The Trump Trials: Sidebar
324 episodes - English - Latest episode: 20 days ago - ★★★★ - 4.4K ratingsThe Washington Post’s Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann gather for a weekly conversation about former president Donald Trump’s ongoing legal troubles. As trials loom in New York, Florida, Georgia and Washington, D.C., the team will break down the most important – and historic – twists and turns, all as Trump seeks a second term as president.
The crew will sit down each Thursday (with the occasional breaking news episode) to discuss what has happened that week, and what’s coming up the next week – often with guest appearances from Washington Post reporters. Listen in to see how you can submit your own questions for the team to answer.
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Episodes
Immunity
July 01, 2024 17:59On this special bonus episode, The Washington Post's Rhonda Colvin sits down with senior video journalist JM Rieger, columnist James Hohmann, video journalist Blair Guild and law enforcement reporter Tom Jackman to discuss the historic Supreme Court ruling that gives former president Trump – and every president – broad immunity from prosecution for official acts. The crew breaks down what the court's ruling means for Trump and his ongoing legal cases, what actually constitutes an official ...
The age-old debate
June 28, 2024 19:04On this week's episode, The Washington Post's Libby Casey is joined by James Hohmann, Rhonda Colvin and JM Rieger to discuss the first presidential debate. The crew breaks down President Biden's shaky performance, how Trump addressed his felony conviction and ongoing legal issues, and how the debate could affect the presidential race. Plus, the Supreme Court has ruled on a key case brought by a Jan. 6 defendant who argued he shouldn't have been charged with obstructing an official proceedin...
The calm before the storm
June 20, 2024 22:39On this week's episode, the crew discusses former president Donald Trump's upcoming busy month, from Supreme Court decisions to the first presidential debate. The Washington Post's Libby Casey sits down with senior video journalist JM Rieger to discuss the Supreme Court and several Trump-related cases that could be decided in the coming days – and how the decisions the court makes could reshape presidential power in America. Then, national political reporter Isaac Arnsdorf joins the show t...
The Capitol Hill Club
June 13, 2024 23:01On this week's episode, The Washington Post's Libby Casey and James Hohmann sit down with reporters Devlin Barrett and Perry Stein, co-authors of The Trump Trials newsletter, to discuss where things stand on former president Donald Trump's many legal issues. First up: What did Trump hope to accomplish in his first return to Capitol Hill since the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol? Plus, a breakdown of Trump's schedule over the next few months, from the sentencing hearing for his New York c...
Fallout
June 06, 2024 22:38The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann discuss the fallout from former president Donald Trump's New York trial, in which he was found guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. In the week since his conviction, Trump has raised a huge amount of money, and received the public backing of most prominent elected Republicans. He's scheduled to be sentenced on July 11. And looming over all of it is the Supreme Court, which can't overturn Trump's New Yor...
Guilty
May 31, 2024 04:56On this bonus episode, the crew reacts to the guilty verdict against Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a hush money payment to an adult-film actress. The Washington Post's Libby Casey and James Hohmann, with Rhonda Colvin outside the Manhattan courthouse, are joined by special guests Dan Balz, chief correspondent, and Robin Givhan, senior critic-at-large. Plus, will Trump go to jail? Can he still run for president – and can he vote for himself? Read more in The T...
Jury's out
May 30, 2024 13:39This week, the crew discusses the closing arguments from both the prosecution and defense in Trump's New York trial. Justice Department reporter Perry Stein joins Libby Casey and James Hohmann in the studio, while Rhonda Colvin reports from outside the Manhattan courthouse. Plus, what were the legal instructions that Justice Juan Merchan gave the jury? And when there's a verdict, join us on WashingtonPost.com for live video coverage. A new episode of The Trump Trials: Sidebar will publish ...
Verdict incoming
May 23, 2024 21:54This week, the crew dives into the strongest parts of the prosecution's case against former president Donald Trump in his New York Trial – and the parts of the case that might not be as strong. Law enforcement reporters Shayna Jacobs and Devlin Barrett join the show to break down what will happen after the jury returns from a full week off from the trial: Final arguments, jury instructions, and then jury deliberations. Plus, what are the possible outcomes when the jury returns a verdict? ...
