CNN Politics

First: The House Ethics committee says it found evidence that Matt Gaetz committed multiple crimes while he was a sitting member of congress. We break down the bombshell report and what comes next for the close Trump ally. Plus: President Biden moves 37 federal prisoners off death row. It's a remarkable transformation for a man who was once a champion of capital punishment. And: After 15 years in the Senate, Joe Manchin leaves Washington. And he's not going quietly, telling our Manu Raju why the Democratic party's brand became toxic and how it can recover from a crushing defeat.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: In exactly 12 hours, the federal government will shut down unless Congress acts fast. Speaker Mike Johnson claims he now has a plan. But does he have the votes? Plus: Who's the boss? Dana talks to a top Democratic senator about his party's negotiations behind the scenes, including why they think it is Elon Musk calling the shots in the GOP. And: Where's Joe? The current president is noticeably out of sight as the government he runs braces for a potential shutdown. We have new reporting on the waning days of President Biden's administration.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today show begins, federal charges against Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, have just been unsealed. Our coverage begins with CNN senior crime and justice correspondent Shimon Prokupecz.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Donald Trump issues a not-so-veiled threat against a political enemy, signaling he may follow through on his promise to use his power of the presidency to pursue his opponents. Plus: Matt Gaetz responds to a CNN report that the House Ethics Committee plans to release its report on his alleged sexual misconduct, saying the details that could could go public are embarrassing but not criminal. And: California governor or another shot at the oval office? New reporting on Kamala Harris's next act, including what her closest advisers think she'll decide.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: It's RFK Jr.'s turn to pound the congressional marble as Donald Trump's pick for health secretary tries to convince key Republican senators to support his nomination despite conflicting views on one of the most important issues to the GOP: abortion. Plus: We take you to state capitals across the country as presidential electors cast their votes this hour to formalize Donald Trump's victory. And: Another community is in mourning after a 15-year-old girl opened fire in her Wisconsin school.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's show begins just after President-elect Donald Trump holds his first press conference since Election Day.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on a special edition of CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper sits down with former presidential candidate and Republican Senator Mitt Romney as he prepares to leave Washington after nearly two decades in politics. First, Romney reacts to Trump’s reelection and his controversial cabinet nominees, as well as concerns Trump could target him for retribution. Then, Romney reflects on his time in office as a governor, senator, and the Republican presidential nominee. Next, Senator Romney offers his insights on the evolution of the Republican Party and where he thinks the GOP will go from here. Finally, Jake asks Romney about his legacy and how he wants to be remembered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Honeymoon phase. Donald Trump taking a victory lap. But with controversial cabinet picks and a messy pressure campaign - Is it effective? How long will it last?Plus: Uncertain path. Democrats look to find their footing in Trump's Washington -- fight tooth and nail. Or cut deals? Who will lead them back to power. We'll have new reporting about Kamala Harris's plans, and I'll talk to a candidate who wants to run the DNC.And: A house divided. A GOP split over a bill protecting kids on social media. Speaker Johnson saying no. As Elon musk and Senate allies rally for it. Who holds the power in Trump's GOP? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: It's been 38 days since the election, and 38 days from now, President-elect Donald Trump will take the oath of office for the second time. We've got the latest on the transition, including how Pete Hegseth's path to confirmation is looking a bit smoother, while Robert F Kennedy Jr.'s may be getting a bit rockier. Plus: Trump says he may pardon January 6 rioters within minutes of taking office. We have new CNN reporting on whether that will include the hundreds of defendants accused of assaulting police officers that day. And: He may be the most powerful figure in Trump world that you have never heard of. We'll tell you about the 38-year-old conservative in charge of hiring thousands of Trump loyalists to staff the federal government.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN senior political analyst and editor for The Atlantic Ron Brownstein joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to break down how Vice President Kamala Harris’s top campaign leaders are explaining their loss. They discuss whether it was a winnable race for Harris and why the most shocking thing about this election may just be how normal it was. Plus, the moment Harris’s campaign leaders were most defensive about and the exit poll insight that gets at the heart of the results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices