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Mar 27, 2025 • 30min

Trump's world of fear and chaos

The discussion dives into the fallout from a significant leak involving classified information shared by Trump officials. There's a spotlight on the chilling effects Trump's policies create for international students, exemplified by a revoked visa case. The podcast also tackles First Amendment rights amid intense border searches, revealing the fear climate surrounding personal privacy. Additionally, fear-based rhetoric in immigration policy is dissected, along with an in-depth look at the economic impacts of Trump's tariffs on the automotive industry.
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Mar 25, 2025 • 30min

Pete Hegseth and the Signal leak

A significant security lapse in the Trump administration has officials scrambling after a military planning chat included a journalist by mistake. The ethical dilemmas surrounding leaked communications are analyzed, revealing concerns about classified information misuse. Partisan divides emerge in a congressional hearing regarding national security, particularly focusing on the opioid crisis. The illusion of transparency under the administration is examined, alongside struggles with foreign policy and diplomatic relations, particularly involving Greenland. It's a captivating look at the tension between public accountability and national security.
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Mar 20, 2025 • 30min

Trump versus D.C.

Meagan Flynn, a reporter for The Washington Post's Metro team, discusses the turbulent relationship between the Trump administration and D.C. Politics. She delves into how Trump's controversial remarks and decisions, including significant budget cuts and mass layoffs, are impacting the federal workforce. Flynn also examines the implications of an Executive Order to shutter the Department of Education. The conversation highlights community responses amid rising unemployment and the struggle for local governance against federal oversight.
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Mar 18, 2025 • 30min

Trump, Putin and Alien Enemies

Maria Sacchetti, an immigration reporter for the Washington Post, sheds light on the controversial use of the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act to deport suspected Venezuelan gang members without due process. The discussion raises urgent questions about the balance of power between the presidency and the judiciary, following a rare public rebuke from Chief Justice John G. Roberts. Additionally, the podcast delves into President Trump’s negotiations with Vladimir Putin over a cease-fire in Ukraine, highlighting the intricate ties between domestic policies and international diplomacy.
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Mar 13, 2025 • 26min

How Trump fell in love with crypto

On this episode, Rhonda Colvin, James Hohmann, and JM Rieger take a closer look at President Donald Trump’s transformation from vocal crypto critic to now spearheading the U.S. government’s full-throated embrace of cryptocurrency and digital commodities.Trump’s new love of crypto was on full display during White House Crypto Summit on March 7, led by crypto and artificial intelligence czar David Sacks. The Trump administration, along with tech industry leaders, touted deregulation, a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a Digital Assets Stockpile, executive orders and legislation.Plus, Sam Bankman-Fried lobbies for a pardon from prison on Tucker Carlson’s podcast and reaction to the White House’s surprise decision to withdraw their Center of Disease Control and Prevention nomination, former congressman Dave Weldon, who found out as he was driving to the Capitol to testify.
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Mar 11, 2025 • 30min

JD Vance and the shutdown dance

On this episode, The Washington Post's Rhonda Colvin, James Hohmann and JM Rieger explain why Washington is once again under the cloud of a looming government shutdown – and why fiscal conservatives might have to hold their noses and vote to keep the government open.Plus, how Vice President JD Vance is finding a role for himself as a go-between for members of Congress who want access to the White House.
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Mar 6, 2025 • 32min

Trump at war

In this episode, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann decode President Trump's efforts to redefine America's role on the world stage – from seemingly starting trade wars with China, Mexico and Canada to straining alliances with Europe that have defined American foreign policy since the Second World War.Plus, what is Trump really trying to accomplish – and is he playing chess, with a longer strategy in mind, or just checkers?
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Mar 4, 2025 • 24sec

Sidebar Live: March 4 at 8 pm

Join Sidebar for live coverage of President Trump's joint address to Congress, March 4 at 8 p.m. – only at YouTube.com/WashingtonPost.
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Feb 27, 2025 • 28min

What makes Elon Musk tick?

Faiz Siddiqui, a Washington Post reporter and author of Hubris Maximus, sheds light on Elon Musk's unique relationship with politics. Topics include Musk's informal role in the Trump administration and his controversial management style. They discuss the potential consequences of his cutbacks on federal functions and the ethical dilemmas posed by private sector influence on public agencies. Siddiqui also reveals how Musk's public persona contrasts with his actual approach to governance, raising questions about accountability and oversight.
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Feb 25, 2025 • 29min

Musk’s email fallout

The podcast dives into the explosive fallout from Elon Musk’s emails targeting federal workers, stirring up security concerns. It highlights the intense budget battles in Congress, where House Democrats staunchly oppose a Trump-supported proposal. Amid the chaos, tensions grow between government agencies and powerful figures like Musk. Discussions also reveal Musk's backroom ties with Republican politicians and their implications for national security. Plus, changes in military leadership add another layer of complexity to the political landscape.

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