Perino on Politics

Co-founder of South & Hill Strategies, Colin Reed steps in for Dana today, and is joined by Columnist at the Washington Examiner and New York Post, Salena Zito, to examine President Trump's high-stakes summit in Beijing. Later, Salena shares insights from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and discusses the political future of Pennsylvania Democrat Senator John Fetterman. Purple State: Salena describes Pittsburgh's resurgence and why mid-sized cities like it are booming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With six months to go until the midterm elections, the founding partner of Cavalry and co-host of the Ruthless podcast, John Ashbrook, discusses the primary shakeups and policy pressure points defining the current political landscape. John describes how everyday costs like gas and groceries, and a dead-heat race for control of the House, are shaping the upcoming election. Purple State: Dana and John dive into the "shenanigans" and internal drama facing the Democratic party's fundraising committee, ActBlue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As President Trump faces his third assassination attempt in three years, the sustainability of American political life is being tested by a surge in domestic terrorism and inflammatory language. Former Republican strategist and host of "The Rich Zeoli Show," Rich Zeoli discusses the fallout from the White House Correspondents' Dinner security breach, the danger of socialist rhetoric, and why the establishment is losing control of the Democratic Party. Purple State: Dana shares a behind-the-scenes look at her new book, Purple State, and why "real men" aren't afraid to cry at a good story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fox News Congressional Correspondent Bill Melugin describes the high-stakes battle over funding the Department of Homeland Security. As President Trump issues a June 1st deadline for Congress, Bill shares exclusive insights from his 500+ days on the border and explains the new budget reconciliation gamble in Washington.Bill discusses the Biden Administration's silence on the border and how it impacted the 2024 Presidential Election. Purple State: Dana and Bill take a look at the shadow friendships in D.C. and the potential 2028 presidential candidates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

High taxes and rising crime are driving a "wealth migration" out of the West. Republican Strategist Tiffany Smiley discusses the destructive impact of progressive policies in Washington State and the urgent need for a return to the American Dream. Plus, Dana and Tiffany examine the lingering effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on the next generation and why younger voters are becoming more politically bold. Purple State: Tiffany points out how families are fleeing Democrat-led states for places like Idaho, creating a shift in wealth and congressional influence that could reshape the political map. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Founder of the Stewart Group and former aide to Senators Mitch McConnell and John Cornyn, Don "Stew" Stewart discusses the daring rescue of an American airman in Iran and the looming battles over President Trump's Department of War budget. Plus, Dana and Stew examine why healthcare remains the top concern for voters heading into the midterms. Purple State: Stew points out how viral branding has taken over traditional policy platforms, and both sides of the aisle are grappling with a "death of policy" that prioritizes a TikTok-ready personality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the partial government shutdown enters its seventh week, Senior Vice President of CRC Advisors and host of the 10-Minute Drill podcast Matt Whitlock covers the challenges facing Republicans and Democrats in resolving the standoff. Meanwhile, the "No Kings" protests shine a spotlight on their dark money funding. Matt also explains why there is potential for a Republican to win the California gubernatorial race due to its jungle primary system. Purple State Of Mind: Matt describes some of Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger's progressive policies and why they are a reflection of what is to come following the midterms if more Democrats take office. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former White House Chief of Staff and Fox News Political Analyst Reince Priebus unpacks the unique decision-making process of President Trump, the ongoing partial government shutdown, and the challenges facing the Republican Party in the upcoming midterm elections. Reince explains the need for the Republican Party to engage low-propensity voters to find success with the President not on the ballot. Purple State Of Mind: Dana and Reince discuss their shared love for Wisconsin as Dana teases her new book, Purple State. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With gas prices rising, the Trump administration moves to secure the Strait of Hormuz while some U.S. airports hit a wall of political deadlock. Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy discusses Democrats' unwillingness to compromise amid the ongoing government shutdown, which is affecting essential services. Speaker McCarthy looks ahead to this year's midterms and what Republicans can expect and shares his concerns about the record number of retirements in Congress. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Dana and Speaker McCarthy describe the path forward for the SAVE Act and the strategic challenges of passing voter integrity legislation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Author, columnist, former Bush foreign policy advisor, and host of the Call Me Back podcast, Dan Senor, breaks down the ongoing military operations between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. He highlights the potential next leader of the Iranian regime, noting the challenges the U.S. faces when interfering with their choice of leadership. Dan discusses broader global conflicts, including the impact that China, Russia, and other foreign adversaries have. He explains that they are all watching how the Trump administration handles global conflict. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Dan also explains the best places for young people to find reliable information and news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Over the weekend the United States and Israel initiated a joint military campaign against Iran with Operation Epic Fury, signaling a new era in the Middle East. Managing Director of Beacon Global Strategies and Host of the NatSec Matters Podcast, Michael Allen explores how this operation will alter Iran's longstanding role as an opposition to peace and prosperity in the region. Dana and Michael also look at the response from Washington on President Trump's decision to take military action amid a partial government shutdown. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Michael looks at the growing tensions between Pakistan and India, examining the power struggle between the neighboring nations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the eve of the 2026 State of the Union, and there's lots to unpack following the Supreme Court's ruling against President Trump's use of an emergency statute to impose tariffs. Founder of the bipartisan government relations firm Mehlman Consulting and The Age of Distribution Substack, Bruce Mehlman, explains the potential impact on trade deals following the SCOTUS ruling. Dana and Bruce weigh in on several geopolitical issues, including tensions with Iran and the Mexican government's takedown of a major cartel leader. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Bruce discusses the role of artificial intelligence and data centers in local communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the Munich Security Conference underway, Senior Vice President of CRC Advisors and Host of the 10-Minute Drill podcast Matt Whitlock reviews the performance of Democrats such as Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer as they struggle to articulate their parties foreign policy agenda on the world stage. Meanwhile, Americans are in the midst of another partial government shutdown, which Matt analyzes as a result of congressional leadership catering to an aggressive online base. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Matt discusses the infrastructure crisis involving a massive raw sewage leak into the Potomac River and the lack of transparency from local officials. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former prosecutor and host of Sunday Night in America and The Trey Gowdy Podcast, Trey Gowdy, provides his perspective on the latest breaking news headlines gripping the nation. Dana and Trey begin by discussing the search for Nancy Guthrie, analyzing the complexities of "proof of life" requests and the tactical misuse of technology in modern abductions. Trey provides insight into recent government shutdown politics, explaining the debate over Department of Homeland Security funding. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Dana and Trey discuss the need for consistent messaging in political debates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dana is out this week, so the co-founder of South & Hill Strategies, Colin Reed, is joined by Columnist at the Washington Examiner and Washington Post, Salena Zito, to fill in. They dive into the current partial government shutdown and why the chaos on Capitol Hill no longer phases voters. Colin and Salena also dissect the Pennsylvania political landscape, discussing whether Governor Josh Shapiro’s book tour or Senator John Fetterman’s (D-PA) populist approach could be signals of a 2028 presidential run. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Colin and Salena look at how population shifts are fueling redistricting battles that could reshape the playing field for this year’s Midterm Elections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you’re looking for more, join Dana Perino every Monday on Perino on Politics. Dana sits down with her most knowledgeable friends—like former Speaker Kevin McCarthy—for honest, insightful conversations that go beyond the typical news cycle. Listen wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ICE-related tensions continue to erupt in Minneapolis, following the shooting death of resident Alex Pretti, who was carrying a legally concealed weapon. Meanwhile, thousands of people have taken to the streets in freezing temperatures to protest the Trump administration's immigration enforcement. Host of The Guy Benson Show on FOX News Radio, Guy Benson, discusses the situation in Minneapolis and whether it will continue to escalate. Dana and Guy also touch on foreign policy issues, including the situation in Iran and the President's relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Guy explains why he is following Virginia politics closely. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One year into President Donald Trump’s second term, Targeted Victory Chief Communications Officer Matt Gorman weighs in on some of the biggest flashpoints at home and abroad. Dana and Matt discuss the potential of the U.S. acquisition of Greenland, President Trump’s tariff threats against European countries, and why this moment for the Iranian people feels different than in the past. They also dig into the protests unfolding in Minnesota and why Matt doesn’t see tensions easing anytime soon, before turning to the political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterms and the possibility of Democrats reclaiming the Senate. I Wish Someone Told Me: Matt shares the two cases he’s watching most closely, including the Supreme Court’s transgender athletes case and the Court’s upcoming decision on tariffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Managing director at Beacon Global Strategies and host of the NatSec Matters podcast, Michael Allen, discusses the severe crackdown by the Iranian regime on civilian protesters, a digital blackout to suppress communication and whether the U.S. will get involved. Michael also explains the Trump administration's involvement in Venezuela following the detention of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He argues why this political action by the administration sets a strong precedent for defending issues abroad. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Michael shares his analysis on the Russia-Ukraine war, including Russia's use of a hypersonic missile to attack Lviv. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump wasted no time beginning 2026 by dominating headlines with the capture and arrest of Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro. Co-founder of South & Hill Strategies, Colin Reed, and Columnist at the Washington Examiner and Washington Post, Salena Zito, explain the political fallout of the President's swift move, including the media and lawmakers' reaction. Salena and Colin discuss a major domestic scandal out of Minnesota and Governor Tim Walz's involvement. They also share their projections for the Midterm Elections later this year. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Colin and Salena look ahead to tax day and NFL playoffs. Who is Dana rooting for this season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices