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The Senate GOP’s rough days Jun 05, 2026

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The Senate is in a bad place after GOP leaders just spent 18 hours trying to quell a rebellion from within their own ranks that threatened passage of their $70 billion immigration-enforcement funding package.

Anna and Jake discuss the latest. Plus, Fetterman allows a Trump judge to advance.

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Fly Out Day: Sen. Ted Cruz on his quest to change college sports Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

Sen. Ted Cruz joined Jake Sherman to unpack the Protect College Sports Act — what it means for student athletes, schools and more. Plus: A deep dive into Texas politics. Stick around: Texas Tribune's DC Correspondent Gabby Birenbaum and our own Policy Reporter Samantha Handler keep the conversation going with That's Not Gonna Fly!

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A messy day in store for the Senate Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

Senate GOP leaders face a brutal day on Capitol Hill. As Republicans try to push through reconciliation and a FISA extension, President Donald Trump’s recent moves are creating major headaches for Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso.

Jake and Defense Reporter Anthony Adragna discuss the latest. Plus, how NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s decision to endorse against CHC Chair Adriano Espaillat is threatening Mamdani’s relationships with influential Latinos on Capitol Hill.

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AI has a Democrat problem Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

Top executives from artificial intelligence giants are making regular visits to Capitol Hill. Yet their message seems to have landed on deaf ears with top Democrats. Jake breaks it all down ahead of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s visit today.

Plus, Punchbowl News Defense Reporter Anthony Adragna discusses the latest FISA drama surrounding President Donald Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence.

Watch this episode on YouTube here!

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Trump's losing streak Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

President Donald Trump is suddenly taking losses from his own friends and allies, especially on Capitol Hill.

From Trump’s White House ballroom security funding to his “anti-weaponization” fund, Anna and Jake discuss the latest. Plus, inside a big primary day and what we’re watching.

Watch this episode on YouTube here!

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Reconciliation is getting much harder Jun 01, 2026

Show notes

With five months until Election Day, Congress returns to a tough legislative environment, as lawmakers face a major challenge: two of the president’s key priorities conflict.

Anna and Jake discuss the latest on reconciliation. Plus, a breakdown of the highway bill’s next hurdles.

Watch this episode on YouTube here!

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Readback: Crisscrossing the Hawkeye State May 30, 2026

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Max and Laura discuss Iowa Democrats' optimism in the upcoming midterms and what to expect when Congress returns after recess. This story was featured in The Readback, our weekend digest featuring the best of Punchbowl News this week.

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Iowa could be big for Democrats in '26 May 29, 2026

Show notes

Iowa Democrats are dreaming big in 2026, aiming to flip the governor’s mansion, a Senate seat and three House districts.

Anna and Jake discuss Max Cohen’s latest on-the-ground reporting on the Democrats’ very tall task. Plus, who’s up and who’s down in this week’s Punch Power Matrix.

Watch this episode on YouTube here!

Punchbowl News is on YouTube⁠. ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to our channel today to see all the new ways⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠we’re investing in video.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Trump's shocking admission about 2026 May 28, 2026

Show notes

President Donald Trump made a startling admission on Wednesday while meeting with his Cabinet. “I don’t care about the midterms,” Trump told reporters when asked about the Iran war.

Punchbowl News Reporters Brendan Pedersen and Laura Weiss discuss the latest developments. Plus, inside the toss-up race for Iowa’s 1st District.

Watch this episode on YouTube here!

Punchbowl News is on YouTube⁠. ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to our channel today to see all the new ways⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠we’re investing in video.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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What Paxton’s victory means May 27, 2026

Show notes

With President Donald Trump’s eleventh-hour backing, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton defeated Sen. John Cornyn in the Texas Senate GOP primary runoff by a whopping 28-point margin.

Deputy Congressional Editor Robert O’Shaughnessy discusses the latest developments. Plus, what the NDAA says about defense hawks.

Watch this episode on YouTube here!

Punchbowl News is on YouTube⁠. ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to our channel today to see all the new ways⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠we’re investing in video.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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