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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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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This combination photo shows National Intelligence Director nominee Tulsi Gabbard, left, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York and FBI Director nominee Kash Patel, in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. AP hide caption

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AP

Friday Roundup: More hearings and Trump's first two weeks in office

Kash Patel, Trump's pick to lead the FBI, and Tulsi Gabbard, his nominee for intelligence chief, had their hearings on Capitol Hill. Will they be confirmed?

Friday Roundup: More hearings and Trump's first two weeks in office

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President Donald Trump in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House. Jacquelyn Martin/AP hide caption

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Jacquelyn Martin/AP

White House walks back federal funding memo

On Monday, the White House budget office ordered a freeze on all federal funding. Yesterday, the White House walked that memo back after days of chaos and confusion.

White House walks back federal funding memo

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump's choice to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, appears before the Senate Finance Committee. Ben Curtis/AP hide caption

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Ben Curtis/AP

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's HHS pick, pushed on vaccines

During his confirmation hearing Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump's pick to run Health and Human Services, defended his stances on vaccines and abortion access.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's HHS pick, pushed on vaccines

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Elon Musk and President-elect Donald Trump embrace as they look at Musk's son at a rally ahead of the 60th Presidential Inauguration. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

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Alex Brandon/AP

Trump pauses federal funding

The White House budget office has ordered a pause on all federal grants, loans, and financial assistance programs according to a memo released Monday. What is known about this pause so far, what does it impact, and how does it fit into Trump's plans to cut federal funding?

Trump pauses federal funding

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Baltimore Field Officer director Matt Elliston listens during a briefing. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

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Alex Brandon/AP

Trump wields his power

This past weekend, President Trump showed the country how he plans to govern in his second term. On Friday, he fired independent inspectors general and on Sunday, he threatened Colombia with a trade war.

Trump wields his power

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President Donald Trump holds up a signed executive order regarding cryptocurrency in the Oval Office of the White House. Ben Curtis/AP hide caption

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Ben Curtis/AP

How Trump is re-shaping life and work in the U.S.

President Trump campaigned on a promise of mass deportation and reducing the size of the federal workforce. Has he followed through on those promises? And what impacts do they have?

How Trump is re-shaping life and work in the U.S.

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Wind turbines of South Fork Wind are seen off the coast of Block Island, R.I., Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. Seth Wenig/AP hide caption

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Seth Wenig/AP

Trump declared a "national energy emergency." Now what?

During his inaugural address, President Trump said, "I will also declare a national energy emergency — we will drill, baby, drill." What does that declaration mean — not only for the energy industry, but for combatting climate change & for consumers?

Trump declared a "national energy emergency." Now what?

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