Take a Friend to Court Day
May 16, 2024 23:31This week, the crew discusses former Trump attorney Michael Cohen's testimony and cross-examination by defense lawyers – and whether Cohen ended up being the star witness prosecutors hoped for. Law enforcement reporter Tom Jackman joins the show to discuss what he's seen in court, whether the jury is likely to believe Cohen's testimony, and the tight-rope Justice Juan Merchan has walked in trying to control Trump. Plus, a whole host of Republican politicians have attended court this week t...
Special episode: The Fixer
May 13, 2024 21:06The crew gathers for a special Monday episode all about former Trump attorney Michael Cohen, who was called to testify in Trump's New York trial by prosecutors on Monday morning. Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann sit down with political investigations reporter Peter Jamison to discuss Cohen's past as Trump's self-described "fixer," and Cohen's claims that he has changed since leaving Trump's employment. Plus, national security and law enforcement reporter Devlin Barrett returns ...
Stormy and the bookkeepers
May 09, 2024 22:42On this week's episode, the crew discusses adult film actress Stormy Daniels' testimony about her sexual encounter with the former president, and whether the prosecution went too far in asking for specific details. And senior video journalist Jorge Ribas joins the show from outside the Manhattan courthouse where the trial is taking place, to reveal what it's like covering the trial and what reporters can actually see. Plus, video journalist Blair Guild joins the show to break down former ...
Hope on the horizon
May 02, 2024 22:00In this week's episode, the crew discusses Judge Juan Merchan's finding that former president Donald Trump is in contempt of court, the $9,000 fine he faces, and what could happen if he continues violating the gag order imposed by the court. Washington Post Senior National Political Correspondent Ashley Parker joins the show to talk about Hope Hicks, the former Trump aide who could be called to testify soon.
Co-conspirator #1
April 25, 2024 22:54In this week's episode, the crew discusses what's happened in former president Donald Trump's New York trial so far – and what we're hearing from witnesses. Washington Post reporter Devlin Barrett returns to take us inside the courtroom, while senior video journalist JM Rieger analyzes Trump's repetitive, falsehood-filled statements outside the courtroom. Read more in The Trump Trials newsletter.
Sleepy Don
April 18, 2024 10:00At the start of Trump's Manhattan criminal trial, the court needs 12 jurors and six alternates – but many times that number have been dismissed, for a whole variety of reasons, some mundane and others surprising. Seven have been sworn in so far, including a foreman. In our second episode, the crew discusses the jurors selected during the first two days in court. Plus, the dynamic between Trump's lawyers, Judge Juan Merchan and the former president himself is getting tense, with Merchan ster...
No cameras in court
April 15, 2024 21:48Former president Donald Trump arrived at the Manhattan criminal court on April 15 for a first: Charged with falsifying business records to hide a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, he becomes the first former president in U.S. history to be put on criminal trial. In our first episode, the crew discusses the first day of Trump's trial in the case brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and how jury selection could play out. Plus - why the trial won't be tele...
The Trump Trials: Sidebar
April 15, 2024 02:18 - 1.99 MBWhen The Washington Post started the "Can He Do That?" podcast, the U.S. faced unprecedented questions as former president Donald Trump pushed on the limits of presidential power. Now, his legal challenges raise new questions. The Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann will host a weekly conversation as trials loom in New York, Florida, Georgia and Washington, D.C. On the new show, "The Trump Trials: Sidebar," the hosts will break down the latest twists and turns as Trump cont...
Introducing: "The Campaign Moment"
March 29, 2024 20:35Check out The Campaign Moment, The Washington Post’s weekly politics roundtable to help you keep track of the biggest developments during the 2024 campaign. Senior political reporter Aaron Blake, who writes The Post’s new newsletter by the same name, and investigative political reporter Josh Dawsey join Martine Powers this week. They talk about how election denial is becoming more central to the RNC, what to make of this week’s NBC/Ronna McDaniel drama, the latest on efforts by a group tryin...
