
The Daily Punch
Weekday mornings, The Daily Punch brings you inside Capitol Hill, the White House and Washington for an unfiltered look at the key players and stakes of all major issues of the day. Power. People. Politics. Hosted by Punchbowl News founders, journalists and best-selling authors Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman.
Latest episodes

4 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 8min
A new fight for Republicans' foreign policy future
The internal battle within the Republican Party over foreign policy heats up, centered around Trump's nomination for Pentagon policy chief. This nomination showcases the rift between traditional GOP hawks and MAGA influencers, signaling a pivotal moment for the party's future stance. Meanwhile, strategies for the 2026 elections emerge, focusing on targeting vulnerable Republicans with proposed Medicaid cuts as campaign ads echo historic political trends. Is Trump really planning to cure cancer? Tune in for insights!

4 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 13min
What will happen to the Senate GOP’s budget resolution?
The current political landscape in the Senate is buzzing with crucial upcoming votes and nominations, including a spotlight on Kash Patel for FBI Director. As the Senate debates legislative strategies on defense spending and tax cuts, global negotiations are also a hot topic, particularly concerning Russia and Ukraine. Excitement builds for an exclusive conference featuring influential leaders addressing critical policy challenges. Meanwhile, the Doge phenomenon continues to sway politics, leading to surprising impacts on federal agencies and ongoing controversies in Congress.

Feb 15, 2025 • 16min
The Readback: MTG's path to the DOGE subcommittee chair
Mica Soellner, a congressional reporter for Punchbowl News, shares insights on Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's unexpected journey to chair the House DOGE subcommittee. Discover how Greene's leadership could steer the GOP’s legislative focus and influence party dynamics. The discussion highlights the calm dynamics of recent hearings amidst a politically turbulent environment and speculates on the impact of her potential Senate run. Tune in for a blend of political forecasting and pop culture's intersection with today's legislative landscape.

10 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 11min
House GOP gets a win on budget plan, but what’s next?
The House Budget Committee's recent approval of a GOP budget resolution marks a significant win, with plans for spending, tax cuts, and a debt limit increase. Tensions simmer between House and Senate Republicans as they navigate Trump's agenda. Meanwhile, the New Democrat coalition grapples with a growing influence from progressive members, raising concerns about its unity. The potential Senate candidacy of Pete Buttigieg adds another layer to an already complex political landscape.

4 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 14min
The easy part on Trump's agenda is about to end
The House Budget Committee is gearing up to tackle its spending blueprint amidst rocky dynamics. Tensions are rising among House Republicans as they navigate the reconciliation bill aligned with Trump's agenda. Strained relationships within the Judiciary Committee raise concerns about legislative efficiency. Meanwhile, the rivalry among Democrats heats up after leadership challenges. The FCC's new proactive stance is also under scrutiny, with tech reporters shedding light on potential changes.

Feb 12, 2025 • 13min
The dueling budget chairs: How Arrington and Graham are playing their hands
Snowfall in D.C. creates a unique backdrop for political discussions. The House Budget Committee is on the verge of revealing a contentious budget resolution. Representative Jody Arrington's $4 trillion proposal sparks intense debate over tax cuts and spending. Meanwhile, Marjorie Taylor Greene rises in congressional leadership, shaking up dynamics with her new role. The intricate dance of budget reconciliation looms large as political predictions clash with reality and industry insights emerge.

4 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 13min
Rough days for Democrats in GOP-run Washington
As Trump gears up for another term, Democrats are feeling the pressure. Internal party criticism is mounting against leadership figures like Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries. The Fed's Jay Powell faces a pivotal testimony that could shape economic messaging. Complicating matters, budget battles loom in Congress with debates over funding and reconciliation plans in GOP committees. The tension is palpable as Democrats grapple with their strategies amid a rapidly evolving political landscape.

Feb 10, 2025 • 12min
The race for reconciliation
House Republican leaders are pushing for massive federal spending cuts, leading to intense debates within the party. Tensions rise as key figures like Lindsey Graham and Mike Johnson clash over budget reconciliation. Meanwhile, Trump's cabinet nominations face scrutiny as Senate Republicans grapple with chaotic challenges. The podcast also delves into the political strategies aimed at securing a majority in the Senate by 2026, exploring the implications for upcoming elections. It's a captivating look at the complexities of party dynamics and legislative maneuvers.

9 snips
Feb 8, 2025 • 16min
The Readback: The reconciliation rollercoaster
Laura Weiss, a tax expert at Punchbowl News and a dedicated Philadelphia Eagles fan, talks about the chaos among House Republicans as they grapple with reconciliation. She highlights the struggles of aligning party priorities amidst budget resolutions and looming deadlines. Weiss also shares her excitement for the upcoming Super Bowl, reflecting on her personal ties to the game and its players. The conversation weaves together the tensions of Capitol Hill and the thrill of sports fandom, making for an engaging listen.

Feb 7, 2025 • 8min
Vance is now in charge of TikTok deal
J.D. Vance is at the forefront of negotiations around the potential sale of TikTok, addressing significant national security issues. The podcast delves into the political dynamics in Washington and bipartisan calls for transferring ownership to an American firm. Additionally, it covers House Republicans' strategies to manage budget pressures and the impact of an impending deadline. The role of hardline conservatives advocating for severe budget cuts adds another layer of intrigue, alongside important personnel changes in the political landscape.