The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown

CNN Podcasts
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Jan 26, 2026 • 1h 23min

Uncharted Territory in Minneapolis 

Danelle Harvin, homeland security analyst and former federal prosecutor, offers procedural perspective. Wes Moore, Maryland governor, warns about federal immigration enforcement reaching states and describes storm response. Josh Gottheimer, U.S. congressman, stresses de-escalation and accountability. Whitney Wilde, law enforcement correspondent, reports from Minneapolis on hearings and Operation Metro Surge. Elena Treen, White House correspondent, explains federal moves and Tom Homan’s role.
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Jan 23, 2026 • 1h 42min

Winter Storm! 

Priscilla Alvarez, a CNN immigration correspondent who covers DHS, ICE and migrant families, discusses a controversial Minneapolis enforcement action involving a child. She walks through conflicting accounts and legal rules on detaining children. The conversation also touches on broader reporting context and why this case drew national attention.
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Jan 22, 2026 • 29min

Jack Smith Defends Trump Prosecution 

Jack Smith, the former U.S. special counsel known for leading the investigations that resulted in indictments against Donald Trump, testifies publicly for the first time before the House Judiciary Committee. He stands firm on his decisions and stresses that his actions were apolitical. The discussion delves into the contrasts between Republican and Democrat reactions to his testimony, the complex legal constraints limiting what he can reveal, and the implications of Trump's words and actions surrounding January 6. Smith's defense and the surrounding political dynamics make for a captivating discourse.
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14 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 1h 32min

Trump Rules Out Taking Greenland By Force 

Caitlin Collins, CNN's chief White House correspondent, reports live from Davos, sharing insights on President Trump's controversial remarks about Greenland. She discusses his insistence on negotiating for its acquisition without military force and his criticism of NATO. Collins also highlights local Greenlanders' fears and reactions to Trump's proposals. The conversation dives into how Trump's speech mixed domestic politics with foreign policy and the broader implications for U.S. relations with Europe and Russia.
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Jan 20, 2026 • 1h 23min

Private Messages Exposed! 

Ambassador Kurt Volker, former U.S. ambassador to NATO, shares insights on diplomatic risks regarding Greenland. Scott Bessent discusses the intricacies of the Federal Reserve selection process while Vanessa Yurkiewicz uncovers how tariffs are shaking market stability. Nick Robertson reports live from Greenland, highlighting local reactions to U.S. interests there. House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasizes efforts to maintain transatlantic dialogue amid rising tensions. All this unfolds just as President Trump exposes private leaders' chats, stirring the diplomatic pot.
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Jan 19, 2026 • 1h 23min

Lashing Out 

Tensions escalate as Trump threatens allies over Greenland and the Nobel Peace Prize, prompting a European backlash. A deadly high-speed train crash in Spain raises urgent questions of safety and accountability. Protests in Minnesota lead to a DOJ investigation amid claims of civil rights violations. The Pentagon prepares for troop deployment while local leaders call for de-escalation. Additionally, Iran warns against aggression, highlighting rising regional tensions. The podcast delves into diplomatic implications and the complex geopolitical landscape.
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Jan 16, 2026 • 1h 20min

Another Night of Unrest 

Minneapolis City Council member Jason Chavez discusses community responses to ICE operations and local protests. Former ICE director Sarah Saldana shares concerns about militarization worsening tensions. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defends federal actions while acknowledging sanctuary policies. CNN's Priscilla Alvarez provides insights into how ICE has evolved amidst protests. Meanwhile, correspondent Jeremy Diamond reports on U.S. military movements regarding Iran and developments in Gaza, highlighting the complex layers of national security.
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Jan 15, 2026 • 1h 33min

Protests Flare and Violence Erupts 

Kristi Noem, serving as Secretary of Homeland Security, discusses federal operations in Minneapolis following a federal shooting, emphasizing the legal implications of invoking the Insurrection Act. Jay Johnson, former DHS Secretary, shares insights on de-escalation tactics and critiques current practices. The conversation includes community responses to protests, the impact of ICE tactics on daily life, and the wider implications of federal actions. Tension runs high as calls for calm clash with the urgency of federal intervention.
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Jan 14, 2026 • 1h 33min

Protests Erupt, Clashes Escalate 

Ali Honig, a former assistant U.S. attorney and CNN senior legal analyst, tackles pressing legal matters today. He dissects Minnesota's lawsuit against ICE's aggressive tactics in response to protests, emphasizing potential judicial scrutiny. Honig also critiques the DOJ's handling of a controversial shooting, raising concerns over investigation independence. Additionally, he explores potential consequences for Bill and Hillary Clinton related to subpoenas. With escalating tensions in Iran and Minneapolis, Honig's insights shed light on crucial constitutional questions.
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Jan 13, 2026 • 1h 37min

SCOTUS, Clinton, ICE 

Elliot Williams, a former federal prosecutor and CNN legal analyst, shares insights on the Supreme Court's hearing on transgender female athletes, highlighting the complexities of safety and fairness involved. Alan Hurst, Idaho's Solicitor General, presents arguments defending the state's fairness-in-women's-sports law. Representative James Comer discusses subpoenas for Bill Clinton regarding Jeffrey Epstein, while Austin Knudsen supports bans on transgender athletes. William Cohen raises international law concerns on military actions regarding Iran.

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