Franco Ordoñez

Franco Ordoñez, NPR's White House correspondent, discusses U.S. strategies for Venezuela amidst a backdrop of Maduro-era officials. He highlights Trump's call for U.S. companies to aid in rebuilding Venezuela's oil sector. Domenico Montanaro, NPR's political editor, analyzes the GOP's struggles as Trump focuses on culture-war issues over pressing economic concerns ahead of the 2026 midterms. Eleanor Beardsley reports on European leaders united against Trump's claims on Greenland, stressing the need for local autonomy amid growing security talks regarding Ukraine.

Carrie Kahn, NPR's South America correspondent, provides first-hand accounts of the dramatic U.S. strikes in Venezuela and the capture of President Maduro. Franco Ordoñez, NPR's White House correspondent, analyzes the administration's actions and the implications of these events. Greg Myrie, covering national security, discusses the military operations and historical parallels. Together, they explore regional reactions, potential successors to Maduro, and the high-stakes political fallout of this unprecedented situation.

Joel Rose, NPR transportation correspondent, discusses the FAA's directive for airlines to cut flights by 10% amid staffing issues caused by a government shutdown. Tovia Smith, covering SNAP benefits, highlights a court ruling that orders the restoration of food assistance, emphasizing the political pressures at play. Franco Ordoñez, White House correspondent, reports on Trump's international diplomacy, including a meeting with Hungary's Viktor Orbán, while critics urge him to refocus on domestic economic issues.

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.

Ping Huang, an NPR reporter specializing in public health, discusses the CDC's controversial website update linking vaccines and autism, stirring trust issues. Franco Ordoñez, the White House correspondent, analyzes Trump's ambitious 28-point Ukraine peace plan that may hinder relations with Kyiv. Elena Moore, covering politics, shares insights on New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's upcoming White House meeting with Trump, highlighting the challenges of transitioning from activism to a diplomatic role.

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.

Juan Sebastián González, a former policy expert at the Biden administration's National Security Council, delves into the legal implications of Trump's decision to pardon drug trafficker Juan Orlando Hernandez while simultaneously targeting drug boats. Franco Ordoñez, NPR's White House correspondent, reveals bipartisan concerns over potential war crimes linked to these strikes. Dr. Monica Gandhi from UCSF discusses the troubling absence of World AIDS Day commemoration and its impact on global HIV awareness and funding, raising alarms about the future of AIDS policy.

Franco Ordoñez, NPR's White House correspondent, dives into the U.S.'s ambitious 28-point peace plan for Ukraine. He discusses the significant concessions Ukraine must consider and President Zelensky’s cautious stance on territorial issues. Ordoñez analyzes the differing objectives of Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing the critical role of U.S. leverage in negotiations. He also explores Trump's push for quick territorial agreements and his evolving views on the conflict, revealing the complexities surrounding peace in the region.

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.