Politics Weekly America

Less than an hour before Donald Trump met the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, to discuss a deal that could end the trade war between the two superpowers, the US president posted on Truth Social that he had directed the Pentagon to match Russia and China in nuclear weapons testing. Jonathan Freedland speaks to Jonathan Czin, the former director for China at the National Security Council, about why Trump did this and whether he or Xi left South Korea feeling the strongest

Barbara Walter, a political scientist at UC San Diego and author of "How Civil Wars Start and How to Stop Them," joins to discuss the potential for political violence in the U.S. amid recent No Kings protests against Trump. They explore how political identity—not ideology—shapes voter alignment and how democratic standards have declined. Walter highlights the troubling use of the National Guard and media manipulation to justify military presence in cities. Ultimately, they question whether Trump seeks civil war or simply thrives in chaos.

Andrew Roth, the Global affairs correspondent for The Guardian, dives into Trump's ambitious global agenda, questioning if he seeks to be 'king of the world.' Roth highlights Trump's recent deals, such as a ceasefire in Gaza, his influence in Argentina, and renewed focus on Ukraine. The discussion reveals the contrast between Trump's grandiose style and the complexities of diplomacy. They also touch on Trump's relationships with authoritarian leaders and the implications of his foreign actions amid domestic challenges.

Julian Borger, Senior International Correspondent for The Guardian, delves into the new ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, sparked by Donald Trump's announcement. He discusses how this ceasefire might differ from past attempts, highlighting the complexities of prisoner exchanges and the political implications in Israel. They explore the role of Trump's 20-point plan, regional reactions, and whether Trump deserves credit for potential peace. Plus, Borger reflects on the unpredictable nature of Trump's influence and the contrasting peace dynamics abroad and at home.

Leah Litman, a law professor at the University of Michigan and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, dives into the politicization of the U.S. Supreme Court. She discusses the influence of ideologically aligned clerks and argues that reverence for the court should be reexamined. Leah highlights upcoming pivotal cases, revealing how the court's rulings may threaten voting rights, LGBTQ protections, and executive power. She also addresses Congress's ability to restore legitimacy and the implications of the shadow docket's misuse.

Marianna Sotomayor, a Congressional reporter for The Washington Post, dives deep into the U.S. government shutdown. She explains the implications of a partial shutdown on social programs and national parks. The discussion covers Republican demands for a short-term funding extension and the Democrats' staunch defense of health care subsidies. The political blame game is analyzed, revealing how each party is framing the narrative for voters. Marianna also touches on the potential duration of the shutdown and the chaotic dynamics in Washington.

Carter Sherman, a reproductive health and justice reporter at Guardian US, dives into the political intersection of autism and public health messaging. They discuss the alarming claims by Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. linking Tylenol to autism, shocking the public due to the drug's widespread use. Sherman critiques the administration's dismissal of scientific authority, the stigma created by 'curing' rhetoric, and the risks posed to families. With a focus on the government's influence over women's health choices, the conversation highlights a troubling political trend.

In this engaging discussion, Bhaskar Sunkara, President of The Nation magazine, dives deep into the complexities of free speech under Trump's presidency. He analyzes Trump's $15 billion lawsuit against the New York Times and explores its potential to intimidate press freedom. The conversation also touches on the implications of Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension for regulatory influence on media. Sunkara emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and supporting independent media as a counteraction to Trump’s narrative, shedding light on how democracy can be defended in today's climate.

David Smith, the Washington DC bureau chief for The Guardian, discusses the tragic shooting of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk and its unsettling implications for political violence in the U.S. The conversation highlights the emotional fallout across party lines and the growing concerns around escalating unrest. Smith also addresses the complicated relationship between youth activism, economic pressures, and political discourse, shedding light on the intertwining of gun culture and divisive rhetoric in contemporary America.

George Chidi, a US politics and democracy reporter for The Guardian, dives deep into Donald Trump's controversial proposals like mandatory voter ID and the ban on mail-in voting. Chidi discusses the potential motivations behind these measures, questioning whether they aim to ensure electoral integrity or manipulate the midterms in favor of the Republican Party. He highlights the impact of voter suppression tactics, especially on minority voters, and the chilling influence of recent changes in the Department of Justice. Chidi also speculates about the future of Republican presidential candidates amid these shifting dynamics.