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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.

Location:

Washington, DC

Description:

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.

Twitter:

@cnnsotu

Language:

English


Episodes
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Interviews with Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley; Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chair Mark Warner

4/12/2026
On CNN’s State of the Union, former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley joins Dana Bash to react to President Trump’s announcement that the US will impose a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz after US-Iran talks failed to reach a deal. Haley tells Bash that Trump is “calling Iran’s bluff” and also says he needs to confront China over its support for Iran. After, Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chair Mark Warner joins Dana to discuss what happens next after US-Iran talks failed to reach a deal to end the war. After, Democratic Rep. Eugene Vindman and CNN Political Commentators Jamal Simmons, David Urban, and Kristen Soltis Anderson discuss the sexual assault allegations against Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, as well as early moves by potential 2028 presidential candidates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:42:49

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Rescue in Iran: A Tense International Conflict Unfolds

4/5/2026
On Easter, Jake Tapper reports President Trump says US forces rescued a missing, seriously wounded airman in a risky overnight mission deep inside Iran after more than 24 hours evading capture; CNN details dozens of aircraft, commando units, CIA help, disinformation efforts, and at least two US aircraft lost and destroyed. Trump then posts a profane ultimatum demanding Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz and threatens to target bridges and power plants, prompting discussion of shifting objectives and potential war-crime concerns; former advisor Brett McGurk and a panel debate strategy, messaging, and prospects for a deal. Tapper also interviews Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock on preaching Easter, grace, condemning bigotry and antisemitism, praying for Trump with accountability, and hope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:43:22

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Interviews with White House Border Czar Tom Homan; Democratic Senator Andy Kim; Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace and Democratic Congressman Suhas Subramanyam

3/29/2026
On CNN’s State of the Union, White House Border Czar Tom Homan joins Jake to discuss the chaos at US airports and Congress’ failure to reach a deal to end the Department of Homeland Security shutdown. Next, Democratic Sen. Andy Kim joins Jake to discuss what, if anything, Congress is doing to end the impasse after House Republicans blocked a Senate deal to end the shutdown. Then, Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace, Democratic Congressman Suhas, CNN Senior Political Commentator Scott Jennings, and CNN Political Commentator Ashley Allison debate the failed DHS shutdown deal, President Trump weighing deploying US service members into Iran, and the “No Kings” protests. After, CNN’s Jeremy Diamond reports on Israeli settler violence in the West Bank and a frightening incident when Israeli troops violently detained him and his CNN crew there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:43:48

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Interviews with White House Border Czar; House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries; Israeli Ambassador to the US Michael Leiter; Independent Congressman Kevin Kiley and Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Dingell

3/22/2026
On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash presses White House Border Czar Tom Homan over the White House’s new plan to send ICE agents into US airports to support TSA. Next, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries responds, telling Dana that’s “the last thing that the American people need.” After, Israeli Ambassador to the US Michael Leither sits down with Dana to discuss the escalating war with Iran and whether the US and Israel are on the same page. After, Independent Congressman Kevin Kiley, Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, CNN Senior Political Commentator David Urban and CNN Political Commentator Ashley Allison join Dana to debate the White House plan to send ICE into airports. Finally, Dana responds to President Trump celebrating the death of former FBI Director and Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:43:00

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Interviews with US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz; Democratic Senator Cory Booker; Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg

3/15/2026
On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake talks with US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz about the state of the Iran War and President Trump’s repeated claims that the US has already won. Then, Democratic Sen. Cory Booker sits down with Jake to discuss Democrats’ push to rein in Trump’s handling of the war. Next, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg joins Jake to discuss his perspective on the war with Iran as an Afghan War veteran, as well as his efforts to boost Democratic candidates ahead of the midterm elections. After, CNN Senior Political Commentator Adam Kinzinger, CNN Political Commentators Karen Finney and Brad Todd, and former New York Times Tehran correspondent Nazila Fathi join Jake to discuss the future of the war and the potential political consequences for President Trump. Finally, Jake responds to attacks by President Trump and his allies on journalists for reporting on the reality of the war with Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:45:35

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Interviews with Republican Senator Thom Tillis; Democratic Senator Chris Murphy; Energy Secretary Chris Wright

3/8/2026
On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper talks with Republican Sen. Thom Tillis about President Trump’s decision to fire DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. Next, Jake sits down with Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy to discuss reports the Trump administration is weighing deploying US troops to Iran as the war there escalates. After, Energy Secretary Chris Wright responds to rising energy prices in the US as the Iran War disrupts the global oil industry. Then, CNN Global Affairs Analyst Karim Sadjadpour, CNN Political Commentator Jonah Goldberg, Hudson Institute Senior Fellow Rebeccah Heinrichs, and former State Department Senior Adviser Nayyera Haq join Jake to discuss Trump’s handling of the conflict in the Mideast. Finally, Jake responds forcefully to Trump administration criticism of CNN’s coverage of the war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:44:34

