

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

8 snips
May 6, 2025 • 24min
May 6th, 2025: Tariffs Spark Worker Protests Across China & IDF Hits Back After Tel Aviv Strike
Protests are shaking China as workers demand fair wages amid factory shutdowns and the fallout from the U.S.-China trade war. Meanwhile, Pakistan escalates tensions with a missile test following a recent attack from India. In a swift military response, Israel targets Houthi positions in Yemen after a missile scare near Tel Aviv. Additionally, the Trump administration unveils a controversial new program incentivizing illegal migrants to voluntarily self-deport, linking migration policies to economic challenges.

May 6, 2025 • 16min
PDB Evening Bulletin | May 5th, 2025: Re-Invasion: Ukrainian Forces Storm Into Russian Territory Again & Israel Approves Plan To Seize The Entire Gaza Strip
Ukrainian forces launch a surprising offensive into Russia's Kursk region, catching their adversaries off guard just before Victory Day. Meanwhile, Israel's security cabinet greenlights a bold plan to seize the entire Gaza Strip, escalating military actions against Hamas. The podcast dives into the shifting geopolitical landscape, highlighting Ukraine's partnership with the U.S. and Israel's changing public sentiment towards negotiations. As tensions rise, the interplay of military strategies and diplomatic efforts is thoroughly analyzed.

8 snips
May 5, 2025 • 22min
May 5th, 2025: China’s Silent Retreat: Beijing Backpedals On U.S. Tariffs & U.S. Approves Ukraine F-16 Deal
China's surprising exemption of over $40 billion in U.S. goods from tariffs signals a shift in its trade tactics as economic pressures mount. The podcast also covers a daring missile strike by Houthi rebels near Israel's major airport, heightening regional tensions. U.S. support to Ukraine intensifies with significant military aid, including F-16 training, against a backdrop of escalating conflict. Additionally, UK counter-terror police arrest Iranian nationals suspected of plotting attacks, underscoring ongoing security threats.

May 3, 2025 • 58min
PDB Situation Report | May 3rd, 2025: Economic Pain in Beijing & U.S.–Iran Negotiation Breakdown
Steve Yates, a Senior Research Fellow at the Heritage Foundation and former Deputy National Security Advisor, discusses the strains of the U.S.-China tariff war and potential economic fallout for Beijing. Frank Gaffney, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, shares insights on the postponed nuclear talks with Iran, hinting at deeper issues behind the delay. Their conversation explores the geopolitical complexities affecting trade relations and the intricacies of U.S. foreign policy amidst rising tensions.

4 snips
May 2, 2025 • 14min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | May 2nd, 2025: Ukraine Willing to Cede Territory? Trump Envoy Drops Bombshell & Israel Strikes Near Syria's Presidential Palace In Latest Warning
A bombshell revelation emerges as President Trump’s special envoy hints that Ukraine may be ready to cede territory for peace. This comes amid concerns over the U.S.’s diminishing role in negotiations with Russia. Meanwhile, tensions escalate as Israel strikes near Syria's presidential palace, sending a clear warning in the volatile region. The intricate dynamics of international politics unfold against a backdrop of economic turmoil and military strategies, showcasing a precarious balance in ongoing conflicts.

4 snips
May 2, 2025 • 25min
May 2nd, 2025: Knives Out For Steve Witkoff & US-Iran Nuclear Talks Stall
Tensions rise within the Trump administration as Special Envoy Steve Witkoff faces scrutiny over his negotiating skills with foreign adversaries. A new economic partnership between the U.S. and Ukraine promises access to valuable mineral resources while offering aid for rebuilding. Meanwhile, nuclear talks with Iran hit a snag as sanctions ignite protest. On the geopolitical front, North Korea and Russia strengthen ties with the groundbreaking of their first road bridge, signaling deeper cooperation amidst global shifts.

5 snips
May 1, 2025 • 13min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | May 1st, 2025: Trump Greenlights Weapons For Ukraine In Major Policy Reversal & National Security Adviser Mike Waltz Ousted From White House
President Trump makes waves by approving over $50 million in military aid for Ukraine, marking a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy. Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz faces the axe amidst controversy, prompting discussions on how this reshuffling could impact strategies. The podcast dives into the intricacies of Washington politics, highlighting the ongoing tensions in Ukraine and the fallout of leaked information that contributed to Waltz's ousting.

10 snips
May 1, 2025 • 23min
May 1st, 2025: Inside Ukraine’s Deadly Assassination Program & U.K. Joins Houthi Fight
Ukraine's deadly assassination program targets Russian military leaders, dramatically changing the battlefield. Meanwhile, tensions escalate between India and Pakistan, with Pakistan warning of imminent strikes. The UK intensifies its involvement in Yemen alongside the U.S. against Houthi rebels. Additionally, shocking intelligence reveals casualty figures of North Korean troops fighting in Ukraine, raising questions about their role and what it means for international alliances.

4 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 14min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | April 30th, 2025: China Caves On More Tariffs—Exempts List Of US Goods & Why Trump May Be Turning On Putin
China is easing tariffs on select U.S. goods to alleviate pressure on its economy, a strategic move amidst the trade war. Meanwhile, President Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky at the Vatican sparks discussions on adopting a tougher stance against Putin. The dialogue reveals a potential shift in U.S.-Ukraine relations, emphasizing security guarantees and the need for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.

8 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 23min
April 30th, 2025: The Real Reason Behind Putin’s Three-Day Ceasefire & Sectarian Clashes Continue In Syria
Vladimir Putin surprised the world with a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine, raising questions about its true motives. Meanwhile, sectarian clashes in Syria have erupted, highlighting the ongoing instability in the region. A shocking blackout across Europe is linked to failures at solar plants, exposing vulnerabilities in the energy grid. And a $60 million U.S. Navy fighter jet mysteriously falls overboard, prompting investigations into military readiness. Buckle up for a deep dive into these pressing global issues!