showcast
State of the Union
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.

On CNN’s State of the Union, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar joins Dana Bash to react to the shocking assassination of a Minnesota state legislator and her husband, as well as the manhunt for the suspect behind the attack. Then, former Vice President Mike Pence joins Dana to discuss the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Dana also presses him on Trump’s decision to deploy US troops to Los Angeles. Next, California Senator Alex Padilla sits down with Dana after his confrontation with DH...Show moreS Secretary Kristi Noem amid his state’s showdown with the Trump administration over immigration. After, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joins to discuss the latest developments on the protests in her city. Finally, CNN Political Commentators Shermichael Singleton, Karen Finney, Brad Todd, and former Democratic Congressman Andy Levin break down a tense week in America.
Jun 16, 2025
On CNN’s State of Union, Democratic Rep. Nanette Barragán sits down with Dana Bash to react to President Trump’s stunning decision to deploy thousands of National Guard troops to quell immigration protests in her district and elsewhere in Los Angeles County. Then, Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders joins Dana to react to the breaking news and lay out Democrats’ strategy for opposing Trump’s massive spending and tax cut bill. Next, Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin spars with Dana over Trump’s handli...Show moreng of the situation in Los Angeles and says it shows the need to pass his agenda. After, Republican Sen. Ron Johnson reacts to Defense Secretary Hegseth’s suggestion he could deploy active-duty Marines to Los Angeles. He also lays out his concerns with Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.” Finally, CNN Political Commentators Bakari Sellers, Xochitl Hinojosa, Kristen Soltis Anderson, and Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis join Dana to discuss the breaking news out of California.
Jun 9, 2025
On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash sits down for an exclusive interview with the man seen as the architect behind President Trump’s scorched-earth effort to upend the federal government, White House Budget Director Russ Vought. Then, House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries joins Dana to detail his party’s plan to counter Trump’s agenda, as well as respond to a new CNN poll showing Americans frustration with the Democratic Party. Next, Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy pushes back against Rep...Show moreublican messaging around President Trump’s massive spending and tax cut bill. Finally, Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell, CNN Senior Political Commentator Scott Jennings, and CNN Political Commentators Jamal Simmons and Shermichael Singleton weigh in on Elon Musk’s exit from the Trump administration, as well as early 2028 moves by Democrats.
Jun 2, 2025
On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake presses House Speaker Mike Johnson on the impact the GOP tax and spending bill will have on the national debt and on Medicaid. Next, Republican Sen. Ron Johnson joins Jake to detail his concerns about the bill and his threat to sink it unless there are steeper spending cuts. Then, Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet joins Jake to discuss how Democrats plan to counter the bill, as well as his frustrations with his own party in the wake of Trump’s electoral victory. Finally, CNN’s Dana Bash has a special report from Italy on an effort to honor Jewish American servicemembers killed overseas during World War II.
May 25, 2025
On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper sits down with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to discuss Trump’s tariff policy, efforts to negotiate trade deals, and plans for the US to accept a luxury jet from Qatar. Then, Jake presses Democratic Rep. James Clyburn over his past support for Joe Biden’s re-election campaign amid new reporting about Biden’s health. Next, CNN Chief Political Analyst David Axelrod and CNN Senior Political Commentator Van Jones join Jake to respond to his reporting that top Biden aides hid signs of decline from the public. Finally, Jake previews his new book “Original Sin” and looks at the dilemma facing Democrats as they try to look ahead to 2028.
May 18, 2025
On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash presses Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick for details on Trump’s trade negotiations with China and the impact tariffs are having on Americans. Then, Democratic Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, LaMonica McIver, and Rob Menendez join Dana to respond to the Trump administration’s threat that they could be arrested after a clash with ICE officials in Newark, New Jersey. Next, former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu square off ov...Show moreer the politics of Trump’s trade policy. Finally, Democratic Rep. Suhas Subramanyam and CNN Political Commentators Kristen Soltis Anderson, Brad Todd, and Xochitl Hinojosa spar over Trump’s latest immigration threat.
May 12, 2025
On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake sits down with Democratic Sen. Mark Warner to discuss Trump’s shake-up of his national security team. Then, Jake asks Republican Sen. Ron Johnson about a growing lead crisis in Milwaukee, as well as Americans’ unease over Trump’s handling of the economy. Next, Stephen A. Smith joins Jake to discuss whether he is considering running for president in 2028. Finally, Democratic Rep. Chrissy Houlahan and CNN Political Commentators Ashley Allison, Shermichael Singleton, and Kristen Soltis Anderson break down Trump’s messaging on the economy as well as him saying “I don’t know” if he has to uphold the Constitution as president.
May 4, 2025
On CNN’s State of the Union, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer joins Dana Bash for a wide-ranging interview on Ukraine peace talks, Trump’s handling of immigration and the economy, Schumer’s future as a leader in his party, and rising antisemitism in America. Next, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins joins Dana to discuss the continued economic uncertainty around Trump’s tariffs and the impact they’re having here at home. Finally, CNN Senior Political Commentator David Urban, CNN Political C...Show moreommentator Karen Finney, Democratic Rep. Yassamin Ansari, and former Republican Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler join Dana to break down CNN’s new poll showing Trump with dismal approval ratings across the board as he approaches the 100-day mark of his second term.
Apr 28, 2025
On CNN’s State of the Union, Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen joins Dana Bash to discuss his trip to El Salvador to meet with deported migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Then, Dana presses House GOP Whip Rep. Tom Emmer on Trump’s standoff with the courts over his immigration policies. After, Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar tells Dana that she believes the US is “getting closer and closer to a constitutional crisis.” Finally, CNN Political Commentator Ashley Allison, former Trump White House Communicati...Show moreons Director Mike Dubke, Republican strategist Lance Trover, and Harris Campaign Senior Adviser Adrienne Elrod join Dana to discuss Trump’s escalating campaign of retribution against his perceived political opponents.
Apr 20, 2025
On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper presses National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett over the confusion and turmoil caused by Trump’s tariff rollout. Then, Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren joins Jake to discuss how Democrats should respond to Trump’s economic chaos. Finally, CNN Political Commentators Brad Todd and Ashley Allison, Republican Rep. Tim Burchett, and former Democratic Rep. Susan Wild join Jake to discuss the economic and political impact from the turmoil around Trump’s tariffs.
Apr 14, 2025