The NPR Politics Podcast

In a whirlwind week in Washington, President Trump reclassifies cannabis to a Schedule III drug, igniting discussions about its potential legalization impacts. Congress shortcuts healthcare, leaving subsidies in limbo, while Speaker Mike Johnson faces mounting pressures and party fractures. Intriguingly, a rare on-the-record critique from within the White House reveals tensions. Amid this chaos, entertaining anecdotes surface, including a quirky lawsuit regarding dogs as tax dependents and a remarkable find of dinosaur footprints in Italy.

President Trump's prime-time address blamed the Biden administration and immigrants for economic woes. The hosts discuss his defensive tone and lack of empathy for voters' struggles. They highlight that few new policy announcements were made, with much of the content recycled. Fact-checking reveals dubious claims about drug price cuts and existing legislation being rebranded. The discussion shifts to whether Trump's message will resonate with independents and the electoral risks for moderate Republicans concerned about health-care affordability.

A recent poll reveals that just 36% of Americans approve of Trump's economic handling, raising concerns about affordability. Tariffs are linked to rising goods prices, adding to public unease. The discussion highlights a significant disconnect between Trump's economic policies and voters' everyday worries, particularly as midterms approach. The hosts also debate whether Trump's focus on tariffs can revive manufacturing jobs while examining the loyalty of his Republican base, which seems to prioritize cultural issues over economic performance.

Dive into the complexities of Trump's foreign policy, exploring claims of ending 'eight wars' while navigating ongoing conflicts. The discussion highlights his focus on peace deals without detail and a fluctuating stance on Ukraine, influenced by MAGA pressure. Learn about the U.S. role in the Gaza ceasefire and the transactional nature of Trump’s strategies involving tariffs and immigration. The show's hosts also dissect a retreat from multilateralism and aggressive actions in Venezuela, forecasting what to watch in these turbulent regions.

Discover how President Trump embraces his role as the sports-fan-in-chief, attending major events for strategic visibility. Explore his deep ties to WWE and UFC, linking them to his political base. Mixed crowd reactions at high-profile games reveal the polarized nature of Trump's fandom. The discussion also touches on the cultural prestige sports events offer to elites and contrasts Trump's limited engagement with women's sports. With a busy sporting calendar ahead, the hosts consider the implications for his legacy and potential sports-washing.

Indiana senators surprised everyone by rejecting Trump's redistricting plan, signaling limits to his influence. Meanwhile, Trump took to Pennsylvania to bash immigrants while discussing the economy, stirring up controversy. The U.S. also made headlines by seizing an oil tanker off Venezuela, raising questions about international intervention. The hosts weigh in on Trump's mixed messaging and whether he helps or hurts GOP candidates in swing districts. Plus, light-hearted anecdotes like a Waymo birth story and a drone delivery to a prison add a fun twist!

Selena Simmons-Duffin, an NPR health policy correspondent, joins the discussion to unveil the looming expiration of enhanced health insurance subsidies affecting 22 million Americans. She highlights the diverse proposals from Democrats and Republicans, touching on the tradeoffs between coverage and costs. Selena emphasizes the significant premium increases low-income and older Americans will face if no agreement is reached. Political dynamics, including the role of President Trump and the pressure on swing-district Republicans, are also explored.

Andrea Hsu, NPR's labor and workplace correspondent, dives into the Supreme Court's deliberations on presidential power regarding independent federal agencies. She highlights the significant case involving FTC head Rebecca Slaughter's firing and the ramifications of the Trump administration’s unitary-executive argument. Hsu explains the critical roles of agencies like the FTC and concerns over eroding protections against political influence. The discussion explores the potential risks of political patronage and how this decision could redefine checks and balances for future presidencies.

President Trump’s $12 billion bailout plan aims to support farmers affected by the trade war with China. The discussion highlights how this initiative aligns with his broader economic strategy while ironically contradicting his pro-tariff messaging. Details reveal the mechanics of the bailout, including qualifying criteria and payment structures. The hosts debate the potential long-term impacts on commodity prices and whether China will honor new purchase agreements. Finally, they assess the political implications for Trump's support among rural voters.

The discussion revolves around the Trump administration's controversial push for 'remigration,' a term rooted in white nationalist ideology. The hosts delve into the ambiguous target groups and the various tactics employed to encourage voluntary departure. They explore the chilling effects on legal immigration and how the administration’s rhetoric shifts towards assimilation and civilizational ideals. Additionally, the episode highlights the connections between domestic and transnational extremism and how violent incidents influence tightening immigration policies.