Swamp Notes

In a riveting discussion, John Bolton, former National Security Advisor and U.N. ambassador, analyzes the recent U.S.-Iran tensions triggered by Israel's military actions. He highlights how Iran's regime might be more vulnerable than ever, possibly facing public uprisings. Bolton also delves into the implications of the international ceasefire and the historical context, contrasting it with past Middle Eastern conflicts. Lastly, he tackles the fallout from the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and speculates on the challenges of upcoming nuclear negotiations.

Edward Luce, U.S. national editor and columnist for the FT, dives into Donald Trump's precarious stance on military action in Iran amid rising tensions with Israel. He discusses the ideological rifts within the MAGA movement, revealing a clash between interventionists and non-interventionists. Luce also examines how Trump's decisions could shape his coalition's support, emphasizing the political pressure he faces from pro-war factions. The dynamic relationship between foreign policy and domestic politics becomes crucial as Trump navigates this controversial landscape.

This discussion delves into President Trump's deployment of federal troops during protests, raising questions about military influence on democracy. The panel examines legal justifications for such actions and the public's perception of military use at home versus abroad. They explore the historical context of military parades, highlighting a shift from celebratory displays to symbols of power. Concerns about the normalization of military involvement in civilian affairs raise alarms about the implications for democratic values in America.

Joining the discussion are Alan Beattie, a senior trade writer at the Financial Times with expertise in global trade dynamics, and Zehra Munir, an industrial reporter focused on breaking news in manufacturing. They dive into President Trump's bold move to double steel tariffs to 50%, analyzing its potential to revive American manufacturing. The conversation also touches on the controversial partnership between U.S. Steel and Japan’s Nippon Steel, exploring local reactions in Pennsylvania and the complex interplay between jobs, unions, and political narratives.

In a special six-part series of The Economics Show, Martin Wolf, the FT’s chief economics commentator, and Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman discuss the economic events reshaping the world in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s election. Subscribe and listen to this series on The Economics Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to podcasts. Episodes will also be available on the FT’s YouTube channel.If you’d like to get in touch and ask Martin and Paul a question, please email economics.show@ft.com Read Martin’s FT column hereSubscribe to Paul’s substack here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Politi, the Washington bureau chief for the Financial Times, and Edward Luce, U.S. national editor and columnist for the same publication, dive into the Republican Party’s evolving stance on fiscal responsibility. They discuss the contradictions in the party’s big spending and tax cuts, questioning the authenticity of their commitment to reducing national debt. The conversation also touches on the ideological rifts within the GOP and reflects on broader economic implications, giving listeners a fascinating look at current political dynamics.

Katie Martin, a markets columnist and co-host of the Unhedged podcast, joins Chris Giles, a prominent economics commentator, to dissect Trump's upcoming political landscape. They analyze the recovery from market shocks and the implications of looming tariffs. The duo discusses the tension between Trump's administration and the Federal Reserve along with inflation's potential impact on his voter base. Additionally, they touch on personal escapes like gardening and football, providing a lighthearted contrast to the serious political discourse.

Within the space of one week, US President Donald Trump endorsed tax increases for America’s top earners and promised to slash drug prices by up to 70 per cent. It’s a platform that echoes former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders and others on the political left. So why are we hearing it from Trump, and why now? FT’s Washington bureau chief James Politi and global business columnist Rana Foroohar are on the show to discuss.Mentioned in this podcast:Trump leans left in bid to revive flagging poll numbersWhy ‘Make Hollywood Great Again’ makes senseSign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter hereSwamp Notes is produced by Katya Kumkova. Topher Forhecz is the acting co-head of audio. Special thanks to Sonja Hutson and Pierre Nicholson. CREDIT: clip from ForbesRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing Swamp Notes, the FT's US politics chat show. Every Saturday, 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. Swamp Notes launches May 17. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.