

CNN Inside Politics
CNN Podcasts
Each weekday, Dana Bash and a panel of well-sourced reporters bring you the most important political stories of the day. On the weekend, Manu Raju kicks off CNN's Sunday morning political programming with Inside Politics Sunday. Dana and Manu get answers from the people making headlines, explain the political stories that matter, and report on how the news will impact you.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 1, 2025 • 41min
Blue City Blitz
First: President Trump is threatening to deploy federal forces to Chicago this week. He claims his focus is combating crime and controlling immigration. But why only in Democratic zip codes?
Plus: Nine former CDC directors are joining forces to sound the alarm on what Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Is doing to the agency. They say it's "endangering every American's health."
And: Democrats are getting another chance to block President Trump's agenda. But can they agree on a playbook that also keeps the government's lights on?
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 31, 2025 • 41min
Trump's Expanding Executive Powers, CDC Upheaval, and the Battle for Congress
In this episode of Inside Politics Sunday, host Manu Raju delves into President Trump's aggressive measures, including the firing of key federal officials, defiance of governors, and sweeping use of the National Guard, which are testing the limits of executive power. The episode also examines the turmoil at the CDC, with RFK Jr.'s anti-vaccine stance leading to the resignation of top officials. A panel of experts and former CDC officials discuss the impact on public health and trust. Additionally, the show explores the Democrats' prospects in upcoming Senate races, the redistricting battles in various states, and the potential political shifts that could arise from these challenges. Featuring insights from journalists and experts like Molly Ball, Mario Parker, Steven Collinson, and former Obama administration CDC director Tom Frieden, this episode provides detailed analysis on the current political landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 29, 2025 • 41min
Termination ... and Retaliation
First: Top leaders at key federal agencies are fighting back after President Trump sent his signature reality show message: You're fired! But now it is real life with real consequences for your wallet and your health.
Plus: We have exclusive new reporting on the Trump Administration's push to send hundreds of children in government custody back home to Guatemala. Multiple sources call the move unprecedented.
And: President Trump is removing Kamala Harris's Secret Service detail. Is this all about settling scores with a rival? We have the letter he personally signed.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 28, 2025 • 41min
Another American City in Mourning
Minneapolis is in shock after yet another school shooting. This time, innocent children were gunned down as they sat praying in a church pew on the first week of school. An eight- and 10-year-old are dead, more than a dozen suffered injuries, and hundreds of children are left traumatized from witnessing a massacre in a place that was literally supposed to be a sanctuary. And we learned this morning that it could have been much worse. CNN's chief law enforcement and intelligence analyst John Miller has the latest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 27, 2025 • 50min
Deadly School Shooting in Minneapolis
Today's show begins following a press conference about the deadly school shooting in Minneapolis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 26, 2025 • 33min
Trump's Fed Firing Unprecedented ... and Maybe Illegal
Yesterday, President Trump took the unprecedented - and perhaps illegal - step of firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. Today she responded by filing a lawsuit. Meanwhile, officials in Chicago and other cities are up in arms over the president's plan to send in the military to fight crime. Our coverage of these and other Trump controversies begins with CNN's Jeff Zeleny at the White House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 25, 2025 • 38min
More Executive Orders, More Criticism
Today's show begins as President Trump is holding yet another impromptu news conference in the Oval Office after signing more executive orders, including a ban on flag burning and the end of cashless bail. He also said he's ordered the Pentagon to train a specialized DC National Guard force that is "specifically trained and equipped to deal with public order issues." And he dismissed criticism that expanding his crackdown in DC to other cities is a classic strongman tactic. CNN's Jeff Zeleny breaks it all down for us from the White House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

5 snips
Aug 24, 2025 • 41min
Political Showdown: Trump, Chicago, and the Military
This episode of Inside Politics Sunday, hosted by Manu Raja, delves into President Trump's controversial plan to deploy the military to Chicago to combat crime against the objection of local officials and analyses its implications. The discussion further explores the impact of these actions on Trump's political strategy, the potential ramifications for the upcoming midterm elections, and the political tug-of-war it creates. Additionally, the show talks about redistricting efforts in Texas and California ahead of the midterms, Trump's evolving stance on mail-in voting, and the potential influence on democracy. The episode also features an interview with Democratic Senate candidate Graham Plattner from Maine, his views on his party's brand, and critiques of Senator Susan Collins. There is a highlighted discussion on Gavin Newsom's combative tactics against Trump on social media, his likely 2028 presidential bid, and the broader strategies at play within the Democratic Party. The show closes with a tribute to the New Orleans Saints' 2010 Super Bowl victory and its symbolic significance for the city post-Hurricane Katrina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 22, 2025 • 41min
Why Did FBI Search John Bolton's Home & Office?
First: Former National Security Adviser John Bolton's morning starts with a court-authorized search of his home and DC office. What were FBI agents looking for?
Plus: Is the country any closer to seeing what's inside the Epstein files? The House Oversight Committee chair says he'll have hundreds of documents from the Justice Department today.
And: Fed Chair Jerome Powell hints that a rate cut could be coming soon to stop the economy from stalling out.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 21, 2025 • 44min
Blurred Lines
First: California plans to pass a new congressional map, but are Democrats making a mistake by joining the race to redraw the country? Former Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy joins us to discuss.
Plus: Vice President Vance heads to a key congressional district in Georgia to pitch President Trump's signature by convincing voters it's good for what matters most to them: their wallets.
And: New analysis on voter registration highlights deep trouble for the Democratic brand, as America looks several shades more red.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices