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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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Trump halts U.S. bombing campaign against Houthis

President Trump speaks with reporters after announcing a trade deal with United Kingdom in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Washington. Evan Vucci/AP hide caption

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Evan Vucci/AP

Trump halts U.S. bombing campaign against Houthis

Both Presidents Biden and Trump launched bombing campaigns against Houthi rebels in Yemen after the militant group attacked ships in the Red Sea. This week, Trump said the campaign was over, and the Houthis had agreed to a ceasefire — a claim the militants deny. We explain why the campaign started, why it ended, and what's to come.

Trump halts U.S. bombing campaign against Houthis

Listen · 15:02
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How Trump is reshaping U.S.-Canada relations

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump meet in the White House Evan Vucci/AP hide caption

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Evan Vucci/AP

How Trump is reshaping U.S.-Canada relations

President Donald Trump hosted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House Tuesday. The meeting comes at a time where relations between the two neighbors and allies are unusually icy.

How Trump is reshaping U.S.-Canada relations

Listen · 13:16
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How President Trump is reshaping the Justice Department

President Donald Trump speaks at the Justice Department in Washington, Friday, March 14, 2025. pool via AP/AP hide caption

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pool via AP/AP

How President Trump is reshaping the Justice Department

In her Senate confirmation hearing earlier this year, Attorney General Pam Bondi promised that the "weaponization" of the Justice Department would stop. Now, over 100 days into Trump's second term, critics worry that the Trump administration is doing just that.

How President Trump is reshaping the Justice Department

Listen · 14:26
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It's budget season. Can the White House and Congress find common ground?

President Donald Trump listens during an event to announce that the 2027 NFL Draft will be held on the National Mall, in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, May 5, 2025, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

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Alex Brandon/AP

It's budget season. Can the White House and Congress find common ground?

President Trump has called for the government's spending to be wrapped into "one big, beautiful bill" along with other legislative priorities, but Congress may have other ideas. We explore how the White House and Congress will need to work together to fund the government.

It's budget season. Can the White House and Congress find common ground?

Listen · 17:21
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Roundup: Mike Waltz is out, young Democrats ask what's next, and can't let it go

National Security Advisor Mike Waltz speaks during a television interview at the White House, Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

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Alex Brandon/AP

Roundup: Mike Waltz is out, young Democrats ask what's next, and can't let it go

Mike Waltz is out as President Trump's National Security Adviser, it's the first major departure for the Trump White House since the start of his second term. Then, young Democrats are expressing dissatisfaction with their party, and making moves: primarying sitting incumbent lawmakers in the House of Representatives.

Roundup: Mike Waltz is out, young Democrats ask what's next, and can't let it go

Listen · 21:40
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Trump wants Americans to have more babies

President Donald Trump walks with Elon Musk's son X Æ A-Xii on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Washington to depart on Marine One. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

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Alex Brandon/AP

Trump wants Americans to have more babies

President Trump has said he wants to be the "fertilization president," urging American couples to have more babies as birth rates decline in the U.S. This stance has also been adopted by right-wing activists that call themselves "pronatalists." What is this movement and how is the Trump administration responding?

Trump wants Americans to have more babies

Listen · 11:51
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