The Arena with Kasie Hunt

Senate GOP Faces Major Test on “Anti-Weaponization” Fund in Key Vote 03.06.2026 58мин

President Trump's suggests that he hasn't dropped the "anti-weaponization" fund, teeing up a collision course with Senate Republicans over it. President Trump takes questions live from the Oval Office. David Axelrod joins to discuss what we saw out of primaries last night in Iowa, California, and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Blanche: DOJ Not Moving Forward on the "Anti-Weaponization Fund" 03.06.2026 55мин

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche testifies that the Justice Department will not move forward with the administration's $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund. Senator Tim Kaine discusses his questioning of Secretary Rubio on Capitol Hill today, as well as Graham Platner's candidacy. Plus, voters head to the polls in high-stakes primaries across six states, including in California, where LA Mayor Karen Bass is fighting off an insurgent campaign by former reality TV star Spencer Pratt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

DOJ to Abide by Federal Ruling Pausing "Anti-Weaponization" Fund 02.06.2026 46мин

The DOJ said it would abide by a federal court ruling that pauses the Trump administration's $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund." Graham Platner's extramarital sexting stands to complicate an already controversial Senate race for Democrats. Senator Chris Murphy weighs in on Platner's candidacy and discusses his new book. Plus, the president proposes holding a MAGA rally to celebrate America's 250th after several musicians back out of a Trump-affiliated concert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bondi Defends DOJ's Handling of Epstein Files in Closed-Door Interview 30.05.2026 47мин

Congressman Ro Khanna, who questioned former Attorney General Pam Bondi today, talks to Kasie Hunt about what he heard in that deposition. The panel discusses a new ruling to halt the DOJ's "anti-weaponization" fund, and another that says the president cannot add his name to the Kennedy Center. President Trump finishes a meeting with advisers in the Situation Room about Iran. Plus, a cave rescue expert explains the risks involved in the ongoing Laos cave rescue efforts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump Admin Launches Plans to Put Trump on $250 Bill 29.05.2026 47мин

Kasie Hunt talks to the panel about the administration’s new plans to put President Trump on a $250 bill, and how that squares with other parts of the White House’s agenda. Rahm Emanuel weighs in. Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, discusses the tentative Iran agreement that is awaiting Trump’s sign off. Smith and the panel also weigh in on the latest comments from former First Lady Jill Biden denying that her husband experienced cognitive decline during his presidency. Plus, an arena rises on the White House lawn in preparation for a UFC fight next month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump: "I Don't Care About the Midterms" When it Comes to Iran 28.05.2026 47мин

Kasie Hunt talks to the panel about President Trump's latest comment about the midterms and his cabinet's portrayal of the U.S. economy. As he faces off against Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate general election, James Talarico walks back some of his "cringey" past comments. Former First Lady Jill Biden says in a new interview that she thought Joe Biden was "having a stroke" during that infamous 2024 CNN debate. Dem. Rep. Jason Crow and Alex Thompson, who wrote a book about Biden's decision to run, react. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bitter GOP Battle in the Texas Senate Primary Draws to a Close Tonight 27.05.2026 47мин

Kasie Hunt talks to the panel ahead of tonight's highly-anticipated Texas elections. Rep. Julia Johnson, who has been pitted against another Democrat for her House seat, weighs in. The top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, Sen. Mark Warner, discusses the latest on Iran talks as Trump's cabinet prepares to convene for a rare meeting at Camp David. Plus, President Trump says his physical exam today went "perfectly." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Major Sticking Points Remain as U.S., Iran Negotiate Peace Deal 25.05.2026 46мин

U.S. officials tell CNN they are optimistic that negotiations with Iran will hammer out two major sticking points: Iran’s existing nuclear material and its frozen assets. Plus, an interview with Democratic Congressman Jake Auchincloss. And—Pope Leo XIV’s new message on the moral dangers of artificial intelligence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tulsi Gabbard Resigning as Director of National Intelligence 23.05.2026 47мин

This afternoon, President Trump announced that Tulsi Gabbard has tendered her resignation as the director of national intelligence effective June 30th. The president also announced that Aaron Lukas will serve as the acting director of national intelligence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump Agenda Derailed by Senate GOP Revolt Over $1.8B DOJ Fund 22.05.2026 47мин

Kasie Hunt talks to the panel after the Senate leaves Washington, with Republicans saying they were blindsided by the Justice Department’s announcement of an "anti-weaponization" fund. Rep. Don Bacon weighs in. Rahm Emanuel discusses what is in --and crucially, not in-- the DNC's 2024 "autopsy" report. Plus, a committee stacked with Trump loyalists approves his arch design. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Officers Who Defended Capitol Sue to Stop DOJ’s New $1.8B Fund 21.05.2026 47мин

