The NPR Politics Podcast

<p class="p1">Beginning in March, voters will start picking their preferred candidates to run for House and Senate races throughout the country. With a record number of incumbents retiring, we look at what seats are especially competitive & the issues that might play big roles in how voters make up their minds.<p class="p1"><br><p class="p1">This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, political reporter Stephen Fowler, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro.<p class="p2"><br><p class="p1">This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell & Bria Suggs. <p class="p2"><br><p class="p1">Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.<p class="p2"><br><p class="p1">Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at <a href="http://plus.npr.org/politics"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org/politics</a>.<p class="p2"><br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are running out of time to reach an agreement over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which includes Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. We discuss the state of negotiations, plus how calls to “abolish ICE” are playing out in congressional races.<br/><br/>This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Sam Gringlas, political correspondent Ashley Lopez, and political reporter Elena Moore.<br/><br/><em>This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.</em><br/><br/><em>Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.</em><br/><br/><em>Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at </em><a href="http://plus.npr.org/politics"target="_blank" ><em>plus.npr.org/politics</em></a><em>.</em><br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Nearly two-thirds of Americans say Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s actions have gone too far, according to a new NPR/PBS News/Marist Poll. We discuss what else the poll tells us about public perception of President Trump, including on the economy and foreign policy.<br/><br/>This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, political correspondent Ashley Lopez, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.<br/><br/><em>This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.</em><br/><br/><em>Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.</em><br/><br/><em>Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at </em><a href="http://plus.npr.org/politics"target="_blank" ><em>plus.npr.org/politics</em></a><em>.</em><br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

The Justice Department says it has released all of the relevant documents from its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. We discuss what we have learned from the millions of pages of documents and whether Republicans or Democrats got what they were hoping for from the release.<br/><br/>This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, political reporter Stephen Fowler, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.<br/><br/><em>This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.</em><br/><br/><em>Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.</em><br/><br/><em>Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at </em><a href="http://plus.npr.org/politics"target="_blank" ><em>plus.npr.org/politics</em></a><em>.</em><br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

President Trump suggested during an appearance on the Dan Bongino Show that Republicans should “take over the voting” in at least 15 states and “nationalize” elections. We unpack what to make of these comments and how they fit into a bigger picture of Trump’s repeated efforts to interfere with states’ administration of elections. <br/><br/>This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, voting correspondent Miles Parks, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.<br/><br/><em>This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.</em><br/><br/><em>Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.</em><br/><br/><em>Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at </em><a href="http://plus.npr.org/politics"target="_blank" ><em>plus.npr.org/politics</em></a><em>.</em><br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

President Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell when Powell’s term ends in May. We discuss Trump’s efforts to undermine the independence of the Federal Reserve and how that may impede Warsh’s confirmation vote. This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez, and chief economics correspondent Scott Horsley.<br/><br/><em>This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.</em><br/><br/><em>Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.</em><br/><br/><em>Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at </em><a href="http://plus.npr.org/politics"target="_blank" ><em>plus.npr.org/politics</em></a><em>.</em><br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

<p class="p1">After immigration officials killed two people in Minneapolis this month, congressional Democrats demanded funding for immigration action be separated from other government funding. That's leading to a potential, partial, government shutdown. We unpack the latest from Capitol Hill.<p class="p1"><br><p class="p1">Then, why did the FBI raid Fulton County, Ga.'s election center this week, and what does it have to do with President Trump's continued false claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen?<p class="p1"><br><p class="p1">And, we bid a fond farewell to one of our podcast stalwarts.<p class="p1"><br><p class="p1">This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Sam Gringlas, immigration policy correspondent Ximena Bustillo, political reporter Stephen Fowler, senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and political correspondent Sarah McCammon.<p class="p1"><br><p class="p1">This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell & Bria Suggs.<p class="p1"><br><p class="p1">Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.<p class="p2"><br><p class="p1">Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at <a href="http://plus.npr.org/politics"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org/politics</a>.<p class="p2"><br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Alex Pretti was carrying a permitted gun when he had a confrontation with federal agents who ultimately shot and killed him. While the Trump administration pointed to his gun as a reason for agents to fear for their safety, pro-gun groups argued Pretti had a right to carry. We discuss the rhetoric around guns and how marginalized communities in Minneapolis have been increasingly turning toward gun ownership.<br/><br/><br>This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, domestic extremism correspondent Odette Yousef, and senior political editor and correspondent Mara Liasson.<br/><br/><br>This podcast was produced and edited by Lexie Schapitl and Bria Suggs.<br/><br/><br>Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.<br/><br/><br>Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at <a href="http://plus.npr.org/politics"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org/politics</a>.<br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

