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The NPR Politics Podcast

Every weekday, NPR's best political reporters are there to explain the big news coming out of Washington and the campaign trail. They don't just tell you what happened. They tell you why it matters. Every afternoon.

Political wonks - get wonkier with The NPR Politics Podcast+. Your subscription supports the podcast and unlocks a sponsor-free feed. Learn more at plus.npr.org/politics
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Episodes

Inside Trump's Tax And Spending Law: Medicaid Cuts & A 'Backdoor Abortion Ban'

President Trump's new tax and spending law is expected to result in nearly 12 million Americans losing health insurance. Advocates say it also effectively reduces access to abortions even in states where they are legal. We dive into how it all works and how Democrats hope to use the changes in campaigns. This episode: political correspondent Ashley Lopez, congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh, and health correspondent Katia Riddle. This podcast was produced by Casey Morell & Bria Suggs, ...

Jul 08, 202514 min

How President Trump's Tax & Spending Law Will Affect Americans' Wallets

President Trump has promised that his newly signed tax and spending law will be a boon for taxpayers and the economy as a whole. We dig into what the legislation really does and what it could mean for Americans' wallets. This episode: political correspondent Ashley Lopez, senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson, and chief economics correspondent Scott Horsley. This podcast was produced by Casey Morell & Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye. Our executive producer is Muthoni Mut...

Jul 07, 202513 min

One Of The Cheapest Ways To Save A Life Is Going Away

From our friends at The Indicator from Planet Money : What's the price to save a human life? We examine the monumental legacy of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) with journalist Jon Cohen, who traveled to Eswatini and Lesotho to learn how cuts under the Trump administration are hitting people at the clinic door. Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public med...

Jul 04, 202510 min

Congress Delivers Trump A Win With Tax And Spending Bill

Congress narrowly passed President Trump's massive tax and spending bill this week. We discuss what the GOP victory could mean for the 2026 midterm elections. And, we look at the message the president was trying to send with his visit to a new migrant detention center in the Everglades. This episode: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro. This podcast was produced by Casey Morell...

Jul 03, 202516 min

Poll: Most Americans Think Democracy Is Under Serious Threat

Most Americans are worried about democracy, have little faith in their political leaders, and disapprove of President Trump's job performance, according to the latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll . We break down the results and look at the implications. This episode: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. This podcast was produced by Bria Suggs and edited by Casey Morell. Our ...

Jul 02, 202513 min

Senate Passes Trump Tax Cut, Spending Bill

Vice President JD Vance had to break a 50-50 tie in the Senate in order for the bill to pass, after three Republicans joined with Democrats to vote against it. We look at what's in the bill, and what still has to happen for it to become law. This episode: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. This podcast was produced by Bria Suggs and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni...

Jul 01, 202514 min

Exclusive: The Trump Administration Is Building A National Citizenship Data System

For decades, voting officials have noted that there was no national citizenship list to compare their state lists to, so to verify citizenship for their voters, they either needed to ask people to provide a birth certificate or a passport — something that could disenfranchise millions — or use a complex patchwork of disparate data sources. Now, the Department of Homeland Security is offering another way: creating a searchable data system of citizenship records. Elections officials and privacy ad...

Jun 30, 202510 min

Weekly Roundup: Supreme Court Limits Nationwide Injunctions

The Supreme Court ruled Friday that federal courts exceeded their authority by issuing a nationwide injunction on President Trump's birthright citizenship order. We look at what that means for the future of birthright citizenship and other Trump policies that have been challenged by the courts. And of course, Can't Let It Go. This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro. This po...

Jun 27, 202521 min

How Trump Makes His Money, From Golf Courses To Crypto

From Trump Tower to Trump Steaks, President Trump's business ventures have always been about the Trump brand. What does that mean when the man behind the brand is back in the White House? Trump's recent financial disclosures offer some clues. This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, political reporter Stephen Fowler, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro. This podcast was produced by Bria Suggs and edited by Lexie Schapitl. Our executive producer is...

Jun 26, 202512 min

Under Pressure? Trump Faces Key Deadlines on Hill, Tariffs and More

President Trump is nearing a critical juncture for several of his top priorities. He wants Congress to pass his sweeping legislative agenda by July 4th. His tariff pause expires on July 8th. And a leaked preliminary intelligence report has cast doubt on his claims that Iran's nuclear facilities were totally obliterated by last weekend's strikes. This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben and senior national political correspondent M...

Jun 25, 202515 min

Mission Accomplished? What We Know About The State of Iran's Nuclear Program.

President Trump and his Cabinet say Iran's nuclear program was "devastated," "obliterated," and "destroyed" by U.S. strikes this weekend. But the reality is it's much more complicated. As Iran and Israel enter a fragile ceasefire, we discuss just how effective this military action was. Plus, how is Congress responding. This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, Congressional correspondent Claudia Grisales, and senior science editor and correspondent Geoff Brumfiel. This podcast...

Jun 24, 202515 min

Iran Retaliates After U.S. Military Strikes. Now What?

Iran launched missile attacks on a U.S. Air Force base in Qatar following this weekend's U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. We break down what we know, and what risks this might pose for President Trump — militarily and politically — going forward. This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, national security correspondnet Greg Myre, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro. This podcast was produced by Bria Suggs and edited by Lexie Schapitl. Our...

Jun 23, 202516 min

The U.S. Strikes Nuclear Sites In Iran. Now What?

The U.S. launched strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites. NPR correspondents detail the attack's execution, the challenges in assessing its full impact, and the administration's rationale for the military action. They also discuss the political context, potential for Iranian retaliation, domestic political reactions, and compare this limited strike to past U.S. conflicts in the Middle East.

Jun 22, 202519 min

Will The U.S. Get Involved In Military Action With Iran?

As Israel and Iran continue to launch aerial assaults against each other, there are growing questions as to whether the U.S. will get involved in the offensive, too. President Trump said he'd make a decision within the next two weeks. Then, a look at the spending package currently working its way through Congress. This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh, and national security correspondent Greg Myre. This podcast was produced by Bria...

Jun 20, 202523 min

A Summer Treat: 'Weird Al' Yankovic On His Life & Career In Show Business

And now, a diversion from the news. When Weird Al's debut single, "My Bologna," came out, there wasn't really a model for how a parody artist could have any longevity in their career. Yet Al's figured out how to stay popular for over four decades. Ahead of his summer "Bigger and Weirder" tour, he talks with Wild Card with Rachel Martin about staying weird as he ages, parenthood, and his devoted (some might say obsessive) fans. We'll be back in your feeds tomorrow with the weekly roundup. Learn m...

Jun 19, 202533 min

How Iran Is Dividing the MAGA Base

This episode delves into the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, focusing on the back-and-forth bombing and Israel's targets, including nuclear sites. It explores potential US military involvement, specifically the use of bunker-busting bombs, and how President Trump's stance has shifted. The discussion also highlights how the issue is creating divisions within the Republican Party, particularly among the MAGA base who supported Trump's isolationist stance.

Jun 18, 202513 min

How The Farm Industry Is Complicating Trump's Immigration Crackdown

Last week, President Trump suggested the agriculture industry might be spared from his immigration crackdown. But Tuesday, Homeland Security officials confirmed there would be no change to enforcement policy — and no workplace safe from potential raids. We look at what this means economically and politically. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, immigration policy reporter Ximena Bustillo, and chief economics correspondent Scott Horsley. This podcast was produced by Bria Suggs and edi...

Jun 17, 202512 min

Political Violence In The U.S.

Following the shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers, NPR reporters discuss the alarming increase in politically motivated violence and harassment targeting public officials in the U.S. They explore who is being targeted, the role of religious extremism and specific rhetoric within movements like the extreme anti-abortion movement, and how once-fringe views are becoming normalized in mainstream politics. The episode also examines the disproportionate lethality of far-right violence and the impact on democracy.

Jun 16, 202517 min

Weekly Roundup: Israel vs. Iran, Immigration News, and A Mascot Love Triangle

This episode delves into Israel's recent strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, examining the timing, reasons, and potential for escalation. It explores the political implications for President Trump, who had been pursuing a diplomatic deal with Iran, and his complex relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. The podcast also covers the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement actions, including court rulings against federalizing the National Guard and the forcible removal of a U.S. senator from a press conference, discussing the political response and shifting public opinion. Finally, the episode wraps up with lighter "Can't Let It Go" segments on the NBA finals, a viral zebra rescue video, and a baseball mascot love triangle.

