Douglas Heye, a veteran Republican strategist and former communications director for the RNC, joins the conversation to dissect Trump's surprising engagement with Russia amidst the Ukraine conflict. Heye sheds light on the implications of sidelining Ukraine during vital talks. They explore the MAGA approach to foreign policy and its impact on global dynamics. The discussion also delves into potential constitutional crises regarding Trump's influence and the future of governance in America, prompting questions about the fragility of democracy.

Seth Harris, a distinguished professor and former deputy director of the Biden White House's National Economic Council, dives into some meaty topics. He discusses Elon Musk's controversial influence in the Oval Office and Trump's call to weaken the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, questioning the normalization of bribery. The dialogue also explores the implications of dismantling federal agencies and the erosion of democracy under Trump's administration. With a mix of serious discussions and light-hearted moments, Harris paints a vivid picture of today's political landscape.

Chris Cillizza, a former CNN political commentator, joins to dissect the unsettling firings within the FBI and DOJ under Trump’s influence. The discussion highlights the alarming trend of political loyalty overshadowing ethical considerations among Republicans. Cillizza also addresses the chaotic media landscape that complicates public understanding of Trump’s controversial appointments. The landscape for Biden’s post-presidential aspirations adds a humorous twist, leaving listeners reflecting on the intertwining of power and media narratives in contemporary politics.

The last living child of JFK, Caroline Kennedy, has dramatically come forward to warn of the dangers her cousin poses to America if he’s confirmed as health secretary. Will any Republican be prepared to go against Trump‘s wishes and try to prevent Robert F. Kennedy Jr's appointment? And why is the media now reshaping itself around Trump when so many outlets chose to confront him in his first presidency? Later, we are in Latin America talking to historian Peter Frankopan about Colombia, Panama and Trump’s claim on the Panama Canal.Editor: Tom HughesExecutive Producer: Louis DegenhardtProducers: Natalie Indge & Rory SymonDigital Editor: Michaela WaltersSocial Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellVideo Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind BadewalDigital Journalist: Michael BaggsTickets to The News Agents Live On Stage with HSBC UK are now on sale! You can get your tickets for Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh here: https://articles.globalplayer.com/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFEDon’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usaYou can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The Bishop of Washington is one of the few voices this week to have pushed back against Donald Trump's policies as he swept into office. She did so publicly, in strong terms, and in a church. The Trump family were not impressed - and spewed vitriol at her online. Will she pay a price for standing up? We speak to Mark Landler, London bureau chief at the New York Times, about what is different this time around. Plus, Jon has caught up with Helle Thorning-Schmidt, co-chair of Meta's oversight board and former PM of Denmark, in the week that Mark Zuckerberg sat in prime position at the inauguration, and Trump continued to fixate on Greenland. Editor: Tom HughesExecutive Producer: Louis DegenhardtProducers: Natalie Indge & Rory SymonDigital Editor: Michaela WaltersSocial Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellVideo Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind BadewalDigital Journalist: Michael BaggsTickets to The News Agents Live On Stage with HSBC UK are now on sale! You can get your tickets for Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh here: https://articles.globalplayer.com/7giHoMavXLgdrd6gaC3GxWG7T8You can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFEDon’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usaYou can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Pete Hegseth is a Fox News anchor now hoping to lead the US military. He’s Donald Trump pick to be Secretary of Defence. Leaving aside the allegations of sexual assault and work place drunkenness - which he denies - and the profound lack of experience, does he have what it takes? And will he get through his senate confirmation? Later, a life long friend of Joe Biden tells us why the President still thinks he could have beat Trump in 2024. How will Joe Biden be remembered? The legacy starts now.Editor: Tom HughesExecutive Producer: Louis DegenhardtProducers: Natalie Indge & Rory SymonDigital Editor: Michaela WaltersSocial Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellVideo Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind BadewalDigital Journalist: Michael BaggsYou can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFEDon’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usaYou can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Doug High, a veteran Republican strategist and Trump skeptic, breaks down the chaos from Trump's recent press conference. He discusses Trump's influence, raising eyebrows with unexpected mentions of Greenland and the Panama Canal, while leaving key issues like cost of living unaddressed. The conversation highlights the fractured Republican Party, with insights on the MAGA and WTF wings. High unpacks Trump's strategic rhetoric and its implications for U.S. politics and foreign relations, reflecting on the evolving political landscape.

James Carville, the legendary Democratic strategist behind Bill Clinton's campaigns, shares insights on Biden's challenges and the evolving media landscape. He emphasizes the need for accountability in the wake of a $15 million defamation settlement involving Trump. Mark Landler, the New York Times' London Bureau Chief, discusses the delicate balance of media freedom amid political pressures. Together, they explore the role of charm in politics, the pitfalls of identity politics, and the essential need for relatable communication in modern political discourse.

This week features Nellie Bowles, author of 'The Morning After the Revolution', who dives into Trump's recent media strategy and his controversial proposal to end birthright citizenship. The talk shifts to the internal struggles of the Democratic Party, questioning whether ideology is hindering electoral success. Bowles also reflects on the evolving landscape of journalism and the importance of rational discourse amidst extreme political narratives. With a touch of humor, she highlights the need for moderate voices in today’s charged atmosphere.

Jasmine Crockett, a Texas Congresswoman and national co-chair for the Harris-Walz 2024 campaign, discusses the fallout from President Biden's controversial pardon of his son, Hunter. She delves into the potential impact on the Democratic Party's image and the accusations of hypocrisy against Biden. Meanwhile, Republican strategist Mike Murphy analyzes Trump’s ongoing influence and the challenges facing Democrats, particularly in branding and navigating an increasingly polarized political landscape as they prepare for the upcoming elections.