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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

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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The U.S. strikes nuclear sites in Iran. Now what?

President Trump speaks from the East Room of the White House in Washington, Saturday, June 21, 2025, after the U.S. military struck three Iranian nuclear and military sites, as Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listen. Carlos Barria/Pool, via AP hide caption

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Carlos Barria/Pool, via AP

The U.S. strikes nuclear sites in Iran. Now what?

The U.S. launched a military strike against nuclear sites in Iran, further involving itself in Israel's conflict with Iran. We look at what happened, and the lasting implications of the action.

The U.S. strikes nuclear sites in Iran. Now what?

Listen · 19:10
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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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Congress and Trump play tug-of-war over the 'power of the purse'

The U.S. Capitol on July 16, 2025. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP hide caption

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Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

Congress and Trump play tug-of-war over the 'power of the purse'

Congress recently passed — at the White House's request — a rescission package that cancels $9 billion in spending Congress had previously approved. We discuss whether Congress has forfeited its power to decide how the government spends its money, and what that means for voters across the country.

Congress and Trump play tug-of-war over the 'power of the purse'

Listen · 18:59
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Trump's attacks on Federal Reserve's Powell could bring economic pain

Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell listens during a Senate Committee on Banking hearing on June 25, 2025. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP hide caption

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Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

Trump's attacks on Federal Reserve's Powell could bring economic pain

President Trump's attacks on Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell have been relentless. We discuss what it would mean if the United States no longer has a politically independent Federal Reserve. We also dive into the potential effects of looming tariffs.

Trump's attacks on Federal Reserve's Powell could bring economic pain

Listen · 15:28
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What Bove's nomination says about Trump's future judge picks

Attorney Emil Bove looks on during sentencing for then-President-elect Donald Trump's hush money conviction in a Manhattan courtroom on Jan. 10, 2025. Angela Weiss/AP hide caption

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Angela Weiss/AP

What Bove's nomination says about Trump's future judge picks

Emil Bove has been behind many of the Justice Department's most controversial recent decisions, and now he's President Trump's nominee to the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals. We discuss the controversy around Bove's nomination and what it could mean for future judicial appointments.

What Bove's nomination says about Trump's future judge picks

Listen · 16:07
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Is there a playbook for young Democratic candidates — and does it work?

A young supporter holds up a sign before Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to speak at a campaign event East Carolina University on Oct. 13, 2024. David Yeazell/AP hide caption

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David Yeazell/AP

Is there a playbook for young Democratic candidates — and does it work?

There are at least 10 Democratic candidates younger than 40 vying for seats in Congress in next year's elections. We discuss what has been successful for recent Gen Z and young millennial candidates, as well as what hasn't. And we ask why we are seeing all these young candidates now.

Is there a playbook for young Democratic candidates — and does it work?

Listen · 17:45
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Texas GOP hopes to redraw congressional map and keep control of U.S. House

People vote on Nov. 5, 2024, in Oak Creek, Wis. Morry Gash/AP hide caption

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Morry Gash/AP

Texas GOP hopes to redraw congressional map and keep control of U.S. House

New congressional districts are on the agenda for the special session that began in Texas on Monday. We discuss why Texas is redrawing its congressional map now and what it and similar efforts in other states could mean for party control of Congress.

Texas GOP hopes to redraw congressional map and keep control of U.S. House

Listen · 12:15
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