The President's Daily Brief
The First TV
Each morning, the President of the United States receives a highly classified briefing on the most important issues facing the country -- The President's Daily Brief. Now you can hear your very own PDB, in the form of a podcast, every morning at 6am Eastern, and every afternoon at 4pm Eastern. You'll get 20 minutes of the most important topics of the day and why you should care, arming you with what you need to know to help solve America's most pressing challenges. Former CIA Operations Officer Mike Baker hosts new episodes daily.
Episodes
Mentioned books
39 snips
Mar 28, 2026 • 1h 1min
PDB Situation Report | March 28th, 2026: The Most Dangerous Phase of the Iran War Yet & Ukrainian Forces Gain Ground Against Russia
Steve Yates, senior research fellow and former deputy national security advisor, provides expertise on U.S. security and Middle East geopolitics. He discusses the escalating Iran conflict, the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, U.S.-Israeli coordination and burden sharing, political constraints on military aims, and the narrow window for de-escalation and long-term risks.
11 snips
Mar 27, 2026 • 15min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | March 27th, 2026: Calls Grow Inside Iran For A Nuclear Weapon & Russia Faces Worst Oil Disruption In Modern History
Tense debate in Tehran over whether to formally pursue a nuclear weapon after recent strikes and a hardline power shift. A surge in strikes has knocked out roughly 40% of Russia’s oil export capacity, reshaping Moscow’s revenue picture. Discussion focuses on shifting strategy, practical limits, and how market forces and sanctions might blunt the impact.
34 snips
Mar 27, 2026 • 25min
March 27th, 2026: U.S. Prepares "Final Blow” On Iran & Russia’s Satellite Scramble
Reporting on Pentagon plans for a decisive escalation against Iran, including large-scale strikes and possible ground operations. Iran is reportedly charging ships for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Russia is racing to build its own satellite network after losing access to Starlink. The Pentagon is boosting munitions production as stockpiles strain.
21 snips
Mar 26, 2026 • 14min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | March 26th, 2026: Mystery Solved: Trump's 'Present' From Iran Revealed & UK Goes After Russia’s Shadow Fleet
They unpack what Iran’s mysterious “present” to Trump actually was and why it functions as a diplomatic signal. They cover Britain’s move to seize Russian-linked tankers and how that targets Moscow’s shadow fleet. They explain tactics used to hide oil shipments and the possible enforcement and rerouting consequences.
7 snips
Mar 26, 2026 • 25min
March 26th, 2026: Hardliners Seize Control In Iran & Russian Drones Violate NATO Airspace
Tehran installs a hardline security chief, signaling an internal power shift and IRGC influence. Russian Shahed-style drones cross into NATO airspace, striking near Estonia and Latvia during attacks on Ukraine. The U.S. quietly increases fuel shipments to Cuba’s private sector to undercut the regime. Shahed-like attack drones appear on e-commerce sites, raising proliferation worries.
20 snips
Mar 25, 2026 • 15min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | March 25th, 2026: U.S. Rushes 82nd Airborne Toward Iran & Israeli Strikes Caspian Sea Targets
U.S. rapid‑reaction troops are being rushed toward Iran as Washington balances military pressure with diplomatic signaling. Strikes hit a Caspian Sea smuggling route that links Russia and Iran, damaging port and naval infrastructure. The conversation examines force mix, missions like reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and the geopolitical risks of striking supply lines.
9 snips
Mar 25, 2026 • 23min
March 25th, 2026: Why Reopening Hormuz Won’t Be Easy & Gulf States Inch Toward War With Iran
Tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is frozen, with military, logistical, and insurance hurdles making reopening a massive challenge. Gulf states are edging toward direct confrontation with Iran as strikes and seizures escalate. Israel signals plans to hold territory south of the Litani amid pressure to curb Hezbollah. The Taliban quietly releases a detained U.S. citizen, highlighting fraught diplomacy.
25 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 16min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | March 24th, 2026: Trump’s Iran Oil Move Raises Big Questions & U.S. Strikes Militias in Iraq
Discussion of the White House temporarily allowing Iranian oil onto global markets and the surprising strategic questions that raises. Analysis of whether the move will actually affect global prices or funnel cash to Tehran. Reporting on U.S. airstrikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq and what that means for the widening conflict.
17 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 21min
March 24th, 2026: Is Iran Being Run By An AI Supreme Leader? & Ukraine Strikes Russia’s Oil Hub
A missing Supreme Leader sparks questions about who actually runs Iran and whether AI and propaganda are being used to project authority. Riyadh’s quiet diplomacy appears to be keeping the Houthis from escalating the Iran conflict. Ukraine carries out a major drone strike on Russia’s biggest oil export terminal, risking disruptions to global energy flows. A U.S. worldwide security alert warns of Iran-linked threats to Americans abroad.
5 snips
Mar 23, 2026 • 16min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | March 23rd, 2026: Trump Calls Off Strikes—Is Iran’s Regime Breaking Apart? & Terror Attack in the UK
A sudden pause on planned strikes against Iran after reported talks raises questions about who is really negotiating and how Tehran’s fractured leadership affects communications. Market moves follow the de-escalation. In London, a deliberate arson targeting charity ambulances sparks a counterterrorism probe and concerns about an Iran-linked group claiming responsibility.