Kasie Hunt talks to the panel after two January 6th officers attempt to block the rioters who assaulted them from receiving payouts from the administration's new "anti-weaponization" fund. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, who recently pressed acting attorney general Todd Blanche over the fund, weighs in. President Trump continues his endorsement winning streak, though his involvement could complicate his agenda in the Senate. Plus, the Justice Department indicts former Cuban leader Raul Castro for his alleged role in the 1996 downing of two civilian aircraft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vance Won't Rule Out Compensating Jan. 6 Rioters Who Assaulted Cops 20.05.2026 47мин

Kasie Hunt talks to the panel after Vice President JD Vance and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche wouldn't rule out compensating Jan. 6 rioters who assaulted cops through the administration's new "anti-weaponization" fund. Republican Senators say they are "disappointed" in President Trump's long-awaited endorsement in the Texas GOP Senate primary. Voters from coast to coast head to polls to cast their ballots in crucial primaries that will shape the 2026 midterms. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffenspereger, who is running for governor, weigh in on the races in their states. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Police: At Least 3 killed in Shooting at San Diego’s Largest Mosque 19.05.2026 57мин

Kasie Hunt talks to law enforcement experts about a shooting at the Islamic Center in San Diego. Police provide an update on the investigation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Demonstrations Planned Across the South Amid Redistricting Battles 16.05.2026 46мин

Phil Mattingly talks to the panel as South Carolina lawmakers begin redistricting during a special session. Organizers plan demonstrations across the South amid new redistricting pushes. Following his historic summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Trump said he "made no commitment either way" on Taiwan. Rep. Ro Khanna reacts. Plus, a taco expert tells us where to get the best taco in Texas after Senate candidate James Talarico's order sparked a debate across the state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former FBI Director Comey on Trump’s Retribution 15.05.2026 47мин

In exclusive new CNN reporting, a source says that acting Attorney General Todd Blanche was informed by the DOJ’s top ethics official last year that he must recuse himself from any cases that involve Donald Trump in his personal capacity. Former FBI Director James Comey joins to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WH to Congress: $220,000,000 Needed to Secure Ballroom 14.05.2026 47мин

Kasie Hunt talks to the panel as the White House tells Congress it will need $200 million to secure President Trump's ballroom project. Trump is expected to encourage Chinese President Xi Jinping to push Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee discusses the two-day summit with Xi in China. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries eyes a massive redistricting push for 2028. Plus, the South Carolina Supreme Court overturns Alex Murdaugh's double-murder conviction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump Says He Doesn't "Think About Americans' Financial Situation" During Iran Talks 13.05.2026 46мин

Kasie Hunt talks to the panel about new polling that shows just how few Americans feel optimistic about the economy. More southern states move to redraw their 2026 maps in ways that could eliminate seats held by Black Democrats. Rep. Shomari Figures, who may lose his seat due to Alabama's implementation of a new map, weighs in. Rep. Jason Crow discusses the FBI director's Hill testimony and Trump's meeting with China's Xi Jinping this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Iran Ceasefire on "Massive Life Support," Trump Says 12.05.2026 46мин

Kasie Hunt talks to Brett McGurk, a former Middle East advisor to four presidents, after President Trump says the Iran ceasefire is on "massive life support." The panel discusses the backlash facing the transportation secretary over his participation in a new reality show featuring his family's roadtrip across the U.S. amid high gas prices. Eighteen people are being monitored for hantavirus in the U.S. Epidemiologist Dr. Celine Gounder assesses the country's level of preparedness. Secretary Hegseth accuses Democratic Senator Mark Kelly of revealing classified information. Plus, a newly-unveiled golden statue at a Trump golf course is raising some eyebrows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump Celebrates Major Court Setback for Democrats on Midterms 09.05.2026 47мин

Kasie Hunt talks to the panel after the Virginia Supreme Court deals a major blow to Democrats' bid to win back the House in November. Consumer sentiment hits a new low, despite a better-than-expected jobs report. Maggie Haberman discusses how the president is thinking about the 2026 midterms. Rep. Chris Deluzio weighs in as well. The U.S. continues to wait for a response from Iran on a proposal to end the war. Plus, Dr. Megan Ranney shares what you need to know about the hantavirus as health officials worldwide scramble to track the deadly virus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rubio Meets Pope Leo as Trump Continues Attacks on Pontiff 08.05.2026 47мин

Kasie Hunt talks to the panel about Secretary of State Marco Rubio's meeting with the Pope and a video that the Secretary posted that looked an awful lot like a campaign ad. Father Edward Beck discusses the gifts exchanged between the Pope and Rubio. Ret. Admiral James Stavridis discusses the status of the Strait of Hormuz as the U.S. expects Iran to respond to its proposal today. Plus, a federal appeals court appeared poised to side with Sen. Mark Kelly in his free speech fight with the Pentagon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices