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State of the Union

CNN

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.

Location:

Washington, DC

Description:

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.

Twitter:

@cnnsotu

Language:

English


Episodes

Interviews with: Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Gov. Chris Sununu (R-NH), Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison

5/28/2023
First: President Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy reached an "agreement in principle" last night to raise the debt limit. But with lawmakers on both sides skeptical, do they have the votes to pass it? Jake Tapper speaks with one of the GOP negotiators, South Dakota Representative Dusty Johnson, as well as Progressive Caucus Chairwoman Representative Pramila Jayapal. Next: More Republicans have jumped into the 2024 presidential race, but Donald Trump continues to dominate the polls. Who, if anyone, can cut into his lead? New Hampshire Republican Governor Chris Sununu joins the show to discuss his future plans. Plus: This week marked three years since George Floyd was murdered in the streets of Minneapolis. The man who successfully prosecuted that case, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, discusses his new book, Break the Wheel: Ending the Cycle of Police Violence. On today’s panel: former Republican Congresswoman Mia Love, CNN Senior Political Commentator Scott Jennings, and CNN Political Commentators Bakari Sellers and Ashley Allison. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Duration:00:46:50

Interviews with: National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Republican Senator Bill Cassidy

5/21/2023
First, Jake Tapper goes one-on-one with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan on Biden’s decision to train Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 jets and what changed the President’s mind. Tapper also presses Sullivan on the Pentagon’s $3 billion accounting error on Ukraine aid and the US military's claim that it killed an Al-Qaeda leader in a strike in Syria. Tapper asks if Sullivan still has faith in the Secret Service after an intruder entered his home last month without being detected. Next, Jake interviews Republican Senator Bill Cassidy about stalled negotiations over the debt ceiling and whether House Republicans are willing to support a compromise deal. They also discuss Cassidy's efforts to prevent Social Security from going insolvent, as well as the state of the Republican presidential primary. After, the panel discusses the debt ceiling showdown, the expanding GOP 2024 field, and whether any candidate can make a dent in Trump’s lead. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Duration:00:39:55

Interviews with: Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas, Rep. Mark Green, Deputy Treasury Sec. Wally Adeyemo, Sen. Tammy Duckworth

5/14/2023
With the flow of migrants into the U.S. lower than expected after the end of the Covid-era Title 42 border rule, Dana Bash asks Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas about the latest updates from the Southern border. Afterwards, House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green tells Dana that last week saw more border crossings than any other week in U.S. history. Then, Dana asks Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo about the status of the debt ceiling negotiations after President Biden said they are moving along. And, this week’s panel discusses Ron DeSantis’ approach to his expected 2024 presidential candidacy and Democrats’ reaction to Donald Trump’s statements at the CNN town hall last week. Finally, Senator Tammy Duckworth joins Dana to discuss solutions to the rising cost of child care in the U.S. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Duration:00:39:18

Interviews with: Texas Sen. Roland Gutierrez, Sen. Dick Durbin, Rep. Mike Turner, Rep. Jim Himes

5/7/2023
First, in a horrifying new normal, eight people were killed in a Texas shopping mall shooting rampage on Saturday. Jake interviews Texas State Sen. Roland Gutierrez, who represents Uvalde, for his reaction to the mass shooting, his efforts to change gun laws, and to answer what will it take to get American leaders to take action. Next, amid revelations of hidden payments to Supreme Court Justice Thomas's family, Jake speaks with Senate Judiciary Chairman Sen. Dick Durbin about calls for Supreme Court ethics reform. Sen. Durbin also answers if Sen. Diane Feinstein’s health condition is undermining Democrats’ ability to govern. After, Jake leads a bipartisan joint interview with Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) and House Intelligence Committee ranking member Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) on their meetings with leadership in Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. They also discuss Iran’s efforts to build a nuclear weapon, China’s more active role in the Middle East than the U.S., and whether a U.S. debt default would be a national security threat. Then, the panel debates if bipartisan support exists for gun reform and discuss a recent poll on whether President Biden and former President Trump have the mental sharpness to be president. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Duration:00:39:22

Interviews with: Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Tom Emmer, Fmr. Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Arnold Schwarzenegger

4/30/2023
First: House Republicans pass a debt ceiling bill meant to kick off talks, but Democrats say they won't negotiate unless a US default is averted. Dana Bash discusses the impasse with Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN). Then: Former Governor Asa Hutchinson (R-AR) tells Dana why he's running for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Plus: Arnold Schwarzenegger, who visited Auschwitz last fall, talks about discovering his father was a Nazi. On today's panel: Former Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-IL); Democratic strategist Lis Smith; David Urban, former senior adviser to Trump 2016 campaign and member of Trump’s 2020 advisory committee; Ashley Allison, former national coalitions director for Biden-Harris 2020 and former Obama senior policy adviser. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Duration:00:39:13

Interviews with: Senator Lindsey Graham & Senator Amy Klobuchar

4/23/2023
First, Dana goes one-on-on with Republican Senator Lindsay Graham. He reacts to the US evacuation of American diplomats in Sudan amid escalating violence, as well as the SCOTUS ruling upholding access to abortion drug Mifepristone. Bash pushes Graham on whether he thinks abortion is a state or a federal issue. They also discuss Graham’s recent travels to the Middle East to push for an Israel-Saudi deal and whether the Saudi Crown Prince is once again "[playing] him like a fiddle" as Graham previously said after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Next, Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar joins Dana to discuss the Supreme Court ruling and the future of the fight over abortion rights. They then discuss whether President Biden should negotiate with Speaker McCarthy to avert a debt default and if Senator Feinstein should resign from the Senate Judiciary Committee following her absence due to ill-health. Then, the panel discusses Florida Republicans snubbing Governor DeSantis to endorse Trump in 2024, as well as Biden’s expected reelection campaign announcement. Finally, Dana Bash and Wolf Blitzer take a deeply personal and emotional trip to Auschwitz for the March of the Living. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Duration:00:39:37

Interviews with: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Gov. Brian Kemp.

4/16/2023
As more states make it harder for women to get abortion, the Supreme Court considers a challenge to abortion medication. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) sits down with Jake to answer how Democrats plan to respond. They also discuss the leak of highly-classified information, federal food assistance programs, and calls among some Democrats for Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.) to resign. Then, as the GOP works on its message and messenger for 2024, Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican who overcame Donald Trump’s attacks and won in the purple state of Georgia, joins Jake to lay out his vision on how his party can win back the White House. They discuss include gun reform, medication abortion access, and the investigations into Trump. After, the panel discusses if Trump is still the candidate to beat in the 2024 primary race, Republican presidential candidates’ firm line against gun restrictions, and Trump’s new ad poking fun of DeSantis. Finally, Jake takes a look at President Biden’s trip to Ireland where he met with the priest who gave his son Beau his last rites before his passing, Nikki Haley’s daughter getting married, and offers a reminder about Americans’ shared humanity amid a politically divisive time. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Duration:00:40:23

Interviews with: Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Tony Gonzales

4/9/2023
First, after a federal judge in Texas blocked the FDA’s approval of the abortion pill mifepristone, the Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra tells Dana Bash that women have access to the pill today and the department intends “to do everything to make sure it’s available to them not just in a week, but moving forward period.” Then, Dana asks Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) about her support for impeaching Justice Clarence Thomas over luxury travel paid for by a Republican donor. Ocasio-Cortez also calls the abortion pill ruling an “extreme abuse of power.” Later, Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) joins Dana to defend the judge's decision to block access to abortion medication. Dana also asks him why it seems like the Republican Party is punishing politicians who are trying to address gun violence, after Tennessee Republicans expelled two Democratic lawmakers from the state house. And, today’s panel looks at what Trump’s indictment means for his supporters. Finally, Dana takes us inside a day in the life of Ukraine’s tireless U.S. ambassador. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Duration:00:42:20

Interviews with: Lawyer Joe Tacopina, Lawyer Lanny Davis, Sen. Joe Manchin, Rep. Mike Turner, Rep. Dan Crenshaw.

4/2/2023
First, as Donald Trump prepares for his day in court, what do we know about the evidence against the former president and how will his attorneys handle the case? Dana Bash speaks with Trump's personal lawyer Joe Tacopina, who describes Trump's upcoming arraignment as "a day the rule of law in the United States has died." Next, lawyer Lanny Davis, who now represents Trump's former personal lawyer/"fixer" Michael Cohen, provides his (very different) take on the Trump indictment. Then, Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) weighs in on the indictment, as well as where he sees the economy going. And, Dana interviews House Intel Committee Chair Mike Turner (R-OH) about Russia's arrest of Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich. Finally, regarding the Trump indictment, Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) tells Dana, "You don't have to be a lawyer to look at this case and think it's on very weak grounds." To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Duration:00:41:56

Interviews with: Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer, Intelligence Committee Chairman Sen. Mark Warner, Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, and Rep. Ro Khanna.

3/26/2023
First, Jake asks Senate Intelligence Chairman Mark Warner whether he’s concerned about Trump warning about "potential death and destruction” if he’s indicted in the Manhattan DA’s hush money probe. They also discuss the risk of military escalation in Syria following last week’s drone attack on US personnel, as well as Russia’ plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. Next, Jake presses Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer about his efforts to intervene in the Trump hush money probe in New York and his demand for Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg to answer Congress' questions about his investigation. Then, Jake goes one-on-one with Rep. Ro Khanna, who responds to Republicans' efforts to intervene in the New York investigation and makes an announcement about whether he will run for Senate in California. Jake also speaks with Committee Chair Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who led Congress’ TikTok hearing last week, on why she thinks the app should be banned in the United States. Finally, the panel discusses Trump's attacks on potential 2024 rival Gov. Ron Desantis and whether the Florida governor can maintain his popularity within his party of he decides to formally run against Trump. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Duration:00:40:01

Interviews with: Gov. Chris Sununu, Sen. Mark Kelly, New York Times’ Maggie Haberman

3/19/2023
Former President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post that he expects to be arrested on charges of hush money payments involving adult film actress Stormy Daniels and called on his supporters to protest any such move. But how likely are charges? New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu tells Jake Tapper the investigation is building “sympathy” for the former president and that “we don’t want history to repeat itself” with Trump’s call for protests, after the violent protests of January 6, 2021. Later, Senator Mark Kelly tells Jake that “nobody is above the law” and that it’s important for the Manhattan District Attorney to thoroughly investigate Trump’s alleged role in the hush money scheme. He also reacts to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis saying that the war in Ukraine is not a “vital" national interest for the United States. Then, New York Times Senior Political Correspondent Maggie Haberman tells Jake that Trump is “very anxious about the prospect of being indicted.” Then, the panel discusses whether Trump should drop out of the 2024 presidential race if he is indicted this week and whether the investigation actually helps his campaign prospects. And, Jake reflects on the 20-year mark of the Iraq War. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Duration:00:39:18

Interviews with: OMB Director Shalanda Young, Gary Cohn, Rep. Nancy Mace, Vivek Ramaswamy

3/12/2023
First, guest anchor Kaitlan Collins sits down with the White House Director of Office Management and Budget Shalanda Young to discuss what actions the Biden administration will take to stabilize the financial system after the stunning collapse of Silicon Valley Bank this week. Next, South Carolina Republican Rep. Nancy Mace joins to discuss the future direction of the Republican Party and Mike Pence’s forceful comments that history will hold Donald Trump accountable for the January 6 insurrection. Then, Kaitlan goes one-on-one with GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy on his outsider campaign and his “anti-woke” platform. After, the panel discusses Pence’s remarks about holding Trump accountable for January 6th, if other Republican candidates will have to speak out against Trump ahead of a 2024 presidential primary, Nikki Haley’s calls to raise the retirement age for Social Security benefits, and if Biden is pivoting toward the political middle ahead of his expected re-election campaign. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Duration:00:49:12

Interviews with: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies, NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson

3/5/2023
First, Dana Bash speaks exclusively with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries about Democrats' strategy for navigating a divided Congress, as well as President Biden's surprise announcement that he won't block a GOP bill to override a controversial DC crime law. Next, many blame Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's reelection loss this week on crime concerns. Are Democrats vulnerable on crime? Dana discusses the issue with New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Plus, some Republican 2024 presidential hopefuls are seeking a lane around former President Trump. Will it be harder than they think? Former Republican Governor Asa Hutchinson shares his thoughts. Finally, our panel reacts to today's announcement by former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan that he won't run for president in 2024. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Duration:00:40:54

Interviews with: National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel

2/26/2023
First, Bash goes one-on-one with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, pressing him on Biden giving fighter jets to Ukraine and whether the US would support Ukraine taking Crimea back militarily. Sullivan explains the specific support Ukraine needs at this stage of the war, responds to a new report on Covid's origin, and discusses the US warning China about sending drones and ammunition to Russia. Next, the first Sunday show interview with Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel since her re-election. She tells Bash the GOP presidential nominee will accept the results of the 2024 election, and also that Medicare and Social Security are "not up for negotiation." Bash asks McDaniel if Trump will sign the controversial pledge that requires GOP candidates to say they will support whomever becomes the Republican nominee in order to appear on the primary debate stage. After, the panel discusses the state and federal government’s response to the Ohio train derailment, and Biden’s waiting game in announcing his re-election intentions, plus, if he should be challenged for the Democratic 2024 presidential nomination. Finally, a report on two lawmakers on either side of the aisle who share the common goal of passing paid leave legislation. Hosted by Dana Bash. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Duration:00:39:00

Interviews with: Rep. Michael McCaul, Rep. Mike Turner, Amb. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Sen. Sherrod Brown

2/19/2023
First, with tensions running high between the U.S. and China, CNN’s Pamela Brown asks House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Michael McCaul and Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Mike Turner about the U.S. response and whether President Biden is right to try and lower the temperature with China. Plus, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield joins Pamela to discuss the state of U.S.-China relations after a “blunt” meeting between the nations’ top diplomats. She also reiterates U.S. support for Ukraine ahead of the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion. And, some residents of East Palestine, Ohio say they have developed rashes, sore throats, nausea and headaches after toxic chemicals were released in a train derailment two weeks ago. Pamela asks Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown whether residents should trust officials’ assurances that the water and air are safe and what should be done to help those affected. Finally, our panel discusses Nikki Haley’s 2024 presidential campaign and how potential Trump rivals should handle attacks from the former president. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Duration:00:40:04

