

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

Mar 26, 2025 • 5min
Desks, wi-fi, toilet paper in short supply for some feds ordered back to office
Federal workers are facing unexpected challenges as they return to the office. Shortages of desks, monitors, and even toilet paper create absurd situations, like considering storage units for workspaces. Many employees are also anxious about potential relocations and the overall impracticality of new arrangements. The push for remote work versus traditional office settings adds to the tension. Listen in for an amusing take on the chaos surrounding federal office reassignments.

Mar 25, 2025 • 6min
In legal battles over his agenda, Trump puts support for his policies to the test
The podcast dives into President Trump's legal confrontations, particularly concerning his immigration policies. It reveals how he employs media tactics to frame judicial setbacks as barriers to his agenda. The discussion unpacks the political ramifications of intertwining legal battles with public perception, showcasing Trump's aggressive rhetoric. There's a keen focus on the challenges the judiciary faces in checking executive power during his administration, illustrating a notable trend of Congressional deference to the presidency.

Mar 24, 2025 • 17min
Did the unitary executive theory pave the way for President Trump's second term?
Federal judges are ordering the reinstatement of thousands of federal employees, creating a precarious limbo amidst a legal tug-of-war. The discussion highlights President Trump's ambitious plans to expand executive power, including nearly 200 executive orders on his first day back in office. The chilling implications of dismantling child welfare agencies are explored, alongside the evolution of the unitary executive theory and its effects on accountability. A critical look at how legal rulings have eroded checks and balances in the executive branch raises alarms about the future of democracy.

Mar 20, 2025 • 6min
The future of federal support for farmers
Listen in as experts discuss the growing anxieties of farmers amidst shifting federal policies and market conditions. The impact of tariffs and rising costs creates a perfect storm of uncertainty. Delve into how potential government support cuts could threaten farmers' financial stability, especially concerning nutrition assistance. Extreme weather challenges also add to the complexities as farmers seek a clearer path forward. It’s a crucial look at the intricate relationship between agriculture and federal support.

Mar 19, 2025 • 5min
Federal judge says USAID shutdown likely violated the Constitution
A federal judge has ruled that Elon Musk and his DOGE team likely violated the Constitution when they effectively shut down USAID. Trump said the administration will appeal the decision. Support NPR and hear every episode sponsor-free with NPR+. Sign up at plus.npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Mar 18, 2025 • 5min
How President Trump is testing executive power
The Trump administration flew planes with Venezuelan detainees to a prison in El Salvador, despite a court order blocking the flights. A judge is demanding the DOJ explain why it ignored the ruling. Support NPR and hear every episode sponsor-free with NPR+. Sign up at plus.npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Mar 17, 2025 • 5min
More than 50 universities under investigation as part of Trump's anti-DEI crackdown
Over 50 universities are facing investigations related to alleged racial discrimination as part of a broader initiative against DEI programs. Columbia University, among others, highlights the struggle to comply with federal demands while fearing for academic freedom. This scrutiny raises alarms over the integrity of educational missions in the face of political pressures.

Mar 14, 2025 • 5min
Trump takes birthright citizenship to the Supreme Court
The Trump administration is taking its fight to nullify birthright citizenship to the U.S. Supreme Court. To date, every court to have considered Trump's executive order, issued on day one of his administration, has blocked it. But he is persisting. Support NPR and hear every episode sponsor-free with NPR+. Sign up at plus.npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Mar 13, 2025 • 9min
How a Kentucky distillery plans to survive during the constantly shifting trade wars
As the U.S. is embattled in a shifting trade war with Canada and impending tariffs from the European Union loom, bourbon makers in Kentucky are trying to find their footing and plan a path forward. Plus, NPR's A Martinez speaks with Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, an associate dean at the Yale School of Management, about how business executives are coping amid economic policy whiplash. Support NPR and hear every episode sponsor-free with NPR+. Sign up at plus.npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Mar 12, 2025 • 5min
Trump backs off of Canada tariff hike as Ontario lets up on electricity threat
The day before steel and aluminum tariffs on all U.S. trading partners are set to go into effect, President Trump announced — and then hours later rescinded — tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum at double the rate of the rest of the world. Support NPR and hear every episode sponsor-free with NPR+. Sign up at plus.npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy