The NPR Politics Podcast Welcome to the NPR Washington Desk
24 snips
Jan 1, 2026 
Ryan Lucas, NPR's justice correspondent, dives deep into the power dynamics of the Justice Department, discussing concerns over potential presidential pressure on law firms. He flags the ongoing prosecutions aimed at political adversaries as a significant storyline heading into 2026. The podcast also explores AI's threat to factual discourse in politics, alongside the changing landscape of congressional campaigning and foreign policy challenges, particularly regarding Ukraine and Venezuela. It's a captivating look at the intersection of law and politics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Presidential Targeting Of Law Firms
- The White House used presidential power to target law firms representing people the president dislikes.
- Ryan Lucas flagged this as an unexpected escalation in 2025 with implications for rule-of-law norms.
AI Deepens The Truth Crisis
- Artificial intelligence entered the top tier of consequential political issues in 2025.
- Danielle Kurtzleben warned AI could further erode truth and factual consensus in politics.
A More Controlled White House
- The current administration runs a more closed, tightly controlled White House than the prior Trump term.
- Frank Ordoñez found the lack of internal leaks and palace intrigue one of 2025's biggest surprises.