CNN Inside Politics

First: It's been 38 days since the election, and 38 days from now, President-elect Donald Trump will take the oath of office for the second time. We've got the latest on the transition, including how Pete Hegseth's path to confirmation is looking a bit smoother, while Robert F Kennedy Jr.'s may be getting a bit rockier. 

Plus: Trump says he may pardon January 6 rioters within minutes of taking office. We have new CNN reporting on whether that will include the hundreds of defendants accused of assaulting police officers that day. 

And: He may be the most powerful figure in Trump world that you have never heard of. We'll tell you about the 38-year-old conservative in charge of hiring thousands of Trump loyalists to staff the federal government. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: For the second time, Time names Donald Trump "Person of the Year," giving him the recognition he craves while revealing crucial details about what America's health programs, justice system and foreign policy will look like when he takes the oath of office just 39 days from now. 

Plus: Democratic Senator John Fetterman says his party can't "freak out" about everything Trump does. Today, he'll sit down with the president-elect's controversial choice to lead the Pentagon - the first Democrat to meet with any of Trump's cabinet picks. 

And: Dana talks to a top Democrat about the FBI director's decision to step aside so Donald Trump can dramatically reshape the bureau in his image. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Results of a brand new CNN poll show most Americans approve of how Donald Trump is handling his transition to the White House, and are optimistic about his presidency. 

Plus: Officials now have forensic evidence tying Luigi Mangione to the exact spot UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down in Manhattan as investigators track down new clues about a potential motive. 

And: Rows of Lamborghinis and Ferraris are among the luxuries CNN saw in our inside look at former Syrian President's Bashar al-Assad's opulent palace. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: We're getting new details about the investigation into a privileged young man charged with murdering one of the top business leaders in America, including how he was reported missing just weeks before the shooting. 

Plus: Last week, the Pete Hegseth nomination was on life support. Today, once- skeptical GOP senators appear to be rallying behind Donald Trump's pick to run the Pentagon. 

And: Dana speaks with a former hostage who spent 51 days in Hamas captivity. Her husband remains a prisoner. She shares excruciating details about the treatment she endured and has a message for both President Biden and President-elect Trump. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins, police were questioning a 26-year-old man in Pennsylvania in connection with the killing of UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson earlier this week in New York City. CNN's Brynn Gingras and John Miller join Dana with the latest on the case. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Assad toppled. The Syrian dictator's regime collapses in a stunning overnight victory for rebel forces. As Donald Trump returns to the world stage in France. How will the president-elect handle his global tests?

Plus: Digging in. New comments from Trump show he's standing by his man.

And: Times up for TikTok? A federal court clears the way for a TikTok ban in just six weeks. But as 170 million Americans brace for change, will Trump enforce it?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Breaking news on possible DNA evidence related to the Manhattan CEO murder and new information on how investigators are trying to close in on the gunman's identity. 

Plus: Donald Trump boosts his embattled Pentagon pick, posting "Pete is a winner." It's a new public show of support for a nomination that is essentially hanging by a thread. 

And: Dana discusses preemptive pardon possibilities with Democratic powerbroker Jim Clyburn. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: We bring you new developments on the hunt for an assassin who took out one of the most powerful business leaders in America. The search is accompanied by growing law enforcement concern that more than 24 hours after the Manhattan murder, the suspect could be anywhere. 

Plus: Refusing to retreat, Donald Trump's embattled Pentagon pick says he has the full support of the president-elect. Nevertheless, some Republican senators remain skeptical, including one who's dropping some not-so-subtle, not-so-positive hints about him. 

And: Dana talks to a powerful Republican committee chair who will meet with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy today. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins we're still learning about the shocking murder of United Health Care CEO Brian Thompson this morning outside the Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan. Our coverage begins with a live report from CNN correspondent Brynn Gingras. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: South Korea, a key US ally, is reeling after its democratically elected president declared martial law. CNN is live on the ground with the latest. 

Plus: Booze, unwanted advances and an Islamophobic chant are some only some of the new allegations facing Donald Trump's pick to run the Pentagon. 

And: Top strategists from both parties will debate the question many are grappling with in the political environment: What's the moral high ground? 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices