The NPR Politics Podcast

Fulfilling a campaign promise, President Trump pardoned more than 1,500 people who had been charged with or convicted of crimes associated with the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection that sought to illegally keep Trump in office after he lost the 2020 presidential election. Trump also signed executive actions related to immigration, including declaring a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, and reinstating the Remain in Mexico policy. This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez, national justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, and immigration policy reporter Ximena Bustillo. 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 more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

"I return to the presidency, confident and optimistic that we are at the start of a thrilling new era of national success," Trump said after being sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. In an inaugural address where he outlined a number of policy proposals, Trump called for sending the U.S. military to the border with Mexico to curb illegal immigration, said the government would only recognize two genders, male and female, and reiterated a desire to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. Before Trump took office, the outgoing president, Joe Biden, issued a number of preemptive pardons, including for members of his own family, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and members & staff of the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection. This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, political correspondent Susan Davis, 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. 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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Senate confirmation hearings for President-elect Trump's cabinet picks continued Friday, as Gov. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) took questions about immigration & border security as part of her nomination to run the Department of Homeland Security. Then, members of Congress debated the Laken Riley Act. It is expected to be among one of the first pieces of legislation President-elect Trump may sign when he takes office. And, love in the time of artificial intelligence. This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh, immigration policy reporter Ximena Bustillo, and senior political editor & 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, 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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

After more than a year of fighting, President Biden announced a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas had been reached. What's in the deal, and how did it happen? Then, President Biden gave his farewell address from the Oval Office Wednesday, defending his record and warning Americans against "extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy." This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, White House correspondent Asma Khalid, 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 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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

President-elect Trump's picks to run the Departments of Justice and State faced senators today in confirmation hearings. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), the secretary of state nominee, and Pam Bondi, the attorney general nominee, both faced tough questions from lawmakers but are expected to be confirmed easily. This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, national justice correspondent Ryan Lucas, and congressional correspondent Claudia Grisales. 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 more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

The Department of Justice's long-awaited election interference report against Donald Trump, released early Tuesday, said the evidence against the president-elect would have led to his conviction at trial — if not for his election victory that led to charges being dropped. Then, confirmation hearings for Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump's pick to run the Department of Defense, took place on Capitol Hill. Hegseth defended himself against accusations of sexual misconduct & alcohol abuse. This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, national justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro, congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh, and defense 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 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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

The Los Angeles area has been devastated by wildfires over the past week. As officials work to get the two biggest fires contained, president-elect Trump blames Governor Gavin Newsom for the disaster's scale. This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, national correspondent Kirk Siegler, 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, 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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced today in his New York hush money case. While there weren't any real consequences, he does walk away a convicted felon. Then, what is the "election integrity" movement. This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, voting correspondent Miles Parks, justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, 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, 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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Former president Jimmy Carter was honored today at Washington's National Cathedral. The funeral brought together all five living presidents, including Joe Biden who delivered a eulogy for his longtime friend. This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, 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. 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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

When he took office, President Biden promised to diversify the federal bench. During his four years in office, he succeeded in making that promise a reality. These lifetime appointments will outlast his administration. This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, national justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, and White House correspondent Tamara Keith. 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 more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

President-elect Donald Trump held a press conference today from his home in Mar-a-Lago. Topics of discussion included his dissatisfaction with the outgoing Biden administration, tariffs, and foreign policy. Then, Asma Khalid, Franco Ordoñez, and Domenico Montanaro look ahead to the first few days of Trump's presidency. This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez, 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, 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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Every four years, Congress meets to certify the results of the previous November's presidential election in what is usually a calm and straightforward event. But, after the insurrection of Jan. 6, 2021, lawmakers made some changes. We look at what they are, and how things look different today than they did four years ago. Then, as President-elect Trump plans to return to office with Republican majorities in both houses, a look at what Congress' new legislative priorities include. This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, congressional correspondent Claudia Grisales, and political correspondent Susan Davis. 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 more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

The FBI continues investigating the motivation of Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who drove a truck into a crowd in New Orleans on New Year's Day, killing at least 14. Then, a look at President Biden's to-do list as his time in office winds down, and Can't Let It Go. This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, national justice correspondent Ryan Lucas, senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro. The podcast is produced by 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 more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign did not place him at the ideological center of the Republican Party, but the center quickly moved to him. How did it happen? This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, national political correspondent Don Gonyea, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. The podcast is produced by 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 more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

From The Indicator from Planet Money: President-elect Donald Trump made a lot of economic promises on the campaign trail, but none as sweeping as his plan to enact tariffs. Trump believes taxing imports from other countries will help reduce the U.S. trade deficit and raise money for things like tax cuts. Today on the show, how might these tariffs work and will they work? Or is everything about to get more expensive? Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Trump campaigned on mass deportation, sweeping tariffs & other widespread changes to U.S. policy. How many of those changes are achievable? This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez, and senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith. The podcast is produced by 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 more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Though he only served one term, Jimmy Carter occupies a unique place among U.S. presidents. His presidency was defined by challenges at home and abroad, but his overall legacy is largely shaped by his post-presidential work. We explore how Carter ascended to the presidency, and how he will be remembered. This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson, and senior editor and correspondent Ron Elving. 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 more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

We look back on some of the highlights from 2024 that we just can't stop thinking about, politics or otherwise. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, voting correspondent Miles Parks, political reporter Elena Moore, senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and politics podcast staff Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell & Kelli Wessinger. 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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

As president, Biden sought to restore faith in the United States' abilities as a world leader, but was tested by a number of significant crises and wars abroad — and by opposition at home. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, national security correspondent Greg Myre, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. The podcast is produced by 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 more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Democrats lost the race for the White House, and lost control of the Senate, in 2024. But, after holding on to a few competitive seats in the House of Representatives, what lessons can be learned for their future elections? This episode: voting correspondent Ashley Lopez, congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. This episode originally aired on Dec. 3, 2024. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han and 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 more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy