The Trump Trials: Sidebar
324 episodes - English - Latest episode: 21 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
Are we too divided for unity?
December 09, 2021 19:49President Biden pledged to unify the country, and to do it amid tense racial and cultural division. How far has Biden come on that promise? Will he move toward more aggressively tackling social issues in year 2? Related episodes and reading One year (almost) of Biden’s America Prices are going up. Can Biden bring them down? Biden promised unity. Voters are still divided.
One year (almost) of Biden’s America
December 02, 2021 22:51President Biden ran on the promise of returning the nation back to"normal." How far has Biden come? Washington Post White House reporters Ashley Parker, Annie Linskey and Sean Sullivan chat about where things stand nearly a year into Biden's presidency. Prices are going up. Can Biden bring them down? Biden’s climate agenda is bold. Is it enough? Biden vowed a smooth exit from Afghanistan. Now what?
The state of Trump’s affairs
November 24, 2021 14:00A close look at the state of Donald Trump post-presidency — his businesses, his finances, the ongoing criminal investigations into his actions and how all of those things could affect a potential political comeback.
Prices are going up. Can Biden bring them down?
November 18, 2021 19:32What levers do presidents have to slow inflation? How much of our current economic situation can be attributed to President Biden’s policies and what can he really do to change the course of the American economy in the months ahead? Inflation emerges as defining economic challenge of Biden presidency White House takes aim at oil industry as gas prices create economic and politics rifts
Are Biden's vaccine mandates an overreach of presidential power?
November 11, 2021 14:00Now that the Biden administration has released rules for vaccine and testing mandates, court battles are starting to heat up. The Post’s labor reporter, and a legal expert, weigh in on what the future might hold for Biden’s vaccine workforce rules. Related episodes and reading Biden mandates vaccines for millions. Can he do that? Legal battle over Biden’s vax-or-test mandate for businesses is just beginning GOP-appointed judges freeze Biden vaccine requirement after federal lawsuit
Biden promised unity. Voters are still divided.
November 03, 2021 21:02In a major upset for Democrats Tuesday, Republican Glenn Youngkin eked out a victory in Virginia’s gubernatorial race. Today, we look at the results of that election, and others, to understand the nation one year after the divisive 2020 elections. Elections spur doubts for Biden’s agenda, party’s outlook A sobering reality hits Democrats
McCarthy walks the Trump tightrope
October 28, 2021 19:30McCarthy says he can recapture the House, but navigating an unpredictable former President Trump and keeping donors happy at the same time is sizable challenge. McCarthy wants to win in 2022 and unify the Republican party. Can he do that? Would-be speaker Kevin McCarthy walks the Trump tightrope, pursuing a GOP House The voter-fraud allegation that perfectly captures the post-2020 Republican Party One big threat to Biden’s agenda: The map
The Exit
October 21, 2021 15:59In the last episode of our series about President Biden and the War in Afghanistan, he takes the reins as commander-in-chief and withdraws U.S. forces. Ultimately, Biden rethinks his stance on military intervention and America’s role in the world. Listen to Part One: The Senator and Part Two: The War.
The War
October 14, 2021 16:00In the second episode of our 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. Related links: Part One: The Senator
American democracy in ‘Peril’
September 30, 2021 19:44Journalists Bob Woodward and Robert Costa uncovered details about the tumultuous transition of power from President Trump to President Biden in their new book, "Peril." They reveal how close we came to constitutional and international crises. Top general was fearful Trump might spark war, new book says Thousands have been evacuated from Afghanistan. Where will they go? The presidential power to strike
Biden’s climate agenda is bold. Is it enough?
September 23, 2021 13:00In this episode, as President Biden address the U.N. for the first time since taking office, we revisit a conversation from August about the climate’s "unprecedented" state and Biden’s big goals toward repairing it. Can his agenda succeed?
Biden mandates vaccines for millions. Can he do that?
