

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

May 14, 2025 • 7min
Democrats sound alarm over GOP Medicaid proposal they say could affect millions
Democratic leaders raise alarms over a GOP Medicaid proposal that could cut health care for millions. They discuss the implications for vulnerable populations and the ripple effects on jobs and food assistance programs. The debate centers on concerns over fraud versus accessibility, especially in rural areas. Urgency in public awareness is emphasized, as Democrats push for electoral action to protect healthcare access for American families. The healthcare landscape is shifting, and the stakes are high.

May 13, 2025 • 5min
Trump signs an order to reduce drug prices, but it's unclear how it would work
President Trump takes a bold step to tackle high drug prices with an executive order. The plan aims to align U.S. costs with lower prices from developed countries through a 'most favored nation' model. The podcast delves into the implications of this order, exploring potential benefits and the pharmaceutical industry's pushback. It highlights the complexities surrounding drug pricing strategies and the broader impact on American consumers. Tune in for an insightful look into the intersection of healthcare and politics.

May 12, 2025 • 5min
Trump is looking to use the IRS for his own political ends. Nixon tried it too
The podcast dives into President Trump's controversial use of the IRS for political gain, drawing parallels to Nixon's strategies. It discusses his attempts to trace undocumented immigrants and his threats to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status. Historical context reveals legislative protections put in place after Watergate, yet recent actions raise alarms about those safeguards. The complexities of tax enforcement are explored, highlighting the challenges faced by the IRS and the implications for public trust.

4 snips
May 9, 2025 • 5min
Trump names Jeanine Pirro as U.S. Attorney for D.C. after dropping earlier pick
President Trump shakes things up by appointing Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as the new acting U.S. attorney for D.C. This decision follows the controversial withdrawal of Ed Martin, sparking intense discussions about their backgrounds. The episode delves into the significant role of the U.S. Attorney in politically charged cases and the potential implications of Pirro's close ties to Trump. Buckle up for an in-depth analysis of judicial appointments and the political chess game in Washington!

May 8, 2025 • 5min
Trump administration plans to deport migrants to Libya and other countries
The Trump administration is planning to deport migrants to Libya, raising urgent humanitarian concerns. U.S. officials are in talks with multiple countries to accept these deportations, but legal challenges loom. A temporary injunction from a Massachusetts lawsuit has halted some of these efforts. Additionally, Libya's turmoil complicates the situation, with local authorities rejecting the proposal due to human rights issues. The discussion also touches on the historical context of such agreements and the rising rates of deportations.

May 7, 2025 • 6min
SCOTUS keeps transgender military ban in place while appeals continue
The U.S. Supreme Court recently allowed a controversial ban on transgender military service members to take effect. This ruling has sparked a complex legal battle, with its origins tracing back to the Trump administration. The impact on the transgender community and military personnel is profound, as stories of individuals fighting against the ban highlight the ongoing struggles for equality. The podcast discusses potential future developments in this legal landscape and the shift from more inclusive policies to restrictive measures.

May 6, 2025 • 5min
Tariffs on movies? Trump announcement sparks global confusion
A sudden 100% tariff on foreign films announced by President Trump has thrown the film industry into chaos. The podcast explores the confusion amongst studios and ticket price implications. Industry experts weigh in on how this decision could reshape global production dynamics. It also touches on potential national security concerns linked to the announcement, making for an intriguing discussion on the intersection of politics and cinema.

May 5, 2025 • 5min
Critics warn of weaponization of the DOJ despite administration calls to end it
Critics raise alarms about the increasing politicization of the Justice Department since the president's return to office. Discussions highlight the clash between alleged weaponization and the integrity of legal processes. Tensions escalate as controversial DOJ decisions lead to prosecutor resignations, igniting concerns over political influence on justice. The balance between political interests and the department's mission is questioned, underscoring a fraught moment in American governance.

7 snips
May 1, 2025 • 12min
Trump's 100 days: what stands out on the economy, immigration, foreign policy
The podcast dives into Trump's early term actions, spotlighting his extensive use of executive orders and a notable drop in immigration attempts. Economic implications of new tariff policies reveal a contraction and declining consumer confidence. The shift towards reshoring and changes in immigration policies are dissected, alongside public opinion on these matters. The discussion also highlights struggles with Congressional support for immigration and a protective foreign policy approach that challenges global norms.

Apr 30, 2025 • 5min
Republicans plan to overhaul the federal student loan system. Here's what to know
House Republicans have introduced an ambitious plan to overhaul the federal student loan system. Key changes include replacing income-contingent repayment options with a new Repayment Assistance Plan. They aim to eliminate the Grad PLUS loan program and impose strict limits on Parent PLUS loans. There's also a proposal for colleges to help shoulder the burden if their students default on loans. This reform sparks a discussion on the potential impacts, particularly for low-income students and the education sector.


