The News Agents - USA

Episoder

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  Why is Trump sending federal officers to polling stations in November? 16.09.2026 38min

  With the midterms approaching, President Trump has once again raised the stakes, with FBI Director Kash Patel saying he is open to sending federal agents into polling stations. The comments have sparked alarm among Democrats, who fear the Trump administration could take increasingly aggressive steps to assert control over the coming elections.Just a week ago, Trump was offering every American adult $5,000 if Republicans won the midterms. So how have things escalated so quickly? And do dire poll numbers increase the chances of Trump taking even more drastic action as November approaches?The News Agents USA is a Global Production.The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
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  The Trumpapalooza tumbleweed: Why Republicans are staying away 09.09.2026 38min

  In a characteristic break with US political tradition, President Trump is holding a two-day event in Dallas, Texas ahead of the upcoming midterms. The problem? No one seems to want to go. Dallas is a deeply red state. It's packed with reporters, activists and campaigners. So why aren't republicans turning up? And what does that tell us about what to expect from the midterms?The News Agents USA is a Global production.The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
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  Are Democrats sabotaging their own socialists? 02.09.2026 45min

  It's quite a claim, but Bernie Sanders has suggested that some Democrats would rather lose the Senate than support Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan and Angie Nixon in Florida.These firebrand progressive candidates, Sanders claims, are too much of a threat to oligarchy and the US relationship with Israel for a minority of establishment Democrats to get behind. Is he right? And if so, what does it say about the depth of division in the party? Or is this really about who gets the presidential nomination in 2028?Later, the Pulitzer prize winning biographer Kai Bird on how Donald Trump learnt the dark arts from Roy Cohn - and how Cohn has defined America's politics today.The News Agents USA is a Global Production.The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
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  Is Trump about to wage a trade war with China? 27.08.2026 38min

  As the USA and Canada head towards a prolonged economic confrontation, we look at Trump’s escalating tariffs on Canada, Mark Carney’s decision to hit back, and what a trade war between two of the world’s most integrated economies could mean for American consumers, businesses and their wider alliance.Then there’s China. Trump is trying to squeeze Beijing while keeping the broader US-China relationship from spiralling — but China is also Iran’s biggest trading partner and a major buyer of Iranian oil. That puts Trump’s new economic pressure on Tehran on a collision course with his attempts to manage relations with Xi.Later, we discuss another Trump war. This time his war on mail-in ballots.The News Agents USA is a Global production.
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  Why are Navy sailors trying to jump off the USS Abraham Lincoln? 19.08.2026 35min

  The crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln have been at sea for over nine months without docking for a port call. Sailors are reporting grimy conditions, rotting food, and deteriorating mental health. Some have even allegedly taken to trying to throw themselves overboard. President Trump is dismissing the concerns - saying the deployment is "not nearly long enough". Families are urging him to take some accountability and respect Navy staff. Why is the Trump administration now facing a battle with its own military?Later, another surprise DSA win in Florida left one of Trump's first term foes on the political scrapheap - and why Trump keeps getting so tetchy at the mention of Natalie Harp.With Miles Taylor.The News Agents USA is a Global Production.The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
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  Is AOC entering her presidential era? 12.08.2026 33min

  It was a mixed night for progressive Democrats in primaries yesterday. They chalked up some wins, but the Wisconsin gubernatorial hopeful Francesca Hong was probably the highest profile left wing candidate up in a contest - she'd been leading in the polls but ended up falling short to the more moderate Jason Crowley. Notably, neither AOC nor Bernie Sanders took up the invitations to endorse her campaign - and after a series of gaffes along the way they may feel vindicated.In fact, AOC has been tailoring her messaging and her platform, arguably playing down the more radical side of her politics and playing up her winning track record. A recent poll had her as the preferred presidential candidate for Democrats in New Hampshire. Does she have a real shot?Later, the problems with Donald Trump's plane bait and switch story. And why Truth Social premium (costing $100,000 a month) might become a whole can of worms.With Miles Taylor.The News Agents USA is a Global Production.The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
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  Have Democrats found their new Obama in Michigan? 05.08.2026 42min

  The Michigan Senate race primary between two Democrat candidates was so tight that by midday it still hadn’t been officially called. But it looks like the progressive, Muslim candidate of the Left has edged it over his AIPAC backed opponent. Abdul El-Sayed is a charismatic orator already being compared in tone to Obama.But is the Democrat party already splitting before a critical midterm election? And could it cost them the Senate? Later, why is alleged domestic abuser Max Miller still standing for the Republican party in Ohio? Has Trump now set the blueprint for any politician facing charges of abuse or violence who believe they can win if they just show resilience?The News Agents USA is a Global Production.The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
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  Could Laura Loomer save Ukraine? 29.07.2026 42min

  There are good signs that Ukraine seems to now be winning the war against Russia - and for Volodymyr Zelenskyy, there are even better signs that Ukraine is winning the battle the battle for hearts and minds with MAGA. Now long ago Laura Loomer, the hard-right MAGA cheerleader with the ear of Donald Trump, was accusing Ukraine of starting the conflict, regurgitating Russian propaganda, and generally denigrating the cause of Kyiv.That's all changed. In something of a damascene conversion, she's been to Ukraine, interviewed Zelenskyy, and is now shouting from the rooftops about the nobility of the Ukrainian cause and the lies coming out of Moscow. Trump has been posting approvingly about her content, and was glowing about a recent meeting with the Ukrainian President. Sean Hannity too, another Trump whisperer, was practically hero worshipping him when he came on Fox News. So is MAGA finally rowing in behind the country it has so publicly clashed with in Trump's second term? And why?Later, why Todd Blanche's confirmation as Attorney General is on the ropes - and why this week could be the worst of his life whatever the outcome.Jon is joined again this week by Miles Taylor.The News Agents USA is a Global Production.The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
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  Trump's Tehran nightmare: Are Republicans done with his Iran war? 22.07.2026 36min

  Pete Hegseth took an absolute pummelling in the Senate as he tried to make the continued case for Trump's war in Iran. It wasn't just the Democrats getting exasperated - Louisiana Senator John Kennedy said the situation was as serious as "four strokes and a heart attack" - and lambasted the lack of "straight answers" coming from the Secretary of War.Trump insisted yesterday that Iran's threats over the Strait of Hormuz "won't have any impact" on him - but is that wishful thinking? Republicans are getting increasingly itchy to bring this thing to a close. So far, Trump's shown no sign of backing down, but could they force his hand? Jon discusses with Miles Taylor.Later, why 'Blue MAGA" is taking over the Democratic party - and how Andy Burnham and Ed Miliband should try and handle the White House.The News Agents USA is a Global Production.The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
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  ICE kills again 15.07.2026 41min

  ICE agents have been instructed to immediately suspend vehicle stops during enforcement operations nationwide. It follows two fatal shootings in Texas and Maine over the last week. Are things getting out of control again? Or are ICE about to double down? And how are Americans reacting? Former Chief of Staff at Homeland Security, Miles Taylor joins us.Later, we look back the strange legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham. How did he go from Trump critic to ally? And what was his impact on US politics?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
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  Why did Dems ignore Platner's red flags for so long? 10.07.2026 32min

  There were so many signs that Graham Platner was a flawed candidate. A history of offensive social media posts, A tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol. A sexting scandal. And last month, a series of ex-partners accusing Platner of erratic and angry behaviour. But it wasn't until this week, when a woman told CNN that she had been sexually assaulted by Platner, that his position became untenable as the Democrat vying for a Senate seat in Maine. He denies the allegations - and has hit out at a "political establishment" trying to bring him down. But is the truth that the Dems should have cut him loose much sooner? In the search for authenticity, did the party embrace someone it should have been much more wary of? And, like with Biden, have they jeopardised their chances in Maine by leaving the search for a replacement until the last minute?Later, is Mitch McConnell alive? That's the question one GOP Congressman was unable to answer earlier this week. The 84-year-old has been in hospital for weeks and there has been a series of recent incidents prompting fresh concerns about his health. Some MAGA figures are demanding proof of life. Why does America's political system keep churning out octogenarians?The News Agents USA is a Global Production.The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
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  Trump's crypto billion dollars - why is everyone fine with it? 02.07.2026 38min

  President Donald Trump made more than $1bn last year from business dealings in cryptocurrency. This week's disclosure shows his crypto earnings now far overshadow income from his real estate business.On this week's episode we ask why nobody seems to have too much of a problem with it?Later, we discuss this week's Supreme Court judgments, where Trump's plan to over-turn the right to birthright citizenship failed.The News Agents USA is a Global production.The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
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  Zohran Mamdani: The Democrats' new power broker? 24.06.2026 41min

  There was something of a political earthquake in New York overnight. Three left wing Democratic candidates, endorsed by Mamdani, sweeping out established Congressional characters and hailing in a new era of progressive politics in the Big Apple.Mamdani's political stardust shows little sign of waning - is he now the most powerful figure in his party? And what does that mean for the future of the Dems?We speak to Ben Rhodes, one of Barack Obama's closest aides during his presidency, and author of a new book 'All We Can Say' - a history of America through political speeches - about the magic of Mamdani, and the malice of Donald Trump.The News Agents USA is a Global Production.The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
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  Why is Donald Trump hosting a cage fight at the White House? 15.06.2026 29min

  "Congratulations to all!" Read the President's tweet on truth social. Nominally, this was about the end of the (self-imposed) Iran war. But it’s also possible Trump was congratulating himself on his 80th birthday, which somehow managed to hijack the 250th Independence Day anniversary.So why was there a cage fight on the White House lawn? What does Joe Rogan really make of Trump now? And why - if there's a ceasefire - are the Iranians insisting the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
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  Mehdi Hasan on MAGA, Maine and media cowards 10.06.2026 31min

  How should Democrats be feeling today about their Senate candidate for Maine? Graham Platner has a Nazi tattoo, a dodgy past and quite a lot of baggage. But his fans call him an authentic voice that’s ready to shake up the election in a seat they just can’t seem to win.We ask journalist and broadcaster Mehdi Hasan what’s going on in the Democratic Party more widely - and as turmoil strikes the heart of Americas legendary 60 minutes show - where is the backbone to US media companies?The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
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  Why Trump's own party has killed his J6 slush fund 03.06.2026 37min

  Trump wanted taxpayer money set aside for a 'slush fund' critics feared would be used to payout millions for his January 6th allies. But in a rare act of defiance, Republicans have killed off the plan before it could become reality.Why did Trump’s own party draw the line here? Was it a principled stand, a political calculation, or a sign that some Republicans are growing nervous about defending everything linked to January 6th? And Has Trump pushed Republicans too far this time?Later, Congressman Suhas Subramanyam joins us to discuss the Department of Justice's handling of the Epstein files.The News Agents USA is a Global Production.The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
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  Has Donald Trump just gifted Texas to the Democrats? 28.05.2026 40min

  Ken Paxton - Texas Attorney General - and a politician with a string of sleaze investigations behind him - has just been anointed by Trump as the Texas Senate candidate.Has Trump made a terrible mistake here? Why are the Democrats licking their lips? And is a blue seat in a deep red state starting to seem possible?Later, Philadelphia congressman Brendan Boyle on Trump’s slush fund, the mid term races, and his urgent warning to British voters.The News Agents USA is a Global Production.The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
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  Is Trump now bankrolling a MAGA paramilitary? 21.05.2026 31min

  Donald Trump announced a $1.776bn new scheme this week labelled an 'anti-weaponisation fund' to compensate citizens who've been mistreated by the US justice system. Who could the President have in mind as in need of compensation? How about the January 6th rioters? Well they are stepping forward in their droves to state their intentions to claim millions from the IRS - and Trump seems to be cheering them on. Critics say he's using the money to keep his own private militia on retainer - are they right?And why did Trump secure 'forever' immunity for him and his family from tax audits?Later, in a rare act of rebellion, Republican Congressmen stripped out $1bn worth of funding for Trump's ballroom from a Bill going through the legislature that was supposed to be about immigration enforcement funding. Trump has doubled down on the ambitions for the ballroom - talking about a drone port on the roof and a military base. But will the GOP get increasingly jittery about the exorbitant costs and the gaudy nature of his White House redevelopment when there's an affordability crisis weighing on the minds of voters?The News Agents - USA is a Global Production.The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
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  Has Trump just written the campaign ad for every Democrat? 14.05.2026 38min

  Did Trump really mean to tell Americans he wasn't thinking of their financial situation "at all" when he went to war with Iran? He repeated it several times so we can assume it was no slip of the tongue. The democrats are delighted. His allies are dismayed. Expect that line to get played on a loop. But has Trump stopped worrying about the economy for everyone except his own family? And has he given up on the midterms?Later, Politico's Jonathan Martin joins Jon in the studio. What's Trump playing at? Is the base still with him? And is the American media doing enough to hold him to account?The News Agents USA is a Global production.The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
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  Trump's Epic Fury...with Indiana Republicans 06.05.2026 38min

  Overnight in Indiana ,Trump showed the grasp he still has over the Republican Party where the candidates he’d endorsed for the State Senate won their primaries against the moderate Republicans that had stood up to his attempts to gerrymander.It's remarkable in itself that Trump was at all invested in the races - these are local politicians earning $33,000 a year - and yet his influence proved key. What does this tell us about how the midterms will play out? Meanwhile, Marco Rubio has announced the end of the Iran war as if it were obvious to all of us. Are we about to see some actual progress in the conflict in the Middle East? A peace deal? An actual signed contract? Or is Trump just playing for time before his next big stunt?The News Agents is a Global Production.The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/