CNN Political Briefing: Behind the Scenes of Trump’s Comeback

First: The Epstein outrage cycle shows no signs of letting up after the Justice Department fired a top prosecutor in the case, who also happens to be the daughter near the top of the president's enemies list.  Plus: We have brand new CNN polling that shows Democrats can't wait to vote in next year's midterms. It's an enthusiasm advantage that could pay dividends for the party, except for another unusual finding in our poll.   And: Will Bert and Ernie have to get a third roommate to help cover the rent now that the Senate just cut off funding for public broadcasting?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Responding to a question about the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein controversy, President Trump claims Republicans "got duped by the Democrats" and attacks his own supporters for questioning AG Pam Bondi's assertion that there is no "client list" nor conspiracy surrounding Epstein's death.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: We bring you brand new CNN polling on the Jeffrey Epstein saga. Do Americans think their government is hiding something?  Plus: President Trump's plan to take apart the Department of Education gets a thumbs up from the Supreme Court. It means the department could be virtually eliminated without permission from Congress.  And: Democrats in Arizona will pick a candidate to replace a 77-year-old congressman who died in office. Will it be a Gen Z with a big social media presence who just barely meets the age threshold?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Crisis control. As President Trump nears six months in office, he threatens new tariffs and ramped-up ICE raids. But amid backlash to his bill and a MAGA world mutiny, can the president take back the narrative? And: Survivor. One year after he was shot, how has the assassination attempt shaped Trump? A new book has fresh details on that fateful day. Plus: Exclusive. As Trump hits the road to sell his new law, CNN’s Manu Raju caught up with Senator Lisa Murkowski facing heat for her vote.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash presses White House Border Czar Tom Homan over Trump’s immigration crackdown amid chaotic ICE raids in California. Next, California Sen. Alex Padilla sits down with Dana to respond. Then, Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales joins Dana amid growing calls for accountability after the deadly floods in his state. Finally, CNN Political Commentators David Urban and Kristen Soltis Anderson, Democratic Strategist Faiz Shakir, and Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell join Dana to break down MAGA’s revolt over Trump’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The president and the first lady are on their way to a state ravaged by flooding. They'll arrive to pressing questions about vacancies inside the National Weather service and about red tape slowing federal help.  Plus: A candidate's wife shakes up an important primary by dropping a bomb about filing for divorce. She did it on social media, citing biblical grounds.  And: It's a bird. It's a plane. It's MAGA's latest culture war obsession: the new "Superman" movie.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Investigative reporter Josh Dawsey is co-author of a new deep dive into last year’s historic election, ⁠2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America⁠. He shares some of the most striking moments in the book — from Trump’s trip to the Fulton County Jail to take his mugshot to the buzzing scene at Mar-a-Lago days before his inauguration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The number of dead in Texas floods eclipses 100 families grappling with immeasurable loss. Could anything have been done to save their loved ones?  Plus: In a made-for-TV moment, President Trump is touted as a peacemaker while he defies his MAGA base by sending weapons to fuel a far-flung war.  And: While the calendar reads 2025, the California's governor's travels today send a message about 2028.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Politics is taking a back seat to the harrowing and devastating flooding disaster as the hope for a Texas miracle wanes. Rescue crews are trying to outrun the rain and find survivors clinging to life before floodwaters can descend on central Texas again. The death toll sits at 89, making it one of the most destructive floods in the United States in the past 100 years.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN’s Chief National Affairs Correspondent Jeff Zeleny and CNN’s Boris Sanchez cover the devastating flash flooding in central Texas. Sanchez is on the ground in Hunt, Texas. Hear from Texas officials who provide an update on the deadly flooding. Plus, President Trump signs a Texas disaster declaration. And, the midterm elections are 16 months away, but President Trump's mega bill is already shaping the competitive races that will help decide control of Congress. Will his legislation help Republicans or Democrats? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices