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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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How Trump is implementing his plan to reduce the federal workforce

President Donald Trump greets Ireland's Prime Minister Micheál Martin as he arrives to speak at the annual St. Patrick's Day luncheon at the Capitol. J. Scott Applewhite/AP hide caption

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J. Scott Applewhite/AP

How Trump is implementing his plan to reduce the federal workforce

Since taking office, President Trump has championed the idea of reducing the federal workforce. A February 26 memo gave agencies until today to come up with a plan for that reduction. What does this memo mean and how is it different than the previous cuts federal agencies have seen?

How Trump is implementing his plan to reduce the federal workforce

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How Trump is reshaping the executive branch to consolidate power

The logo for the White House is seen in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

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Alex Brandon/AP

How Trump is reshaping the executive branch to consolidate power

Since returning to office, President Trump has moved quickly to reshape the federal government. His actions, which have moved to put more power under his purview, align with a belief in some conservative circles of the unitary executive: an idea that the president and the president alone controls all actions undertaken by the executive branch.

How Trump is reshaping the executive branch to consolidate power

Listen · 17:23
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Who is Mahmoud Khalil, the protester the Trump admin wants to deport?

Student negotiator Mahmoud Khalil is on the Columbia University campus in New York at a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on Monday, April 29, 2024. Ted Shaffrey/AP hide caption

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Ted Shaffrey/AP

Who is Mahmoud Khalil, the protester the Trump admin wants to deport?

While studying at Columbia University, Khalil helped lead pro-Palestinian protests on campus relating to Israel's war with Gaza. He was taken into ICE custody Saturday, and the Trump administration has said it wants to deport Khalil as part of a wider crackdown on what it calls anti-Semitic protests on college campuses — even though Khalil is a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

Who is Mahmoud Khalil, the protester the Trump admin wants to deport?

Listen · 10:44
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Measles returns — here's what you need to know

A vial of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is on display at the Lubbock Health Department Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. Mary Conlon/AP hide caption

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Mary Conlon/AP

Measles returns — here's what you need to know

Hundreds have been infected and two have died as measles outbreaks have occurred in West Texas and New Mexico. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., a vaccine skeptic, has given conflicting advice to people wanting to avoid infection. Why are vaccination rates declining, and what do these outbreaks mean for public health in the U.S.?

Measles returns — here's what you need to know

Listen · 13:57
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Roundup: DOGE's power checked; Vance's role evolves

In this picture taken through a window, Elon Musk and then-Vice President-elect JD Vance attend the NCAA college football game between Army and Navy at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md., Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. Stephanie Scarbrough/AP hide caption

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Stephanie Scarbrough/AP

Roundup: DOGE's power checked; Vance's role evolves

In a cabinet meeting this week, President Trump affirmed that while DOGE — the entity meant to reshape the federal government, with Elon Musk as figurehead — has the ability to advise changes, Musk does not have the power to fire government staffers.

Roundup: DOGE's power checked; Vance's role evolves

Listen · 21:45
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Trump's tariff tumult

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a joint press conference with Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the East Room at the White House Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in Washington. Carl Court/Pool, via AP hide caption

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Carl Court/Pool, via AP

Trump's tariff tumult

On the campaign trail, Donald Trump promised to enact tariffs on some of the United States' largest trading partners. As president, he has made good on that promise — but with more than a few exceptions and caveats.

Trump's tariff tumult

Listen · 13:14
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