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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

Podcast Directory

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 a journalist got in a group text with defense officials planning missile strikes

The Signal app on a smartphone is seen on a mobile device screen Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Chicago. Kiichiro Sato/AP hide caption

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Kiichiro Sato/AP

How a journalist got in a group text with defense officials planning missile strikes

Before the U.S. carried out missile strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, senior Trump administration officials discussed the plan of action. Also part of the discussion: Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor of The Atlantic, who had inadvertently been added to a group message on Signal about the missile strike. How did this happen, and what are the implications for national security?

How a journalist got in a group text with defense officials planning missile strikes

Listen · 15:44
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Sanders, AOC rally to motivate Democrats

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., left, greets Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., as they speak during a stop of their "Fighting Oligarchy" tour that filled Civic Center Park, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Denver. David Zalubowski/AP hide caption

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David Zalubowski/AP

Sanders, AOC rally to motivate Democrats

The two politicians are pushing a message that is both critical of President Trump & his policies, and of Democrats for not doing enough, in their view, to fight back in response.

Sanders, AOC rally to motivate Democrats

Listen · 12:26
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Roundup: Ukraine peace talks; Trump's attacks on judiciary

President Donald Trump gestures after signing executive order in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday, March 20, 2025. Ben Curtis/AP hide caption

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Ben Curtis/AP

Roundup: Ukraine peace talks; Trump's attacks on judiciary

President Trump spoke separately to his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts this week to try and hammer out a peace deal to end the war. We explore what's in the deal and what chances it has to succeed.

Roundup: Ukraine peace talks; Trump's attacks on judiciary

Listen · 24:04
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How Trump's tariffs are impacting U.S. farmers

A row of new farm tractors on the sales lot of an implement dealer in Valley City, N.D. Dan Roeck/for NPR hide caption

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Dan Roeck/for NPR

How Trump's tariffs are impacting U.S. farmers

Many U.S. farmers have evolved under free trade and grown dependent on exporting food. With tariffs already impacting the cost of U.S. exports, how will farmers handle renewed changes in trade policy?

How Trump's tariffs are impacting U.S. farmers

Listen · 15:16
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Why one state election is getting more than $60 million in ad spending

Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates Brad Schimel and Susan Crawford participate in a debate Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. Morry Gash/AP hide caption

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Morry Gash/AP

Why one state election is getting more than $60 million in ad spending

Tens of millions are being spent. Donald Trump, Jr. and Gov. Tim Walz (D-Minn.) are holding rallies for their preferred candidates. It's the kind of thing seen for statehouse or congressional races — not necessarily state supreme court elections. We look at Wisconsin's upcoming state supreme court election, and why it is getting so much national attention.

Why one state election is getting more than $60 million in ad spending

Listen · 11:30
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Dems in disarray? Caucus struggles to find unity

DNC chair candidate Martin O'Malley waves as he arrives at the Democratic National Committee Winter Meeting at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md., Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. Rod Lamkey, Jr./AP hide caption

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Rod Lamkey, Jr./AP

Dems in disarray? Caucus struggles to find unity

After bruising losses in November's elections, Democrats are trying to figure out how to unite their many factions behind a common set of ideas & objectives. Infighting in the party itself, though, doesn't make it any easier.

Dems in disarray? Caucus struggles to find unity

Listen · 15:13
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What is the Alien Enemies Act?

President Donald Trump listens as Ireland's Prime Minister Micheál Martin speaks during an event in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

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Alex Brandon/AP

What is the Alien Enemies Act?

The Trump administration used the 18th century law as justification for deporting hundreds of alleged gang members. Why was it invoked, and what does its use mean for future immigration action?

What is the Alien Enemies Act?

Listen · 11:13
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Is the government going to shut down?

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., walks as Senate Democrats gather behind closed doors to mount a last-ditch protest over a Republican-led spending bill that already passed the House, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, March 13, 2025. J. Scott Applewhite/AP hide caption

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J. Scott Applewhite/AP

Is the government going to shut down?

Congressional Democrats are at odds as to whether or not to support Republican-led efforts to keep the government funded ahead of a Friday deadline. We look at the divisions.

Is the government going to shut down?

Listen · 23:40
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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

Listen · 14:33
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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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