Politics Weekly America

Amanda Marcotte, a senior politics writer at Salon, delves into the intersection of pop culture and politics, using the uproar over Sydney Sweeney's jeans ad as a lens. She discusses how the MAGA base shifts its focus amidst the Epstein investigation, using cultural controversies as distractions. The conversation explores the repercussions of woke advertising and the implications of celebrity influence on political narratives. Marcotte critiques the 'trad wife' concept and highlights the evolving responsibilities of brands in a politically charged landscape.

Eric Cortellessa, a Senior political correspondent for Time magazine, and Dan Adler, a Vanity Fair staff writer, delve into the ambitions of the Trump family in politics. They discuss whether Donald Trump Jr. will lead the GOP’s future and Barron Trump's emerging influence as a college student. The conversation explores the dynamics among Trump’s children, revealing potential rivalries and their unique strategies to engage younger audiences. They also touch on how celebrity ties impact political identities and ambitions within the family.

Heather Boushey, an economist and former adviser to Joe Biden, delves into the ongoing clash between the White House and the Federal Reserve regarding interest rates. She highlights the Fed's recent decision to maintain rates despite pressure from Donald Trump. Boushey discusses the critical role of Fed independence amid political tensions, emphasizing the challenges Jerome Powell faces. The conversation also touches on the balance between inflation control and job stability, revealing the complexities of navigating economic policies in a politically charged environment.

In this engaging discussion, Rosie Gray, a keen observer of conservative politics, dives into the intricate dynamics of the Trump family. She highlights the absence of key figures like Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner and what that means for Trump's political aspirations. The conversation also unpacks the complexities of Melania Trump's public image and her desire for privacy. Additionally, they explore Donald Trump Jr.'s new hunting magazine and its subtle political messaging, all while navigating the family's legal troubles and business ventures.

Join David Folkenflik, NPR News' media correspondent and author of Murdoch's World, as he tackles the explosive lawsuit Donald Trump has filed against Rupert Murdoch. The discussion uncovers the tangled relationship between Trump and Murdoch, revealing how their alliance has shaped conservative media narratives. Explore the fallout from Trump's nightmarish connections and how the dynamics within Fox News are shifting. Folkenflik also delves into the evolving conservative media landscape and Trump’s precarious status as both an outsider and an establishment figure.

Gwenda Blair, a journalism professor and author of *The Trumps*, joins Ashley Parker, a writer for The Atlantic and former Washington Post reporter, to dissect the Trump family’s political dynasties. They explore the entrepreneurial roots of the Trump family, examining Frederick Trump's business strategies and how they shaped Donald's political ascent. The discussion also navigates the complex dynamics within the Trump family, highlighting the roles of Melania and Ivanka during Donald's presidency and the broader implications for his legacy.

Ali Breland, a staff writer at The Atlantic, dives into Donald Trump's fraught association with Jeffrey Epstein and the tensions within his MAGA base. They discuss the call from loyalists like Laura Loomer for Trump to release Epstein's files, revealing cracks in their unwavering support. The conversation highlights the complex dynamics of loyalty and disillusionment among Trump’s supporters, as well as the ideological rifts that the Epstein scandal has exposed within the Republican Party.

In this discussion, Margaret Sullivan, a prominent columnist for The Guardian US and former public editor of The New York Times, dissects the unsettling trend of major media companies settling hefty lawsuits with Donald Trump. She explores the implications for journalistic integrity and free press, highlighting the pressures faced by media organizations from powerful figures. The conversation also probes the relationship between corporate interests and press autonomy, raising alarms about the future of democracy in the face of these trends.

Eleanor Mueller, a congressional reporter for Semaphore specializing in economic policy, joins to discuss the implications of Donald Trump's ambitious tax-and-spending proposal. They dive into the political tussles surrounding the bill's passage and the tensions between executive and congressional powers over budget control. Mueller highlights the controversial shifts in immigration funding and regressive cuts to social services that could impact low-income Americans. The conversation also touches on the complex dynamics within the Republican Party and the potential consequences of Medicaid reforms.

How did a political nobody, Zohran Mamdani, beat one of New York’s best-known establishment figures, Andrew Cuomo? Rachel Leingang speaks to Moira Donegan about how Democratic party leaders view the historic New York City mayoral primary result. Does the party need to fundamentally change to meet voters where they are?