Politics Weekly 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

This week, Donald Trump picked fights with Canada, Mexico, Ukraine, US veterans and every Democrat sitting in Congress for his State of the Union address. Chris Michael and Joan E Greve discuss why the US president is turning up the heat on longtime allies, whether Democrats are responding successfully and, in the end, who loses out if Trump’s tactics fail? Send your questions and feedback to politicsweeklyamerica@theguardian.com Help support the Guardian by going to theguardian.com/politcspodus

Stanley Greenberg, a bestselling author and political strategist known for his work with Bill Clinton and Tony Blair, joins to discuss the shifting political landscape surrounding Donald Trump. They delve into his waning approval ratings and the Democratic strategies to leverage this decline. Greenberg highlights the growing discontent among young voters and independents, suggesting potential electoral ramifications. The impact of international relationships and satirical political content on public perception also features prominently in this insightful conversation.

In a matter of days, Donald Trump completed the most radical shift in US foreign policy in decades, bringing Putin back into the fold while sidelining Europe. He claims to have brought the end of the war in Ukraine in sight, but with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the rest of Europe excluded from the US-Russia talks, are we really any closer to peace? And, at what price?Jonathan Freedland speaks to veteran US diplomat Kurt Volker, who served as Trump’s special representative for Ukraine during his first term, and the Guardian’s US live news editor Chris Michael Send your questions and feedback to politicsweeklyamerica@theguardian.com Help support the Guardian by going to theguardian.com/politcspodus