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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

Episodes

Washington Honors Jimmy Carter

Former president Jimmy Carter was honored today at Washington's National Cathedral. The funeral brought together all five living presidents, including Joe Biden who delivered a eulogy for his longtime friend. This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, senior political editor and 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 Muthoni...

Jan 09, 202518 min

Joe Biden's Judicial Legacy

When he took office, President Biden promised to diversify the federal bench. During his four years in office, he succeeded in making that promise a reality. These lifetime appointments will outlast his administration. This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, national justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, and White House correspondent Tamara Keith. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger, and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to ...

Jan 08, 202515 min

President-elect Trump refuses to rule out military involvement in Panama Canal

President-elect Donald Trump held a press conference today from his home in Mar-a-Lago. Topics of discussion included his dissatisfaction with the outgoing Biden administration, tariffs, and foreign policy. Then, Asma Khalid, Franco Ordoñez, and Domenico Montanaro look ahead to the first few days of Trump's presidency. This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro. The podcast is pro...

Jan 07, 202515 min

Congress Certifies Trump's Election Win

Every four years, Congress meets to certify the results of the previous November's presidential election in what is usually a calm and straightforward event. But, after the insurrection of Jan. 6, 2021, lawmakers made some changes. We look at what they are, and how things look different today than they did four years ago. Then, as President-elect Trump plans to return to office with Republican majorities in both houses, a look at what Congress' new legislative priorities include. This episode: W...

Jan 06, 202517 min

Roundup: New Orleans investigation; Biden's last days in office

The FBI continues investigating the motivation of Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who drove a truck into a crowd in New Orleans on New Year's Day, killing at least 14. Then, a look at President Biden's to-do list as his time in office winds down, and Can't Let It Go. This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, national justice correspondent Ryan Lucas, senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro. The podcast is produced by Kelli Wes...

Jan 03, 202524 min

How Donald Trump Reshaped The GOP

Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign did not place him at the ideological center of the Republican Party, but the center quickly moved to him. How did it happen? This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, national political correspondent Don Gonyea, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. The podcast is produced by Kelli Wessinger, and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free,...

Jan 02, 202519 min

How Trump's Tariffs Plan Might Work

From The Indicator from Planet Money : President-elect Donald Trump made a lot of economic promises on the campaign trail, but none as sweeping as his plan to enact tariffs. Trump believes taxing imports from other countries will help reduce the U.S. trade deficit and raise money for things like tax cuts. Today on the show, how might these tariffs work and will they work? Or is everything about to get more expensive? Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Priv...

Jan 01, 202510 min

Donald Trump's Domestic Policy Agenda

Trump campaigned on mass deportation, sweeping tariffs & other widespread changes to U.S. policy. How many of those changes are achievable? This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez, and senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith. The podcast is produced by Kelli Wessinger, and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with...

Dec 31, 202420 min

The Life & Legacy Of Jimmy Carter

Though he only served one term, Jimmy Carter occupies a unique place among U.S. presidents. His presidency was defined by challenges at home and abroad, but his overall legacy is largely shaped by his post-presidential work. We explore how Carter ascended to the presidency, and how he will be remembered. This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson, and senior editor and correspondent Ron Elving. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs ...

Dec 30, 202413 min

The Annual Can't Let It Go Year End Extravaganza

We look back on some of the highlights from 2024 that we just can't stop thinking about, politics or otherwise. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, voting correspondent Miles Parks, political reporter Elena Moore, senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and politics podcast staff Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell & Kelli Wessinger. Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team,...

Dec 27, 202428 min

Joe Biden's Foreign Policy Legacy

As president, Biden sought to restore faith in the United States' abilities as a world leader, but was tested by a number of significant crises and wars abroad — and by opposition at home. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, national security correspondent Greg Myre, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. The podcast is produced by Kelli Wessinger, and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics P...

Dec 26, 202414 min

What Now For The Democratic Party?

Democrats lost the race for the White House, and lost control of the Senate, in 2024. But, after holding on to a few competitive seats in the House of Representatives, what lessons can be learned for their future elections? This episode: voting correspondent Ashley Lopez, congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. This episode originally aired on Dec. 3, 2024. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han and Kelli Wessinger, and edited by Cas...

Dec 25, 202415 min

Joe Biden's Domestic Policy Legacy

In his four years in office, President Biden managed to get significant legislation passed, but also faced strong headwinds from both his own party and Republican opposition. This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, White House correspondent Asma Khalid, and senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith. The podcast is produced by Kelli Wessinger, and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, u...

Dec 24, 202416 min

The Political Legacy Of Joe Biden

Joe Biden has been a national political figure for more than 20 percent of the United States' history. His policies and public figure have evolved over time, in ways that reflect how his Democratic Party also changed. We look back on the legacy of a man who was both one of the youngest senators ever elected, and the oldest person to serve as president. This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and senior national political...

Dec 23, 202418 min

How Trump's early days in 2017 might be different from the upcoming term

NPR senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith has been looking at what Donald Trump did in early 2017 when he first took office, and what might be different this time around. This normally would be a bonus episode just for NPR Politics Podcast+ listeners. With it being the season of giving, we're sharing this one with everyone! To hear more bonus content like this, regular episodes sponsor-free, and support the work of NPR, sign up for NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics . Learn m...

