CNN Politics

In this episode of 'Inside Politics Sunday,' the discussion focuses on the Republican Party's struggle with affordability issues and Donald Trump's disconnect from economic realities. The show features a one-on-one interview with Pennsylvania Republican Brian Fitzpatrick, who criticizes the GOP's lack of focus on critical issues like healthcare premiums. The episode also covers the potential Senate run of progressive Democrat Jasmine Crockett in Texas, and the controversial tenure of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, including his handling of military strikes and internal Pentagon issues. Additionally, the program highlights the unique political scenario with Texas Congressman Troy Nehls not seeking reelection, paving the way for his identical twin brother Trevor Nehls to run for his seat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash presses White House Border Czar Tom Homan over new ICE raids targeting Somali immigrants. Next, Republican Sen. John Curtis sits down with Dana to discuss his call for “compassionate” immigration enforcement, as well as the ticking clock for Congress to act on expiring health care subsidies. Then, veteran Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth joins Dana to discuss the controversies surrounding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Finally, Democratic Rep. Jake Auchincloss, Republican strategist Kristin Davison, and CNN Political Commentators Jamal Simmons and Shermichael Singleton break down Republicans’ angst over affordability concerns ahead of the midterms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A vaccine advisory panel handpicked by the HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. voted to end the longstanding recommendation to give all newborns the Hepatitis b vaccine. The CDC said more than 6 million cases were prevented by routine vaccines over the past 30 years. But today, the panel recommended delaying the dose until a child is two months old. The recommendation heads to the CDC director for approval. CNN medical analyst Dr. Jonathan Reiner joins the show to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin Kiley is a California Republican who has a few notes for his party’s leadership in the House of Representatives. He also may have been drawn out of his job with the new district lines California voters passed last month at Gov. Gavin Newsom’s urging. Rep. Kiley joins David Chalian to explain the vibe shift underway in the Republican conference as it prepares for the 2026 midterm elections and a future beyond President Trump. Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A man in Woodbridge, Virginia is arrested in the DC pipe bomber case from five years ago. Meanwhile, not far away on Capitol Hill, Admiral Frank Bradley and Joint Chiefs Chair General Dan Caine brief top senators on the disputed double tap boat strike, making the case that those survivors appeared to be radioing for help and could have continued trafficking drugs, which made them legitimate targets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite five hours of talks between Russia and the US, they failed to reach an agreement for ending the war in Ukraine. Both President Zelensky and NATO officials say that Putin shows no sign of making "meaningful concessions. Julianne Smith was Ambassador to NATO under President Biden, including during Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. She joins the show from Washington DC. Also on today's show: Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert; Republican Senator Bill Cassidy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's show begins as President Trump is in the middle of what he says is the final Cabinet meeting of the year. Following an evaluation by Pete Hegseth, Dana and her panel analyze the defense secretary's words, especially his defense of the admiral accused of a "double tap" strike that killed survivors of a September US attack against a suspected Venezuelan drug boat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did the Pentagon order a second strike to kill injured survivors after the US military attacked a suspected drug boat off the coast of Venezuela? If so, it could be a war crime, and it's leading to the most significant GOP demands for oversight since President Trump took office. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is promising his harshest immigration crackdown yet after a shooting in Washington, DC left one National Guard member dead and another in critical condition. The suspected shooter, a 29-year-old Afghan national who worked with the US government during the war, came to the United States in 2021 through a program created under the Biden Administration. He was granted asylum under the Trump Administration on Thanksgiving call with US troops. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We begin today's special Thanksgiving Day show with new developments on the man accused of gunning down two young National Guard members in the nation's capital. The CIA revealed that the 29-year-old Afghan national actually worked with the US government during the war. He was resettled in the US after that chaotic withdrawal four years ago, part of a program to protect those who helped Americans from Taliban retribution. Now, prosecutors say he was living in Washington state and allegedly drove across the country to carry out the attack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Six democrats on Capitol Hill are now under federal investigation over their video urging service members to reject illegal orders. The lawmakers say President Trump is "using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress." The administration is acutely focused on Senator Mark Kelly, a decorated and retired Navy captain. The Pentagon has threatened to demote him, dock his pension, and even prosecute him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The White House says Russia and Ukraine are on the verge of a peace deal. Volodymyr Zelensky could come to Washington as soon as this week to finalize the plan to end the unprovoked war Vladimir Putin initiated. The White House press secretary bragged of tremendous progress but added, "There are a few delicate but not insurmountable details that must be sorted out and will require further talks." So the question becomes, what does Russia think about all of this? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On December 31st, health care premiums are set to spike for 22 million Americans who buy their insurance on the Obamacare exchanges. It's why Democrats shut down the government. They had demanded Republicans extend subsidies to help offset those costs. Democrats lost that fight, but Republicans know the politics aren't exactly on their side. So today, sources tell CNN the president will unveil a new plan to temporarily extend subsidies without restrictions while Republicans keep working to come up with a longer term health insurance plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Manu Raju covers a tumultuous week for President Trump and the GOP. It highlights Trump's declining poll numbers, internal party fractures, notably the resignation of Marjorie Taylor Green, and growing discomfort among Republicans over various issues, including the Epstein files and Trump's call to jail Democrats. The panel of experts discusses the midterm elections, the potential impacts of gerrymandering, and the looming threat of GOP losses. The show features an interview with Texas Congressman Wesley Hunt, who is challenging Senator John Cornyn, revealing internal GOP conflicts regarding his candidacy. Additionally, the episode touches on Trump's extensive and controversial remodeling projects, including plans to renovate golf courses with Jack Nicklaus and updates to the White House ballroom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On CNN's State of the Union, Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett responds to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announcing she is leaving Congress, plus reveals new polling that will influence her decision to run for senate in Texas. Jake Tapper pushes Senator Bill Cassidy on his deciding vote to confirm H-H-S Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Junior, plus the senator discusses his new health care proposal. Trump's top economic adviser Kevin Hassett acknowledges there's a lot of progress to be made in bringing prices down and responds to President Trump appearing to bond with New York City Mayor-elect over tackling affordability in New York City. Our panelists Democratic Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth and political commentators Brad Todd, Kate Bedingfield, Shermichael Singleton weigh in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we take a deep dive into today's Oval Office meeting between New Yorkers: the city's mayor-elect and the nation's president. President Trump Zohran Mamdani are two dramatically different people with dramatically different worldviews. Each sees the other as a problematic partner but pitch-perfect foil. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump reversed course on the Epstein files to get right with his party in what proved to be a rare crack in the strong bond the president has with his MAGA base. In addition to the Epstein matter, President Trump has come in for some criticism from supporters over his messaging and focus (or lack thereof) on prices and affordability and his penchant for putting foreign affairs front and center. Jonathan Martin of POLITICO is here to assess whether this is the beginning of Trump's lame duck period and who, or what, comes next. Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's what Jeffrey Epstein's survivors have been demanding for years, but when the president finally signs legislation to release the files, what will the public actually see? Plus: Donald Trump addresses the US-Saudi Investment Forum alongside Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the White House spent months trying to stop the release of the Epstein files, President Trump’s stunning about-face means a House vote in favor of the measure could be unanimous. Also on today’s show: President Trump rolls out the red carpet for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the man who, according to US intelligence, ordered the assassination of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a stunning about-face, President Trump is now urging House Republicans to vote to release the Epstein files. Plus, Marjorie Taylor Greene apologizes to Dana for years of "toxic" rhetoric, marking what would be a dramatic shift in a political brand hallmarked by derogatory comments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices