

Trump's Terms
NPR
Host Scott Detrow curates NPR's reporting, analysis and updates on the 47th President, focusing on actions and policies that challenge precedent and upend political norms, raising questions about what a President can do — and whether his efforts will benefit the voters who returned him to power. Support NPR's reporting by subscribing to Trump's Terms+ and unlock sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 2, 2024 • 12min
Separating election facts from fiction
Miles Parks, NPR's Voting correspondent, tackles the critical topic of misinformation in elections. He debunks common myths about non-citizen voting, revealing that only a few cases exist amidst millions. Parks discusses the political motivations behind these falsehoods and the strong safeguards protecting election integrity. He also sheds light on the intricate process of mail-in ballot counting in Pennsylvania, highlighting how delays could impact results. Finally, he presents a fascinating contrast between public fears about fraud and trust in local election workers.

Oct 30, 2024 • 5min
Supreme Court allows Virginia to purge suspected noncitizens from voter rolls
A recent Supreme Court ruling allows Virginia to purge voter rolls of suspected noncitizens just days before an election. This decision sparks controversy over potential disenfranchisement of eligible voters. The discussion reveals the complexities behind voter registration and the alarming impact of such purges on American democracy. Critics argue that these actions stem from unfounded fears and political motivations, raising important questions about the future of voting rights.

Oct 29, 2024 • 4min
Lawsuits over Pennsylvania mail-in ballots
As Election Day approaches, Pennsylvania's mail-in ballots are at the center of intense legal battles. Ongoing lawsuits from voting rights advocates clash with Republican challenges, influencing crucial procedures for voters. Recent rulings and guidelines show the importance of handwritten dates on return envelopes, sparking discussions about best practices. The state’s pivotal role in the presidential election makes every legal twist significant, highlighting the need for vigilance in ballot submission to ensure every vote counts.

Oct 16, 2024 • 5min
The myth about noncitizen voting
Miles Parks, NPR's voting correspondent, and Jude Joffe-Block, an NPR reporter known for tackling misinformation, dive into the myth of noncitizen voting. They discuss how this baseless claim has gained traction, particularly among Republicans, despite a lack of supporting evidence. The conversation also highlights the impact of such narratives on public perception, influencing voter behavior and tensions at polling places. Additionally, they explore the consequences of targeting voter rolls on the voting rights of U.S. citizens.

Oct 6, 2024 • 6min
A month from election day, a Republican push to disqualify certain votes is underway
Miles Parks, NPR's insightful voting correspondent, dives into the fraught landscape of legal challenges as Election Day approaches. He examines a variety of Republican lawsuits aimed at invalidating votes, fueling public skepticism about the election process. The conversation unpacks the potential impact of these lawsuits on mail-in voting and overall electoral integrity. Additionally, Parks discusses the troubling claims of non-citizen voting and the evolving trends in early voting, all highlighting the complex dynamics shaping the upcoming election.

Oct 2, 2024 • 4min
New evidence unsealed in federal election interference case against Trump
In a compelling discussion, NPR Justice Correspondent Carrie Johnson sheds light on Special Counsel Jack Smith's recent revelations regarding Donald Trump's alleged election interference. They unpack the legal intricacies of the case, including Trump's actions during the January 6th Capitol riot and the potential impact of the upcoming 2024 election on the proceedings. Johnson also highlights pivotal Supreme Court rulings that could shape the outcome, making for a fascinating exploration of law, politics, and justice.

Sep 26, 2024 • 9min
Attorney General Merrick Garland's legacy
Merrick Garland, former Attorney General known for handling high-profile federal cases, shares insights on his controversial tenure. He discusses the scrutiny surrounding his prosecutions of former President Trump and January 6 defendants. Garland highlights the legal complexities of Trump's indictments and the implications of ongoing investigations into Hunter Biden. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining justice norms in a politically charged atmosphere, addressing concerns about immunity and its effects on the legal process.

Sep 23, 2024 • 4min
Can the U.S. Postal Service deliver mail-in ballots on time?
Hansi Lo Wang, a voting rights correspondent for NPR, dives into the pressing issue of mail-in ballot delivery as elections approach. He shares insights from election officials grappling with concerns about the U.S. Postal Service's ability to meet deadlines. Personal anecdotes illustrate the anxieties voters face in ensuring their ballots arrive on time. The discussion sheds light on the challenges and implications for democracy, making it a must-listen for anyone invested in the electoral process.

Sep 20, 2024 • 5min
Georgia State Election Board votes to require ballots be hand-counted
In this discussion, politics reporter Sam Gringlas, known for his focus on election issues, delves into the Georgia State Election Board's surprising decision to mandate hand counting of ballots. He highlights the intense debate around this rule—supporters claim it will bolster election integrity, while critics warn it could disrupt timely results. Gringlas also sheds light on the broader implications of these last-minute rule changes, as the state faces mounting scrutiny over its electoral processes ahead of crucial elections.

Sep 17, 2024 • 8min
Georgia Secretary of State calls new certification rule "misguided"
Mary Louise Kelly chats with Brad Raffensperger, Georgia's Secretary of State, about pivotal changes in election law. He expresses concerns over new certification rules, calling them misguided. Raffensperger highlights the challenges of ballot handling modifications, stressing the importance of election integrity. As preparations ramp up amidst chaos, he talks about training poll workers and managing absentee ballots. The discussion also touches on unexpected political endorsements that may impact voter engagement in battleground states.