Jun 13, 202523 min

Love In The Time Of Politics

Roses are red, Violets are blue, Their politics are opposites — Could their love be true? New polling from NPR/PBS News/Marist suggests, for young people, probably not. They're more likely than other generations to consider differences in political opinions deal breakers when dating. This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, political reporter Elena Moore, and voting correspondent Miles Parks. This podcast was produced by Bria Suggs and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer ...

Jun 12, 202515 min

MAHA Cheers and Public Health Fears as RFK Ousts Vaccine Panel

Health and Human Services Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ousted all 17 members of a vaccine advisory board this week. It's a move that's been roundly condemned by the public health community and cheered by Kennedy's "Make America Healthy Again" base. This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson, and NPR health correspondent Will Stone. This podcast was produced by Bria Suggs and edited by Lexie Schapitl. Our executive producer is Muthoni ...

Jun 11, 202513 min

Trump vs. Newsom: Breaking Down the Politics of the L.A. Protests

As protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles stretch into their fifth day, President Trump is doubling down on his decision to send national guard troops and U.S. marines to the city. That is setting up a clash between Trump and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who's often seen as a 2028 Democratic presidential hopeful. This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and KQED political correspondent Guy Marzorati. This podc...

Jun 10, 202512 min

Protests In L.A. Over Trump's Immigration Policies

After a series of immigration raids in and around Los Angeles, protestors demonstrated against the actions & the broader immigration policies of the Trump administration. In response, the president federalized the California National Guard without asking state and local officials. The rare move has drawn strong criticism from California lawmakers. This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, immigration policy reporter Ximena Bustillo, and Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman. This pod...

Jun 09, 202513 min

Budget Battles & Conversations With China

Negotiations over President Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill" continue on Capitol Hill — but now, his former ally, Elon Musk, is criticizing both the legislation and the president himself. How will Republicans respond? Then, we look at ongoing trade negotiations between the U.S. and China. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, congressional correspondent Barbara Sprunt, international correspondent Emily Feng, and senior political editor & correspondent Mara Liasson. This podcast was pr...

Jun 06, 202524 min

Explaining Trump's New Travel Ban

President Trump issued a presidential proclamation Wednesday that bans citizens of 12 countries, and severely restricts citizens from seven others, from entering the United States. We explain the ban and how it compares to similar attempts made in Trump's first term to limit entry to the country. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez, and immigration policy reporter Ximena Bustillo. This podcast was produced by Bria Suggs and edited by Casey Mor...

Jun 05, 202513 min

Data Difficulty: How DOGE Could Hurt The Census And More

The Trump administration team that calls itself the Department of Government Efficiency has gathered a ton of data on people in the U.S. — often without providing answers on exactly how it will be used. Data experts fear that will many people wary of answering the census and crucial government surveys that produce monthly jobs numbers and other key statistics. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jun 04, 202514 min

How President Trump's Pardons Are Challenging Political Norms

The federal pardon power is one area where presidents have unchecked authority. President Trump is using that authority in ways that challenge long-standing political norms. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. This podcast was produced by Bria Suggs and edited by Lexie Schapitl. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlo...

Jun 03, 202513 min

Explaining Trump's Fight With Big Law Firms

President Trump has issued executive orders targeting certain law firms, seeking to restrict their business endeavors. While some firms have settled, others have fought back. We look at why firms have chosen different paths, and whether Trump's orders — some of which have been struck down in court — present legal questions themselves. This podcast: voting correspondent Miles Parks, national justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro. ...

Jun 02, 202512 min

Tariff Twists; Diplomatic Deals; Mango Mania

President Trump's trade policies were dealt a blow this week as a court said he could use a 1977 emergency law to justify levying tariffs. What comes next? Plus, a look at how the traditional rules of diplomacy have been upended by the Trump administration. And, much ado about mangoes. This podcast: White House correspondents Deepa Shivaram, Franco Ordoñez, and Danielle Kurtzleben, and national security correspondent Greg Myre. This podcast was produced by Bria Suggs, and edited by Casey Morell....

May 30, 202528 min

How Trump Has Reshaped The Federal Workforce

During his 2016 presidential campaign, Donald Trump promised to "drain the swamp." Now that he's in his second term, how have his efforts to shrink the federal workforce played out? This podcast: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, labor and workplace correspondent Andrea Hsu, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro. This podcast was produced by Bria Suggs, and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every episode of the NPR Po...

May 29, 202515 min
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