

Post Reports
The Washington Post
Post Reports is the daily podcast from The Washington Post. Unparalleled reporting. Expert insight. Clear analysis. Everything you’ve come to expect from the newsroom of The Post, for your ears. Martine Powers and Elahe Izadi are your hosts, asking the questions you didn’t know you wanted answered. Published weekdays around 5 p.m. Eastern time.
Episodes
Mentioned books

49 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 26min
How Trump's new tariffs could tank the economy
David Lynch, a financial writer for The Washington Post and author of the upcoming book "The World's Worst Bet," joins to dissect Trump's sweeping new tariffs. He discusses how these tariffs aim to revive manufacturing but risk burdening American consumers instead. Lynch highlights the potential for short-term pain and long-term gain, while questioning the overall effectiveness of the strategy. The conversation also touches on the tariffs' disproportionate impact on lower-income families and possible bipartisan pushback in Congress.

64 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 21min
Trump’s plan to take over Greenland
Michael Birnbaum, a White House reporter for The Washington Post, dives into President Trump's persistent ambition to acquire Greenland. He discusses the island's strategic importance and valuable resources, revealing how the administration is navigating diplomatic challenges with Denmark. Birnbaum highlights local reactions from Greenland and Denmark, underscoring their alarm over the U.S. interest. The conversation touches on historical parallels of territorial ambitions, comparing Trump's approach to Putin's expansionist tactics, sparking a fascinating discussion on geopolitics.

20 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 26min
Know your rights: Protesting and traveling in the U.S. as a noncitizen
María Luisa Paúl, an immigration law and First Amendment rights reporter for The Washington Post, and Heather Kelly, a technology reporter focused on the intersection of tech and law, dive into the complex rights of noncitizen protesters. They discuss recent controversial arrests linked to political activism and the implications for free speech. The duo also offers crucial tips on digital security for travelers, including how to safeguard devices from border patrol scrutiny, and they highlight the legal gray areas noncitizens navigate when expressing political dissent.

53 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 23min
Why Elon Musk cares so much about a Wisconsin Supreme Court seat
Wisconsin-based reporter Patrick Marley discusses the high-stakes race for a Supreme Court seat, spotlighting conservative candidate Brad Schimel and Democratic contender Susan Crawford. He reveals how Elon Musk's financial backing for Schimel has turned the election into a battleground, influencing voter turnout strategies. Marley delves into controversial cash incentives for voters and the implications of redistricting based on this election's outcome, showcasing how national figures intersect with local politics in a rapidly changing landscape.

38 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 24min
Why Bob Woodward worries about Trump's America
Bob Woodward, a renowned Washington Post journalist famous for his Watergate coverage, discusses the current political landscape under Donald Trump. He reflects on how Trump's presidency challenges traditions established after Watergate. Woodward draws parallels between Nixon's era and today's political climate, emphasizing concerns over accountability and the media's role. He also explores Trump's complex approach to governance, including his economic strategies and turbulent interactions with advisors, while highlighting the enduring strength of the Constitution and First Amendment.

15 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 23min
Will the Dodgers break baseball? And other Opening Day questions.
Chelsea Janes, a national baseball writer for the Washington Post, dives into the Los Angeles Dodgers' quest for back-to-back World Series titles. They discuss the implications of forming a 'super team' and its impact on competition. Topics include the challenges of player health, financial disparities in MLB, and evolving game dynamics. The conversation also touches on the nostalgia of traditional baseball versus modern challenges, including the potential of robotic umpiring to change officiating. Can the Dodgers navigate these complexities?

48 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 24min
The IRS is in turmoil. Taxpayers are taking notice.
In this enlightening discussion, Jacob Bogage, Congressional economics correspondent for The Washington Post, delves into the tumultuous state of the IRS as Tax Day approaches. He reveals a staggering predicted shortfall of over $500 billion in tax receipts and explores how the Trump administration’s policies have reshaped taxpayer behavior and agency effectiveness. The conversation also touches on a controversial proposal that would allow the IRS to share taxpayer information with ICE, raising critical concerns about privacy and the implications for undocumented immigrants.

35 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 28min
The fallout from the Signal leak
Dan Lamothe and Abigail Hauslohner, national security reporters for The Washington Post, dive into a scandal involving Trump administration officials discussing sensitive military plans in a Signal group chat. They reveal the risks of using unsecured platforms for classified information and explore the ensuing Senate hearing, where officials faced tough questions about accountability. The conversation highlights the need for secure communication channels in the military and critiques varying political responses to such leaks.

26 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 22min
Why is Trump so obsessed with Canada?
The podcast dives into a prominent political figure's quirky fixation on Canada as the 51st state. It examines the implications of this suggestive proposal and its mixed reception, raising eyebrows among lawmakers. The complicated U.S.-Canada relationship adds fuel to the fire, with discussions on trade and immigration. Misconceptions around the benefits of annexation are debunked, emphasizing Canadian identity. Trump’s remarks unexpectedly ignite a surge of Canadian patriotism, altering the political landscape before upcoming elections.

Mar 21, 2025 • 18min
Uzo Aduba on creating a White House murder mystery
Uzo Aduba, celebrated for her role in 'The Residence,' joins Cleve Wootson to discuss the fascinating blend of fiction and reality within the gripping murder mystery set in the White House. They explore the character of detective Cordelia Cupp, who uses her passion for birdwatching to unravel complex puzzles. The duo highlights the often-overlooked lives of marginalized figures in the White House, particularly Black women, and the importance of authenticity in portraying this historic setting, revealing deeper narratives often left in the shadows.