Politics Weekly America

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.

Ankush Khardori, Politico Magazine writer and former federal prosecutor, breaks down why Republicans subpoenaed the Clintons and the legal-political motives behind it. He discusses partisan theater versus substantive inquiry, the Clintons' decision to testify, and how document dumps compare to a focused commission. He also parses Trump's reactions and the broader precedent being set.

George Conway, lawyer and Lincoln Project founder running for Congress, offers sharp, principled commentary. He reflects on protest courage and the Minneapolis ICE controversy. He breaks down misleading official narratives, GOP fractures over gun claims, personnel shifts that mask unchanged attitudes, debates abolishing ICE, and risks of impulsive foreign escalation.

Ashley Parker, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter at The Atlantic, examines the phenomenon of 'Trump exhaustion syndrome'. She discusses how Americans are increasingly fatigued by Trump's unpredictable behavior and public statements. Ashley unpacks the erosion of norms, especially in immigration policy, and the normalization of controversial tactics. They consider the midterms as a potential remedy to reinvigorate political engagement, while also evaluating how Trump's actions have shaped public perception and voter responses.

Heather Boushey, an economist and former member of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, discusses the startling criminal investigation into Jerome Powell, the Fed chair, and its political fallout for Trump. They delve into Trump's relentless push for lower interest rates and the impact of rising prices on American households. Boushey highlights the risks for the GOP as economic discontent grows, and she contrasts Trump’s reactions to protesters at home and abroad, warning of potential democratic erosion. It's a thought-provoking look at the interplay between politics and economics.

Join Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and expert on authoritarianism, as she dives into the alarming shift in U.S. foreign policy under Trump. They discuss how overt power politics reveal a new global order, where U.S. actions may embolden nations like Russia and China. Apple's insights into Trump's Greenland fixation shine a light on symbolic imperialism, while she warns of the risks to NATO's credibility. With astute observations on Venezuela's oil and the absence of a coherent foreign policy, this conversation is both enlightening and provocative.

Tom Phillips, The Guardian's Latin America correspondent, shares his insights on the dramatic capture of Nicolás Maduro by US forces. He discusses Trump's bold claim of 'running' Venezuela, raising questions about the implications of military occupation. Tom recounts the chaotic scene in Caracas and examines the Venezuelan public's mixed reactions. They delve into the motives behind the operation, including oil interests and narco-terrorism justifications, and draw parallels to historical events like the 1989 Panama invasion.

Rosie Gray, a US politics reporter, discusses Don Jr.'s complex role within the GOP and his potential as a political player. Dan Adler delves into Barron Trump's quiet life at NYU and his unexpected influence on young audiences. Eric Cortellessa analyzes Lara Trump's political maneuvers and her growing significance in the Trump family dynamic. The trio examines whether any Trump will carry the political legacy forward while questioning if Donald Trump even desires a successor. They conclude that the Trump family already operates as a political dynasty.

Ashley Parker, a top journalist for The Atlantic, Rosie Gray, who covers conservative politics, and Eric Cortellessa from Time magazine dive into the dynamics of the Trump family. They discuss Jared and Ivanka's strategic retreat from politics and Ivanka's new business ventures in Miami. Melania's selective public role is examined, as is Don Jr.'s evolution into a political advocate. The conversation touches on the family’s efforts to maintain a political presence amid legal challenges and their ventures into media and crypto, hinting at a budding political dynasty.

Gwenda Blair, a journalism professor and author, dives into the Trump family history, spotlighting Frederick Trump's entrepreneurial spirit. Rosie Gray discusses Melania's low-key First Lady role and the Trump children's initial campaign involvement. Ashley Parker elaborates on Ivanka and Jared's evolving influence, showcasing Ivanka’s moderating role in policy and her Women's Initiative. They analyze the complexities of the Abraham Accords and how these family dynamics may shape the future of American politics.