Is Trump Playing Distraction Chess? - Inside Politics with Dana Bash and Manu Raju - Podcast on CNN Podcasts

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CNN Inside Politics

Each weekday, Dana Bash and a panel of well-sourced reporters bring you the most important political stories of the day. On the weekend, Manu Raju kicks off CNN's Sunday morning political programming with Inside Politics Sunday. Dana and Manu get answers from the people making headlines, explain the political stories that matter, and report on how the news will impact you.

Dana Bash and Manu Raju

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Is Trump Playing Distraction Chess?
CNN Inside Politics
Jul 21, 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.