September 16, 2021 13:00How can vaccine mandates effectively be enforced across the country? What precedent is there in history and law? And how do Americans and business owners feel about President Biden's executive orders mandating immunization? Biden announces sweeping new vaccine mandates for businesses, federal workers Biden’s ratings sag and workers split on vaccine mandates, Post-ABC poll finds
America’s Song, Part 2
September 10, 2021 16:00With his performance of “God Bless America” during Game 3 of the 2001 World Series, New York City Police Department Officer Daniel Rodriguez comforted a nation still grieving in the wake of 9/11. It felt like a timeless moment. Instead, it proved fleeting. Twenty years later, the reasons for that tell a sad American story of political divisions and the embellished patriotism that now polarizes sports. The weight of it all can be felt through the struggles of Rodriguez, a man still trying to ...
America’s Song, Part 1
September 09, 2021 18:00With his performance of “God Bless America” during Game 3 of the 2001 World Series, New York City Police Department Officer Daniel Rodriguez comforted a nation still grieving in the wake of 9/11. It felt like a timeless moment. Instead, it proved fleeting. Twenty years later, the reasons for that tell a sad American story of political divisions and the embellished patriotism that now polarizes sports. The weight of it all can be felt through the struggles of Rodriguez, a man still trying to ...
The presidential power to strike
September 02, 2021 19:48How much power should the president have to act unilaterally on drone strikes? And how will that question define a new era of U.S. warfare? Plus, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) weighs in on the balance between the president and Congress on war powers. Biden vowed a smooth exit from Afghanistan. Now what? Thousands have been evacuated from Afghanistan. Where will they go?
Thousands have been evacuated from Afghanistan. Where will they go?
August 26, 2021 18:47The Biden administration faces a big challenge as they try to resettle Afghanistan refugees, and while also ensuring each person arriving to the U.S. undergoes significant security checks. The political debate around what happens next has started to heat up. Biden vowed a smooth exit from Afghanistan. Now what? Biden headed for divisive debate over resettlement of Afghanistan refugees Americans prepare to welcome thousands of Afghan refugees, even as political rhetoric heats up
Biden vowed a smooth exit from Afghanistan. Now what?
August 19, 2021 19:01Biden sold himself as the experienced leader to undo Trump’s foreign policy missteps. But his push to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan and the ensuing chaos has called that claim into question. Is this moment a test for Biden? And is he passing? Biden’s promise to restore competence to the presidency is undercut by chaos in Afghanistan Post Reports: A disastrous American exit Biden says ‘America is back’ on the world stage. Is it?
One big threat to Biden’s agenda: The map
August 05, 2021 19:12The 2022 midterm elections are still more than a year away. But the battle to win those races has already begun in the form of redrawing legislative and congressional districts. What can we learn about which party will emerge with the greatest advantage? Related episodes and reading ‘How to Flip the House’ series Not the'normal' Washington Biden promised How a voting law ignited a culture war
The future of the Jan. 6 commission
July 29, 2021 21:10The ongoing probe may have implications for the 2022 midterm race and for President Biden’s promise to tackle white supremacist violence. What might findings reveal about where the U.S. is headed? And what can the hearings tell us about what’s to come? Republicans voice opposition to Jan. 6 investigation as police officers call for accountability Will Trump stop Congress from obtaining documents and testimonies? What happens when a president asserts executive privilege?
Biden vs. the delta variant
July 22, 2021 20:27 - 27.5 MBThe delta variant raises new challenges for the Biden administration: Will they change their approach to masking? What steps can they take to combat vaccine disinformation and get more Americans vaccinated? And is the economy at risk of another meltdown? Vaccine hesitancy at home, desperation abroad The mystery of the pandemic’s origins(and what it means for Biden) White House officials debate masking push as covid infections spike
Should the U.S. government still invest in space?
July 15, 2021 20:58How does NASA fit in when billionaires fly to space? What are Biden’s plans for the space agency and how much of Trump’s initiatives does he plan to continue? And, ultimately, why should the government still invest in space exploration at all? Related episodes and reading As China’s space ambitions grow, NASA tells Congress it needs more money to compete Everything you need to know about going to space
Inside the Trump White House during the pandemic response
July 08, 2021 16:58On this episode, Post Reports host Martine Powers talks to two Post reporters who reported on chaos in the early days of the pandemic including details about how sick President Trump was and his proposal to send infected Americans to Guantánamo. Inside the extraordinary effort to save Trump from covid-19 Trump and science: An erosion of our institutions, in public and behind the scenes The president’s desperate push to reopen America
What makes a president a good (or bad) leader?
July 01, 2021 20:15As Americans celebrates the country's founding, we examine the presidency. How is a president’s leadership measured over time, and how do cultural moments change our historical perception? We offer insight from C-SPAN's Presidential Historians Survey. 'The Framers would not recognize the modern presidency.’ Promises made. Promises kept? C-SPAN’s Presidential Historians Survey 2021
Biden’s evolution on criminal justice
June 24, 2021 20:01The Biden administration is supporting a bill that would end the sentencing disparity in crack and powder cocaine offenses. But that disparity exists largely because of bills President Biden spearheaded in 80s and 90s. How much has Biden evolved? How an early Biden crime bill created the sentencing disparity for crack and cocaine trafficking Biden administration endorses bill to end disparity in drug sentencing between crack and powder cocaine Menthol cigarettes kill more Black Americans....
Washington’s revolving door hits Biden on the way in
June 17, 2021 20:55President Biden promised a government where“public servants serve all Americans, not themselves or narrow special interests.” But one set of brothers pose a challenge to Biden's efforts to return to transparency and accountability in government. Related reading and episodes Lobbyist brother of top Biden adviser poses challenge to president’s ethics promises Not the'normal' Washington Biden promised
Biden says ‘America is back’ on the world stage. Is it?
June 10, 2021 20:40Can Biden rally the world’s democracies to meet today's challenges? And what might this trip reveal about the Biden foreign policy doctrine? On this episode, White House reporter Anne Gearan weighs in from Europe, as she travels with President Biden. Related reading and episodes Biden’s personal diplomacy to be tested on his first trip abroad Opinion: Joe Biden: My trip to Europe is about America rallying the world’s democracies Biden, Boris Johnson release updated Atlantic Charter after...
The mystery of the pandemic’s origins (and what it means for Biden)
June 03, 2021 19:29What are the geopolitical implications of the intelligence community"redoubling its efforts" to identify the pandemic's origins? And what are the political challenges for President Biden in acknowledging a theory once touted by the Trump administration? Vaccine hesitancy at home, desperation abroad Coronavirus‘lab leak’ theory jumps from mocked to maybe as Biden orders intelligence review Timeline: How the Wuhan lab-leak theory suddenly became credible
Biden wants to end housing discrimination. Can he do that?
May 20, 2021 16:00Discrimination is built into the American housing crisis. We examine the limits of President Biden's power to fix it, in this second episode in our occasional series about the policy challenges that President Biden faces during his first year in office. Promises made. Promises kept? How Biden stimulus bill will target homelessness Marcia Fudge confirmed as first Black woman to lead HUD in more than 40 years
Not the “normal” Washington Biden promised
May 13, 2021 21:41Are the divisions within the Republican party causing real problems for Biden’s goals? And if he’s forced to move his agenda forward with only the help of his own party, how might Democratic factions and party discord make that more difficult? Related reading and episodes Promises made. Promises kept? As Biden faces a struggle to hold the Senate, Democrats’ divisions resurface The fight over Liz Cheney and Donald Trump is just beginning
Not the 'normal' Washington Biden promised
May 13, 2021 21:41Are the divisions within the Republican party causing real problems for Biden’s goals? And if he’s forced to move his agenda forward with only the help of his own party, how might Democratic factions and party discord make that more difficult? Related reading and episodes Promises made. Promises kept? As Biden faces a struggle to hold the Senate, Democrats’ divisions resurface The fight over Liz Cheney and Donald Trump is just beginning
Vaccine hesitancy at home, desperation abroad
May 06, 2021 21:26As the president lays out a new vaccine strategy at home, how much can Biden also do to help curb the spread of coronavirus around the world? And what do the challenges with U.S. vaccine hesitancy mean for supply here -- and abroad? Related reading and episodes Biden commits to waiving vaccine patents White House is split over how to vaccinate the world Will Biden get you a vaccine?