An initial internal review into federal immigration officers’ fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis last weekend contradicts the description of the incident by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. We discuss President Trump’s shifting messages on immigration policy and how his administration’s efforts to restrict legal immigration pathways are changing the political environment. <br/><br/>This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, immigration policy correspondent Ximena Bustillo, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.<br/><br/><em>This podcast was produced by Bria Suggs and Lexie Schapitl, and edited by Rachel Baye.</em><br/><br/><em>Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.</em><br/><br/><em>Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at </em><a href="http://plus.npr.org/politics"target="_blank" ><em>plus.npr.org/politics</em></a><em>.</em><br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Congress may be headed toward a partial government shutdown. After a federal immigration officer fatally shot Alex Pretti last weekend in Minneapolis, Senate Democrats say they won’t vote to fund the Department of Homeland Security without changes to how the federal government enforces immigration laws. We discuss what Democrats want, what Republicans are offering, and the political risks of another government shutdown. <br/><br/>This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Sam Gringlas, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.<br/><br/><em>This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.</em><br/><br/><em>Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.</em><br/><br/><em>Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at </em><a href="http://plus.npr.org/politics"target="_blank" ><em>plus.npr.org/politics</em></a><em>.</em><br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

The fatal shooting by federal immigration officers of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen and an intensive care unit nurse at the VA, escalated tensions surrounding the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement surge in Minneapolis and prompted bipartisan calls for investigation. We discuss whether the incident could mark a turning point for the president.<br/><br/>This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, Minnesota Public Radio host Clay Masters, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.<br/><br/><em>This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.</em><br/><br/><em>Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.</em><br/><br/><em>Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at </em><a href="http://plus.npr.org/politics"target="_blank" ><em>plus.npr.org/politics</em></a><em>.</em><br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

It was another busy week in politics. We discuss former special counsel Jack Smith’s appearance before the House Judiciary Committee — the first time he testified publicly about his investigations into President Trump — and Trump’s announcement of a new “framework” related to Greenland.<br/><br/>This episode: political correspondent Ashley Lopez, justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.<br/><br/><em>This podcast was produced by Bria Suggs and edited by Rachel Baye.</em><br/><br/><em>Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.</em><br/><br/><em>Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at </em><a href="http://plus.npr.org/politics"target="_blank" ><em>plus.npr.org/politics</em></a><em>.</em><br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

NPR reporters observed focus groups of 14 swing voters from Pennsylvania. We discuss why these voters, who backed President Trump in the 2024 election, feel frustrated with Trump and why they say the latest immigration enforcement tactics have gone too far.<br>This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, political correspondent Ashley Lopez, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.<br/><br/><em>This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.</em><br/><br/><em>Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.</em><br/><br/><em>Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at </em><a href="http://plus.npr.org/politics"target="_blank" ><em>plus.npr.org/politics</em></a><em>.</em><br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

