POLITICO Playbook Audio Briefing

President Donald Trump is convening the first Cabinet meeting since Markwayne Mullin was confirmed as DHS secretary. But it's also the first confab since Trump launched a military operation against Iran — a topic that is sure to dominate much of the conversation. And the headlines swirling around aren't friendly for Trump: gas prices are still surging and polling shows sinking public support. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House reporter Megan Messerly discuss the stakes surrounding the Iran operation.

Democrats got more big wins on Tuesday night, flipping two legislative seats in reliably red Florida, including the district containing President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home. The wins don't dent Florida Republicans' supermajority, but they mark more performances for Democrats that have defied expectations ahead of the pivotal midterm elections. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns discuss the warning signs for Republicans, and a notable Trump absence.

A Russian oil tanker is steaming toward the Caribbean, most likely destined for Cuba. But that's not really the story behind the ship and its cargo. It's a message, according to people close to the White House, former ambassadors and Russia observers — a negotiating chit, a provocation designed to force a disproportionate American response while Washington is consumed elsewhere. Playbook's Adam Wren and White House reporter Megan Messerly discuss the geopolitical stakes of Russia's oil play.

Republicans so far have peeled off a handful of Democrats to pass the DHS funding bill in previous votes, but it's still stalled in the Senate. But new demands from President Donald Trump could threaten any progress. Meanwhile, a new push from an influential Democratic think tank wants to help Democrats reclaim political ground on the issue ahead of the midterms. Playbook's Adam Wren and White House reporter Megan Messerly discuss the next turn of the screw on immigrating messaging between both parties.

When Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) won his Senate seat in 2024, he outperformed Kamala Harris in one of the closest battleground states in the country.  Now that he's in Washington, Gallego's background is particularly relevant at this moment in politics. With the Iran War intensifying, Gallego offers his perspective as an Iraq War veteran on Trump's military operation.  And as a Latino Democratic senator of a border state, Gallego has a distinctive outlook on immigration, with criticism for his own party as well as the GOP.  Sen. Gallego sat down with POLITICO's Dasha Burns on “The Conversation” to talk about voter ID, the 2028 election, and if he thinks Democrats can become the “fun” party again.

Ruben Gallego and Pete Buttigieg are trying to offer Democrats a roadmap back to relevance during the Trump era. Both are veterans, and both have a pitch to voters that goes beyond talking points and cuts through the rhetoric that defines much of the online chatter. Playbook's Adam Wren and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns compare notes on their recent conversations with Gallego and Buttigieg and what they reveal about the state of the Democratic Party.

President Donald Trump is still fuming over the lack of support that he has received from allied nations over the course of the war with Iran. That tension will be on full display when Trump welcomes Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi to the White House on Thursday. Japan is one such country that has resisted Trump's calls to get involved in the conflict. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns discuss Trump's coalition-building challenge. Plus, the administration official who refuses to use email.

VP JD Vance and DNI Tulsi Gabbard — two of the Trump administration's historically biggest war skeptics — are due to deliver remarks on Wednesday. Vance will be at an midterm rally with voters in Michigan as he pitches the administration's affordability agenda. Meanwhile, Gabbard is due before the Senate Intelligence Committee, where her past position on war with Iran and her role in the ongoing operation will be fair game for senators. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns discuss what Vance and Gabbard might say.

As the Iran war stretches on with no clear end in sight, some on the right are growing concerned that President Donald Trump will be pulled further into the conflict. A further step in the war would risk alienating a key segment of the MAGA base, which helped return Trump to the White House under the promise that Trump wouldn't set off another long-term military engagement. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns discuss the potential pitfalls for Trump over Iran.

President Donald Trump is calling on about seven countries that rely heavily on oil from the Middle East to band together to open up the Strait of Hormuz. The call to come together to protect the waterway is an escalation of Trump's efforts to expand the scope of the countries involved in the conflict with Iran. But thus far, there has been little to no interest from other countries to join the fight. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and Adam Wren discuss the stakes of Trump's latest gambit.

We're bringing you an episode of our newest show, On the Road with Jonathan Martin. POLITICO's senior columnist sits down with Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders for a lively conversation about politics, leadership and life growing up in the governor's mansion. From her time as White House Press Secretary to leading Arkansas today, Sanders shares insights on the Republican Party, U.S.-Israel security and the memories that shaped her journey—all while enjoying some of the state's best barbecue.   Watch upcoming episodes at politico.com/ontheroad Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Watch our show on YouTube: youtube.com/@POLITICO.

