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
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.
22 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 18min
Democrats draw a line in the sand with government shutdown
Join James Politi, Washington bureau chief for the Financial Times, and Lauren Fedor, deputy chief, as they dissect the recent government shutdown. They delve into the chaotic late-night negotiations and the stark divide between Democrats pushing for healthcare subsidies and unyielding Republicans. The duo explores the potential long-term economic and political impacts, from furloughs to electoral stakes. Discover why Democrats chose this moment to fight back and how the shutdown might affect future contests and party dynamics.
Sep 26, 2025 • 19min
An FCC insider on Kimmel, TV and free speech
Gigi Sohn, a former FCC counselor and current public advocate at the Benton Institute, joins to discuss the implications of Jimmy Kimmel's return and the pressures on broadcast networks. She highlights how political backlash can influence media programming decisions, citing the unique leverage the FCC holds. Sohn also explores the evolving landscape of broadcast regulation amid fears of a new era of censorship in America, emphasizing the importance of free speech and the reach of broadcast TV in shaping political discourse.
24 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 19min
The future of corporate America under Trump
Rana Foroohar, a global business columnist for the Financial Times, joins to discuss Donald Trump's recent push for US public companies to abandon quarterly reporting. She highlights the risks of this move, arguing it could diminish market transparency and strengthen CEO power over investors. The conversation delves into how this shift favors short-term corporate behavior and examines the implications for shareholder activism amid rising populism. Foroohar provides insights on the broader trends shaping corporate America under Trump's influence.
Sep 12, 2025 • 18min
How the Supreme Court can change the course of Trump’s presidency
Stefania Palma, The Financial Times' U.S. legal and enforcement correspondent, joins to discuss the Supreme Court's upcoming term and its potential impact on Trump’s presidency. They analyze critical legal challenges surrounding presidential power, especially in areas like immigration and tariffs. The conversation highlights the court's controversial emergency rulings and the polarized perceptions of its motivations. Additionally, they reflect on the implications of rising political violence and the shifting dynamics among justices during this pivotal moment.
