

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 16, 2024 • 5min
The myth about noncitizen voting
Miles Parks, NPR's voting correspondent, and Jude Joffe-Block, an NPR reporter known for tackling misinformation, dive into the myth of noncitizen voting. They discuss how this baseless claim has gained traction, particularly among Republicans, despite a lack of supporting evidence. The conversation also highlights the impact of such narratives on public perception, influencing voter behavior and tensions at polling places. Additionally, they explore the consequences of targeting voter rolls on the voting rights of U.S. citizens.

Oct 6, 2024 • 6min
A month from election day, a Republican push to disqualify certain votes is underway
Miles Parks, NPR's insightful voting correspondent, dives into the fraught landscape of legal challenges as Election Day approaches. He examines a variety of Republican lawsuits aimed at invalidating votes, fueling public skepticism about the election process. The conversation unpacks the potential impact of these lawsuits on mail-in voting and overall electoral integrity. Additionally, Parks discusses the troubling claims of non-citizen voting and the evolving trends in early voting, all highlighting the complex dynamics shaping the upcoming election.

Oct 2, 2024 • 4min
New evidence unsealed in federal election interference case against Trump
In a compelling discussion, NPR Justice Correspondent Carrie Johnson sheds light on Special Counsel Jack Smith's recent revelations regarding Donald Trump's alleged election interference. They unpack the legal intricacies of the case, including Trump's actions during the January 6th Capitol riot and the potential impact of the upcoming 2024 election on the proceedings. Johnson also highlights pivotal Supreme Court rulings that could shape the outcome, making for a fascinating exploration of law, politics, and justice.

Sep 26, 2024 • 9min
Attorney General Merrick Garland's legacy
Merrick Garland, former Attorney General known for handling high-profile federal cases, shares insights on his controversial tenure. He discusses the scrutiny surrounding his prosecutions of former President Trump and January 6 defendants. Garland highlights the legal complexities of Trump's indictments and the implications of ongoing investigations into Hunter Biden. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining justice norms in a politically charged atmosphere, addressing concerns about immunity and its effects on the legal process.

Sep 23, 2024 • 4min
Can the U.S. Postal Service deliver mail-in ballots on time?
Hansi Lo Wang, a voting rights correspondent for NPR, dives into the pressing issue of mail-in ballot delivery as elections approach. He shares insights from election officials grappling with concerns about the U.S. Postal Service's ability to meet deadlines. Personal anecdotes illustrate the anxieties voters face in ensuring their ballots arrive on time. The discussion sheds light on the challenges and implications for democracy, making it a must-listen for anyone invested in the electoral process.

Sep 20, 2024 • 5min
Georgia State Election Board votes to require ballots be hand-counted
In this discussion, politics reporter Sam Gringlas, known for his focus on election issues, delves into the Georgia State Election Board's surprising decision to mandate hand counting of ballots. He highlights the intense debate around this rule—supporters claim it will bolster election integrity, while critics warn it could disrupt timely results. Gringlas also sheds light on the broader implications of these last-minute rule changes, as the state faces mounting scrutiny over its electoral processes ahead of crucial elections.

Sep 17, 2024 • 8min
Georgia Secretary of State calls new certification rule "misguided"
Mary Louise Kelly chats with Brad Raffensperger, Georgia's Secretary of State, about pivotal changes in election law. He expresses concerns over new certification rules, calling them misguided. Raffensperger highlights the challenges of ballot handling modifications, stressing the importance of election integrity. As preparations ramp up amidst chaos, he talks about training poll workers and managing absentee ballots. The discussion also touches on unexpected political endorsements that may impact voter engagement in battleground states.

Sep 14, 2024 • 9min
The Republicans who stood up to Trump after the 2020 election
Dan Reed, director of the documentary 'Stopping the Steal,' offers a unique perspective on Republican officials in Arizona and Georgia who refused to compromise their integrity during the 2020 election turmoil. He discusses their stand against illegal pressures from Trump and his allies, highlighting the courage it took to uphold democratic principles. The conversation also reflects on the threats to democracy during events like January 6, while emphasizing the importance of resilience and hope for the future of American politics.

Sep 12, 2024 • 5min
"Fake electors" return for 2024 election
Hansi Lo Wang, a voting rights correspondent for NPR, delves into the dubious return of pro-Trump electors as the 2024 election looms. He highlights how these individuals are tied to the controversial attempts to overturn the 2020 results and examines the potential legal pitfalls they face. Wang further explores the evolving legal landscape and the impact of disinformation on election integrity. The conversation raises pressing questions about what these electors might do if Trump loses again, making for a fascinating and timely discussion.

Sep 6, 2024 • 4min
Trump hush money sentencing postponed until after the election
Ximena Bustillo, a seasoned politics reporter for NPR, dives into the latest developments in Donald Trump's hush money case. Juan Merchan, the New York judge overseeing the sentencing, discusses the legal intricacies behind delaying the case until after the presidential election. Stormy Daniels, the adult film star at the center of the controversy, adds her unique perspective on the situation. Together, they explore the broader political ramifications of these legal challenges and what it means for Trump and his allies.