Politically Georgia

It has been one month since President Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office, and his approach has been anything but slow. With a flurry of executive orders, budget cuts, policy shifts, and economic directives, his administration is moving at full speed. On today’s special episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy and Tia Mitchell help you cut through the noise and break down the most significant moments from Trump’s first 30 days.We’ll also examine how Trump’s presidency is shaping Georgia politics. We’ll review the Georgians who have already joined his administration, assess how Republicans and Democrats in the state have responded and analyze the broader political implications.Plus, we’ll look ahead to what else is expected in the first 100 days of the Trump administration and how congressional Republicans are working to advance his agenda. And as we do every Friday, we’ll answer your questions from the listener mailbag and reveal who’s up and who’s down in Georgia politics this week.    Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.  Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It has been 30 days since President Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Patricia Murphy and Greg Bluestein examine how his policies have already shaped Georgia’s political and economic landscape. Then, we speak with Georgia Senate President Pro Tem John Kennedy, who is co-sponsoring a bill modeled after the Trump administration’s federal budget-cutting efforts. Kennedy explains why he believes Georgia should follow Washington’s lead. Next, we turn to Governor Brian Kemp’s top advisor, Cody Hall, who gives us insight into the governor’s relationship with Trump after the White House denied Kemp’s request to extend the deadline for Hurricane Helene aid. And in Washington, former Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler has officially secured her place in Trump’s cabinet as the head of the Small Business Administration. We’ll break down the confirmation process and how her role could impact Georgia’s economy. Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lawmakers are racing to fund the government, and Georgia stands to benefit from key budget provisions. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy speak with Semafor’s Washington-based reporter Kadia Goba about the high-stakes negotiations and the federal dollars headed to Georgia. Then, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, whose tenure has been marred by delivery delays and controversy, has announced his resignation. We’ll explore what his departure means for mail service in Georgia and who could replace him. Plus, we take a look at what true crime and Congress have in common. We speak with the Georgia congressional staffer behind the hit podcast Crime in Congress to learn how political scandals and investigations make for compelling storytelling.  Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the debate over reproductive rights continues, Georgia House Speaker John Burns is pushing to protect in vitro fertilization. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, we talk to Rep. Lehman Franklin, the bill’s sponsor, about why the measure is personal for him and the hurdles it faces in the legislature. Meanwhile, Democrats are raising alarms over the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to the CDC, which will result in more than 1,300 layoffs. State Rep. Saira Draper joins us ahead of her press conference at the Georgia State Capitol to discuss how these cuts could impact public health in Georgia. And is Marjorie Taylor Greene rebranding? As she weighs a potential Senate bid, we explore whether the controversial congresswoman is shifting her political strategy—and what it could mean for Georgia’s 2026 race. Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown is sending shockwaves across Georgia, with new policies affecting communities statewide. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, we hear from State Senator Nabilah Islam Parkes about how Democrats plan to respond. Then, as Senator Jon Ossoff campaigns for reelection, he’s still facing backlash from some Jewish voters over a vote last year on U.S. arms to Israel. We’ll break down the potential impact on his 2026 race. And, Governor Brian Kemp’s request to extend the deadline for Hurricane Helene aid was denied by the Trump administration. We’ll explain what this means for Georgians still recovering from the storm.  Plus, it’s Presidents Day, and we’ll hear from descendants of former presidents Harry Truman and Grover Cleveland. They’re part of the exclusive Society of Presidential Descendants, and they’ll share why this day holds special meaning. Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”      Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan was one of President Donald Trump’s fiercest Republican critics during the campaign, but after Trump’s victory, he urged people to give him a chance. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell check in with Duncan to see where he stands and get his take on Georgia’s Senate race as it begins to heat up. Then, we turn to the Senate, where Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was narrowly confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services. And while you were asleep, the Justice Department approved TikTok’s return to app stores. Is it back for good? Plus, it’s Friday, so we’ll answer your questions from the listener mailbag and share our picks for who’s up and who’s down in Georgia politics this week.  Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Georgia Democrats are looking to rebuild after a tough election cycle. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy sit down with Democratic Caucus Chair Tanya Miller to discuss the party’s strategy this legislative session and how they plan to regain political ground. Then, we turn to the classroom, where Rep. Scott Hilton is pushing for a ban on cellphone use during class time in Georgia schools. We break down his proposal, the debate it’s sparking, and how it could impact students and educators. Plus, the renewed push to protect in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment in Georgia is gaining momentum—but legislative hurdles remain. We’ll discuss why the issue is far from settled. And later, Patricia shares a personal tribute to one of Georgia’s most dedicated public servants.  Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from cutting billions in funding for the National Institutes of Health, sparing $100 million earmarked for critical research in Georgia. But how long will this protection last? On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy speak with AJC Health Reporter Ariel Hart about the legal battle and what’s at stake for Georgia’s research institutions. Meanwhile, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene is preparing for her first hearing as chair of the House DOGE Subcommittee, where she’ll back Elon Musk’s push to slash government spending under President Trump. Independent journalist Michael Jones joins us to preview Greene’s latest efforts in her war on government waste. Plus, Congressman Buddy Carter is throwing his support behind President Trump’s renewed attempt to acquire Greenland. We’ll discuss how this unusual move is playing out in Washington—and why fears of a constitutional crisis are growing less than a month into Trump’s second term.  Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2026 race for Georgia governor is already heating up, and state Senator Jason Esteves is the latest to consider a bid for the state’s top office. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Patricia Murphy and Greg Bluestein sit down with Esteves live from the state Capitol to discuss his political future and the issues shaping Georgia’s landscape.Then, AJC local government reporter Riley Bunch joins the show to talk about her in-depth profile of five of Atlanta's six living Black mayors, diving into their political journeys, landmark achievements, and the challenges they faced in office.Plus, President Trump has appointed VA Secretary Doug Collins to also serve as acting head of both the Office of Special Counsel and the Office of Government Ethics—two watchdog agencies whose former leaders clashed with Trump before being ousted. We’ll break down what this means for Collins and the future of these agencies.We’ll also tell you about Republican Representative Buddy Carter’s introduction of the Red, White, and Blueland Act of 2025.Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A bill banning transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports has become a top priority for Georgia Republicans this legislative session. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell speak with State Senator Greg Dolezal about the bill’s focus, its potential impact and what’s next for the legislation.Meanwhile, the Trump administration’s decision to slash billions from the National Institutes of Health has sent shockwaves through the medical community. We explore how these cuts will affect life-saving research at Emory, UGA, and Georgia Tech, and what it means for the future of critical medical trials.Plus, a new Democratic name is considering a run for Georgia governor in 2026, while two Republican contenders are already building massive war chests for the race.Finally, at last week’s Politically Georgia On the Road event in Washington, D.C., Tia sat down with Dr. Keneshia Grant from Howard University and Dr. Minkah Makalani from Johns Hopkins University. They explored the decline of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in Georgia and discussed whether there’s potential for a reversal amid shifting political priorities. Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”      Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices