

State of the Union
CNN
Hosted by CNN's Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, State of the Union features interviews with top newsmakers on politics and policy—covering Washington, the country, and the world.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 10, 2025 • 42min
CNN Goes on the Road with Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders; Interview with US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker
On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash travels to Wheeling, West Virginia for an exclusive interview with Sen. Bernie Sanders. They discuss his push to bring his progressive message to red states, the Democratic Party’s struggles with working-class voters, the escalating showdown over redistricting in red and blue states, the situations in Ukraine and Gaza, and what the future holds for him and his movement.
Plus, US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker joins Dana to discuss President Trump’s summit with Vladimir Putin later this week in Alaska.
Finally, former Republican Gov. Scott Walker, Democratic Strategist Mo Elleithee, and CNN Political Commentators Kristen Soltis Anderson and Ashley Allison join Dana to break down this high-stakes moment for Trump’s economic and foreign policy agenda, as well as what the Texas redistricting fight means for the future of American democracy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 3, 2025 • 41min
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin; Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Former BLS Commissioner William Beach
On CNN’s State of the Union, after President Trump abruptly fired the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics over a weak jobs report, her predecessor William Beach – also appointed by Trump – tells Kasie Hunt Trump’s actions are “groundless” and “damaging.” Then, Kasie presses EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin over his push to gut the government’s ability to fight climate change by rolling back regulations on greenhouse gases. Next, Democratic Gov. Jared Polis joins Kasie to discuss tariffs and his party’s struggle to counter Trump across the board. Finally, Bernie Sanders adviser Faiz Shakir and CNN Political Commentators Kate Bedingfield, Brad Todd, and Jonah Goldberg join Kasie to break down Kamala Harris’ return to the spotlight as Democrats weigh who can win in 2028. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 27, 2025 • 44min
Rep. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, WH Budget Director Russel Vought and Dem. Sen. Mark Kelly
Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin discusses the Epstein controversy with Jake Tapper and what it will take for the Trump administration to move on from the crisis. White House Budget Director Russ Vought tells Jake Tapper about plans for another recissions package and the tools the administration might use to achieve spending cuts. Democratic Senator Mark Kelly discusses what he has been hearing from voters at townhalls about Democratic favorability problems and whether the US bears any blame for the starvation crisis in Gaza. And the panel weighs in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 21, 2025 • 43min
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett, US hostage envoy Adam Boehler and Former Rep. Beto O'Rourke
On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper presses Senator Amy Klobuchar on why Democrats didn't release the Epstein files during the Biden Administration, Congressman Tim Burchett says Trump's call to release grand jury material in the Epstein case is a "good start." US hostage envoy Adam Boehler discusses the Trump administration’s prisoner exchange with Venezuela that freed ten detained US nationals. Former Democratic Congressman Beto O’Rourke weighs in on the GOP’s controversial push to redraw its congressional map to help Republicans. Democratic Congressman Ritchie Torres, former Republican Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler, former Trump campaign adviser Bryan Lanza, and CNN Political Commentator Karen Finney break down the state of both parties six months into President Trump’s second term. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 14, 2025 • 43min
White House Border Czar Tom Homan, California Sen. Alex Padilla and Texas Congressman Tony Gonzales
On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash presses White House Border Czar Tom Homan over Trump’s immigration crackdown amid chaotic ICE raids in California. Next, California Sen. Alex Padilla sits down with Dana to respond. Then, Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales joins Dana amid growing calls for accountability after the deadly floods in his state. Finally, CNN Political Commentators David Urban and Kristen Soltis Anderson, Democratic Strategist Faiz Shakir, and Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell join Dana to break down MAGA’s revolt over Trump’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 7, 2025 • 42min
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear
On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash speaks with Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro about the deadly floods ravaging his state. Then, Dana sits down with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to discuss President Trump’s sweeping domestic policy legislation. They also discuss what will happen when Trump’s 90-day pause on tariffs ends later this week. Next, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear joins Dana to respond to Sec. Bessent and lay out the impact Trump’s law will have on his state. Finally, CNN Senior Political Commentator Scott Jennings and CNN Political Commentators Jamal Simmons, Kate Bedingfield, and Shermichael Singleton join Dana to react to Elon Musk announcing plans to launch a new political party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 30, 2025 • 42min
Rep. Sen. Katie Britt and Dem. Sen. Mark Warner
On CNN's State of the Union, Jake Tapper speaks to Republican Senator Katie Britt about the President's domestic policy agenda as it nears its final vote in the Senate. Democratic Senator Mark Warner slams Republicans for supporting this bill while also what he knows about the state of Iran's nuclear program. Finally Republican Rep. Riley Moore, Democratic Rep. Chris Deluzio, Ashley Allison and Alyssa Farah Griffin discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 23, 2025 • 43min
Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Dem. Sen. Adam Schiff and Former Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton
On CNN's State of the Union, Kasie Hunt speaks to Israeli President Isaac Herzog about the aftermath of the U.S. strikes against Iranian nuclear sites. Democratic Senator Adam Schiff speaks about the congressional response to President Trump’s order to strike Iran arguing the action was "not constitutional." And Trump's former National Security Adviser says the Iran regime "is in trouble." Finally Joel Rubin, Scott Jennings, Xochitl Hinojosa and Rebecca Heinrichs discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 16, 2025 • 46min
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Former Vice President Mike Pence, California Sen. Alex Padilla and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass
On CNN’s State of the Union, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar joins Dana Bash to react to the shocking assassination of a Minnesota state legislator and her husband, as well as the manhunt for the suspect behind the attack. Then, former Vice President Mike Pence joins Dana to discuss the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Dana also presses him on Trump’s decision to deploy US troops to Los Angeles. Next, California Senator Alex Padilla sits down with Dana after his confrontation with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem amid his state’s showdown with the Trump administration over immigration. After, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joins to discuss the latest developments on the protests in her city. Finally, CNN Political Commentators Shermichael Singleton, Karen Finney, Brad Todd, and former Democratic Congressman Andy Levin break down a tense week in America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 9, 2025 • 44min
Rep. Nanette Barragán, Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Markwayne Mullin and Sen. Ron Johnson
On CNN’s State of Union, Democratic Rep. Nanette Barragán sits down with Dana Bash to react to President Trump’s stunning decision to deploy thousands of National Guard troops to quell immigration protests in her district and elsewhere in Los Angeles County. Then, Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders joins Dana to react to the breaking news and lay out Democrats’ strategy for opposing Trump’s massive spending and tax cut bill. Next, Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin spars with Dana over Trump’s handling of the situation in Los Angeles and says it shows the need to pass his agenda. After, Republican Sen. Ron Johnson reacts to Defense Secretary Hegseth’s suggestion he could deploy active-duty Marines to Los Angeles. He also lays out his concerns with Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.” Finally, CNN Political Commentators Bakari Sellers, Xochitl Hinojosa, Kristen Soltis Anderson, and Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis join Dana to discuss the breaking news out of California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices