The world is bracing itself as Donald Trump enacts his global tariffs. As the president begins to enforce them upon the rest of the world, the Americast team assemble to ask whether Trump’s bet on tariffs might be a bad deal for the US. How have the markets reacted, and does Trump actually care? Plus, why has Donald Trump bought a Tesla even though he isn’t allowed to drive it? HOSTS:- Justin Webb, Radio 4 Presenter - Sarah Smith, North America Editor - Anthony Zurcher, North America 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 Rufus Gray. The technical producer was Mike 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 The Global Story, The Today Podcast, and of course 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.The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd The Today Podcast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm

The hosts dive into Trump’s concerns about a possible recession, exploring the impact of his trade war on stocks and voters. They discuss Canada’s new PM and escalating tariff tensions, while analyzing the Democrats' effectiveness in opposition. The conversation turns humorous as they examine the influx of memes about Vice President JD Vance and the challenges within the Democratic Party. Additionally, they highlight the struggles faced by American farmers due to tariffs and the broader economic implications.

What do we know about President Trump’s long term strategy when it comes to dealing with Russia, and where does that leave America’s relationship with Europe and Ukraine? Justin, Sarah and Anthony get an inside view from Celeste Wallander, one of Biden and Obama’s top security staffers who has been in meetings with Vladimir Putin.How does the Russian leader behave during negotiations, and what advice does she have for the Trump administration? We also look at what Trump’s reset of US/Russia relations means for Europe, and the war in Ukraine. HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGUEST: • Celeste Wallander, Former Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, U.S. Department of Defense (2022-25)GET 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 #Americast This episode was made by Chris Flynn with Rufus Gray and Claire Betzer. 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-68093155 Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including The Global Story, The Today Podcast, and of course 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.The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd The Today Podcast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm

The discussion unpacks Donald Trump's lengthy address to Congress, highlighting its record duration packed with bold claims and interruptions. Key issues include his controversial pause on aid to Ukraine, trade tensions with Mexico and Canada, and a cheeky ambition for Greenland. The podcast also explores Trump's rhetoric on the economy and immigration, painting a picture of both achievements and challenges. Meanwhile, personal stories shared during the speech add an emotional dimension, reflecting the intersection of politics and storytelling.

Tensions escalated during a fiery White House encounter between Trump and Zelensky, raising questions about premeditated motives versus spontaneous conflict. The podcast dives into the unpredictable dynamics of U.S. foreign policy, especially as public opinion and poll ratings fluctuate. It explores the GOP's internal struggles under Trump's sway and the courage shown by Zelensky amidst a shifting American support landscape, alongside the role of media in shaping political narratives in today's polarized climate.

In this captivating discussion, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the new Secretary of Health and Human Services and a member of the storied Kennedy family, shares his unexpected journey from Democrat to Trump appointee. Joined by Sheryl Gay Stolberg from the New York Times and Clare Malone of The New Yorker, they delve into the complexities of Kennedy's views on health and vaccines, highlighting his aim to tackle America's chronic disease epidemic. The conversation also touches on the impact of personal tragedy on conspiracy beliefs and the political rift within his own family.

Tensions soared in the White House as President Trump and President Zelensky clashed during a heated press conference. Their passionate exchange revealed deep differences in diplomatic views on Ukraine’s ongoing conflict. Observers noted the precarious nature of their negotiation dynamics, reflecting the challenges of military support and international relations. Amid the chaos, the podcast emphasizes the resilience and unity among Ukrainians facing Russian aggression. It's a gripping look at the high stakes of diplomacy and the future of Ukraine.

A recent meeting between Keir Starmer and Donald Trump highlights their contrasting personalities and the delicate nature of UK-US relations. Despite differing views on Ukraine and trade, they managed to strike a cordial rapport. The discussion also delves into the culinary choices of their meeting, featuring an elegant menu that eschewed fast food. Additionally, debates surrounding freedom of expression in the UK add nuance to the diplomatic landscape. Overall, it's a fascinating look at modern diplomacy and the nuances of international interactions.

Donald Trump stirred controversy by sharing an AI-generated video depicting Gaza in a surreal light, igniting discussions about the role of social media in shaping public perception. The hosts analyze the implications of such provocative content and how it may deepen political divides. They also delve into Elon Musk's recent communications with federal employees, reflecting on the chaos within government operations. The episode explores the ethical dilemmas of AI technology and its influence on political narratives in today's fast-paced media landscape.

Emmanuel Macron's pivotal visit to Washington, D.C., stirs the pot on the Ukraine conflict. Rising egg prices are analyzed as unexpected political symbols, impacting voter sentiment and economic discourse. Elon Musk's provocative email to federal workers raises eyebrows, spotlighting anxiety within government ranks. The dynamics of U.S.-European relations are also explored, especially amid tensions regarding far-right movements. Voter 'buyer's remorse' concerning Trump introduces deeper discussions on public approval and its implications for future elections.