Swamp Notes
Financial Times
Swamp Notes is the weekly US politics podcast from The Financial Times. Every Friday, host Marc Filippino talks to reporters in Washington as well as the FT's veteran US political commentators and a cast of expert guests to explain what the latest moves in the Capitol mean for the economy, business and for people in America — and beyond. Subscribe and listen for incisive analysis, on-the-ground insights and a uniquely global perspective.Each week, Swamp Notes answers one listener question. If you have a question about US politics and the global economy, send an email to marc.filippino@ft.com. If you leave us a voice memo, we may even play it on the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
10 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 21min
Why Trump wants to ‘run’ other countries
Edward Luce, U.S. national editor at the Financial Times, and Amy Mackinnon, the FT's foreign affairs correspondent, dive into the Trump administration's bold moves in foreign policy. They explore the tumultuous military operation aimed at capturing Nicolás Maduro and the administration's desire for control in the Western Hemisphere. The discussion covers Trump's fixation on Greenland, the implications of the Monroe Doctrine, and the political ramifications of intervention. Luce and Mackinnon also analyze the risks and legalities surrounding these strategies, questioning the costs of such audacious ambitions.
25 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 22min
The biggest predictions in politics next year
In this engaging discussion, Derek Brower, FT U.S. News Editor, and Lauren Fedor, Deputy Washington Bureau Chief, reflect on the wild and bizarre political events of 2025. They dissect Trump's influence on the Federal Reserve, explore the dynamics of Democratic identity, and predict their strategies for the upcoming midterms. The guests also highlight the shifting sentiments among Latino voters and the potential implications of economic risks, including a looming AI backlash, that could reshape political landscapes in the near future.
22 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 51min
Political Fix: Quizmas special
Join Miranda Green, a sharp FT political commentator, and Jim Pickard, an insightful FT political correspondent, as they dive into a festive quiz showdown. They tackle tough questions about the Labour frontbench resignations and recall the memorable moments of 2025, including Starmer's foreign visits and quirky summer events. With predictions for 2026 and a fun-filled gingerbread gift prop, the banter flows as they vie for the title of Wonk-in-Chief while celebrating the year in British politics.
Dec 19, 2025 • 16min
Congress’ healthcare fight carries big consequences
Guy Chazan, a U.S. national correspondent for the Financial Times, and Lauren Fedor, Deputy Washington Bureau Chief, dive into the urgent healthcare debate in Congress. They discuss how a few Republican lawmakers defied their party to push for extending vital healthcare subsidies that are set to expire. With potential premium hikes looming, they highlight the dire financial impact on middle-income families and share a poignant case study from West Virginia. The political ramifications for upcoming elections also loom large as both parties navigate this critical issue.
9 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 19min
The Bethlehem Project: Being young in Trump’s America
Ian Hodgson, a data reporter at the Financial Times, joins host Sonja Hutson to explore the complex landscape for teens in Trump’s America. They visit Liberty High School in Bethlehem to understand young people's experiences shaped by political polarization and economic anxiety. Discussions reveal how social media influences political identities and how shifting algorithms impact views. The episode also delves into gender divides in youth politics and students' concerns about jobs, climate change, and housing pressures.
16 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 20min
US uses private data to track immigrants
Peter Andringa, a data-driven reporter from the Financial Times, and Stefania Palma, a U.S. legal correspondent, delve into the troubling world of government surveillance on immigrants. They reveal how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) collaborates with private companies to create a vast tracking network. From discussing the role of data brokers to the implications of automated license-plate readers, they highlight the legal and privacy challenges tied to these practices. The conversation also touches on the shifting focus of immigration enforcement and the potential dangers of expanding surveillance.
21 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 16min
Trump’s plan to give babies money
In this engaging discussion, Alex Rogers, U.S. business and politics correspondent for the Financial Times, and Brooke Masters, U.S. managing editor at the Financial Times, dive into Trump’s new plan for child investment accounts. They explore how the scheme works and the intriguing bipartisan support it has garnered. The conversation examines why billionaires like the Dells are eager to contribute and whether these accounts can foster financial literacy among young Americans. Plus, they discuss the potential impact on Social Security and the broader implications of such entitlement programs.
31 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 18min
Is the US economy really K-shaped?
Claire Jones, U.S. economics editor at the Financial Times, and Rob Armstrong, a U.S. financial commentator at the same outlet, dive into the K-shaped economy phenomenon. They explore how wealth disparity has widened post-pandemic and what drives this perception. Key topics include consumer spending trends revealed through corporate earnings, market shifts affecting lower earners, and the political stakes tied to affordability. They also discuss what the White House might do to address these economic challenges and whether the U.S. has achieved a soft landing.
18 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 18min
Trump changes tack on the Epstein files
Lauren Fedor, Deputy Washington bureau chief at the Financial Times, and Chris Cook, Senior reporter for the FT in London, tackle the rapid congressional push to release Jeffrey Epstein documents. They discuss Trump’s unexpected shift to support the bill, the implications of new emails revealing high-profile connections, and the pressure to unveil Epstein's dealings. The duo also examines why Epstein remains a significant political issue, linking him to distrust in institutions and the challenges it presents to Trump's anti-establishment image.
Nov 20, 2025 • 2min
Coming soon from Tech Tonic: Defying death
This podcast delves into the billion-dollar race to extend human life through groundbreaking treatments and genetic manipulation. Hosts investigate the obsession with longevity, connecting it to wealth and the fear of death. They highlight a revolutionary pill that could rewind cellular aging overnight. The discussion also touches on the ethical dilemmas and risks of a wild-west industry that exploits the universal desire to live longer. Join them as they explore the promises and pitfalls of this fascinating frontier in science.
