Accessibility links
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

toggle caption
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
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1250419125/1263908717" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
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

toggle caption
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
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1250419126/1267216656" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
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

toggle caption
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
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1198005732/1258323687" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
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

toggle caption
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
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1198005734/1258324722" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
Roundup: Mike Waltz is out, young Democrats ask what's next, and can't let it go

National Security Advisor Mike Waltz speaks during a television interview at the White House, Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

toggle caption
Alex Brandon/AP

Roundup: Mike Waltz is out, young Democrats ask what's next, and can't let it go

Mike Waltz is out as President Trump's National Security Adviser, it's the first major departure for the Trump White House since the start of his second term. Then, young Democrats are expressing dissatisfaction with their party, and making moves: primarying sitting incumbent lawmakers in the House of Representatives.

Roundup: Mike Waltz is out, young Democrats ask what's next, and can't let it go

Listen · 21:40
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1248664718/1269249929" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
Trump wants Americans to have more babies

President Donald Trump walks with Elon Musk's son X Æ A-Xii on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Washington to depart on Marine One. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

toggle caption
Alex Brandon/AP

Trump wants Americans to have more babies

President Trump has said he wants to be the "fertilization president," urging American couples to have more babies as birth rates decline in the U.S. This stance has also been adopted by right-wing activists that call themselves "pronatalists." What is this movement and how is the Trump administration responding?

Trump wants Americans to have more babies

Listen · 11:51
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1248444378/1269240115" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
Trump gives automakers some wiggle room on tariffs

President Donald Trump arrives to speak on his first 100 days at Macomb County Community College Sports Expo Center, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Warren, Mich. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

toggle caption
Alex Brandon/AP

Trump gives automakers some wiggle room on tariffs

Donald Trump's first 100 days in office have been marked by his on-again-off-again approach to tariffs. Recently, he has given automakers a break on the tariffs he put in place, hoping to drive more auto manufacturing to the United States. So where do the tariffs currently stand?

Trump gives automakers some wiggle room on tariffs

Listen · 18:03
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1248091528/1269235625" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
NPR poll: Many voters give Trump a failing grade

President Donald Trump arrives to welcome the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles NFL football team to the South Lawn of the White House, Monday, April 28, 2025, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

toggle caption
Alex Brandon/AP

NPR poll: Many voters give Trump a failing grade

As Donald Trump approaches the 100th day of his second term, most voters are not impressed. Majorities disapprove of his performance on key issues, like immigration and the economy, and almost half give his overall performance an F on an A through F scale. Only a slim majority of Republicans give him an A, according to a new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll.

NPR poll: Many voters give Trump a failing grade

Listen · 12:29
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1247777233/1269226892" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
What's next for U.S. involvement in Ukraine?

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, and President Donald Trump, talk as they attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP hide caption

toggle caption
Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP

What's next for U.S. involvement in Ukraine?

Since Russia's large scale invasion began in 2022, the U.S. has provided significant military aid to Ukraine. But Republicans, led by President Trump, are increasingly skeptical of providing more support. What will happen next, and can Ukraine continue fighting if the U.S. removes its assistance?

What's next for U.S. involvement in Ukraine?

Listen · 16:15
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1247707505/1269222563" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
How Trump has influenced immigration and DOGE efforts these first 100 days

President Donald Trump walks out to greet Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr St¯re, upon his arrival at the White House. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

toggle caption
Alex Brandon/AP

How Trump has influenced immigration and DOGE efforts these first 100 days

When running for office, Donald Trump promised to execute the largest deportation in American history and issue massive cuts to federal spending. In his administration's first 100 days, has he kept those promises?

How Trump has influenced immigration and DOGE efforts these first 100 days

Listen · 19:03
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1247139336/1269216098" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
The NPR Politics Podcast

Podcast Directory
or search npr.org