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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

President Trump asks Supreme Court to uphold tariffs

President Donald Trump speaks during an event to announce new tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House, on April 2, 2025, in Washington. Mark Schiefelbein/AP hide caption

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Mark Schiefelbein/AP

President Trump asks Supreme Court to uphold tariffs

President Trump has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold his authority to issue tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. We discuss the implications of a possible ruling — if the court strikes down his tariffs and if it says Trump’s tariffs are legal.

President Trump Asks Supreme Court To Uphold Tariffs

Listen · 15:42
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Sources & Methods: Navy cartel strike, China's power flex

The U.S. Navy warship USS Sampson docks at a port in Panama City, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. Matias Delacroix/AP hide caption

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Matias Delacroix/AP

Sources & Methods: Navy cartel strike, China's power flex

Today, we're sharing another episode from NPR's newest podcast, Sources & Methods. Each Thursday, host Mary Louise Kelly breaks down the week's biggest national security news with NPR's team of reporters covering the military, State Department, and spy agencies. NPR correspondents stationed around the world also join the conversation. 

Sources & Methods: Navy cartel strike, China's power flex

Listen · 22:20
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Trump administration interpretation of Civil Rights Act reshapes public schools

Students mix in a hallway as they change classes at Topeka High school on May 10, 2024, in Topeka, Kan. Charlie Riedel/AP hide caption

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Charlie Riedel/AP

Trump administration interpretation of Civil Rights Act reshapes public schools

President Trump pledged to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, but his administration is also using the department’s Office for Civil Rights to pressure local school districts to adhere to Trump’s political views. We discuss these tactics and how they fit into a broader culture war. 

Trump Administration Interpretation Of Civil Rights Act Reshapes Public Schools

Listen · 25:08
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Court says Trump can’t use 18th-century law to deport Venezuelan immigrants

Inmates attend a class on social behavior from inside their shared cell during a press tour of the Terrorism Confinement Center, or CECOT, in Tecololuca, El Salvador, on Oct. 12, 2023. Salvador Melendez/AP hide caption

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Salvador Melendez/AP

Court says Trump can’t use 18th-century law to deport Venezuelan immigrants

A federal appeals court ruled this week that the Trump administration may not use the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan immigrants without going through normal legal processes. We discuss the implications of that ruling and of the administration’s use of military lawyers as temporary immigration judges. 

Court Says Trump Can’t Use 18th-Century Law To Deport Venezuelan Immigrants

Listen · 15:20
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Trump says D.C. is now ‘crime free.’ What’s the reality?

National Guard soldiers patrol outside Union Station in Washington, on Sept. 2, 2025. Jose Luis Magana/AP hide caption

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Jose Luis Magana/AP

Trump says D.C. is now ‘crime free.’ What’s the reality?

After nearly a month of federal law enforcement and military personnel patrolling the streets of Washington, D.C., President Trump says the District is a “crime-free zone.” We discuss what’s really going on in the city, as well as the pressures on the majority Democratic city’s Democratic mayor.

Trump Says D.C. Is Now ‘Crime Free.’ What’s The Reality?

Listen · 20:43
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Why aren’t more young Republicans running for Congress?

Lawmakers gather in the House chamber for a joint session of Congress to certify the votes from the Electoral College in the presidential election, at the Capitol in Washington, on Jan. 6, 2025. J. Scott Applewhite/AP hide caption

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J. Scott Applewhite/AP

Why aren’t more young Republicans running for Congress?

Congress members have returned to Washington, as have partisan fights over Jeffrey Epstein and a possible government shutdown. We discuss what to expect on Capitol Hill, as well as why more young Republicans aren’t running for Congress. 

Why Aren’t More Young Republicans Running For Congress?

Listen · 17:07
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Sources & Methods: Trump's DC takeover, Ukraine, fired spy chief

Members of the National Guard stand next to an armored vehicle outside Union Station on August 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. J. Scott Applewhite/AP hide caption

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J. Scott Applewhite/AP

Sources & Methods: Trump's DC takeover, Ukraine, fired spy chief

Today, we're excited to share an episode from NPR's newest podcast, Sources & Methods. Each Thursday, host Mary Louise Kelly breaks down the week's biggest national security news with NPR's team of reporters covering the military, State Department, and spy agencies. NPR correspondents stationed around the world also join the conversation. 

Sources & Methods: Trump's DC takeover, Ukraine, fired spy chief

Listen · 33:18
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How Trump is remaking culture to fit his worldview

President Donald Trump stands beside photos of Kennedy Center Honors nominees from left showing actor-singer Michael Crawford and "Rocky" actor Sylvester Stallone, on Aug. 13, 2025. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

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Alex Brandon/AP

How Trump is remaking culture to fit his worldview

President Trump has made unprecedented moves to influence American culture, from taking broadcast corporations to court to his efforts to control the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Smithsonian Institution. We discuss what could be motivating these efforts and what impact they’re having on arts and culture.

How Trump Is Remaking Culture To Fit His Worldview

Listen · 24:05
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Most GOP Congress members are avoiding town halls, but one held 15 in a week

Republican Rep. Mark Alford addresses attendees at a town hall on Aug. 25, 2025, in Bolivar, Mo. Charlie Riedel/AP hide caption

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Charlie Riedel/AP

Most GOP Congress members are avoiding town halls, but one held 15 in a week

Most Republican members of Congress are shying away from holding town hall meetings, but Missouri Republican Mark Alford is bucking that trend. We discuss what goes on at Alford’s events and why more Republicans aren’t holding big events in their districts.

Most GOP Congress Members Are Avoiding Town Halls, But One Held 15 In A Week

Listen · 12:55
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Many Latinos who backed Trump say they won't support Republicans next time

A sign is displayed at the "Latino Americans for Trump" office in Reading, Pa., on June 16, 2024. Luis Andres Henao/AP hide caption

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Luis Andres Henao/AP

Many Latinos who backed Trump say they won't support Republicans next time

Many Latinos who voted for President Trump in the last election say they are disappointed or even regret voting for him, according to recent polling. We discuss what’s behind the dissatisfaction and what it could mean for next year’s midterm elections. 

Many Latinos Who Backed Trump Say They Won't Support Republicans Next Time

Listen · 15:02
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