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 | August 14th, 2026: NATO Shoots Down Mystery Drone Over Latvia & Trump Threat Intel Questioned
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
A NATO fighter shoots down an unidentified drone over Latvia as Ukraine launches one of its largest attacks inside Russia, raising new concerns that the drone war is spilling across alliance borders.
New reporting reveals U.S. intelligence could not verify the alleged Iranian missile plot that prompted President Trump’s dramatic catering-truck escape from Turkey.
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Trump’s Plan to Economically Strangle Iran & Taiwan Rehearses for Invasion
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
• First up—Secretary of War Pete Hegseth says the United States can maintain its naval blockade of Iran indefinitely, signaling that Washington may be preparing for a prolonged economic war of endurance with Tehran.
• Later in the show—Taiwan holds massive invasion drills as tensions with China rise, testing everything from civilian air-raid responses to the coast guard’s role in stopping an amphibious assault.
• Plus—Russia pounds Ukraine’s largest grain-export port on the Danube as President Zelenskiy warns Kyiv still...
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | August 13th, 2026: The Alliance That Could Turn the Iran War Into World War III & Trump Targets Foreign Hackers
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan build a NATO-style military alliance that could create a dangerous pathway for a regional war to become a global conflict.
The Trump administration considers joint strikes against armed groups inside Colombia, potentially opening a new front in America’s expanding war against the cartels.
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The U.S. Army Got Crushed by Ukraine’s Drone Warriors & Putin’s Maritime Threat
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
The U.S. Army goes head-to-head with Ukraine’s battle-hardened drone warriors in a major war game—and suffers a crushing defeat that exposes a dangerous weakness in America’s preparations for modern combat.PDB Afternoon Bulletin | August 12th, 2026: Ukraine Destroys the Defenses Around Putin’s Palace & China’s AI Cyberattack
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
Ukraine reportedly destroys the air defenses protecting Vladimir Putin’s lavish Black Sea palace before launching a massive attack on Russia’s last major naval stronghold in the region.To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President’s Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com.
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Trump’s High-Stakes Gamble to Make Iran Surrender & Assad Sentenced to Death
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
President Trump changes course on Iran, stepping back from additional military strikes and betting that sanctions, a naval blockade and Tehran’s worsening economic crisis can finally force the regime to give in.PDB Afternoon Bulletin | August 11th, 2026: Inside Trump’s Secret Escape From an Iranian Assassination Threat & Chinese Spies Target U.S. Forces
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
New reporting reveals how President Trump was hidden inside an airport catering truck and transferred to a secret military aircraft as Air Force One served as a decoy amid a credible Iranian assassination threat. Two former Chinese soldiers are arrested in South Korea, accused of intercepting communications involving U.S. and South Korean fighter jets and collecting information about American weapons movements.To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President’s Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com.
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Putin Mulls False Flag Attack on NATO & Inside North Korea's AI Hacking Campaign
In this episode of The President’s Daily Brief:
First—NATO's eastern members are quietly preparing for what they fear could be Russia's next move. Intelligence shared with Reuters suggests the Kremlin may be considering a false flag attack designed not simply to damage critical infrastructure, but to sow confusion and division inside the NATO alliance.
Later in the show—Ukraine finally gets an answer from tech billionaire Elon Musk on whether it can use Starlink to help strike Russian targets, and President Trump agrees to keep Patriot missiles flowing to Kyiv...
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | August 10th, 2026: Iran Replaces Top Regime Leader in Sudden Shakeup & Netanyahu Rejects Trump’s Gaza Plan
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
A major leadership shakeup in Tehran elevates Mohsen Rezaei, a veteran Revolutionary Guard commander, as Iran approaches critical decisions over the Strait of Hormuz and the future of the war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects President Trump’s latest Gaza peace plan, insisting Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed.
To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President’s Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com.