<p class="p1">The president continued his fight to acquire the Danish self-governing territory of Greenland during a speech billed as an address related to domestic affordability issues. We explain what happened.<p class="p1"><br><p class="p1">Then, members of Congress met with Danish and Greenlandic officials in Copenhagen last week to discuss the increased tensions with the U.S. We talk about how the meetings went, and what Danes are thinking about it all.<p class="p1"><br><p class="p1">This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, congressional correspondent Barbara Sprunt, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro.<p class="p2"><br><p class="p1">This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell & Bria Suggs.<p class="p1"><br><p class="p1">Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.<p class="p2"><br><p class="p1">Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at <a href="http://plus.npr.org/politics"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org/politics</a>.<p class="p2"><br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

<p class="p1">One year ago today, Donald Trump was sworn into office as the 47th president, having already served as the 45th. We look at some of what he has done in this first year back in the White House.<p class="p1"><br><p class="p1">This episode: political correspondent Ashley Lopez, senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.<p class="p1"><br><p class="p1">This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell & Bria Suggs.<p class="p1"><br><p class="p1">Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.<p class="p1"><br><p class="p1">Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at <a href="http://plus.npr.org/politics"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org/politics</a>.<p class="p2"><br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

<p class="p1">From the NPR podcast <em>Consider This</em>:<p class="p1">The Department of Justice is once again at the center of the news.<p class="p1">At least five federal lawmakers say they have been contacted for questioning from federal prosecutors. So has the chairman of the Federal Reserve.<p class="p1">And in Minnesota, career federal prosecutors resigned after being asked to investigate not the shooting that killed Renee Macklin Good, but her widow’s potential ties to activist groups.<p class="p1">NPR senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro and NPR justice correspondent Carrie Johnson break down the latest in Justice Department news.<p class="p2"><br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

<p class="p1">There's another fight on Capitol Hill as lawmakers work to get four more spending bills passed before the end of the month. We talk about what's at stake and how both parties are navigating the high cost of health care.<p class="p1"><br><p class="p1">Then, a look at how the Trump administration is using social media content to sway public opinion & influence governance, and what our panelists can't stop thinking about this week.<p class="p1"><br><p class="p1">This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, congressional reporter Sam Gringlas, White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, and political reporters Stephen Fowler & Jude Joffe-Block.<p class="p2"><br><p class="p1">This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell & Bria Suggs.<p class="p2"><br><p class="p1">Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.<p class="p2"><br><p class="p1">Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at <a href="http://plus.npr.org/politics"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org/politics</a>.<p class="p2"><br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

<p class="p1">Between pledging support for protesters in Iran, calling once again for the U.S. annexation of Greenland, and meeting with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, it's been a busy week for President Trump on the global stage. We look at why the White House wants to be involved in so many geopolitical issues despite the president's campaign pledges to be less invested in global affairs, and what outcomes the Trump administration wants in each location.<p class="p1"><br><p class="p1">This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez, and national security correspondent Greg Myre.<p class="p2"><br><p class="p1">This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell & Bria Suggs. <p class="p2"><br><p class="p1">Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.<p class="p2"><br><p class="p1">Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at <a href="http://plus.npr.org/politics"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org/politics</a>.<p class="p2"><br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

It was another busy week in the political world. We discuss the Supreme Court’s approval of Texas' redrawn congressional map, Democrats' performance in a Tennessee special election, and President Trump's dismissal of worries about "affordability" as a "con job." <br/><br/>This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, political correspondent Ashley Lopez, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.<br/><br/><em>This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.</em><br/><br/><em>Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.</em><br/><br/><em>Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at </em><a href="http://plus.npr.org/politics"target="_blank" ><em>plus.npr.org/politics</em></a><em>.</em><br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

State and local elections officials across the country are preparing for a variety of ways the Trump administration could interfere with the 2026 midterm elections. We discuss the risks and what tactics the president and his allies have suggested.<br/><br/>This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, voting correspondent Miles Parks, and senior political correspondent and editor Domenico Montanaro.<br/><br/><em>This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.</em><br/><br/><em>Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.</em><br/><br/><em>Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at </em><a href="http://plus.npr.org/politics"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org/politics</a>.<br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>