The Bret Baier Podcast

The Senate returned to Capitol Hill on Monday with a new mission at the top of their agenda: uniting behind President Trump's "one big, beautiful bill." It took Congress weeks to narrowly agree on the legislation, passing it with a thin 215-214 vote. Many Senate Republicans have been vocal that they will not support the bill as it currently stands. So, what will the major sticking points be for the Senate GOP? Will the modifications they make to the bill lead to it being sent back to the House? Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) breaks down the Senate's main concerns with the bill, the challenges that come with navigating the Senate's budget reconciliation rules, and why he remains confidently optimistic that the Senate will pass a bill that aligns with President Trump's priorities. Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Coming out of Memorial Day Weekend, Americans across the country are reminded of just how many men and women have valiantly sacrificed their lives for the nation. In the eyes of Congressman Jake Ellzey (R-TX) and Congressman Don Davis (D-NC), the two veterans who co-chair the Four Country Caucus, the least we can do is ensure their families, and the veterans who return from war are taken care of. Today, Rep. Ellzey and Rep. Davis share how they've worked across the aisle on efforts to support veterans through meaningful legislation—efforts that have contributed to a record-low rate of veteran homelessness in the United States. They also discuss the encouraging increase being seen in military recruitment and how they work to put country over party on Capitol Hill. Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Trump were reportedly having a cordial two-hour phone call, while House Republicans were locked in a high-stakes standoff over what was being called a "big, beautiful bill." Fast forward to this week, and the political landscape has shifted: President Trump took to Truth Social to proclaim that President Putin has "gone absolutely crazy" following a blitz attack in Ukraine and House Speaker Mike Johnson is taking a victory lap after successfully rallying Republicans behind a sweeping piece of legislation. To unpack how these developments unfolded so rapidly, South & Hill Strategies co-founder Colin Reed, former State Department Spokeswoman Marie Harf, and FOX News Radio Washington D.C. Correspondent Jared Halpern join Bret on this week's All-Star Panel. Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Since reports emerged that Chinese President Xi Jinping allegedly directed the People’s Liberation Army to prepare for an invasion of Taiwan by 2027, the United States has ramped up efforts to ensure Taiwan has the resources and support it needs to defend itself. On Capitol Hill, Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Chris Coons (D-DE), both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, are leading that charge with The PORCUPINE Act, a bill designed to streamline arms sales to Taiwan and bolster its defensive capabilities. Sen. Coons and Sen. Ricketts join Bret to discuss why arming Taiwan is one of the most effective steps the U.S. can take to deter aggression in the region. They also weigh in on former President Biden's recent diagnosis, and the U.S. decision to formally accept a jet from Qatar. Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Since the start of his second term, President Trump has championed his vision for "One Big, Beautiful Bill" — a comprehensive piece of legislation that would include tax reforms, immigration enforcement, defense spending, while cutting what he describes as “waste, fraud and abuse” in social programs like Medicaid and SNAP. With just two days left before the initial deadline to get the bill to his desk, President Trump stepped up the pressure — paying Capitol Hill a visit on Tuesday morning to give House Republicans a "pep talk" in a last push for compromise before Memorial Day. Meanwhile, outside of Washington, Democrats in former President Biden's inner circle are continuing to reveal what they knew, or didn't know, about the former President's health and competency. However, talk about these narratives took a new turn over the weekend, after President Biden announced he's been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. To break it all down, FOX News Contributor Katie Pavlich, FOX News Senior Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram, and former Biden-Harris campaign surrogate Kevin Walling join Bret on this week's All-Star Panel. Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As President Trump's extensive Middle East tour continues, Bret remains on the ground, closely following the President’s meetings and offering historical insights into key countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia. In addition to his coverage, Bret has secured exclusive interviews with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim, where he dives into strategic partnership opportunities, ongoing tensions in the region, and the future of U.S.-Middle East relations. Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump kicked off a four-day trip to the Middle East, with a visit to the Saudi capital where he sat down Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The world leaders discussed the path forward for U.S.