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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.

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Episodes

How President Trump Is Reshaping The Justice Department

In her Senate confirmation hearing earlier this year, Attorney General Pam Bondi promised that the "weaponization" of the Justice Department would stop. Now, over 100 days into Trump's second term, critics worry that the Trump administration is doing just that. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and justice correspondent Ryan Lucas. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive prod...

May 06, 202514 min

Making Sense Of Cents: Setting The Federal Budget

President Trump has called for the government's spending to be wrapped into "one big, beautiful bill" along with other legislative priorities, but Congress may have other ideas. We explore how the White House and Congress will need to work together to fund the government. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh, and senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger and edited by Casey Morell...

May 05, 202517 min

Roundup: Mike Waltz Is Out, Young Democrats Ask What's Next, And Can't Let It Go

Mike Waltz is out as President Trump's National Security Adviser, it's the first major departure for the Trump White House since the start of his second term. Then, young Democrats are expressing dissatisfaction with their party, and making moves: primarying sitting incumbent lawmakers in the House of Representatives. This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, White House correspondent Asma Khalid, national security correspondent Greg Myre, and political reporter Elena Moore. The podc...

May 02, 202522 min

Trump Wants Americans To Have More Babies

President Trump has said he wants to be the "fertilization president," urging American couples to have more babies as birth rates decline in the U.S. This stance has also been adopted by right-wing activists that call themselves "pronatalists." What is this movement and how is the Trump administration responding? This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, White House correspondent Asma Khalid, and power and influence reporter Lisa Hagen. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli W...

May 01, 202512 min

Trump Gives Automakers Some Wiggle Room On Tariffs

Donald Trump's first 100 days in office have been marked by his on-again-off-again approach to tariffs. Recently, he has given automakers a break on the tariffs he put in place, hoping to drive more auto manufacturing to the United States. So where do the tariffs currently stand? This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, and national political correspondent Don Gonyea. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger and edited by...

Apr 30, 202518 min

NPR Poll: Many Voters Give Trump Failing Grade

As Donald Trump approaches the 100th day of his second term, most voters are not impressed. Majorities disapprove of his performance on key issues, like immigration and the economy, and almost half give his overall performance an F on an A through F scale. Only a slim majority of Republicans give him an A, according to a new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll . This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and senior national political co...

Apr 29, 202512 min

What's Next For U.S. Involvement In Ukraine?

Since Russia's large scale invasion began in 2022, the U.S. has provided significant military aid to Ukraine. But Republicans, led by President Trump, are increasingly skeptical of providing more support. What will happen next, and can Ukraine continue fighting if the U.S. removes its assistance? This episode: political correspondents Sarah McCammon and Susan Davis, and national security correspondent Greg Myre. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger and edited by Casey Morell. ...

Apr 28, 202516 min

Trump's First 100 Days: Promises Made, Promises Kept

When running for office, Donald Trump promised to execute the largest deportation in American history and issue massive cuts to federal spending. In his administration's first 100 days, has he kept those promises? This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, political correspondents Susan Davis and Stephen Fowler, and immigration correspondent Ximena Bustillo. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Mut...

Apr 25, 202519 min

Trump's First 100 Days: Tariffs As Foreign Policy

Donald Trump has repeatedly said that "tariff" is "one of the most beautiful words in the dictionary." In his administration's first 100 days, Trump has introduced sweeping tariffs with a goal to reduce America's trade deficit with foreign countries and to increase domestic manufacturing. This episode: senior White House correspondents Tamara Keith and Asma Khalid and business correspondent Alina Selyukh. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger and edited by Casey Morell. Our exe...

Apr 24, 202515 min

Trump's First 100 Days: An Increase In Executive Power

When running for office, Donald Trump suggested that he "alone could fix" the ills befalling the United States. In his administration's first 100 days, he and his allies have moved quickly to expand the powers of the presidency accordingly. This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, political correspondent Sarah McCammon, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger and edited by Casey Morell. Our execut...

