CNN This Morning

Trump's battles to stay on the ballot, Haley's Civil War remarks, Mayorkas' meeting with Mexico on migration, DOJ asks for Trump to be barred from sowing disinformation, miracle survival of man trapped in truck for six days, Israel warns Hezbollah about diplomacy running out

The US Military launches targeted air strikes in Iraq after an attack by an Iranian-backed militant group injures US troops. Plus, Trump's very bitter Christmas message. How the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination lashed out against his political rivals and what it says about his campaign. And, the top opposition leader to Russian President Putin, issues his first message since his arrival at a penal colony near Siberia. How Alexei Navalny says he's doing and what he's revealing about his weeks long ordeal. Also this morning: the new Apple watch is officially banned in the US, students grapple with college applications post-affirmative action, and roundups of the year in politics and crime reporting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There is no new episode of the CNN This Morning showcast, but we’ll be back in your feed soon. If you haven’t already, please check out CNN’s other podcasts and showcasts at cnn.com/audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Detroit News reports then President Donald Trump was recorded personally calling and pressuring two Michigan canvassers to not certify the 2020 vote just after the election. Plus, Special Counsel Jack Smith is pushes the Supreme Court to decide immediately whether Trump has Presidential immunity from alleged crimes committed while he was in office. And, the US is now ready to support a UN resolution to provide aid to Gaza. Also, Rudy Giuliani declares bankruptcy after a $148M lawsuit loss, a deadly mass shooting rattles the Czech Republic, and AAA predicts record holiday travel numbers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new delay tactic from the former president - Trump’s legal team asks the Supreme Court to stay out of the dispute as to whether he's immune from prosecution. That, as the political fallout continues from Colorado's top court banning Trump from the ballot. And, US intelligence warns Hamas' credibility and influence has expanded dramatically in the Middle East and beyond since its brutal attack on Israel. Also, ten Americans have been freed from Venezuela, including six who were wrongfully detained. What they had to say after arriving back on US soil.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Colorado Supreme Court disqualifies Donald Trump from the States’ 2024 ballot, accusing him of inciting an insurrection on January 6. Our panel discusses what that means nationally for the primary, and for the general election. Plus, dozens of Jeffrey Epstein’s victims and associates are to be named after court documents are unsealed. And, CNN investigates Ron DeSantis and his links to the medical marijuana market in Florida. Also, talks are underway for a potential second temporary truce and a new deal to free hostages held by Hamas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The pre-Christmas campaign push lands in Iowa, with Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley all holding events there, sharpening their closing messages and attacks against each other. Plus, a new signal the Trump campaign is concerned about one candidate's growing momentum as the former president’s Super PAC rolls out an attack advert against Nikki Haley for the first time. And, Governor Abbott signs a controversial bill making illegal immigration a state crime that will allow Texas police to make mass arrests. Also, bursts of lava and smoke fill the sky in Iceland after a volcano dramatically erupts overnight after weeks of warnings, threatening a geothermal power plant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

US defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visits Israel for a war assessment, as international pressure grows for Israel to shift strategy and resume talks with Hamas. Plus, Trump takes migrant rhetoric to dark new extremes. And, North Korea tests missiles that could reach the whole of the US. Also this morning: Southwest Airlines is hit with a $140M fine, the abortion debate and the 2024 race, and 58M people face intense weather conditions from a powerful Northeast coastal storm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan seeks to downplay differences between the US and Israel regarding the timeline and strategy of the war against Hamas. Following the House's failure to pass additional aid to Ukraine, intelligence agencies are gaming our just how long Ukraine can last without more US support. Jurors are deciding how much Rudy Giuliani should pay for his election lies about two poll workers.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

House Republicans officially launch an impeachment inquiry against Biden, but struggle to say what the President did wrong, or show any evidence of criminality after 11-months of digging. Plus, a judge pushes pause on the federal election subversion case against former President Trump - what that could mean for a trial before the 2024 election. And, US Intelligence says nearly half of Israeli munitions dropped on Gaza are unguided, and could be contributing to the staggering civilian death toll. Also this morning: abortion pill access heads to the Supreme Court, GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy claims January 6 was an “inside job”, and Putin addresses Russia’s War with Ukraine in a year-end news conference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices