The Bret Baier Podcast

Does the fact that Justice Loren Merchan, the judge in former President Trump's hush money trial, made financial contributions to President Biden's campaign in 2020 impact his ability to be impartial? Or, conversely, how would Americans feel if Justice Merchan had donated to the former President's campaign instead? Former U.S. Attorney and Executive Director of Right on Crime, Brett Tolman, discus...

In recent years, Americans' trust in the government and federal institutions has hit an all-time low -- a trend that many lawmakers are worried is only going to worsen. That's why those in Congress are working across the aisle to show the people of America they don't have to be wary when it comes to putting their faith in government. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) and Congre...

Following closing arguments in former President Donald Trump's hush money trial, Americans could hear a verdict in the high-profile case within the week. Yet, despite the fact it's coming to a close, the Biden Administration seems to be taking a sudden interest in it -- sending two Capitol Police officers and actor Robert De Niro to the courthouse to deliver a news conference condemning the former...

From military power to trade, ships play a huge role in global relations -- which is why many lawmakers are putting their heads together to bring shipbuilding back to America. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Congressman Mike Waltz (R-FL) discuss how they believe the U.S. shipbuilding industry should be revitalized through public-private partnerships and incentives, the importance of naval power on t...

A helicopter crash over the weekend has launched tensions in the Middle East to new heights, following news that the incident killed the Iranian President and Foreign Minister. Additionally, overseas, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court claims he's seeking arrest warrants for both Israeli and Hamas leaders due to their committing 'war crimes and crimes against humanity'.  In t...

Maryland residents are still grappling with the aftermath of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse -- as the vital structure provided a key trade route for companies across America, over 15,000 jobs, and a huge income source for Baltimore's economy. The incident caught the attention of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, and now bipartisan efforts are in place to ensure the bridge is rebuilt as...

As former President Donald Trump's trial heats up following developments from Michael Cohen, "the self-described fixer for Mr. Trump", taking the stand, another politician is heading to court just a few blocks over -- as jury selection begins in the federal corruption trial of Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ). Meanwhile, voters are making important decisions at the polls in West Virginia and Maryland,...

Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) has long been viewed as a standout member of his party -- from his uniform of hoodies and shorts to the casual way he speaks to constituents. However, since the Israel-Hamas War began, Senator Fetterman has set himself even further apart, becoming one of few Democrats expressing full support of Israel actions to defend themselves and defeat Hamas. In this exclusive in...

It's been a week of whiplash overseas after Hamas announced Monday they would be accepting an Egyptian-Qatari mediated ceasefire proposal. However, Israel denied any news of a ceasefire and forces seized the vital Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Southern Gaza. Now, Americans are looking to see how President Biden will respond to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ignoring his instru...

Earlier this week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared America's support for China's economic growth, as long as China prioritizes treating American workers and businesses fairly. However, after repeatedly catching China betraying the US -- how should we move forward working with a country that has proven again and again that they're not to be trusted? Congressman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and ...

Pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel protests continue to cause chaos on college campuses, highlighting a deepening rift among Democrats. As Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu states he plans to invade Rafah regardless of whether a ceasefire-deal is reached, could this move add fuel to the fire for protestors? And how can President Biden continue walking the line between backing allies in Israel and keep...

After countless Americans contracted cancer and serious illnesses following efforts to build the atomic bomb, the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act was born in 1990 -- providing payments for those impacted by toxic chemicals. Flash forward to now, and lawmakers are pushing to renew and expand on the act, as growing evidence suggests that many towns beyond the test sites have suffered consequence...

Though the Israel-Hamas War has been raging since Hamas' attack on October 7th, there's been a simultaneous surge of pro-Palestinian protests at major universities nationwide in the past week -- with many signs pointing to the demonstrations being connected. As hundreds of college students from top universities like Columbia, Yale, and N.Y.U face arrest at these protests, many Americans wonder wha...

House Speaker Mike Johnson has unveiled plans to pass foreign aid bills in the House -- with votes on bills funding Israel, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific set to take place over the weekend. However, with a growing divide in Congress over how the U.S. should move forward to support allies overseas, will the bills garner enough support to move forward?  Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) & Senator Michael B...

Israel is weighing what their response will be to a brazen attack from Iran over the weekend -- where over 300 missiles and drones were launched toward the country. Though President Biden remains steadfast in his loyalty to Israel, he continues to dissuade Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from committing any acts that could dangerously escalate tensions in the Middle East.  Meanwhile, her...

Earlier this week, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin told lawmakers why a $60 billion supplemental funding request to support Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan is an essential U.S. investment -- but with divided support on Ukraine aid, will it survive? And where do Democrats and Republicans stand on this issue and America's defense spending as a whole? Bret is joined by Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and S...

The week began with both President Biden and former President Trump making announcements pertaining to two important issues to voters: abortion & student loan forgiveness. Bret is joined by Republican Strategist Colin Reed, Fox News Audio Political Anchor Jared Halpern, and Democratic Pollster Carly Cooperman to discuss how Americans responded to political headlines this week, what items are at th...

President Biden has stated his goal is to have 50% percent of all new vehicle sales be electric by 2030 -- but with electric vehicles making up less than 20% of overall car sales in 2024, how will Americans react to this push toward hybrids and EVs? And if a considerable number of Americans do go electric, how could that impact America's auto industry and the countless people employed by tradition...

Another active week has begun both overseas and at home in the U.S. -- as a new threat of Iranian escalation in the Israel-Hamas War could be on the horizon after an Israeli airstrike killed two Iranian generals, a Ukraine foreign aid fight amongst House Republicans continues in Washington, and President Biden sets off to Baltimore in the aftermath of the colossal Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse...

As lawmakers on Capitol Hill continue going back and forth over the best ways to fund the government and deal with the country's national debt, the question remains as to how Republicans and Democrats will eventually come together to productively address the issue. Bret revisits a conversation with Democratic West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin, where they discussed the status of the debt crisis las...

It's been a non-stop week of breaking news, between a major bridge collapse in Baltimore having the potential to alter U.S. trade & the economy, presidential candidate RFK Jr. declaring his Vice-Presidential pick, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu abruptly canceling a highly anticipated meeting at the White House. Though these events seem like they couldn't be more different, they all...

On a fiercely divided Capitol Hill, there are few things Republicans and Democrats stand closely together on -- but one fight that remains largely bipartisan is the battle against the nation’s drug crisis. With substances like fentanyl and xylazine, known as 'tranq,' claiming the lives of countless young people, there’s immense effort on both sides of the aisle to get these drugs off the streets. ...

Five presidential primaries took place across multiple states Tuesday, lending more wins to President Biden and former President Trump. Meanwhile, an Ohio Senate Primary that's proven far more competitive has captured the attention of many Americans -- as they watch to see how much weight former President Trump's endorsement will carry. Social media is also in the spotlight this week in Washington...

Intelligence officials presented before members of both the House and Senate this week during annual threat assessment hearings -- their words holding significant weight in light of many lawmakers and intelligence agencies raising the alarm about growing national security threats.  Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee, Congressman Mike Turner (R-OH) and Congressman Jim H...

It's been an eventful week in Washington, as former Special Counsel Robert Hur, who concluded that President Biden should not be charged with a crime following his mishandling of classified documents, testified before the House Judiciary Committee. On top of that, Colorado Republican Congressman Ken Buck, who had initially stated he wouldn't be running for re-election, announced he would resign fr...