Power Play

Join Jason Furman, former top economic advisor to President Obama and Harvard professor, as he unpacks the turbulent landscape of U.S.-China trade relations. Furman discusses Trump's abrupt tariff policy reversal and its repercussions on global markets. He sheds light on the historic peak of U.S.-China tariffs and the inflationary pressures facing American consumers. The conversation delves into the intricate dynamics of trade negotiations, highlighting the internal conflicts within the U.S. administration and the broad implications for the world economy.

Senator Mark Kelly, a former NASA astronaut and naval officer representing Arizona, dives deep into the political storm surrounding President Trump's tariffs on foreign imports. He passionately discusses the economic fallout and how it complicates the political landscape for Democrats. The conversation escalates as Kelly recounts his heated exchange with Elon Musk over support for Ukraine. Additionally, he sheds light on military communication security and the implications of recent leaks, advocating for transparency in government.

Gordon Repinski, POLITICO's executive editor in Germany, and Jennifer Wilton, editor-in-chief of Die Welt, delve into Germany's political landscape following the recent elections. They discuss Friedrich Merz's potential as a leader and the coalition challenges he faces. Concerns about Germany's economic standing, a growing defense budget, and the implications of the Ukraine war are all on the table. The pair also explore how Merz's confrontational style could reshape Europe's dynamic, emphasizing the need for strong leadership in a shifting geopolitical climate.

United States President Donald Trump has been rebuked by the chief justice of the Supreme Court for his attacks on judges who have ruled against his flurry of executive orders. Elon Musk has joined the fray by calling this a "judicial coup." Is this the road to a full-blown constitutional stand-off?Host Anne McElvoy talks to Matthew Platkin, Attorney General of New Jersey, and prominent thorn in the Trump administration’s side. Platkin is spearheading a coalition of Democratic law-enforcement officials from more than 20 states, resulting in lawsuits attempting to thwart the president’s executive orders to revoke birthright citizenship, stop a sweeping freeze on federal funding and challenge an attempt to dismantle the Department of Education. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The United States-Ukraine plan for a temporary ceasefire has turned up the heat on Russian President Vladimir Putin. What are Donald Trump's next moves if Putin either refuses to accept the deal or places unacceptable demands on Ukraine and its allies?Host Anne McElvoy talks to Kurt Volker, who has a particular insight into Trump’s thinking on Ukraine. Volker was the U.S. special representative during his first administration and America’s ambassador to NATO under President George W. Bush. They discuss how any ensuing negotiations might play out and whether a meaningful peace deal can be achieved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s olive branch to Donald Trump be enough to secure Ukraine’s future — and his own? After his bruising encounter with the U.S. president in the Oval Office, Zelenskyy issued an eleventh-hour missive and said he was ready to sign the minerals deal and "work fast to end the war."Host Anne McElvoy speaks with one of the most senior politicians in Ukraine, Oleksandr Merezhko, Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Committee chair and staunch Zelenskyy ally, who argues that Trump is "being used by Putin" in his attempts to force a deal and call for fresh elections in Ukraine.She is also joined by POLITICO Europe’s Opinion Editor Jamie Dettmer from Kyiv on the fast-moving realpolitik being played between Ukraine, the U.S. and European capitals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Crenshaw, a Republican congressman and former Navy SEAL, discusses the urgent need for Europe to enhance its defense capabilities amidst rising tensions with Russia. He critiques the current state of European military readiness and argues that if they want American support, they must step up. The conversation also touches on hot-button issues like Trump's foreign policy strategies, the intersection of identity politics and military standards, and reflections on past military interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

John Bolton, former U.S. National Security Advisor, shares insights on Trump's negotiations with Putin regarding Ukraine. He highlights growing concerns among European allies about NATO's future. Sanna Marin, Finland's former Prime Minister, discusses the necessity of a unified European response to maintain security and challenge rising authoritarianism. They analyze the implications of America's shifting foreign policy and stress the importance of enhancing European defense capabilities in light of current geopolitical threats.

Federico Sturzenegger, former president of Argentina's central bank and Harvard economist, discusses the populist style of Argentina’s President Javier Milei and his radical economic reforms. He examines the parallels between Milei's and Trump’s economic policies, particularly on free trade versus tariffs. The conversation reveals how Milei’s leadership may inspire similar movements worldwide, and highlights the challenges of economic reform, government involvement, and the potential for international partnerships to boost growth.

Larry Summers, the former U.S. Treasury secretary and Harvard economics professor, delves into Trump's tariffs and their global repercussions. He critiques Trump's aggressive trade tactics with Mexico and Canada, while discussing the fraught dynamics with China. Summers offers strategic advice for the EU and UK, urging them to navigate this turbulent landscape wisely. Additionally, he tackles concerns surrounding academic freedom and the impact of federal policies on diversity initiatives at universities, emphasizing the need for open dialogue in these challenging times.