Politics Weekly America

Last week Robert F Kennedy Jr, Donald Trump’s health chief and a longtime vaccine sceptic, presented a report on children’s health by the Make America Healthy Again (Maha) commission. The study singled out the negative impact of vaccines, ultra-processed foods, environmental chemicals, lack of exercise and “over-medicalisation”. This week, Jonathan Freedland speaks to Jessica Glenza about the long-term implications of the Maha movement’s influence on US policy

As scepticism grows over Joe Biden’s mental and physical health during his presidency, Jonathan Freedland speaks to Bakari Sellers, a political commentator and former Democratic state lawmaker, about what the party needs to do to regain trust after the fallout from the 2024 election

From a trip to the Middle East to talks between Russia and Ukraine, it’s a busy week for Donald Trump and US foreign policy. Jonathan Freedland speaks to the Guardian’s global affairs correspondent, Andrew Roth, about the big players behind the US president’s deals and decisions on the world stage

Elana Schor, Senior Washington editor at Semafor, dives into Trump's shifting priorities, from controversial trade deals to bizarre political theatrics. They uncover the implications of his trade negotiations with the UK and rising tensions in Kashmir. The discussion highlights Trump's inconsistent governance, intertwining domestic strategies with international dilemmas. With a humorous twist, they explore the absurdity of AI-generated imagery and social media antics that reflect the surreal nature of today’s political landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Eric Cortellessa, Senior Political Correspondent for Time magazine, shares insights from his interview with Donald Trump on his first 100 days in office. He highlights Trump's optimistic self-promotion amid low approval ratings and explores the significant leadership shifts within his administration. Cortellessa delves into Trump's controversial economic narratives, including remarks about Canada as the 51st state, and the implications of his judiciary preferences on civil rights amid ongoing deportation policies.

Liz Oyer, a former pardon attorney at the U.S. Justice Department, shares her gripping story of being fired after refusing to reinstate Mel Gibson’s gun rights. She discusses the broader implications of the Trump administration on the rule of law, detailing how political pressures have undermined judicial independence. Oyer also emphasizes the ethical dilemmas within the DOJ and the alarming trend of politicization in the clemency process. Her firsthand experience sheds light on the precarious state of justice in America.

This week, Ryan Enos, a Harvard government professor focusing on American politics, joins to discuss Harvard's bold stand against the Trump administration's demands. He delves into the implications of the $2.2bn federal funding freeze and what it means for academic freedom. Enos examines the clash over control of universities and the complexities surrounding accusations of anti-Semitism. The conversation also touches on the history of student activism as a form of resistance against governmental overreach.

James Bennet, former editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, delves into Donald Trump’s sudden shift on tariffs. He discusses the potential reasons behind Trump's 90-day pause, highlighting how market pressures and global relations are at stake. The conversation reveals the internal conflicts within Trump's base, where support for his tariffs is waning. Bennet also explores the broader implications for US-China relations, emphasizing how these economic moves could shape perceptions of American reliability on the international stage.

Annie Karni, a Congressional correspondent for the New York Times and co-author of 'Madhouse,' delves into the chaotic state of Congress. She describes the legislative scene as akin to a high school cafeteria with gossip and infighting. The discussion highlights Trump's profound influence on Congressional dynamics, the struggles of both parties with internal conflicts, and the crisis following January 6th. Karni also explores the contrasting strategies within the Democratic Party in response to Trump's politics, revealing a significant ideological rift.

Nikki McCann Ramirez, a politics reporter for Rolling Stone, dives into the implications of Donald Trump's 'Liberation Day' speech, unveiling a controversial new tariff regime that has sparked skepticism among investors. The discussion highlights how these tariffs may dramatically affect the automotive industry and consumer pricing. Additionally, they explore Elon Musk’s potential retreat from his special government role amid backlash from his political endorsements, raising questions about his influence and the consequences of billionaire contributions in elections.