POLITICO Playbook Daily Briefing

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.

In a nail-biting moment, the House narrowly passed a budget blueprint with a dramatic 217-215 vote. The political maneuvering faced resistance, with only one Republican dissenting. The implications for Speaker Johnson and Trump’s agenda are significant. Tensions also rise as the Trump administration decides which media members can attend briefings, highlighting control over information flow. Tune in for insights into the chaotic dynamics shaping today’s political landscape!

A crucial budget vote looms as Speaker Mike Johnson faces internal strife among House Republicans. The discussion uncovers a controversial pitch by military contractors advocating for mass deportations. Tensions rise over potential Medicaid cuts, highlighting significant divisions within the party. Navigating this political landscape is no easy feat, with the stakes for Johnson’s leadership and the future of fiscal policies hanging in the balance.

The podcast dives into the potential ramifications of stock market turbulence as the U.S. approaches a new administration. Experts discuss how Trump's presidency, which fueled a thriving market, could face public scrutiny if downturns occur. With the three-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, geopolitical tensions also come into play. The wave of mixed sentiments surrounding market optimism and inflation fears is explored, leaving listeners questioning how economic challenges will shape political fortunes.