Introducing, "Impromptu"
March 07, 2024 15:19 - 2.29 MB“Impromptu” from Washington Post Opinions invites listeners to eavesdrop on our columnists as they have frank, thoughtful conversations on the news and cultural debates they can’t stop thinking about. Washington Post Opinions columnists want to bring you inside their conversations, before they start typing, to help you figure out your own point of view. If you've enjoyed the recent conversations among columnists that you've heard on this feed, you'll love "Impromptu." New episodes will be r...
Try This: Stop trying to fall asleep
December 11, 2023 17:08 - 8.76 MB“Try This” from The Washington Post is a series of audio courses designed to jump-start the parts of life where we can all use a few pointers — with pithy, snackable solutions you can easily use. Host Cristina Quinn brings exactly the right amount of motivation with her endearing enthusiasm and the curiosity to learn along with you. Each course is a quick and practical guide that provides new perspectives on the kinds of hurdles we all share. If you’ve been searching for the right place to s...
The Empty Grave of Comrade Bishop: ‘Somebody knows’
November 07, 2023 11:00Every 19th of October, Grenadians mark a somber anniversary: the 1983 execution of the country’s former prime minister and revolutionary leader, Maurice Bishop, and others who died alongside him. The people of this Caribbean nation still have no closure 40 years later. The remains of Bishop and his supporters were never returned to their family members and are missing to this day. In the first episode of “The Empty Grave of Comrade Bishop,” The Washington Post’s Martine Powers takes us on ...
Introducing “The Empty Grave of Comrade Bishop”
October 20, 2023 10:00 - 2.67 MBGrenada’s Black revolutionary leader, Maurice Bishop, was executed in a coup in 1983, along with seven others. The whereabouts of their remains are unknown. Now, The Washington Post’s Martine Powers uncovers new answers about how the U.S. fits into this 40-year-old Caribbean mystery. “The Empty Grave of Comrade Bishop” is an investigative podcast that delves into the revolutionary history of Grenada, why the missing remains still matter and the role the U.S. government played in shaping the...
Introducing “Field Trip”
June 21, 2023 10:30 - 3.28 MBJourney through the messy past and uncertain future of America’s national parks. The Washington Post’s Lillian Cunningham ventures off the marked trail to better understand the most urgent stories playing out in five iconic landscapes today. “Field Trip” is a new podcast series that will transport you to five national parks: Yosemite, Everglades, Glacier, White Sands and Gates of the Arctic. Follow the show wherever you listen.
Trump’s indicted. Now what?
March 31, 2023 21:45Former president Donald Trump has been indicted. We couldn't leave you hanging without an update from Post journalists. Here's today's 'Post Reports' episode that explains how the case could test the limits of our political and legal systems.
Check out The 7
December 09, 2022 12:33 - 6.11 MBOn The Post’s new podcast, "The 7," host Jeff Pierre takes you through the seven most important and interesting stories of the day. It's a way to get caught up in just a few minutes. It comes out every weekday at 7 a.m. Check it out today, then find and follow "The 7" so you're set for the new week! You can also read "The 7" here.
So… can he do that?
May 12, 2022 17:56 - 35.4 MBMore than five years later, what’s the answer to: “Can he do that?” What major lessons have we learned about the stability of our democracy and the limitations on presidential power? How have our systems been tested and how have they endured those tests? Related reading and links Trump, 2024 and the fragility of American democracy Biden’s struggle to tackle ‘four historic crises’ at once American democracy in ‘Peril’
A message from Allison
May 05, 2022 16:26 - 2.04 MBAllison shares some news about the future of the show. Plus, a request to hear from listeners.
“Broken Doors,” Episode 1
April 28, 2022 13:00 - 39 MBAn unusual warrant. A pattern of questionable no-knock raids. A reporting thread that just kept going. “Broken Doors” is a new investigative podcast series from The Washington Post. Hosted by Jenn Abelson and Nicole Dungca.
Is ‘defund the police’ dead for Democrats?
