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
23 snips
Feb 2, 2026 • 15min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | February 2nd, 2026: Iran’s Hidden Nuclear Activity & Embassy Reopens in Caracas
New satellite imagery suggests Iran is concealing repairs and activity at damaged nuclear sites. Discussion covers possible weapons-related testing and limits on international inspections. Coverage also highlights the reopening of the U.S. embassy in Caracas and Washington’s three-phase approach to reengaging with Venezuela.
18 snips
Feb 2, 2026 • 25min
February 2nd, 2026: Is China’s Military a Sham? & Massive Amnesty Inside Venezuela
Reporting reveals a sweeping purge and corruption inside China’s military, with questions about whether key weapons were ever operational. New details suggest missiles and silos may have been unserviceable. Venezuela announces a broad amnesty reaching back to the Chávez era and plans to close a notorious prison complex. Saudi officials privately urge tougher U.S. action toward Iran to avoid emboldening Tehran.
22 snips
Jan 31, 2026 • 58min
PDB Situation Report | January 31st, 2026: American Firepower Gathers at Iran’s Doorstep & The Cost of Putin’s War
Richard Goldberg, former NSC director and regional security expert, explains U.S. military moves around Iran and possible contingency options. Seth Jones, CSIS scholar and coauthor on Russia-Ukraine casualty estimates, discusses staggering battlefield losses and Russian force weaknesses. Multiple short conversations cover signaling to Tehran, targeting options, Chinese ties, and the human toll of war.
14 snips
Jan 30, 2026 • 16min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 30th, 2026: White House Considers Commando Raids Inside Iran & Putin Pauses Kyiv Attacks At Trump's Request
A deep dive into new U.S. military options against Iran, including possible special operations raids inside Iranian territory. A breakdown of the strategic menu of strikes, risks, and regional consequences. Coverage of Russia pausing air attacks on Kyiv after a high-level request, and why Ukraine remains skeptical about Moscow’s intentions.
32 snips
Jan 30, 2026 • 23min
January 30th, 2026: Iran Refuses Trump Deal & Taiwan Sends A Message To China
Regional powers scramble to prevent a U.S.-Iran clash as Tehran digs in on key demands, raising wider conflict risks. Taiwan stages combat-readiness drills with U.S. weapons to send a clear signal to China. New video and federal review complicate the Minneapolis shooting case. A tentative shutdown deal surfaces while DHS funding faces a separate delay.
22 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 14min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 29th, 2026: CIA Launches New Venezuela Operation & EU Terror Listing for Iran’s IRGC
A look at U.S. intelligence stepping back into post‑Maduro Venezuela with a new operational presence. Discussion of intelligence-led early transition work and concerns about foreign influence. Coverage of the EU officially designating Iran’s IRGC as a terrorist organization and the regional security implications that follow.
21 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 25min
January 29th, 2026: Russia’s Unprecedented Losses & Sanctions Shift In Venezuela
A deep dive into new analysis showing Russia’s battlefield losses have hit historic levels. A look at how the fighting has become drone-heavy and attritional. Washington’s move to relax some Venezuela oil sanctions and the political tradeoffs that follow. Rising U.S. pressure on Iran amid threats and carrier deployments. A public spat over reported battlefield use of Starlink and its implications.
24 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 16min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 28th, 2026: U.S. Intelligence Raises Red Flags About Delcy Rodriguez & Europe Targets Putin’s Oil Fleet
U.S. intelligence casts doubt on whether Venezuela’s interim leader will break ties with Iran, China, and Russia. Washington signals it could use military pressure if cooperation fails. Europe coordinates a crackdown on Russia’s “ghost tanker” fleet to stop oil-sanctions evasion. Coastal states plan boarding, detaining, and treating noncompliant ships as stateless.
34 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 25min
January 28th, 2026: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ordered Protesters Shot & ISIS Rising Again
Reporting that Iran’s supreme leader ordered security forces to shoot protesters on sight. Leaks from inside Tehran reveal strain at the highest levels of the regime. Iraq’s intelligence chief warns ISIS is quietly rebuilding across the Syria border. U.S. planning may pair Hamas disarmament with amnesty. Washington faces a possible partial government shutdown over DHS funding and immigration fights.
18 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 15min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 27th, 2026: U.S. ‘Armada' Arrives At Iran’s Doorstep & Leadership Reset in Minneapolis
A massive U.S. naval and air buildup near Iran arrives, with strike packages and missile defenses taking position. Discussion covers how the posture could push Tehran toward talks rather than confrontation. A federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis sparks protests after a deadly shooting and prompts a leadership reset in the response. Political fallout and investigations follow.
