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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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 (71)
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
Exclusive: Whistleblower Alleges DOGE May Have Taken Sensitive Labor Data
The entity known as DOGE has been used as part of the Trump administration's efforts to radically reshape the federal government. But a whistleblower alleges DOGE may have improperly accessed data at...
Trump: Man Wrongfully Deported To El Salvador Won't Return To U.S.
In an Oval Office meeting Monday with El Salvador's president, President Trump said Kilmar Abrego Garcia would not come back to the U.S., despite a Supreme Court decision ordering the Trump...
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...
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?
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...
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%...
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...
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...
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...
Then, widespread cuts at the Department of Health and Human...
Trump's Tariffs Take Shape — How Will They Impact You?
President Trump announced a blanket tariff on all imports to the U.S., and additional, specific tariffs on dozens of countries. How will this change in trade policy impact consumers?
This episode:...
This episode:...
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...
Trump & Presidential Term Limits
The president has flirted with — and walked back — suggestions he would seek a third term in office, which runs counter to the 22nd Amendment's provisions on term limits. But that's not stopping...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Defense Officials Used Group Text To Plan Missile Strikes
Before the U.S. carried out missile strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, senior Trump administration officials discussed the plan of action. Also part of the discussion: Jeffrey Goldberg, the...
Sanders, AOC Rally To Motivate Democrats
The two politicians are pushing a message that is both critical of President Trump & his policies, and of Democrats for not doing enough, in their view, to fight back in response.
This episode:...
This episode:...
Roundup: Potential Ukraine Ceasefire; Trump Attacks Judiciary
President Trump spoke separately to his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts this week to try and hammer out a peace deal to end the war. We explore what's in the deal and what chances it has to...
How Trump's Tariffs Are Impacting U.S. Farmers
Many U.S. farmers have evolved under free trade and grown dependent on exporting food. With tariffs already impacting the cost of U.S. exports, how will farmers handle renewed changes in trade...
Why Wisconsin's Supreme Court Election Matters Nationally
Tens of millions are being spent. Donald Trump, Jr. and Gov. Tim Walz (D-Minn.) are holding rallies for their preferred candidates. It's the kind of thing seen for statehouse or congressional races —...
Dems In Disarray? Finding Unity In The Caucus
After bruising losses in November's elections, Democrats are trying to figure out how to unite their many factions behind a common set of ideas & objectives. Infighting in the party itself, though,...
What Is The Alien Enemies Act?
The Trump administration used the 18th century law as justification for deporting hundreds of alleged gang members. Why was it invoked, and what does its use mean for future immigration action?
This...
This...
Roundup: Shutdown Threat, Tariffs & Ukraine
Congressional Democrats are at odds as to whether or not to support Republican-led efforts to keep the government funded ahead of a Friday deadline. We look at the divisions.
Then, the White House...
Then, the White House...
Trump's Latest Efforts To Reduce The Federal Workforce
Since taking office, President Trump has championed the idea of reducing the federal workforce. A February 26 memo gave agencies until today to come up with a plan for that reduction. What does this...
Trump's Efforts To Consolidate Executive Branch Power
Since returning to office, President Trump has moved quickly to reshape the federal government. His actions, which have moved to put more power under his purview, align with a belief in some...
Who Is Mahmoud Khalil, The Protester The Trump Admin Wants To Deport?
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...
Measles Returns — Here's What You Need To Know
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...
Roundup: DOGE's Power Checked; Vance's Role Evolves
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...
Trump's Tariff Tumult
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...
How Trump's Immigration Policy Is Taking Shape
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...
Trump Defends Agenda In Combative Address
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...
Poll: Majority Thinks Trump Is Making Changes Too Quickly
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.
...
NPR Investigation: Harassment In The Federal Court System
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...
Roundup: Congress Works On Budget; Cabinet Meets; Good TV
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...
Trump's Next Foreign Policy Challenge: Syria
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...
How DOGE Cuts Are Impacting Federal Workers
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...
NPR Exclusive: Harassment In The Federal Judiciary
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...
A nearly year-long NPR investigation has found problems with the way the courts...
Trump Administration Fires Top Pentagon Officials, Military Lawyers
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:...
This episode:...
Roundup: Kash Patel Confirmed As FBI Chief; China Sees Opportunity As USAID Gets Cut
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...
McConnell Announces His Retirement And Trump Signs Another Executive Order
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...
Then, Donald Trump signed another executive order on...
Dems Face Pressure To Fight Trump
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...
How Trump Changed U.S. Policy Toward Ukraine
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....
Is Trump's Economy Taking Shape?
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...
Weekly Roundup: Eric Adams; More Trump Nominees Confirmed
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...
DOGE's Quest To Reshape Government Continues
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...
This episode: White...
Navigating Trump's Foreign Policy
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...
This episode: White House correspondents Asma Khalid and...
How Canada & Mexico Respond To Trump's Tariffs
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...
Trump's Latest Target: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
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...
Friday Roundup: Trump's Efforts To Overhaul Bureaucracy, FBI
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.
Trump Wants To Turn Gaza Into The "Riviera Of The Middle East"
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...
Congressional Republicans OK With Shifting Power Dynamics
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:...
This episode:...
Elon Musk's DOGE Takes Control Of Federal Spending
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...
Trump Attempts To Shut Down USAID And Imposes Tariffs
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...
Friday Roundup: More Hearings And Trump's First Two Weeks In Office
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...
Then, a look back at President Trump's...
White House Walks Back Federal Funding Memo
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...
This episode: White House...
RFK Jr. Confirmation Hearing
During his confirmation hearing Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump's pick to run Health and Human Services, defended his stances on vaccines and abortion access.
This episode: White House...
This episode: White House...
White House Memo Puts Federal Funding On Hold
The White House budget office has ordered a pause on all federal grants, loans, and financial assistance programs according to a memo released Monday. What is known about this pause so far, what...
How Trump Is Governing In His Second Term
This past weekend, President Trump showed the country how he plans to govern in his second term. On Friday, he fired independent inspectors general and on Sunday, he threatened Colombia with a trade...
How Trump's Executive Actions Are Impacting Federal Workers
President Trump campaigned on a promise of mass deportation and reducing the size of the federal workforce. Has he followed through on those promises? And what impacts do they have?
Then, everyone's...
Then, everyone's...
Trump Declared A "National Energy Emergency." Now What?
During his inaugural address, President Trump said, "I will also declare a national energy emergency — we will drill, baby, drill." What does that declaration mean — not only for the energy industry,...
Trump Rolls Back Federal DEI Rules
The president argues such programs, meant to increase the diversity of the federal workforce, were discriminatory in nature. The actions place employees staffing federal DEI programs on leave, and...
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