The Playbook Podcast

Market volatility is the talk of Washington as the White House issues (and, in some cases, walks back) whiplash-inducing tariff threats. And as the economy dominates the discussion, all eyes are on Congress as a government shutdown looms at the end of the week. Yesterday, House Speaker Mike Johnson led House Republicans on a big step forward, passing a seven-month stopgap government funding bill. But it now faces an uncertain path forward in the Senate ahead of the shutdown deadline on Friday evening. What are insiders watching for? POLITICO’s Capitol bureau chief Rachael Bade joins Playbook author Jack Blanchard to talk it through.

What precisely are the limits of free speech in Donald Trump’s America? That question is at the heart of the case of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University grad student and green card holder whose protests against Israel led to his detention by ICE over the weekend. Administration officials say the move complies with President Trump’s executive order cracking down on anti-semitism on college campuses. But a diverse array of critics argue that it amounts to an unconstitutional attempt to punish Khalil for speech protected by the First Amendment. West Wing Playbook co-author (and former Columbia Spectator editor-in-chief) Irie Sentner walks Steven Overly through the situation. Plus, Republicans aim to bring a continuing resolution to the House floor today, and Elon Musk suggests that entitlements are on the chopping block — despite of Trump’s promises to the contrary.

Two facts are behind the day’s biggest story on Capitol Hill. One, we’re just five days away from a government shutdown. Two, the House GOP’s so-called ‘clean’ continuing resolution is chock full of details — like mass deportations and new money for ICE — that will make it hard to get enough Democratic votes to succeed. POLITICO Congress reporter Meredith Lee Hill walks guest host Steven Overly through the vote count at the moment and everything else you need to know about the state of play in Washington.

It’s the worst-kept secret in Washington: Being in Congress isn’t as glamorous as it seems from the outside. But what is life really like on Capitol Hill? What do members privately think about their colleagues? How do they know it’s time to hang up their spurs? And what are the things the rest of us really don’t get about the pressures they face? POLITICO’s Ben Jacobs asked them. And he joins chief Playbook correspondent Eugene Daniels talk about what he heard. Plus, President Donald Trump puts a muzzle on DOGE, and our Eugene bids farewell to our listeners after four years at Playbook.

President Donald Trump’s tariff regime is blooming before our eyes. That may delight his MAGA base, but it’s causing agita in the broader electorate, as Americans face the near inevitability of higher prices for the foreseeable future and businesses struggle to keep up with the head-spinning turn of events. Is there a point at which the political reality will overwhelm Trump’s tariff ambitions and cause him to at least reconsider the path he’s chosen? White House reporter Megan Messerly joins chief Playbook correspondent Eugene Daniels to talk through the possibilities.

In his joint address to Congress last night, President Donald Trump gave a red-meat speech that lauded his culture war victories, denigrated his political opponents, and, oh yeah, ran until 11pm. But for all the noise in the speech, many of the headlines this morning are about Democrats, who responded to the aggressive and partisan speech in kind. Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) was dramatically ejected from the chamber for shouting that Trump had “no mandate,” and Democrats slowly but steadily walked out of the speech, leaving their side looking threadbare. Playbook managing editor and author Jack Blanchard breaks it all down with chief Playbook correspondent Eugene Daniels and Capitol bureau chief and senior Washington columnist Rachael Bade.

This evening, President Donald Trump will address a joint session of Congress for the first time in his second term in the White House. After a whirlwind 24 hours that included pausing all military aid to Ukraine, and imposing tariffs on our two closest trading partners, Congress will be in for quite the speech. Senior Congress editor Mike DeBonis joins chief Playbook correspondent Eugene Daniels to discuss what he expects.

Elon Musk's influence is shaking up Trump's political focus, with concerns that Dogecoin's rise might overshadow key legislative priorities. Allies of the president worry this distraction could dampen his popularity as he prepares for a major address. The dynamic between Trump and Musk is evolving, impacting public perception. Additionally, there's tension around upcoming tariffs on Canada and Mexico that could further complicate Trump's agenda. The political landscape is shifting, and all eyes are on how these elements will play out.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits Washington to finally meet President Trump, amidst a tense backdrop of a tumultuous relationship. The stakes are high as they explore a critical minerals deal that could aid Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction. The episode delves into the contrasting diplomatic styles of Trump and previous administrations, revealing how Zelensky has adjusted his strategies. With significant implications for both nations, the negotiation offers a glimpse into the complex dynamics at play in U.S.-Ukraine relations.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Washington brings intriguing political dynamics to light. The contrasting styles of Starmer and Trump create a unique diplomatic charm offensive. Their discussions zero in on crucial topics like U.S. security guarantees amid the Ukraine conflict. The alliance's political stakes are underscored, reflecting Trump's personal interest in fostering ties with the U.K. It's a fascinating look at how two divergent leaders seek to navigate global challenges together.