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Abigail Hauslohner, a national security reporter for The Washington Post with extensive experience in the Middle East, dives into President Trump's Middle Eastern trip. She discusses his controversial meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the implications of his skipped meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. The legalities of accepting a 747 jet from Qatar come into play, raising questions about foreign gifts to a former president. Hauslohner also touches on the complexities of U.S.-Saudi relations and ongoing humanitarian concerns.

On this episode, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann are joined by religion reporter Michelle Boorstein and Rome bureau chief Anthony Faiola to discuss the papal conclave and the election of the first American pope, Leo XIV.The crew breaks down the process the cardinals followed, then dives into the politics of the conclave: How cardinals make themselves candidates, and how they try to elevate their positions behind the scenes while adhering to the strict traditions surrounding the process.And finally, the crew breaks down whether the cardinals take American politics, or world politics, into account at all when choosing a new leader for the Catholic Church.

Naftali Bendavid, a senior national political correspondent for The Washington Post, joins the conversation to dissect Trump's evolving economic rhetoric as he gears up for 2024 elections. They explore how Trump’s pivot from populism to an acknowledgment of necessary sacrifices might resonate with voters. The discussion also highlights the strains on American institutions under Trump’s influence and the controversial reception of his AI-generated image in papal attire, raising questions about satire versus serious political messaging.

Maeve Reston, a national political reporter for The Washington Post, joins the discussion to explore the shifting dynamics within the Democratic Party as they prepare for the 2028 primary. She delves into Kamala Harris's recent empowerment initiatives for female candidates and the party's strategies to counter the Trump administration's policies. The conversation also highlights the rise of progressive figures like Sanders and AOC, emphasizing the importance of unity and innovative campaign tactics as the political landscape evolves.

Emily Davies, a White House reporter for The Washington Post, discusses the tumultuous first 100 days of President Trump’s current term. She highlights the impact of his bold promises on the federal workforce and immigration. The conversation dives into how his unconventional style has polarized public opinion, contrasting the expectations of his voter base with broader skepticism. They also examine the global ramifications of his policies, particularly on international relations, and how anti-Trump sentiments are reshaping politics in allied nations.

On this week’s episode, The Washington Post’s Libby Casey, James Hohmann and JM Rieger discuss the ongoing fallout between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump’s top Cabinet and administration officials, as well as the CEO's announcement Tuesday that he will step away from his U.S. DOGE Service responsibilities as a "special government employee."Musk, a GOP megadonor and close adviser to Trump, has seen his net worth crumble in the aftermath of the current trade war, as his Tesla stock plummets amongst a shaky quarterly earnings report that showed a 71 percent drop in profits.Musk touted a proposal to cut $2 trillion from the annual federal budget on the 2024 presidential campaign trail, and while his DOGE team has caused chaos with numerous job cuts and potentially illegal access to sensitive data information, the actual savings achieved by the DOGE initiative may be just a fraction of what was promised.https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/04/24/elon-musk-doge-scott-bessent-tesla/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=can-he-do-thathttps://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/04/18/irs-shapley-bessent-musk/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=can-he-do-that

Tensions erupt as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces allegations of sharing military plans in a chat involving family. Chaos reigns at the Pentagon, with reports of screaming matches and proposed personnel cuts. A former aide highlights factional power struggles within the department. Ethical concerns arise over family involvement in military discussions, echoing historical controversies. The debate over sensitive communications intensifies, reflecting the challenges of political accountability amidst ongoing turmoil.

On this episode, The Washington Post's Rhonda Colvin, James Hohmann and JM Rieger break down President Trump's broadside at Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell on Thursday, saying he looks forward to Powell's "termination." The crew explains why Trump wants Powell out as Fed chair – and his long history of targeting the country's central banking system for criticism.Then, a federal judge said he would launch an investigation into whether Trump officials should face criminal contempt charges for defying his order not to remove Venezuelan migrants from the United States. What would happen if an official actually faced a contempt charge?

The discussion dives into President Trump's unpredictable governance style and whether there's a deeper strategy behind his decisions. Insights reveal the internal dynamics of his administration and how loyalists influence policy. The challenges of tariff policies among Congressional Republicans are explored, showcasing divisions and political maneuvering. Additionally, the podcast highlights the implications of controversial deportation policies, bringing attention to vulnerable individuals affected and the wider impact on education and culture.

The discussion dives into President Trump's tactics to challenge the U.S. court system, especially regarding federal employment and immigration. There's an exploration of how recent court rulings have impacted job security for federal workers and the cultural upheaval within regulatory agencies. The complexities of immigration law are dissected, focusing on social media's role in visa applications and the implications of Supreme Court decisions. The evolving landscape of legal challenges presents a fascinating look at governance and accountability.