Politics Weekly America
The Guardian
Every Friday, Guardian columnist and former Washington correspondent, Jonathan Freedland, invites experts to help analyse the latest in American politics. From politicians to journalists covering the White House and beyond, Jonathan and his guests give listeners behind the scenes access to how the American political machine works. With a global network of over 900 journalists and five dedicated editions covering news in the US, UK, Australia, Europe, and beyond, the Guardian offers comprehensive reporting across every continent.
Episodes
Mentioned books
13 snips
Mar 27, 2026 • 29min
Is Trump losing it? (the war of course)
Susan Glasser, New Yorker staff writer and political analyst, weighs in. She discusses Trump’s claim about Iran and Tehran’s blunt rebuttal. She explains how his deal-making playbook shapes foreign policy. She probes questions about his energy, cognitive fitness, and the political calculations of Republicans.
Mar 24, 2026 • 27min
Off Duty: The Crime, episode I
Melissa Segura, a Guardian Investigates reporter known for probing wrongful convictions, guides listeners through a Chicago murder case. Tension builds around interrogation tapes, contested confessions, neighborhood and gang context, and legal battles over appeals. Short, sharp scenes highlight surprises in the investigation and the family's fight for answers.
9 snips
Mar 20, 2026 • 26min
What’s really behind Trump’s latest tantrums over Iran?
Philip Gordon, a Brookings foreign policy analyst and former national security adviser to Kamala Harris, weighs in on US-Iran tensions. He discusses Trump’s threats over Iran’s gas field and the fallout for oil markets. He examines whether Trump has a coherent Iran strategy, differences between US and Israeli aims, and how alienating NATO affects US leverage and global security.
35 snips
Mar 13, 2026 • 28min
Could the US military turn on Trump?
Janessa Goldbeck, Marine Corps veteran and CEO of Vet Voice Foundation, works on veterans’ issues and civil-military relations. She talks about troops’ confusion over missions and casualties, civilian harm and moral worries, risks of politicized staffing and recruiting, legal limits on unlawful orders, and the role of senior officers and governors in responding to federal deployments.
22 snips
Mar 5, 2026 • 31min
Was Trump ever in control of the Iran war?
Andrew Roth, Guardian global affairs correspondent covering US foreign policy, and Ali Vaez, Iran-focused crisis analyst with Pentagon wargame experience, unpack chaotic decision making. They discuss how Pentagon simulations compare with real strikes. They explore who pushed the initial attacks, escalation risks, messaging and rules of engagement, and possible US next moves.
11 snips
Mar 1, 2026 • 30min
‘Peacemaker’ Trump starts a war with Iran
Patrick Wintour, the Guardian’s diplomatic editor with decades covering international affairs, breaks down the US–Israel strikes on Iran and their fallout. He walks through the timeline and targets. He explores Iran’s counterattacks, regional risks and how the action could reshape Middle East power dynamics. He also examines domestic reactions in Iran and the motives behind US timing.
Feb 28, 2026 • 37min
‘I could see myself stepping into that void’: Gavin Newsom on fighting Trump and running in 2028
Gavin Newsom, California governor and author of Young Man in a Hurry, reflects on his difficult upbringing and political rise. He discusses dyslexia, empathy and relentless drive. He tackles the 2024 Democratic losses, debates over trans athletes and tech accountability. He weighs the prospect of a 2028 run and what might compel him to step into that void.
Feb 25, 2026 • 27min
The ‘golden age of America’? Trump delivers the State of the Union address
Nikki McCann-Ramírez, Rolling Stone politics reporter and host of American Friction, breaks down Trump’s record-long State of the Union. She analyzes theatrical rhetoric, violent immigration language, economy and tariff claims, and which topics were omitted. Short moments of emotion versus policy substance and the Democrats’ concise rebuttal are also explored.
Feb 20, 2026 • 27min
Jesse Jackson’s political legacy in the Trump era
George Chidi, Politics and democracy reporter for Guardian US, reflects on Jesse Jackson’s transformative role in American politics. He highlights Jackson’s coalition-building, voter registration efforts, and public visibility. Short, vivid takes explore Jackson’s pragmatic politics, ties to Trump-era dynamics, and how his legacy shapes today’s progressive leaders and Democratic strategies.
10 snips
Feb 13, 2026 • 28min
Trump dismantles the arts and tries to rewrite history
David Smith, The Guardian’s Washington bureau chief who reports on US politics, unpacks how Trump is reshaping culture and memory. He describes name-changing of landmarks and board takeovers. He outlines reviews of museums and monuments and the sidelining of LGBTQ+ and racial narratives. He situates these moves as part of a bid for a lasting, sanitized legacy.
