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
34 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 27min
January 27th, 2026: Venezuela’s Acting Leader Rebels Against Washington & Israel Backs Militias In Gaza
Venezuela’s acting leader publicly rejects U.S. direction and pushes rapid market reforms while retaining tight security controls. New reporting reveals Israel’s covert backing of armed Palestinian militias inside Gaza to undermine Hamas. Israeli recovery of the last hostage remains affects Rafah reopening and humanitarian plans. TikTok strikes a U.S. restructuring deal to avert a nationwide ban.
18 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 14min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 26th, 2026: Xi Purges Top General For ‘Leaking Nuclear Secrets’ & Ukraine Left In The Dark
China's top general is ousted amid accusations of leaking nuclear secrets, sparking talk of paranoia and power struggles at the top. Russia launches massive strikes that plunge over a million Ukrainians into darkness and damage hospitals and infrastructure. Tensions flare as strikes coincide with diplomatic talks, raising questions about timing and strategy.
18 snips
Jan 26, 2026 • 27min
January 26th, 2026: Iran Chemical Weapons Claims & Minneapolis Shooting Fallout
Disturbing reports suggest Iranian forces may have used chemical agents against protesters. A deadly Border Patrol shooting during an immigration operation in Minneapolis sparks heated debate. Trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi show cautious optimism but no breakthrough on the war. A bold claim surfaces about a secret device used in a high-profile Venezuelan raid.
26 snips
Jan 24, 2026 • 60min
PDB Situation Report | January 24th, 2026: Is Cuba the Next Venezuela? & Xi’s Mass Crackdown
Gordon Chang, author and China analyst, offers brisk analysis of Xi Jinping’s sweeping loyalty purges. Daniel DiMartino, Manhattan Institute fellow with Venezuela experience, breaks down post-Maduro power shifts and regional pressure tactics. They discuss U.S. tactics toward Cuba, Venezuela’s weakened energy state, China’s mass discipline campaign, and risks of elite turmoil and accidental conflict.
10 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 16min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 23rd, 2026: Trump Delivers Major Warning To Iran & Putin Talks Peace While Pressing Maximalist Demands
A deep look at the U.S. military buildup near Iran and what that show of force could mean for Tehran. A rundown of forces deployed around the region and the human cost of Iran’s crackdown. Coverage of the first trilateral technical talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S., with a focus on Moscow’s territorial demands and Kyiv’s refusal to concede.
49 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 27min
January 23rd, 2026: Inside the White House Plan to Topple Cuba’s Communist Government & Sanctions Enforcement Escalates
Delve into the White House's ambitious plan to topple Cuba’s communist regime, banking on defections from key insiders. Meanwhile, President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskiy meet in Davos, navigating the complexities around security guarantees and territorial disputes. On another front, France's navy intercepts a tanker linked to Russia's covert operations in the Mediterranean. The stark situation in Iran is highlighted as a young soldier faces execution for refusing to fire on protesters amidst turmoil.
24 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 15min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 22nd, 2026: Israel Braces for Iranian Strike & China Penetrates Taiwan’s Armed Forces
Israel is on high alert, preparing for a potential Iranian strike, with its air force and missile defenses ready for any scenario. Meanwhile, China has intensified covert operations against Taiwan, revealing deep infiltration within its armed forces. A case study highlights how a Taiwanese sergeant was recruited by Chinese intelligence, providing crucial operational insights. Tensions are rising as both nations navigate this precarious military landscape.
33 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 26min
January 22nd, 2026: Trump Announces Major Deal On Greenland & Iran Crackdown Allegations
President Trump shakes up U.S. strategy on Greenland, postponing tariffs after talks with NATO. Reports reveal severe abuses by Iranian security forces against protesters, sparking international outrage. Trump introduces a new 'Board of Peace' but encounters resistance from allies. Meanwhile, Mexico hands over cartel leaders to the U.S., indicating a significant shift in cooperation amid rising pressure. Tune in for a deep dive into these pivotal developments!
26 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 16min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 21st, 2026: Trump Preparing For 'Decisive' Action Against Iran & Another Russian Tanker Seized
Tensions are rising as President Trump pushes for decisive military action against Iran, leading to a significant U.S. military buildup in the Middle East. The discussion highlights the deployment of additional forces and missile defenses, amidst concerns over the effectiveness of air power alone in regime change. The podcast also covers the seizure of another Venezuelan-linked oil tanker, emphasizing Washington's escalating sanctions enforcement and strategic plans to reshape Venezuela's oil sector.
16 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 28min
January 21st, 2026: The Strategic Case Behind Trump’s Greenland Push & Xi Purges His Own
In a surprising twist at a global summit, President Trump asserts Greenland's strategic importance, putting pressure on European allies. Meanwhile, in China, nearly one million individuals face punishment as President Xi consolidates power and demands unwavering loyalty. Tensions rise as Beijing intrudes Taiwan's airspace with a drone, signaling a new level of aggression. Additionally, the UK greenlights China's largest embassy in Europe despite security concerns about potential espionage.
