CNN Politics

First: A US official tells CNN that a Russian anti-aircraft system may have brought down the Azerbaijan Airlines flight that crashed yesterday in Central Asia, killing at least 38 people. The official tells us it may have been a case of mistaken identity.  Plus: They shunned him, but now they're looking to sway him. We've got new CNN reporting on the companies and executives writing seven-figure checks to Donald Trump's inaugural fund.  And: New details on how President Biden plans to end his presidency, including a last-minute foreign trip and a private meeting with the Pope.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: President-elect Trump has an audacious agenda and a plan to carry it out. But did the divide we saw last week inside the GOP signal big problems ahead?  Plus: Trump's pick for FCC chair writes what's been perceived as a vaguely threatening letter to Disney boss Bob Iger, promising a major crackdown on broadcast networks and tech companies he accuses of anti-conservative bias  And: We look at the enormous power Elon Musk will wield over American business, politics and culture once Trump moves back into the White House.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The House Ethics committee says it found evidence that Matt Gaetz committed multiple crimes while he was a sitting member of congress. We break down the bombshell report and what comes next for the close Trump ally.  Plus: President Biden moves 37 federal prisoners off death row. It's a remarkable transformation for a man who was once a champion of capital punishment.  And: After 15 years in the Senate, Joe Manchin leaves Washington. And he's not going quietly, telling our Manu Raju why the Democratic party's brand became toxic and how it can recover from a crushing defeat.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: In exactly 12 hours, the federal government will shut down unless Congress acts fast. Speaker Mike Johnson claims he now has a plan. But does he have the votes?  Plus: Who's the boss? Dana talks to a top Democratic senator about his party's negotiations behind the scenes, including why they think it is Elon Musk calling the shots in the GOP.  And: Where's Joe? The current president is noticeably out of sight as the government he runs braces for a potential shutdown. We have new reporting on the waning days of President Biden's administration.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today show begins, federal charges against Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, have just been unsealed. Our coverage begins with CNN senior crime and justice correspondent Shimon Prokupecz.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Donald Trump issues a not-so-veiled threat against a political enemy, signaling he may follow through on his promise to use his power of the presidency to pursue his opponents.  Plus: Matt Gaetz responds to a CNN report that the House Ethics Committee plans to release its report on his alleged sexual misconduct, saying the details that could could go public are embarrassing but not criminal.  And: California governor or another shot at the oval office? New reporting on Kamala Harris's next act, including what her closest advisers think she'll decide.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: It's RFK Jr.'s turn to pound the congressional marble as Donald Trump's pick for health secretary tries to convince key Republican senators to support his nomination despite conflicting views on one of the most important issues to the GOP: abortion.  Plus: We take you to state capitals across the country as presidential electors cast their votes this hour to formalize Donald Trump's victory.  And: Another community is in mourning after a 15-year-old girl opened fire in her Wisconsin school.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's show begins just after President-elect Donald Trump holds his first press conference since Election Day.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on a special edition of CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper sits down with former presidential candidate and Republican Senator Mitt Romney as he prepares to leave Washington after nearly two decades in politics. First, Romney reacts to Trump’s reelection and his controversial cabinet nominees, as well as concerns Trump could target him for retribution. Then, Romney reflects on his time in office as a governor, senator, and the Republican presidential nominee. Next, Senator Romney offers his insights on the evolution of the Republican Party and where he thinks the GOP will go from here. Finally, Jake asks Romney about his legacy and how he wants to be remembered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Honeymoon phase. Donald Trump taking a victory lap. But with controversial cabinet picks and a messy pressure campaign - Is it effective? How long will it last? Plus: Uncertain path. Democrats look to find their footing in Trump's Washington -- fight tooth and nail. Or cut deals? Who will lead them back to power. We'll have new reporting about Kamala Harris's plans, and I'll talk to a candidate who wants to run the DNC. And: A house divided. A GOP split over a bill protecting kids on social media. Speaker Johnson saying no. As Elon musk and Senate allies rally for it. Who holds the power in Trump's GOP? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: It's been 38 days since the election, and 38 days from now, President-elect Donald Trump will take the oath of office for the second time. We've got the latest on the transition, including how Pete Hegseth's path to confirmation is looking a bit smoother, while Robert F Kennedy Jr.'s may be getting a bit rockier.  Plus: Trump says he may pardon January 6 rioters within minutes of taking office. We have new CNN reporting on whether that will include the hundreds of defendants accused of assaulting police officers that day.  And: He may be the most powerful figure in Trump world that you have never heard of. We'll tell you about the 38-year-old conservative in charge of hiring thousands of Trump loyalists to staff the federal government.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN senior political analyst and editor for The Atlantic Ron Brownstein joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to break down how Vice President Kamala Harris’s top campaign leaders are explaining their loss. They discuss whether it was a winnable race for Harris and why the most shocking thing about this election may just be how normal it was. Plus, the moment Harris’s campaign leaders were most defensive about and the exit poll insight that gets at the heart of the results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: For the second time, Time names Donald Trump "Person of the Year," giving him the recognition he craves while revealing crucial details about what America's health programs, justice system and foreign policy will look like when he takes the oath of office just 39 days from now.  Plus: Democratic Senator John Fetterman says his party can't "freak out" about everything Trump does. Today, he'll sit down with the president-elect's controversial choice to lead the Pentagon - the first Democrat to meet with any of Trump's cabinet picks.  And: Dana talks to a top Democrat about the FBI director's decision to step aside so Donald Trump can dramatically reshape the bureau in his image.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scott Jennings is well known as a conservative firebrand on CNN. From working for George W. Bush to being mentioned as a possible press secretary for Donald Trump, Scott has a deep background in Republican politics, yet he considers himself a journalist at heart. Scott joined David to talk about his early days in radio news, his childhood in rural Kentucky, his formative relationship with Sen. Mitch McConnell, his role at CNN and what he sees as the need for conservative voices in mainstream media, and the friendship Scott and David share. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Results of a brand new CNN poll show most Americans approve of how Donald Trump is handling his transition to the White House, and are optimistic about his presidency.  Plus: Officials now have forensic evidence tying Luigi Mangione to the exact spot UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down in Manhattan as investigators track down new clues about a potential motive.  And: Rows of Lamborghinis and Ferraris are among the luxuries CNN saw in our inside look at former Syrian President's Bashar al-Assad's opulent palace.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices