The President’s Daily Brief — February 25th, 2026
Host: Mike Baker
Podcast: The President's Daily Brief
Episode Date: February 25, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, host Mike Baker delivers a rapid, intelligence-driven rundown of four major geopolitical developments:

• China’s possible transfer of advanced supersonic “ship-killer” missiles to Iran
• The internal disarray in China's military due to Xi Jinping’s corruption purge
• Disturbing new evidence from Russian military defectors about executions and torture within their ranks
• The aftermath of Mexican kingpin El Mencho’s killing and what it means for U.S. travelers during spring break

Baker offers context, sharp insights, and direct quotes from primary sources, expertly tying each update to American strategic interests.

1. Iran Nearing Deal for Chinese Supersonic Anti-Ship Missiles

[00:12–10:40]

Key Points:

• Iran is reportedly close to acquiring the CM-302, a supersonic anti-ship cruise missile from China, per exclusive Reuters sources.
• The missile (“ship killer”) would dramatically threaten U.S. carrier groups operating in the Persian Gulf.

Main Features of the CM-302:

• Sea-skimming, supersonic (reduces detection time for naval defenses)
• Range: ~290 kilometers (~180 miles)
• Marketed as able to sink destroyers and even aircraft carriers

Regional Impact:

• Raises stakes for U.S. Navy units already within Iranian missile and drone strike range.
• Tensions at a high just weeks before a planned summit between President Trump and China’s Xi Jinping.

Notable Quotes:

• “That change(s) the math for U.S. carriers currently operating in the Gulf.” (Mike Baker, 00:20)
• “This is a system specifically engineered to challenge modern naval power.” (Mike Baker 02:22)
• “A credible supersonic missile adds another layer of complexity.” (Mike Baker 04:10)

Operational Calculations:

• Even small increases in strike probability “change operational calculations.”
• “Military planning is not built on absolutes. It’s built on risk management.” (Mike Baker 06:00)

Broader Context:

• China, Iran, and Russia have conducted joint naval exercises.
• A finalized deal signals increased military alignment and direct Chinese challenge to U.S. naval dominance.

Uncertainties:

• No confirmed delivery date, quantity, or Beijing acknowledgment.
• Could endanger upcoming Trump–Xi summit.

2. Xi Jinping’s Military Purge Undermining China’s Combat Readiness

[16:53–23:21]

Key Points:

• Xi's corruption purge is having serious short-term operational impacts on the Chinese military command, per the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).

Effects of the Purge:

• Major figures removed (e.g., General Zhang Youxia, He Weidong)
• China’s seven-member Central Military Commission reduced to two active members

Implications:

• Harming decision-making and strategic planning
• Vacated roles reduce command integrity and effectiveness

Notable Quote:

• “Until those vacancies are filled, the PLA is operating at a disadvantage...” (Mike Baker 20:55)

Temporary vs. Long-term:

• Disruption likely temporary, but significant short-term risks to readiness and morale
• Xi’s public rhetoric frames the purge as “revolutionary forging...not instability, but purification.” (Mike Baker paraphrasing Xi, 22:38)

Strategic Picture:

• Despite turmoil, China’s military buildup and regional force projection (especially toward Taiwan) remain robust.
• China now accounts for 44% of Asia’s defense spending.

3. Russian Troops Claim Executions for Refusing “Meat Storm” Assaults

[23:22–31:24]

Key Points:

• New BBC documentary (“Zero Line: Inside Russia’s War”) features Russian defectors who allege widespread summary executions, torture, and “meat storm” assaults (waves of troops sent to their deaths).

Described Atrocities:

• Summary executions by officers of soldiers who refuse suicidal orders.
  • Dima, paramedic: “I see it just 2 meters, 3 meters away, just murders...It’s not a drama, it’s not a movie. It’s real life.” (Dima, 25:04)
  • “Zeroed” = executed by own side; describes seeing ~20 bodies in a pit.
• Recruits (often ex-convicts) sent “armed with only machine guns and shovels.”
• “Meat storm” = repeated waves of troops to exhaust Ukrainian defenses

Personal Accounts:

• Dima: 200 men in his regiment dead in 3 days.
• Dennis: “Commanders threw men like meat toward Ukrainian lines.”
• Ilya: Of 79 mobilized with him, he's the only survivor; personally saw 4 soldiers executed for disobedience.

Torture Claims:

• Dima: Survived 72 days of electric shock and other abuse.
• Ilya: Endured beatings, starvation, public humiliation.

Kremlin Response:

• Denies the allegations, stating the military operates with “utmost restraint.”
• BBC could not independently verify, but the testimonies suggest systemic brutality and coercion.

4. Mexico Travel Advisory Update after El Mencho’s Death

[41:45–End]

Key Points:

• Cartel violence flared after the killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel boss El Mencho, especially in Jalisco and tourist areas like Puerto Vallarta.
• U.S. Embassy issued shelter-in-place orders; flights disrupted; tensions high.

Travel Impact:

• Not all tourist destinations affected (e.g., Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cabo not directly tied to unrest), but the situation is “fluid.”
• Cartel power struggles make violence unpredictable. Short-term risk “likely.”

Notable Quotes:

• “In the current environment, maybe ask yourself: What’s my risk appetite?...Maybe the answer is, find alternate plans.” (Mike Baker, 48:00)
• “It doesn’t mean it’s time to cancel every vacation to Mexico...But in the wake of the takedown, it is wise to rethink those vacation plans.” (Mike Baker, 46:55)

Key Advice:

• Millions safely travel to Mexico each year, but for “the next handful of weeks,” the risk remains higher.
• Consult U.S. State Department advisories. Exercise caution and “use common sense.”

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• “That change(s) the math for U.S carriers currently operating in the Gulf.” — Mike Baker (00:20)
• “A credible supersonic missile adds another layer of complexity.” — Mike Baker (04:10)
• “[Military planning] is built on risk management.” — Mike Baker (06:00)
• “Until those vacancies are filled, the PLA is operating at a disadvantage.” — Mike Baker (20:55)
• “I see it just 2 meters, 3 meters away, just murders...It’s not a drama, it’s not a movie. It’s real life.” — Dima, Russian army defector (25:04)
• “Commanders threw men like meat toward Ukrainian lines.” — Dennis, former Russian soldier (26:50)
• “In the current environment, maybe ask yourself: What’s my risk appetite?...Maybe the answer is, find alternate plans.” — Mike Baker (48:00)

Segment Timestamps

• [00:12–10:40] Iran–China missile deal and U.S. naval implications
• [16:53–23:21] China’s military purge and command crisis
• [23:22–31:24] Russian Army’s “meat storm” strategies and alleged war crimes
• [41:45–End (~50:00)] Travel advisories and cartel violence in Mexico (Back of the Brief)

Tone and Takeaway

Mike Baker’s delivery is crisp, fact-driven, and flavored with seasoned intelligence skepticism (“Thank you for that statement of the obvious”). He consistently ties analysis to what it means for U.S. interests, operational risks, and the broader global balance of power.

Bottom line:
This episode distills urgent global flashpoints into an essential daily briefing—informing listeners of emerging, real-world risks while cutting through official denials and public relations spin.