Politics Weekly America

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.

In this discussion, Susan Glasser, a staff writer for The New Yorker with deep insights into American politics, tackles the chaotic fallout from a significant security breach involving Donald Trump's administration. The conversation unveils how a journalist was accidentally looped into a sensitive military chat, revealing critical operational plans. Glasser also critiques Trump's defensive strategies against the media, highlighting the erosion of accountability among political officials and warning about the chilling effects on journalistic integrity.

Waleed Shahid, a senior Democratic strategist and former advisor to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, dives into the stark divisions within the Democratic Party. He discusses the growing discontent with leadership after Chuck Schumer's controversial decisions. Shahid shares insights on grassroots mobilization and the importance of unifying various ideologies, particularly on immigration and economic policies. He highlights the urgency for the party to engage younger voters through effective communication while confronting misinformation and extreme views.

This week, Jonathan Freedland speaks to Heather Boushey, an economist and former adviser to Joe Biden, about what Donald Trump’s long game is with his trade war, and how voters will view his handling of the economy should there be a ‘Trumpcession’ Send your questions and feedback to politicsweeklyamerica@theguardian.com Help support the Guardian by going to theguardian.com/politcspodus Listen to Science Weekly’s episode on the chaos Trump has unleashed on science