logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2025
26m 33s

Americanswers... on 5 Live! What is the ...

BBC News
About this episode

After announcing he would place tariffs on Canada and Mexico during his campaign, the president nearly followed through. After sending the world economy into a frenzy, Trump then postponed the trade war with his North American neighbours on hold after securing concessions from both of them over border security.

But he still has China and the EU in his sights. Is the UK next on the list for the trade war? And how do tariffs work anyway?

Sarah and Justin join Matt Chorley to try and make sense of it all. They also discuss whether Trump’s staff might withhold information from him after his reaction to last week’s aviation collision, and if he might “pull a Liz Truss?”

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter

GET IN TOUCH:

- Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB - Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 - Email Americast@bbc.co.uk - Or use #Americast

This episode was made by Rufus Gray, and Catherine Fusillo. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app. You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers. US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155 Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including The Global Story, The Today Podcast, and of course Newscast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below. The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd The Today Podcast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm

Up next
Today
Jeffrey Epstein is causing a Trump-MAGA rift
Donald Trump is under pressure from sections of his MAGA-supporting base after a Justice Department memo released on Monday said there was no 'client list' related to the disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Conspiracy theories surrounding the Epstein Files argue ... Show More
25m 13s
Jul 7
Americanswers… did Trump’s funding cuts contribute to Texas floods deaths?
Justin, Anthony and Marianna answer your questions on the devastating flash floods in Texas, which have killed tens of people, including children at a summer camp, and where search and rescue operations are ongoing. There are now questions around why people were not evacuated soo ... Show More
33m 27s
Jul 4
Is Trump deporting record numbers of migrants?
On the campaign trail, Donald Trump promised to target illegal immigrants that were the ‘worst of the worst’ with strict deportation enforcements. Six months into his second term, the US president has ramped up his battle over so-called 'sanctuary cities' by taking legal action a ... Show More
38m 23s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 11
The Week: We (Try To) Answer Your Questions on Trump’s Tariffs
Today, we attempt to answer your questions about Donald Trump and the worldwide impact of his tariffs. James and Alex are joined by Caitríona Perry, BBC News’s Chief Presenter, and Dharshini David, Deputy Economics Editor to relive the week that was. Plus - how could tariffs effe ... Show More
33m 45s
Apr 5
Trump’s Tariffs: The Beginning
Donald Trump’s baseline 10% tariffs come into force. Today, we’re back to tariffs. Now that the Trump administration's baseline 10% import tariffs have come into effect, what comes next for the global, US and UK economies? Laura is joined by Americast’s Justin Webb and Stephanie ... Show More
32m 42s
Feb 2025
Trump’s Tariff Turmoil: China Strikes Back
Today, we look at what could be the start of a trade war between the US and China. After postponing tariffs on Canada and Mexico, President Trump has introduced a 10% tax on all goods imports from China. Early this morning Beijing announced it would impose a retaliatory 10% levy, ... Show More
32m 43s
Mar 2025
Trade Wars: EU Hits Back At Trump
Today, we look at responses and retaliations to President Trump’s universal tariffs on steel and aluminium. Adam is joined by Caitríona Perry, Chief Presenter BBC News in Washington, and Dharshini David, chief economics correspondent to discuss retaliatory tariffs from the EU and ... Show More
37m 27s
Jan 2025
363. The Return of Donald J. Trump
What did the inauguration tell us about how extreme Trump 2.0 is going to be? What is Netanyahu’s endgame for Gaza – peace or perpetual war? Why has Starmer launched an inquiry into the Southport attacks? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. The Res ... Show More
1h 2m
Mar 2025
The Week: NHS Reforms, Benefit Battles and Tariff Tactics
Today, Adam, Vicki, Faisal and Nick discuss Starmer’s attempts to speed up government, a possible fight over benefit changes and whether the PM is going to push back more on President Trump. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask B ... Show More
29m 54s
Jan 2025
Trump's Insurrection: The Fall of the Capitol (Ep 3)
It’s January 6th. Donald Trump’s supporters have come to Washington from across the country. He takes to the stage at midday and tells his supporters that their democracy is under threat. He says: ‘We fight, and we fight like hell, and if you don’t fight like hell you’re not gonn ... Show More
55m 2s
May 14
404. Question Time: How Starmer Fell Into Farage's Immigration Trap
What message is the new pope sending to Trump? To what extent are the USAID cuts killing children? And, did Rory “get it wrong” on water nationalisation? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. The Rest Is Politics Plus: Become a member for exclusive b ... Show More
55m 2s
Feb 2025
The Trump trade war begins
Donald Trump hit Canada, Mexico and China with steep tariffs on Saturday, and oil and gas groups are relying more heavily on carbon offsets to reach climate targets. Plus, EU governments are exploring ways to include the UK and Norway in a “coalition of the willing” dedicated to ... Show More
11m 39s
Jan 2025
54. How to Buy a President: Trump’s $500 Million Oligarchy
Will the Democrats land punches on Trump’s cabinet picks? Who will take the mantle for Republicans in 2028? How has Trump used the LA fires as a chance to attack the Democrats? Join Katty and Anthony as they answer all of these questions and more. Become a Founding MemberSupport ... Show More
55m 9s