The President's Daily Brief
Each morning, the President of the United States receives a highly classified briefing on the most important issues facing the country -- The President's Daily Brief. Now you can hear your very own PDB, in the form of a podcast, every morning at 6am Eastern, and every afternoon at 4pm Eastern. You'll get 20 minutes of the most important topics of the day and why you should care, arming you with what you need to know to help solve America's most pressing challenges. Former CIA Operations Officer Mike Baker hosts new episodes daily.
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 17th, 2026: The Secret U.S.-Iran Deal Just Leaked & Emergency Weapons Production
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
The secret U.S.-Iran agreement is no longer secret. Leaked details reveal sanctions relief, a proposed $300 billion development fund, and major unanswered questions about Tehran's nuclear program as negotiators prepare to sign the framework agreement in Switzerland. After expending thousands of missiles and interceptors during the war with Iran, the Trump administration is taking emergency steps to expand America's weapons production capacity. We'll explain why the White House is invoking a Cold War-era law to replenish critical munitions stockpiles.To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium...
Why The Strait Of Hormuz Isn't Back To Normal & New Allegations Against China
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
Ships are expected to begin moving through the Strait of Hormuz once again, but the world's most important energy corridor remains far from normal. We'll examine why the recovery of global oil markets and energy supply chains could take months—or even longer.PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 16th, 2026: The Secret U.S. Operation That Kept Gulf Oil Flowing & B-52 Disaster
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
First up—during Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the United States reportedly relied on a secretive maritime network to keep Gulf oil flowing. We'll examine the remarkable Reuters investigation that claims Washington borrowed tactics from Tehran's own sanctions-evasion playbook—and how the operation may have helped avert a global energy crisis. Later in the show—tragedy strikes at a California air base as a B-52 bomber crashes shortly after takeoff, killing all eight crew members on board. We'll bring you the latest details on the crash and what invest...The 5 Biggest Unanswered Questions In The Iran Deal
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
• First up—the Iran deal is done, but the hard part may just be beginning. We examine the five biggest unanswered questions surrounding the U.S.-Iran agreement, including the future of the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief, Israel's role, Iran's nuclear program, and what happens if negotiations break down.
• Later in the show—President Trump arrives at the G7 summit in France with what he calls a breakthrough agreement with Iran in hand. We'll examine how the deal is already shaping discussi...
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 15th, 2026: White House Reveals New Iran Deal Details & Russia's Damages Famous Cathedral
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
• First up—the U.S.-Iran agreement has now been signed, but many of the deal's most important details remain under wraps. We'll explain what the Trump administration is saying about the agreement, which leaked provisions officials are disputing, and the key questions that still remain about sanctions relief, Iran's nuclear program, and the future of the region.
• Later in the show—Russia launches another record-setting aerial assault against Ukraine, striking targets across the country and damaging one of Eastern Christianity's most revered monasteries. We'll examine what happened...
What's REALLY In The U.S.-Iran Deal? & Tren De Aragua Strike
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
-First up—reports of a U.S.-Iran agreement continue to swirl, but competing versions of the deal are raising major questions about sanctions relief, Iran's nuclear program, the future of the Strait of Hormuz, and whether a broader regional peace is actually within reach.
-Later in the show—European efforts to crack down on Russia's shadow fleet continue as British forces intercept a Russian-linked oil tanker in the English Channel, the latest move aimed at disrupting Moscow's sanctions-evasion netw...
PDB Situation Report | June 13th, 2026: An Iranian Insider Reveals What's Happening Behind The Scenes
In this episode of The PDB Situation Report:
We turn our attention inside Iran as economic hardship, political unrest, and growing public dissatisfaction continue to mount beneath the headlines of the U.S.-Iran confrontation. We're joined by Alireza Jafarzadeh for an insider's perspective on the regime's challenges and what may come next. Later, five months after the fall of Nicolás Maduro, Washington and Caracas continue taking steps toward rebuilding diplomatic ties. Retired CIA operations officer and former Caracas Station Chief Rick de la Torre joins us to discuss the evolving relationship between the United States and V...PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 12th, 2026: Trump Clashes With Tehran Over Leaked Iran Deal & Washington Tightens The Screws On Cuba
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:Â
Yesterday, President Trump suggested a deal with Iran could be just days away. Today, leaked details of that agreement are raising new questions about what both sides are actually prepared to accept. Later in the show—The Trump administration ramps up pressure on Cuba, targeting the island's energy sector as fuel shortages, rolling blackouts, and economic strain continue to mount.To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President’s Daily Brief by visiting PDBPremium.com.
Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episo...
America's Iran Blockade Just Turned Deadly & Ukraine's Air Defense Breakthrough
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
Three Indian sailors are dead after U.S. forces struck a commercial tanker in the Gulf of Oman, marking the first reported fatalities tied to Washington's blockade of Iran. We'll explain what happened, why India is demanding answers, and how the incident could complicate one of America's most important strategic relationships.PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 11th, 2026: Why Trump Canceled The Planned Attack On Iran & Kim Expands Nuclear Program
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
• Just hours after threatening another round of strikes against Iran, President Trump abruptly called them off, claiming negotiators may be closing in on a deal. We break down what the White House is saying, why Tehran has yet to confirm it, and what it could mean for the future of the crisis.
• A newly revealed uranium-enrichment facility inside North Korea could significantly expand Kim Jong Un's ability to produce nuclear weapons. We explain what the discovery reveals about Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions and why it matters.
To l...
America Launches A Second Night Of Strikes On Iran & Russian General Killed
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
• The United States launches a second consecutive night of strikes against Iran. We break down the latest operation and the growing evidence that this crisis began well before the downing of an American Apache helicopter.
• Another senior Russian military official is killed in a car bombing outside Moscow, raising fresh questions about Ukraine's reach and Russia's ability to protect key figures inside its own borders.
• Pakistan launches new airstrikes inside Afghanistan, ending weeks of relative calm and reigni...
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 10th, 2026: Iran Attacks U.S. Bases Across The Middle East & Taiwan's HIMARS Warning To China
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:Â
• The tit-for-tat between Washington and Tehran continues. After U.S. forces struck Iranian military targets, Iran responded with missiles and drones aimed at American bases across the Middle East. We break down the latest exchange and what it could mean for the future of the conflict.Â
• Taiwan fires U.S.-made HIMARS rocket systems from a beach facing mainland China, offering a rare look at how Taipei plans to defend the island in the event of a Chinese invasion. Â
To listen to the show ad-free, become...
U.S. Launches Retaliatory Strikes Against Iran & NATO Downs Russian Drone
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
• President Trump follows through on his promise to respond after Iran shot down an American Apache helicopter. We'll examine the U.S. strikes now underway and whether both sides are looking to avoid a wider war.
• Ukraine says it has recaptured more than 600 square kilometers of territory this year.
• Plus, a NATO fighter jet downs a Russian drone over Latvia, raising new concerns about security along the alliance's eastern border.
• In today's Back of...
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 9th, 2026: SHOOTDOWN: U.S. Apache Helicopter Lost Over Hormuz
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
• An American Apache helicopter was shot down near the Strait of Hormuz. We break down what happened, what may have caused the incident, and the dramatic rescue mission that followed in one of the world's most strategically important waterways.
• New data suggests the world is becoming a far more dangerous place. We'll examine a new study showing interstate wars have reached levels not seen since World War II and why analysts believe the global security environment is growing increasingly unstable.
To listen to the show ad-f...