Dec 22, 20246 min

Roundup: Spending Bill Fight Continues; TikTok Ban Looms

Lawmakers are up against a deadline of midnight Friday to pass a bill to fund the government. What's behind the hold up? Then, a ban on TikTok heads to the Supreme Court, and we go back to when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh, political correspondent Susan Davis, technology correspondent Bobby Allyn, and voting correspondent Miles Parks. The podcast is produced by Kelli Wessinger, and edited by Casey More...

Dec 20, 202424 min

How The Spending Bill Died

For a few hours, Congress looked poised to avoid a government shutdown by passing a new short-term spending bill. But, Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy & President-elect Donald Trump voiced opposition, and House Speaker Mike Johnson & lawmakers are back to square one. What now? This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh, and senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith. The podcast is produced by Kelli Wessinger, and edited by Casey Morell. Our exe...

Dec 19, 202417 min

Congress, White House Face Year-End Deadlines

Lawmakers face a Friday deadline to fund the federal government through March; will it get passed? And, in the waning days of the Biden administration, what policy objectives does the White House still want to accomplish? This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh, and senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith. The podcast is produced by Kelli Wessinger, and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every ...

Dec 18, 202416 min

Looking At Reproductive Rights In 2024

The effects of the 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning the constitutional right to abortion continue to be felt across the United States. We look at the state of reproductive rights in 2024, and what may change when President-elect Trump starts his second term in January. This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson, and reproductive rights correspondent Elissa Nadworny. The podcast is produced by Kelli Wessinger, and edited by Ca...

Dec 17, 202415 min

Trump Holds First Press Conference Since Election

The president-elect spoke to the media for more than an hour at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. Topics of discussion included tariffs, vaccines and foreign policy, among others. This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. The podcast is produced by Kelli Wessinger, and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podca...

Dec 16, 202411 min

Roundup: Jan. 6 Report; Biden Issues Pardons

In a new report, the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Justice looked into FBI shortcomings in the run up to the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection. Then, President Biden has issued a number of pardons and commutations as he prepares to leave office. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, national justice correspondent Ryan Lucas, congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh, and White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han and Kelli Wessi...

Dec 13, 202421 min

Why Some In Congress Are Skeptical Of Trump's National Intelligence Pick

Tulsi Gabbard doesn't have the typical background for a director of national intelligence, but the former Hawaii congresswoman has made a name for herself: she is a Democrat-turned-Republican who staunchly backed Trump in 2024, and she holds controversial foreign policy views. Will she get the job? This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, national security correspondent Greg Myre, and congressional correspondent Claudia Grisales. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han and Kelli Wessi...

Dec 12, 202415 min

Who Is Kash Patel, Trump's Pick To Run The FBI?

He was a public defender and former national security aide. He is a fierce critic of the justice department and longtime ally of President-elect Trump, who wants him to run the FBI. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, national justice correspondent Ryan Lucas, and White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han and Kelli Wessinger, and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Po...

Dec 11, 202415 min

Why Are U.S. Troops In Syria?

After more than 50 years in power, the Assad regime has fallen in Syria. How does the situation in Syria affect the United States, and the foreign policy ambitions of the incoming Trump administration? This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, national security correspondent Greg Myre, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han and Kelli Wessinger, and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to e...

Dec 10, 202415 min

Trump Talks Tariffs, Immigration, Pardons

President-elect Donald Trump sat down for his first broadcast television interview since winning a second term. On NBC's Meet The Press with Kristen Welker , Trump talked about economic and domestic policy proposals that may find support — and opposition — among many members of Congress. How likely will it be for his agenda to get enacted? This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh, and senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith. The podcas...

Dec 09, 202416 min

Weekly Roundup: Diplomacy, DOGE & Drawings

Even though he doesn't take office until January, Donald Trump is already busy, nominating cabinet officials and taking visits & calls from world leaders. How might his diplomatic efforts now impact policy later? Then, a look at the proposed Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which aims to reshape the federal government, and Can't Let It Go. This episode: voting correspondent Ashley Lopez, senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, political correspondent Susan Davis, and senior p...

Dec 06, 202427 min

What Democratic Organizers Are Learning From 2024

After a difficult 2024 cycle, activists working to elect Democratic candidates are rethinking their playbooks for the next elections. Many organizers, including Black women, are strategizing ways to improve their coalition building. This episode: voting correspondents Miles Parks & Ashley Lopez, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han and Kelli Wessinger, and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Liste...

Dec 05, 202415 min

Trump's Proposed Immigration Changes

Immigration was a central focus of Donald Trump's 2024 campaign. Now that he's set to take office, what changes are expected to U.S. immigration policy? This episode: voting correspondent Ashley Lopez, senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and immigration correspondent Jasmine Garsd. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han and Kelli Wessinger, and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-f...

Dec 04, 202413 min

What Now For The Democratic Party?

Democrats lost the race for the White House, and lost control of the Senate, in 2024. But, after holding on to a few competitive seats in the House of Representatives, what lessons can be learned for their future elections? This episode: voting correspondent Ashley Lopez, congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han and Kelli Wessinger, and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Mu...

Dec 03, 202417 min

Hunter Biden Pardoned

President Biden previously had said he would not issue a pardon to his son, Hunter, who was convicted in June of federal gun charges for lying about his addiction to crack cocaine when he purchased a gun. Three months later, he entered a guilty plea to tax offenses for failing to pay at least $1.4 million in federal taxes. Sentencing was expected later this month in both cases. The decision is attracting criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. This episode: voting correspondent Ashley Lop...

Dec 02, 202413 min