

The President's Daily Brief
The First TV
Each morning, the President of the United States receives a highly classified briefing on the most important issues facing the country -- The President's Daily Brief. Now you can hear your very own PDB, in the form of a podcast, every morning at 6am Eastern, and every afternoon at 4pm Eastern. You'll get 20 minutes of the most important topics of the day and why you should care, arming you with what you need to know to help solve America's most pressing challenges. Former CIA Operations Officer Mike Baker hosts new episodes daily.
Episodes
Mentioned books

12 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 13min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 20th, 2026: Cracks Are Forming Inside Iran's Ruling Elite & ISIS Prison Break In Syria
Growing cracks within Iran's ruling elite reveal deepening unease about the regime's harsh crackdown, raising concerns about the future of stability. Youth resistance may rise as extreme repression risks alienating younger generations. Meanwhile, chaos reigns in Syria as Islamic State fighters break free during a critical government transition, sparking fears of heightened regional instability and the potential resurgence of extremism. The complex interplay of these crises highlights urgent security challenges and unpredictable foreign policy implications.

32 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 23min
January 20th, 2026: Russia Targets Nuclear Power Plants & Secret Venezuela Talks
Tensions are rising as new intelligence reveals Russia may target power lines at Europe's largest nuclear plant, raising fears of a meltdown. Recent reports highlight secret U.S. talks with Venezuela's hardline interior minister, raising eyebrows before a major political shift. The FAA has issued warnings for air travel in Latin America, citing potential military activity. Additionally, Iran faces backlash, with the World Economic Forum revoking an invitation to its foreign minister following violent protests.

23 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 15min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 19th, 2026: Iran TV Hijacked & Venezuela’s New Power Play
A dramatic hacking incident saw Iranian state TV broadcasting footage of exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi and anti-regime protests, shaking the government's tight grip on information. As the internet remains largely shut down, the implications of this breach are immense. Meanwhile, CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s controversial visit to Venezuela aims to engage with interim president Delcy Rodríguez, focusing on stability, intelligence cooperation, and oil access amidst the country's tumultuous political landscape.

26 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 21min
January 19th, 2026: U.S. Deploys Bombers Toward Iran & American Forces Kill ISIS Leader In Syria
Tensions escalate in the Middle East as the U.S. positions bombers and aircraft carriers, hinting at possible military action against Iran. A third retaliatory strike successfully targets an ISIS leader linked to recent attacks on American personnel. Meanwhile, U.S. drug agents continue to investigate Venezuela's Delcy Rodríguez for her connections to criminal networks. Additionally, President Trump applies pressure on Europe with new tariffs, eyeing a strategy to acquire Greenland. The geopolitical landscape is shifting rapidly!

49 snips
Jan 17, 2026 • 1h 2min
PDB Situation Report | January 17th, 2026: If the U.S. Hits Iran: A Fighter Pilot Breaks It Down & Venezuela at a Crossroads
Ryan Bodenheimer, a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and Thunderbirds member, shares his insights on a potential U.S. military strike on Iran, detailing air superiority, targeting strategies, and the risks involved. He also discusses the role of advanced drones and F-35s in modern warfare. Meanwhile, Luis Martinez, an NTD TV correspondent, analyzes the political turbulence in Venezuela, highlighting María Corina Machado's meeting with President Trump and the challenges of regime change amid a struggling economy, offering cautious optimism for the nation's future.

10 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 15min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 16th, 2026: U.S. Carrier Strike Group Races Toward Iran & Gaza’s Paper Ceasefire
The U.S. ramps up military readiness by deploying a carrier strike group to the Middle East, despite a cooling of rhetoric with Iran. Discussions spark skepticism about Hamas disarming in Gaza, with doubts lingering over their commitment to a ceasefire. The regional dynamics include pressure from Gulf states on the U.S. to hold off on military action and concerns about the credibility of local players in a transitional plan. The potential for a civilian facade looms if Hamas retains its weapons, complicating any genuine transition.

23 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 24min
January 16th, 2026: Why President Trump Changed His Mind On Striking Iran & Ukraine Faces Manpower Strain
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran are easing, as Gulf allies persuade Trump to back off from potential strikes. Meanwhile, Ukraine faces a manpower crisis, with high desertion rates and draft evaders amid ongoing conflict with Russia. Trump is also considering the Insurrection Act to deploy troops to Minneapolis to manage protests over immigration enforcement. In a surprising move, European nations are sending forces to Greenland to reinforce NATO's presence, intensifying discussions about the area’s strategic significance.

15 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 16min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 15th, 2026: Iran Protest Momentum Slows & U.S. Cartel Pressure
Iran's nationwide protests may be fading under severe regime crackdowns and an information blackout. Reports indicate a shift in Tehran's messaging on executions, reflecting a complex struggle for control. Meanwhile, the U.S. intensifies pressure on Mexico to facilitate raids on cartel fentanyl labs, signaling a possible joint military action. Discussions around the implications of this strategy reveal escalating tensions and the precarious balance of power in the region.

34 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 24min
January 15th, 2026: How Iran Is Crushing Protests & More Tanker Seizures Ahead
Eyewitness accounts reveal the brutal tactics used by Iran to suppress protests, including targeted violence and hospital raids. Tensions escalate at sea as the U.S. seeks warrants to seize Venezuela-linked oil tankers. In a significant shift, visa processing is halted for 75 countries, including Iran and Russia, as the U.S. tightens immigration policies. Meanwhile, a new lead emerges in the mystery of Havana Syndrome, with the government acquiring a device believed to be connected to unexplained injuries among officials.

24 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 15min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 14th, 2026: Evacuations Begin As US Strike On Iran Looms & America Hits Somali Terror Targets
Tensions rise as U.S. personnel in Iran face evacuation amid a breakdown in diplomacy. With military action looming, warnings target American civilians left behind. Meanwhile, the U.S. intensifies airstrikes in Somalia against ISIS and Al-Shabaab, aiming to curb jihadist expansion. Details on the operations reveal strategic motives rooted in national security. As threats grow, military assessments signal that challenges may soon reach beyond African borders.


