First: Senate Democrats have a new strategy to keep the Jeffrey Epstein scandal front and center. But will a century-old law actually force the DOJ to release the files?  Plus: We're getting the first look at the Texas GOP's push to redraw the congressional map in their favor. How will this change the midterm math?  And: Wolf speaks with a 26-year-old hoping to unseat a 78-year-old Capitol Hill veteran about the push to infuse fresh energy into their struggling party.

Jul 30, 2025

First: President Trump says he's headed back home to "put out fires all over the world." But will the seemingly never-ending Jeffrey Epstein scandal be the flame that defies all containment?  Plus: According to New York City's mayor, the gunman who opened fire in a busy Manhattan office building had a suicide note expressing grievances with the NFL. We get the latest New York Governor Kathy Hochul.  And: Joe Rogan endorses Democrat James Talarico in ruby-red Texas. Is he a living oxymoron or the future of his party? He joins the show.

Jul 29, 2025

First: In the rough. As President Trump tees off overseas, he faces urgent questions about a major tariff deadline and deepening starvation in Gaza. Will he make any progress? Plus: No end in sight. As Trump tries to put miles between him and the Epstein saga, could a new tactic by his team backfire? A conservative congressman who's pushing for more information, Eric Burlison joins me live. And: Shake-up. A big win for Democrats as they try to take back Congress. Can they overcome the odds?

Jul 27, 2025

Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin discusses the Epstein controversy with Jake Tapper and what it will take for the Trump administration to move on from the crisis. White House Budget Director Russ Vought tells Jake Tapper about plans for another recissions package and the tools the administration might use to achieve spending cuts. Democratic Senator Mark Kelly discusses what he has been hearing from voters at townhalls about Democratic favorability problems and whether the US bears any blame for the starvation crisis in Gaza.   And the panel weighs in.

Jul 27, 2025

First: The number two at the DOJ, who just happens to be President Trump's former defense attorney, is behind closed doors with Jeffrey Epstein's convicted accomplice for the second day in a row. The president now refuses to rule out a pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell.  Plus: Democrats are trying to use the Epstein scandal as political ammunition, accusing Republicans of a coverup while running ads targeted at vulnerable GOP districts.  And: The FCC greenlights SkyDance's acquisition of Paramount just days after it canceled a top Trump critic's popular late night show and weeks after paying a $16 million legal settlement that Democrats say reeks of corruption.

Jul 25, 2025

Jeffrey Epstein talk took over Capitol Hill this week. And while President Donald Trump seems eager to change the subject, some of his closest allies in Congress are calling for answers. Senior White House Correspondent Kristen Holmes and Congressional Correspondent Lauren Fox discuss how this drama played out among House GOP members and why a summer break may not be enough to cool this issue down.

Jul 25, 2025

CNN has learned a crucial reason why President Trump has changed his tune on the Jeffrey Epstein case: He now knows his name is in the so-called Epstein Files. While that does not implicate him in any crime, it certainly raises questions of a coverup.

Jul 24, 2025

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.

Jul 22, 2025

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.

Jul 21, 2025

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...Show more 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.

Jul 21, 2025