The NPR Politics Podcast

Trump’s ‘anti-weaponization fund’ is a problem for the GOP 02.06.2026 16m

A federal court put President Trump’s “anti-weaponization fund” on hold, but Republican leaders on Capitol Hill say they would like to see the president back away from the fund permanently. We discuss why the fund poses a political problem for Republican lawmakers.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, Supreme Court and justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, and White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Democrats target working-class voters in Iowa and Montana 01.06.2026 18m

To win control of Congress, Democrats need to win rural and working-class voters in traditionally Republican strongholds. We discuss the party’s strategies in two states with primary elections on Tuesday, Iowa and Montana. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, political reporter Stephen Fowler, and rural affairs correspondent Kirk Siegler.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Which Democrats could be on the presidential ballot in 2028? 29.05.2026 31m

It was another busy week in politics. For our weekly news roundup, we discuss the Justice Department’s investigation into E. Jean Carroll, a writer who won two lawsuits against President Trump. We also discuss former First Lady Jill Biden’s comments about former President Joe Biden’s 2024 debate performance, as well as which Democrats might be on the 2028 presidential ballot.This episode: political correspondent Ashley Lopez, justice correspondent Ryan Lucas, White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, and senior political correspondent Tamara Keith.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

How immigration courts are quietly speeding up deportations 28.05.2026 20m

After about two months on the job, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has shifted the agency’s immigration enforcement efforts toward tactics that generate fewer headlines but still result in mass deportations. We discuss what those tactics look like and how the Trump administration is using immigration to appeal to Republicans ahead of November’s election.This episode: political correspondent Tamara Keith, immigration policy correspondent Ximena Bustillo, and White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

In Texas Senate run-off, MAGA ousts the old guard 27.05.2026 16m

Republican Sen. John Cornyn was one of a few incumbents who lost their re-election bids in Texas’ primary run-off election Tuesday. We discuss what to make of the results and what to expect between now and November.This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional correspondent Claudia Grisales, and Texas Newsroom reporter Blaise Gainey.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

What to know about the California governor’s race 26.05.2026 21m

When voting in California’s primary election wraps on June 2, a crowded field of 62 candidates vying to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom will narrow to just two who will compete in November. We discuss major factors shaping the race, including the state’s unique primary system, as well as a high-profile effort to unseat Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson, and KQED correspondent Guy Marzorati.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Sources & Methods: Trump's counterterrorism plan 25.05.2026 33m

From NPR's Sources & Methods:The attack at a mosque in San Diego underscores larger problems: the rise of far right extremism and the rise of Islamophobia. But a new White House document on rising threats make no mention of right-wing extremist groups.Host Mary Louise Kelly speaks with NPR national security correspondent Greg Myre and NPR domestic extremism correspondent Odette Yousef about what radicalized the two teens involved in the San Diego attack. They also look into the latest version of the United States Counterterrorism Strategy, which does not list far-right extremism as a threat to Americans. Plus, an update on Iran and Cuba.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Some Republicans in Congress are standing up to Trump 22.05.2026 27m

Tensions between congressional Republicans and the White House caused leaders on the Hill to delay a vote on immigration funding. We discuss what's at the center of the fighting, plus what this week’s indictment of Cuba's Raúl Castro says about President Trump's plans for the island nation.This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Eric McDaniel, White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Why these swing voters give Trump a pass on the economy 21.05.2026 19m

NPR reporters observed focus groups of 12 North Carolina voters who backed President Joe Biden in 2020 and President Donald Trump in 2024. We discuss what they say about President Trump, the economy, the Democratic Party and artificial intelligence.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, political correspondent Ashley Lopez, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and edited by Rachel Baye. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Trump's revenge tour ousts Massie in Kentucky. Is Texas next? 20.05.2026 19m

President Trump wasn't on the ballot in Tuesday’s primaries, but he notched a victory when the challenger he backed defeated Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie. We discuss Massie's loss and other primary election results from Tuesday, as well as Trump’s new endorsement in the upcoming Republican primary run-off in Texas' Senate race.This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, political reporter Stephen Fowler, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Trump creates $1.8 billion ‘anti-weaponization fund’ 19.05.2026 15m

President Trump is creating a nearly $1.8 billion fund to compensate people who say they were victims of the “weaponization” of the Justice Department. We discuss who could get payouts and who makes that call. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, Supreme Court and justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Trump goes after GOP foes in Louisiana, Kentucky primaries 18.05.2026 22m

Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy lost his primary last Saturday to a challenger backed by President Trump, and Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie faces a similar challenge in his primary on Tuesday. We discuss the president’s efforts to target politicians he perceives as disloyal to him and what it means for the Republican Party.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and Kentucky Public Radio reporter Sylvia Goodman.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

What did Trump accomplish in China? 15.05.2026 33m

President Trump returned from a long awaited trip to China on Friday. We discuss what the United States got out of the meetings with Chinese leaders. Plus, what should we make of Trump’s prolific social media use? This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Inflation is up, job growth is flat, and voters don’t like it 14.05.2026 21m

In the last week, we’ve gotten seemingly conflicting economic data — inflation is up, consumer spending is up slightly and the job market is holding steady. We discuss what to make of it, how voters are feeling, and what politicians are saying about it. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, financial correspondent Maria Aspan, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Could one Nebraska House race alter the Electoral College? 13.05.2026 16m

A day after Nebraska held its primary election, the result in the Democratic race to fill one of the most competitive House seats in the country is still too close to call. We discuss how one possible outcome in that race could change the way the state awards its Electoral College votes in presidential elections, plus the particularly strange dynamics in the state’s Senate race.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson, and Minnesota Public Radio host Clay Masters.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Mr. Trump goes to Beijing 12.05.2026 18m

President Trump is headed to Beijing to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. We discuss what each side hopes to accomplish and how the Iran war has changed the power dynamics between the two leaders. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Democrats face disadvantage after redistricting setbacks 11.05.2026 16m

The U.S. House map looks particularly bleak for Democrats after Virginia’s Supreme Court overturned the map voters approved last month, on top of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that gutted the Voting Rights Act. We discuss where the party goes from here, how Republicans are continuing to bolster their advantage with new districts in southern states, and what it all means for voters.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, congressional reporter Sam Gringlas, and political correspondent Ashley Lopez.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

How rising oil prices are foiling Trump’s energy policy 08.05.2026 31m

Oil prices continue to climb as a result of the Iran war. We discuss how that has interfered with President Trump’s planned energy policy. Plus, will the Republican presidential ticket have Vice President JD Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the top in 2028?This episode: political correspondent Ashley Lopez, business correspondent Camila Domonoske, and White House correspondents Danielle Kurtzleben and Franco Ordoñez.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

How Trump is undermining the fight against public corruption 07.05.2026 17m

The Trump administration has taken multiple actions that experts warn are undermining the fight against public corruption. We discuss what that looks like and the implications for democracy and the rule of law.This episode: political correspondent Ashley Lopez, justice correspondent Ryan Lucas, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Trump approval is worst ever in new poll 06.05.2026 14m

President Trump said he would punish the Republican state senators in Indiana who voted against redistricting, and in Tuesday’s primary, almost all of them lost to Trump-backed challengers. We discuss takeaways from the primaries in Indiana and Ohio, plus how voters say they feel about Trump in a new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll.This episode: political correspondent Ashley Lopez, political reporter Stephen Fowler, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy