State of America

Democrat Conor Lamb is poised for an upset victory in a district that overwhelmingly backed President Trump. And Republicans say it is a wake-up call. Plus, sources say the President is ready to purge his cabinet of "dead weight", despite his campaign vow to hire only the best people. Join John Avlon and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rex Tillerson becomes the latest Trump staffer to depart, after the President installs his CIA director Mike Pompeo at the State Department. And a top Tillerson aide says he learned about it via tweet. Plus, a source tells CNN that "winds of change" at the White House could mean even more shakeups. Join John Avlon and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump does a reversal on age limits for guns, as the White House rolls out a school safety plan. And Betsy DeVos, the Secretary of Education, stumbles when asked basic questions about U.S. schools - and sources say some Trump staffers are alarmed. Join John Avlon and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump stuns the world - and some of his staff - by agreeing to a face-to-face meeting with Kim Jong Un. The news rounds out a wild week for the White House, full of staff departures, trade war threats and, of course, Stormy Daniels. Join Joe Johns and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

U.S. markets take tumble after Gary Cohn quits as President Trump's top economic adviser. And porn star Stormy Daniels sues the President, saying the hush deal about their alleged affair is void. Join Joe Johns and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump says North Korea's decision to halt its missile tests, while talks continue, is "very positive" --- but adds that the U.S. is prepared to take any action that is necessary. And a former Trump campaign adviser goes from defying Robert Mueller to cooperating with him. Join Joe Johns and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump says he won't back down on tariffs, as Republicans in Congress increasingly urge him to scrap the idea. And the President praises Xi Jinping's recent power grab - joking that China's "president for life" could be a model for the U.S. Join Joe Johns and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's been a wild ride at the White House this week filled with infighting, staff turnover and fears of a trade war. President Donald Trump is defending his announcement on steel tariffs, tweeting that trade wars can be good. This comes amid rumors of more potential White House departures. Join Joe Johns and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hope Hicks resigns, leaving the White House without a communications director and President Trump without one of his closest confidantes. And the rift widens between the President and Jeff Sessions - and now Sessions is fighting back. Join Joe Johns and the panelTo learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jared Kushner loses his top-secret security clearance after John Kelly implements changes. And Robert Mueller has his eye on President Trump's business dealings with Russia before the 2016 campaign - a move Trump previously said would cross a red line. Join Joe Johns and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The White House says President Trump "still supports" raising the age limit to buy certain guns, after sources suggested he might be changing his mind. And Ivanka Trump's diplomatic turn at the Olympics sparks new tensions in the West Wing - and with chief of staff John Kelly. Join Joe Johns and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald is pledging to find a way to eliminate the use of bump fire stocks in the wake of the latest school shooting. Trump also told state governors gathered at the White House not to be afraid of challenging the National Rifle Association. Join Joe Johns and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Students have spoken, politicians have listened.. now what? Will Trump be a president who effects change on the gun issue? Or will the NRA and fierce gun rights advocates dig in their heels? We discuss in today's State of America. Join us!To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump holds a listening session with survivors of the Florida school shooting as students rally nationwide for gun reform. And Jeff Sessions is back in the president's crosshairs for not investigating the Democrats on Russia (again). Join Suzanne Malveaux and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Press Secretary Sarah Sanders is back at the podium for the first White House briefing in a week. And her appearance comes as the Trump administration faces challenges on everything from the Russia probe to gun control. Join Suzanne Malveaux and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The White House says President Trump is open to improving the background check system, as calls grow louder for gun reform after last week's deadly school shooting. And an epic Twitter storm - even by Trump standards - as the President lashes out on the Russia probe. Join Suzanne Malveaux and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is thrust into the role of consoler-in-chief, after a school shooting in Florida leaves at least 17 dead. And the gun debate is once again the talk of Washington. Join Fredricka Whitfield and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After facing criticism for supporting a former aide accused of abuse, President Trump condemns domestic violence. And John Kelly's job seems to be safe - for now - after the President expresses confidence in his Chief of Staff. Join Fredricka Whitfield and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The FBI says it completed a background check of a former Trump aide accused of domestic abuse last July - and provided additional information in November. But the White House insists that it only learned the specifics about Rob Porter last week. Join Fredricka Whitfield and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump dismisses domestic abuse allegations against a former top aide in public - but slams him in private. And now his staff doesn't know where he stands on the issue. Plus, Mike Pence says the U.S. is open to talks with North Korea. Join Fredricka Whitfield and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump stands by Rob Porter, saying others must remember the disgraced aide says he is innocent of domestic violence claims. And Hope Hicks, the White House Communications Director who has been dating Porter, is now in the President's crosshairs over her efforts to contain the fallout. Join Kirsten Powers and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The White House on defense after Rob Porter, a top Trump aide, is accused of abusing his ex-wives. And John Kelly - who sources say knew about the allegations months ago - finds himself in the midst of another controversy. Join Kirsten Powers and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump asks the Pentagon for a parade to honor the military, after being inspired by a Bastille Day celebration in Paris. And the Senate reaches a bipartisan budget deal. Join Kirsten Powers and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Democrats' memo makes its way to the White House. Now the question is, will the President release it? And, after claiming credit for a surge in stocks, President Trump is silent on Wall Street's recent selloff. Join Kirsten Powers and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump says that Republican memo "totally vindicates" him ... but not all Republicans agree. And the Democrats push to release their own memo but will Trump agree to do so? Join Kirsten Powers and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump authorizes the release of that Republican