Americast

On Sunday night Donald Trump told Republicans in the House of Representatives to vote in favour of releasing files relating to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein “because we have nothing to hide”. It’s a striking change in position from the president who has so far resisted pressure from Democrats and Republicans in his own party who have been demanding that all files relating to Epstein be released into the public domain. One of the Republicans calling for their release is the conservative firebrand and Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who was once one of Trump’s most faithful supporters. After stepping up her demands to see the files released, she now appears to have lost the president’s backing who called her a “traitor” and a “disgrace” to the Republican Party. We answer your questions on why the pair have fallen out.And, we answer your questions on why there’s been another presidential pardon, this time for the UK billionaire Joe Lewis, whose family trust owns Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. Sarah, Anthony, Justin and Marianna all joined Matt Chorley on 5 Live today to answer these questions and plenty more.HOSTS: * Matt Chorley, 5 Live presenter * Sarah Smith, North America Editor * Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter * Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent * Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations correspondentGET IN TOUCH: * Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB * Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 * Email Americast@bbc.co.uk * Or use #AmericastThis episode was made by George Dabby with Grace Reeve and Laura Cain. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

The podcast dives into the cracks appearing in the MAGA movement as some Republicans question Trump's commitment to 'America First.' Key discussions include Trump's controversial comments about foreign aid to Argentina and his proposed 50-year mortgages. The hosts analyze how social media influencers amplify discontent and the mixed messaging from the administration on tariffs and economic policies. They also explore whether Trump can reconcile the need for foreign workers with his base's immigration concerns, all while evaluating the evolving dynamics within the Republican party.

Elie Honig, a Senior Legal Analyst at CNN with deep insights into high-profile cases, joins to dissect Donald Trump's threats to sue the BBC over edited footage of his January 6 speech. Elie explores the legal hurdles Trump may face in proving defamation under US law. He also sheds light on damages assessment, including reputational impacts and financial implications. Additionally, the discussion delves into new emails connecting Trump to Epstein’s victim, raising questions about political fallout and public perception.

President Trump is threatening to sue the BBC for $1 billion over an edited speech, sparking a heated discussion about media relations. The hosts analyze the differences between what Trump said and how it was portrayed. They dive into the implications of his ongoing battles with the press and the recent government shutdown's effects on ordinary citizens. Elon Musk's new platform aims to rival Wikipedia, raising questions about information control. The possibility of Barack Obama re-entering politics also ignites debate among the hosts.

Jim Messina, an experienced political strategist and former deputy chief of staff to Barack Obama, shares his insights on the recent Democratic victories. He explores how Trump's low approval ratings influenced these wins and discusses shifting voter dynamics among young and Latino populations. Messina warns that while these triumphs are promising, they don't necessarily repair the party's broader brand issues. He emphasizes the importance of targeting varied candidates in challenging districts and highlights the potential impact of Gavin Newsom's redistricting efforts.

The recent New York mayoral victory of Zohran Mamdani, marking a historic moment as the first Muslim mayor, sets a hopeful tone for Democrats. His grassroots campaign struck a chord with diverse young voters, challenging traditional political dynamics. With promises focused on social justice and wealth redistribution, Mamdani's charisma has garnered attention even from former Trump supporters. The hosts explore political implications, including Republican reactions and broader shifts within the party, while celebrating Democratic wins in Virginia and New Jersey.

The hosts delve into the elections in New York, Virginia, and New Jersey, analyzing upcoming mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's appeal and political stance. A fascinating discussion unfolds about potential congressional implications surrounding Prince Andrew and the Epstein files. Trump's recent comments about nuclear testing spark debate on the risks and public sentiment. They also explore shifting support for Trump within the Republican Party and examine polling trends revealing changing voter attitudes on various issues.

Katherine Sibley, a noted White House historian and First Lady specialist, joins the discussion about Trump's controversial decision to demolish the East Wing for a new ballroom. She explains the East Wing's historic significance and what its loss means for future First Ladies. The discussion weaves through public backlash, the potential influence of private tech donors, and the quirky conspiracy theories linking the ballroom to the presidential bunker. Sibley also reflects on how Melania Trump's low profile impacts the First Lady's role in this evolving landscape.

Karine Jean-Pierre, former White House press secretary and senior Biden administration adviser, discusses her book and the evolving Democratic Party. She criticizes Democrats for losing their fight for vulnerable communities and emphasizes the importance of standing firm on LGBTQ rights. Karine spotlights candidates like Zoran Mamdani who are redefining engagement strategies, while urging a focus on rebuilding democracy and civic participation. She raises concerns about accountability in upcoming elections and the risk of neglecting immediate challenges in favor of future distractions.

Attention is shifting toward the 2028 presidential race, with both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump aiming for another run. Discussing Trump’s potential plans for a third term raises questions about legal boundaries, while the demolition of the East Wing for a new ballroom sparks debates on funding and presidential authority. The impact of Iowa's primaries on Harris's prospects takes center stage, as historical comebacks and the current weaknesses of the Democratic Party are examined. The hosts also ponder the implications of Biden's presidency on Harris's future.