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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

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The NPR Politics Podcast

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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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Unpacking legal & political challenges to Trump's mass deportation plans

President Donald Trump listens before a luncheon with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the Cabinet Room of the White House, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

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Alex Brandon/AP

Unpacking legal & political challenges to Trump's mass deportation plans

A federal judge ruled there is "probable cause" to find the Trump administration in contempt for violating an order last month to pause some deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. We discuss what happens next, as well as a new directive on how immigration court proceedings can be held.

Unpacking legal & political challenges to Trump's mass deportation plans

Listen · 14:52
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NPR exclusive: whistleblower says DOGE may have taken sensitive labor data

The sign for the National Labor Relations Board is seen on the building that houses their headquarters in downtown Washington, Wednesday, July 17, 2013. Jon Elswick/AP hide caption

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Jon Elswick/AP

NPR exclusive: whistleblower says DOGE may have taken sensitive labor data

The entity known as DOGE has been used as part of the Trump administration's efforts to radically reshape the federal government. But a whistleblower alleges DOGE may have improperly accessed data at the National Labor Relations Board, a regulatory body that investigates and adjudicates complaints about unfair labor practices. The agency has opened investigations into unfair labor practices at DOGE figurehead Elon Musk's businesses.

NPR exclusive: whistleblower says DOGE may have taken sensitive labor data

Listen · 12:29
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Trump says man wrongfully deported to El Salvador won't return to U.S.

President Donald Trump, left, greets El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele as Bukele arrives at the White House, Monday, April 14, 2025, in Washington. Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP hide caption

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Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP

Trump says man wrongfully deported to El Salvador won't return to U.S.

In an Oval Office meeting Monday with El Salvador's president, President Trump said Kilmar Abrego Garcia would not come back to the U.S., despite a Supreme Court decision ordering the Trump administration to "facilitate" his return. We look at how El Salvador became the destination for some of those deported from the U.S., and what's next in Abrego Garcia's case.

Trump says man wrongfully deported to El Salvador won't return to U.S.

Listen · 12:54
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Campus activists fear Trump administration crackdown

Student protesters camp on the campus of Columbia University, April 30, 2024, in New York. Mary Altaffer/Pool, via AP hide caption

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Mary Altaffer/Pool, via AP

Campus activists fear Trump administration crackdown

Much of the activism seen on college campuses last year in protest of Israel's war in Gaza is now under increased scrutiny as part of a policy that the Trump administration says is aimed at eliminating antisemitism, particularly on American campuses. The effort has led to the targeting of non-citizen students over their past pro-Palestinian activism, resulting in students losing visas and several high-profile arrests. These incidents have created a climate of uncertainty at many colleges and universities, leaving some students feeling increasingly silenced and fearful.

Campus activists fear Trump administration crackdown

Listen · 14:43
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Roundup: Immigration rulings; DOGE & Social Security data

President Donald Trump waves as he arrives at the White House on Marine One, Sunday, April 6, 2025, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

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Alex Brandon/AP

Roundup: Immigration rulings; DOGE & Social Security data

On Thursday, the Supreme Court ruled the Trump administration must "facilitate" the return of a man it mistakenly deported to El Salvador. How is the White House responding, and what happens next?

Roundup: Immigration rulings; DOGE & Social Security data

Listen · 21:52
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Trump's tariff tug of war

President Donald Trump speaks during an event on energy production in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

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Alex Brandon/AP

Trump's tariff tug of war

After days of market turmoil, President Trump walked back some tariffs on some countries, but kept a near universal 10 percent tariff in place and increased tariffs on goods from China. What's behind the president's decision, and will markets continue to stomach such uncertainty?

Trump's tariff tug of war

Listen · 17:40
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