

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

32 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 24min
January 15th, 2026: How Iran Is Crushing Protests & More Tanker Seizures Ahead
Eyewitness accounts reveal the brutal tactics used by Iran to suppress protests, including targeted violence and hospital raids. Tensions escalate at sea as the U.S. seeks warrants to seize Venezuela-linked oil tankers. In a significant shift, visa processing is halted for 75 countries, including Iran and Russia, as the U.S. tightens immigration policies. Meanwhile, a new lead emerges in the mystery of Havana Syndrome, with the government acquiring a device believed to be connected to unexplained injuries among officials.

23 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 15min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 14th, 2026: Evacuations Begin As US Strike On Iran Looms & America Hits Somali Terror Targets
Tensions rise as U.S. personnel in Iran face evacuation amid a breakdown in diplomacy. With military action looming, warnings target American civilians left behind. Meanwhile, the U.S. intensifies airstrikes in Somalia against ISIS and Al-Shabaab, aiming to curb jihadist expansion. Details on the operations reveal strategic motives rooted in national security. As threats grow, military assessments signal that challenges may soon reach beyond African borders.

39 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 25min
January 14th, 2026: What Could A Strike In Iran Look Like? & A Terror Labeling Shakeup
The podcast explores the potential U.S. response to the unrest in Iran, including cyber attacks and limited military strikes. It discusses President Trump's designation of three branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations and the geopolitical ramifications of this decision. Attention shifts to Venezuela as Trump prepares to meet with María Corina Machado to discuss the nation's future. Additionally, there's a dive into North Korea, revealing Kim Jong Un's unusual security shakeup amid growing fears of assassination.

28 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 16min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 13th, 2026: Trump Speaks Directly To Iran’s Protesters As Crackdown Grows
President Trump delivers a powerful message to Iranian protesters, urging them to stand strong amid crackdowns and promising support. Meanwhile, Ukraine escalates its fight by striking Russian oil platforms, challenging Moscow in unprecedented ways. The conversation explores the turmoil in Iran, highlighting the pressure on Tehran as diplomatic options dwindle. Furthermore, the discussion delves into how Ukraine's strategic strikes aim to disrupt Russian logistics, raising the stakes in the ongoing conflict.

26 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 24min
January 13th, 2026: UK Joins U.S. in Seizing Russian Shadow Fleet Tankers & Trump Threatens Cuba
The UK plans to join the U.S. in seizing Russian oil tankers, leading to potential confrontations at sea. In Venezuela, Russian air defense systems failed to intercept U.S. aircraft during a notable raid, raising doubts about their effectiveness. Meanwhile, Trump issued a warning to Cuba, urging them to negotiate with the U.S. as Maduro's fall cuts off their oil supply. A viral eyewitness account claims a mysterious 'sonic' weapon was used in the operation, adding intrigue to the unfolding events.

21 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 16min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 12th, 2026: Iran Slaughters Protesters & Hamas Signals Exit
In Iran, state violence against protesters escalates as the government enforces a nationwide internet blackout, hiding the crisis's true scale. Eyewitness accounts detail horrific scenes of snipers and overwhelmed hospitals. Meanwhile, Hamas hints at dissolving its governing authority in Gaza under a proposed U.S. plan, although critical questions about disarmament and enforcement remain unanswered. The situation is tense, with a fragile ceasefire that exists only on paper, leaving the future uncertain.

23 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 25min
January 12th, 2026: U.S. Military Preparing to Strike Iran & ISIS Targeted in Syria
Tensions rise as the U.S. considers military strikes against Iran amid severe domestic crackdowns and threats of retaliation. Large-scale strikes target ISIS in Syria, showcasing a robust U.S. stance against terrorism. Meanwhile, a diplomatic thaw between the U.S. and Venezuela unfolds, with exploratory talks following Maduro's ouster. In a notable response to pressure, Nicaragua releases political prisoners, signaling a complex interplay of regional politics and U.S. influence.

28 snips
Jan 10, 2026 • 58min
PDB Situation Report | January 10th, 2026: Former CIA Caracas Chief Explains What's Next For Venezuela & Iran’s Regime On The Brink
Rick DeLatore, a retired CIA operations officer and former Chief of Station in Caracas, discusses the recent US operation that removed Nicolás Maduro, detailing the challenges of transitioning power in Venezuela. He outlines the complexities of foreign influence and the internal corruption within the military. Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, analyzes the escalating protests in Iran, highlighting their shift from economic grievances to a direct challenge to the regime's legitimacy and the potential implications for its future.

5 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 16min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 9th, 2026: Post-Maduro Regime Starts Playing Ball With Trump & Putin Unleashes Hypersonic Missile Near NATO Border
Venezuela is making headlines by releasing political prisoners, raising questions about whether this is a genuine shift or just a strategy to ease international pressure from the U.S. Meanwhile, tensions escalate as Putin launches a hypersonic missile near the NATO border, sending a stark message of intimidation across Europe. The implications for Ukraine are dire, with casualties reported and infrastructure suffering damage amid harsh winter conditions. Join the discussion on these critical geopolitical developments!

17 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 25min
January 9th, 2026: Colombian President Backs Down After Call With Trump & Moscow Says No To Peace Again
Tensions between Colombia and the U.S. cool off as President Trump and Colombia's leader plan a meeting, despite earlier threats of military action. Meanwhile, Russia firmly rejects peace proposals for Ukraine, complicating the ongoing conflict. In Iran, a nationwide internet blackout reveals growing unrest as protests intensify against the regime. Lastly, Trump calls for a substantial increase in defense spending while imposing conditions on contractors, aiming to cap executive pay and encourage profit reinvestment.


