The Political Scene | The New Yorker
WNYC Studios and The New Yorker
Join The New Yorker’s writers and editors for reporting, insight, and analysis of the most pressing political issues of our time. On Mondays, David Remnick, the editor of The New Yorker, presents conversations and feature stories about current events. On Wednesdays, the senior editor Tyler Foggatt goes deep on a consequential political story via far-reaching interviews with staff writers and outside experts. And, on Fridays, the staff writers Susan B. Glasser, Jane Mayer, and Evan Osnos discuss the latest developments in Washington and beyond, offering an encompassing understanding of this moment in American politics.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 27, 2025 • 28min
Zadie Smith on Politics, Turning Fifty, and Mind Control
Zadie Smith, acclaimed novelist and essayist known for works like *White Teeth* and *Dead and Alive*, dives deep into the intricate relationship between politics and personal reflection. She explores how digital platforms manipulate public discourse and admits that we are all impacted by this 'mind control.' Smith also contrasts youthful exuberance with her mature insights, discusses the role of essays in slowing down thought, and highlights class divides in screen exposure, advocating for regulatory measures to protect children's development.
Oct 20, 2025 • 29min
How the Trump Administration Made Higher Education a Target
Emma Green, a staff writer for The New Yorker known for her in-depth political reporting, explores the Trump administration's aggressive higher-education agenda. She discusses how the administration has targeted elite institutions like Harvard and the implications of federal funding in academia. Green reveals insights from figures in the conservative movement, including Mae Mailman, about their views on academic freedom and the motivations behind their actions. The conversation highlights the political landscape that emerged around issues of campus culture and funding.
21 snips
Oct 18, 2025 • 39min
The Ceasefire and the Business of Trump’s Diplomacy
The podcast delves into the delicate Israel-Hamas ceasefire and the Trump family's financial ties influencing American foreign policy. Panelists scrutinize Trump's transactional diplomacy, highlighting how personal profit mingles with global negotiations. Discussions reveal Qatar and U.A.E.'s roles and their complex relationships with the Trump family. Ethical concerns arise over conflicts of interest in diplomacy, questioning the long-term implications of mixing state matters with business gains. It’s a vivid exploration of geopolitics and commerce.
4 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 41min
How Much More Can Federal Workers Take?
E. Tammy Kim, a staff writer at The New Yorker focused on politics and labor, dives into the impact of the government shutdown on federal workers. She discusses the emotional toll on civil servants facing furloughs and layoffs while working without pay. Kim highlights the administration's mass layoffs as a tactic to shrink federal agencies and the subsequent threats to public services and democracy. She also raises concerns about financial hardships and the loss of institutional knowledge, warning that this crisis could fundamentally reshape the federal workforce.
47 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 48min
Zohran Mamdani Says He's Ready for Donald Trump
Zohran Mamdani, a rising Democratic Socialist and New York State Assembly member, shares insights into his unexpected mayoral campaign. He discusses his ambitious affordability agenda, including a rent freeze and taxing the wealthiest, while navigating potential federal pushback from Donald Trump. Mamdani reveals his strategies to connect with diverse communities and reflects on the challenges of building trust among voters. He emphasizes the need for dignity in housing and public services, while preparing for inevitable political confrontations.
38 snips
Oct 11, 2025 • 41min
What Does Donald Trump’s “War from Within” Mean in Practice?
Kori Schake, a foreign-and-defense-policy scholar and director at the American Enterprise Institute, explores the alarming implications of Donald Trump’s militarization of politics. She discusses how Trump’s rhetoric has transformed the military's role, pressuring soldiers to pledge personal loyalty and bypassing senior leadership. Schake warns of the dangers posed by the Insurrection Act, highlighting legal pathways for military deployment and the risks of politicizing the armed forces. The conversation spotlights the urgent need for lawful limits and the significance of institutional checks.
33 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 43min
After James Comey, Who’s Next on Trump’s Revenge Tour?
Ruth Marcus, a contributing writer at The New Yorker specializing in law, joins to dissect Trump’s 'revenge tour' and the indictment of James Comey. They explore how Trump's retaliatory strategies challenge legal norms and might endanger public officials and their families. Marcus reveals the indictment's weak legal foundation and discusses why Comey was targeted first. The conversation dives into the implications of Trump's tactics on the Justice Department and questions whether the cycle of political retribution can be broken.
11 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 26min
A Conservative Professor on How to Fix Campus Culture
In this engaging discussion, Robert P. George, a Princeton professor and influential political philosopher, delves into the current state of campus culture. He critiques the secularism and leftist dominance in academia, arguing it stifles real debate. George emphasizes the importance of civil discourse, encouraging students to engage with differing viewpoints. He discusses the emotional climate shaping truth and warns against the pitfalls of self-censorship. Finally, he explores the need for merit-based evaluations while acknowledging the complexities of diversity in academia.
57 snips
Oct 4, 2025 • 36min
How Russell Vought Broke the U.S. Government
The discussion delves into Russell Vought's pivotal role during the government shutdown. Vought, known for his Christian nationalist views, threatens to lay off federal workers and withhold funds from Democratic states. The panel explores how his background as an architect of Project 2025 informs his aggressive tactics. They also examine the implications of using budgetary power as a political weapon, leading to what they term 'partitioning' America. The conversation raises questions about the potential political ramifications of these divisive strategies.
20 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 47min
Will the Supreme Court Hand Trump Another Slate of Victories?
Jeannie Suk Gersen, a Harvard Law professor and contributing writer, discusses the Supreme Court’s new term and its implications for executive power and civil rights. She delves into the challenges to presidential authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the ongoing disputes over voting rights connected to gerrymandering. Gersen sheds light on trans rights in sports, critiques the Court's use of its emergency docket, and reflects on Chief Justice John Roberts' impact on the conservative legal landscape.
