CNN Politics

Today's show begins just after President Trump holds another impromptu press conference at the White House while meeting with the Philippine president, who's in Washington to negotiate a trade deal. Asked about the Justice Department's request to meet with Ghislaine Maxwell, the sole living person convicted in the Jeffrey Epstein case, he replied, "That sounds appropriate," but then quickly shifted to talking about former President Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and the Russia investigation, and then accused Democratic Senator Adam Schiff of committing crimes.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: President Trump floods social media with dozens of posts about former President Obama, the Washington Commanders and even a head-spinning video of a woman tossing a snake. But can any of it redirect the spotlight from the Jeffrey Epstein saga?  Plus: A federal judge is hearing arguments in Harvard's effort to reverse the White House's decision to block more than $2 billion in federal funding. CNN is inside the courtroom to bring you all the developments.  And: We have new reporting on how Secretary of State Rubio has become one of the most powerful people in President Trump's inner circle ... and his strategy to stay there.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

First: MAGA revolt. President Trump faces the fallout over Epstein. Will his latest moves satisfy his base? Or are they digging in for a fight? Plus: Six months in. Trump is taking action on his campaign promises. So why are Americans souring on his approach? We have brand new polling. And: Texas hold up. As Democrats accuse Texas Republicans of stealing seats to hold the House. CNN’s Manu Raju goes one-on-one with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. New reporting on Democrats' plans to counterattack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump is facing serious backlash from the MAGA world over his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. CNN senior correspondent Donie O’Sullivan explains why Epstein looms so large in the MAGA-verse—and why this controversy isn’t likely to die down soon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: We have new details from the Wall Street Journal on the friendship that once existed between President Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. Trump says the WSJ story isn't true and has asked the Justice Department to release new information about the Epstein case.  Plus: We have new details of potential 2028 presidential hopefuls making their way into some early primary states to make early impressions with voters.  And: CBS says money is the reason why it has canceled "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." But many think is just another troubling sign of big media companies looking to avoid antagonizing the president.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The Epstein outrage cycle shows no signs of letting up after the Justice Department fired a top prosecutor in the case, who also happens to be the daughter near the top of the president's enemies list.  Plus: We have brand new CNN polling that shows Democrats can't wait to vote in next year's midterms. It's an enthusiasm advantage that could pay dividends for the party, except for another unusual finding in our poll.   And: Will Bert and Ernie have to get a third roommate to help cover the rent now that the Senate just cut off funding for public broadcasting?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Responding to a question about the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein controversy, President Trump claims Republicans "got duped by the Democrats" and attacks his own supporters for questioning AG Pam Bondi's assertion that there is no "client list" nor conspiracy surrounding Epstein's death.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: We bring you brand new CNN polling on the Jeffrey Epstein saga. Do Americans think their government is hiding something?  Plus: President Trump's plan to take apart the Department of Education gets a thumbs up from the Supreme Court. It means the department could be virtually eliminated without permission from Congress.  And: Democrats in Arizona will pick a candidate to replace a 77-year-old congressman who died in office. Will it be a Gen Z with a big social media presence who just barely meets the age threshold?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: President Trump says there's nothing to see here on Jeffrey Epstein, but many in his base aren't buying it after he and some top officials spent years telling supporters that Epstein's death is at the center of a massive conspiracy.  Plus: The president says he's losing patience with Russian President Vladimir Putin. And this time he says he will back up those words with weapons.  And: After brutal election losses, what is the Democrat party's path back from the wilderness? Dana asks a man who masterminded multiple Democratic comebacks over the past 30 years.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices