The Daily

Tony Romm, a Washington reporter for The New York Times, examines President Trump's attempts to reassure citizens about the economy amidst declining affordability. He discusses Trump's recent national address filled with economic claims and the White House's messaging shift toward policy promises. Ben Casselman, the chief economics correspondent, explains the troubling job market, cooling inflation, and how spending patterns reveal inequality. They delve into whether proposed tax refunds can address deeper structural issues affecting everyday Americans.

Margot Sanger-Katz, a health policy reporter for The New York Times, unpacks the implications of Congress’s failure to extend health care subsidies for millions reliant on the Affordable Care Act. She discusses the political maneuvering behind the scenes and the crucial stakes for low-income Americans facing skyrocketing insurance costs. Personal stories reveal the harsh choices individuals must make about their health coverage. Sanger-Katz also explores rising insurance premiums and the potential fallout for Republicans in upcoming elections.

Julia Jacobs, an arts and culture reporter for The New York Times, delves into the recent tragic deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, while exploring their son Nick's arrest. Meanwhile, Wesley Morris, chief film critic at The New York Times, reflects on Reiner's significant impact as a director, highlighting beloved classics like When Harry Met Sally and Stand By Me. The discussion touches on how Reiner's personal life influenced his films, their cultural resonance, and the stark contrast between his joyful work and the heartbreaking circumstances of his passing.

Michael Steinberger, a contributing writer for The New York Times and author of "The Philosopher in the Valley," explores the controversial technology company Palantir. He dives into how CEO Alex Karp transitioned from liberal beliefs to supporting Trump, especially through federal contracts with ICE. Steinberger outlines Palantir’s controversial software used for surveillance and military applications, the backlash it faces, and Karp’s philosophical justifications for these partnerships in an increasingly polarized America.

Christopher Flavelle, a keen New York Times reporter, dives into the complexities of Biden's immigration strategy and its fallout. He reveals how early warnings were overlooked, leading to a chaotic policy landscape. Flavelle addresses the confusion within the administration, highlighting a lack of clear leadership and strategy. As public sentiment soured, he dissects the political miscalculations that alienated key voter groups. The discussion also touches on recent policy shifts and the lasting impact on the Democratic Party's immigration agenda.

Join Caryn Ganz, pop music editor at The New York Times, and Lindsay Zoladz, pop critic and author of The Amplifier, as they dissect the highs and lows of 2025 music. Caryn calls the year disappointing, while Lindsay finds gems among mainstream hits. They explore the resurgence of Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny's cultural roots, and Justin Bieber's experimental turn. With insights on Taylor Swift's controversial album and praise for artists like Doechii, Geese, and PinkPantheress, the conversation highlights a transformative year in music.

In a lively discussion, Ben Shapiro, a conservative commentator known for his sharp analysis, highlights the erosion of trust in media and critiques legacy outlets. David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker, emphasizes the historical and cultural impacts of current press challenges, while comedian Andrew Schulz points out how algorithms distort audience engagement and sensationalism in news. Together, they discuss the implications of corporate ownership, the rise of partisanship, and the need for audience discernment in a fragmented media landscape.

Former Senators Jeff Flake and Joe Manchin join current Senator Tina Smith for a candid discussion on the broken state of the Senate. Flake warns about the dangers of growing presidential power, while Manchin highlights the disconnect with working-class voters. Smith candidly reveals her reasons for stepping down, citing safety concerns amid political violence. They debate the increasing partisanship and the role of the filibuster. The trio also explores potential reforms like term limits and the need for a return to bipartisan cooperation.

David E. Sanger, a White House correspondent for The New York Times, dives into Trump's bold new national security strategy, which shifts focus from promoting democracy to prioritizing wealth. He critiques the harsh stance on Europe, noting its portrayal as a declining partner and the strategy's surprising omissions regarding North Korea and Iran. Sanger discusses the pivot back to the Americas, including military actions in the Caribbean and efforts to curb Chinese influence. This deep analysis raises questions about the future of U.S. foreign policy and its impact on global alliances.

Robert Draper, a journalist from The New York Times, delves into the fractures within the MAGA movement since Trump returned to power. He discusses the fallout from Tucker Carlson's controversial interview with white nationalist Nick Fuentes and its implications for conservative unity. Draper also highlights Marjorie Taylor Greene's political shift from Trump loyalist to critic, revealing growing discontent with unfulfilled promises. The conversation explores how these tensions may shape the future of the American right in a post-Trump landscape.