Franco Ordoñez

Franco Ordoñez, a seasoned White House correspondent for NPR, joins to dissect the influence of Project 2025 on Trump's policies. They discuss how this conservative framework has shaped Trump's approach to immigration, budget cuts, and executive power since the beginning of his second term. The conversation also delves into the evolution of the Heritage Foundation and its ongoing debates, highlighting Trump’s strategic shifts in governance and public perception as he implements these initiatives.

Franco Ordoñez, NPR's White House correspondent, shares vital insights into the contentious Texas immigration law, SB4. He emphasizes its potential to empower local law enforcement and the complexities it introduces for immigrant communities. The conversation digs into the political ramifications of rhetoric from past campaigns, the stark divide in immigration policy between parties, and the looming impact on the 2024 election. Ordoñez highlights how undocumented labor shapes critical sectors like agriculture and the broader economy.

Franco Ordoñez, a White House correspondent for NPR, and Fred Kaplan, Slate’s war stories correspondent, dive into the turmoil surrounding USAID amid rising tensions with DOGE, linked to Elon Musk. They explore the legal implications of USAID's abrupt changes and its critical humanitarian missions. The conversation touches on the agency's historical role in diplomacy, the chaos from political pressures, and the potential impact of funding cuts on global stability. The complexities of USAID's dual mission of aid versus political agenda are scrutinized, revealing a delicate balance.

Franco Ordoñez, a White House correspondent for NPR, and Fred Kaplan, Slate’s war stories correspondent, delve into the intriguing challenges facing USAID. They explore why the agency, vital for humanitarian support, is under scrutiny and its funding facing freezes. The discussion covers the historical role of USAID in diplomacy, contrasting it with military interventions. They also touch on the organization's turbulent past, particularly during the Trump era, and examine how external critiques, including from figures like Elon Musk, have shaped its future.

Franco Ordoñez, NPR's White House correspondent, shares his insights on the recent termination of Title 42, a policy that allowed rapid expulsion of migrants. He discusses the potential challenges and bottlenecks at the U.S.-Mexico border, highlighting the strain on immigration courts and local resources. Ordoñez also explores the Biden administration's balancing act of enforcing stricter asylum regulations while respecting legal pathways for migrants. Plus, he touches on the intricate politics surrounding immigration as upcoming elections loom.