Promises made. Promises kept?
April 29, 2021 19:31One hundred days into the Biden administration, how far has the president come on his campaign pledges? Biden promised a new way of governing, so has much changed? Reporter Matt Viser unpacks President Biden's progress and what's next on his agenda. Related reading and episodes Biden’s big bet on big government Biden signed a $1.9 trillion bill. How much relief will Americans feel? Biden urges expansion of government services, setting up struggle with GOP
Menthol cigarettes kill more Black Americans. Should Biden ban them?
April 22, 2021 22:15Will the Biden administration be able to strike a balance between politics and public health to regulate menthol cigarettes? And what are the implications if it does? We explain the pending decision and unravel the history of menthol marketing. Related reading and episodes Biden’s big bet on big government FDA weighs ban on menthol cigarettes
Will the president cancel student debt?
April 15, 2021 13:00Sen. Elizabeth Warren, an economist, and a student all weigh in on what to do — or not — about student debt, in this first episode in our occasional series about the policy challenges that President Biden might face during his first year in office. Related reading and episodes The faces of student debt Biden at odds with Democratic leaders over lawmakers’ call to cancel up to $50,000 in federal student debt
How a voting law ignited a culture war
April 08, 2021 18:19The political power of culture wars Republicans ramp up attacks on corporations over Georgia voting law, threaten‘consequences’ The Georgia voting law, explained
Biden’s big bet on big government
April 01, 2021 19:17How did Biden become a president with an ambitious agenda for major government expansion? Where will his proposals position him in history? And is he likely to accomplish much of what he’s put forth? The Post’s Dan Balz weighs in. Related reading and episodes Biden is betting on bigger government. The pandemic may be helping him. Biden signed a $1.9 trillion bill. How much relief will Americans feel?
Do presidents have the power to stop mass shootings?
March 25, 2021 16:10After tragedies in Colorado and Georgia, Biden has pledged to tighten gun laws. But the country has been here before, in the aftermath of mass shootings. Regardless of which party is in power, little reform has happened. Will this time be different? Related reading and episodes How much can a president affect gun policy? Shootings spur Biden to call for tighter gun rules
The political power of culture wars
March 18, 2021 22:36We examine why transgender rights have risen to the forefront of our politics, and what the history of the modern Republican party reveals about how social issue battles work as a political tool, with reporter Samantha Schmidt and professor Brian Conley. Related reading and episodes A transgender girl struggles to find her voice as lawmakers attack her right to exist Transgender rights emerge as a growing political flash point The Biden era begins
Biden signed a $1.9 trillion bill. How much relief will Americans feel?
March 11, 2021 23:15Will low income Americans feel their lives change in tangible ways? On the other hand, might a fast-growing economy cause big problems? Plus, how might Biden make sure Americans know the government is responsible for some of economic changes they see? Related reading and episodes How to fix our democracy? Start in Kindergarten. Will Biden get you a vaccine? Biden wants to sell the stimulus. The White House is still figuring out how.
How to fix our democracy? Start in Kindergarten.
