Trump and Johnson vs. Thune

Trump and Johnson vs. Thune

Author: Punchbowl News March 31, 2026 Duration: 13:14
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is under increasing pressure from all sides — including from President Donald Trump — following his tumultuous split with Speaker Mike Johnson over DHS funding. Jake and Anna break down the latest. Plus, can Trump force Congress to come back? Watch this episode on YouTube here! Punchbowl News is on YouTube⁠. ⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to our channel today to see all the new ways⁠⁠ ⁠we’re investing in video.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress?⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news.⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every weekday morning, The Daily Punch cuts through the noise to deliver a clear-eyed view from the corridors of power. This isn't about distant analysis; it's an insider's perspective on the forces shaping Washington, brought to you directly by Punchbowl News founders Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman. Their experience as journalists and best-selling authors informs each conversation, focusing on the people, the personal dynamics, and the real stakes behind every headline. You'll hear candid discussions that go beyond the press releases, offering context on how decisions are actually made on Capitol Hill and in the White House. Tuning into this podcast means getting an unfiltered look at the intersection of policy and politics, understanding not just what is happening, but who is driving it and why. It's for anyone who wants to move past the surface-level news cycle and grasp the underlying mechanisms of government. The daily episodes are built on deep sourcing and a straightforward approach, demystifying the day's major issues without the typical spin. For a direct line to the key players and pivotal moments in American politics, this is the essential listen.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Daily Punch
Podcast Episodes
The GOP’s affordability crunch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:10
Vulnerable Republicans have a big political problem on their hands. Jake breaks down the GOP’s political crunch over affordability in the upcoming midterm elections. Plus, Democrats unveil a sweeping list of demands for…
What happens with DHS funding in 9 days? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:58
With most of the government funded through Sept. 30, DHS is now facing a funding cliff in just nine days. Anna and Jake break down why there’s no deal in sight and what options leaders have next. Plus, AIPAC faces its fi…
The shutdown should end today [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:39
The government shutdown is set to end — but another funding cliff is already looming. Jake breaks down the latest and why DHS funding is headed for another fight in 10 days. Plus: The Clintons seek a last-minute deal to…
Shutdown: What to expect today [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:22
The government is shut down…again. Jake breaks down how a Senate-White House deal on funding could blow up in the House, why Jeffries doesn’t feel bound by it, and what that means for Johnson as Republicans try to move a…
Readback: The Senate’s funding fight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:04
The Senate passed a government funding deal to avert a partial shutdown Friday with almost no time to spare, but it wasn’t easy getting there. This story was featured in The Readback, our weekend digest featuring the bes…
The Senate-W.H. deal problem [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:41
Can the Senate land a funding deal before the shutdown deadline? Anna and Jake break down the latest negotiations and Sen. Lindsey Graham’s roadblock. Plus: New polling from Sen. Tom Cotton’s PAC on ICE and immigration e…
The Schumer and W.H. funding talks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:52
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and the White House are negotiating a framework to pass five of the six outstanding FY2026 funding bills as the shutdown clock ticks. Anna and Jake discuss the details. Plus, what a S…
Senate searches for an out [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:33
Senate Republicans are going deal-hunting with skeptical Democrats to avert a government shutdown. Jake and Anna break down the latest in the race to fund the government. Plus: Secretary of State Marco Rubio faces a high…
Trump is backed into a corner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:07
President Donald Trump has his back against a wall after the deadly Minneapolis shootings, with fallout hitting DHS funding talks and looming shutdown politics. Jake and Anna break down how Democratic candidates are reca…