
Trump's Terms
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.
Latest episodes

8 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 5min
Trump administration targets ATF, with plans to cut jobs and ease gun restrictions
The Trump administration is aiming to shake up the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives by loosening gun regulations and slashing its budget. This could impact law enforcement's ability to trace gun crimes effectively. Proposed changes include extended background checks and the destruction of gun dealer records. The conversation highlights the ATF's critical role in criminal investigations, comparing its database to a unique fingerprint for firearms, all while navigating the contentious landscape of gun control.

Jul 1, 2025 • 5min
New poll finds about three-quarters of Americans say democracy under threat
A recent poll reveals that about 76% of Americans believe democracy is at serious risk, with many also highlighting the threat of politically motivated violence. The discussion delves into how these perceptions vary across different political affiliations, races, and age groups. Additionally, the decline in public confidence towards political leadership is troubling, as low approval ratings plague both major parties. Amidst these concerns, the conversation touches on the importance of supporting independent coverage and enhancing personal and professional growth.

19 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 5min
The Trump administration is building a national citizenship system
A new national citizenship data system is raising eyebrows as it’s rapidly rolled out without public input. Developed in partnership with an efficiency group linked to Elon Musk, it aims to verify voter citizenship but sparks privacy concerns. The legality and accuracy of the new SAVE tool are questioned, especially regarding its impact on voter data. Experts express worries about transparency and the potential misuse of the information. Will this tool ensure fair elections, or open a Pandora's box of issues?

6 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 4min
RFK Jr.'s vaccine advisers meeting wraps up
A panel of vaccine advisers, selected by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., wrapped up a two-day meeting with contentious discussions about flu vaccines. They voted to limit certain vaccines, citing concerns over a controversial preservative despite evidence of its safety. The chaotic nature of the meeting has raised eyebrows and sparked debate among healthcare professionals about vaccine safety and access. The implications of their decisions echo throughout the public health landscape.

Jun 26, 2025 • 6min
At NATO, President Trump defends his Iran strikes and warms to the alliance
President Trump claims U.S. strikes have decimated Iran's nuclear ambitions, despite conflicting intelligence reports. The media scrutinizes these assertions, leading to heated discussions at a NATO summit. Interestingly, Trump also expresses a newfound appreciation for NATO, acknowledging its increased defense spending as essential. The shifting dynamics of defense strategies and the impact of global events like the Ukraine war add even more complexity to the conversation.

Jun 24, 2025 • 5min
Trump said he'd send 30,000 migrants to Guantánamo. He's sent about 500
Dive into the unconventional policies of the Trump administration and how they are reshaping American governance. Discover the surprising update on migrant transfers to Guantanamo Bay, with only 500 sent instead of the initially projected 30,000. Explore the controversy surrounding this decision, highlighting the facility's limited capacity and the government's rationale. Gain insights from legal experts and congressional delegates discussing the political implications and possible intimidation tactics used in this contentious issue.

Jun 23, 2025 • 5min
Trump administration defends its strikes on three nuclear targets in Iran
The podcast dives into the Trump administration's military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, claiming to have significantly damaged Tehran's nuclear capabilities. It highlights intense geopolitical reactions, including Israel's role and global concerns over possible Iranian retaliation. The discussion also explores the divided political landscape in the U.S., with Democratic and Republican leaders expressing differing views on military intervention. Lastly, international support and NATO's defense spending in response to Iran's threats are examined, offering a comprehensive look at the fallout.

15 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 5min
A former DOGE employee gives his account of working for the operation
A former employee from the Department of Government Efficiency shares eye-opening insights about working under Elon Musk. They discuss the challenges of improving government systems and tackling fraud. The conversation dives into uncovering discrepancies in disability payments and the quest for transparency amidst bureaucratic complexities. The impact of Musk's departure raises questions about the future direction of the initiative and ongoing efforts by staff to enhance operational efficiency. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at government operations!

Jun 18, 2025 • 5min
Breaking down Trump's approach to Israel/Iran and the chance of US action
The podcast delves into the evolving U.S. foreign policy dynamics regarding Israel and Iran under Trump. It discusses his recent embrace of military involvement after previous hesitations. The tension among political allies over these decisions reveals internal rifts. Additionally, it analyzes how Trump's conflicting strategies illustrate the challenges he faces in the Middle East, contrasting his initial campaign promises with the reality of escalating conflicts.

Jun 17, 2025 • 5min
Minnesota shootings come during heightened political tensions
A Minnesota lawmaker and her husband were tragically killed, linked to a radical anti-abortion ideology. The suspect had a chilling list of additional targets among Democratic officials. The episode explores the suspect's religious background and connections to extremist groups, analyzing how these beliefs can lead to violence. It also examines the dangerous evolution of anti-abortion rhetoric, revealing a troubling rise in violence since Roe v. Wade and the shift from dialogue to deadly action against abortion rights.