
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
Interviews with Republican Senator James Lankford; Democratic Governor Wes Moore
3/30/2025
On CNN’s State of the Union, Republican Sen. James Lankford joins Dana Bash to discuss the fallout from the Trump administration’s Signal chat leak, as well as the impact from President Trump’s escalating trade war. Then, Dana asks Democratic Governor and potential 2028 candidate Wes Moore about Democrats struggle to find a path forward under the Trump administration. Finally, CNN Senior Political Commentator Scott Jennings, CNN Political Commentator Shermichael Singleton, Michigan State Sen. Mallory McMorrow, and former Biden Chief Pentagon Spokesman Chris Meagher spar over the seriousness of the signal leak and what a winning political strategy for Democrats moving forward looks like. Dana also asks McMorrow about her political future as she weighs a run for US Senate in Michigan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:43:22
Interviews with Secretary of Education Linda McMahon; Representative Ro Khanna
3/23/2025
On CNN’s State of the Union, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon joins Dana Bash exclusively to discuss what the future looks like for the Department of Education as President Donald Trump pushes to dismantle it. Next, Dana asks Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna if a new Tea Party is forming among Democrats. Then, Democratic Rep. Jason Crow, CNN Senior Political Commentator Shermichael Singleton, CNN Political Commentator Xochitl Hinojosa, and Republican strategist Doug Heye join Dana to discuss the Democrats' latest efforts in their search for a path forward. Finally, Dana speaks with Rep. Brittany Petterson and her newborn son, Sam, up on Capitol Hill to discuss the congresswoman's latest push for Congress to update the rule regarding in-person voting for new moms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:44:32
Interviews with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff; Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett; Republican Senator Mike Rounds
3/16/2025
On CNN’s State of the Union, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff joins Jake Tapper to discuss his hours-long meeting with Vladimir Putin and the prospects for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Next, Jake asks Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett about the finger-pointing in her party after Congress’ shutdown showdown and the frustration with Sen. Chuck Schumer. Then, Jake presses Republican Sen. Mike Rounds over Trump’s use of wartime power to ramp up deportations and the impact from his escalating trade war. Finally, Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens, CNN Senior Political Commentator Scott Jennings, CNN Political Commentator Brad Todd, and Democratic strategist Ashley Etienne join Jake to break down Democrats’ infighting and the politics of Trump’s tariffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:43:02
Interviews with Republican Senator Rick Scott; Democratic Senator Andy Kim; US Hostage Envoy Adam Boehler; Democratic Congressman Jake Auchincloss and Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales
3/9/2025
On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper presses Republican Sen. Rick Scott over Elon Musk’s approach to slashing government, as well as President Trump’s whiplash-inducing tariff policies. Then, with Democrats facing a do-or-die moment this week on a potential government shutdown, Jake asks Democratic Sen. Andy Kim how he plans to vote. After, US Hostage Envoy Adam Boehler joins Jake fresh off his unprecedented meeting with Hamas in an effort to negotiate a hostage deal. Finally, Democratic Rep. Jake Auchincloss, Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales, CNN Political Commentator Ashley Allison, and Republican Pollster Brenda Gianiny join Jake Tapper to discuss a whirlwind political week, Trump’s pressure campaign against Ukraine, DOGE protests at GOP town halls, and the potential government shutdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:44:21
Interviews with Speaker Mike Johnson; National Security Adviser Mike Waltz; Democratic Senator Chris Murphy
3/2/2025
On CNN’s State of the Union, Speaker Johnson joins Dana Bash to discuss the stunning Trump-Zelensky blowup, as well as his strategy for preventing a government shutdown in less than two weeks. Then, Dana presses National Security Adviser Mike Waltz on the future of US-Ukraine relations and if it’s possible to repair the damage from that Oval Office meeting. Next, Dana sits down with Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy to discuss the fallout from the Ukraine meeting, as well as how he thinks Democrats should be countering Trump. Finally, Senior Political Commentator Scott Jennings, Political Commentator Xochitl Hinojosa, Republican strategist Erin Maguire, and Democratic Rep. Suhas Subramanyam join Dana to discuss Musk and Vance jockeying for influence in Trump’s administration, as well as the impact from Musk’s DOGE cuts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:45:51
Interviews with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff; House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries
2/23/2025
On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper speaks with President Trump’s point person leading negotiations to end the wars in the Mideast and Ukraine, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Witkoff says he’s optimistic that negotiations over phase two of the Gaza ceasefire will move forward. Jake also presses him over Trump’s attacks on Ukrainian President Zelensky and Witkoff’s suggestion that Russia’s invasion was “provoked.” Then, Jake talks with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries about his party’s struggle to counter President Trump and Elon Musk. Next, Republican strategist Kirstin Davison and CNN political commentators Xochitl Hinojosa, Adam Kinzinger and Shermichael Singleton join Jake to discuss the latest federal workforce cuts and Donald Trump's first month in office. Finally, Jake takes a look at President Trump’s effort to remove officials responsible for oversight in the federal government and questions what he’s trying to hide from the American people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:45:01
Interviews with White House Border Czar Tom Homan; Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar
2/16/2025
On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash presses White House border czar Tom Homan over allegations that the Trump administration dropped corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams in exchange for his cooperation on immigration enforcement. Then, with Trump pushing the limits of presidential power, Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar joins Dana to discuss how she thinks Congress and the courts need to respond. Next, Republican Rep. Riley Moore, Democratic Rep. Laura Gillen, and CNN Political Commentators Kristen Soltis Anderson and Jamal Simmons join Dana to discuss Trump’s blitz on the federal government. They also break down Vice President JD Vance’s blistering message for America’s allies in Europe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:43:09
Interviews with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem; Democratic Senator Cory Booker
2/9/2025
On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash sits down with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to discuss her recent trip to Guantanamo Bay. Dana presses Noem for specifics on Trump’s plan to house tens of thousands of migrants at Guantanamo, as well as questions over his legal authority to do so. Dana also challenges Noem over Elon Musk accessing American’s personal data, including at DHS. Then, Sen. Cory Booker joins Dana to discuss Democrats’ struggle to respond to Trump and Musk’s sweeping overhaul of government. Finally, CNN Political Commentators Kate Bedingfield, Shermichael Singleton, Xochitl Hinojosa, and Senior Political Commentator Scott Jennings spar over Musk’s role in government and what it means for Americans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:44:56
Interviews with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy; Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine
2/2/2025
On CNN's State of the Union, new Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy joins Jake Tapper to discuss the latest in the investigation into the deadly midair collision in Washington, DC. Jake also challenges Duffy over President Trump's claims that diversity initiatives were to blame for the accident. Then, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine joins Jake to voice his concerns about overcrowding at Reagan National Airport and Trump's handling of the disaster. They also discuss Elon Musk's growing role in the federal government. Finally, Democratic Rep. Yassamin Ansari, former Republican Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler, and political commentators Brad Todd and Bakari Sellers join Jake to break down Trump's new trade war with Mexico and Canada and Democrats' struggle to respond to Trump's actions so far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:41:26
Interviews with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham; Illinois Governor JB Pritzker
1/26/2025
On CNN’s State of the Union, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham sits down with Dana to discuss Trump’s controversial decisions to pardon violent January 6 rioters and fire independent inspectors general, as well as Trump’s plans for the future of Gaza. Next, Gov. JB Pritzker joins Dana to react to the Trump administration’s planned immigration raids in Chicago and other cities, as well as his view of how Democrats should approach Trump in his second term. Finally, CNN political commentators Karen Finney, Brad Todd, Kristen Soltis Anderson, and Democratic Rep. Josh Harder join Dana to break down Trump’s headspinning first week as he moves quickly to reshape the federal government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:45:30
Interviews with Incoming National Security Adviser Michael Waltz; Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan; Former Ambassador Rahm Emanuel; The families of Israeli-American hostages Edan Alexander and Omer Neutra
1/19/2025
On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash sits down with incoming National Security Adviser Michael Waltz to discuss the ceasefire in Gaza and the future of TikTok in the United States. Then, Dana discusses Trump’s plans to take aggressive immigration action as soon as he takes office. Next, former Ambassador and Obama White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel joins Dana to discuss the global challenges facing the new administration and how Democrats should confront Trump in his second term. After, the families of Israeli-American hostages Edan Alexander and Omer Neutra join Dana to reflect on the start of the ceasefire in Gaza and their hopes for an end to the war. Finally, Republican strategist Erin Perinne, CNN Political Commentator Bakari Sellers, and CNN Senior Political Commentators David Urban and David Axelrod join Dana to discuss the road ahead for Democrats as Trump prepares to take office. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:05:37
Interviews with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell; Republican Sen. Katie Britt; National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan
1/12/2025
On this week’s State of the Union, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell joins CNN’s Jake Tapper to discuss the response to the devastating California wildfires. Then, Republican Sen. Katie Britt joins Jake to discuss her immigration bill, as well as concerns over Trump’s nominee for Attorney General. Next, Jake sits down with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan to assess the Biden administration’s foreign policy legacy as it prepares to hand the reins to the Trump administration. Finally, CNN Political Commentators Brad Todd, Kate Bedingfield, Kristen Soltis Anderson, and executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service Mo Elleithee join Jake to discuss the feud between Gov. Gavin Newsom and President-elect Trump amid the California wildfires. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:44:05
Interviews with Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar; Republican Sen. Jim Banks; Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly; New Members of Congress Rep. Brandon Gill, Rep. Yassamin Ansari, Rep. Riley Moore, and Rep. Adam Gray
1/5/2025
On CNN’s State of the Union, Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar joins Jake to discuss the certification of Trump’s election win and the legacy of January 6. Then, Republican Sen. Jim Banks joins Jake to discuss how Republicans will get Trump’s agenda through Congress. Next, Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly joins Jake to discuss the New Orleans terror attack and Trump’s national security nominees. Finally, Jake sits down with four new members of Congress – Republicans Rep. Brandon Gill and Rep. Riley Moore and Democrats Rep. Yassamin Ansari and Rep. Adam Gray – to discuss they dynamics they’ll have to navigate in the 119th Congress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:47:01
Interviews with Democratic Sen. Andy Kim; Republican Gov. Chris Sununu
12/29/2024
On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash sits down with new Democratic Sen. Andy Kim to discuss becoming the first Korean American elected to the Senate, how he plans to navigate a second Trump presidency, and his concerns over the legacy of January 6. Then, outgoing Republican New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu join Dana to reflect on his time in office and the evolution of the GOP under Donald Trump. Finally, CNN political commentators Scott Jennings, Bakari Sellers, Karen Finney, and Kristen Soltis Anderson join Dana to preview what to expect in Trump’s second term and break down Biden’s legacy as his presidency comes to a close. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:43:17
Interviews with Republican Sen. Bill Hagerty; Republican Rep. Tim Burchett; Democratic Sen. Chris Coons
12/22/2024
On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash presses Republican Sen. Bill Hagerty over Trump and Elon Musk’s decision to torpedo a bipartisan spending deal and nearly cause a government shutdown. Then, Dana asks Republican Rep. Tim Burchett about Mike Johnson’s future as House Speaker after his handling of the government funding fight. Then, Dana sits down with Democratic Sen. Chris Coons to discuss Biden’s hands-off approach to the shutdown fight and his priorities for the end of his presidency. After, CNN political commentators Bakari Sellers, Scott Jennings, Kristen Soltis Anderson, and Karen Finney breakdown how the shutdown fight previews the potential struggles ahead for Congressional Republicans. Finally, Dana reflects on the life and legacy of 10-year-old pediatric cancer advocate Gabriella Miller. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:43:07
Exclusive Interview with Republican Senator Mitt Romney
12/15/2024
This week on a special edition of CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper sits down with former presidential candidate and Republican Senator Mitt Romney as he prepares to leave Washington after nearly two decades in politics. First, Romney reacts to Trump’s reelection and his controversial cabinet nominees, as well as concerns Trump could target him for retribution. Then, Romney reflects on his time in office as a governor, senator, and the Republican presidential nominee. Next, Senator Romney offers his insights on the evolution of the Republican Party and where he thinks the GOP will go from here. Finally, Jake asks Romney about his legacy and how he wants to be remembered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:43:54
Interviews with Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin
12/8/2024
On CNN's State of the Union, CNN Chief International Security Correspondent Nick Paton Walsh joins Jake Tapper to bring the latest updates in Syria after rebels toppled the Assad regime. Then, former Trump Defense Secretary Mark Esper talks with Jake about the future of Syria and the Middle East after the stunning developments in Syria. Next, Jake presses Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin about Trump Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth's alleged history with alcohol. After, Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin sits down with Jake to talk about Biden's pardons and Trump's cabinet picks. Finally, Rep. Debbie Dingell and CNN Political Commentators Jamal Simmons, Alyssa Farah Griffin and Scott Jennings join Jake to discuss fears of potential retribution under Trump and Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:45:13
Interviews with White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Republican Congressman Mike Lawler, Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin
12/1/2024
On CNN's State of the Union, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan sits down with Kasie Hunt to talk about the recent Syrian rebel offensive and the newly brokered cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah. Then, Republican Congressman Mike Lawler joins Kasie to discuss Trump's FBI director pick, Kash Patel, and House Republican’s slim majority. Next, Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin talks with Kasie about the implications of having Patel lead the FBI, as well as the end of the federal January 6 criminal case against Donald Trump. Finally, CNN Political Commentators Brad Todd, Ashley Allison, Kate Bedingfield, and Republican strategist Tiffany Smiley join Kasie to talk about Patel's nomination and Elon Musk's role in Trump's future administration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:43:49
Interviews with Republican Senator James Lankford, Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin
11/24/2024
On CNN's State of The Union, Oklahoma Senator James Lankford joins Dana Bash to discuss Trump's controversial cabinet picks, as well as the next steps on immigration in the Senate. Then, Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth talks with Dana about Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth's qualifications, as well as concerns over Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Next, Dana presses Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin over the sexual assault allegation against Hegseth, which Hegseth denies. Finally, CNN political commentators Shermichael Singleton, Karen Finney, Scott Jennings and Jamal Simmons join Dana to talk about potential roadblocks to Trump's cabinet getting confirmed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:44:17
Interviews with House Speaker Mike Johnson, California Senator-Elect Adam Schiff, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, Arizona Senator-Elect Ruben Gallego
11/17/2024
On CNN's State of the Union, House Speaker Mike Johnson joins Jake Tapper to talk about Trump's plans for the border and the House Ethics Committee investigation into Congressman Matt Gaetz, Trump's pick for Attorney General. Then, California Senator-Elect Adam Schiff sits down with Jake to discuss Trump's potential plans for retribution against his political opponents. Next, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman talks with Jake about Trump's win in Pennsylvania and ongoing fight in the Pennsylvania Senate election between Senator Bob Casey and Republican Dave McCormick. Finally, Arizona Senator-Elect Ruben Gallego joins Jake to talk about what Democrats need to do to win back Latino voters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:46:21