-Saudi relations and the push for an Iranian nuclear deal. Bret looks back on his conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman where they discussed Saudi Arabia's role in the Middle East, the relationship the Saudis have been able to build with Iran, and Bret questions Crown Prince Salman on the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Original Air Date: September 21, 2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump has expressed the demand for shipbuilding in the United States as a major priority, as most U.S. commercial ship production is in China. Will the United States be able to build up ship production quickly enough to run a modern economy, without being economically pigeonholed by our adversaries? Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Todd Young (R-ID) discuss how their bipartisan bill, the SHIPS for America Act, seeks to revitalize the U.S. Shipbuilding industry by establishing a maritime security advisor position in the white house. The Senators explain the importance of this legislation, noting that the U.S. has become overly reliant on China for commercial ship production, posing a national security risk. Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite bipartisan claims that Democrats are "stranded in the wilderness" after President Trump's sweeping 2024 victory, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) have been vocal about their disagreement. Though Sen. Sanders blamed the Democrats' poor performance on the party's abandonment of the working class and defending the status quo, he and Rep. Ocasio-Cortez are assuring Americans they are not lost — a message they're touting on the 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour. Today, Sen. Sanders sits down with Bret to discuss why the tour is drawing large crowds, why he opposes cuts to healthcare and education, and his concerns with Trump’s tariff policy. He also explains why he doesn’t believe the Democrats' challenges stem from President Biden’s delayed decision to exit the 2024 race. Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just a week after eking out a win for the liberal party in Canada, Prime Minister Mark Carney was catching a flight to Washington. Sitting down with President Trump in the Oval Office today, the two leaders addressed President Trump’s recurring suggestion that Canada consider becoming the “51st state,” as well as the current state of U.S.–Canada trade relations following the recent unveiling of the President’s new tariff plan. According to the White House, similar high-level discussions are taking place around the world, with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicating that major trade agreements could be announced as early as this week. To discuss this, President Trump's latest policy ideas, and more, Bret sits down with host of 'The Big Ben Show,' podcast Ben Domenech, FOX News Radio Washington DC Correspondent Jared Halpern, and host of 'The Richard Fowler Show,' Richard Fowler. Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The week has been marked by major developments in Washington—from the signing of the U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal to President Trump's decision to remove National Security Advisor Mike Waltz from his position and nominate him as the next U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. To unpack these events, Bret sat down with Vice President JD Vance following a tour of Nucor Steel in South Carolina, where he was promoting President Trump's "Manufacturing Renaissance" agenda. Vice President Vance shared his perspective on Waltz’s reassignment, framing it not as a demotion but as a strategic opportunity that allows him to serve in a new, impactful role. He also addressed the latest U.S. military operations targeting Houthi forces in Yemen—an issue tied to the recent Signal chat leak—provided updates on the administration’s trade negotiations, and emphasized the President’s renewed push to restore American manufacturing. Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tuesday marked 100 days since President Trump returned to the White House to begin his second term. As the President touts his administration's handling of immigration, border security, the economy, and foreign policy challenges, many Americans' remain anxious that his tariff plan could impact prices at home and global relationships. To share their analyses of the President's first 100 days, FOX News Senior White House Correspondent Jacqui Heinrich, host of 'The Guy Benson Show,' Guy Benson, and FOX News Senior Political Analyst Juan Williams join Bret on today's All-Star Panel. Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How are American businesses & foreign companies responding to President Trump's tariff plan? Bret sits down with Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan to discuss how he believes tariffs might impact U.S. businesses, America's trade relationships, and manufacturing jobs within the country. He also discusses what he believes the key strengths and weaknesses are within the economy right now. Later, Taiwanese Representative to the U.S. Alexander Yui talks about the trade relationship between America and Taiwan, and how the current negotiations to lower tariffs and increase investments and trade are going. He also shares how Taiwanese leadership is responding to the growing military threat from China toward Taiwan — something that could greatly impact world trade. Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Though President Trump put a 90-day pause on the reciprocal tariffs he rolled out on Liberation Day, world leaders are coming to the table for trade talks -- with the White House preparing to host South Korean leaders later this week. Despite the freeze, the administration remains tough on China, keeping 145% tariffs in place on most Chinese imports. Meanwhile, legal tensions in Washington are rising, as Harvard University sues the Trump administration over threats to cut federal funding and debates continue over the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia—a Maryland man sent to El Salvador despite a federal court order, as the administration claims his ties to the gang MS-13 is grounds for his removal from the U.S. South & Hill Strategies co-founder Colin Reed, Democratic pollster Carly Cooperman, and FOX News Radio Political Analyst Josh Kraushaar discuss all this and more on today's All-Star Panel. Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With President Trump approaching the 100-day mark of his second term, his Cabinet has been busy ensuring that his agenda is carried out. Bret is joined by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to discuss how the department is ensuring that American citizens are safe from domestic and foreign terrorism. Secretary Noem also sheds light on her tour of an El Salvador prison where deported Venezuelans and others are being held. Later, Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner joins Bret to share the role of HUD and the department's plan to assist with disaster relief and homelessness. Originally aired on Special Report. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump Administration is receiving push back from Democrats for the deportation of a Maryland man they claim was wrongfully sent to an El Salvadoran prison. This case has garnered a lot of attention in Washington, as multiple courts and political jargon have added to the complexities of the case. Critics of the Trump Administration are calling this a constitutional crisis, while others welcome this fight as an immigration mandate. Alongside this matter, there is a concern on Capital Hill that President Trump’s global tariffs may affect the economy dramatically, as well as political careers following midterms. Meanwhile, NVIDIA has agreed to invest $500 billion in the United States over the next four years, marking a major win for the Trump economic agenda and the AI race against China. To discuss The Trump Administration’s limitations on foreign policy and more, we bring in Chad Pergram FOX News Senior Congressional Correspondent, Washington Bureau Chief of USA Today Susan Page, and Byron York Chief Political Correspondent for the Washington Examiner. Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Athletic programs sit at the forefront of colleges and universities, generating extreme revenue and creating a vast fan base. In recent years, changes to the transfer portal and the addition of name, image and likeness (NIL) deals, have drastically altered the landscape of college athletics. What will this new era mean for student athletes and college sports overall? NCAA commissioners of the four major conferences, Greg Sankey of the Southeastern Conference, Jim Phillips of the Atlantic Coast Conference, Tony Petite of the Big Ten, and Brett Yourmark of the Big 12, discuss why they are seeking the support of Congress to lobby for federal NIL guidelines. Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wall Street is in the midst of another rollercoaster week after President Trump enacted wide-ranging tariffs on countries around the world. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio all took to the airwaves to pitch a skeptical public and markets on the plan. Meanwhile, President Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office on Monday to discuss the war in Gaza and a potential new trade agreement with the United States. Bret breaks it all down with FOX News Radio Political Correspondent Jared Halpern, Editor-at-Large at The Spectator Ben Domenech, and former State Department Spokeswoman Marie Harf. Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump has rolled out 'reciprocal tariffs' on dozens of countries, leading to mixed reactions on Capitol Hill. Though many lawmakers agree that this move supports the production of goods in the United States and will balance select trade relationships, there are concerns that imposing tariffs on U.S. allies could cause more harm than good. As a result, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) are proposing a bipartisan joint resolution that blocks tariffs on Canada -- created primarily due to their belief that trade policy should be set by Congress, not emergency declarations. They also discuss their thoughts on the President's tariff plan as a whole, and the economic impacts they could have. Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

April 2nd is "Liberation Day," a phrase President Trump gave to the day he plans to roll out 'reciprocal tariffs' on dozens of countries, as well as a 25% tariff on all auto imports. The president remains confident that this move will reshape trade relationships and incentivize corporations to operate within the U.S. -- two productive measures he believes will far outweigh any temporary price increases Americans may see. To discuss this, record low numbers at the southern border, and special elections in Wisconsin and Florida, Bret speaks with FOX News Senior White House Correspondent Jacqui Heinrich, Co-founder of South & Hill Strategies Colin Reed, and FOX News Political Analyst Juan Williams on this week's All-Star Panel. Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices