The NPR Politics Podcast

Stephen Fowler, an NPR political reporter who covers elections and voting, walks through the FBI raid on Fulton County and what investigators might be seeking. He also discusses how recent immigration shootings pushed Democrats to split DHS funding, creating a risk of a partial government shutdown. Short takes on political stakes and reactions accompany the reporting.

Odette Youssef, NPR domestic extremism correspondent who covers organizing and public safety, discusses how Minneapolis residents have turned to gun ownership after police withdrawals and rising anti-trans rhetoric. She details who is getting permits and why, reactions from pro-gun groups, and how federal use-of-force policies and political rhetoric are reshaping safety conversations.

An internal review challenges the federal account of Alex Pretti’s fatal shooting. Officials’ public statements are compared with agency findings. Lawmakers prepare oversight and bipartisan credibility questions arise. The conversation also covers shifting presidential messaging on immigration, tighter naturalization rules, denaturalization efforts, and how political rhetoric affects safety and civic engagement.

Lawmakers spar over DHS funding after a deadly federal immigration enforcement shooting. The conversation covers Democrats’ demands for enforcement reforms, Republican counterproposals, and why funding bills are being used as leverage. They also weigh the political risks of a partial government shutdown and how public opinion could shape blame.

Clay Masters, Minnesota Public Radio reporter who brings on-the-ground Minneapolis perspective. He walks through the video and sequence of the shooting. He explains local officials’ frustration over denied access and legal pushes to investigate. He details shifting political reactions, Second Amendment optics, and how the incident reshaped Minnesota races and civic resistance.

A public hearing where a special counsel calmly defends two high-profile indictments and the potential witnesses he would have called. Discussion of a sudden shift in rhetoric after a new Greenland framework was announced and what pulled back a looming threat. Exploration of the diplomatic fallout with Europe and the curious new Board of Peace proposal.

A focus group of swing voters from Pennsylvania reveals their frustration with Trump despite supporting him in the past. Key concerns center around the economy, overshadowing foreign policy distractions. Mixed feelings about immigration enforcement emerge, with worries about profiling and the impact of ICE actions. Participants express disappointment in economic conditions, feeling Trump hasn't delivered on promises. While some regret their votes, most still feel aligned with him, placing blame on Democrats as they navigate their complex political sentiments.

Barbara Sprunt, a congressional correspondent for NPR, brings rich insights after reporting from Copenhagen. The discussion dives into President Trump’s controversial push for Greenland, exploring the perplexed reactions from Danish and Greenlandic officials. Sprunt details the recent congressional delegation's attempts to ease tensions and fact-check Trump's claims. Danish sentiments reflect a mixture of betrayal and grief, exposing the complexities of a U.S.-Danish relationship shaped by shared military history and current political unpredictability.

One year into his return, Trump's governing style is summed up as unchecked executive power paired with a YOLO attitude. Tariffs take center stage, pushing economic implications with little manufacturing revival and higher prices. An interventionist strategy shapes his corporate dealings, while military force is selectively applied. The discussion raises questions about the influence of foreign policy on voter sentiment and the broader impacts of aggressive immigration actions. The hosts dissect how executive orders may shape or shift future policies.

Elsa Chang, a renowned radio journalist and host on NPR's Consider This, sheds light on the Department of Justice's recent controversial actions targeting opponents of Trump. Domenico Montanaro, NPR's senior political editor, dives into the implications of these moves, including the questioning of lawmakers and resignations from federal prosecutors. The discussions highlight concerns about perceived retaliation and the centralization of power under the DOJ, positioning these developments within the broader political landscape and potential legal boundaries.