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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

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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President Trump is mulling military action in Iran. It's dividing MAGA.

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters as a flag pole is installed on the South Lawn of the White House, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Washington. Evan Vucci/AP hide caption

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Evan Vucci/AP

President Trump is mulling military action in Iran. It's dividing MAGA.

As tensions continue to escalate between Israel and Iran, President Trump is now signaling an openness for more U.S. military involvement. We discuss what that might look like and how it is dividing the MAGA faithful.

President Trump is mulling military action in Iran. It's dividing MAGA.

Listen · 13:22
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What's behind Trump's turnaround on immigration raids and farming?

Farm workers gather produce on Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Moorpark, Calif. Damian Dovarganes/AP hide caption

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Damian Dovarganes/AP

What's behind Trump's turnaround on immigration raids and farming?

Last week, President Trump suggested the agriculture industry might be spared from his immigration crackdown. But Tuesday, Homeland Security officials confirmed there would be no change to enforcement policy — and no workplace safe from potential raids. We look at what this means economically and politically.

What's behind Trump's turnaround on immigration raids and farming?

Listen · 12:18
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Political violence in the United States

Police tape blocks off the home of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman, Sunday, June 15, 2025, in Brooklyn Park, Minn. George Walker IV/AP hide caption

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George Walker IV/AP

Political violence in the United States

After the shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers over the weekend, we look at what is motivating people to carry out acts of political violence, and what could cause the tone & tenor of associated rhetoric to become calmer.

Political violence in the United States

Listen · 17:25
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What Israel's strikes on Iran mean for Trump's diplomacy efforts

President Donald Trump, right, listens as Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a meeting in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, April 7, 2025. Pool/AP hide caption

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Pool/AP

What Israel's strikes on Iran mean for Trump's diplomacy efforts

Israel launched strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, killing at least three of Iran's top military leaders. We look at why Israel took these actions now, what Iran might do next, and how the conflict complicates President Trump's efforts to be a dealmaker and a peacekeeper.

What Israel's strikes on Iran mean for Trump's diplomacy efforts

Listen · 23:12
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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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