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Conflict in the Middle East: A New Era of Tensions

3/1/2026
Dana Bash hosts a special edition of State of the Union after the US and Israel launch sweeping strikes on Iran, targeting its nuclear program and weapons systems and killing Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior officials, as President Trump vows bombing will continue “as long as necessary.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:29:03

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Exclusive Interview with Governor Gavin Newsom; Interview with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent

2/22/2026
On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash talks to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down most of President Trump’s tariffs. Then, Dana sits down with California governor and potential 2028 candidate Gavin Newsom ahead of the release of his new memoir, “Young Man in a Hurry.” They discuss his complicated upbringing and relationship with his parents, his struggle with dyslexia, and his future as he weighs a potential 2028 presidential run. After, Democratic strategist Rebecca Katz, Republican Congressman Mike Lawler, PBS host Margaret Hoover, and CNN Senior Political Commentator Van Jones break down the political fallout from the Supreme Court striking down most of President Trump’s tariffs. Finally, Dana talks to Reuters photographer Phil Noble about his historic photo of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor after his stunning arrest in the United Kingdom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:49:06

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Interviews with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer; White House Border Czar Tom Homan; Democratic Governor Andy Beshear; Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin; Esptein survivors

2/15/2026
On CNN’s State of the Union, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer joins Jake to discuss Democrats’ demands to rein in immigration enforcement in exchange for ending a partial government shutdown. Next, White House Border Czar Tom Homan joins Jake to discuss the end of Trump’s Minneapolis crackdown, as well as whether the Department of Homeland Security has a credibility issue. Then, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear joins Jake to discuss Trump’s efforts to interfere with the midterm elections. After, Jake presses Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin over the Trump administration’s failed attempt to indict six Democratic lawmakers. Finally, Jake gives the last word to three Epstein survivors who were in the room for Attorney General Pam Bondi’s controversial hearing on Capitol Hill this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:48:24

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Interviews with Rep. Hakeem Jeffries; CMS Administrator Dr. Oz; Governor Wes Moore

2/8/2026
On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash interviews Rep. Hakeem Jeffries about Democrats’ demands to rein in ICE in exchange for funding the Department of Homeland Security. Next, CMS Administrator Dr. Oz sits down with Dana to discuss Americans’ skyrocketing health care costs as well as the growing measles outbreak in the US. Then, Dana asks Democratic Gov. Wes Moore about his redistricting push in Maryland, as well as President Trump’s decision to exclude him from a bipartisan meeting of governors. After, CNN Senior Law Enforcement Analyst Andrew McCabe and CNN Chief Law Enforcement and Intelligence Analyst John Miller join Dana to break down the latest in the Nancy Guthrie Case. Finally, USA Today columnist Christine Brennan joins Dana to discuss the heartbreaking end to Lindsey Vonn’s Olympic comeback story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:43:31

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Interviews with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche; Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin; Republican Senator Ron Johnson

2/1/2026
On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash presses Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on the Trump administration’s handling of the FBI files, its arrest of journalists over a protest at a Minnesota church, and a controversial FBI raid on a Georgia elections office. Next, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Jamie Raskin, joins to respond. Then, Republican Sen. Ron Johnson pushes back against Democrats’ demands to rein in ICE in exchange for funding the Department of Homeland Security. After, Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell, former Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien, former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, and CNN Political Commentator Kristen Soltis Anderson discuss whether the backlash to Trump’s immigration crackdown could hurt Republicans in the midterms. Finally, Dana gives an update on the case of 5-year-old Liam Ramos and his father, who were detained by immigration agents in Minneapolis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:44:02

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Interviews with Top Border Official Gregory Bovino; Democratic Senator Chris Murphy; New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill; Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt

1/25/2026
On CNN's State of the Union, in the wake of the second fatal shooting in Minneapolis, Dana Bash grills top border official Greg Bovino on what evidence he has that Alex Pretti was trying to impede law enforcement. She also pushes him on whether he still supports American's second Amendment rights and their rights to video law enforcement. Senator Chris Murphy responds to the interview calling it "bone-chilling" and calls on Democrats to freeze funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Newly inaugurated New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill slams ICE and calls for them to be removed from the streets immediately. Republican Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt acknowledges that Americans "don't like what they are seeing" in Minneapolis. Both governors also discuss storm response in their state as a record winter storm batters the Midwest and East Coast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:51:08

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Interviews with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey; Former Vice President Mike Pence; Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego

