

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

9 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 19min
February 25th, 2025: Zelensky Says He’s ‘Ready’ To Resign Under Certain Conditions & A Rare Admission From Hamas
Ukrainian President Zelensky hints at a conditional resignation that could pave the way for peaceful negotiations, potentially involving Trump. A Hamas official expresses unexpected remorse over the October 7th attacks, igniting discussions on ceasefire and prisoner exchanges. Meanwhile, China's naval exercises are raising alarms in the Pacific, particularly for Australia and New Zealand. In a stark contrast, authorities dismantle a major sex-trafficking ring, highlighting the dangers posed by transnational criminal networks.

4 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 12min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | February 24th, 2025: How Europe Is Funding Both Sides In Ukraine & Dan Bongino Named Next FBI Deputy Director
Discover the EU's surprising financial choices as it channels more funds into Russian fossil fuels than into aiding Ukraine, raising questions about sanction effectiveness. Meanwhile, Dan Bongino's unexpected appointment as the next Deputy Director of the FBI sparks discussions about potential shifts in U.S. law enforcement. Dive into the complexities of international funding and political appointments in this thought-provoking analysis!

11 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 22min
February 24th, 2025: Twin Islamist Terror Attacks Strike Europe & Trump Shakes Up Military Leadership
Recent Islamist terror attacks in Berlin and France have raised alarms across Europe, spotlighting the risks of extremism. In a dramatic military shake-up, President Trump replaced Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown with Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, stirring discussions on leadership and military priorities. Meanwhile, Israel's tense standoff with Hamas escalates, as hostage handovers spark controversy. Additionally, U.S. pressure leads to the arrest of high-ranking Sinaloa cartel members, marking a significant move in the fight against foreign terrorist organizations.

22 snips
Feb 22, 2025 • 1h
PDB Situation Report | February 22, 2025: Is A Shooting War Coming In Mexico? & Peace Talks Over Ukraine Begin
Todd Bensman, a Senior National Security Fellow, dives into Mexico's aggressive military response to drug cartels amid fears of a shooting war. He critiques U.S. immigration policies and their impacts on deportees. Steve Yates, an expert on international relations, shares insights from U.S.-Russian peace talks over Ukraine, exploring the possibility of meaningful diplomatic breakthroughs. They discuss the complexities of U.S. defense policy, the fentanyl crisis, and the impact of geopolitics on global stability.

Feb 22, 2025 • 12min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | February 21st, 2025: Netanyahu Vows Revenge After Hamas Lies About Returned Remains & Starmer Proposes 30,000 Strong 'Reassurance Force' For Ukraine
Tensions escalate as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu vows revenge against Hamas for failing to return a hostage's remains, risking a fragile ceasefire. Meanwhile, British PM Keir Starmer proposes a 30,000-strong European military force to support a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, amid contrasting needs voiced by Ukrainian leadership. The podcast also touches on the U.S. urging European allies to lead stabilization efforts in Ukraine, pointing to the complex geopolitical landscape and ongoing discussions about military strategies.

12 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 22min
February 21st, 2025: U.S. Green Berets Deploy To Mexico & Russia Pushes NATO Withdrawal
The podcast dives into the deployment of U.S. Green Berets in Mexico, aiming to strengthen security ties against drug cartels. It discusses Russia's push for NATO withdrawal as a negotiation tool and its implications for European allies. Budget cuts at the Pentagon could reshape military capabilities and workforce dynamics. Additionally, an executive order targets taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal immigrants, revealing the ongoing immigration debate and financial impacts. Tension and strategy weave through these critical discussions.

Feb 20, 2025 • 12min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | February 20th, 2025: Hamas Holds Sick Propaganda Ceremony For Dead Israelis & White House Designates Latin American Cartels As Terrorist Organizations
Hamas sparked global outrage with a disturbing display as they returned coffins of deceased hostages, using the moment for anti-Israel propaganda. Meanwhile, the U.S. is cracking down hard on transnational crime by designating Latin American cartels, including MS-13, as foreign terrorist organizations. This bold move leverages economic powers to tackle escalating cartel violence, prompting discussions on the legal implications and future enforcement strategies. The ramifications of these actions are profound for both domestic and international security.

4 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 24min
February 20th, 2025: Trump Brands Zelensky A 'Dictator' & Sudan's Paramilitaries Pursue Breakaway Government
Tensions are boiling as Trump labels Zelensky a 'dictator', igniting a fierce diplomatic row between the U.S. and Ukraine. In Gaza, Hamas shows a willingness to release hostages, contingent upon a truce's next phase. Meanwhile, Sudan's paramilitary forces unveil plans for a breakaway government amidst civil strife. The complexities of international coalitions are illustrated by reports of Iran collaborating with Turkey to fund Hezbollah's resurgence. Each of these narratives reveals a web of geopolitical intrigue.

5 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 14min
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | February 19th, 2025: Why A U.S. Military War on Cartels Would Be a Nightmare & An Arab Plan For Gaza Takes Shape
As U.S. military presence grows at the border, the complexities of engaging cartels come to light, highlighting the historical struggles and potential pitfalls of direct action. Meanwhile, an Arab-led initiative for post-war Gaza surfaces, promising significant financial contributions but facing daunting reconstruction challenges. Discussions center on how to navigate the turbulent political landscape while addressing regional security concerns and the future of Palestinian governance.

14 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 20min
February 19th, 2025: Russia Plays Hardball In Riyadh & Iran Vows Another Attack On Israel
Russia is making bold demands in U.S. negotiations over Ukraine, pushing for an end to NATO ambitions. Meanwhile, Iran threatens another attack on Israel, flaunting its nuclear capabilities. In a surprising move, Hamas promises to return bodies of hostages, raising questions about its motivations. Additionally, North Korea is asserting itself with plans to expand its nuclear arsenal, defying U.S. de-escalation efforts. The geopolitical landscape is volatile, highlighting escalating tensions across multiple fronts.


