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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 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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What is MAGA without Trump?

A Trump supporter holds up a MAGA sign during a rally for then-Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump, in Green Bay, Wis., on April 2, 2024. Mike Roemer/AP hide caption

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Mike Roemer/AP

What is MAGA without Trump?

The "Make America Great Again," or MAGA, movement stands for loyalty to President Trump above all else. We discuss what happens to the movement once Trump's term ends and whether there is someone else who can take up the mantle.

What is MAGA without Trump?

Listen · 23:48
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The Trump administration takes on higher ed

Protestors gather outside the Moakley Federal Courthouse in Boston, where Harvard University appeared to challenge $2.6 billion in funding cuts by the Trump administration, on July 21. Charles Krupa/AP hide caption

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Charles Krupa/AP

The Trump administration takes on higher ed

The Trump administration says it is investigating whether dozens of universities have violated civil rights protections. We discuss the allegations, universities' settlements with the administration, and what's behind all of it.

The Trump administration takes on higher ed

Listen · 12:30
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President Trump changes his tone on the crisis in Gaza

Palestinians struggle to get donated food at a community kitchen, in Gaza City, on July 26, 2025. Abdel Kareem Hana/AP hide caption

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Abdel Kareem Hana/AP

President Trump changes his tone on the crisis in Gaza

President Trump, apparently moved by photos of malnourished children and people struggling to find food, has shifted the way he talks about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We discuss the United States' role in the crisis and whether Trump's change in tone will lead to a change in policy.

President Trump changes his tone on the crisis in Gaza

Listen · 16:49
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States fight federal effort to collect personal data of food stamp users

Jaqueline Benitez pushes her cart down an aisle as she shops for groceries at a supermarket in Bellflower, Calif., on Feb. 13, 2023. A preschool teacher, Benitez depends on California's SNAP benefits to help pay for food. Allison Dinner/AP hide caption

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Allison Dinner/AP

States fight federal effort to collect personal data of food stamp users

A coalition of 21 states and Washington, D.C. is challenging the Trump administration's demands that states hand over the personal data of people who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as food stamps. We discuss why the administration says it needs the data, and how it fits into a bigger push for states' data.

States fight federal effort to collect personal data of food stamp users

Listen · 12:42
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Trump administration looks to roll back some benefits for DACA recipients

Susana Lujano, left, a dreamer from Mexico who lives in Houston, joins other activists to rally in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, also known as DACA, at the U.S. Capitol on June 15, 2022. J. Scott Applewhite/AP hide caption

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J. Scott Applewhite/AP

Trump administration looks to roll back some benefits for DACA recipients

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program — for immigrants whose parents brought them illegally to the United States when they were children — offers participants protection from immigration enforcement and benefits such as work permits and the ability to buy health insurance. We discuss efforts by the Trump administration to roll back some of these protections and benefits.

Trump administration looks to roll back some benefits for DACA recipients

Listen · 17:15
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