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

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

How An American Pope May Influence American Politics

For the first time, the leader of the Catholic Church is from the United States. We discuss how Pope Leo XIV's election may play a role in U.S. politics, both for Catholics and others. This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, religion correspondent Jason DeRose, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podc...

May 13, 202514 min

Trump's Tariff Turnaround

After saying his tariff policies "will never change," President Trump announced he was reducing tariffs on imports from China from 145 percent to 30 percent. China, in turn, lowered its retaliatory tariffs. What's next? Then, previewing the president's upcoming trip to the Middle East. This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs and ed...

May 12, 202515 min

Roundup: Immigration Policies; New Surgeon General Nominee

The Trump administration announced plans, currently on hold, to deport migrants to Libya, even if they are not from the country originally, and offered a financial incentive for people to "self-deport." Then, President Trump pulled his previous nominee for surgeon general, and nominated a wellness influencer recommended to him by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. And, we say so long — but not farewell — to a podcast stalwart. This episode: political correspondent Susan D...

May 09, 202522 min

Why The U.S. Bombed Houthi Rebels In Yemen

Both Presidents Biden and Trump launched bombing campaigns against Houthi rebels in Yemen after the militant group attacked ships in the Red Sea. This week, Trump said the campaign was over, and the Houthis had agreed to a ceasefire — a claim the militants deny. We explain why the campaign started, why it ended, and what's to come. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, national security correspondent Greg Myre, and senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith. The podcast is produc...

May 08, 202515 min

How Trump Is Reshaping U.S.-Canada relations

President Donald Trump hosted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House Tuesday. The meeting comes at a time where relations between the two neighbors and allies are unusually icy. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and international affairs correspondent Jackie Northam. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every episode of th...

May 07, 202513 minEp. 2082

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 ...

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 Mo...

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 & Kel...

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 edite...

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 politica...

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 More...

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
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