Interviews with: Rep. Mike Turner, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Sen. Mike Rounds

2/12/2023
First, the U.S. military has shot down a third flying object in just over a week. Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee Rep. Mike Turner joins to answer if these objects are a threat and what investments can be made to protect U.S. airspace. Next, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer sits down with Jake to answer if she’s worried that polls show Democrats do not share her enthusiasm for a Biden 2024 presidential bid. Plus, now that Democrats have unified control of Michigan’s government for the first time in nearly four decades, she outlines her top priorities. Then, as Democrats and the GOP spar over Medicare and Social Security, South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds answers if he agrees with Sen. Rick Scott’s plan to sunset government spending programs. Finally, our panel debates how Republican contenders should challenge Trump in 2024 and whether President Biden can defeat them in a general election. Today’s panel includes Commentators Scott Jennings, Ashley Allison, Alyssa Farah Griffin and Paul Begala. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Duration:00:39:15

Interviews with: Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Marco Rubio, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick

2/5/2023
First: Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg touts the takedown of the suspected Chinese spy balloon and previews President Biden's State of the Union address. Next: Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Marco Rubio questions why the Biden administration didn't act sooner to shoot down the Chinese balloon. Then: In an exclusive joint interview, Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), co-chairs of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, discuss their work on a 'failsafe' to prevent a debt ceiling crisis. On today's panel: Rep. Pramila Jayapal, CNN's Jonah Goldberg, CNN's Karen Finney, CNN's David Urban. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Duration:00:39:41

Interviews with: Tyre Nichols' family attorney Ben Crump, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, plus an exclusive​ joint interview with Rep. Adam Schiff, Rep. Ilhan Omar, and Rep. Eric Swalwell.

1/29/2023
First, Dana speaks with Tyre Nichols' family attorney Ben Crump, who says the horrific video of Nichols’ fatal beating by police is “a watershed moment for America”. Next, Dana discusses former President Trump’s return to the campaign trial with New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu. Sununu weighs in on if he thinks Trump can win his key primary state, as well as whether he’s considering running for president himself in 2024. After, Dana sits down for an exclusive​ joint interview with Democratic Reps. Adam Schiff, Eric Swalwell, and Ilhan Omar about Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s push to remove them from key committees. Schiff and Swalwell slam what they call McCarthy’s “hypocrisy” and tell Dana that he is committing “political abuse" by removing them from the House Intelligence Committee. Dana also presses Omar about her past statements on Israel as she fights to keep her seat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Duration:00:39:15

Interviews with: CNN’s Andrew McCabe, CNN’s Juliette Kayyem, Sen. Dick Durbin, Sen. Joe Manchin, Rep. Michael McCaul

1/22/2023
First, Dana begins after a press conference from Monterey Park, California brings more information from a mass shooting that killed least ten people inside a dance studio. Dana speaks with CNN Senior Law Enforcement Analyst Andrew McCabe and CNN National Security Analyst Juliette Kayyem about what we know so far. Then, Sen. Dick Durbin shares his concern over the additional classified documents the FBI found at President Biden’s Delaware home on Friday. And, Dana asks Sen. Joe Manchin whether he thinks the White House should negotiate spending cuts in exchange for raising the debt ceiling after the Biden administration said they want Congress to pass an increase with no negotiations. Later, chairman of House Foreign Affairs Committee Rep. Michael McCaul tells Dana he supports the U.S. sending tanks to Ukraine. This week’s panel discusses the implications of the discovery of more classified documents in the FBI’s search of Biden’s home and what Americans could expect from the GOP’s presidential candidates in 2024. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Duration:00:46:09

Interviews with: Rep. James Comer, Rep. Jamie Raskin

1/15/2023
First, Jake presses Republican House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer about why he wants to investigate Biden’s potential mishandling of classified documents but says investigating Trump is “not a priority.” Also, with the U-S facing a risk of a default this summer, Jake asks what will be done in a GOP-led House to avoid an economic catastrophe. Next, the top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, Rep. Jamie Raskin, responds to Rep. Comer and contrasts Biden’s approach to the Justice Department documents investigation to Trump’s. Finally, our panel analyzes the latest developments on the special counsel probes and discuss the House’s contingency plan in case of a debt default. Today’s panel includes Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna, CNN Political Commentators Scott Jennings and Ashley Allison, and former Trump White House Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Matthews. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Duration:00:42:49