The Daily Punch

Latest Episodes:

Trump drags GOP through Iran war Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

President Donald Trump is dragging Republicans through the Iran war, with his recent rhetoric presenting the conference with a political mess. Punchbowl News Deputy Congressional Editor Robert O’Shaughnessy discusses the latest. Plus, reconciliation is back — but a few things could go wrong.

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Readback: A pro forma of a different kind Apr 04, 2026

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Andrew and Max discuss how DHS funding talks led to an unusual Senate pro forma session Thursday. This story was featured in The Readback, our weekend digest featuring the best of Punchbowl News this week.

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The Senate strikes back Apr 03, 2026

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House Republicans are in open revolt after a nearly three-hour call Thursday, during which Speaker Mike Johnson pitched them on passing the Senate’s DHS minus ICE and CBP funding bill. Jake and Anna break down the latest. Plus, what to look out for in President Donald Trump’s FY2027 budget.

Watch this episode on YouTube here!

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The AI Innovators: Cybersecurity Apr 02, 2026

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In this latest installment of The AI Innovators, Anna Palmer speaks with Punchbowl News Special Projects Reporter Shania Shelton about how artificial intelligence is advancing cybersecurity by enabling advanced defenses that can respond in a fraction of the time.

AI also complicates cybersecurity efforts by equipping malicious actors with new tools to outmaneuver defense systems.

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Reconciliation 2.0: Challenges, Opportunities and Tensions Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

President Donald Trump addressed the nation last night on the Iran war. Jake and Anna unpack what Trump did (and didn’t) say, and what it all means for Congress. Plus, the latest on DHS funding — and how a Truth Social post from the president set a plan in motion.

Watch this episode on YouTube here!

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Could Dems blow it in Virginia? Apr 01, 2026

Show notes

In 20 days, Virginia voters will decide if their legislature is allowed to gerrymander the state’s congressional map to turn 10 of the 11 House seats blue for the midterms. But Democrats are growing increasingly skittish about the referendum. Jake and Anna discuss the latest.

Plus, President Donald Trump’s controversial new executive order on mail-in voting is setting off a furor among Democrats and voting rights groups.

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Trump and Johnson vs. Thune Mar 31, 2026

Show notes

Senate Majority Leader John Thune is under increasing pressure from all sides — including from President Donald Trump — following his tumultuous split with Speaker Mike Johnson over DHS funding. Jake and Anna break down the latest. Plus, can Trump force Congress to come back?

Watch this episode on YouTube here!

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Republicans' DHS mess Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

Now on Day 44, the record-breaking DHS funding impasse has turned into a political disaster for Republicans. Jake and Anna break down where things stand with both the House and Senate on recess. Plus, what we're watching this week — from SCOTUS decisions to the latest job report.

Watch this episode on YouTube here!

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Readback: The Hill's spring tech bloom Mar 28, 2026

Show notes

Ben Brody breaks down the latest quarterly Tech edition, which includes the latest on KOSA and chips export issues. This story was featured in The Readback, our weekend digest featuring the best of Punchbowl News this week.

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Senate passes DHS funding — without ICE and CBP Mar 27, 2026

Show notes

After 41 days, the Senate voted early Friday morning to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security, excluding ICE and CBP, ending the bitter impasse. So, what now? Anna and Jake break it all down. Plus, how Rep. Diana DeGette could get knocked off the ballot in Colorado’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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