1/18/2026
On CNN’s State of the Union, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey joins Jake to respond to news that the Trump administration is putting hundreds of active-duty troops on standby to deploy to Minnesota. Frey told Jake, “I never thought in a million years that we would be invaded by our own federal government.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:43:05

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Interviews with: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem; Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey

1/11/2026
On a special extended edition of State of the Union, Jake Tapper sits down with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to discuss her response to the deadly ICE shooting in Minneapolis. Jake presses Noem on the administration’s quick moves to defend the ICE officer and accuse the US citizen killed of “domestic terrorism.” After, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Brian O’Hara join Jake to respond to Noem. Jake also talks with Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin and Democratic Sen. Mark Warner about the Minneapolis shooting, as well as the growing protests inside Iran. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker also joins Jake to respond to Noem and discuss his own experiences dealing with the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration in his state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:46:05

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Interviews with Republican Sen. Tom Cotton; Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy; Republican Rep. Jim Jordan; Democratic Rep. Jim Himes

1/4/2026
On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash presses Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton about President Trump saying the U-S is now “running” Venezuela. Next, Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy tells Dana that the Trump administration “lied to our face” about pursuing regime change in Venezuela. Then, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan tells Dana that he “trust[s] the president to make decisions that are in the best interest of Americans” in Venezuela. After, House Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Jim Himes tells Dana that Jordan “gave the game away” and that “America can see the fact that they no longer have a Congress.” Finally, Dana talks with former NATO Supreme Commander Adm. James Stavridis and former Deputy DNI Beth Sanner about what comes next after Maduro’s ouster in Venezuela. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:47:29

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State of the Union Special: The Future of AI

12/28/2025
On a special edition of State of the Union, Jake Tapper looks at the impact AI is having on the world around us. First, Jake talks with the “Godfather of AI” Geoffrey Hinton about his fears that AI is “progressing even faster” than he previously thought. Next, Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders sits down with Jake to discuss his efforts to push Congress to better regulate artificial intelligence. Then, Republican Sen. Katie Britt tells Jake “enough is enough” and that tech companies and Congress need to put up guardrails to protect kids from AI. After, co-authors Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price join Jake to discuss their new book, “The Amazing Generation,” and how kids and parents should navigate a world dominated by technology. Finally, TIME Magazine’s 2025 Kid of the Year, Tejasvi Manoj, talks to Jake about her efforts to use AI to help protect senior citizens from cyberscams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:44:02

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Interviews with Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin; Republican Senator James Lankford

12/21/2025
Kasie Hunt guest anchors CNN’s State of the Union. First, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Jamie Raskin, joins Kasie to discuss the partial release of the Epstein files and whether he’s considering legal options to force the Justice Department to release all of its files. Next, Republican Sen. James Lankford joins Kasie to Congress’ failure to avert skyrocketing health care costs. Lankford – a pastor – also discusses how faith can help make people feel more connected with one another this holiday season. Then, CNN Senior Political Commentator Scott Jennings and CNN Political Commentators Bakari Sellers, Kate Bedingfield, and Kristen Soltis Anderson discuss President Trump’s struggles to focus on affordability, the challenges facing Democrats in the midterms, and the growing rupture within the MAGA movement. Finally, Kasie reflects on the surprising end to the political career of a moderate Republican-turned “ultra MAGA” warrior, Elise Stefanik. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:43:20

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Twin Tragedies Shake the Globe

12/14/2025
Insightful discussions on gun violence, law enforcement actions, and legislative impacts featuring top voices like Senator Chris Murphy and Senator Bill Cassidy. Watch our latest report on global and US incidences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:52:50

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Interviews with White House Border Czar Tom Homan; Republican Sen. John Curtis; Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth

12/7/2025
On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash presses White House Border Czar Tom Homan over new ICE raids targeting Somali immigrants. Next, Republican Sen. John Curtis sits down with Dana to discuss his call for “compassionate” immigration enforcement, as well as the ticking clock for Congress to act on expiring health care subsidies. Then, veteran Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth joins Dana to discuss the controversies surrounding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Finally, Democratic Rep. Jake Auchincloss, Republican strategist Kristin Davison, and CNN Political Commentators Jamal Simmons and Shermichael Singleton break down Republicans’ angst over affordability concerns ahead of the midterms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:43:10

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Trump: U.S. Will Block Immigration From “Third World Countries”

11/30/2025
On CNN's State of the Union, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly responds to President Trump's immigration crackdown plus the new details about the second follow-up strike on a suspected drug vessel killing unarmed survivors. Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin says President Trump is being "proactive" in targeting alleged drug operations - but that doesn't mean an invasion. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar criticizes the Trump administration's new immigration actions in the wake of the National Guard attack. And our panelists Rep. Riley Moore, Karen Finney, Kristen Soltis Anderson, and Xochitl Hinojosa discuss fallout from the shooting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:43:44