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
14 snips
Feb 20, 2026 • 26min
February 20th, 2026: Trump Announces Deadline For Iran & U.S. Exit From Syria
A tense U.S. deadline for Iran and the massive military buildup behind it. A full U.S. troop withdrawal from Syria reshaping the American footprint. South Korea’s former leader receives a life sentence over a failed martial law move. The Pentagon airlifts its first battlefield microreactor, signaling a new chapter in military logistics.
17 snips
Feb 19, 2026 • 18min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | February 19th, 2026: Russia & China Move Warships Into Iranian Waters & Prince Andrew Arrested
Tense trilateral naval drills as Russian, Chinese, and Iranian warships conduct surprise live-fire exercises in the Strait of Hormuz. Discussion of crowded waters, U.S. military buildup, and the risk of escalation near a vital oil chokepoint. A major British development as a senior royal is arrested amid documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein and possible national security implications.
26 snips
Feb 19, 2026 • 26min
February 19th, 2026: 90% Chance Of War? Inside The Iran Escalation & Secret China Nuclear Test
Reporting warns a possible U.S.-Iran clash could be days away as military moves accelerate and Tehran prepares. New seismic data is presented as evidence of a covert Chinese low-yield nuclear test, raising tensions with Beijing. European leaders are openly debating independent nuclear options. The U.S. plans advanced missile deployments to the Philippines amid rising Indo-Pacific friction.
25 snips
Feb 18, 2026 • 17min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | February 18th, 2026: Inside Rubio’s Secret Talks Over Cuba’s Future & & Ukraine Negotiations Stall
A revealing look at secret backchannel talks in Washington involving a Castro family member and shifting U.S. strategy toward Cuba. A tense update on stalled Geneva negotiations, where territorial demands and security guarantees keep talks from moving forward. Brief scenes of fuel shortages, power outages, and everyday impacts inside Cuba.
12 snips
Feb 18, 2026 • 23min
February 18th, 2026: Ukrainian Troops Make Fastest Gains Since 2023 & U.S. Boots On The Ground In Nigeria
Rapid Ukrainian counterattacks reclaim significant territory in days, with disrupted Russian communications a possible factor. A U.S. advisory deployment lands in Nigeria to support local forces against Islamist militants. India seizes tankers tied to Iran amid tighter maritime enforcement. U.S. forces continue aggressive counter-narcotics strikes at sea.
23 snips
Feb 17, 2026 • 16min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | February 17th, 2026: Nuclear Talks End Fast As Iran Shuts the Strait of Hormuz & Israel Warns Hamas: Disarm...Or Else
A rapid four-hour round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks raises questions about whether real progress was made. Tehran conducts live-fire drills that briefly close parts of the Strait of Hormuz, shifting energy and diplomatic pressures. Israel issues a 60-day ultimatum demanding Hamas disarm, while reports describe secret weapon stockpiles and rebuilt tunnel networks shaping future risks.
15 snips
Feb 17, 2026 • 29min
February 17th, 2026: Wagner Group's Secret Comeback Inside NATO & Iran Talks Resume
Reporting suggests Wagner recruitment networks may be repurposed to coordinate low-cost sabotage across NATO, with teenagers allegedly targeted as deniable operatives. Renewed talks in Geneva explore Iran seeking quick economic deals tied to energy and aviation alongside nuclear discussions. A high-level Ukrainian corruption probe reaches a former energy minister. A funding deal collapse triggers a partial DHS shutdown.
15 snips
Feb 16, 2026 • 15min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | February 16th, 2026: U.S. Troops Raid Sanctioned Tanker After Ocean Chase & Airstrikes in Syria
U.S. forces track and board a sanctioned oil tanker after a long ocean pursuit. Coordinated airstrikes in Syria target dozens of ISIS positions to prevent a regrouping. Tensions ripple through regional diplomacy and sanctions enforcement as military and legal maneuvers unfold.
6 snips
Feb 16, 2026 • 25min
February 16th, 2026: US Military Plans Weeks-Long Iran Ops & Arctic Carrier Deployment
U.S. military planning for potentially weeks-long operations targeting Iran while an aircraft carrier heads to the Middle East. Diplomacy continues with nuclear talks in Geneva amid rising tensions. Britain sends a carrier strike group to the Arctic over Russian concerns. Reports say advanced AI aided a high-profile raid. European labs link a political figure's death to a rare toxin, heightening diplomatic accusations.
35 snips
Feb 14, 2026 • 1h 5min
PDB Situation Report | February 14th, 2026: The Iran–China Axis Exposed & Immigration Sweep Concludes
Joshua Philipp, investigative reporter focused on China and geopolitics, outlines alleged Iran–China–Russia alignments and influence networks. Art Arthur, immigration law and policy fellow, analyzes the winding down of a major Minnesota enforcement operation and related legal, database, and strategy issues. They discuss geopolitics, clandestine influence channels, enforcement tactics, and political implications.
