CNN Inside Politics

First: Trump administration lawyers will be in a Washington courtroom this afternoon to defend the president's deportation powers. Will three appeals court judges hit the brakes on the president's relentless push to redefine the limits of executive power?  Plus: The biggest election since November is just days away. Wisconsin voters will elect a new judge for the supreme court. We'll tell you why...

First: Settling the score. Using threats, retribution and the levers of presidential power, Donald Trump unleashes the federal government on his critics. While Elon Musk pushes the limits. What guardrails remain? Plus: Revolt. Democrats itch for a fight. My new reporting on House Democrats' next moves. Is this their tea party moment? And: Rolling over? New watchdog concerns about Trump putting his...

As today show's begins, President Trump is pontificating to reporters in the Oval Office as part of an event with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who was by his side. During the Q&A, Trump was asked about a New York Times that Elon Musk, who visited the Pentagon today, was due to get a briefing on the Pentagon's plan for handling a war in China.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoi...

First: The Trump administration escalates attacks on a federal judge and publicly questions the court's authority. But are they willing to actually defy a judicial order? There's a key deadline right now that may provide an answer.  Plus: Today, President Trump will sign an executive order to shut down the Department of Education. We break down potential consequences for students, parents and teac...

First: President Trump just wrapped up a pivotal phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He says they are "very much on track" for a ceasefire deal.  Plus: The president is unleashing a full-throttle attack on the federal judge who derailed Trump's deportation plans. The courts are pushing back and sending a clear message that there are limits to presidential powers.  And: Democrat...

As today's show begins, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are having a crucial conversation, with the fate of Ukraine hanging in the balance. Plus, A federal judge probes the Trump administration response after he ordered weekend deportation flights turned around. And a handful of are positioning themselves in very different ways to take the reins ahead of 2028.  Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...

First: The Trump administration is gearing up for a high-stakes judicial faceoff after seemingly ignoring a court order to stop the deportation of hundreds of individuals it claims are gang members.  Plus: A new CNN poll shows just 29% of Americans have a favorable view of Democrats as the party turns on one of its leaders.  And: The death toll rises after powerful storms rip through the Midwest a...

First: Outrage. Democrats' anger boils over. Brand-new CNN poll results this morning flash warning signs for the party. Where does Leader Schumer stand? And is AOC having a moment? And: Trade war. As stocks plunge, economic discontent spooks the GOP. Plus: New reporting on Trump's quest for revenge. And: Baby steps. A rare bipartisan move may help new moms and dads on the Hill. Learn more about yo...

First: Democrats are at odds over how to handle the looming government shutdown. We have new reporting from inside their tumultuous private meetings.  Plus: From daytime talk show to Senate confirmation hearing right now, Dr. Memet Oz is trying to convince senators that he's done hawking dubious supplements and ready to lead the agency in charge of Medicare and Medicaid.  And: Is Donald Trump in h...

First: The president just responded to Europe's new reciprocal tariffs with new reciprocal tariffs of his own. It's all impacting your wallet. But many Republicans so far are saying no pain, no gain.  Plus: The White House pulls the plug on its nominee to lead the CDC, Dr. David Weldon, who's been facing growing scrutiny over his anti-vaccine views. What about other Trump appointees with similar v...

First: Brand new CNN polling shows Americans overwhelmingly disapprove of President Trump's tariff tug of war, while his newest salvo threatens to drive up. prices even more. And it's unleashing a worldwide trade war.  Plus: As Americans' retirement funds took a nosedive, the president chose to help the richest man in the world with his bottom line by turning the White House lawn into a car dealer...

First: We're following the twists and turns as the markets react to new threats from the president to impose more tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum and cars.    Plus: Is it time to muzzle Musk? Trump's billionaire bestie seems to float the idea of cutting money from popular programs like Social Security and Medicare.    And: Five years ago today, the world began to shut down due to Covid. The af...

First: Donald Trump was elected to end inflation, but economists fear his policies could do the opposite. And even possibly trigger a recession. The president himself admits it's possible, but that it's for the country's greater good.  Plus: Hostility from the Great White North, as Canada's next prime minister is warning that President Trump wants to "destroy our way of life."  And: Top Democrats...

First: Whipsaw. Trump injects uncertainty into a shaky economy as tensions rise over Elon Musk. Does Trump have a plan? And as Democrats flail, is Congress barreling toward a shutdown? Plus: COVID five years on. How has the pandemic reshaped politics? And: Back to the future? Democratic heavyweights test the waters as the next campaign has already begun. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit pod...

Exactly one week after the Oval Office slugfest that left the entire world flabbergasted, and just four days after halting all US aid to Ukraine, President Trump threatens "large-scale banking sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and final settlement on peace is reached."  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we came on the air today, news was breaking on those tariffs Donald Trump slapped on Canada and Mexico. But as you'll hear, the specifics were confusing to say the least.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: President Trump makes clear in his historically long speech to Congress that, from culture wars to trade wars, he's not retreating from the divisive agenda that seeks to upend American government and society.  Plus: A divided Supreme Court deals the president a blow in his effort to shut down American foreign aid.  And: Will "Mayor Pete" try to become "Senator Pete?"  Learn more about your...

First: After 43 turbulent days, Donald Trump will address Congress for the first time in his second term, and he's bringing Elon Musk with him. The president will take credit for his promises kept. But what will he do about the chaos?  Plus: Higher tariffs are likely to mean higher prices from everything from the cars you drive to the vegetables you eat to the shoes you wear. So how big is the eco...

First: The global community is still trying to process the ramifications of the Oval Office rumble that's put both the future of war-ravaged Ukraine and America's role as leader of the free world in serious question.  Plus: President Trump says he will punish America's largest trading partners in fewer than 12 hours. Will he follow through on his plan, even though it would almost surely mean highe...

First: Back in the House. Trump is set to address Congress weeks into his executive power grab. We have brand new CNN polling. What do Americans think? Plus: Breakdown. New reporting on the fallout from that remarkable meeting. And: Clash of the titans. Andrew Cuomo says he's running. What are his chances to come back from scandal? Will he stand up to Trump? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky are holding critical talks in the Oval Office today. The presidents are expected to sign a deal giving the US a financial stake in Ukrainian mineral deposits. Zelensky is hoping to get some sort of security guarantee in return. Our coverage begins with CNN's Jeff Zeleny at the White House.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The British PM and the US President met in Washington today. A lot was on the line. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Millions of federal employees are in limbo today. They don't know whether to listen to their supervisor, their government HR department, or Elon Musk. And their jobs may be on the line.  Plus: Musk's Starlink system is scoring a major new contract with the FAA while directing cuts at that very agency. Remember, this is the same person who promised to avoid any conflicts of interest  And: We...

First: "What did you do at work last week?" The seemingly almighty, albeit unelected Elon Musk says millions of federal employees have just hours left to answer that question or lose their jobs. But even some of the most MAGA cabinet members are telling Musk to back off.  Plus: Ukraine marks a grim milestone as Donald Trump seems to side with the man responsible for brutally invading a sovereign d...

First: Under fire. Trump orders a Pentagon purge and directs Elon Musk to get more aggressive as his cuts spark blowback. Then: Trump's calling himself a king. But is he bleeding support? Plus: Sea change. Trump pivots to Putin as Ukraine scrambles. And: Making his mark. Does the V.P. have eyes on 2028? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices