CNN Political Briefing: What Made These Special Elections...Special

Democrats celebrated a victory in a Wisconsin state supreme court race while Republicans secured two wins in special elections in Florida this week. The races were a window into how voters are feeling a few months into Trump's second term. Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler explains why his state saw a surge in voter turnout, while Florida Republican Party Chair Ben Power shares his take on GOP margins shrinking since November. Have a question or a guest you'd like to hear from? Let us know. Email us at [email protected] or give us a call at (202) 430-5460. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Dow is on its way to another quadruple-digit loss due to President Trump's global trade war. This morning, China became the first country to retaliate, slapping a 34% tariff on American-made goods. And yet there's also some good news the US economy today: a much-stronger-than-expected-jobs report. Our extensive coverage of the current economic turmoil begins with CNN's Vanessa Yurkevich.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's show begins as stocks are having their worst day since 2022. The reason: Donald Trump's trade war. But just before we came on the air, the president's commerce secretary advised everybody to "relax" and "trust" Trump.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: We're a few hours away from President Trump unveiling sweeping new tariffs that could reshape the global economy and shatter relationships with key US allies.  Plus: Democrats are celebrating a win in Wisconsin after their favorite candidate beat the Conservative Elon Musk backed by 10 points. Is it a blip or a real boost for the party?  And: Nine Republicans sink Mike Johnson's push to block remote voting after the birth of a child. Why is the self-described pro-family Speaker choosing this battle to fight?    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Voters in Wisconsin and Florida are heading to the polls right now to cast the first ballots of President Trump's second term. CNN is on the ground with the latest on the $90 million race dominated by Elon Musk, plus the two special elections that could have a major impact on the House GOP's incredibly slim majority.  Plus: Senator Cory Booker's marathon floor speech continues into its 17th hour. He promises to keep blasting Donald Trump and Elon Musk as long as he's physically able.  And: The Trump administration admits it sent a Maryland man to a super prison in El Salvador accidentally. So why isn't he heading home?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: More of President Trump's harsh tariffs are scheduled to become effective this week. The only thing certain is uncertainty, which markets don't love.  Plus: The political world is focused on Wisconsin and Florida, with the first major elections since Donald Trump reclaimed the White House. The crucial question is what impact Elon Musk and his minions will have this time around?  And: A "toxic, problematic elite." This is how top Democrats are describing their own party. What's their plan to fix it? Dana speaks to a top senator.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On CNN’s State of the Union, Republican Sen. James Lankford joins Dana Bash to discuss the fallout from the Trump administration’s Signal chat leak, as well as the impact from President Trump’s escalating trade war. Then, Dana asks Democratic Governor and potential 2028 candidate Wes Moore about Democrats struggle to find a path forward under the Trump administration. Finally, CNN Senior Political Commentator Scott Jennings, CNN Political Commentator Shermichael Singleton, Michigan State Sen. Mallory McMorrow, and former Biden Chief Pentagon Spokesman Chris Meagher spar over the seriousness of the signal leak and what a winning political strategy for Democrats moving forward looks like. Dana also asks McMorrow about her political future as she weighs a run for US Senate in Michigan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Crack down. Trump clamps down on dissent at home, while he downplays voters' worries over prices and the concerns over his national security team. Is Trump changing America for good? And: GOP jitters. Elon Musk pays up ahead of a GOP test at the ballot box. As one of the most vulnerable Democrats tells me why he thinks the tide is turning for his party. And: Defying gravity. Bill Nye on how upcoming NASA cuts could change the space race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins, Vice President JD Vance has just landed at a US Space Force outpost in Greenland near the Arctic Circle. The government in Greenland wants no part in this visit, so it's taking place at the military base 1,000 miles from the capital of Nuuk. Meanwhile in Washington, President Trump spoke with new Canadian leader Mark Carney this morning, a day after Carney declared his relationship with the US "broken." But Trump characterized the call as "extremely productive."    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump administration is still under fire after plans for a military strike on Yemen were leaked via a group chat that mistakenly included the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic. Olivia Troye was a former national security official during the first Trump administration. She shares her take on the potential dangers of what happened here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices