
CNN Inside Politics
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.
Latest episodes

May 13, 2025 • 43min
A Regal Return
First: President Trump is soaking up all the pomp and circumstance on the first major international trip of his second term. He's in Saudi Arabia to sign multiple deals he says will bring hundreds of billions of dollars into the US. But criticism is ramping up within his own party over a jet he says he'll accept as a gift from the government of Qatar.
Plus: A new book from CNN's Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson of Axios reveals Joe Biden's inner circle floated the idea of getting him a wheelchair if he was reelected at the same time they were publicly highlighting his vigor.
And: The star witness in Sean "Diddy" Combs' criminal trials takes the stand. CNN was inside the courtroom so we can bring you all the breaking developments from Cassie Ventura's testimony. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 12, 2025 • 43min
American Hostage Released by Hamas
An American held by Hamas for 584 days is now on his way to freedom. 21-year-old Edan Alexander was handed over by Hamas to Red Cross officials in Gaza. He's now en route to an Israeli military base, where he'll be flown by helicopter to an Israeli hospital and evaluated by doctors. CNN's Jeremy Diamond begins our coverage in Tel Aviv's "hostage square."
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May 12, 2025 • 43min
Global Conflicts Dominate Trump Agenda Ahead of Trip Abroad
First: Open conflict. The U.S. and China hold high stakes trade talks. And Trump gears up for a trip to the Middle East as he looks to cut deals and broker ceasefires. Can he rein in the crisis he pledged to solve?
Plus: Resistance. As the Democratic Party struggles with a winning message. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, just announced he's running for Senate, joins me live.
And: Food fight. Republicans spar over Trump's so-called big, beautiful bill.
Plus: My new reporting about whether one of the longest serving Senate moderates will run for reelection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 9, 2025 • 43min
The DOJ's MAGA Makeover
First: President Trump names another top ally who's pushed for investigations of Trump's perceived enemies to a job where she can do just that, even as the president keeps baselessly accusing his predecessor of weaponizing the judicial system against Republicans.
Plus: The Vatican is turning a page with the first American-born pope now leading the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. Dana talks to a member of the most famous American Catholic family about the decision that sent shockwaves around the globe.
And: Tax hikes have never been part of the Republican playbook. But is President Trump really going to overturn decades of GOP dogma? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 7, 2025 • 43min
A Divine Decision
First: Cardinals from six continents are sequestered inside the Sistine Chapel for one of history's most sacred and secretive rituals, the Conclave.
Plus: India's retaliatory airstrikes inside Pakistan are causing worldwide anxiety as President Trump attempts to brush aside the escalating hostilities.
And: MAGA world is mobilizing against the Republican senator who says he won't support the president's highly controversial choice to be DC'ss top prosecutor.
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May 6, 2025 • 27min
Oh, Canada!
As today's show begins, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is about to pay a visit to the Oval Office. Will sparks fly? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 5, 2025 • 43min
Trump Downplays Recession Fears
First: President Donald Trump is brushing off concerns his tariff plan could lead to a recession, claiming everything would still be okay in the long term.
Plus: Trump is pushing to reopen Alcatraz prison more than 60 years after it closed. Why?
And: How do you cut $1.5 trillion from the federal budget? Dana speaks to a key member of the House Republican Conference.
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May 4, 2025 • 43min
Trump Digs in After a Week of Political and Legal Setbacks
How Will Rubio Balance Two Top National Security Roles?; GOP Amps Up Trump Impeachment Talk in Midterm Battle. Will They or Won't They? Democrats Make 2028 Moves; Conclave to Elect New Pope Set to Begin on Wednesday; GOP Retirements Could Help Democrats Tip Balance of Power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 2, 2025 • 43min
What to Make of Today's Jobs Report
First: An unexpectedly strong jobs report today sends stocks soaring. But with new tariffs taking effect - and many more promised - is this the calm before the economic storm?
Plus: J.B. Pritzker, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Pete Buttigieg and Kamala Harris are all dipping their toes in the 2028 waters. What's the temperature?
And: Tomorrow is World Press Freedom Day. We look at how President Trump is reshaping who gets to cover him at the White House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 1, 2025 • 44min
Is Mike Waltz on his way Out?
As today's show begins we receive breaking news that Mike Waltz is expected to leave his post in the Trump Administration as national security adviser. It is the first top staff shakeup of the president's second term. Waltz has been in a precarious position with the president after he accidentally added a reporter to a group chat about upcoming military strikes. Our coverage begins with CNN's Kaitlan Collins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices