Former Trump administration national security adviser John Bolton, arrives for his arraignment at the Greenbelt Federal Courthouse in Greenbelt, Md., on Oct. 17, 2025. Rod Lamkey/Associated Press hide caption
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
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
NPR
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
Voters arrive at the 146-year-old Buck Creek School to vote on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in rural Perry, Kan. Charlie Riedel/Associated Press hide caption
The financial pressures weighing on young rural voters
The Financial Pressures Weighing On Young Rural Voters
A sign that reads "Closed due to federal government shutdown," is seen outside of the National Gallery of Art on the 6th day of the government shutdown, in Washington, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. Jose Luis Magana/AP hide caption
How one consequence of the government shutdown may mess up more than you think
How One Consequence Of The Government Shutdown May Mess Up More Than You Think
An elections official sorts counted mail-in ballots on the first day of tabulation, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, at the Maricopa County Recorder's Office in Phoenix. Matt York/Associated Press hide caption
Republicans push voting restrictions on U.S. citizens living abroad
Republicans Push Voting Restrictions On U.S. Citizens Living Abroad
President Trump walks on the South Lawn after arriving on Marine One at the White House, Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption
New York Attorney General Letitia James speaks during a news conference outside Manhattan federal court, Feb. 14, 2025, in New York. Yuki Iwamura/AP hide caption
Palestinians celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause the fighting, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. Celebrations remain limited, as relief is mixed with mourning and concern for what comes next. Jehad Alshrafi/Associated Press hide caption
Military personnel in uniform, with the Texas National Guard patch on, are seen at the U.S. Army Reserve Center, in Elwood, Ill., a suburb of Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2025. Erin Hooley/Associated Press hide caption
Why Trump says he wants to send the National Guard to Chicago and Portland
Why Trump Says He Wants To Send The National Guard To Chicago And Portland
An American Airlines plane lands on a runway near the air traffic control tower at Miami International Airport in Miami, on Oct. 2, 2025, the second day of the federal government shutdown. Marta Lavandier/Associated Press hide caption
How the shutdown is affecting federal workers and services
How The Shutdown Is Affecting Federal Workers And Services
New Jersey Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli, left, shakes hands with Democratic candidate for governor Mikie Sherrill, right, before they debate on Sept. 21, 2025, in Lawrenceville, N.J. Noah K. Murray/Associated Press hide caption