Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast - podcast cover

Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast

WNYC Studioswww.wnycstudios.org
Daily thoughtful conversation about the latest news and politics.
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Episodes

Trump Makes News By Saying He Won’t Attack Our Allies

As world leaders in Davos meet to discuss the future of international relations, many were relieved to hear that President Trump's recent rhetoric about Greenland would remain rhetorical. On Today's Show: Amy Davidson Sorkin , staff writer at The New Yorker, looks back at the first year of President Trump's second term, and where we are now. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

Jan 21, 202623 minEp. 426

Ahead of Davos, What European Leaders Think of Trump's Greenland Threats

As world leaders prepare to meet in Davos for an economic conference, many are mulling how to respond to President Trump's suggestion that the US claim Greenland. On Today's Show: Matt Steinglass , Europe editor at The Economist , explains the recent news in President Donald Trump's remarks on acquiring Greenland, including that the U.S. will impose tariffs on eight European countries until the U.S. acquires the country, and Europe's response. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.ad...

Jan 20, 202620 minEp. 425

What Trump's Foreign Policy Means For GOP's Midterm Politics

Amid military actions against Venezuela, and a new European trade war over Greenland, Trump's global ambitions could change the political calculus for Congress members running in this year's midterms. On Today's Show: Eleanor Mueller, congress reporter at Semafor, talks about the national political news of the day and the growing rift between President Trump and congressional Republicans. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use o...

Jan 19, 202623 minEp. 424

The State of the Justice Department's Independence

Emily Bazelon , staff writer for The New York Times Magazine , co-host of Slate 's "Political Gabfest" podcast, Truman Capote fellow for creative writing and law at Yale Law School and author of Charged: The New Movement to Transform American Prosecution and End Mass Incarceration (Random House, 2019) , recaps this week's news from the DOJ – including the investigation into Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome Powell, the resignation of six prosecutors over the Renee Good shooting, and the recent ...

Jan 16, 202624 minEp. 423

A Reporter's ICE Recruitment Story

Questions about ICE recruitment, vetting and training are being raised, especially after the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. On Today's Show: Laura Jedeed , freelance journalist focused on American conservative and far-right movements and author of the Substack Firewalled Media dot com, talks about her reporting on the shoddy screenings hopeful applicants to become ICE agents receive, which became clear when she was offered a position after applying at an Immigration and Cust...

Jan 15, 202623 minEp. 422

SCOTUS Hears Arguments on State Bans on Transgender Girls in Sports

Kate Shaw , professor at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, co-host of the Supreme Court podcast Strict Scrutiny, and a contributing opinion Writer with the New York Times talks about the justices' responses to arguments in two cases involving transgender student athletes, plus other Supreme Court news. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

Jan 14, 202620 minEp. 421

Behind the Scenes of the NYTimes Trump Interview

President Trump sat down for a two-hour interview with a panel of New York Times reporters last week which included a question on the checks on his power on the world stage. His reply: "My own morality." On Today's Show: Katie Rogers , White House correspondent for The New York Times , talks about their interview with President Trump, how they prepared for it and what was said about foreign policy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection...

Jan 12, 202625 minEp. 420

Tensions Simmer Between Minnesota and the Trump Administration

Minneapolis is coping with the shooting of a local woman by an ICE agent, and allegations that federal daycare funds have been misused. On Today's Show: Rachel Leingang , Midwest political correspondent for Guardian US, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, talks about how Minneapolis is "on edge" after the fatal shooting of a civilian by an ICE agent, which came after weeks of tension between the Somali community and the Trump administration, and Republicans' spotlight of fraud at child care centers...

Jan 09, 202622 minEp. 419

Separating Facts From Deep Fakes And Other AI Misinformation

How do you know when something you're reading or watching online is real or fake? On Today's Show: Craig Silverman , co-founder of the Indicator, a publication that exposes digital deception, offers tips on how to identify AI generated content on the internet. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

Jan 09, 202623 minEp. 418

What Maduro’s Removal Means for Venezuelans Here

Trump's military action in Venezuela, including the arrest of President Maduro, could have implications for both Venezuelan and American politics. On Today's Show: Gisela Salim-Peyer , associate editor at The Atlantic , shares her reporting and analysis on Venezuelan president Nicholas Maduro's arraignment this week after the Trump administration's military actions in the South American country — plus, hear the range of responses from New York's Venezuelan community. Hosted by Simplecast, an Ads...

Jan 07, 202622 minEp. 417

Sen. Kim On Venezuela Mission: “This Is All A Ruse”

On the 5th anniversary of the Capitol riot, a local Senator reflects on Trump's presidency and his recent incursion in Venezuela. On Today's Show: Andy Kim , U.S. Senator (D NJ), talks about his work in the Senate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 06, 202617 minEp. 416

Is Trump's Interest In Venezuela Really About Oil?

President Trump has said the US will "run" Venezuela, after a military operation led to the arrest and detention in NYC of President Nicolás Maduro. On Today's Show: William Neuman , former New York Times journalist and former bureau chief in Caracas, and the author of Things Are Never So Bad That They Can't Get Worse: Inside the Collapse of Venezuela (St. Martin's Press, 2022), offers context to the US invasion of Venezuela and capture of its leader Maduro. Plus, he talks about what might come ...

Jan 05, 202622 minEp. 415

Energy Policy Is Becoming Less About Utility Bills and More About The Culture War

Robinson Meyer , founding executive editor of Heatmap, talks about how in the ten years since the Paris Agreement, as he says the "climate story is the China story" now. Plus, Jael Holzman , senior reporter at Heatmap, reports on how the Republican Party has turned fully against renewable energy sources, including offshore wind projects. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

Dec 23, 202524 minEp. 414

Student Detained for Foreign Policy Views Speaks

Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi is currently awaiting a court ruling on the Trump administration's attempt to deport him. On Today's Show: Mahdawi, co-founder of the Columbia Palestinian Student Union and former president of the Columbia University Buddhist Association, and his attorney, Nate Wessler, deputy director of the ACLU's Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, talk about his studies, the state of the pro-Palestinian movement and the prospects of a peaceful solution in the region a...

Dec 22, 202520 minEp. 413

Political Headlines Ahead Of The Holidays

Politics doesn't stop for the holidays. Hear about the latest headlines from D.C. ahead of the pre-Christmas weekend. On Today's Show: Jonathan Lemire , co-host of Morning Joe on MSNOW; writer for MSNOW and contributing writer to The Atlantic talks about the national political news of the week, including Vanity Fair's extensive piece about President Trump's closest aides, the administration's blockade on Venezuela and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for inform...

Dec 19, 202520 minEp. 412

Pelosi: Why 2025 is like 2005, and That’s Good for Democrats

Recently, Nancy Pelosi sat down for an interview with her biographer, veteran journalist Susan Page, ahead of the upcoming 2026 congressional term. On Today's Show: Susan Page , USA Today Washington bureau chief and the author of the forthcoming book The Queen and Her Presidents (Harper/Collins April 2026), talks about the latest national political news, including President Trump's primetime address, the ongoing fight over ACA subsidies, and Nancy Pelosi's assessment of congressional politics, h...

Dec 18, 202518 minEp. 411

Is There An Anti-Semitism Generation Gap?

With the reported rise in anti-Semitic speech and the recent shooting at a Hanukah celebration in Australia, our guest explores the contours of prejudiced mindsets against Jews. On Today's Show: Yair Rosenberg , staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of its newsletter Deep Shtetl, about the intersection of politics, culture, and religion, offers analysis of anecdotal and survey data that show a generational divide in antisemitism. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.co...

Dec 17, 202522 minEp. 410

Agonizing Choices on ACA Deadline Day

A deadline approaches to deal with healthcare costs and Obamacare subsidies. On Today's Show: Julie Rovner , chief Washington correspondent, KFF Health News and host of the What the Health? podcast, discusses the latest over the battle in Congress over the fate of the Affordable Care Act. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

Dec 15, 202523 minEp. 409

Wikipedia’s Founder on Trust and Not Being “Woke-ipedia”

On Today's Show: Jimmy Wales , the founder of Wikipedia and the Wikimedia Foundation and the author of The Seven Rules of Trust: A Blueprint for Building Things That Last (Crown Currency, 2025), talks about how Wikipedia was able to rely on the "wisdom of the crowd" even as distrust climbed in the larger culture. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

Dec 11, 202522 minEp. 408

Four Stops On Trump’s SCOTUS Winning Streak

The conservative Supreme Court majority seems poised to allow President Trump to fire the top official on the Federal Trade Commission, expanding presidential power. On Today's Show: Elie Mystal , justice correspondent and columnist for The Nation magazine and host of the podcast, Contempt of Court with Elie Mystal, and author of Bad Law: Ten Popular Laws That Are Ruining America (The New Press, 2025), discusses this and other legal news. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz...

