Americast

They unpack Trump's threat to seize Kharg Island and the ambiguity around his messaging. The conversation covers the US military buildup versus talks, and whether China or Israel could be drawn in. They probe allegations of suspicious oil trading and ask who might be held accountable for decisions that could escalate the conflict.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from making big changes to vaccines for children in the United States. It’s a blow to Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy - RFK Jr - a longtime vaccine sceptic who was given free rein by Donald Trump to “go wild with health”.Since taking office a year ago, Kennedy has sought to slash the number of recommended shots for children from 17 to 11. The American Academy of Paediatrics and other large medical groups have sued, saying Kennedy's changes violate federal law and are based on ideology instead of science. In this episode, Marianna and Justin unpack what this means for Donald Trump’s big plan to - as he puts it - "Make America Healthy Again” with Dr Debra Houry, the former director of the CDC (Centre of Disease Control and Prevention) who resigned in August 2025. HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent GUEST: • Dr Debra Houry, former Medical Director of the Centres for Disease Control and PreventionGET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email Americast@bbc.co.uk • Or use #AmericastAPPLY FOR CASTFEST TICKETS: https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/castfest-2026This episode was made by Emma Close and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm

A deep dive into the proposed SAVE Act and its push for national voter ID and proof of citizenship. Discussion of how the bill ties to homeland security funding and causes airport security delays. Debate over who would gain or lose politically from tighter voting rules. A recent Democratic flip in a Palm Beach district and its implications for midterm momentum.

They probe claims of secret US‑Iran talks and why Tehran publicly denies them. The discussion looks at who might be relaying messages and how realistic US demands are. They also dig into political stakes at home, including effects on oil prices and Trump’s inner circle.

Dean Ball, former AI adviser to the Trump administration, now a commentator critical of some Pentagon moves. He discusses Anthropic’s stand against DoD demands, the company’s two red lines about surveillance and autonomous weapons, and the legal and political fallout around a major defense contract. The conversation also covers how policymakers misunderstand AI and the risks of heavy-handed government pressure.

A tense look at the president’s clashes with news outlets over Iran war coverage and threats to broadcast licences. Debate over Pentagon press bans and whether media criticism could be chilled. A dive into wartime reporting history and how embedding shapes narratives. Discussion of internal MAGA divisions, influential anti-war voices, and the resignation of a counterterrorism official.

A lively debate on whether Trump risks losing parts of his MAGA base over the Iran confrontation. They dig into why Iran is blocking the Strait of Hormuz and whether the US misjudged the fallout. The conversation also covers NATO pressure, UK-US ties, and whether outspoken MAGA influencers can sway voters. Plus a quick take on Hollywood's muted Oscars politics.

Peter Kornbluh, senior analyst at the National Security Archive and co‑author of Back Channel to Cuba, gives a compact historical lens on Washington‑Havana dealings. He discusses secret back‑channel talks, the impact of Venezuelan oil cutoffs on Cuba’s rolling blackouts, shifting US tactics from engagement to pressure, and the political drivers in Miami and Washington shaping current negotiations.

They dig into whether Trump can sell support for a war with Iran amid rising oil prices and voter unease. They explore unclear goals of the campaign and how Israel’s aims may differ. They examine risks to shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz and the potential for global fuel price shocks. They discuss domestic political trade-offs, congressional funding pressures, and reactions from veterans and local voters.

A rapid-fire look at US strikes on Iran and the murky strategic aims behind them. Discussion of whether oil, politics or coalition dynamics drove the actions. Examination of the White House’s viral videos and the ethics of turning conflict into gamified social content. A rundown of a high-profile cabinet sacking and what it signals about loyalty and competence in the current administration.