While studying at Columbia University, Khalil helped lead pro-Palestinian protests on campus relating to Israel's war with Gaza. He was taken into ICE custody Saturday, and the Trump administration has said it wants to deport Khalil as part of a wider crackdown on what it calls anti-Semitic protests on college campuses — even though Khalil is a lawful permanent resident of the United States. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, immigration policy reporter Ximena Bustillo, and senio...
Mar 11, 2025•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hundreds have been infected and two have died as measles outbreaks have occurred in West Texas and New Mexico. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., a vaccine skeptic, has given conflicting advice to people wanting to avoid infection. Why are vaccination rates declining, and what do these outbreaks mean for public health in the U.S.? This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and health correspondent Mari...
Mar 10, 2025•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast In a cabinet meeting this week, President Trump affirmed that while DOGE — the entity meant to reshape the federal government, with Elon Musk as figurehead — has the ability to advise changes, Musk does not have the power to fire government staffers. Then, a look at how Vice President JD Vance has started to reshape the role of the vice presidency. This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, political reporter Stephen Fowler, White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez, and senior politic...
Mar 07, 2025•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast On the campaign trail, Donald Trump promised to enact tariffs on some of the United States' largest trading partners. As president, he has made good on that promise — but with more than a few exceptions and caveats. This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, White House correspondent Asma Khalid, and chief economic correspondent Scott Horsley. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every e...
Mar 06, 2025•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast Immigration was a major campaign issue for Donald Trump as he sought to return to the White House. Now that he's back, what policies has he implemented, and how to do they align with what he promised on the campaign trail? This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, immigration policy reporter Ximena Bustillo, 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 Mu...
Mar 05, 2025•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast In the longest address of its kind before Congress in recent memory, President Trump laid out his policy objectives on the economy, immigration, foreign policy & other topics. He was repeatedly critical of Democrats & his predecessor, Joe Biden. One Democratic congressman was escorted out of the House chamber after heckling Trump, and the Democratic Party's response delivered by Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) largely discussed how her party differs with Trump on economic and foreign policy issues...
Mar 05, 2025•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast In a new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll , a majority of respondents think the state of the union is not strong, and that President Trump is moving too quickly in trying to reshape the federal government. This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, 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 Muturi. Li...
Mar 03, 2025•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast Federal judges have enormous power over their courtrooms and their chambers, which can leave employees vulnerable to abuse, with few ways to report their concerns anonymously. Forty-two current and former federal judicial employees spoke to NPR about their experience of mistreatment working for judges appointed by presidents from both major political parties. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Mar 01, 2025•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Congress is trying to come up with a new budget, while also attempting to extend tax cuts put in place during President Trump's first term. But with a very small majority in both houses, Republicans have little margin for error. Then, we look at the first cabinet meeting of the Trump administration, the upcoming presidential address to a joint session of Congress, and changes to the White House press pool. And, we can't let go of television — a lot of it. This episode: political correspondent Su...
Feb 28, 2025•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast Syria is in the midst of rebuilding after a long civil war and the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime. What happens next in Syria poses a challenge for the U.S. and the Trump administration's goals, especially as roughly 2,000 U.S. troops are in Syria to help keep the peace. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, national security correspondent Greg Myre, and international correspondent Jane Arraf. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger and edited by Casey Morell. ...
Feb 27, 2025•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast Proposals from DOGE, Elon Musk's entity tasked with making the federal government more "efficient," have resulted in lawsuits, pushback from other federal agencies, and a lot of uncertainty for the millions of people who work for the federal government. We look at what's happened & what's to come. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, and correspondents Shannon Bond & Chris Arnold. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive prod...
Feb 26, 2025•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast People who work for the federal court system don't have the same kinds of job protections that most other Americans do. A nearly year-long NPR investigation has found problems with the way the courts police sexual harassment and bullying and a pervasive culture of fear about blowing the whistle. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, national justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli W...
Feb 25, 2025•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast Over the weekend, the Trump administration fired several high-ranking military leaders and announced it plans to fire over 5,000 probationary Pentagon employees starting this week. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman. 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 the NPR Politi...
Feb 24, 2025•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast Kash Patel was confirmed as the new FBI director yesterday despite questions about his qualifications. The vote was the narrowest in recent memory with two Republicans joining the Democrats in voting "no." Then, Donald Trump is undertaking efforts to slash federal government spending, which includes international pro-democracy and human rights groups. Is China moving in to fill the vacuum the U.S. leaves behind? This episode: political correspondents Ashley Lopez and Susan Davis, justice corresp...
Feb 21, 2025•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sen. Mitch McConnell announced today that he would not seek reelection when his term is over in 2026, ending his 40-year career in Congress. Then, Donald Trump signed another executive order on Tuesday, giving him expanded power over independent agencies. This episode: political correspondents Sarah McCammon and Susan Davis, White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger, and edited ...
Feb 20, 2025•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Democrats lost the Senate and the White House in November's elections. Now as a minority party, their representatives — and their voters — are trying to figure out what to do next, and how to provide a roadblock to President Trump's ambitions. This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, congressional correspondent Barbara Sprunt, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger, and edited by Casey Morell. Our execu...
Feb 19, 2025•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast President Trump has shifted U.S. policy regarding the war between Ukraine and Russia. On Tuesday, The U.S. and Russia met for peace talks — without Ukraine — with a goal to ending the conflict. What's behind the shift? This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez, and national security correspondent Greg Myre. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger, and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to e...
Feb 18, 2025•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast He campaigned on lowering the cost of household goods, but inflation remains outside the range the Federal Reserve desires, and the cost of eggs, among other items, remains higher than usual. What does President Trump's economic policy look like? This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, and chief economics correspondent Scott Horsley. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger, and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive prod...
Feb 17, 2025•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Department of Justice instructed prosecutors to dismiss federal corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Rather than abiding by the order, many prosecutors have resigned in protest. Then, two of President Trump's more controversial cabinet picks, Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., were confirmed to their posts. How did they overcome initial skepticism? This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, national justice...
Feb 14, 2025•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast The unit, led by Elon Musk, has run into legal obstacles as it continues its rapid efforts to change the way the federal government functions. We look at the latest developments. This episode: White House correspondents Asma Khalid and Franco Ordoñez, and State Department correspondent Michele Kelemen. 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 the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unl...
Feb 13, 2025•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast On the campaign trail, Donald Trump promoted an "America First" approach. How does that translate to how the U.S. works with other countries? This episode: White House correspondents Asma Khalid and Franco Ordoñez, and State Department correspondent Michele Kelemen. 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 the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with mor...
Feb 12, 2025•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast Alongside newly announced universal tariffs on aluminum and steel imports, President Trump has levied tariffs, currently on hold, on a number of goods from Canada and Mexico. How are those countries reacting? This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, political correspondent Susan Davis, international affairs correspondent Jackie Northam, and Mexico City correspondent Eyder Peralta. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger, and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive produ...
Feb 11, 2025•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast The government agency formed in the wake of the Great Recession acts to regulate financial products, like credit cards & mortgages. But, conservatives have never liked the CFPB, and its new acting director — appointed by President Trump over the weekend — ordered the agency's employees to stop working. They and critics fear the move is a step toward dismantling the CFPB altogether. This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, political correspondent Susan Davis, and personal finance corr...
Feb 10, 2025•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Trump administration's offer for federal employees to resign now and keep their pay and benefits through September has been paused for now. What happens next with the so-called fork in the road. Then, FBI agents who were involved with January 6th cases have sued their bosses at the Department of Justice. This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, labor correspondent Andrea Hsu, political correspondent Susan Davis, and justice correspondent Carrie Johnson. The podcast is produced b...
Feb 07, 2025•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast At a Tuesday press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Trump said he wanted the U.S. to own Gaza and he would transform it into the "Riviera of the Middle East." What has been the reaction to those statements? This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, national security correspondent Greg Myre, and national political correspondent Don Gonyea. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger, and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is ...
Feb 06, 2025•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast Congress is supposed to hold the power of the purse. So what do Republicans in Congress think about what appears to be President Trump and Elon Musk's "cut first, ask later" approach? This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, political correspondent Susan Davis, and congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh. 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 the NPR Politics Podcast...
Feb 05, 2025•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast Elon Musk is keeping his campaign promise of trying to cut $2 trillion of federal spending through his unit, DOGE. After some questions about his role, the White House announced that he is now a "special government employee." What has Musk been able to accomplish thus far? This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, power and influence reporter Shannon Bond, and tech reporter Bobby Allyn. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger, and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive...
Feb 04, 2025•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast This past weekend, President Trump imposed new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China. He has since walked back the 25% on Mexican imports after a conversation with Mexico's president. The others are still set to take effect on Tuesday. Then, Elon Musk announced that his DOGE was shutting down USAID as part of his initiative to slash government spending. This episode: White House correspondents Tamara Keith and Franco Ordoñez and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro. The po...
Feb 03, 2025•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Kash Patel, Trump's pick to lead the FBI, and Tulsi Gabbard, his nominee for intelligence chief, had their hearings on Capitol Hill. Will they be confirmed? Then, a look back at President Trump's first two weeks in office. This episode: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, political correspondent Susan Davis, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro. The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger, and edited by Casey Mor...
Jan 31, 2025•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast On Monday, the White House budget office ordered a freeze on all federal funding. Yesterday, the White House walked that memo back after days of chaos and confusion. This episode: White House correspondents Deepa Shivaram and Tamara Keith and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro. 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 the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, un...
Jan 30, 2025•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
