The Playbook Podcast

Adam Wren, POLITICO's National Politics Correspondent, joins to dissect the changing dynamics at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. He highlights the unique challenges of press relations under the current administration, focusing on White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt's pivotal role. The discussion reveals how her influence marks a shift towards confrontational media practices, with the briefing room becoming more of a battleground than a forum for dialogue, raising pressing concerns about press freedom in this new era.

Trump claims he can negotiate peace in Ukraine in just one day, but the reality is far more complex. As pressure mounts on Zelenskyy, the implications for Europe loom large. The podcast dives into the chaotic landscape of Trump's foreign policy and how it challenges traditional diplomatic norms. Key discussions revolve around unresolved tensions from Trump's past interactions with Ukraine and the potential fallout from his aggressive strategies. What will this mean for international relationships and Ukraine's sovereignty?

Dasha Burns, White House bureau chief at Politico, provides insights into the current economic challenges facing the White House. She discusses ongoing trade negotiations with over 30 countries and the efforts to calm market fluctuations. The conversation dives into the complex relationships between Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, and the optimistic outlook on U.S.-China talks. There's also a look at shifts in the Pentagon under Pete Hegseth's leadership, exploring how these changes affect military recruitment and the political landscape.

Dasha Burns, Politico's White House Bureau Chief, joins to discuss the dire predictions from the IMF about the global economy, largely influenced by President Trump's tariffs. They dive into the chaos in U.S. politics, highlighting the White House’s struggle between economic challenges and maintaining control of the media narrative. The conversation also touches on stagnation in trade deals, internal divisions in the Republican Party, and Trump's shift to immigration messaging as economic concerns loom large.

Just how much trouble is Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in? That question is set to dominate Washington today. Last night, former top Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot published an op-ed in POLITICO Magazine detailing chaotic conditions at the Pentagon and predicting President Donald Trump will oust Hegseth. Plus, the New York Times reports on a second Signal group chat in which Hegseth shared details about the attack plan for Yemen — and this one included Hegseth’s wife and brother. So — how’s this story going to develop today? Playbook managing editor and author Jack Blanchard and White House bureau chief Dasha Burns break it down.

The wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia sparks a deeper discussion on Trump's war against various institutions, especially the media. Trump’s tumultuous relationship with the press is examined, revealing how conflict became his tool for attention. As the White House Correspondents’ Dinner approaches, insights into this evolving media dynamic highlight both successes and failures. A guest further enriches the conversation by exploring modern political strategies and the media's role in shaping narratives.

Rachael Bade, Capitol bureau chief and senior Washington columnist, joins to unveil the intricate friendship between Donald Trump and Howard Lutnick. They discuss how this alliance influences tariff policy, with Trump showing unlikely loyalty to Lutnick despite chaotic rollouts. Bade dives into Lutnick's role in critical economic strategies, revealing the unique dynamics of their relationship and how it shapes Trump's administration amidst public scrutiny. Expect engaging anecdotes about their New York attitudes and revealed tensions.

Josh Gerstein, Senior legal affairs reporter for Politico, dives into the troubling case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whose wrongful deportation raises significant questions about immigration policy and government power. The discussion unfolds the intricate legal strategies at play and examines the implications for America's checks and balances. Gerstein also highlights the dynamic between the Trump administration and the Supreme Court, suggesting a possible courtroom showdown that could reshape legal precedents around executive authority.

Kyle Cheney, Senior Legal Affairs Reporter for Politico, joins the discussion to unravel the gripping implications of Kilmar Abrego Garcia's wrongful deportation from Maryland to El Salvador. They explore the tense standoff between the Trump administration and Supreme Court rulings, emphasizing questions about judicial compliance. Additionally, the podcast touches on the political fallout involving Harvard's potential defunding and the broader issues of governance and accountability fueled by this case. Expect an insightful dive into legal complexities and executive tensions!

Adam Cancryn, a POLITICO White House reporter, delves into the turmoil at the Department of Health and Human Services after Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s leadership changes. He discusses the staggering layoffs of over 10,000 employees and how cutting data collection jeopardizes public health policy. The conversation touches on the resultant drop in employee morale and the chaos this creates within the agency. Additionally, they touch on Meta’s ongoing antitrust trial and President Trump's immigration discussion with El Salvador's president, linking these events to larger political shifts.