March 04, 2021 23:20A new report draws a line from today’s civics crises to a long-standing failure to effectively teach American government and history in our public schools. On this episode, we explain what the potential outcomes for civic engagement. Related reading and episodes Biden’s shifting benchmarks for reopening schools Investment civics education proposed to address eroding trust in democracy The Biden era begins
Reshaping the role of the Justice Department
February 26, 2021 00:34Can Attorney General nominee Merrick Garland rebuild confidence in the DOJ's independence? How might his efforts on Biden policies like combating far-right extremism and curbing police violence make the perception of an independent DOJ harder? Related reading and episodes The duty of a president during crisis Trump incited a mob. American Democracy suffered. How the Oklahoma City bombing case prepared Garland to take on domestic terrorism
Biden’s shifting benchmarks for reopening schools
February 18, 2021 23:42Can President Biden come through on this promise of reopening most schools within his first 100 days? How much can the president influence when and how schools welcome students back into the classroom? And what are the political consequences? Related reading and episodes Will Biden get you a vaccine? Biden’s goal to reopen schools meets high-stakes political test The battle over reopening schools
The duty of a president during crisis
February 12, 2021 01:11Some of the arguments in Trump's second impeachment trial get at the core of presidential responsibilities. We examine two of them to clarify the duties of a president during crisis and to understand how free speech applies to the commander in chief. -- Virtual event information: Want something fun to do on Presidents’ Day when you can’t leave the house? Join Presidential podcast host Lillian Cunningham for a(free!)'Presidential' trivia night with special guests, fun prizes, plus a demo of...
Biden says he wants to reunite migrant families. It won’t be easy.
February 04, 2021 23:41Families are still separated years after President Trump's policy ended. Latin America correspondent Kevin Sieff on the experiences of some migrant families. Plus, immigration policy expert Ali Noorani explains what it would take to reunite families. Related reading and episodes They were one of the first families separated at the border. Two and a half years later, they’re still apart. Will Biden get you a vaccine? The Biden era begins
Will Biden get you a vaccine?
January 29, 2021 00:31How much power does Biden have to affect vaccine distribution and where is his power limited? What role should the federal government play in the process? Plus, officials on the ground explain what it's like to work to get vaccines to their communities. If you enjoy this podcast and you’d like to support the reporting that goes into it, the best way to do so is through a subscription to The Post. A subscription gets you unlimited access to everything we publish, from breaking news to baking...
The Biden era begins
January 21, 2021 23:48President Biden campaigned on a promise to fix what’s broken, to repair divisions, to pull the country out of sickness, and to restore norms and institutions that were pillars of the Washington in which he built his career. Can he do that? Related reading and episodes What’s next for Trump? The 46th president Biden pledges to defeat extremism and culture of lies If you enjoy this podcast and you’d like to support the reporting that goes into it, the best way to do so is through a subsc...
What’s next for Trump?
January 14, 2021 20:44President Trump's businesses are taking a hit, he's been impeached a second time and he might face legal challenges after he leaves office. Reporter David Fahrenthold answers questions about what’s next for Trump. Related reading and episodes One impeachment is rare. Two is unprecedented. Trump incited a mob. American Democracy suffered. Does Trump’s refusal to concede put national security at risk?
One impeachment is rare. Two is unprecedented.
January 12, 2021 21:28Why impeach a president who is on his way out? When would a Senate trial start? Can President Trump be convicted after he leaves office? What does this mean for the GOP? Author of The Post’s Power Up newsletter, Jacqueline Alemany, answers key questions. Related reading and episodes Trump incited a mob. American Democracy suffered. Does Trump’s refusal to concede put national security at risk? What happens if Trump refuses to accept a loss?
Trump incited a mob. American Democracy suffered.
January 07, 2021 23:29The breach of the U.S. Capitol was a remarkable moment in American history. Professor Sarah Binder explains how the usually uneventful vote was expected to unfold, and reporter Philip Bump lays out the challenges a divided GOP faces in the aftermath. Related reading and episodes Does Trump’s refusal to concede put national security at risk? What happens if Trump refuses to accept a loss? Two different stories of American unrest
How can the Supreme Court maintain impartiality in America's modern political climate?
December 29, 2020 12:30Over the holiday break, we're bringing back an old episode that has resonance today. What happens to the public's perceived independence of the Supreme Court when confirmation processes devolve into partisan battles? Original air date: October 5, 2018