Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast

Jane Arraf, an NPR international correspondent and former New York Times bureau chief in Baghdad, delves into the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, detailing the devastating impact on civilians and healthcare facilities. She discusses the tightening restrictions on foreign volunteers and aid organizations, complicating efforts to alleviate suffering. Arraf also reflects on shifting alliances in the region, particularly Syria's new approach towards Israel, while emphasizing the challenges journalists face in reporting under such dangerous conditions.

Jacob Shamsian, a legal correspondent at Business Insider, dives deep into the Epstein saga, revealing the survivors’ urgent calls for justice. They advocate for the Epstein Files Transparency Act, pushing Congress to unseal vital documents. The discussion touches on the political challenges of naming other alleged abusers, especially as the 2024 elections approach. Additionally, Shamsian delves into the controversial missing minute of footage from Epstein's death, stirring debates and conspiracy theories. The quest for truth continues amidst layers of secrecy and political tension.

Ben Smith, co-founder of Semafor and author of 'Traffic,' dives into the dynamic relationship between Trump and social media influencers. He reveals how these influencers shape political narratives and policies, impacting government norms. Smith also discusses Trump's strategy against bureaucratic institutions, raising questions about democracy's future. The conversation further addresses the financial struggles of journalism in the influencer era and the critical need for transparency and truthfulness in reporting.

U.S. Senator Andy Kim, a former Pentagon and State Department official, shares insights from his recent trip to Asia, highlighting the vital alliances with South Korea and Japan. He discusses the evolving global leadership landscape, focusing on the growing ties between India, Russia, and China. Kim also addresses the internal dynamics of the Democratic Party on foreign relations, particularly regarding Israel and Gaza. Additionally, he navigates the potential government shutdown and the importance of a united budgeting vision amidst political challenges.

Nick Miroff, a staff writer for The Atlantic specializing in immigration and DHS issues, dives into ICE's radical recruitment overhaul. He details the agency's shift from discreet tactics to bold branding strategies to enhance its public image. Miroff discusses the surge in staffing, driven by a hefty $75 billion budget, aimed at tripling deportation officers while trimming training durations. He raises concerns about the implications for community safety and immigration policy, questioning whether this fear-driven approach truly addresses the needs of those affected.

Dan Lamothe, a U.S. military and Pentagon reporter at The Washington Post, dives into President Trump's directive for National Guard mobilization. He discusses the potential impacts on cities like Chicago and New York, questioning the blurred lines between military and civilian law enforcement. Lamothe also highlights financial concerns for service members facing pay discrepancies and explores the proposal for a domestic quick reaction force, drawing parallels with history and delving into the legal complexities of these deployments.

Between a meeting with South Korean leaders, further tariffs, and foreign investments, this week has seen several headlines regarding Trump's economic agenda. On Today's Show:Lydia DePillis, New York Times reporter covering the American economy and Shawn Donnan, Bloomberg News senior writer, talk about the latest economic and tariff news, including U.S. investment in Intel, other deals involving foreign investment in U.S. businesses, and the Federal Reserve.

The left is taking a variety of different, somewhat disjointed approaches to counter-messaging the Trump administration. On Today's Show:Tom Nichols, staff writer at The Atlantic and an author of the Atlantic Daily newsletter, talks about national politics, including Democratic messaging strategies, like California Gov. Newsom's efforts to 'troll' Trump on social media.

In July, the Justice Department (DOJ) announced it had issued subpoenas to medical providers that had provided gender-affirming care to minors. On today's show: Washington Post reporter Casey Parks discusses one of those subpoenas, which was newly made public, and what it means for transgender healthcare. 

As the Trump administration conducts a review of the content in the Smithsonian museums, the president wrote on social media earlier this week that the Smithsonian Institution was too focused on the horrors of slavery.On Today's Show:Douglas Brinkley, professor of history at Rice University, a CNN Presidential Historian, and a contributing editor at Vanity Fair, talks about what could be lost if the administration is able to censor what is presented to museumgoers.