to the contrary. He took to social media this morning to push back on the widespread and very bipartisan criticism of the MOU. Regardless, it didn't take long for the first round of talks between the US and Iran to be derailed. Vice President Vance was scheduled to be in Switzerland right now, meeting with Iranian negotiators. But that trip was canceled late last night after intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon. This morning, a new ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah may push those talks back on track.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

48 hours ago, President Trump electronically signed an agreement with Iran. Since then, he's talked about it at formal G7 events, bilateral meetings and press conferences. There's just one problem. Nobody's actually seen it yet. And it's not just the public that's in the dark here. It's also members of Congress, even top Republicans who say they have yet to be briefed. G7 leaders are also in the dark. In response, today the president promised to publically read the entire agreement.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump arrives in Europe, joining some of the world's most powerful leaders at the G7. We hope to get some clarity on the question dominating the summit: Is there actually an Iran deal now? Washington says there's a deal. Tehran says there's a deal. But when it comes to what the two sides actually agreed to, the accounts don't really match, and no text has been released, though Vice President Vance says it will be in the next few days.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We dive into Trump's 80th birthday bash at the White House. Join us for insights on his big night, political strategies, and what this means for America's future. Is Trump's UFC event at the White House a strategic move or a distraction? Explore the motivations behind the spectacle with experts on Inside Politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins, we're following the latest twist on President Trump's 100+-day geopolitical roller coaster. In less than 24 hours, the Commander-in Chief went from threatening to expand the war in Iran to declaring an agreement and announcing the war is over, to calling the Iranians "very dishonorable people" who need to "get their act together and fast." If you're feeling a little dizzy, you're not alone.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A lockdown in place at the Pentagon is now over. Sources familiar with the matter tell CNN the evacuation was due to a false alarm. A Pentagon spokesman says building systems detected an air quality issue, triggering precautionary measures to determine the threat. CNN National Security Correspondent Natasha Bertrand has details.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today show begins, President Trump is wrapping up an Oval Office Q&A after he signed that massive $70 billion immigration enforcement bill. Asked about Iran, the president confirmed the US military will hit Iran "hard" yet again, and expressed frustration about a potential deal that he deemed "already negotiated."  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's primary day in Maine, North Dakota, Nevada and South Carolina, where voters are casting ballots in a series of key Senate, House and governor's races. For Democrats, it's all about the Pine Tree State, where it isn't so much about picking a nominee, but testing the one that they're pretty sure they already have. Maine voters will deliver the first real evidence of whether Graham Platner's latest controversies have diminished his support, and nothing less than the future of the Senate may be riding on his candidacy. CNN's Arlette Saenz kicks off our coverage at a polling station in Portland.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The fragile ceasefire in Iran is under severe stress today, after Israel and Iran traded missile fire overnight, the first direct attacks in two months. Early this morning, Israel accepted President Trump's demand to halt strikes on Iran. Iran says it's suspended its operations in Israel, but threatened to resume strikes if Israel continues its strikes on Southern Lebanon.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tune in to Inside Politics Sunday for exclusive insights on the Senate race dynamics, controversies, and the political landscape shifting under our feet. Will Graham Platner rise above the allegations? Join the debate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Democrats plotted their uphill climb to a Senate majority, nearly every path went through Maine. But a series of revelations about their likely nominee, Graham Platner, has put everything in jeopardy. The latest came from the New York Times, which details several cases of unsettling behavior by Platner toward women he dated, including one involving physically threatening acts.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump wants his former personal attorney to officially be attorney general. But first, Senate Republicans must render their verdict, and some are raising concerns over Todd Blanche's eagerness to please his boss. by pushing bounds and norms at the DOJ.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who won the California gubernatorial primary? Well, it could be hours or even days before we know the answer to that question. There are still millions of votes to be counted in the Golden State's wild and unpredictable race to be the next governor. We check the very latest results and try and put the numbers in perspective.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Voters are heading to the polls in states today: California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota. They're weighing in on a series of high- stakes races that could shift the political calculus for November. But this primary day may feel a little upside down. Democrats are holding out hope for an opening in ruby-red Iowa, while Republicans are making a play in deep-blue California.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Could one candidate's personal drama cost Democrats the Senate, or are we living in a scandal-be-damned political era? Democrats today are once again wrestling with what to do about Graham Platner, the populist firebrand challenging Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins in a must-win race for Senate control. At issue now are multiple news reports that Platner's wife told a campaign aide last year that her husband sent sexually explicit messages to other women early in their marriage.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Catch the latest political insights and behind-the-scenes reporting on Inside Politics Sunday with Anu Raju. From Trump's rollercoaster week to key Senate races, explore the corridors of power now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A federal judge in Virginia is temporarily blocking the Trump administration's anti-weaponization fund, intended to pay Trump allies and supporters who claim they were wrongly targeted by the federal government. Our panel of reporters and analysts weighs on on that decision.  Also on today's show: As today's show begins, former AG Pam Bondi has just finished testifying about her handling of the Epstein files. And she clearly tried very hard to throw Todd Blanche straight under the bus.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices