

CNN Inside Politics
CNN Podcasts
Each weekday, Dana Bash and a panel of well-sourced reporters bring you the most important political stories of the day.
On the weekend, Manu Raju kicks off CNN's Sunday morning political programming with Inside Politics Sunday. Dana and Manu get answers from the people making headlines, explain the political stories that matter, and report on how the news will impact you.
On the weekend, Manu Raju kicks off CNN's Sunday morning political programming with Inside Politics Sunday. Dana and Manu get answers from the people making headlines, explain the political stories that matter, and report on how the news will impact you.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 7, 2026 • 43min
Trump Threatens Iran With 'Total Annihilation'
Jeff Zeleny, seasoned political reporter who provides analysis on campaign and foreign policy moves. Isabel Rosales, on-the-ground correspondent in Rome, Georgia covering a high-stakes special election. They unpack a presidential ultimatum toward Iran and the 8pm deadline. They discuss risks of escalation, legal and moral pushback, and what the Georgia contest reveals about national political currents.

Apr 6, 2026 • 43min
The Clock is Ticking
President Trump gives Iran until tomorrow at 8pm to make a deal to end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz, or face "hell on earth." The president's latest ultimatum comes as he prepares for a press conference he originally scheduled to talk about the remarkable rescue of an Air Force service member whose plane went down inside Iran on Friday. But that was quickly overshadowed by his Easter message to Iran posted on social media: "Open the f*!king Strait, you crazy bastards, or you'll be living in hell."
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Apr 5, 2026 • 43min
High Stakes Rescue: The Inside Story of a Daring US Military Operation
Trump Hails Daring Iran Rescue as He Escalates Threats; Gas Prices, Budget Fights, and Cabinet Shakeups Dominate Easter Sunday Politics.
CNN’s Inside Politics Sunday reports on a dramatic U.S. search-and-rescue mission to extract a missing, seriously wounded F-15 crew member shot down over Iran, involving dozens of aircraft, hundreds of personnel, a commando team on the ground, and CIA disinformation to delay Iranian pursuit, as Iranian media shows apparent wreckage. Analysts discuss the mission’s complexity, Iran’s continuing asymmetric capabilities, and escalating regional strikes, while Trump issues shifting, intensified demands tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz and posts a new threat targeting Iran’s power plants and bridges, raising concerns about civilian harm and potential war-crimes implications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 3, 2026 • 46min
US Plane Shot Down over Iran
We begin today with major breaking news on the war in Iran. Three sources tell CNN a US fighter jet has been shot down over Iran, and a search and rescue mission is underway for two pilots. It's the first time since the war began just over a month ago, that a US aircraft has been downed by enemy fire. We begin our coverage with CNN Chief National Security Analyst Jim Sciutto in Tel Aviv. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 2, 2026 • 44min
Will Trump Fire Bondi?
Another key Cabinet member could be out less than a month after President Trump fired Kristi Noem. Attorney General Pam Bondi spoke yesterday with the president, and sources tell CNN he told her she will likely soon be replaced. CNN's Kristen Holmes broke that story and joins the show live.
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Apr 1, 2026 • 37min
SCOTUS Skeptical of Trump's Birthright Citizenship Case
Today's show begins immediately after the Supreme Court heard oral arguments regarding the Trump Administration's attempt to end birthright citizenship as it's been understood in this country for more than a century. In an apparent historic first, President Trump was there for the first 90 minutes. What he heard was deep skepticism about his case, even from conservative justices.
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Mar 31, 2026 • 44min
Trump to Allies: 'Go Get Your Own Oil'
President Trump has a new message on Truth Social for allies reeling from his decision to go to war: "All of those countries that can't get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, I have a suggestion for you: Buy from the US. We have plenty." He also advised them to "build up some delayed courage. Go to the Strait and just take it." Meanwhile, in the US the average price of a gallon of gas is now over $4 a gallon.
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Mar 30, 2026 • 44min
Trump Threatens to Crush Iran
President Trump unleashes his most extreme warning yet to Iran, writing on Truth Social, "If for any reason a deal is not reached, and the Hormuz Straight is not immediately open for business, we will conclude our lovely stay in Iran by blowing up and completely obliterating all of their electric-generating plants, oil wells and Kharg Island,and possibly all desalinization plants, which we have purposely not yet touched."
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Mar 29, 2026 • 42min
Political Gridlock: A Nation at the Crossroad
Lauren Fox, CNN congressional correspondent covering Capitol Hill. Jonah Goldberg, conservative commentator and author. Elena Treen, political reporter tracking White House strategy. They dissect a 44-day government shutdown, GOP infighting over a Senate deal, security and DHS concerns, protests sweeping the country, and shifting presidential and Senate race dynamics.

Mar 27, 2026 • 43min
Will House Vote to End Government Shutdown?
Evan Perez, senior justice correspondent on law enforcement and national security. Kristen Holmes, White House and political reporter on administration messaging. Jeff Zeleny, senior political reporter on strategy and public opinion. Lauren Fox, congressional correspondent on Capitol Hill maneuvers. They discuss funding for DHS and TSA pay, House procedural roadblocks, Trump’s role in swaying Republicans, and breaking news on a hacked FBI director email.


