The NPR Politics Podcast - podcast cover

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

Episodes

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

Why Medicaid Cuts Are In The GOP Tax Bill

Legislation working its way through Congress to codify President Trump's tax cuts would also make big cuts to Medicaid if it is passed. We look into what the bill proposes, and what the impacts would be. This podcast: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh, and health policy correspondent Selena Simmons-Duffin. This podcast was produced by Bria Suggs, and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every episode of the ...

May 28, 202517 min

How The "BIg, Beautiful Bill" Would Change Immigration Policy

From allocating more money to build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico, to changing provisions on what public services legal immigrants can use, the budget reconciliation bill working its way through Congress would change federal immigration policy in a number of ways. We take a look. This podcast: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, immigration policy reporter Ximena Bustillo, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. This podcast was produced by Bria Suggs, and edited ...

May 27, 202515 min

Connecting The Dots On DOGE

It's been six months since President Trump first announced the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency initiative, which has dramatically shrunk parts of the federal government. And with so many individual stories about federal workers losing their jobs around the country, the big picture can sometimes look blurry. From Consider This : A team of NPR reporters has been looking at agencies — from food inspectors to nuclear scientists to firefighters and more — and today, we'll connect ...

May 26, 202512 min

Another Turn In Trump's Economic Policy

President Trump announced plans to levy 50 percent tariffs on goods imported from the European Union, and on iPhones not made in the U.S., causing stock markets to tumble. We look at the impact of the president's shifting trade policies on the market. Then, the challenges of bringing some manufacturing jobs to the U.S., and we bid farewell to a podcast stalwart. This podcast: voting correspondent Miles Parks, chief economics correspondent Scott Horsley, senior political editor and correspondent ...

May 23, 202521 min

Immigrants Without Legal Status May Lose Health Care In States

Democratic governors in California and Minnesota are proposing to roll back health insurance coverage for immigrants without legal status that they signed into law. We look at what's going on. This podcast: voting correspondent Miles Parks, Minnesota Public Radio senior politics reporter Dana Ferguson, and CapRadio statehouse & politics reporter Laura Fitzgerald. This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every episode of the NPR...

May 22, 202513 min

Accusations Of White Genocide Derail US-South Africa Meeting

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the White House Wednesday ostensibly to talk about trade policies and the upcoming G20 Summit. But the Oval Office meeting with President Trump quickly devolved into accusations of a genocide against white farmers in South Africa. This podcast: voting correspondent Miles Parks, immigration reporter Ximena Bustillo, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. This podcast was produced by Bria Suggs and edited by Lexie Schapitl. Our exe...

May 21, 202515 min

Can Trump Get His Megabill Through Congress?

House Republicans are working to advance a massive bill that essentially wraps up all of President Trump's legislative goals. The conference is largely, but not entirely, unified, and just a few Republican defectors could derail the whole thing. So President Trump stopped by Capitol Hill to make his pitch to the skeptics. This podcast: voting correspondent Miles Parks, Congressional correspondent Barbara Sprunt, and White House correspondent Tamara Keith. This podcast was produced by Bria Suggs ...

May 20, 202514 min

Republicans Push For Legislation Limiting Ballot Initiatives

Republican-led states are increasingly attempting to make it harder for citizens to get ballot initiatives and referenda on the ballot, changing rules around signature gathering and required approval thresholds. While proponents cite fraud prevention, critics argue these efforts are politically motivated to limit direct democracy and prevent voters from bypassing state legislatures on key issues. The episode also briefly touches on the news regarding former President Biden's health diagnosis and the political reaction.

May 19, 202511 min

Roundup: Trump visits the Middle East

President Trump took his first major trip abroad this week, visiting the Middle East and signing business deals. We talk about what happened. Then, the Department of Justice is pursuing charges against non-citizens alleged to have voted illegally in the 2024 election. It comes as President Trump tries to change national policies concerning voter identification. This podcast: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez, voting correspondent Miles Parks, and se...

May 16, 202527 min

SCOTUS Hears Birthright Citizenship Case

On his first day in office, President Trump signed an executive order to prevent children born in the U.S. to parents in the country without legal authorization from obtaining citizenship. On his second day in office, lawsuits were filed to block the order, citing the 14th Amendment's citizenship clause. The Supreme Court heard arguments in the case today, and we break down what happened. This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, political correspondent Susan Davis, and national just...

May 15, 202518 min

Why Is Trump Involved In Crypto?

His face may not be on any currency issued by the federal government, but President Trump has lent his support and image to a meme coin, a kind of cryptocurrency. We look at how his policies on crypto intersect with his business endeavors. This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, political reporter Stephen Fowler, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Liste...

May 14, 202516 min
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