The NPR Politics Podcast Every weekday, NPR's best political reporters are there to explain the big news coming out of Washington and the campaign trail. They don't just tell you what happened. They tell you why it matters. Every afternoon.

Political wonks - get wonkier with The NPR Politics Podcast+. Your subscription supports the podcast and unlocks a sponsor-free feed. Learn more at plus.npr.org/politics

The NPR Politics Podcast

From NPR

Every weekday, NPR's best political reporters are there to explain the big news coming out of Washington and the campaign trail. They don't just tell you what happened. They tell you why it matters. Every afternoon.

Political wonks - get wonkier with The NPR Politics Podcast+. Your subscription supports the podcast and unlocks a sponsor-free feed. Learn more at plus.npr.org/politics

Most Recent Episodes

President Donald Trump takes the oath of office Jan. 27, 2017, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Jim Bourg/AP hide caption

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Jim Bourg/AP

How Trump's early days in 2017 might be different from the upcoming term

NPR senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith has been looking at what Donald Trump did in early 2017 when he first took office, and what might be different this time around.

How Trump's early days in 2017 might be different from the upcoming term

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The Department of Justice seal is seen during a news conference Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. George Walker IV/AP hide caption

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George Walker IV/AP

In the federal court system, law clerks find little recourse for bullying and abuse

Federal judges have enormous power over their courtrooms and their chambers, which can leave employees vulnerable to abuse, with few ways to report their concerns anonymously. Forty-two current and former federal judicial employees spoke to NPR about their experience of mistreatment working for judges appointed by presidents from both major political parties.

In the federal court system, law clerks find little recourse for bullying and abuse

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Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti speaks during a ceremony to award Mexican actor/singer/radio personality Angelica Vale a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022, in Los Angeles. Chris Pizzello/AP hide caption

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Chris Pizzello/AP

Looking The Other Way, Part 1: A powerful Democrat and a #MeToo scandal

Did Eric Garcetti, a powerful Democrat, lie under oath about a #MeToo scandal in his office?

Looking The Other Way, Part 1: A powerful Democrat and a #MeToo scandal

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The Los Angeles City Hall building is seen in downtown Los Angeles Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. Damian Dovarganes/AP hide caption

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Damian Dovarganes/AP

Looking The Other Way Part 2: On tape and under oath

What happens when political ambition collides with a #MeToo allegation in the Democratic party?

Looking The Other Way Part 2: On tape and under oath

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President Donald Trump shakes hands with with Yousif Al Obaidli, director of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, during a tour of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

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Alex Brandon/AP

Roundup: Trump visits the Middle East

President Trump took his first major trip abroad this week, visiting the Middle East and signing business deals. We talk about what happened.

Roundup: Trump visits the Middle East

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The U.S. Supreme Court building is shown Wednesday, May 4, 2022 in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

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Alex Brandon/AP

SCOTUS hears birthright citizenship case

On his first day in office, President Trump signed an executive order to prevent children born in the U.S. to parents in the country without legal authorization from obtaining citizenship. On his second day in office, lawsuits were filed to block the order, citing the 14th Amendment's citizenship clause. The Supreme Court heard arguments in the case today, and we break down what happened.

SCOTUS hears birthright citizenship case

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Donald Trump speaks at the Bitcoin 2024 Conference, July 27, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. Mark Humphrey/AP hide caption

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Mark Humphrey/AP

Why is Trump involved in crypto?

His face may not be on any currency issued by the federal government, but President Trump has lent his support and image to a meme coin, a kind of cryptocurrency. We look at how his policies on crypto intersect with his business endeavors.

Why is Trump involved in crypto?

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Pope Leo XIV meets with members of the international media in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, Monday, May 12, 2025. Domenico Stinellis/AP hide caption

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Domenico Stinellis/AP

How an American pope may influence American politics

For the first time, the leader of the Catholic Church is from the United States. We discuss how Pope Leo XIV's election may play a role in U.S. politics, both for Catholics and others.

How an American pope may influence American politics

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President Donald Trump answers a reporter's question during an event in the Roosevelt Room at the White House, Monday, May 12, 2025, in Washington. Mark Schiefelbein/AP hide caption

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Mark Schiefelbein/AP

Trump's tariff turnaround

After saying his tariff policies "will never change," President Trump announced he was reducing tariffs on imports from China from 145 percent to 30 percent. China, in turn, lowered its retaliatory tariffs. What's next?

Trump's tariff turnaround

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President Trump speaks to reporters outside the West Wing of the White House, Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Washington. Evan Vucci/AP hide caption

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Evan Vucci/AP

Roundup: Changes in immigration policies; Trump taps new surgeon general

The Trump administration announced plans, currently on hold, to deport migrants to Libya, even if they are not from the country originally, and offered a financial incentive for people to "self-deport."

Roundup: Changes in immigration policies; Trump taps new surgeon general

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