The President's Daily Brief

In this special New Year’s Eve edition of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin Mike Baker looks back at the stories from 2025 that didn’t quite make it into the President’s Daily Brief — not because they weren’t real, but because they didn’t fit the daily intelligence picture. From a drunken raccoon with a rap sheet in Virginia, to a Christmas brawl on Nantucket that left police reports looking more like classified documents, to Florida man staying firmly on brand, and a “masked intruder” in New York who turned out to be something else entirely — these are the strange, true stories that crossed our radar this year. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President’s Daily Brief by visiting PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President’s Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Glorify: Feel closer to God this year with Glorify—get full access for just $29.99 when you download the app now at https://glorify-app.com/PDB.  Birch Gold: Text PDB to 989898 and get your free info kit on gold Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A covert CIA drone strike inside Venezuela ramps up pressure on the Maduro regime, targeting a port facility linked to drug trafficking. Meanwhile, social strains and public disillusionment in Russia are increasing due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The podcast also highlights Saudi Arabia's airstrikes on a Yemeni port city, unveiling tensions with the UAE. Additionally, a Texas man faces terrorism charges for allegedly providing bomb-making materials to ISIS operatives, shedding light on domestic threats.

Protests erupt in Iran as economic strife pushes citizens to take to the streets, with key markets shutting down amid rising political tensions. The authorities struggle to maintain control, highlighting vulnerabilities within the regime. Meanwhile, North Korea reveals an imposing nuclear-powered submarine, raising alarms about its military ambitions and shifting regional dynamics. With the implications of these developments unfolding, questions loom over the future of governance in Iran and security in East Asia.

China's largest military exercises encircle Taiwan, blurring the lines between training and real threats. Meanwhile, Russia accuses Ukraine of a drone strike targeting Putin, sparking intense rhetoric and denials. In a notable meeting, Trump and Netanyahu discuss a stalled ceasefire in Gaza, raising concerns over Hamas's disarmament. North Korea tests long-range cruise missiles, with Kim Jong-un signaling strength ahead of upcoming political maneuvers. The global stage is tense, with shifting alliances and escalated military posturing.

President Trump announces a U.S. strike in Venezuela, targeting a drug facility, but details remain scarce. Speculation surrounds the operation's purpose and potential fallout. Meanwhile, Trump meets Ukrainian President Zelensky, hinting at progress in negotiations to end the conflict with Russia. Issues like security guarantees and major concessions are still under debate, with mixed messages indicating ongoing challenges. The international community watches closely as diplomatic efforts unfold amid escalating tensions.

China is exploiting Russia's dependence as the Ukraine conflict drags on, gaining leverage through energy and trade. Meanwhile, the U.S. targets ISIS in Nigeria with Christmas Day airstrikes to protect Christians. Tensions rise as Israel eliminates an Iranian operative involved in regional attacks, while also making headlines by recognizing Somaliland as an independent state, triggering backlash from neighboring countries. Global power dynamics continue to shift amidst these critical events.

George Barros, the Russia team lead at the Institute for the Study of War, dives deep into the evolving dynamics of the Ukraine conflict. He discusses Russia's limited territorial gains, the complexities of negotiation tactics, and the potential future of U.S. support for Ukraine. Transitioning to Asia, the conversation shifts to China's strategic maneuvers and the U.S. response under the Trump administration, evaluating the risks and opportunities in the region. Barros adds cautious optimism for Ukrainian counterattacks while highlighting the importance of solid regional alliances.

Explore the bizarre political battleground of Xi Jinping's war on golf, where the sport became a symbol of corruption and elite privilege in China. From Mao's early condemnation to the emergence of a hidden golf boom, the podcast dives into golf's complicated relationship with the Communist Party. Discover how Xi’s anti-corruption campaign painted golf as a politically sensitive issue, leading to a ban on members attending clubs. The conversation also highlights why golf diplomacy with Xi is utterly impossible due to strict control over optics.

Cuba is facing imminent collapse as a U.S. oil blockade on Venezuela causes dire fuel shortages and mass migration. Meanwhile, the Trump administration recalls nearly 30 U.S. ambassadors, leaving a diplomatic void. In Syria, clashes erupt in Aleppo amidst efforts to integrate Kurdish forces into the regime. Additionally, Kim Jong Un unveils a luxury seaside resort, promoting high-end tourism in an isolated North Korea. A fascinating mix of politics, conflict, and unexpected extravagance!

Mike Baker shares heartfelt holiday greetings and reflections on gratitude, quoting Cicero to highlight its importance. He encourages listeners to maintain perspective amid turmoil and avoid hyperbole during these challenging times. Emphasizing the value of family and community, he inspires small acts of kindness that can make a difference. Baker expresses deep appreciation for the support from listeners and hints at exciting updates for the coming year, wrapping up with warm well-wishes for the season.