Inside Politics

Today's show begins just after our coverage of the swearing in of the Federal Reserve's new Chairman Kevin Warsh.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump Administration's controversial "anti-weaponization" fund is turning into a $1.8 billion stick of political dynamite. As today's show begins, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is back on Capitol Hill trying to stem a Republican revolt over the fund, which will be used to pay off Trump allies and supporters, including people who were convicted of crimes over the past decade, January 6th insurrectionists among them.  Also on today's show: An interview with "The Pitt" actor Noah Wylie, who came to Capitol Hill today to speak about health care.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"It's not about retribution. It's about sending a message." That's what a senior Trump adviser told CNN's Kristen Holmes last night about Thomas Massie's loss in Kentucky, meaning Republican officials defy President Trump at their peril. And that won't change even as Trump's standing with non-MAGA voters hits record lows over the past three weeks.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some Republicans as well as Democrats are expressing deep concern about the unprecedented $1.7+- billion pot of money the president plans to dole out to people he calls "victimized" by the federal government. Democrats tried to get more information from the man in charge of it, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who will appoint the commissioners who will decide who gets paid. He just wrapped up about three hours of testimony to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bill Cassidy is the latest victim of Donald Trump's revenge tour. The longtime Louisiana senator, who once voted to impeach Trump, lost the primary this weekend to a Trump-backed rival. Hoping to avoid the same fate tomorrow is Kentuck's Tom Massie, who forced the release of the Epstein files and has been one of the biggest critics of the president's war in Iran.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get the inside scoop on the fiercest political showdowns this season! From President Trump's battles with GOP dissenters to Sherrod Brown's Senate race comeback. Dive deep into the political battles shaping our nation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a tale as old as time, or at least as old as the Trump era: If you're a Republican who crosses the president, he makes it a priority to take you out. Senator Bill Cassidy is fighting to be an exception to the rule. When Louisianans go to the polls tomorrow for the state's GOP primary, Cassidy is facing Trump-endorsed Congresswoman Julia Letlow. Cassidy's original sin is that he voted to convict the president in his 2021 impeachment trial after January 6th, and Trump has neither forgiven nor forgotten.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two crucial issues are weighing heavily over President Trump's talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping: Taiwan and Iran. Regarding the former, Xi said Taiwan is the most important issue between the two countries, and if mishandled could create "a very dangerous situation." Which sets up a question with enormous geopolitical stakes: Will Trump bend US policy on Taiwan for Beijing's help with Iran?     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump arrived in China today for a high-stakes superpower summit, trailed by new evidence of economic trouble here in the US. At almost the exact moment the president descended from Air Force One in Beijing to the type of fanfare he loves, there was another reminder back home of why the stakes of this summit are so high: The war in Iran is pushing inflation to its highest level since 2022.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new CNN poll shows Americans feel crushed by rising costs, and they blame President Trump. The poll reveals a deep sense of anxiety and insecurity about the economy. And those sentiments are backed by the just-released April inflation numbers, which are the highest in three years.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, the US and Iran have both rejected the latest proposals going back and forth to end the war. While Iran called its counterproposal "generous and reasonable," President Trump labeled it a "piece of garbage" and deemed the ceasefire "on massive life support."    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can the GOP maintain their edge with a new wave of gerrymandering? Is the anti-Trump sentiment enough to swing the House? Dive into the political battle with Inside Politics as Manu Raju talks to top analysts and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We begin today's show with a huge defeat for Democrats in the redistricting war initiated by Republicans last year in Texas. The Virginia supreme court struck it down yesterday on a technicality, just one day after Tennessee's governor signed into law a new Republican gerrymander that breaks up the only majority Black district in that state. With Louisiana, Alabama and South Carolina all trying to change their maps, where does that leave things nationwide as we head toward this fall's crucial midterms?    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The US is expecting to hear any minute now whether Iran will agree to its latest ceasefire proposal. As he waits for a response, President Trump is meeting with Brazilian president Luiz Lula da Silva. Those talks will likely focus on trade, but we do expect Trump to take questions from reporters on Iran.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ted Turner, the titan who founded and built CNN, transforming how the world experiences the events that shape our lives, passed away today at the age of 87. We take a look back at his extraordinary life and legacy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump and Defense Secretary say the ceasefire with Iran is holding.  The panel discusses this, as well as the president's downplaying gas costs reaching an average $4.48 per gallon.  Candidates in the California Governor's race debate tonight.  Plus, the DOJ demands the names of the 2020 election workers in Fulton County, GA and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Confusion over who controls the Strait of Hormuz. With six months until the Midterm elections, the panel discusses the state of the GOP as President Trump's approval falls to 35%. Plus, Trump's Indiana revenge tour and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Manu Raju and panelists examine a tough midterm landscape for Donald Trump amid low approval ratings and Democratic polling advantages, while unpacking a Supreme Court ruling limiting the Voting Rights Act and its expected long-term impact on redistricting and polarization. They also discuss how abortion and health care could shape races again, shifts in a key Maine Senate contest after Janet Mills steps aside, and interview Michigan candidate Mallory McMorrow on campaign controversies. The show also covers California's open governor primary and debate over funding a proposed White House ballroom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

 Vietnam-level opposition, as the war in Iran hits 60 days, a new poll shows the backlash is surging. A new poll shows 61% of Americans think the war with Iran is a mistake.  The panel discusses the opposition to the war.  We listen in as President Trump talks to reporters on the South Lawn, as he heads to Florida.  Plus, John King travels to Ohio in his latest installment of All Over The Map and Patrick Svitek reports on the GOP race for Senate in Texas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dana Bash follows  along as Secretary Pete Hegseth testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee.  The average price of gas jumped $.07 last night to $4.30,  the highest price since July of 2022.  Plus, President Trump reminds his nomination of Dr. Casey Means for surgeon general and nominates Dr. Nicole Saphier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Manu Raju follows breaking news on several fronts, starting with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth  and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan Kane fielding questions from long lawmakers for the first time since the war with Iran started.  The Supreme Court quickly eclipsed that high stakes hearing with a ruling that could reshape the battle for the house. Their six-three decision narrows a core piece of the Voting Rights Act, and could make it easier for GOP controlled states to draw maps that eliminate majority - minority districts. The case centers on two majority black districts in Louisiana, one of which state Republicans sought to eliminate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show gets underway, President Trump and King Charles have just walked into the Oval Office. Their private meetings comes amid significant tension between the US and UK, particularly over the war in Iran. And that prompts the question: Can the King help mend the fraying "special relationship?"    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

 We start today with the investigation into the man suspected of opening fire at the White House Correspondents Dinner, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, who's expected to be arraigned today in Washington DC. Among the many questions about Saturday's shooting, the biggest is: How did a would-be assassin gain access to a building packed with dozens of top US leaders?     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive deep into the chaos that unfolded during the White House Correspondents' Dinner as we explore the shocking security breach and its implications. What went wrong, and what does this mean for future events? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We start today with exclusive breaking news: Sources tell CNN that President Trump is sending US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan this weekend for new peace talks with Iran. CNN's Nic Robertson and Alayna Treene join us with the details.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following Democrats' victory in revising Virginia's congressional maps, the GOP is counting on Florida to regain an edge before the midterms. Will Governor Ron DeSantis deliver? A special legislative session is set for the Sunshine State next week. But Dems warn a Florida gerrymander attempt could actually backfire on them Republicans.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Already feeling good about their odds of winning back the House this November, Democrats' optimism is in overdrive after last night's redistricting win in Virginia. Voters there approved a new congressional map that could flip four red seats blue. The blatant gerrymandering move in Virginia, combined with a similar move in California, was designed to offset the Republican gerrymanders in Texas, Missouri and North Carolina.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Will President Trump's fed chair pick serve the US economy or the White House? That's a key question facing senators on Capitol Hill today as Kevin Warsh, who the president nominated to replace Jerome Powell, makes his case for the job. Warsh claims he will be politically independent and won't be swayed by demands he cut interest rates.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We begin today with the ticking clock on the US-Iranian ceasefire. With less than 48 hours to go until the deal expires, VP JD Vance is preparing to leave for Pakistan tomorrow for another round of peace talks with Iran. One problem: An Iranian spokesperson says there's no plan for more talks. President Trump acknowledged this morning he's not sure whether the Iranians will show up.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into the intense political landscape with Inside Politics Sunday! From Virginia's redistricting showdown to Michigan's Senate race, we examine the stakes and the strategies. Join us as we unpack what's shaping the future of American politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The US and Iran declare the Strait of Hormuz completely open for business. Sources tell CNN a broader deal to end the war could be finalized as early as this weekend. However, there's a lot of confusion over what exactly is happening in the region.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Moments before today's show begins we learn that President Trump has announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. If it holds, it could lead to a broader peace deal between the US and Iran. The president also said he'll invite the leaders of Israel and Lebanon to the White House.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mentioning a potential second round of peace talks with Iran, President Trump says the war he and Israel initiated is "very close to over." A key Pakistani official who has been a critical mediator between arrived in Tehran with a message from the Trump Administration.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Disturbing sexual misconduct allegations force two politicians out of congress within minutes of each other. Last night, California Democrat Eric Swalwell and Texas Republican Tony Gonzalez announced they will resign amid bipartisan calls to expel them from the House. The allegations follow a similar pattern: Two men in positions of power allegedly using that power to engage in inappropriate relationships with aides, subordinates and/or young women starting out and trying to make their way in politics.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Diplomacy isn't working, so President Trump is trying to cut Iran off from the world. A US military blockade on all Iranian ports and coastal areas is now in effect. The president announced the move over the weekend after 21 hours of peace talks in Pakistan ended without a deal. The idea is to put more financial pressure on the regime by blocking Iran from selling its oil, at least publicly. Iranian leaders are shrugging it off. The speaker of Iran's parliament, who helped lead their negotiations over the weekend, responded: “Soon you'll be nostalgic for $4 to $5 gas.”    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tensions rise as President Trump's military moves spark urgent discussions. Tune in to Inside Politics Sunday for an in-depth analysis of the latest developments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

JD Vance heads to Pakistan for crucial talks with Iran. Can the VP steer the US out of war? He's joined by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. If all goes well, it's a moment that could end this war. Or if it goes badly, it's a moment that could end the tenuous ceasefire. "If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we're certainly willing to extend the open hand. If they're going to try to play us, then they're going to find that the negotiating team is not that receptive."    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We start today's show with a ceasefire deal that seems precarious at best, given the confusion over what the US and Iran actually agreed to. The bottom line is that Iran still has a grip on the strait of Hormuz, while Israel continues bombing Hezbollah in Lebanon. A possible light at the end of the tunnel: Moments before we came on the air, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said he would open direct negotiations with Lebanon, though he didn't promise to end the Israeli bombardment.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's been just hours since President Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran. But that temporary truce is looking fragile at best. Moments ago, an Iranian news agency reported Tehran halted oil tankers traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Reopening the strait to commerce, of course, was a key part of the deal. Plus, one of Iran's demands in exchange was that Israel end its bombardment of Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. But the Israelis say they never agreed to that.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The clock is ticking toward President Trump's 8pm ET deadline for Iran to make a deal that he deems sufficient or face death and destruction. This morning, the president took what was already a series of profane and stark warnings to a new apocalyptic level. His exact words: "A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen. But it will. It probably will."    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump gives Iran until tomorrow at 8pm to make a deal to end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz, or face "hell on earth." The president's latest ultimatum comes as he prepares for a press conference he originally scheduled to talk about the remarkable rescue of an Air Force service member whose plane went down inside Iran on Friday. But that was quickly overshadowed by his Easter message to Iran posted on social media: "Open the f*!king Strait, you crazy bastards, or you'll be living in hell."    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump Hails Daring Iran Rescue as He Escalates Threats; Gas Prices, Budget Fights, and Cabinet Shakeups Dominate Easter Sunday Politics. CNN's Inside Politics Sunday reports on a dramatic U.S. search-and-rescue mission to extract a missing, seriously wounded F-15 crew member shot down over Iran, involving dozens of aircraft, hundreds of personnel, a commando team on the ground, and CIA disinformation to delay Iranian pursuit, as Iranian media shows apparent wreckage. Analysts discuss the mission's complexity, Iran's continuing asymmetric capabilities, and escalating regional strikes, while Trump issues shifting, intensified demands tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz and posts a new threat targeting Iran's power plants and bridges, raising concerns about civilian harm and potential war-crimes implications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices