logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2025
12m 49s

DOGE's Quest To Reshape Government Conti...

NPR
About this episode
The unit, led by Elon Musk, has run into legal obstacles as it continues its rapid efforts to change the way the federal government functions. We look at the latest developments.

This episode: White House correspondents Asma Khalid and Franco Ordoñez, and State Department correspondent Michele Kelemen.

The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger, and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.

Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at
plus.npr.org/politics.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy
Up next
Nov 21
New Poll Results Show Democrats With An Edge, Topping Off Tough Week For Trump
From a rare political turn-about on the Epstein files, to a judicial slap-back on his redistricting plan in Texas, President Trump had a tough week. Is his grip on the Republican Party starting to break? Plus, a new poll shows Democrats with a big advantage going into the midterm ... Show More
21m 38s
Nov 20
U.S. Had Better-Than-Expected Job Growth In September
The September jobs report, released belatedly on Thursday, shows the United States added 119,000 jobs, beating expectations, but the unemployment rate went up. We discuss what the data tells us about the economy and how the Trump administration is responding to the news.<br/><br/ ... Show More
18m 20s
Nov 19
Hundreds Of Immigrants Arrested In Chicago Lack Criminal Records
A look at more than 600 immigrants arrested since the Trump administration began amped up immigration enforcement efforts in Chicago finds almost none have convictions. We discuss what enforcement tactics looked like on the ground and what to expect as enforcement ramps up in Cha ... Show More
16m 44s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2025
100 Days of Trump (Part 4)… Has Elon Musk Changed Government Forever?
This is a special Americast mini series, looking at five ways Donald Trump has changed America in his first 100 days back, as President of the United States. In our fourth episode, Matt Chorley joins Justin and Marianna to discuss large scale cuts to federal government by Elon Mu ... Show More
13m 5s
Oct 3
Why did the US government shut down?
The US federal government is closed for business. Democrats and Republicans in Congress failed to agree on a budget to keep the government open. But over two million federal workers who will go without a paycheck during negotiations have a new worry: will President Donald Trump u ... Show More
21m 2s
Oct 2024
Normally Podcast: Trump & Elon Have Fun...The Left Loses It!
<p>In this episode, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz discuss the intersection of fast food culture and politics, focusing on Donald Trump's recent campaign event at a McDonald's. They explore the nostalgic and humorous aspects of Trump's persona, his ability to connect with ... Show More
32m 34s
Oct 2
The Fight at the Center of the Government Shutdown
<p>As the U.S. government shutdown enters its second day, Democrats are trying to underline that the growing political fight is all about the rising cost of health care.</p><p>The New York Times journalists Margot Sanger-Katz and Shane Goldmacher explain why the Democrats are bet ... Show More
21m 54s
Sep 19
F.C.C. Head Says Kimmel Not ‘the Last Shoe to Drop,’ and Musk Goes All In on A.I.
<p>Plus, your Friday news quiz. </p><p><strong>On Today’s Episode:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/18/us/politics/trump-fcc-licenses.html" target="_blank"><strong>Trump Pressures Broadcasters Over Critical Coverage, Escalating Attack on Speech</strong></a> ... Show More
14m 40s
Aug 21
The Right-Wing Provocateur Who Has Trump’s Ear
<p><i>Warning: This episode contains strong language.</i></p><p>In President Trump’s second term, Laura Loomer has emerged as the most influential outside adviser, telling the president whom to fire and shaping major policy decisions.</p><p>Ken Bensinger, who covers media and pol ... Show More
37m 7s
Jan 2025
Michelle Obama Knows What Time It Is
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comThe gang discuss the hearings for Pam Bondi and Pete Hegseth and the changing "norms" in Joe Biden's final week in office, as Zuckerberg, Bezos, and Musk prepare for Donald Trump's inauguration that M ... Show More
10m 1s
Sep 22
Charlie Kirk’s Politically Charged Memorial
<p>Conservatives from around the country flocked to Arizona on Sunday to memorialize the activist Charlie Kirk. The service included leaders from the highest levels of the U.S. government, including Vice President JD Vance and President Trump.</p><p>Two clear strands emerged duri ... Show More
31m 20s
Sep 2024
312. Is America Ready for Gun Reform?
How has Donald Trump tied him self in knots over abortion? Why is there a growing gender divide in politics? Has Kamala Harris reached the end of her honeymoon period? Join Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci as they answer all these questions and more on The Rest Is Politics US. ... Show More
57m 17s