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
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.
5 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 32min
Bonus ep: How the UK is navigating the Trump era
In this lively discussion, George Parker and Lucy Fisher, both from the Financial Times, share their insights on the complexities of US-UK relations during Donald Trump's upcoming visit. They dive into the recent UK cabinet reshuffle and its implications, and the challenges of reporting in a fast-paced political climate. The duo also critiques Trump's unpredictable diplomacy and how it affects UK leadership. They explore the appeal of American sports in the UK and reflect on the evolving dynamics of UK-US relations post-Brexit.
11 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 17min
Can we keep trusting US economic data?
Erica Groshen, a former commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics and now a senior economics advisor at Cornell, joins Myles McCormick, U.S. economics correspondent for the Financial Times. They dissect the recent dismal jobs report showing only 22,000 new jobs added and discuss its repercussions on the economy. The conversation dives into the political interference affecting economic data, particularly with a controversial new BLS head. There’s also a look at retirement investment shifts in 401(k)s, underscoring how economic changes impact individual planners.
11 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 21min
Uncle Sam to become Intel’s biggest shareholder
In this insightful discussion, Richard Waters, a tech writer at large for the Financial Times, and Michael Strain, Director of Economic Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute, dive into the U.S. government's controversial 10% stake in Intel. They explore shifts in Republican views on corporate involvement, the historical context of government intervention, and the potential impacts on free market dynamics. The conversation also touches on the relationships between tech firms and federal contracts, revealing the strategic challenges of navigating this new landscape.
11 snips
Aug 23, 2025 • 20min
How to rebuild global trade
Michael Froman, former U.S. Trade Representative under Barack Obama and current president of the Council on Foreign Relations, dives into the shifting landscape of global trade. He discusses how recent U.S. policies have disrupted decades of progress towards free trade and the potential fragmentation of the economy. Froman examines the World Trade Organization's role in supporting smaller nations, the emergence of new trade partnerships, and the public's perception of U.S. foreign policy, especially amid geopolitical challenges.
20 snips
Aug 16, 2025 • 16min
Trump opens retirement to crypto
Elisabeth de Fontenay, a law professor at Duke University, dives into the recent executive order enabling American retirement accounts to invest in cryptocurrencies and private equity. She discusses the potential risks and rewards for investors and warns of the complexities involved in navigating these new options. The conversation touches on the challenges posed by high fees and selecting fund managers, as well as the implications for ordinary investors entering risky markets. It's a fascinating exploration of a rapidly changing investment landscape!
11 snips
Aug 9, 2025 • 19min
The real cost of gutting USAID
In this discussion, George Ingram, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institute, and David Pilling, Africa editor at the Financial Times, delve into the fallout from the reduction of USAID funding. They highlight the alarming consequences for global health and agriculture, with vulnerable populations facing increased risks. The conversation also touches on how decreased U.S. aid is shifting diplomatic dynamics, pushing countries to embrace trade over aid. Finally, they explore the need for a reimagined approach to global assistance that fosters independence and innovation.
12 snips
Aug 2, 2025 • 18min
Gaza crisis puts Trump at a crossroads
Abigail Hauslohner, the FT's U.S. Middle East affairs correspondent, and Edward Luce, the FT's U.S. national editor, dive deep into the Gaza crisis and its implications for Donald Trump's foreign policy. They discuss how Trump diverges from Netanyahu's stance amid intensifying global pressure for a ceasefire. Hauslohner highlights the dire humanitarian situation, particularly for children, while Luce examines shifting public opinion regarding U.S. support for Israel, marking a pivotal moment in American foreign policy.
