American politics, Canadian context. Every Wednesday, CBC Washington correspondents Paul Hunter, Katie Simpson and Willy Lowry sit down to talk through the big stories in the U.S. — and to answer the question: what does this mean for Canada? It's unscripted, smart analysis from reporters with a foot in both countries, and a press pass to the White House.
Last refreshed: ⓘ
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
It’s the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, and so far planned celebrations range from a UFC fight at the White House to a concert series featuring 90s rapper Vanilla Ice. But with musical acts dropping out citing polarization, tension over the ongoing Iran war and sky-high gas prices, Washington correspondents Katie Simpson, Paul Hunter and Willy Lowry ask: How do you have a birthday party if no one’s in the mood to celebrate?
From a $1.8 billion US fund for Donald Trump allies, which some critics call a 'MAGA slush fund', to retribution for Republicans who have spoken out against him, the U.S. president is pushing his personal agenda amid declining approval ratings and with the midterm elections right around the corner. This week on Two Blocks from the White House, Washington correspondents Katie Simpson, Paul Hunter and Louis Blouin ask: How far can Donald Trump go before paying the political price?...
The final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert airs this week. It’s being called the end of an era, and some critics say the cancellation of the iconic late night talk show represents a broader attack on dissent during Donald Trump’s second administration. This week Washington correspondents Katie Simpson, Paul Hunter and Willy Lowry ask: What, if anything, does Colbert’s cancellation say about the state of free speech in Trump’s America?
From UFOs to 'missing scientists', fringe ideas and conspiracy theories have come to the forefront during U.S. President Donald Trump’s second administration. This week, Washington correspondents Katie Simpson, Paul Hunter and Willy Lowry dig into the long history of conspiracy theories intersecting with American politics. Has Trump made conspiracy theories mainstream?
The race is on to redraw U.S. electoral districts after a landmark Supreme Court ruling last week on the Voting Rights Act. The court neutralized a longstanding piece of the voting rights legislation — a change that could have huge consequences for future U.S. election results. The 1965 Act was designed to ensure African American representation in Congress, but in a 6-3 decision, the top court ruled that a congressional map in Louisiana was unconstitutional because the state gave too much consid...
Our Washington correspondent Paul Hunter was in the room at the White House correspondents’ dinner when shots rang out. Today on Two Blocks from the White House, he shares new details about the scene. Fellow correspondents Katie Simpson and Willy Lowry bring us the latest on the suspect. As the political fallout continues, we ask what a third alleged attempt to assassinate Donald Trump says about the state of America.
Paul Hunter was at the White House correspondents’ dinner shooting on Saturday. We're working on a new Two Blocks from the White House episode on the fallout from the shooting, to drop on Wednesday. But until then, here’s Paul speaking with Front Burner host Jayme Poisson about what happened when shots rang out.
From a gigantic arch set to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, to the deployment of National Guard troops, to the construction of a massive White House ballroom, the face of America’s capital city is changing during Donald Trump’s second term as U.S. president. And while some critics have dismissed Trump’s projects as garish, the president is undeniably leaving his stamp on the historic district. Today on Two Blocks from the White House, CBC’s Washington correspondents Paul Hunter,...
Today we’re talking about how U.S. President Donald Trump's touch is backfiring, both at home and abroad, as Trump loomed large over two recent international elections. On Monday, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney clinched a majority government, a win being attributed in part to widespread anti-Trump sentiment among voters. And over the weekend in Hungary, Trump’s close ally and fellow right-wing populist leader Viktor Orbán was defeated after 16 years in power in a landmark election. Just day...
The world held its breath Tuesday as U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to bomb civilian infrastructure if Iran did not meet a deadline that night to open the Strait of Hormuz. Then, the same day, he accepted a Pakistan-brokered deal for a two-week ceasefire. After inciting outrage and then abruptly halting the war, what exactly has Trump accomplished in Iran? CBC’s Washington correspondents Katie Simpson, Willy Lowry and Paul Hunter try to find an answer.
Reporting on U.S. politics sometimes means leaving D.C. From war in Iran to whirlwind diplomatic meetings in France to a moon-bound mission in Florida, the CBC's Washington correspondents trade their seats two blocks from the White House for a trio of windows into the world. Willy Lowry, Katie Simpson and Paul Hunter take us behind the scenes on their reporting and share what we can learn about the biggest stories in American politics and Canada-U.S. relations when we look at them from an outsid...
Winning is a word U.S. President Donald Trump likes to hear, and while midterm elections are months away, the November vote is definitely driving his decisions today. With the cost of living and gas prices continuing to soar, the midterms are a chance for voters to weigh in on whether Trump has delivered on his promise to put America first, considering his administration's war with Iran and other operations stretching beyond the U.S. borders. CBC's Washington correspondents Paul Hunter, Willy Lo...
The episode examines President Trump's conflicting messages regarding the Strait of Hormuz crisis, where he simultaneously boasts US strength and demands help from allies. It details the on-the-ground reality of missile attacks in Qatar and the economic impact of the paralyzed shipping route. The discussion delves into Trump's unique pressure tactics, the reluctance of global partners to join a "coalition of the unwilling," and the potential long-term effects on alliances like NATO and his domestic political agenda.
As the U.S. war in the Middle East continues, gas prices are on the rise and American voters are paying attention. Affordability remains a key issue, and President Donald Trump’s decision to wage war on Iran is drawing criticism not only from Democrats, but from within his MAGA base. As the November midterms approach, will the war overseas lead to a referendum on the Trump administration at home? CBC’s Washington correspondents Paul Hunter, Willy Lowry and Katie Simpson unpack the economic cost ...
Reactions to the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran are mixed. Members of Congress are accusing President Donald Trump of starting an illegal war, questioning why he failed to seek congressional approval ahead of the strikes. Meanwhile, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said the military intervention will follow 'no stupid rules of engagement.' The operation has put U.S. allies in a tricky position. Many — including Canada — have said there is some validity in targeting Iranian nuclear sites. Bu...
Clocking in at 108 minutes, U.S. President Donald Trump's state of the union address was the longest in U.S. history, with the only mention of Canada coming during a tribute to the U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team. It’s all part of the 'U.S. is winning' message Trump is trying to push ahead of November's midterm elections. But is it working? The CBC's Washington correspondents Katie Simpson, Paul Hunter and Willy Lowry unpack what it all means for the year ahead in U.S. politics and Canada-U.S. re...
Mark Wiseman made his debut as Canada’s ambassador to the U.S. this week, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. He starts the post in a complicated time for Canadian-U.S. relations, taking over from Kirsten Hillman, a stable presence and a dogged negotiator for Canada since her appointment in 2020. So what will this changing of the guard mean for Canada? CBC’s Washington correspondents Paul Hunter, Katie Simpson and Willy Lowry take a look at what role the Canadian ambassador to the U.S. plays in W...
Did you catch the jeers? When U.S. Vice-President JD Vance was booed at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina, it was not the welcome Americans are used to receiving on the global stage. It’s not just at the Olympics. President Donald Trump seems fixated on bridges – both burning those that have historically existed between allies and blocking physical ones, like his threat to block the opening of a bridge between Windsor, Ont., and Detroit. With everything that’s ha...
This episode delves into the ongoing challenge Canada faces in interpreting Donald Trump's often aggressive and unpredictable rhetoric, including "51st state" claims and recent aircraft tariff threats. Experts discuss distinguishing serious policy implications from mere 'trolling,' the strategic decisions Canada must make (like military procurement), and the theories behind Trump's negotiation style, such as "Trump Always Chickens Out" (TACO). The conversation also covers the broader impact of high-stakes political communication on international relations and the personal safety of journalists reporting on these tensions.
The podcast delves into the volatile aftermath of Alex Pretdy's killing by ICE agents in Minneapolis, highlighting widespread public anger and the administration's struggle to control the narrative as video evidence contradicts official statements. It explores whether this unrest marks a true political turning point, with Governor Walls activating the National Guard and polls indicating a significant shift in public opinion against ICE tactics. Additionally, the episode covers the potential for a government shutdown over DHS funding and Donald Trump's new tariff threats against Canada, linking them to diplomatic tensions.
Prime Minister Mark Carney's speech in Davos warns of a "rupture" in the global order, where great powers use economic integration as a weapon, implicitly criticizing President Trump's approach. The episode explores Trump's escalating threats regarding Greenland, new tariffs against EU nations, and the significant impact on NATO alliances. It also delves into the Trump administration's controversial use of "emergency powers" to justify executive actions, and the ongoing legal challenges to these tariff policies, especially concerning Canada's trade relations.
Three days into the new year, the U.S. attacked Venezuela and removed President Nicolás Maduro. Threats against Colombia, Mexico, Greenland and Iran followed. Has U.S. President Donald Trump’s promise to put 'America First' morphed into a foreign policy of imperialism and expansion? And if so, what does it mean for Canada? Fresh off reporting from the Venezuelan border, Paul Hunter joins fellow CBC correspondents Katie Simpson and Willy Lowry in the CBC’s Washington bureau — Two Blocks from the ...
It’s always been prudent for Canadians to keep an eye on American politics. And with U.S. president Donald Trump back in the White House, it’s become essential. CBC’s Washington correspondents are here to cut through the noise and help make sense of it all. Fresh episodes and analysis every Wednesday, starting Jan. 14 .
Jan 06, 2026•2 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
