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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

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The NPR Politics Podcast

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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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Roundup: tariffs, texts & turtles

President Donald Trump walks from the Oval Office to board Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House en route to Florida, Friday, March 28, 2025, in Washington. Mark Schiefelbein/AP hide caption

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Mark Schiefelbein/AP

Roundup: tariffs, texts & turtles

President Trump signaled more tariffs would come in April, signed an executive order about voting, & withdrew the nomination of his proposed United Nations ambassador. We look at that and more in our weekly roundup.

Roundup: tariffs, texts & turtles

Listen · 21:41
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A big to-do about a big island

In this Aug. 15, 2019, file photo, a boat navigates at night next to large icebergs in eastern Greenland. Felipe Dana/AP hide caption

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Felipe Dana/AP

A big to-do about a big island

First floated in President Trump's first term, talks of the United States annexing or otherwise acquiring Greenland have escalated in recent weeks. With the vice president and other government officials heading to the world's largest island this week, what's behind Trump's fascination with the Danish territory?

A big to-do about a big island

Listen · 14:33
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How DOGE cuts could impact Social Security & the VA

A Social Security Administration office building is seen Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV/AP hide caption

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George Walker IV/AP

How DOGE cuts could impact Social Security & the VA

The Trump administration's efforts to reshape the federal government have now set their sights on how the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs could be reformed. But their proposed changes could leave millions of Americans who rely on services from those agencies vulnerable.

How DOGE cuts could impact Social Security & the VA

Listen · 13:41
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How a journalist got in a group text with defense officials planning missile strikes

The Signal app on a smartphone is seen on a mobile device screen Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Chicago. Kiichiro Sato/AP hide caption

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Kiichiro Sato/AP

How a journalist got in a group text with defense officials planning missile strikes

Before the U.S. carried out missile strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, senior Trump administration officials discussed the plan of action. Also part of the discussion: Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor of The Atlantic, who had inadvertently been added to a group message on Signal about the missile strike. How did this happen, and what are the implications for national security?

How a journalist got in a group text with defense officials planning missile strikes

Listen · 15:44
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Sanders, AOC rally to motivate Democrats

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., left, greets Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., as they speak during a stop of their "Fighting Oligarchy" tour that filled Civic Center Park, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Denver. David Zalubowski/AP hide caption

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David Zalubowski/AP

Sanders, AOC rally to motivate Democrats

The two politicians are pushing a message that is both critical of President Trump & his policies, and of Democrats for not doing enough, in their view, to fight back in response.

Sanders, AOC rally to motivate Democrats

Listen · 12:26
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Roundup: Ukraine peace talks; Trump's attacks on judiciary

President Donald Trump gestures after signing executive order in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday, March 20, 2025. Ben Curtis/AP hide caption

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Ben Curtis/AP

Roundup: Ukraine peace talks; Trump's attacks on judiciary

President Trump spoke separately to his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts this week to try and hammer out a peace deal to end the war. We explore what's in the deal and what chances it has to succeed.

Roundup: Ukraine peace talks; Trump's attacks on judiciary

Listen · 24:04
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