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State of the Union

CNN

Hosted by CNN's Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, State of the Union features interviews with top newsmakers on politics and policy—covering Washington, the country, and the world.

Location:

Washington, DC

Description:

Hosted by CNN's Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, State of the Union features interviews with top newsmakers on politics and policy—covering Washington, the country, and the world.

Twitter:

@cnnsotu

Language:

English


Episodes
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Interviews with Republican Senator Thom Tillis; Democratic Senator Chris Murphy; Energy Secretary Chris Wright

3/8/2026
On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper talks with Republican Sen. Thom Tillis about President Trump’s decision to fire DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. Next, Jake sits down with Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy to discuss reports the Trump administration is weighing deploying US troops to Iran as the war there escalates. After, Energy Secretary Chris Wright responds to rising energy prices in the US as the Iran War disrupts the global oil industry. Then, CNN Global Affairs Analyst Karim Sadjadpour, CNN Political Commentator Jonah Goldberg, Hudson Institute Senior Fellow Rebeccah Heinrichs, and former State Department Senior Adviser Nayyera Haq join Jake to discuss Trump’s handling of the conflict in the Mideast. Finally, Jake responds forcefully to Trump administration criticism of CNN’s coverage of the war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:44:34

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Conflict in the Middle East: A New Era of Tensions

3/1/2026
Dana Bash hosts a special edition of State of the Union after the US and Israel launch sweeping strikes on Iran, targeting its nuclear program and weapons systems and killing Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior officials, as President Trump vows bombing will continue “as long as necessary.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:29:03

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Exclusive Interview with Governor Gavin Newsom; Interview with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent

2/22/2026
On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash talks to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down most of President Trump’s tariffs. Then, Dana sits down with California governor and potential 2028 candidate Gavin Newsom ahead of the release of his new memoir, “Young Man in a Hurry.” They discuss his complicated upbringing and relationship with his parents, his struggle with dyslexia, and his future as he weighs a potential 2028 presidential run. After, Democratic strategist Rebecca Katz, Republican Congressman Mike Lawler, PBS host Margaret Hoover, and CNN Senior Political Commentator Van Jones break down the political fallout from the Supreme Court striking down most of President Trump’s tariffs. Finally, Dana talks to Reuters photographer Phil Noble about his historic photo of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor after his stunning arrest in the United Kingdom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:49:06

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Interviews with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer; White House Border Czar Tom Homan; Democratic Governor Andy Beshear; Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin; Esptein survivors

2/15/2026
On CNN’s State of the Union, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer joins Jake to discuss Democrats’ demands to rein in immigration enforcement in exchange for ending a partial government shutdown. Next, White House Border Czar Tom Homan joins Jake to discuss the end of Trump’s Minneapolis crackdown, as well as whether the Department of Homeland Security has a credibility issue. Then, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear joins Jake to discuss Trump’s efforts to interfere with the midterm elections. After, Jake presses Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin over the Trump administration’s failed attempt to indict six Democratic lawmakers. Finally, Jake gives the last word to three Epstein survivors who were in the room for Attorney General Pam Bondi’s controversial hearing on Capitol Hill this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:48:24

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Interviews with Rep. Hakeem Jeffries; CMS Administrator Dr. Oz; Governor Wes Moore

2/8/2026
On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash interviews Rep. Hakeem Jeffries about Democrats’ demands to rein in ICE in exchange for funding the Department of Homeland Security. Next, CMS Administrator Dr. Oz sits down with Dana to discuss Americans’ skyrocketing health care costs as well as the growing measles outbreak in the US. Then, Dana asks Democratic Gov. Wes Moore about his redistricting push in Maryland, as well as President Trump’s decision to exclude him from a bipartisan meeting of governors. After, CNN Senior Law Enforcement Analyst Andrew McCabe and CNN Chief Law Enforcement and Intelligence Analyst John Miller join Dana to break down the latest in the Nancy Guthrie Case. Finally, USA Today columnist Christine Brennan joins Dana to discuss the heartbreaking end to Lindsey Vonn’s Olympic comeback story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:43:31

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Interviews with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche; Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin; Republican Senator Ron Johnson

2/1/2026
On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash presses Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on the Trump administration’s handling of the FBI files, its arrest of journalists over a protest at a Minnesota church, and a controversial FBI raid on a Georgia elections office. Next, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Jamie Raskin, joins to respond. Then, Republican Sen. Ron Johnson pushes back against Democrats’ demands to rein in ICE in exchange for funding the Department of Homeland Security. After, Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell, former Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien, former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, and CNN Political Commentator Kristen Soltis Anderson discuss whether the backlash to Trump’s immigration crackdown could hurt Republicans in the midterms. Finally, Dana gives an update on the case of 5-year-old Liam Ramos and his father, who were detained by immigration agents in Minneapolis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:44:02

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Interviews with Top Border Official Gregory Bovino; Democratic Senator Chris Murphy; New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill; Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt

1/25/2026
On CNN's State of the Union, in the wake of the second fatal shooting in Minneapolis, Dana Bash grills top border official Greg Bovino on what evidence he has that Alex Pretti was trying to impede law enforcement. She also pushes him on whether he still supports American's second Amendment rights and their rights to video law enforcement. Senator Chris Murphy responds to the interview calling it "bone-chilling" and calls on Democrats to freeze funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Newly inaugurated New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill slams ICE and calls for them to be removed from the streets immediately. Republican Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt acknowledges that Americans "don't like what they are seeing" in Minneapolis. Both governors also discuss storm response in their state as a record winter storm batters the Midwest and East Coast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:51:08

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Interviews with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey; Former Vice President Mike Pence; Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego

1/18/2026
On CNN’s State of the Union, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey joins Jake to respond to news that the Trump administration is putting hundreds of active-duty troops on standby to deploy to Minnesota. Frey told Jake, “I never thought in a million years that we would be invaded by our own federal government.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:43:05

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Interviews with: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem; Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey

1/11/2026
On a special extended edition of State of the Union, Jake Tapper sits down with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to discuss her response to the deadly ICE shooting in Minneapolis. Jake presses Noem on the administration’s quick moves to defend the ICE officer and accuse the US citizen killed of “domestic terrorism.” After, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Brian O’Hara join Jake to respond to Noem. Jake also talks with Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin and Democratic Sen. Mark Warner about the Minneapolis shooting, as well as the growing protests inside Iran. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker also joins Jake to respond to Noem and discuss his own experiences dealing with the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration in his state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:46:05

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Interviews with Republican Sen. Tom Cotton; Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy; Republican Rep. Jim Jordan; Democratic Rep. Jim Himes

1/4/2026
On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash presses Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton about President Trump saying the U-S is now “running” Venezuela. Next, Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy tells Dana that the Trump administration “lied to our face” about pursuing regime change in Venezuela. Then, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan tells Dana that he “trust[s] the president to make decisions that are in the best interest of Americans” in Venezuela. After, House Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Jim Himes tells Dana that Jordan “gave the game away” and that “America can see the fact that they no longer have a Congress.” Finally, Dana talks with former NATO Supreme Commander Adm. James Stavridis and former Deputy DNI Beth Sanner about what comes next after Maduro’s ouster in Venezuela. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:47:29

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State of the Union Special: The Future of AI

12/28/2025
On a special edition of State of the Union, Jake Tapper looks at the impact AI is having on the world around us. First, Jake talks with the “Godfather of AI” Geoffrey Hinton about his fears that AI is “progressing even faster” than he previously thought. Next, Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders sits down with Jake to discuss his efforts to push Congress to better regulate artificial intelligence. Then, Republican Sen. Katie Britt tells Jake “enough is enough” and that tech companies and Congress need to put up guardrails to protect kids from AI. After, co-authors Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price join Jake to discuss their new book, “The Amazing Generation,” and how kids and parents should navigate a world dominated by technology. Finally, TIME Magazine’s 2025 Kid of the Year, Tejasvi Manoj, talks to Jake about her efforts to use AI to help protect senior citizens from cyberscams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:44:02

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Interviews with Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin; Republican Senator James Lankford

12/21/2025
Kasie Hunt guest anchors CNN’s State of the Union. First, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Jamie Raskin, joins Kasie to discuss the partial release of the Epstein files and whether he’s considering legal options to force the Justice Department to release all of its files. Next, Republican Sen. James Lankford joins Kasie to Congress’ failure to avert skyrocketing health care costs. Lankford – a pastor – also discusses how faith can help make people feel more connected with one another this holiday season. Then, CNN Senior Political Commentator Scott Jennings and CNN Political Commentators Bakari Sellers, Kate Bedingfield, and Kristen Soltis Anderson discuss President Trump’s struggles to focus on affordability, the challenges facing Democrats in the midterms, and the growing rupture within the MAGA movement. Finally, Kasie reflects on the surprising end to the political career of a moderate Republican-turned “ultra MAGA” warrior, Elise Stefanik. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:43:20

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Twin Tragedies Shake the Globe

12/14/2025
Insightful discussions on gun violence, law enforcement actions, and legislative impacts featuring top voices like Senator Chris Murphy and Senator Bill Cassidy. Watch our latest report on global and US incidences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:52:50

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Interviews with White House Border Czar Tom Homan; Republican Sen. John Curtis; Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth

12/7/2025
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

Duration:00:43:10

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Trump: U.S. Will Block Immigration From “Third World Countries”

11/30/2025
On CNN's State of the Union, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly responds to President Trump's immigration crackdown plus the new details about the second follow-up strike on a suspected drug vessel killing unarmed survivors. Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin says President Trump is being "proactive" in targeting alleged drug operations - but that doesn't mean an invasion. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar criticizes the Trump administration's new immigration actions in the wake of the National Guard attack. And our panelists Rep. Riley Moore, Karen Finney, Kristen Soltis Anderson, and Xochitl Hinojosa discuss fallout from the shooting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:43:44

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Interviews with Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Sen. Bill Cassidy, Trump economic adviser Kevin Hassett

11/23/2025
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

Duration:00:41:54

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Interviews with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene; Dr. Oz; Rahm Emanuel

11/16/2025
On CNN’s State of the Union, Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene exclusively joins Dana Bash for her first interview since her explosive break-up with President Trump. She tells Dana, “Unfortunately, it has all come down to the Epstein files” and questions why he’s fighting so hard to release them. Rep. Greene also apologizes for her role in “toxic politics.” Next, CMS Administrator Dr. Oz joins Dana to discuss what Trump is doing to address skyrocketing health care costs. Then, potential Democratic 2028 hopeful Rahm Emanuel joins Dana to share what he thinks the party needs to do to win in 2026. Finally, CNN Senior Political Commentator Scott Jennings, CNN Political Commentator Jamal Simmons, Democratic Rep. Becca Balint and adviser to Speaker Mike Johnson, Hogan Gidley, join Dana to break down the Trump-Greene rift and the Epstein saga roiling the GOP. They also discuss Scott’s new book, “A Revolution of Common Sense.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:47:44

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Interviews with California Gov. Gavin Newsom; Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy

11/9/2025
On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper sits down exclusively with California Gov. Gavin Newsom for a wide-ranging interview. They discuss his decisive redistricting win, the state of the Democratic Party, whether he will run for president in 2028, and how Democrats can reverse their slide among young male voters. Then, amid mounting travel turmoil, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy joins Jake to discuss what travelers should expect as the shutdown drags on. Next, CNN Political Commentators Xochitl Hinojosa, Kristen Soltis Anderson, Bakari Sellers, and Republican Rep. Riley Moore join Jake to discuss what lessons Trump and Republicans should take from Democrats’ sweeping election wins. Finally, Jake wonders why President Trump isn’t taking his past advice on what presidents need to do to end government shutdowns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:44:11

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Interviews with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent; House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries; Democratic Sen. John Fetterman

11/2/2025
On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper asks Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent whether the Trump administration will use emergency funds to restore SNAP benefits for millions of Americans. Then, Jake asks House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries whether New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is the future of the Democratic Party. Next, Democratic Sen. John Fetterman tells Jake his party is to blame for the shutdown. Finally, CNN Political Commentators Ashley Allison and Bill de Blasio, Republican strategist Kristin Davison, and Republican Rep. Buddy Carter join Jake to preview Tuesday night’s elections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:43:38

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Interviews with Arnold Schwarzenegger; Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy; CNN’s Abby Phillip

10/26/2025
On CNN’s State of the Union, former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger joins Jake to discuss his opposition to California’s redistricting push. Then, Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy joins Jake to respond to Trump’s new Canada tariffs and the ongoing stalemate over the government shutdown. Next, CNN Senior Political Commentator Adam Kinzinger and CNN Political Commentators Brad Todd, Xochitl Hinojosa, and Kristen Soltis Anderson break down the potential political fallout from the shutdown, as well as Trump’s shocking demolition of the White House East Wing. Finally, CNN’s Abby Phillip sits down with Jake to discuss her new book on the far-reaching legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:42:26