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
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.
28 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 20min
Maga fractures over far-right interview
Joe Miller, a Washington correspondent for the Financial Times, and Edward Luce, the U.S. national editor and author of the Swamp Notes newsletter, dive into the controversial interview between Tucker Carlson and Nick Fuentes, a white nationalist. They discuss the growing power of far-right factions and the resulting fractures within the MAGA coalition. The duo explores why young people are attracted to Fuentes and examines the shifting landscape of conservatism, questioning whether the Republican Party will embrace these extreme elements to secure future victories.
8 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 20min
The Bethlehem Project: An immigration raid divides a community
Derek Brower, U.S. news editor at the Financial Times, and Guy Chazan, FT reporter specializing in the U.S. economy, delve into the ramifications of a June immigration raid in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Brower discusses why Bethlehem serves as a focal point for understanding Trump's America. Chazan shares firsthand accounts of community reactions, ongoing fears of detentions, and the economic implications of deportations. Together, they explore the nuances in local opinions on immigration enforcement and the organizing efforts of community members in response.
23 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 19min
Does the Democrats’ election sweep change anything?
Lauren Fedor, Deputy Washington Bureau Chief at the Financial Times, and Guy Chazan, U.S. national correspondent for the Financial Times, dive into the recent Democratic election sweep. They discuss the significance of key races, like the NYC mayoral contest and its implications for party strategy. Guy evaluates Zohran Mamdani's surprise victory and how it may serve as a litmus test for Democratic socialism in NYC. The duo also explores potential GOP responses and the impact on the 2026 midterms, highlighting a shifting political landscape.
29 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 19min
What Trump wants from Venezuela
James Story, the former top U.S. diplomat to Venezuela, and Michael Stott, Financial Times Latin America editor, dive into the implications of U.S. military actions near Venezuela. They discuss the role of military buildup in U.S. strategy against Nicolás Maduro and why regime change is a priority. The duo examines the Venezuelan military's capabilities and the complexities of opposition leadership. They also speculate on Trump's approach—whether he will escalate tensions or adopt a more cautious stance in the face of potential backlash.
11 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 18min
Who’s benefiting from Trump’s presidency?
Joe Miller, FT Washington correspondent, and Alex Rogers, FT US politics correspondent, dive into the financial windfall of the Trump family since his return to office. They reveal that the Trump family has raked in over $1 billion from crypto ventures. The discussion highlights how at least 30 donors benefitted from their contributions to Trump’s causes, receiving regulatory and legal advantages. The guests also explore the implications of Trump's asset practices and how the crypto landscape has shifted under his presidency.
20 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 15min
How Stephen Miller is defining Trump’s second term
Ed Luce, U.S. national editor at the Financial Times and co-author of the Swamp Notes newsletter, dives deep into Stephen Miller’s pivotal role in shaping Trump’s second term. They discuss Miller's hardline agenda and how his influence has surged with fewer checks on power. Luce reveals Miller's ideological roots and the chilling implications of recent speeches. The conversation highlights Miller's tactics to enact policy changes, including federalizing troops in cities. What’s next for Miller? A potential clash with the courts looms.
28 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 17min
Is Donald Trump the president of peace?
Kristin Sandvik, a humanitarian studies professor at the Peace Research Institute Oslo, joins to discuss Donald Trump's peace efforts and the Nobel Peace Prize. They delve into the recent Gaza ceasefire Trump helped broker, exploring its potential impact and the skepticism surrounding such agreements. Kristin highlights Europe's cautious optimism for lasting peace and explains how Nobel nominations work, while Abigail assesses what this means for Trump's legacy. The discussion raises critical questions about the true nature of peace and whether signing agreements truly ends conflicts.
