The NPR Politics Podcast

Does the president own presidential records?

The Justice Department has declared that the Presidential Records Act is unconstitutional and therefore, President Trump is allowed to destroy any records from his time in office. We discuss how the move could make it harder to hold presidents accountable.This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, 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

21 min

Why Democrats have little leverage to reform ICE

Most of the Department of Homeland Security has been without funding for two months, but Immigration and Customs Enforcement got billions of dollars from last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. We discuss how that funding insulates the agency from congressional oversight and how a proposal from congressional Republicans could further limit accountability. Plus, the significance of another failed vote to rein in the administration’s war powers.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, immigration policy correspondent Ximena Bustillo, congressional reporter Sam Gringlas and White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben.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

27 min

These Georgia swing voters do not like the Iran war

NPR reporters observed focus groups of 13 Georgia voters who backed President Joe Biden in 2020 and President Donald Trump in 2024. We discuss what they had to say about the Iran war, the economy and Trump’s priorities.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

14 min

Where Swalwell’s exit leaves the California governor’s race

A crowded governor’s race in California got a little less crowded when Democrat Eric Swalwell ended his campaign — and resigned his seat in Congress — following allegations of sexual misconduct. We discuss where Swalwell’s exit leaves the race and how President Trump’s endorsement of a Republican candidate might be a boon to the Democrats running.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, KQED correspondent Guy Marzorati, 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

21 min

The president versus the pope

President Trump launched new attacks at Pope Leo XIV over the weekend, calling the religious leader “Weak on Crime, Weak on Nuclear Weapons,” in a social media post. We discuss what’s behind the tensions between the president and the religious leader and whether they could affect Trump’s political support.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, religion correspondent Jason DeRose, and White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben.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

23 min

How does a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz help Trump?

Negotiations with Iran over the weekend ended without a deal. In response, President Trump announced that the U.S. military would effectively close the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping traffic. We discuss how the blockade affects the ongoing war in Iran and the possible political consequences for Republicans.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, national security correspondent Greg Myre, 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

19 min

Is MAGA fracturing?

Leaders in the Make America Great Again, or MAGA, coalition are pushing back against President Trump’s decisions regarding the Iran war. We discuss this apparent fracturing within the MAGA coalition, as well as splits between MAGA and the Make America Healthy Again movement.This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, political reporter Elena Moore, health correspondent Will Stone 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

33 min

JD Vance stumps for Hungary’s Orbán

Vice President JD Vance was in Hungary this week campaigning for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who faces a tough path to reelection. We discuss why the Trump White House is backing Orbán, and whether that support fits into President Trump’s America First vision. This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, and international correspondent Rob Schmitz.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

22 min

What did the United States and Iran just agree to?

In the last day and a half, President Trump threatened to wipe out Iranian “civilization,” then announced a two-week ceasefire. We discuss what we know about the terms the United States and Iran are negotiating, and where things go from here.This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez, and national security correspondent Greg Myre.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

19 min

Voters decide whether Virginia enters redistricting fight

Voting ends April 21 in Virginia's special election that will decide whether the state redraws its congressional districts to favor Democrats. We discuss how the state fits into the national mid-decade redistricting craze and how Virginians feel about redrawing their districts.This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, political correspondent Ashley Lopez, and VPM News state politics reporter Jahd Khalil.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

18 min

Trump says Iran can be "taken out" in one night

President Trump held a press conference at the White House Monday. He discussed the latest developments in the war with Iran, as well as other topics. We break down what was said, and why it matters.This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, national security correspondent Greg Myre, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell & Bria Suggs.Special thanks to Dana Farrington, Ted Mebane and Natalie Winston.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

20 min

Trump tries to sell the Iran war, a month after it started

It was a particularly busy week in politics. We discuss President Trump’s prime-time address about the Iran war, Pam Bondi’s exit as attorney general, rising gas prices, and the White House’s request for an unprecedented $1.5 trillion in defense spending.This episode: political correspondent Ashley Lopez, national security correspondent Greg Myre, White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.This podcast was produced by 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

28 min

Trump tries to shape mail-in voting with executive order

President Trump signed an executive order that seeks to create federal lists of eligible voters and directs the U.S. Postal Service not to send mail-in ballots to anyone not on those lists. We discuss why experts say this order is illegal. This episode: voting correspondents Ashley Lopez, Hansi Lo Wang and Miles Parks. 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

19 min

Trump addresses war with Iran

In a televised, primetime address, President Trump discussed the ongoing U.S. war with Iran, and said the war would be over "shortly." We analyze what the president said, and discuss his claims.This episode: All Things Considered host Scott Detrow, White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, national security correspondent Greg Myre, and international affairs correspondent Jackie Northam.This podcast was edited and produced by Casey Morell.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Special thanks to Luke Garrett, Hannah Gluvna and Mansee Khurana.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

9 min

SCOTUS hears birthright citizenship arguments

At issue in the case is whether children born in the United States to people in the country without legal status should receive U.S. citizenship under the 14th Amendment. Justices heard oral arguments today, and we break down what happened.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, Supreme Court and justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and legal affairs correspondent Nina Totenberg.This podcast was edited and produced by Casey Morell & Bria Suggs.Special thanks to Kelsey Snell, Kelley Dickens and Stacey Abbott.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

25 min

Should all babies born in the United States be citizens?

The Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments Wednesday in Trump v. Barbara, a case challenging President Trump’s executive order denying citizenship to children born to people without permanent legal immigration status in the United States. We discuss the politics underlying the case and the potential consequences of overturning the Constitution’s guarantee of birthright citizenship. This episode: political correspondent Ashley Lopez, 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

19 min

The Senate DHS funding deal fell apart. Now what?

There was a glimmer of hope for the Department of Homeland Security after the Senate passed a funding bill early Friday morning. Then the House rejected the deal, and Congress left town. We discuss what comes next and who voters will blame for the standstill.This episode: political correspondent Ashley Lopez, congressional reporter Sam Gringlas, 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

11 min

How young CPAC-goers feel about the war in Iran

This year’s Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC, lacks many of the big-name conservative stars typically in attendance, but there’s still plenty of President Trump fandom. We discuss how some of the younger attendees at the event feel about the war in Iran. We also talk about the legacy of Robert Mueller, the former FBI director and special counsel who died last week.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, political reporter Elena Moore, and senior White House 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

29 min

Will record TSA wait times spur a DHS funding deal?

Thursday marks the 41st day since funding for the Department of Homeland Security lapsed, and congressional negotiators seem to be at a stalemate. We discuss where each side stands and how public frustration over long airport security lines could pressure lawmakers to reach a deal.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, congressional reporter Sam Gringlas, 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

16 min

In Iran, Trump is both escalating and deescalating

President Trump began the week with an announcement that administration officials were having “very good and productive conversations” with Iranian officials about ending the war there, then sent more troops to the region. We discuss the state of negotiations to end the war and the conflicting messages the president is sending with his words and actions.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez, and national security correspondent Greg Myre.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

16 min

The NPR Politics Podcast

Episodes

Does the president own presidential records?

Why Democrats have little leverage to reform ICE

These Georgia swing voters do not like the Iran war