April 21, 2022 13:05Can Democrats clarify messaging on police reform? With states and cities taking police reform matters into their own hands, does the president run the risk of losing the support of the communities that played a huge part in getting him elected? Related reading and episodes Biden’s evolution on criminal justice Biden makes his midterm message clear: 'Fund the police’ The potentially dangerous politics of ‘defund the police’ for Democrats
Inside Biden’s Ukraine strategy
April 14, 2022 13:00How has President Biden's experience with Afghanistan informed his choices in Ukraine? We’ve explored Biden’s history with global leadership, war and American intervention. What can his foreign policy history tell us about Biden’s response in Europe now?
Introducing “Broken Doors”
April 11, 2022 13:00 - 3.79 MBAn unusual warrant. A pattern of questionable no-knock raids. A reporting thread that just kept going. “Broken Doors” is a new investigative podcast series from the Washington Post. Hosted by Jenn Abelson and Nicole Dungca.
Obama and Biden: It’s complicated
April 07, 2022 21:30President Biden and former President Obama have seen little of each other recently, despite an ostensibly close relationship. What does Obama's appearance at the White House say about the relationship? And will it yield the results Democrats hope for? Related reading and episodes And now, here’s your host — Barack Obama With Obama looking on, White House to open ACA plans to more families
What's stopping the DOJ from going after Trump?
March 31, 2022 18:13A federal judge ruled this week that then-President Donald Trump “more likely than not” committed federal crimes in trying to block President Biden’s election win on Jan. 6, 2021. What are the likely implications for Trump and the Justice Department? Justice Dept. expands Jan. 6 probe to look at rally prep, financing Judge: Trump ‘more likely than not’ committed crime Trump, 2024 and the fragility of American democracy
In Europe, Biden hopes to keep U.S. allies together
March 24, 2022 15:54President Biden is in Europe this week, making stops in Belgium and in Poland in hopes of keeping the Western alliance united and showcasing American leadership. How much further will the allies go in support of Ukraine? Biden heads to Europe to bolster the Western alliance Where Biden’s climate goals and a Russian oil ban collide Biden’s response to Putin’s invasion
Is it time for an independent probe into the pandemic response?
March 17, 2022 21:02Some lawmakers hope to set up an independent probe into the country’s pandemic response, after months of contentious and partisan oversight efforts in Congress. Would this probe avoid politics and help us understand how to fight future pandemics? Related reading and episodes Lawmakers push pandemic probe modeled on 9/11 Commission The mystery of the pandemic’s origins (and what it means for Biden)
Where Biden’s climate goals and a Russian oil ban collide
March 10, 2022 21:29President Biden pledged to move America’s climate reforms forward. How can he ensure that the U.S. has enough oil supply to keep prices from surging, while also ensuring that efforts to obtain that oil don’t infringe on his climate promises? Here’s where Russian oil flows How the invasion of Ukraine scrambles American energy politics Biden’s climate agenda is bold. Is it enough?
Biden lays out a new path for Democrats. Is it too late?
March 03, 2022 19:36President Biden is trying to refocus messaging around Democrats' accomplishments. Is it too late for a political course correction with such little time before the midterms? Biden’s made his priorities clear, but will the Democratic party follow suit? Blue states are moving on from the pandemic. Can Biden? Biden’s struggle to tackle ‘four historic crises’ at once
Ketanji Brown Jackson’s path to the court — between confrontation and compromise
February 25, 2022 22:10President Biden’s choice of Judge Jackson fulfills his campaign promise to nominate the first Black woman to the Supreme Court. She spent years overcoming obstacles by finding the middle ground. Biden’s Supreme Court nominee overcame obstacles by finding middle ground How can the Supreme Court maintain impartiality in America's modern political climate?
Biden’s response to Putin’s invasion
February 24, 2022 22:54Russia launched a full-scale attack against Ukraine in what U.S. officials say is an attempt to topple the democratically-elected, pro-Western government. The U.S. and its allies responded with massive sanctions. Will they work to deter Russia? Live updating coverage of the situation in Ukraine Why we’re talking about Ukraine… again
Road tripping through a divided state
February 17, 2022 22:47With the midterm elections on the horizon, both parties are searching for ways to connect with voters. But what if the thing voters want most is for politics to stop feeling like an existential death match? A reporter looks for answers in Virginia. Related reading and episodes What Does Virginia Want Now? Are we too divided for unity?
Blue states are moving on from the pandemic. Can Biden?
February 10, 2022 21:06The White House is in a tough spot as Democratic governors begin lifting mask mandates. How long will President Biden hold out while facing pressure from his own party? And what accounts for the discrepancy between state governments and CDC guidance? Biden mandates vaccines for millions. Can he do that? Biden vs. the delta variant Mask mandates continue to fall as Fauci says U.S. may be approaching ‘normality’
Trump, 2024 and the fragility of American democracy
February 03, 2022 20:59New details emerged about former president Trump's actions in the aftermath of the 2020 election. Plus, he made some new claims about the electoral process. How might the week's news affect a potential 2024 run and the cracks in American democracy? The state of Trump’s affairs McCarthy walks the Trump tightrope American democracy in ‘Peril’
Why we’re talking about Ukraine… again
January 27, 2022 21:19What’s likely to happen next with this intensifying U.S.-Russia conflict? How is Biden’s approach with Ukraine different than past presidents? And why does Ukraine seem to come up over and over again in modern American politics? Biden faces no easy options on Ukraine The presidential power to strike Biden vowed a smooth exit from Afghanistan. Now what?
Biden’s struggle to tackle ‘four historic crises’ at once
January 21, 2022 00:37After one year in office — with the country still facing several historic crises, simultaneously — Washington Post reporters set out to answer this question: What has Biden done about the four crises he pledged to address? Related reading and episodes After one year in office, what has Biden done about the four crises he pledged to address? ‘A lack of decorum’: Congress in 2021 One year (almost) of Biden’s America
Not everyone’s sold on Biden’s voting rights push. Will it work?
January 13, 2022 20:19President Biden once said the filibuster was an important part of the legislative process. Now, he's urging changes to get legislation passed. How far will his words go in convincing Senate Democrats? Can he change the future of our election laws? ‘A lack of decorum’: Congress in 2021 One year (almost) of Biden’s America Biden promised unity. Voters are still divided.
A son's death, Jan. 6, and a congressman's mission
January 07, 2022 22:37On Jan. 5, 2021, Rep. Jamie Raskin buried his only son. The next day he witnessed firsthand the attack on the Capitol. As we mark a year since the insurrection, we look at how Raskin dealt with his son’s death while serving on democracy’s front lines.
One year later, has Biden’s DOJ brought enough justice?
January 06, 2022 23:09Where things stand one year after the Jan. 6 attacks on the Capitol? How much has Biden’s administration done to understand what led to the events of that day? And how far has it gone to prevent another major attack on our democracy? Related reading A year later, are the guardrails that protect democracy real or illusory? The attack on the Capitol: A guide to what we now know
The Exit
December 22, 2021 17:00In the last episode of our series from October about President Biden and the War in Afghanistan, he takes the reins as commander-in-chief and withdraws U.S. forces. Biden rethinks his stance on military intervention and America’s role in the world.
The War
December 21, 2021 17:00In the second episode of our October series about President Biden and the War in Afghanistan, we look at the years after the Sept. 11 attacks when Biden called for a major nation-building effort. Over time, though, he begins to doubt his own instincts.
The Senator
December 20, 2021 15:26On the 20th anniversary of the first U.S. strikes on Afghanistan, this three-part series explores President Biden's career as it intertwines with the war there. He ultimately chose to end the ‘forever war.’ But what role did he have in starting it?
‘A lack of decorum’: Congress in 2021
December 16, 2021 20:42Where did Congress succeed this year and where did our governing body fall short? What does party extremism in the Capitol mean for gridlock? And is the existing American system still the best means to govern our country? Related episodes and reading One year (almost) of Biden’s America Prices are going up. Can Biden bring them down? Are we too divided for unity?