Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast

The conservative Supreme Court majority seems poised to allow President Trump to fire the top official on the Federal Trade Commission, expanding presidential power. On Today's Show:Elie Mystal, justice correspondent and columnist for The Nation magazine and host of the podcast, Contempt of Court with Elie Mystal, and author of Bad Law: Ten Popular Laws That Are Ruining America (The New Press, 2025), discusses this and other legal news.

Paramount and Netflix are vying to buy up parts of Warner Bros. Discovery.On Today's Show:Rohan Goswami, business reporter at Semafor and Katie Campione, senior TV & labor reporter at Deadline, discuss the recent merger talks, including the politics at play, and what it means for consumers.

David Bier, an immigration policy expert at the Cato Institute, reveals startling data on ICE detainees—nearly three-quarters lack any criminal convictions. He challenges the Trump Administration's narrative, noting that only about 5% have violent offenses. Bier highlights the vast scale of arrests, around 10,000 weekly, and discusses how policy changes have broadened detainment criteria. The conversation uncovers the impact on communities, the fear it instills, and argues for more liberty in immigration laws to respect individual freedoms.

Julie Rovner, Chief Washington Correspondent for KFF Health News, and Jude Joffe-Block, NPR Reporter focusing on policy, dive into urgent topics affecting public health. They discuss significant changes to SNAP benefits, highlighting states' resistance to federal demands. Julie outlines crucial updates on infant hepatitis B vaccinations, including the delays in recommendations and potential impacts on vaccine coverage. They also touch on the political battle over extending Obamacare subsidies and its implications for future healthcare costs.

Diane Ravitch, a historian of education and former research professor, shares her journey from supporting school vouchers to advocating for public education. She reflects on how her childhood in segregated Houston shaped her views. Ravitch discusses the failures of charter schools, highlighting issues like fraud and exclusion, and emphasizes the importance of addressing systemic problems like poverty and segregation. Her memoir outlines her transformation and newfound belief in inclusive educational practices like affirmative action and DEI.

Join Zachary Cohen, a national security and Pentagon reporter for CNN, as he dives into the controversy surrounding illegal military orders. He discusses Senator Mark Kelly's video urging troops to refuse such orders, prompting a Pentagon investigation. Cohen addresses the implications of Defense Secretary Hegseth's remarks and the concern around potential U.S. strikes on drug traffickers. The conversation also touches on legal justifications for military actions and the broader ramifications for military protocol.

On World AIDS Day, a look at the impact of foreign aid cuts on HIV prevention programs, particularly in South Africa.On Today's Show:Pratik Pawar, Future Perfect fellow at Vox, talks about a new HIV prevention drug the U.S. is making available worldwide, except to South Africa, the country with the most people living with HIV.

Emmanuel Akinwotu, an NPR international correspondent who covers West Africa, dives into the complex violence in Nigeria, debunking the 'Christian genocide' narrative. He highlights that extremist groups target all faiths and details the rise of various militant factions, not just Boko Haram. Emmanuel discusses the ongoing plight of kidnapped schoolchildren and the motivations behind these abductions. He also addresses local fears of Islamization and how land conflicts fuel violence beyond religious divides, offering insight into U.S. responses and Nigeria's unique challenges.

Michael Scherer, a political journalist for The Atlantic, dives deep into Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial beliefs about health policies. He explores Kennedy's firm stance against the scientific consensus, questioning how he justifies his views. Scherer also discusses Kennedy's proposed studies linking vaccines to autism, concerns from figures like Tatiana Schlossberg, and Kennedy's fraught relationships with policymakers. Listeners gain insight into Kennedy's approach to scientific dissent and the broader implications for public health.

Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader and U.S. Representative from New York, dives into national political currents. He discusses Mayor-elect Mamdani's significant influence in local politics and his meeting with Trump. Jeffries critiques the Republicans over the Affordable Care Act subsidies and outlines a proposal for a three-year extension. He also emphasizes the importance of transparency in fundraising and shares insights on the need for a two-state solution in the Middle East. His reflections on party dynamics and public safety are eye-opening.