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Iran’s Ridiculous New Demands for Reopening Hormuz & Houthis Strike Saudi Arabia
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
Iran unveils a sweeping list of demands for reopening the Strait of Hormuz—conditions so maximalist that the Trump administration is almost certain to reject them.The PDB Situation Report | August 8th, 2026: The Iran War Exposed a Dangerous U.S. Weakness & America’s New Nuclear Strategy
In this episode of The PDB Situation Report:
The war with Iran has reportedly burned through some of America’s most important long-range missiles, raising questions about whether the Pentagon has enough left for another major conflict. Bill Roggio from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies joins us to break down the state of America’s missile stockpiles and what it could mean for U.S. military readiness. The Pentagon is reportedly rethinking America’s nuclear strategy as China rapidly expands its arsenal and challenges U.S. power across the Pacific. Steve Yates of the Heritage Foundation joins us to...PDB Afternoon Bulletin | August 8th, 2026: U.S. Intel Warns Putin Could Attack NATO & The Mystery Behind Moscow's Deadly Bombing
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
First—Washington is quietly rethinking one of its core assumptions about the war in Ukraine. U.S. intelligence now reportedly believes Vladimir Putin may be willing to challenge NATO directly through a limited military or hybrid attack designed to probe Western resolve. If they're right, it could mark one of the most dangerous shifts in the war since Russia's full-scale invasion. Later in the show—Russian officials now believe last weekend's deadly restaurant bombing in Moscow was aimed at one of Vladimir Putin's top generals. We'll examine the emerging evidence, the su...Trump Explodes At Hegseth Over Iran War Missile Shortage
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
President Trump reportedly confronted Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at Camp David over concerns that the war with Iran has severely depleted America's missile stockpiles. Now, the president is publicly denying those reports as the White House pushes back against claims of a growing munitions shortage.PDB Afternoon Bulletin | August 6th, 2026: Pentagon Rewrites Nuclear Playbook & Putin's Command Shake-Up
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
The Pentagon is reportedly rewriting America's nuclear war strategy, placing greater emphasis on tactical nuclear weapons as it prepares for a potential conflict with Russia or China. Vladimir Putin announces a sweeping shake-up of Russia's military leadership, overhauling battlefield commanders, logistics and drone operations as the Kremlin searches for a way to regain momentum in Ukraine.To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President’s Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com.
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Is America About to Hand Iran Control of Hormuz? & Iran’s Wartime Purge
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
First—the United States and Iran may be nearing an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but the reported terms would give Tehran control over ships entering the Persian Gulf.
Later—Iran accelerates its execution of protesters, using the war to portray domestic opposition as treason and eliminate those who challenged the regime.
Plus—Russia reportedly launches a disinformation campaign ahead of Germany’s elections, targeting opponents of the right-wing AfD.
In today...
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | August 5th, 2026: North Korea Sending a New Missile Unit to Russia & FBI Teams Up With Russia & China
In this episode of The PDB Description:
First up—North Korea may be preparing to send Russia an entire missile unit, complete with personnel, launchers and as many as 120 ballistic missiles for attacks against Ukraine.
Later in the show—FBI Director Kash Patel is opening unprecedented channels of cooperation with China and Russia to fight fentanyl trafficking, cybercrime and child exploitation, despite warnings that America’s adversaries could exploit that access.
To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President’s Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com.
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America's Missile Shortage & Cuba Spy Buildup
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
America may be running low on some of its most important long-range precision weapons after five months of war with Iran. We examine the new reporting, what it says about the Pentagon's munitions stockpiles, and why military planners are increasingly concerned about U.S. readiness for future conflicts.PDB Afternoon Bulletin | August 4th, 2026: Iran Just Revealed Its Demands for Ending the War & China Faces New Tech Restrictions
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
First—new details emerge about Iran’s demands for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and potentially ending the war, including control over vessels entering the vital waterway and oversight of those leaving. Later—the Trump administration moves to keep Chinese-made technology out of the massive data centers powering America’s artificial-intelligence industry.To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President’s Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com.
Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief.
YouTu...
The Pentagon Just Admitted It Needs a New Plan for Iran & Russia's Recruitment Crisis
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
Mixed signals from Washington and Tehran leave the future of the Iran war uncertain. We'll explain why the confusion over peace talks may actually point to a much bigger problem: the Pentagon is running out of good military options.PDB Afternoon Bulletin | August 3rd, 2026: Iran's Leaders Are Turning On Each Other & Israel's Growing Defense Problem
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
First up — As the war continues, a political battle is unfolding inside Iran itself. We'll explain why the country's leadership is increasingly divided over what comes next—and what those internal fractures could mean for the future of the conflict. Later in the show — America's military is beginning to feel the strain of the Iran war. We'll explain why one senior U.S. commander now warns he doesn't have enough forces to keep protecting Israel indefinitely, and what that reveals about the growing demands on the U.S. military.To liste...
How Iran Secretly Planned the Next Phase of the War & Trump Hits Pause In Iran Strikes
In this episode of The President’s Daily Brief:
New reporting reveals that while publicly observing a cease-fire, Iran was secretly preparing for a much wider regional war through its proxy network. We’ll examine Tehran’s alleged plans to strike U.S. bases, Gulf energy infrastructure, and key global shipping routes if the conflict escalated.The PDB Situation Report | August 1st, 2026: Annie Jacobsen’s Terrifying Warning About Biological War
In this episode of The PDB Situation Report:
Investigative journalist Annie Jacobsen joins Mike to discuss her new book, Biological War: A Scenario, and the terrifying possibility that the next weapon of mass destruction could be a deadly engineered pathogen. Cliff May, founder and president of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, examines the latest developments in the war between the United States and Iran—and where the conflict may be headed next.To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President’s Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com.
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PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 31st, 2026: Report - Saudi Arabia Eyes Ground Invasion Against Houthis & Is Hamas Ready to Disarm?
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
First—Saudi Arabia may be preparing to re-enter a war it has spent years trying to leave behind. Riyadh is reportedly considering a much broader military campaign against the Iran-backed Houthis, potentially marking one of the kingdom's most significant strategic shifts since the 2022 truce. If those plans move forward, they could open another major front in the region's widening confrontation with Iran. Later in the show—President Trump says Hamas has finally agreed to disarm as part of his Gaza peace plan. But Hamas says there's a catch, and it raises...The Pentagon's Plan To Cripple Iran & Red Sea Coalition
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
New reporting reveals the Pentagon is weighing a dramatic expansion of the war with Iran, including a proposal for up to two weeks of sustained airstrikes aimed at crippling the regime's remaining missile capabilities. We examine what's under consideration and what it could mean for the next phase of the conflict.PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 30th, 2026: Trump Launches Massive Retaliation Against Iran & Poland Missile Scare
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
President Trump orders a massive wave of airstrikes against Iran after Tehran's missile attack on U.S. forces, marking one of the largest American bombing campaigns against the regime since the war began. We'll examine the targets, the strategy behind the operation, and what it could mean for the next phase of the conflict.
Russia unleashes another major missile barrage against Ukraine, but one of the missiles appears to have crashed inside NATO member Poland, raising fresh concerns that the war could once again spill beyond Ukraine's b...
Ukraine’s Wildberries Strikes Threaten Russia's Banking System & Iran's Missile Attack
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
Ukraine strikes another Wildberries logistics hub, and new reporting says the Kremlin is considering emergency support for Russia's largest online retailer. We examine how Kyiv's campaign against Russia's version of Amazon could create unexpected pressure on the country's banking system.PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 29th, 2026: Iran Launches Surprise Attack On U.S. Forces & China Rearms Tehran
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
Iran launches a surprise ballistic missile attack on U.S. forces in Jordan, abruptly ending hopes that the latest diplomatic push could lead to a lasting ceasefire. We break down what happened, why it matters, and how President Trump may respond. Reuters reports China is preparing to send hundreds of air-defense missile systems to Iran, potentially helping Tehran rebuild one of the most significant military vulnerabilities exposed by months of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes.To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President’s Da...
Iran's Economy Is On The Brink Of Collapse & Zelensky & Netanyahu In Washington
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
After weeks of U.S. airstrikes, the Trump administration is increasingly betting that economic pressure—not bombs—will be the decisive factor in its confrontation with Iran. I'll explain why officials believe Tehran's economy is approaching a breaking point.
President Trump hosts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a pair of high-stakes meetings at the White House, with Iran and the war in Ukraine dominating the agenda.
The Trump administration prepares a majo...
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 28th, 2026: China Is Already Preparing For Russia After Putin & Iran Weighs A Hormuz Compromise
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
First—China is quietly preparing for a future beyond Vladimir Putin, cultivating relationships throughout the Russian political establishment as Moscow becomes increasingly dependent on Beijing. Once viewed by Xi Jinping as a model of strength, Putin now finds himself leading the junior partner in an increasingly unequal relationship. Later—a Gulf-backed proposal offers a possible path toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The plan calls for shared regional management and voluntary shipping fees, but would require Iran to abandon its demand for sole control over the critical waterway.To list...
Ukraine Launches Strike On Iranian Ship
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
Ukraine launches a dramatic long-range strike on an Iranian-linked vessel in the Caspian Sea, bringing the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East closer together than ever before. I'll explain why the strike could mark a dangerous new phase in both conflicts.PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 27th, 2026: Inside Ukraine's Surprising Ceasefire Proposal & Germany's Security Crisis
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
President Trump prepares to meet with Volodymyr Zelensky as Ukraine reportedly plans to propose an air ceasefire with Russia. I'll explain why Kyiv believes the moment may finally be right—and what both sides stand to gain. A deadly attack at Berlin's Pride celebration is raising difficult questions about Germany's justice system after the suspected attacker had already been convicted on terrorism charges.To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President’s Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com.
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Iranian Proxies Target Air Force One & Ukraine Missile Attack
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
New reporting reveals President Trump abruptly switched Air Force One during the NATO summit after U.S. intelligence warned of a credible threat from Iranian proxy forces targeting the President.The PDB Situation Report | July 25th, 2026: The Next Phase Of The Iran War Has Begun & Russia Feels The Pain
In this episode of The PDB Situation Report:
The war with Iran is expanding as the Houthis move into the fight, threatening Red Sea shipping and raising the risk of a much wider regional conflict. We're joined by Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies to discuss what happens next. We take you inside Russia, where fuel shortages and relentless Ukrainian drone strikes are making the war increasingly difficult for ordinary Russians to ignore. Konstantin Samoilov of the YouTube channel Inside Russia joins us with firsthand insight into how the conflict is reshaping daily life inside the...PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 24th, 2026: Trump Threatens Biggest Strike Yet As Iran Rejects Deal & America's Newest Hypersonic Weapon Deploys Near China
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
First—A new U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal for Iran appears to have collapsed almost as soon as it arrived in Tehran. Now, President Trump says he is close to deciding whether to launch what he described as a “massive attack”—one bigger than anything seen in the war so far—while both sides continue expanding their military operations. Later in the show—The Pentagon quietly moved one of America's newest hypersonic weapons within range of China's coastline. We'll explain why the deployment matters—and what it reveals about how the U.S. is prep...Iran’s Proxy War Just Escalated Again & Russia’s Empty Tanks
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
First, the Iran-backed Houthis have begun enforcing their blockade of Saudi Arabia, striking oil tankers in the Red Sea as new reporting points to a deeper and more direct Iranian role behind the escalation.PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 23rd, 2026: Has Russia Entered The Iran War? & Ukraine’s Drone Breakthrough
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
First— U.S. intelligence officials are investigating whether Russia helped Iran target CIA facilities across the Middle East, raising new questions about how deeply Moscow may be involved in Tehran’s war effort. Later— The United States and Ukraine reach a landmark drone agreement that could bring combat-tested Ukrainian technology to America for evaluation, joint production, and eventual use by the Pentagon.To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President’s Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com.
Please remember to subscribe if you en...
Report: Iran Is Sending IRGC Troops Into Yemen & Israel's Election Battle
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
Growing signs suggest Iran is taking a more direct role in the Houthi campaign against Red Sea shipping, with new reports indicating Tehran has begun flying Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps personnel directly into Yemen.PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 22nd, 2026: Zelensky Just Fired Ukraine's Top General & Saudi Nuclear Pact
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
Ukraine's wartime leadership is thrown into turmoil after President Volodymyr Zelensky dismisses the country's top military commander following days of rare public protests and growing divisions over how the war against Russia should be fought. The Trump administration reaches a landmark nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia that could allow the kingdom to enrich its own nuclear fuel, raising fresh concerns in Washington and Israel about the risks of nuclear proliferation.To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President’s Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPr...
The Iran War Just Reached a Dangerous Turning Point & Ukraine’s Leadership Crisis
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
After eleven consecutive nights of U.S. airstrikes, American intelligence agencies are warning that airpower alone may not be enough to force Iran to change course.PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 21st, 2026: Report: Iran Has A New Nuclear Fortress & Cuba's U.S. Threats
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
New Israeli intelligence suggests Iran has moved key parts of its nuclear program into the heavily fortified Pickaxe Mountain complex, raising concerns that Tehran is shifting critical nuclear assets into a site designed to withstand future airstrikes. We explain why the underground fortress could become America's next military target. The State Department is warning that Cuba-linked groups are reportedly preparing coordinated nationwide actions targeting U.S. military bases, ICE facilities, and other federal sites if tensions between Washington and Havana continue to escalate.To listen to the show ad-free...