Dec 10, 202523 minEp. 407

Netflix vs. Paramount 101

Paramount and Netflix are vying to buy up parts of Warner Bros. Discovery. On Today's Show: Rohan Goswami , business reporter at Semafor and Katie Campione , senior TV & labor reporter at Deadline, discuss the recent merger talks, including the politics at play, and what it means for consumers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

Dec 09, 202522 minEp. 406

Guess What % of ICE Detainees Turn Out To Be Criminals?

According to DHS, almost three-quarters of people detained by ICE since October do not have any criminal convictions. On Today's Show: David Bier , director of immigration studies and the Selz Foundation chair in immigration policy at the Cato Institute, explains the data, and claims from the Trump Administration that they are prioritizing detaining people with violent criminal histories. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use o...

Dec 08, 202523 minEp. 405

Changes Coming To Infant Vaccines & SNAP

Some recent health headlines surround the federal government's changes to SNAP benefit programs, vaccine guidance for infants and others, and Obamacare. On Today's Show: Julie Rovner, chief Washington correspondent, KFF Health News and host of the What the Health? podcast, and Jude Joffe-Block , reporter at NPR, discuss the latest in health-related news. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

Dec 05, 202523 minEp. 404

Why A Prominent Voice For School Choice Changed Her Mind

An education advocate, who formerly supported school vouchers and charter schools, is now speaking in support of public education. On Today's Show: Diane Ravitch , education historian, former research professor of education at New York University, blogger at dianeravitch.net and author of the recent book An Education: How I Changed My Mind About Schools and Almost Everything Else (Columbia University Press, 2025), talks about the changes that led her to become a promoter of public schools. Hoste...

Dec 03, 202523 minEp. 403

Did Hegseth Give an Illegal “Kill Everybody” Order?

Senator Mark Kelly appeared in a video alongside other veterans now serving in Congress, telling service members, “Our laws are clear: you can refuse illegal orders.” The Pentagon has since opened an investigation and even raised the possibility of recalling him to active duty for potential discipline. On Today's Show: Zachary Cohen , senior reporter on the national security beat for CNN, talks about what Kelly said, why Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the probe, and how this all fits int...

Dec 03, 202521 minEp. 402

New Trump Policy: Don’t Say “World AIDS Day”

On World AIDS Day, a look at the impact of foreign aid cuts on HIV prevention programs, particularly in South Africa. On Today's Show: Pratik Pawar , Future Perfect fellow at Vox, talks about a new HIV prevention drug the U.S. is making available worldwide, except to South Africa, the country with the most people living with HIV. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

Dec 01, 202523 minEp. 401

Claims of 'Christian Genocide' in Nigeria, Explained

President Trump and his allies are framing the kidnappings and other attacks in Nigeria as Islamic attacks on Christians, and even threatening military action On Today's Show: Emmanuel Akinwotu , international correspondent for NPR, talks about the situation, including how extremist groups are killing people of all faiths in the country, not just Christians. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising...

Nov 26, 202520 minEp. 400

The Scorpion, The Frog, and RFK Jr.

On points where he disagrees with the scientific concensus, what makes RFK. Jr so sure he's right? On Today's Show: Michael Scherer , staff writer at The Atlantic , talks about his Atlantic cover story on HHS Secretary RFK, Jr., and other news. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

Nov 25, 202523 minEp. 399

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries Talks Trump-Mamdani & Obamacare Cliff

After a busy weekend for national political headlines, a local congressional leader weighs in. On Today's Show: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY8) offers his take on how the meeting between President Trump and Mayor-elect Mamdani went, and more national political news. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

Nov 24, 202519 minEp. 398

Previewing The Trump/Mamdani Meeting

President Trump and NYC's Mayor-elect Mamdani are meeting in DC today after many traded barbs and concerns over how the two very different administrations will work with, or against, each other. On Today's Show: Jonathan Lemire , co-host of Morning Joe on MSNOW, writer for MSNOW and contributing writer to The Atlantic , talks about the national political news of the week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data f...

Nov 21, 202522 minEp. 397
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