Why Israel And Iran Suddenly Stepped Back From The Brink
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
After a weekend that raised fears of a broader Middle East war, Israel and Iran are once again observing a ceasefire. We examine what changed, why both sides appear reluctant to escalate further, and what the latest developments may reveal about ongoing diplomatic efforts behind the scenes.PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 8th, 2026: Israel And Iran Are Exchanging Fire Again & ISIS Plot Against U.S. Troops
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
Missiles are once again flying between Israel and Iran after the two adversaries exchanged direct military strikes over the past 24 hours. We break down what triggered the latest confrontation, how both sides responded, and why the renewed activity of Iranian-backed groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis is raising fears of a broader regional escalation. Federal prosecutors have charged a former U.S. Navy sailor with allegedly helping plan an ISIS-inspired attack targeting American Special Forces personnel. Authorities say the plot involved the use of drones and rocket-propelled grenades, highlighting the...The Strait Of Hormuz Isn't As Closed As You Think & Ukraine's Smart Drones
In this episode of the President’s Daily Brief:
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: Iran continues targeting ships in and around the Strait of Hormuz, but new reporting suggests far more commercial vessels are making the journey than previously believed. We examine how shipping companies are navigating the dangerous waterway and the quiet role the U.S. Navy is playing in keeping maritime traffic moving.PDB Situation Report | June 5th, 2026: Trump Faces A New Crisis In Iran & Russia's Massive Kyiv Strike
In this episode of The PDB Situation Report:
Despite a ceasefire that remains technically in place, Iran launches its most damaging attack yet, raising fresh questions about whether the truce is beginning to unravel and what President Trump might do next. Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery joins us to break down the latest developments and what they could mean for the region. After weeks of warnings, Russia unleashes one of its largest attacks on Kyiv in recent months. We examine what's driving Moscow's latest escalation and whether the Kremlin is signaling a new phase in the war. George...PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 5th, 2026: Putin Rejects Zelensky's Challenge To Meet & Inside China's Latest U.S. Spying Operation
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:Â
First—after more than four years of war, Volodymyr Zelensky has made his most direct appeal yet to Vladimir Putin, publicly calling for face-to-face negotiations. Putin says peace is possible, but is sticking to his maximalist demands while rebuking Zelensky’s proposal to meet. Later in the show—a U.S. citizen pleads guilty to working as an agent for China. We'll look at the case, the alleged recruitment network behind it, and why it echoes warnings Western spy agencies issued just days ago.To listen to the show ad-free...
Putin's Own Allies Are Turning Against Him & Israel Makes A Deal With Lebanon
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:Â
Cracks are beginning to emerge inside Vladimir Putin's ruling coalition as influential oligarchs, political insiders, and even some longtime war hawks question whether Russia can achieve victory in Ukraine.
A new ceasefire agreement could bring calm to Israel's northern border. We break down what's in the deal, what it means for regional security, and why Hezbollah remains the critical wildcard.
 Western intelligence officials are warning that Chinese operatives are increasingly using LinkedIn to identify and recruit potential in...
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 4th, 2026: Trump Reveals What Could Restart The War
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
First up — after weeks of missile strikes, drone attacks, and mounting tensions in the Persian Gulf, we're learning what President Trump's red line with Iran may be—and what could trigger a return to all-out war. Later in the show — President Trump suffers a rare setback on Capitol Hill after a bipartisan coalition in the House votes to curb his authority to continue military operations against Iran without congressional approval.To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President’s Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremiu...
What Happened To Iran's Enriched Uranium?
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
American and Israeli strikes may have damaged Iran's nuclear facilities, but one critical question remains unanswered: where is Tehran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium? We examine new reporting on the mystery surrounding Iran's nuclear material and why its location could shape the future of any deal between Washington and Tehran.PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 3rd, 2026: Iran Just Launched Its Biggest Attack Since The Ceasefire & Putin is Running Out Of Money
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
Despite a ceasefire that remains technically in place, the United States and Iran are once again exchanging military strikes after a major Iranian missile and drone attack left casualties in Kuwait, raising fresh questions about whether the truce still exists in anything more than name. A new report from Bloomberg reveals that some of Vladimir Putin's top economic advisers are privately warning that Russia's wartime spending spree may be financially unsustainable, highlighting growing concerns about the long-term health of Moscow's economy as the war in Ukraine drags on.To...
