CNN Politics

A man in Woodbridge, Virginia is arrested in the DC pipe bomber case from five years ago. Meanwhile, not far away on Capitol Hill, Admiral Frank Bradley and Joint Chiefs Chair General Dan Caine brief top senators on the disputed double tap boat strike, making the case that those survivors appeared to be radioing for help and could have continued trafficking drugs, which made them legitimate targets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's show begins as President Trump is in the middle of what he says is the final Cabinet meeting of the year. Following an evaluation by Pete Hegseth, Dana and her panel analyze the defense secretary's words, especially his defense of the admiral accused of a "double tap" strike that killed survivors of a September US attack against a suspected Venezuelan drug boat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is promising his harshest immigration crackdown yet after a shooting in Washington, DC left one National Guard member dead and another in critical condition. The suspected shooter, a 29-year-old Afghan national who worked with the US government during the war, came to the United States in 2021 through a program created under the Biden Administration. He was granted asylum under the Trump Administration on Thanksgiving call with US troops. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Six democrats on Capitol Hill are now under federal investigation over their video urging service members to reject illegal orders. The lawmakers say President Trump is "using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress." The administration is acutely focused on Senator Mark Kelly, a decorated and retired Navy captain. The Pentagon has threatened to demote him, dock his pension, and even prosecute him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On December 31st, health care premiums are set to spike for 22 million Americans who buy their insurance on the Obamacare exchanges. It's why Democrats shut down the government. They had demanded Republicans extend subsidies to help offset those costs. Democrats lost that fight, but Republicans know the politics aren't exactly on their side. So today, sources tell CNN the president will unveil a new plan to temporarily extend subsidies without restrictions while Republicans keep working to come up with a longer term health insurance plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On CNN's State of the Union, Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett responds to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announcing she is leaving Congress, plus reveals new polling that will influence her decision to run for senate in Texas. Jake Tapper pushes Senator Bill Cassidy on his deciding vote to confirm H-H-S Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Junior, plus the senator discusses his new health care proposal. Trump's top economic adviser Kevin Hassett acknowledges there's a lot of progress to be made in bringing prices down and responds to President Trump appearing to bond with New York City Mayor-elect over tackling affordability in New York City. Our panelists Democratic Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth and political commentators Brad Todd, Kate Bedingfield, Shermichael Singleton weigh in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump reversed course on the Epstein files to get right with his party in what proved to be a rare crack in the strong bond the president has with his MAGA base. In addition to the Epstein matter, President Trump has come in for some criticism from supporters over his messaging and focus (or lack thereof) on prices and affordability and his penchant for putting foreign affairs front and center. Jonathan Martin of POLITICO is here to assess whether this is the beginning of Trump's lame duck period and who, or what, comes next. Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the White House spent months trying to stop the release of the Epstein files, President Trump’s stunning about-face means a House vote in favor of the measure could be unanimous. Also on today’s show: President Trump rolls out the red carpet for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the man who, according to US intelligence, ordered the assassination of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices