PBS Washington Week with The Atlantic - Full Show

Buoyed by the belief that he brought peace to the Middle East, President Trump is trying to end Russia’s war on Ukraine. But at home, he’s waging war on domestic critics, engaging in a prosecution campaign without precedent. Join moderator Jeffrey Goldberg, Nancy Youssef and Anne Applebaum of The Atlantic, Stephen Hayes of The Dispatch and Tyler Pager of The New York Times to discuss more.

In this captivating discussion, David Ignatius, a seasoned foreign affairs columnist at The Washington Post, dives into the intricacies of the Gaza ceasefire and its aftermath. He sheds light on the dynamics of Trump's diplomatic success, contrasting it with Biden's challenges. The panel explores why Hamas agreed to the ceasefire, driven by exhaustion and regional pressure. Discussions also touch on the future governance of Gaza, the roles of U.S. intermediaries like Jared Kushner, and the potential for normalization in the Middle East.

Andrew Desiderio, Senior Congressional Reporter for Punchbowl News, offers keen insights into the current government funding standoff. He discusses how Democrats are leveraging the situation to appeal to their base, drawing parallels to past shutdowns. The conversation also delves into Trump’s motivations behind the shutdown, and contrasts his and Russ Vought's distinct approaches to bureaucracy. The panel underscores each party's strategic goals and examines the implications of recent controversial meetings among top military officials.

President Trump swore to seek retribution against his political adversaries, and he’s delivering on his promise. Never in modern history has a president used the tools of state power so blatantly to punish his foes. Join moderator Jeffrey Goldberg, Stephen Hayes of The Dispatch, Karen Tumulty of The Washington Post, Ali Vitali of MSNBC and Nancy Youssef of The Atlantic to discuss this and more.

President Trump stokes fears that he’s using the government to silence his critics after ABC abruptly suspends Jimmy Kimmel. But the punishment has set off a wave of alarm and outrage. Join guest moderator Vivian Salama, Leigh Ann Caldwell of Puck, Zolan Kanno-Youngs of The New York Times and Asma Khalid of BBC News to discuss this and more.

Join Susan Glasser, a sharp political analyst from The New Yorker, as she delves into the assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk and its implications for political violence in America. The conversation reveals the divisive role of social media in amplifying aggression and radicalization. Glasser and the panel examine shifting Republican ideals under Trump, the dangers of inflammatory rhetoric, and the intricate dance of international relations amidst rising geopolitical tensions. It’s a revealing look at the complex current state of American politics.

The discussion dives into RFK Jr.’s contentious defense of the CDC's management and his polarizing views on vaccines amid Senate criticism. It also highlights evolving geopolitical alliances, particularly involving China and other major powers. The podcast examines the ramifications of vaccine debates on public trust and health policy, alongside the economic impacts of tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. Lastly, it explores the theatrical nature of politics and the complexities surrounding military readiness.

Dan Balz, a veteran political correspondent for The Washington Post, shares his remarkable journey after 47 years in journalism. He reflects on the evolution of political reporting and the momentous shifts in American politics, highlighting the transition from cooperation to confrontation. Balz discusses the resilience required to protect democracy amidst challenges like information overload and the strategic role of leadership, while also examining the dual nature of threats and promises in the current presidency. A masterclass in political insight!

Jonathan Karl, Chief Washington correspondent at ABC News, dives into the intricate political dynamics of Trump's relations with world leaders amidst Russia's war in Ukraine. He discusses the stalled ceasefire negotiations and critiques unconventional diplomatic strategies. The conversation also explores the fallout from revoking security clearances for intelligence officials and the implications of leadership changes on national security. Tensions within the administration, particularly surrounding major political figures, highlight the complexities of contemporary U.S. governance.

It may be President Trump’s biggest gamble yet: an Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin, intended to end the war in Ukraine that Putin himself started. Join moderator Jeffrey Goldberg, David Ignatius of The Washington Post, Zolan Kannan-Youngs of The New York Times, Scott Macfarlane of CBS News and Vivian Salama of The Atlantic to discuss this and more.