Apr 23, 202518 min

Trump's First 100 Days: Wading Into The Culture Wars

On the campaign trail, candidate Donald Trump decried "gender ideology," said the military was becoming too "woke," and that DEI programs across the federal government should be ended. As president, his executive actions & policies have mirrored his campaign promises in attempting to reshape culture in the United States during his administration's first 100 days. This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, political correspondent Sarah McCammon, and senior political editor & cor...

Apr 22, 202519 min

Trump's First 100 Days: Project 2025 & Its Influence

The Heritage Foundation's "blueprint" for a new Republican administration got a lot of attention during the 2024 presidential campaign. While candidate Donald Trump said he "had never read" the document, President Trump has incorporated many of its policies, and authors, into his administration's first 100 days. This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro. The podcast is prod...

Apr 21, 202515 min

Roundup: Trump Vs. The Fed; Harvard Fights Back

As the White House continued to adjust its tariff policies, President Trump lashed out against Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, saying his "termination cannot come fast enough." Trump thinks the Fed should be more aggressive in lowering interest rates. Then, a look at why Harvard University is fighting against efforts to have billions of dollars in federal funding rescinded. And, a star-studded trip to space. This episode: political correspondent Ashley Lopez, White House correspondent Danie...

Apr 18, 202520 min

The Legal & Political Challenges To Trump's Deportation Plans

A federal judge ruled there is "probable cause" to find the Trump administration in contempt for violating an order last month to pause some deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. We discuss what happens next, as well as a new directive on how immigration court proceedings can be held. This episode: political correspondent Ashley Lopez, immigration policy reporter Ximena Bustillo, and White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger and ed...

Apr 17, 202515 min

Exclusive: Whistleblower Alleges DOGE May Have Taken Sensitive Labor Data

This episode investigates allegations that the entity known as DOGE improperly accessed and attempted to cover up data breaches at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). It explores the whistleblower's claims, the significance of the compromised data, potential motivations tied to Elon Musk's business interests, and the broader implications for data privacy across federal agencies. The discussion also covers congressional inquiries and the whistleblower's hopes for a thorough investigation.

Apr 16, 202512 min

Trump: Man Wrongfully Deported To El Salvador Won't Return To U.S.

This episode discusses the agreement between the U.S. and El Salvador regarding deported migrants, focusing on the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was wrongfully deported. It examines the Trump administration's evolving justifications for not allowing his return, the Supreme Court's order to facilitate his return, and the potential implications for future immigration policies and US-El Salvador relations. The discussion also highlights the legal nuances and challenges in enforcing court orders related to immigration.

Apr 15, 202513 min

Campus Activists Fear Trump Administration Crackdown

Much of the activism seen on college campuses last year in protest of Israel's war in Gaza is now under increased scrutiny as part of a policy that the Trump administration says is aimed at eliminating antisemitism, particularly on American campuses. The effort has led to the targeting of non-citizen students over their past pro-Palestinian activism, resulting in students losing visas and several high-profile arrests. These incidents have created a climate of uncertainty at many colleges and uni...

Apr 14, 202515 min

Roundup: Immigration Rulings; DOGE & Social Security Data

On Thursday, the Supreme Court ruled the Trump administration must "facilitate" the return of a man it mistakenly deported to El Salvador. How is the White House responding, and what happens next? Then, is the entity known as DOGE using Social Security information it isn't meant to be able to access? This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, political reporter Stephen Fowler, and senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger and...

Apr 11, 202522 min

Trump's Tariff Tug Of War

After days of market turmoil, President Trump walked back some tariffs on some countries, but kept a near universal 10 percent tariff in place and increased tariffs on goods from China. What's behind the president's decision, and will markets continue to stomach such uncertainty? This episode: White House correspondents Asma Khalid and Franco Ordoñez, and finance correspondent Maria Aspan. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer ...

Apr 10, 202518 min

U.S. Trade War With China Escalates

Earlier this week, President Trump threatened to make the steep tariffs on China even steeper if China did not withdraw its retaliatory measures. Today, Trump kept his promise by levying a 104% tariff on Chinese goods that he then raised to 125% later in the day. This episode: White House correspondents Asma Khalid and Tamara Keith and international correspondent John Ruwitch. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Mu...

Apr 09, 202512 min

Trump Threatens To Cut Federal Funds For Colleges And Universities

Dozens of American universities are under investigation by the Trump administration for use of DEI initiatives and alleged anti-Semitism on campuses. The message is clear: comply with federal executive orders and policy changes or lose federal funding. How are educational leaders responding? This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, correspondent Elissa Nadworny, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger and edite...

Apr 08, 202517 min

He Has A Purple Heart & Is A Convicted Felon. ICE Wants To Deport Him

An NPR exclusive: Deportation proceedings are underway for Jose Barco, an Iraq War veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart. Barco came to the U.S. as a child, enlisted as a teenager, and, after his discharge, was convicted of a felony. Immediately after being paroled in January, he was remanded to ICE custody, where he has remained since. Read more. This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, immigration policy reporter Ximena Bustillo, and defense correspondent Tom Bowman. The podcast i...

Apr 07, 202511 min

Roundup: Tariffs, HHS Cuts & Bodega Cats

The tariff plan rolled out by President Trump this week threatens to upend the global economic system. We look at the potential impacts. Then, widespread cuts at the Department of Health and Human Services threaten the agency's ability to do its many jobs. And, a look at a New York City tradition. This episode: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, political correspondent Susan Davis, senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and health policy correspondent Selena Simmons...

Apr 04, 202525 min

Trump's Tariffs Take Shape — How Will They Impact You?

This episode analyzes President Trump's new tariff policy, which includes a blanket tariff on imports and higher tariffs for specific countries. The discussion covers the potential impact on consumers, the risks of retaliatory tariffs, and the White House's goals for reshaping the U.S. economy by boosting domestic manufacturing. The panelists also explore the political risks and historical parallels of Trump's economic nationalism.

Apr 03, 202517 min

What Happened In Tuesday's Elections

Money poured into races in Florida and Wisconsin at levels usually reserved for elections during a presidential cycle. Republicans held two House seats in Florida, but by smaller margins than their previous wins there. Meanwhile, a judge aligned with Democrats won to keep a liberal majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court — despite Elon Musk spending more than $20 million to back the Republicans' preferred candidate. This episode: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, political correspondent ...

Apr 02, 202519 min

Trump & Presidential Term Limits

The NPR Politics Podcast discusses President Trump's recent comments about seeking a third term in office, despite the 22nd Amendment. The episode explores potential legal loopholes, political motivations behind Trump's statements, and the historical context of presidents considering term limit extensions. It also examines the political impact and potential responses, including a constitutional amendment to definitively block a third Trump term.

Apr 01, 202513 min

A Look At This Week's Special House Elections In Florida

Races to fill two vacant seats in Florida's first and sixth congressional districts are getting a lot of attention. Despite Republicans having a long history of success in both, Democrats think they have a chance to keep things close — if not possibly to pull off major upsets. We look at who is running. This episode: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and national correspondent Greg Allen. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & ...

Mar 31, 202514 min

Weekly Roundup: Tariffs, Texts & Turtles

President Trump signaled more tariffs would come in April, signed an executive order about voting, & withdrew the nomination of his proposed United Nations ambassador. We look at that and more in our weekly roundup. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Mutho...

Mar 28, 202522 min

Why Does Donald Trump Want Greenland?

First floated in President Trump's first term, talks of the United States annexing or otherwise acquiring Greenland have escalated in recent weeks. With the vice president and other government officials heading to the world's largest island this week, what's behind Trump's fascination with the Danish territory? This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, and national security correspondent Greg Myre. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli W...

Mar 27, 202515 min

DOGE's Potential Impact On Social Security & The VA

The Trump administration's efforts to reshape the federal government have now set their sights on how the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs could be reformed. But their proposed changes could leave millions of Americans who rely on services from those agencies vulnerable. This episode: political correspondents Susan Davis & Ashley Lopez, and veterans correspondent Quil Lawrence. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger and edited by Casey Morell...

Mar 26, 202514 min
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