President Donald Trump's retribution campaign is landing in Indiana. After a raft of Republican state lawmakers spurned the White House's redistricting push in the Hoosier State, the president and his allies vowed to target rebels with aggressive primary efforts to oust them from their seats. That promise is now getting backed up by a significant splash of cash for a suite of state-level races. Playbook's Adam Wren and White House reporter Megan Messerly discuss the unprecedented effort from MAGA world.

A group of hard-line immigration hawks are pressing President Donald Trump's administration to keep up his mass deportation agenda, despite signals that the White House wants to take a new approach on the issue. With a new DHS secretary on the way in, the White House has sought to drive a different message on immigration ahead of the midterms. But the MAGA wing of the party wants to see Trump go further still. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House reporter Megan Messerly discuss the split between the rhetoric and the reality.

This week kicked off with a tumultuous moment for the markets as the war with Iran set off panic and spiking oil prices. But the White House didn't flinch. The administration believes it has a three- to four-week window to bear the brunt of any economic impacts as it pushes forward with military operations in Iran. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House reporter Megan Messerly discuss the tightrope that President Donald Trump is walking on the issue during an all-important midterm year.

After markets tumbled to open the week, President Donald Trump on Monday indicated that the war with Iran may not stretch as long as many have feared. Trump used the word "complete" a number of times throughout his remarks, seeming to signal that the U.S. military forces had accomplished most of his desired objectives. But the situation on the ground is evolving rapidly, and a U.S. exit is still uncertain. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and Politics Bureau Chief Jonathan Martin discuss Trump's guiding light. Plus, JMart previews his new podcast project launching today.

Oil prices are soaring at record figures as the war with Iran continues expanding, with little sign of slowing down. The White House is urging calm, promising that the historic disruption will only be temporary. But the rising prices are threatening to pinch American consumers at the pump, and the knock-on effects are difficult to predict. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and POLITICO's diplomatic correspondent Felicia Schwartz discuss how long President Donald Trump can sustain this position.

Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) is a young rising star in the Republican Party. She sits down with POLITICO's Dasha Burns to talk about how the war against Iran could affect Americans at home and the urgency of the midterm elections for the Republican Party. Britt also gets candid about her unique relationship with the White House and what it was like having Scarlett Johansson play her on SNL. And later on the show, Dasha breaks down the exciting Texas primary elections with a panel of journalists. Elaine Godrey of “The Atlantic,” Gabby Birenbaum of “The Texas Tribune” and POLITICO's Adam Wren share their takeaways.

During an exclusive interview with White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns, President Donald Trump made clear that his administration wants to be involved in selecting new leadership for Iran. During a lengthy conversation, Trump weighed in on the still-unfolding situation in Iran, Venezuela and Cuba — among other things. Playbook's Adam Wren and Dasha break down what Trump's latest comments mean. Plus, the Zohran Mamdani manifesto is going global.

The White House pledged that 2026 would see President Donald Trump focused on an affordability agenda, with voters feeling cost-of-living concerns ahead of the midterms. Now, the war that he set off with Iran is causing a spike in gas prices, leading to panic within the administration as they race to tamp down the fallout and pitch a message to voters who are feeling the pinch at the pump. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns discuss the ramifications of the ever-expanding war.

The Texas Senate primary results produced every bit of drama that the races promised ahead of Election Day. Democrats are set to put state Rep. James Talarico up for the nomination, while the Republican race is headed to a runoff between Sen. John Cornyn and state AG Ken Paxton. The question now turns to the White House: Will President Donald Trump put his thumb on the scale ahead of the May 26 runoff? Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns sort through the results.

After a relatively quiet weekend of official communications regarding the war in Iran, the Trump administration ramped up its messaging machine on Monday. President Donald Trump, VP JD Vance and top military leaders all delivered public remarks on the operation, signaling a new front in the White House's efforts to shape the narrative. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns discuss the mix of messaging out of the administration. Plus, it's Election Day in Texas.

After a weekend of stunning strikes against Iran, President Donald Trump has said that the military campaign will continue for weeks. But questions remain about the administration's justification for the attack and how Congress is going to react as lawmakers prepare to take war power votes this week. Plus, how will the MAGA base respond to another foreign intervention? Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns break down the latest fallout from the ongoing Iran operation.

Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) joins POLITICO's Dasha Burns on "The Conversation" and responds to President Trump's State of the Union address. Slotkin lays out her vision for the future of the Democratic Party, which could be a Project 2029 for the party. The two also discuss the upcoming midterms and much more.

With just days to go in the Texas Senate primary, President Donald Trump is descending on the Lone Star State today. But don't expect him to put his thumb on the scale. The president is not expected to endorse in the three-way GOP race between incumbent John Cornyn, state AG Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt. The contest is coming down to the wire as opposing factions face off for the future of the Republican Party. Playbook's Adam Wren and Politics Bureau Chief Jonathan Martin break down the latest movement

Negotiations to reach a nuclear deal with Iran have reached a critical moment. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are back in Geneva for another round of talks with Iranian officials. But the buildup of U.S. military forces and steps toward action continue in the region. Whether President Donald Trump moves forward with a military operation still remains to be seen. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns break down the high-stakes talks and what might come next.

Over the course of one hour and 47 minutes, President Donald Trump delivered the longest address to Congress in history. This year's State of the Union address, his first official one since returning to office, saw Trump tick through a list of his accomplishments from the past year. But some Republicans are concerned he didn't lay out enough of a forward-looking policy agenda as the midterms rapidly approach. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns sift through the record-setting speech.

President Donald Trump is set to deliver his first official State of the Union address since returning to office on Tuesday night. But as he heads to the Capitol, he is at odds with nearly every branch of his government — even with members of his own party. Trump has said affordability will be a centerpiece of his speech, but whether he can stick to the script is always a question. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns preview Trump's primetime speech.

The immense buildup of U.S. military forces in the Middle East has the world on edge waiting for a decision from President Donald Trump on whether he will take action against Iran. As negotiators discuss a potential nuclear agreement, Trump and his top aides have seemingly set this week as the critical stretch to reach a deal. But the prospect of a limited strike on the country remains. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns break down the latest signs from the White House and what might come next.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joins POLITICO's Dasha Burns to discuss the United States' role in ending the war, where Europe fits into the equation, and his frank thoughts on Russians living abroad. Then, CNN's chief international correspondent Clarissa Ward calls in from Ukraine to discuss the current climate in the country and how the Ukrainian people are doing.

The Supreme Court is due for a decision day. Court watchers are waiting on two looming rulings that will have major implications for President Donald Trump's agenda and the midterm elections this fall. At issue is whether the high court will strike down Trump's sweeping tariffs, and whether it will gut the Voting Rights Act and pave the way for more mid-decade redistricting. Playbook's Adam Wren and White House reporter Megan Messerly discuss the potential fallout. Plus, an extraterrestrial exploration.

President Donald Trump's Board of Peace is convening for its first meeting in D.C. But the countries gathering are doing so against the backdrop of a major buildup of U.S. military forces in the Middle East, as Trump continues piling pressure on Iran and mulls options in the region that could include a prolonged military entanglement. After the meeting wraps, Trump will shift gears from foreign to domestic policy when he visits Georgia to deliver the White House's message on affordability to voters. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House reporter Megan Messerly discuss the juxtaposition of Trump's agenda and what could come next.

The Democratic Senate primary in Texas lit up on the first day of early voting after state Rep. James Talarico's interview on Stephen Colbert's show was pulled at the last minute. The late-night host said the decision was made after pressure was put on by CBS. The result was an explosion of attention for Talarico, as he remains locked in an intense race against Rep. Jasmine Crockett. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and Adam Wren discuss what the dramatic episode means for the race ahead of Election Day on March 3.

Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's top peace negotiating team, is in Switzerland today focused on Iran and Ukraine. The two will first speak with Iranian officials as the Trump administration continues to build up a military presence in the region, and the duo is prepared to move on to speak with Russian and Ukrainian officials to seek an end to the war in Ukraine. Back stateside, early voting in Texas begins on Tuesday, as both parties await the results of their respective primaries ahead of Election Day on March 3. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and Adam Wren dig into the state of peace talks and the stakes for each primary.

Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) sat down with POLITICO's Dasha Burns on "The Conversation" for a wide-ranging discussion covering his stance on immigration and ICE, voter ID, Israel and where he sees himself within the Democratic Party.

The Munich Security Conference kicks off on Friday — and it has turned into the marquee venue for Democrats with eyes toward 2028 to burnish their foreign policy bona fides. At least half a dozen Democrats who are tabbed as potential presidential contenders are descending on the conference that has become known as the Davos for the defense world. The rush to Munich follows last year's gathering, where VP JD Vance stunned attendees — and the world — by torching European leaders in a sharp speech from the stage. Playbook's Adam Wren and POLITICO's Chief EU Correspondent and host of the Brussels Playbook Podcast Zoya Sheftalovich break down everything to know about this year's Munich Security Conference.

The House voted to block President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada, with six Republicans joining Democrats in the symbolic rebuke. While the future is unclear in the Senate, it amounts to a sharp political slap on Trump's wrists as Democrats line up more votes against Trump's tariffs with the midterms approaching and a consequential Supreme Court decision still looming. Meanwhile, Trump offered a fresh threat to Republicans who voted against the tariffs. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House reporter Megan Messerly discuss the vote ramifications.

AG Pam Bondi is due on the Hill today as a series of storylines swirls around her Justice Department. When she sits before the House Judiciary Committee, she is certain to face questions about DOJ's attempts to investigate and prosecute President Donald Trump's perceived enemies, plus her department's handling of the Epstein files. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns discuss Bondi's approach to the appearance. Plus, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is headed to the White House.

The leaders of ICE and CBP, two of the agencies leading President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, will sit for testimony before the House Homeland Security Committee on Tuesday. The venue will provide a platform for Democrats to grill the leaders. But Republicans may be left toeing the line between pressing for accountability and defending the administration's immigration agenda. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns break down what to expect.

Ghislaine Maxwell is due before Congress today — but don't expect to learn much new. Maxwell, the longtime co-conspirator of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, will sit for a deposition before the House Oversight Committee, where she is expected to plead her Fifth Amendment rights. Still, the appearance is sure to put the Epstein saga back in the spotlight as lawmakers also begin to look over the unredacted files. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and senior legal affairs reporter Kyle Cheney break down what you need to know.

Venezuelan politician and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado says that Venezuela could have a new democratic election in less than a year. The Nobel Peace Prize winner joins POLITICO's Dasha Burns for “The Conversation” in a compelling interview that occurred exactly one month after the US captured Venezuelan's authoritarian leader Nicolas Maduro. Machado opens up about her hopes for the nation's future– and what her own path forward may be. Plus, progressive political YouTuber Brian Tyler Cohen sits down with Dasha to unpack the increasingly blurry line between journalism and content creation. He also shares what the future of progressive politics will look like in 2026.

The Winter Olympics are set to get underway this weekend — amid the backdrop of President Donald Trump's first year of his second term. Though he won't be attending the event himself, Trump's repeated forays into foreign policy have amplified tensions between the U.S. and some of the countries whom American athletes will be competing against. VP JD Vance is on the ground leading the U.S. delegation in Italy for the opening ceremonies. Then on Sunday, the Super Bowl has taken on its own political storylines. Playbook's Adam Wren and national politics reporter Alec Hernández discuss the impact Trump has on these two monolithic events.

Congress is facing a serious crunch to reach a deal on funding the Department of Homeland Security for the remainder of the fiscal year. Democratic demands over reforms that they want to see implemented within ICE are being met with resistance from many Republicans — leaving little space for compromise. If a deal isn't struck by Feb. 13, the government will see another shutdown. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and Congress reporter Mia McCarthy lay out the state of play in negotiations and deliver a reality check on where things appear to be headed.

Kevin Warsh, who President Donald Trump announced last week as his pick to become the next Federal Reserve chair, has an extensive background that has earned the respect of the financial world. He worked at Morgan Stanley, was a member of the Bush White House and is a Fed alum. He has spoken forcefully about the importance of the Fed's independence. But Trump has said that he wants loyalty. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns discuss how Warsh's past might be in conflict with his future post. Plus, the government is reopened — with a new shutdown countdown clock already ticking away.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro is visiting the White House today for a critical meeting with President Donald Trump. Though the two have been publicly at odds with one another in recent weeks, the Oval Office meeting offers a chance for the two leaders to reset — or to see another breakdown. But the trend of Trump welcoming world leaders into the White House appears to be dying down. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns break down the stakes of the confab.