Will Trump lose the Senate in the midterms?

Is Trump about to ruin the World Cup?

Jun 11, 202622 minSummary

In this episode of Politics Weekly America, host Jenna Amatoui and investigative journalist Kareem Zadan explore the intersection of high-stakes sports and Donald Trump’s political strategy. The discussion examines how Trump utilizes major sporting events to maintain his public image and cultivate his base, often at the expense of the events themselves. The episode focuses on the upcoming World Cup, which the hosts describe as a joyless and exclusionary spectacle. They highlight significant geopolitical tensions, including visa denials for Iranian players and support staff, as well as the unprecedented presence of ICE agents at matches. These controversies, paired with the implementation of dynamic ticket pricing, have transformed the tournament into what the guests characterize as an America-first political project rather than a unifying global celebration. Furthermore, the podcast analyzes Trump’s calculated relationship with the UFC. Zadan explains how these events serve as propaganda spectacles designed to rehabilitate the president's image during times of low approval. The episode concludes by contrasting Trump’s self-styled identity as an international peacemaker with the reality of ongoing global conflicts, questioning whether his efforts to manage these narratives can withstand current geopolitical pressures.

A Brit, a billionaire, and Spencer Pratt: California’s primary upsets

Jun 5, 202625 minSummary

In this episode of Politics Weekly America, host Jonathan Friedland and Guardian US reporter Sam Levin examine the recent primary election results in California and across the United States. The discussion centers on California’s unique jungle primary system, which created a volatile environment where non-partisan dynamics led to unexpected polling outcomes. A major focus is the unconventional candidacy of Steve Hilton, a British former political advisor and media personality, who surged to the top of the polls with an anti-establishment message and a Trump endorsement. The hosts explore the broader implications of these races, including the significant but unsuccessful influx of Silicon Valley tech money aimed at influencing policy on issues like AI regulation. They also analyze the state of the Democratic Party, noting an identity crisis as establishment figures compete against insurgent progressives. Finally, the conversation shifts to national trends, specifically a rare legislative setback for Donald Trump in Iowa and his recent retreat from a controversial compensation fund. These developments prompt a discussion on whether these results signal a shift in political momentum and the potential early signs of a waning influence for the former president.

Trump: the boy who cried ‘peace’ in the Middle East

May 29, 202621 minSummary

In this episode of Politics Weekly America, host Jonathan Friedland and guest Ali Vaez, the Iran Project Director at the International Crisis Group, examine the volatile and often contradictory approach of the Trump administration toward Iran. The discussion centers on the confusing mixed messaging emanating from Washington, where President Trump fluctuates between aggressive rhetoric and attempts at diplomatic negotiation. Vaez explains this dissonance as a result of competing pressures on the president, who balances the influence of advisers advocating for military action against the realization that a prolonged conflict could severely damage his presidency. The conversation highlights the fragile state of the ceasefire agreement and the complexities involved in drafting a framework that satisfies both the administration’s transactional demands and the geopolitical realities of the region. Furthermore, the episode explores the political stakes for Trump during an election year and the increasing frustration among both Democrats and some Republicans on Capitol Hill. Looking beyond Iran, the hosts also discuss the administration’s potential shift in focus toward other foreign policy targets, such as Cuba, highlighting Trump’s desire to be viewed as a transformative, decisive figure in history.

Stateside with Kai and Carter – Why the fight over abortion pills is only just beginning

May 25, 202642 minSummary

In this episode of Stateside, hosts Carter and Kai explore the intensifying legal and political battle over abortion pills in the United States. Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the hosts highlight the paradoxical rise in abortion numbers, which they attribute to the increased accessibility of medication abortion, particularly through mail-order services. The discussion centers on the drug mifepristone and recent legal challenges, including a notable case from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals that attempted to restrict its distribution. While the Supreme Court recently issued a stay preserving access, the hosts emphasize that this is merely a temporary reprieve rather than a resolution. The episode features an interview with Dr. Angel Foster, an abortion provider who details the logistical and emotional challenges of navigating a landscape of shifting regulations. Dr. Foster explains the risks providers face and the vital role of shield laws in protecting access. Ultimately, the hosts and their guest warn that the anti-abortion movement’s rhetoric is shifting toward the potential criminalization of patients, a prospect they argue is becoming increasingly normalized in political discourse and requires close public attention.

