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
26 snips
Feb 9, 2026 • 26min
February 9th, 2026: U.S. Alleges Secret Chinese Nuclear Tests & Iran Talks Breakdown
Allegations that China conducted secret low-yield nuclear tests and the debate over evidence and timing. Conflicting U.S. and Iranian accounts from indirect talks in Oman and the sticking points around enrichment. Arrests tied to a deadly suicide bombing in Islamabad and broader regional tensions. The U.S. Navy's ship-mounted laser successfully shooting down drones at sea.
36 snips
Feb 7, 2026 • 1h 5min
PDB Situation Report | February 7th, 2026: First U.S.–Iran Kinetic Clash & Xi Tightens His Grip
Mike Studeman, retired Rear Admiral and former ONI commander, breaks down the U.S. downing of an Iranian drone and regional naval risks. Jan Jekielek, senior editor and author, explains Xi Jinping's sweeping purge of PLA leaders and what it means for power and readiness in Beijing. They discuss military postures, negotiation windows, and how political moves reshape strategic calculations.
12 snips
Feb 6, 2026 • 14min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | February 6th, 2026: Putin’s Oil Revenue Collapses & Top Russian General Shot In Moscow
New data shows Russia’s oil and gas income has collapsed, pushing the budget toward a near-tripling deficit. Sanctions and fewer buyers are draining reserves and forcing tough fiscal choices. A senior Russian military intelligence officer was shot in Moscow, prompting Kremlin investigations and heated accusations. The incident is set against a backdrop of prior strikes and tense peace-talk timing.
30 snips
Feb 6, 2026 • 25min
February 6th, 2026: Iranian Forces Seizes Oil Tankers & More Purges In China
A tense maritime showdown as Iran’s Revolutionary Guard seizes two foreign-crewed oil tankers near vital shipping lanes. Beijing’s military purge widens with lawmakers tied to defense removed after a top general’s fall. Washington and Moscow hint they may keep New START limits despite treaty expiration. German authorities probe a suspected plot to sabotage naval vessels in Hamburg.
30 snips
Feb 5, 2026 • 17min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | February 5th, 2026: China Unveils Massive ‘Space Aircraft Carrier’ & A Prisoner Swap Breakthrough
A deep dive into China’s dramatic reveal of a CGI “space aircraft carrier” and the bold claims about hypersonic strikes and near-space dominance. A look at the technical doubts and the political theater behind the spectacle. Coverage of a major 157-person prisoner swap and cautious diplomacy as U.S., Russian, and Ukrainian talks seek to restart military communications and build fragile momentum.
20 snips
Feb 5, 2026 • 25min
February 5th, 2026: Wave of Explosions and Fires Has Iran & Trump’s Call With Xi
A string of unexplained explosions and a massive Tehran market fire have left Iran on edge and raised public skepticism. A high-level call between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping covered Ukraine, trade, Taiwan and an upcoming state visit. Fighting in southwest Pakistan saw security forces use helicopters and drones to retake a town. The U.S. is reducing federal officers in Minneapolis amid a larger drawdown.
8 snips
Feb 4, 2026 • 16min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | February 4th, 2026: Mystery Russian Cargo Plane Lands In Cuba & Iran-U.S. Talks Set For Oman
A sanctioned Russian cargo plane lands at a Cuban military base, sparking questions about renewed Moscow–Havana coordination. Reporters draw parallels to recent secretive flights tied to Venezuela. Despite an Iranian drone shootdown, Washington and Tehran are reportedly preparing limited nuclear talks in Oman. Diplomacy may proceed even as regional tensions remain high.
19 snips
Feb 4, 2026 • 25min
February 4th, 2026: U.S. and Iran Enter Direct Military Contact & Nuclear Arms Treaties Expire
U.S. forces and Iranian vessels clash in the Strait of Hormuz after a drone was shot down near a carrier. A new multi-tiered ceasefire enforcement plan for Ukraine is agreed with Europe and the U.S. Russia steps up missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The last major U.S.-Russia nuclear arms control treaty lapses, raising questions about future inspections and strategic stability.
21 snips
Feb 3, 2026 • 14min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | February 3rd, 2026: Regime Insiders Admit Tehran Is Panicking & India Drops Russian Oil
Reporting on Tehran’s leadership privately admitting fear no longer contains public anger. Discussion of warnings that even a limited U.S. strike could accelerate regime collapse. Coverage of a new U.S.-India trade deal tying tariff cuts to India’s pledge to reduce Russian oil purchases. Exploration of how global energy flows and Venezuelan crude factor into the shift.
28 snips
Feb 3, 2026 • 23min
February 3rd, 2026: Trump Tightens The Screws On Cuba & Iran Eyes Talks
U.S. moves to choke off Cuba’s oil lifeline and ramp up economic pressure. Tensions over Mexico’s role in fuel routes and diplomatic fallout. Hints of warming U.S.-Iran talks with Turkey mediating. A deadly security crackdown after coordinated attacks in Balochistan raises regional escalation fears. SpaceX says it disabled stolen Starlink terminals used on the battlefield.
