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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

Podcast Directory

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

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

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

Listen · 5:33
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In the federal court system, law clerks find little recourse for bullying and abuse

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

Listen · 27:39
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Looking The Other Way, Part 1: A powerful Democrat and a #MeToo scandal

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

Listen · 41:04
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Looking The Other Way Part 2: On tape and under oath

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

Listen · 42:52
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Sanders, AOC rally to motivate Democrats

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., left, greets Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., as they speak during a stop of their "Fighting Oligarchy" tour that filled Civic Center Park, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Denver. David Zalubowski/AP hide caption

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David Zalubowski/AP

Sanders, AOC rally to motivate Democrats

The two politicians are pushing a message that is both critical of President Trump & his policies, and of Democrats for not doing enough, in their view, to fight back in response.

Sanders, AOC rally to motivate Democrats

Listen · 12:26
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Roundup: Ukraine peace talks; Trump's attacks on judiciary

President Donald Trump gestures after signing executive order in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday, March 20, 2025. Ben Curtis/AP hide caption

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Ben Curtis/AP

Roundup: Ukraine peace talks; Trump's attacks on judiciary

President Trump spoke separately to his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts this week to try and hammer out a peace deal to end the war. We explore what's in the deal and what chances it has to succeed.

Roundup: Ukraine peace talks; Trump's attacks on judiciary

Listen · 24:04
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How Trump's tariffs are impacting U.S. farmers

A row of new farm tractors on the sales lot of an implement dealer in Valley City, N.D. Dan Roeck/for NPR hide caption

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Dan Roeck/for NPR

How Trump's tariffs are impacting U.S. farmers

Many U.S. farmers have evolved under free trade and grown dependent on exporting food. With tariffs already impacting the cost of U.S. exports, how will farmers handle renewed changes in trade policy?

How Trump's tariffs are impacting U.S. farmers

Listen · 15:16
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Why one state election is getting more than $60 million in ad spending

Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates Brad Schimel and Susan Crawford participate in a debate Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. Morry Gash/AP hide caption

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Morry Gash/AP

Why one state election is getting more than $60 million in ad spending

Tens of millions are being spent. Donald Trump, Jr. and Gov. Tim Walz (D-Minn.) are holding rallies for their preferred candidates. It's the kind of thing seen for statehouse or congressional races — not necessarily state supreme court elections. We look at Wisconsin's upcoming state supreme court election, and why it is getting so much national attention.

Why one state election is getting more than $60 million in ad spending

Listen · 11:30
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Dems in disarray? Caucus struggles to find unity

DNC chair candidate Martin O'Malley waves as he arrives at the Democratic National Committee Winter Meeting at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md., Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. Rod Lamkey, Jr./AP hide caption

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Rod Lamkey, Jr./AP

Dems in disarray? Caucus struggles to find unity

After bruising losses in November's elections, Democrats are trying to figure out how to unite their many factions behind a common set of ideas & objectives. Infighting in the party itself, though, doesn't make it any easier.

Dems in disarray? Caucus struggles to find unity

Listen · 15:13
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What is the Alien Enemies Act?

President Donald Trump listens as Ireland's Prime Minister Micheál Martin speaks during an event in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

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Alex Brandon/AP

What is the Alien Enemies Act?

The Trump administration used the 18th century law as justification for deporting hundreds of alleged gang members. Why was it invoked, and what does its use mean for future immigration action?

What is the Alien Enemies Act?

Listen · 11:13
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