Trump’s new ‘slush fund’ for his pals

May 22, 202626 minSummary

In this episode of Politics Weekly America, host Jonathan Friedland and legal analyst Christy Greenberg examine the creation of a controversial new anti-weaponization fund established by the Department of Justice. The fund, which holds an allocation of $1.776 billion, is designed to compensate individuals who claim to have been victims of legal overreach or "lawfare" under the previous administration. The conversation centers on concerns that the fund acts as a taxpayer-funded slush fund for political allies and supporters of Donald Trump. Greenberg explains that the eligibility criteria remain vaguely defined, and the settlement includes a broad waiver that protects Trump and his family from future legal claims. The discussion highlights the ethical implications of the fund, particularly the possibility that it could financially benefit individuals involved in the January 6th attack on the Capitol. Friedland and Greenberg further discuss the lack of transparency regarding the commission overseeing the payouts and the potential for long-term corruption. The episode also touches on broader trends in the Republican party, noting how Trump’s influence continues to reshape the political landscape by sidelining internal critics and enforcing strict loyalty within the party’s ranks.

Introducing Stateside with Kai and Carter: Stacey Abrams on why gutting US Voting Rights Act is ‘evil’

May 18, 202635 minSummary

In the inaugural episode of Stateside, hosts Kai Wright and Carter Sherman examine the recent Supreme Court rulings that have effectively dismantled the Voting Rights Act. The hosts express deep concern over how these legal changes have created chaos in midterm elections, particularly in Southern states like Louisiana and Tennessee, where redistricting efforts have aggressively reduced the political representation of Black communities. The episode features a compelling conversation with Stacey Abrams, who discusses the profound implications of this judicial shift. Abrams frames the current landscape not merely as a partisan divide, but as a struggle against a growing trend of authoritarianism. While she acknowledges the gravity of these setbacks, comparing them to historical low points like Plessy v. Ferguson, she rejects the notion that the fight for democracy is over. Instead, she advocates for a shift from optimism to determination. Abrams emphasizes that the path forward requires building robust local coalitions, meticulous organizing, and the long-term work of expanding the electorate. By reframing voting rights as an essential, non-partisan battle for representation, the discussion serves as a call to action for listeners to remain engaged despite systemic efforts to discourage political participation.

Does Trump basically own the US supreme court now?

May 8, 202627 minSummary

In this episode of Politics Weekly America, host Jonathan Friedland explores the growing perception that the United States Supreme Court has become a partisan extension of Donald Trump’s political agenda. Joined by law professor and author Leah Littman, the discussion centers on a recent, high-stakes voting rights ruling, Louisiana versus Calais. Littman argues that the decision effectively guts the Voting Rights Act by permitting states to prioritize partisan redistricting even when such actions disproportionately disenfranchise voters of color. She characterizes the court’s logic as an attempt to reframe civil rights protections as forms of racial discrimination, a move she describes as both hypocritical and legally unprecedented. The conversation further examines the court's recent activity through the lens of institutional integrity. While the bench has occasionally ruled against the Trump administration on matters like trade tariffs or administrative stays, Littman contends that these decisions reflect tactical maneuvering rather than genuine independence from Republican interests. The episode also touches on the potential implications for future cases regarding birthright citizenship and reproductive rights, concluding with a sobering assessment that the Supreme Court now functions as a deeply partisan institution, leaving the future of American constitutional democracy in a precarious state.

Why do people believe the Trump assassination attempts are fake?

May 1, 202625 minSummary

In this episode of Politics Weekly America, host Jonathan Friedland and Guardian US politics correspondent Rachel Leingang explore the alarming rise of conspiracy theories surrounding recent assassination attempts on Donald Trump. Following a security incident at the White House Correspondents Dinner, the hosts discuss the immediate public impulse to dismiss such events as hoaxes. They analyze why segments of the population—and even some high-profile political figures—reflexively label these attacks as staged political theater rather than authentic threats. The conversation highlights how deep-seated institutional distrust, polarized political landscapes, and the financial incentives of the digital attention economy fuel these narratives. Leingang shares her firsthand experience of the chaos in the ballroom, noting that the normalization of political violence in America has led to a disturbing sense of desensitization. The discussion also touches on how Donald Trump’s own shifting political identity and his supporters' complex relationship with his leadership contribute to this skepticism. Ultimately, the episode argues that these conspiracy theories serve as a convenient distraction from the more difficult, systemic challenges facing American democracy, including the erosion of the First Amendment and the breakdown of shared reality in a fractured nation.