

Trump's Terms
NPR
Host Scott Detrow curates NPR's reporting, analysis and updates on the 47th President, focusing on actions and policies that challenge precedent and upend political norms, raising questions about what a President can do — and whether his efforts will benefit the voters who returned him to power. Support NPR's reporting by subscribing to Trump's Terms+ and unlock sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 1, 2025 • 5min
Trump says U.S. military should be used to fight the 'enemy within'
President Trump told top U.S. commanders Tuesday that he plans to use American cities as a training ground for the U.S. military to fight what he called the "enemy within."Support NPR and hear every episode of Trump's Terms sponsor-free with NPR+. Sign up at plus.npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Sep 30, 2025 • 5min
What's changed since the last government shutdown during Trump's first term?
The last government shutdown was in 2018 during President Trump's first term. Republicans controlled Congress and needed Democrats to pass a spending bill — just like now. But a lot has changed.Support NPR and hear every episode of Trump's Terms sponsor-free with NPR+. Sign up at plus.npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Sep 29, 2025 • 5min
DACA has bipartisan support in Congress, but Republicans are following Trump's lead
Congressional Republicans are waiting on President Trump to signal he is ready to negotiate a permanent solution for recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. NPR's Ximena Bustillo reports.Support NPR and hear every episode of Trump's Terms sponsor-free with NPR+. Sign up at plus.npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Sep 25, 2025 • 4min
Experts say Trump's guidance on hepatitis B vaccine and babies is dangerous
In a press conference this week, President Trump said there's no reason to give babies the hepatitis B vaccine. But pediatricians and infectious disease experts say this guidance is dangerous.Support NPR and hear every episode of Trump's Terms sponsor-free with NPR+. Sign up at plus.npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Sep 23, 2025 • 5min
Unease at DOJ as Trump threats get even more blunt
The podcast dives into President Trump's overt calls for the Justice Department to target his political enemies. Carrie Johnson reveals the growing unease within the DOJ, with fears of job security and ethical dilemmas leading to potential resignations. The discussion contrasts this boldness with historical instances, particularly drawing parallels to Nixon's era. Additionally, the podcast outlines the limited judicial checks that remain on the DOJ, sparking intrigue about the future of legal oversight in such a politically charged atmosphere.

Sep 22, 2025 • 5min
President Trump pressures attorney general to investigate his political rivals
The discussion centers on President Trump's provocative social media post urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate his political rivals, including James Comey and Adam Schiff. This raised alarms about the potential politicization of the Justice Department. Listeners also hear about the controversial departure of U.S. Attorney Eric Siebert and Lindsey Halligan's appointment. The podcast dives into the implications of these developments on the integrity of legal institutions.

Sep 19, 2025 • 5min
Trump says he plans to designate antifa as a 'terrorist organization'
President Trump's plan to label antifa as a 'major terrorist organization' raises eyebrows and questions. The discussion explores what antifa really is and dispels myths linking it to violent incidents. Legal implications and First Amendment concerns come into play, highlighting the challenges of designating a group as domestic terrorists. The potential consequences for civil society groups add another layer of complexity to this controversial topic.

Sep 18, 2025 • 5min
National Guard troops in D.C. share their thoughts on the deployment
Steve Walsh, a dedicated public radio reporter, shares his compelling insights from the streets of Washington, D.C., where National Guard troops are deployed. Troops discuss their unique duties, from patrolling low-crime areas to picking up litter, emphasizing their role in ensuring safety without engaging in arrests. Listeners hear firsthand accounts of public reactions, including a reminder of constitutional rights. Walsh highlights how the broader context of their deployment shapes their experiences and perceptions.

Sep 17, 2025 • 9min
Law professor says stifling free speech is no way to commemorate Kirk's legacy
A law professor discusses the heated debate around free speech following Charlie Kirk's death. He emphasizes that honoring Kirk means fostering open debate and highlights the complexities of free speech laws. The conversation also touches on the implications of private employers controlling speech and warns against ideologically motivated investigations. Turley sheds light on how Kirk's so-called watchlist reflects a broader concern about political bias on campuses.

Sep 16, 2025 • 5min
High-profile conservative figures lead calls for critics of Charlie Kirk to be fired
High-profile conservatives are pushing for job losses among critics of Charlie Kirk's assassination. This highlights the risks of online dissent and raises questions about accountability in today’s polarized climate. The podcast explores the fallout from these calls for accountability and the chilling effect on free speech. It also examines historical parallels to political repression and the societal implications of social media activism. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the complex interplay between political power and online expression.