What Iran Is Demanding Behind Closed Doors & Russia Bombards Kyiv
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
We begin with a closer look at the ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations. While reports remain mixed on how close the two sides are to a deal, Tehran's demands are becoming increasingly clear. We break down what Iran wants—from sanctions relief and nuclear concessions to its ambitions in the Strait of Hormuz—and what those demands reveal about how the regime views the outcome of the recent war.PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 2nd, 2026: Inside The Heated Call Between Trump And Netanyahu & U.S. Considers NATO Nuclear Expansion
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
President Trump reportedly intervened to stop an Israeli strike on Beirut, exposing what may be the most public disagreement between Washington and Jerusalem since the current phase of the conflict began. We examine the reported clash between Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and what it could mean for the future of U.S.-Israeli relations. The Trump administration is reportedly reviewing whether to deploy U.S. nuclear weapons to additional countries in Eastern Europe. The move could place America's nuclear deterrent closer to Russia's borders and mark one of...New Satellite Images Reveal Damage Massive From Iran's Attacks & Europe Takes On Russia’s Shadow Fleet
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
New satellite imagery is offering a clearer picture of the damage Iran inflicted on U.S. military facilities during the recent conflict, raising important questions about the growing threat posed by drones and missiles—and what lessons the Pentagon may need to learn before the next war.PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 1st, 2026: U.S. And Iran Exchange New Strikes & Ukraine & Russia Exchange Fire
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
Despite what Washington and Tehran continue to call a ceasefire, the United States and Iran are once again trading missiles and airstrikes across the Persian Gulf, raising fresh questions about whether the truce is still holding. Russia and Ukraine continue exchanging long-range strikes, with Kyiv targeting key Russian infrastructure while Moscow launches new attacks across Ukrainian territory, underscoring how both sides are expanding the war beyond the front lines.To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President’s Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com...
Ships Are Passing Through The Strait Of Hormuz & Trump Makes New Demands Of Tehran
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
Despite Iran's threats, some commercial ships are quietly slipping through the Strait of Hormuz with U.S. assistance, raising new questions about whether Tehran's control over the strategic waterway is as absolute as the regime claims.PDB Situation Report | May 29th, 2026: U.S. And Iran Reach Draft Agreement & Cuba Feels The Squeeze
In this episode of The PDB Situation Report:
The United States and Iran have reportedly reached a draft agreement to extend their ceasefire for another 60 days, though the deal still requires President Trump's approval. Mike is joined by David Daoud of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies to discuss what the proposed agreement could mean for Iran's nuclear program and the broader security situation in the Middle East.
Cuba's power grid is under growing strain as fuel shortages continue to fuel blackouts across the island, while the Trump administration opens a new front by bringing...
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | May 29th, 2026: Russian Drone Strike Hits NATO Territory & Cuban Pilot Sentenced
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
Russian drones have reportedly struck a NATO country, injuring civilians in Romania and raising new questions about how the alliance will respond. We break down the incident, Romania's consideration of NATO Article 4 consultations, and whether Moscow is testing the limits of the alliance. One of the Cuban pilots named in last week's indictment of Raúl Castro has now been sentenced in the United States on separate immigration fraud charges. We examine why the case matters, how it connects to the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue shootdown, and what comes next f...Gulf Nations Build Emergency Routes Around Hormuz & Russia’s Taliban Partnership
In this episode of The President’s Daily Brief:
Gulf nations are rapidly expanding pipelines, shipping corridors, and overland trade routes designed to bypass the Strait of Hormuz as regional powers adapt to the possibility that one of the world’s most important waterways may never be fully secure again.
President Trump has reportedly shared a draft Iran peace agreement with Israel and other allies as new reports suggest Washington and Tehran may be inching closer to a temporary deal aimed at preserving the fragile ceasefire.
Ru...
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | May 28th, 2026: U.S. Warplanes Take Out More Iranian Targets Near Hormuz & Trump’s NATO Drawdown
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
First up — the U.S. and Iran are still officially negotiating peace… while simultaneously exchanging drones, missiles, and retaliatory strikes for the second time in less than a week. We’ll have the latest on the growing tensions near the Strait of Hormuz and why President Trump now says Iran is “negotiating on fumes.” Later in the show — new reports say the Pentagon plans to sharply reduce America’s combat commitments to NATO as President Trump pushes European allies to shoulder more of their own defense burden. The proposed cuts could reported...Iran Is In Far Worse Shape Than It Admits & Israel’s Drops Another Hamas Commander
In this episode of The President’s Daily Brief:
Iran continues projecting strength, but new reporting suggests the regime may be under enormous internal pressure as economic turmoil, fuel rationing, and the fallout from an 88-day internet blackout take their toll.PDB Afternoon Bulletin | May 27th, 2026: Russia’s Battlefield Problems May Make Putin More Dangerous
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
European officials are increasingly worried that Russia’s battlefield struggles in Ukraine could actually make the Kremlin more dangerous, as fears grow that Vladimir Putin may escalate pressure beyond Ukraine if the war remains stuck in a costly stalemate. Israel appears to be expanding military operations deeper into southern Lebanon as the IDF intensifies strikes against Hezbollah and targets the terror group’s growing drone threat near the Israeli border.To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President’s Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPrem...
The Clash Between U.S. And Iran Was Worse Than Reported
In this episode of The President’s Daily Brief:
New intelligence suggests Iran may have been probing the limits of the fragile ceasefire before yesterday’s clash with U.S. forces in the Strait of Hormuz. Mike Baker breaks down the latest details emerging from the Gulf.PDB Afternoon Bulletin | May 26th, 2026: U.S. And Iran Are Shooting At Each Other Again & Russia Threatens “Systematic Strikes”
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
Just as peace negotiations with Iran appeared to be gaining momentum, U.S. and Iranian forces are exchanging fire again in the Strait of Hormuz after American strikes on Iranian mine-laying boats and missile sites overnight. Russia is ramping up threats against Kyiv, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reportedly warning Secretary of State Marco Rubio to evacuate American citizens ahead of what Moscow is calling “systematic strikes” on the Ukrainian capital.To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President’s Daily Brief by visiting https...
Iran’s Regime Can Barely Communicate During Talks & Massive Bombing Rocks Pakistan
In this episode of The President’s Daily Brief:
Months after Operation Epic Fury, Iran’s leadership is reportedly still operating from bunkers and secret hideouts, with regime paranoia and communication breakdowns now slowing negotiations with Washington. New reporting suggests Iran’s supreme leader is relying on a secret courier network to communicate as fears of Israeli and American intelligence penetration continue gripping the regime.ÂPDB Afternoon Bulletin | May 25th, 2026: The New "Iran Deal" Is Already Hitting Problems & Pentagon UFO Archive Opens
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
After signaling that a deal with Iran may be close, the White House is now running into the hard part as negotiations bog down over sanctions relief, uranium enrichment, and Tehran’s nuclear program. As optimism fades, both sides appear increasingly divided over what concessions Iran must make before receiving meaningful economic relief. Later in the show—the Pentagon releases a massive new batch of UFO investigation files, including military videos, audio recordings, and eyewitness testimony tied to encounters officials still struggle to explain. The release includes footage captured by mili...May 25th, 2026: The U.S. And Iran May Have A Deal
In this episode of The President’s Daily Brief:
The United States and Iran reportedly agree in principle to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, potentially easing pressure on global oil markets and reducing fears of a wider Middle East war. But while the White House is signaling progress, many of the toughest questions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program remain unresolved.ÂPDB Situation Report | May 23rd, 2026: Ukraine Is Turning The Tide Against Russia & China’s Power Play
In this episode of The PDB Situation Report:
Russia’s battlefield momentum in Ukraine appears to be slowing dramatically as Ukrainian drone strikes hammer Russian logistics, fuel depots, and infrastructure behind the front lines. Christina Harward of the Institute for the Study of War joins us to discuss whether Kyiv may finally be regaining the initiative.
China is flexing its growing geopolitical influence after hosting both President Trump and Vladimir Putin in Beijing within the span of a single week. Meanwhile, new reports allege Chinese entities have been involved in training Russian troops, raising fresh conc...