memo, defying the FBI and the Justice Department. And when asked if he has confidence in Rod Rosenstein, Trump says "you figure that one out." Join Kirsten Powers and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The White House worries that President Trump's hand-picked FBI director, Christopher Wray, could quit over the release of that Nunes memo. That comes as CNN learns the President is telling close associates he thinks the memo could discredit the Russia probe. Join Kirsten Powers and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The FBI issues a warning over that controversial memo, citing "grave concerns" about the report's accuracy. And it comes as President Trump says he will "100 percent" release it. Join Kirsten Powers and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Republicans on the House Intel Committee vote to release a classified memo on the FBI - and Democrats are enraged. And President Trump prepares to deliver his first State of the Union address, as some lawmakers say they'll boycott his big speech. Join Kirsten Powers and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andrew McCabe, the FBI deputy director - and frequent Trump Twitter target - steps down, weeks ahead of his expected retirement. And a controversial and classified House memo could soon go public. Join Kirsten Powers and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A bombshell for the White House, as sources say President Trump wanted to fire Robert Mueller last June - but he backed off when counsel Don McGahn threatened to quit. And Nikki Haley vigorously denies rumors that she and the President are having an affair. Join Kirsten Powers and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump says he would "love" to talk to Robert Mueller - and that he'd "absolutely" talk to the special counsel under oath. Plus, Trump throws a curveball into the immigration negations saying he's open to a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers. Join Kirsten Powers and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Robert Mueller's Russia probe reaches a critical point, as sources say he wants to talk to President Trump. And the President makes headlines for reportedly asking the acting FBI director who he voted for in 2016. Join Kirsten Powers and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Special Counsel Robert Mueller's team has interviewed Attorney General Jeff Sessions and former FBI Director James Comey as part of the investigation into Russia's meddling in the 2016 election. And, speaking of the FBI, sources tell CNN that current director Christopher Wray threatened to resign in the wake of pressure from Attorney General Jeff Sessions to make staffing changes. Join Kirsten Powers and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump thanks the Democrats for coming "to their senses", as the Senate reaches a compromise to end the government shutdown. But the short-term funding bill is only good until February 8th ... and doesn't offer a concrete pledge to bring a DACA bill to the floor. Join Kirsten Powers and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the United States barrels toward a government shutdown, Americans are asking who's in charge here? Plus, reports Donald Trump's attorney paid a porn star for silence. Join Nia-Malika Henderson and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump warns a government shutdown could happen, while Paul Ryan scrambles to get fellow Republicans on board with a short-term plan to keep the doors open. And the President's chief of staff John Kelly is under fire, after saying Trump's campaign pledge for a border wall was "uninformed" and that Mexico won't pay for it. Join Nia-Malika Henderson and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arizona's junior senator Jeff Flake calls out President Trump, his fellow Republican, for his attacks on the press - and the White House says Flake just wants attention. Plus, Steve Bannon makes a deal to sit down with Bob Mueller's team. Join Nia-Malika Henderson and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump now says he wants immigrants from "everywhere", as the firestorm over his vulgar comments continues. And Steve Bannon testifies to the House Intel committee amid reports he is subpoenaed - by Bob Mueller. Join Nia-Malika Henderson and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join the panel!To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump sparks global outrage after saying immigrants to the U.S. from African nations hail from "sh*thole countries" and asking "Why do we need more Haitians? Take them out." And the President cancels an upcoming trip to the U.K., blaming Barack Obama for a decision made by George W. Bush. Join Nia-Malika Henderson and the panelTo learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump says it not once, not twice - but eight times: there was no collusion. But Mueller and Congress have yet to weigh in. And the White House touts an economic poll that gives credit to ... former President Obama? Join Nia-Malika Henderson and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump reminds us all that he is ratings gold, touting the "reviews" from his mind-boggling immigration meeting. And Steve Bannon gets booted from Breitbart ... will he ever get back into Trump's good graces? Join Nia-Malika Henderson and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An unprecedented look inside what would be a usually private meeting between President Trump and a bipartisan group of lawmakers. And a top Senate Democrat releases transcripts from a hearing with the co-founders of Fusion GPS. Join Nia-Malika Henderson and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump - and a slew of top aides - fire back at the author of "Fire and Fury" over claims Trump's fitness for office is questioned by those closest to him. Steve Bannon tries to get back into the President's good graces ... but a source says it is too little, too late. And Oprah 2020? Join Nia-Malika Henderson and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A source close to Attorney General Jeff Sessions says President Donald Trump tried to stop Sessions from recusing himself from the Russia investigation. Plus, the author of an explosive book about Trump says the book is accurate, despite the White House's attacks. Join Nia-Malika Henderson and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders faced a second day of questions about the revelations in the new book by Michael Wolff. Sanders called the book "complete fantasy" and characterized it as "sad" and "pathetic". She also downplayed President Trump's relationship with former adviser Steve Bannon, saying the two "were never particularly close". Join Nia-Malika Henderson and panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a new book by Michael Wolff, former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon calls the 2016 Trump Tower meeting "treasonous". The bombshell book also reveals details of the wild first year of Donald Trump's presidency. Trump is firing back claiming that Bannon "lost his mind". Join Nia-Malika Henderson and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Day two of 2018 and President Donald Trump is tweeting about Iran, North Korea, Pakistan and so much more. He's also focused on his aggressive legislative agenda for the new year. Join Nia-Malika Henderson and our panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump crosses off last minute agenda items before heading south to Florida. Trump signed the tax reform bill into law at a ceremony in the Oval Office and said his next focus will be on infrastructure. Plus, Trump gives an unusual gift to the media. Join Joe Johns and the panel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices