Americast

Dive into recent highlights like the first US measles death in a decade and the alarming rise of vaccine misinformation. Explore the chaotic protests against Trump's policies, showcasing public discontent. Hear about the controversial deportation of Venezuelans and its legal complexities, as well as the political implications behind such actions. The hosts also discuss congressional controversies and the crucial role of youth engagement in shaping political discourse. It's a whirlwind tour of pressing issues often overshadowed in the news!

In this discussion, economist EJ Antoni from the Heritage Foundation delves into the recent political landscape, spotlighting Elon Musk’s financial role in a pivotal Wisconsin Supreme Court election. They explore how Musk's support shaped voter perceptions and the ramifications of his potential departure from the White House. The conversation also touches on the evolving dynamics between Musk and Trump, alongside the implications of Trump’s trade policies and tariffs on the economy. It's a blend of political insight and keen observations about the shifting tides in American politics.

Donald Trump’s new tariffs may spark a global trade war, raising consumer prices and reshaping economies worldwide. The hosts break down which countries will be hit hardest and how the UK might fare amidst these changes. They highlight the odd criteria behind the tariff lists and the potential backfire on American manufacturing. International reactions from countries like South Korea and Japan emphasize the wide-reaching implications of these policies, while Vietnam’s shifting alliances could alter the trade landscape even further.

The discussion kicks off with Donald Trump's cryptic hints about a potential third term, navigating the tricky waters of constitutional law. Elon Musk's hefty donations to a crucial Supreme Court race stir questions about legality and influence. Speculation around Trump's bizarre Greenland ambitions presents a humorous yet serious examination of international relations. The conversation also touches on how the intersection of social media and politics shapes public perception, all while unfolding the chaos of Trump's administration.

Jordan Heath-Rawlings, a Canadian journalist and host of the Elbows Up podcast, joins the hosts to delve into the tumultuous impact of recently imposed U.S. tariffs on cars. He discusses how these tariffs signify a shift in Canada-U.S. relations and stir fears within Canadian politics. The timing of the announcements, perceived as distractions from domestic issues, raises concerns. Additionally, the conversation touches on how these trade tensions affect Tesla and the electric vehicle market, alongside cultural implications for Canada as it navigates these turbulent waters.

Geoffrey Goldberg, a journalist for The Atlantic, shares a unique peek into a security breach that saw him accidentally included in a chat with Trump’s top officials. He details the chaos that ensued when he published the chat, triggering a fierce backlash from the White House, including Trump's claims of a “witch hunt”. Goldberg argues for accountability, urging the administration to fix the breach. The discussion digs into the delicate balance between journalistic integrity and national security, all against a backdrop of polarized political opinions.

The podcast dives into a sensitive military leak involving plans for strikes in Yemen, igniting debate over classified information. The hosts analyze the implications of the editor of The Atlantic joining a crucial group chat and the White House's defensive stance. There's a humorous yet serious look at the use of Signal for official communications, unveiling the absurdities of secure government work. The discussion wraps up with how this scandal shapes Trump's political landscape and the complexities of loyalty within the Republican Party.

Join the lively discussion where hosts tackle whether Trump can dismantle the Department of Education without Congress, and its potential consequences for special needs students. They also humorously navigate breakfast debates before diving into the peculiarities of Trump's controversial portrait that sparked his ire. Plus, the podcast sheds light on the U.S.'s role in Canada's upcoming snap election and speculates on Trump's ambitious plans for a third term, questioning the flexibility of constitutional rules.

In this engaging conversation, journalist Michael Wolff, known for his sharp insights on Donald Trump, delves into the complexities of Trump's relationships, including his intriguing ties with Elon Musk. Wolff offers insider details about Trump's political comeback, revealing how personal connections shaped his success. He dissects Trump's relationship with Melania, exploring its transactional nature and how it mirrors his professional dynamics. The discussion emphasizes the unique challenges of reporting on Trump's controversial figure and governance style.

The U.S. President is setting up a major showdown with America’s judicial system. Sarah and Justin pick apart claims that Donald Trump defied a court order by deporting more than 200 migrants to El Salvador, despite a judge ordering to be turned planes carrying the migrants to be turned back if they were already in the air. Legal analyst and former federal prosecutor Jennifer Rodgers gives her view on whether Trump has broken the court ruling, and whether America is facing a constitutional crisis. HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America EditorGUEST: • Jennifer Rodgers, Former Federal Prosecutor and Professor of Clinical Law at NYU Law SchoolGET 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 Julia Webster, Catherine Fusillo 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-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