

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 10, 2025 • 13min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 10th, 2025: Calmer Winds Offer Hope Amid LA Wildfires & Trump Reveals Meeting With Putin Is Being Arranged
Wildfires in Los Angeles are wreaking havoc, but there's a glimmer of hope as calmer winds might aid containment efforts. The devastation includes significant destruction and loss of life, marking a challenging season for firefighters. Meanwhile, President-elect Trump has announced plans for a meeting with Putin to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, sparking debates about the sincerity of such negotiations. As Trump prepares for his second inauguration, the geopolitical implications of this summit remain a hot topic.

8 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 21min
January 10th, 2025: Iranian General Accuses Russia of Betrayal & Maduro’s Protest Problem
An Iranian general claims betrayal by Russia, alleging their airstrikes were deceptive. The U.S. military hits Houthi targets in Yemen, showcasing escalating tensions in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Venezuela is on edge as opposition leaders push for mass protests against Maduro before his inauguration. Adding to the intrigue, Mexico's president counters Trump’s Gulf of America proposal, highlighting complex U.S.-Mexico relations. It's a whirlwind of shifting alliances, military actions, and political unrest!

8 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 12min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 9th, 2025: LA Wildfires Intensify & Israel Mulls Plan To Break Up Syria
Wildfires in Los Angeles are raging out of control, forcing nearly 180,000 residents to evacuate as firefighters struggle to contain the blazes. The discussion also dives into secretive Israeli talks on Syria's future, exploring ways to divide the country into administrative regions amid instability. Concerns about the safety of minorities in Syria add another layer of complexity, especially with Turkey's opposition complicating Israel's strategic plans, all while sectarian violence looms large.

10 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 22min
January 9th, 2025: World Reacts To Trump's Threats Of Expansion & Russia's Troop Losses Fuel Fears Of Population Collapse
Global reactions heat up as the president-elect drops bombshell threats of American expansion, stirring up backlash from Canada and beyond. Meanwhile, Russia's rising troop losses in Ukraine raise concerns about a looming demographic crisis. In a twist, Iran scrambles to recover millions of barrels of oil from China before new sanctions come into play. The geopolitical landscape grows ever more complicated, with hostage recoveries in Gaza adding to the mix, revealing the complexities of international negotiations.

4 snips
Jan 8, 2025 • 13min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 8th, 2025: Trump Suggests US Could Take Greenland, Panama Canal By Force & Multiple Wildfires Tear Through Los Angeles County
A press conference by President-elect Donald Trump sparked controversy as he discussed potential military action to acquire Greenland and the Panama Canal. The conversation dives into the strategic value of these regions and the implications for U.S. foreign policy. Meanwhile, Los Angeles County grapples with raging wildfires intensified by strong winds, forcing mass evacuations and posing tremendous challenges for emergency responders. The situation highlights the urgency of addressing both geopolitical ambitions and environmental crises.

Jan 8, 2025 • 21min
January 8th, 2025: Iran Retreats From Syria & Zelensky’s Approval Crisis
Iran's withdrawal from Syria signifies a setback for its regional ambitions, reshaping geopolitical dynamics. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky faces a sharp decline in approval ratings, sparking doubt among citizens as the war continues. In South Korea, political turmoil escalates with impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol defying legal orders. Additionally, a new UN report reveals a troubling surge in executions in Iran, raising serious human rights concerns. The global stage is rife with instability and critical leadership challenges.

11 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 11min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 7th, 2025: Will Trump Strike Iran's Nuclear Program? & Biden Frees Gitmo Prisoners For Resettlement In Oman
Tensions escalate as discussions about potential military actions against Iran's nuclear capabilities emerge, fueled by confidence from Israeli officials. Meanwhile, the Biden administration's transfer of 11 Yemeni detainees from Guantanamo Bay to Oman raises eyebrows, particularly with two prisoners linked to Osama bin Laden. The implications of these developments on national security and international relations are profound, making for a compelling conversation about the complexities of modern geopolitics.

9 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 21min
January 7th, 2025: Trudeau Announces His Resignation & Hezbollah Ceasefire on the Brink
Big news in Canada as Justin Trudeau steps down after a decade, shaking up the political landscape. Meanwhile, tensions rise in the Middle East with fragile ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas stalling due to concerns over Hezbollah. In a bold move, President Biden halts new drilling across vast U.S. waters, igniting political debates. Additionally, Secretary of State Blinken raises alarms about Russia potentially sharing advanced technology with North Korea, highlighting urgent global security concerns.

6 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 11min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 6th, 2025: FBI Releases NOLA Killer's Recordings & North Korea Fires Suspected Hypersonic Ballistic Missile
The podcast covers a chilling update on an ISIS-inspired terror attack in New Orleans, featuring FBI-released footage of the attacker's premeditated planning. Shifting to global concerns, it discusses North Korea's recent launch of a suspected hypersonic ballistic missile, analyzing the geopolitical ramifications for U.S.-South Korean relations. With insights on domestic threats and international security dynamics, the discussion highlights the escalating tensions and urgent responses from key nations.

12 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 19min
January 6th, 2025: Ukraine Launches Massive Counterattack in Kursk & Undersea Sabotage Off Taiwan
A surprise Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region catches Russia off guard, raising tensions. Meanwhile, undersea sabotage off Taiwan disrupts vital communications, hinting at escalating global conflicts. Haiti grapples with rampant gang violence, jeopardizing its fragile healthcare system and prompting international intervention. Additionally, China faces a surge in respiratory illnesses, particularly among children, as health authorities scramble to manage the crisis. These intertwining global issues create a complex and urgent geopolitical landscape.