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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

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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
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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

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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
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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

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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
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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

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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
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Love in the time of politics

Newlyweds kiss after being wed in a Valentine's Day group wedding ceremony at the Dade County Courthouse in Miami, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. Rebecca Blackwell/AP hide caption

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Rebecca Blackwell/AP

Love in the time of politics

Roses are red,

Love in the time of politics

Listen · 15:24
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RFK ousts all 17 members of a vaccine advisory panel

President Donald Trump, left, speaks as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. listens during a Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission Event in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Washington. Jacquelyn Martin/AP hide caption

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Jacquelyn Martin/AP

RFK ousts all 17 members of a vaccine advisory panel

Health and Human Services Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ousted all 17 members of a vaccine advisory board this week. It's a move that's been roundly condemned by the public health community and cheered by Kennedy's "Make America Healthy Again" base.

RFK ousts all 17 members of a vaccine advisory panel

Listen · 13:18
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L.A. protests pose political risks — and opportunities — for Trump and Newsom

Protesters demand ICE, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to leave the area, Monday, June 9, 2025, in downtown Los Angeles. Jae Hong/AP hide caption

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Jae Hong/AP

L.A. protests pose political risks — and opportunities — for Trump and Newsom

As protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles stretch into their fifth day, President Trump is doubling down on his decision to send national guard troops and U.S. marines to the city. That is setting up a clash between Trump and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who's often seen as a 2028 Democratic presidential hopeful.

L.A. protests pose political risks — and opportunities — for Trump and Newsom

Listen · 12:21
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Protests in Los Angeles over Trump's immigration policies

A demonstrator holds a poster during a protest against a new travel ban announced last week by President Donald Trump, at the Tom Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport, Monday, June 9, 2025, in Los Angeles. Etienne Laurent/AP hide caption

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Etienne Laurent/AP

Protests in Los Angeles over Trump's immigration policies

After a series of immigration raids in and around Los Angeles, protestors demonstrated against the actions & the broader immigration policies of the Trump administration. In response, the president federalized the California National Guard without asking state and local officials. The rare move has drawn strong criticism from California lawmakers.

Protests in Los Angeles over Trump's immigration policies

Listen · 12:44
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Budget battles & conversations with China

President Trump speaks during a meeting with the Fraternal Order of Police in the State Dinning Room of the White House, Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

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Alex Brandon/AP

Budget battles & conversations with China

Negotiations over President Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill" continue on Capitol Hill — but now, his former ally, Elon Musk, is criticizing both the legislation and the president himself. How will Republicans respond?

Budget battles & conversations with China

Listen · 23:45
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Explaining Trump's new travel ban

President Trump speaks during a meeting with Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Washington. Evan Vucci/AP hide caption

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Evan Vucci/AP

Explaining Trump's new travel ban

President Trump issued a presidential proclamation Wednesday that bans citizens of 12 countries, and severely restricts citizens from seven others, from entering the United States. We explain the ban and how it compares to similar attempts made in Trump's first term to limit entry to the country.

Explaining Trump's new travel ban

Listen · 12:35
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