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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 tariffs influenced Trump's first 100 days

President Donald Trump holds.a signed executive order during an event to announce new tariffs in the Rose Garden of the White House, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Washington. Evan Vucci/AP hide caption

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Evan Vucci/AP

How tariffs influenced Trump's first 100 days

Donald Trump has repeatedly said that "tariff" is "one of the most beautiful words in the dictionary." In his administration's first 100 days, Trump has introduced sweeping tariffs with a goal to reduce America's trade deficit with foreign countries and to increase domestic manufacturing.

How tariffs influenced Trump's first 100 days

Listen · 15:28
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How increased executive power influenced Trump's first 100 days

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters at the White House, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

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Alex Brandon/AP

How increased executive power influenced Trump's first 100 days

When running for office, Donald Trump suggested that he "alone could fix" the ills befalling the United States. In his administration's first 100 days, he and his allies have moved quickly to expand the powers of the presidency accordingly.

How increased executive power influenced Trump's first 100 days

Listen · 18:18
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How the culture wars influenced Trump's first 100 days

President Donald Trump speaks before signing an executive order barring transgender female athletes from competing in women's or girls' sporting events, in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

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Alex Brandon/AP

How the culture wars influenced Trump's first 100 days

On the campaign trail, candidate Donald Trump decried "gender ideology," said the military was becoming too "woke," and that DEI programs across the federal government should be ended. As president, his executive actions & policies have mirrored his campaign promises in attempting to reshape culture in the United States during his administration's first 100 days.

How the culture wars influenced Trump's first 100 days

Listen · 19:01
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How Project 2025 influenced Trump's first 100 days

Kristen Eichamer holds a Project 2025 fan in the group's tent at the Iowa State Fair, Aug. 14, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. Charlie Neibergall/AP hide caption

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Charlie Neibergall/AP

How Project 2025 influenced Trump's first 100 days

The Heritage Foundation's "blueprint" for a new Republican administration got a lot of attention during the 2024 presidential campaign. While candidate Donald Trump said he "had never read" the document, President Trump has incorporated many of its policies, and authors, into his administration's first 100 days.

How Project 2025 influenced Trump's first 100 days

Listen · 15:03
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Roundup: Trump vs. the Fed; Harvard fights back

President Donald Trump listens during a swearing in ceremony for Dr. Mehmet Oz to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, April 18, 2025, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

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Alex Brandon/AP

Roundup: Trump vs. the Fed; Harvard fights back

As the White House continued to adjust its tariff policies, President Trump lashed out against Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, saying his "termination cannot come fast enough." Trump thinks the Fed should be more aggressive in lowering interest rates.

Roundup: Trump vs. the Fed; Harvard fights back

Listen · 20:17
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Unpacking legal & political challenges to Trump's mass deportation plans

President Donald Trump listens before a luncheon with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the Cabinet Room of the White House, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

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Alex Brandon/AP

Unpacking legal & political challenges to Trump's mass deportation plans

A federal judge ruled there is "probable cause" to find the Trump administration in contempt for violating an order last month to pause some deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. We discuss what happens next, as well as a new directive on how immigration court proceedings can be held.

Unpacking legal & political challenges to Trump's mass deportation plans

Listen · 14:52
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