Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the influence wielded by Elon Musk, especially in regard to the Congressional budget process. They also talk about a new Newsweek article by Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Chair of the House Progressive Caucus, on how the Democrats can regain power by “unrigging” the system and Politifact’s annual poll of its readers, ranking ten whoppers told by politicians over the past year. Next, Tom speaks with White House reporter Phil Wegmann about America Fest. Then finally, in his most recent interview for the video series “The Unknowns,” RCP contributor Charlie Stone talks to legal analyst and journalist Jack Ford about the defense’s strategy in the upcoming trial of Luigi Mangione for the murder of healthcare executive Brian Thompson.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Trump’s rejection of Congress’ Continuing Budget Resolution and what it means for Speaker Mike Johnson’s future. They also talk about a new article from the Wall Street Journal on operations at the White House during the Biden administration, and how the staff reportedly adjusted the president’s schedule and availabilities to compensate for his declining health. Plus, they chat about George Stephanopoulos' new contract at ABC News in the wake of the company’s decision to settle President-elect Trump’s defamation suit and they look at the Amazon strike and Trump’s relations with the Teamsters. Then finally, Andrew talks about new developments in drone warfare with Thom Shanker, former Pentagon correspondent for the New York Times and co-author of the book, "Age of Danger: Keeping America Safe in an Era of New Superpowers, New Weapons and New Threats".

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss whether Trump will force federal workers to end remote work, and a new Emerson Poll shows that 41 percent of Americans under 30 think the murder of healthcare executive Brian Thompson was “acceptable. They also talk about CNN reporter Clarissa Ward’s blockbuster video report from a Syrian jail - a report that turned out to be false. The man she helped “free” from the prison has since been identified as a first lieutenant in Syrian air force intelligence with a long history of alleged war crimes. Next, RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann and Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) discuss Congress' last minute efforts to pass a continuing budget resolution, an end of the year spending bill that Roy condemns as "a blank check." Roy also provides a behind-the-scenes look at a recent meeting with Elon Musk and members of Congress. And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to Fox News Senior Political Analyst Juan Williams about Trump’s agenda and the challenges he will face from Republicans and Democrats during his first 100 days. Also a preview of Williams’ latest book, "New Prize for These Eyes: The Rise of America’s Second Civil Rights Movement".

Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Phil Wegmann discuss the Trump presser, the Army-Navy game, and Trump's nominations. They also talk about Kamala Harris running for CA Governor and the ABC News settlement with Trump. Next, Tom Bevan talks with Sean Trende about Trump's positive transition ratings and the 2026 midterms. And wrapping it up, Carl Cannon chats with Charles Lipson about the mysterious drone sightings.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon talk about TIME magazine’s new cover article on Donald Trump and a new report on the FBI’s involvement in the events of January 6th, and media coverage of the report's revelations. They also discuss how Treasury Secretary Janet Yellin has changed her mind about the danger of the national debt, and drone sightings have spread beyond New Jersey to neighboring states. What does the government know? And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to RCP contributor Charlie Tidmarsh, author of the “This Week in Censorship” column, about the State Department’s closing of the Global Engagement Center, and Jay Bhatacharya’s nomination to head the National Institutes of Health.

Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss news that President Joe Biden will commute the sentences of 1,500 people and pardon 39 more, amid speculation that preemptive pardons are planned for Dr. Anthony Fauci and other top policymakers. Also, under pressure from Donald Trump, FBI Director Christopher Wray announces that he’ll step down before serving his full term. They also talk about Trump’s announcement that he wants Arizona’s Kari Lake to head the US government’s international broadcasting agency. Plus, Meta, parent company to Facebook and Instagram, will donate $1 million to help fund Trump’s inaugural festivities, a move viewed as a signal that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg wants to work with the incoming Trump administration. Next, Carl Cannon talks to RealClear Science editor Ross Pomeroy about Trump’s nominees to head two key health agencies. And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to Wall Street Journal columnist William Galston about the future of the N.E.D., which is reportedly targeted by Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency for elimination.

Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende discuss recent statements by Congressional Democrats who say they look forward to working with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to cut government waste, especially at the Pentagon. They also chat about whether Donald Trump can end birthright citizenship, or whether the 14th Amendment to the Constitution blocks him from doing so and they examine whether President Biden should give blanket pardons to government officials he fears will be persecuted by Donald Trump. Plus, N. Y. District Attorney Alvin Bragg is up for election in 2025. Will he face a challenger? Then finally, Tom Bevan talks to RCP contributor Richard Porter about the hit movie Gladiator II, and whether it is an allegory for Donald Trump’s political comeback.

Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss what we now know about the background and political views of Luigi Mangione, the suspected assassin of United HealthCare CEO Brian Thompson, and the public's reaction to the latest news about the murder. They also ponder the reason why Democratic senators have so far declined to meet with Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence, former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard. Next, Andrew and Carl talk to political scientist Lara M. Brown about Tuesday’s speech by President Biden at the Brooking Institution where he defended his administration’s economic record. Also, a look at how the Biden presidency will be remembered by historians. Then, RealClearInvestigations reporter Julie Kelly and Carl Cannon discuss her recent RCP article outlining how the Justice Department has pressed forward with arresting and trying January Sixth Defendants, despite President-elect Donald Trump’s pledge to pardon some of them.

Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss the politics of two criminal cases that have captured public attention, the collapse of Assad regime in Syria, and reactions to comments Trump made to Kristen Welker in a major network interview. Next, Tom talks to founder and past president of the Democratic Leadership Council: Al From, about lessons from Bill Clinton’s rise in the early 1990s. And finally, Carl talks to RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about the challenges of covering Joe Biden as he prepares to wind down his administration.