Episodes
American and Russian leaders will meet in Saudi Arabia this week to begin negotiations about a peace deal for Ukraine. Trump said on Sunday he could be meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin "very soon".Meanwhile, Ukrainian president Zelensky has said he has not been involved in the talks yet, and European leaders have also been left out. After Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Ukraine should not join NATO, should other member states be worried?Marianna and Sarah join Matt Chorley to talk about the changing relationship between the US and NATO under the new Trump administration.We also ...
Our latest mini series is here and this time we're profiling some of the key players in Donald Trump's presidency, who are now running America. Over the next few weeks, new profiles will drop every Sunday.Pete Hegseth is the new Secretary of Defence, overseeing America’s military and defence strategy. A former national guardsman and Fox News host, Hegseth’s confirmation has been controversial. Dogged with allegations of womanizing, binge-drinking and sexual assault (which he denies), several senators opposed his nomination while some argued he did not have the necessary experience to run th...
In the first weeks of his second term, President Donald Trump has wasted no time in using Executive Orders to suspend all new asylum claims, freeze government hiring and spending, strip back agencies established by Congress, and offer a buyout deal for thousands of federal workers.
So far, the courts have been the only substantive roadblocks to Trump’s agenda, but is the President ready to defy the courts? The White House has accused the media of "fear mongering the American people". As Trump pushes the limits of presidential power - and with legal challenges from Democrats, unions and le...
Americast makes its predictions for 2025 as Donald Trump continues to create headlines with his first 100 days as president. Justin, Sarah, Anthony and Marianna make an audio time capsule of predictions, with plenty of suggestions from Americasters.
It’s something we promised to do after the election, but with a packed news schedule, we’re belatedly bringing it to you now! How many stars will be on the US flag by the end of the year? Who will be the winner of the tech world? How will the Trump presidency end? Only the time capsule well tell…HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sar...
Elon Musk is already in uncharted territory with his role in Donald Trump's administration, but in a surprise appearance inside the Oval Office yesterday, he brought his son along to an impromptu press conference alongside the president. The tech billionaire denied he was launching a hostile takeover of the federal government and said he was simply delivering the reform that Americans voted for.HOSTS:
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
• Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH:
• Join our online community: https:...
On his first day in the role, Lord Mandelson talks to Americast about how the UK will handle Donald Trump. In his conversation with Sarah, Britain’s new U.S. Ambassador explains why the UK needs to respect Trump’s “strong and clear mandate for change”. Given President Trump’s fast moving and radical agenda, what kind of approach should the UK be taking, and will the ‘special relationship’ continue? HOSTS:
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
GUEST:
Lord Peter Mandelson, British Ambassador to the United States
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• Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qS...
One day on from a big US Super Bowl weekend, what happened with Taylor Swift, and what was her reaction? We also hear Donald Trump defending Elon Musk in his traditional pre-game interview, telling Americans to expect further cuts to the federal government, particularly in education. Marianna, Anthony and Sarah join Matt Chorley to talk about the potential fallout from those cuts, plus allegations of political censorship at TikTok, tariffs on aluminium, and who is really behind Trump’s policies.HOSTS:
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent
• Ma...
Our latest mini series is here and this time we're profiling some of the key players in Donald Trump's presidency, who are now running America. Over the next few weeks, new profiles will drop every Sunday. Elon Musk is one of the most influential people inside Trump's White House, as head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is making huge and sweeping cuts to federal government. He's also the richest person in the world, and controls key companies in the United States including Space X and Tesla. We hear from two guests who know Elon Musk well - Jim Cant...
In the three weeks since Donald Trump returned to the White House, Elon Musk has taken a wrecking ball to the federal government in what he has called "a revolution of the people".That revolution has included offers to buyout millions of federal employees, accessing sensitive data of millions of Americans and sweeping efforts to shut down federal agencies like USAID.What, if anything, can get in Musk's way? And has there ever been so much power wielded in America by an unelected individual?HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
• Marianna Spring, Social...
In an extraordinary press conference alongside Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump suggested the US could “own” the Gaza Strip and turn it into "the Riviera of the Middle East".His comments have sparked condemnation from countries across the Middle East and the Palestinian Authority says its people will not be resettled.The Americast team give their analysis and ask whether Trump’s words should be taken at face value. HOSTS:
* Sarah Smith, North America Editor
* Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent
* Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGET ...
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 react...
Our latest mini series is here and this time we're profiling some of the key players in Donald Trump's presidency, who are now running America. Over the next few weeks, new profiles will drop every Sunday. We start with Marco Rubio, the one-time presidential hopeful in 2016 who famously fell out with Trump when vying for the Republican nomination. The pair have since patched things up, but how did the man once coined as the Republican Party's equivalent to Barack Obama end up as America's top diplomat, and how has his background as the son of Cuban immigrants shaped his politics today?...
With daily announcements, executive orders and press conferences from Trump’s presidency in its first fortnight, how should we be navigating the daily torrent of news? Americast examines the deliberate strategy by the White House (also used in Trump’s first presidency) to “flood the zone” with news. Justin, Anthony and Marianna discuss whether Democrats and the media should be properly scrutinising each news story, what to ignore, and whether the strategy is successfully working for President Trump?HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Anthony Zurcher, BBC North America Correspondent...
An air collision involving a commercial jet and a military helicopter is believed to have killed 67 people in Washington DC. The recovery operation continues with the cause of the disaster still unknown.Anthony speaks to Sarah, who's been on the banks of the Potomac River where the rescue operation is taking place.HOSTS:
* Sarah Smith, North America Editor
* Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGET 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 #AmericastThis ...
Donald Trump's plans to reshape the federal government have gathered pace after almost all federal employees received an email on Tuesday offering the option to resign and receive pay for eight months. How many workers will take up the offer and what happens to those that don't?And, Karoline Leavitt has made history as the youngest White House press secretary at the age of 27. Sarah was at her first briefing in which she announced changes to how the briefing room will operate and sparred with reporters on a number of issues.HOSTS:
* Sarah Smith, North America Editor
* Marianna Spring, Socia...
It’s been a week since President Trump took the oath of office for the second time, and his administration have wasted no time in issuing executive orders and setting the tone for the next four years. Sarah, Justin and Marianna join Matt Chorley on BBC Radio 5 Live once again to answer your questions on coins, Greenland, Columbia, and what the Democrats have been up to.And, our own Anthony Zurcher asked Trump a question over the weekend about his thoughts on Keir Starmer. HOSTS:
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigatio...
After he declared that "America's sovereignty is under attack” in an executive order, reports suggest that Donald Trump could send thousands of troops to install barriers at the US border with Mexico. Are barriers the answer to stop illegal crossings? President Trump has given his first broadcast interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News. In the interview he described the attacks on January 6 as “very minor incidents” and suggested Joe Biden should have pardoned himself before leaving office. But why has Trump issued a pardon to the founder of an illegal online drug marketplace?And, Elon Musk...
On the first full day of his presidency, Donald Trump defended his decision to release high-profile prisoners jailed over the Capitol riots and to pardon nearly 1,600 people in connection with Jan 6th. Marianna, Sarah and Anthony are together in DC as they discuss who has been released, what the reaction has been, and how Trump is changing the narrative over who was responsible for the riots.
Also, Trump’s former advisor Bryan Lanza joins the pod with an inside view on why the immigration raids are more about PR than deportation. HOSTS:
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
• Justin Webb, ...
Donald Trump is back in the White House.The 45th and now 47th president of the United States is wasting no time putting his plans into action. We look at his speech, and what those actions are.Justin, Sarah, Marianna and Anthony are together in Washington as all the news breaks.This episode was made by Chris Flynn with Catherine Fusillo and Claire Betzer. The technical producer was Ricardo McCarthy. 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 sub...
At a raucous rally in Washington DC, Donald Trump has promised "historic speed and strength" as he prepares for his inauguration on Monday.Thousands of his supporters are brazing freezing temperatures to watch him be sworn in to office as he told his supporters to expect a blitz of executive orders on day one of his presidency.The Americast team are in Washington DC to assess what is meant by an executive order and how much he might be able to achieve at the beginning of his second term as president.HOSTS:
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
• Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Co...
Joe Biden has given his final address setting out the list of achievements that he would like to define his four years in the White House. Sarah and Anthony unpack at the 46th president’s domestic successes and failures. They’re joined by his former senior advisor, and friend, Anita Dunn. She tells us what the president is really like behind closed doors, how he’ll be remembered, and whether he was just too old for the job.This episode was made by George Dabby, with Rufus Gray, Claire Betzer and Catherine Fusillo. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pa...
President Biden’s final week in the Oval Office coincided with an historic ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Both he and President-Elect Donald Trump were quick to claim credit for the deal, with Biden beginning his farewell address by highlighting his administration’s part in the negotiations. What does the deal say about Joe Biden’s role in the war between Israel and Hamas, did he make America stronger globally, and how did his presidency influence the war in Ukraine? Sarah and Anthony are joined by former spokesperson to Barack Obama and co-host of Pod Save the World, Tommy V...
TikTok’s future in the US lies in the hands of the Supreme Court, as the justices consider whether the app should be banned over alleged national security concerns. Despite support from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, the looming ban is unpopular among many everyday Americans - and incoming president Donald Trump. Sarah, Marianna and Anthony unpick the politics behind the ban and the players who may step in to prevent TikTok shutting its US operation. HOSTS:
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
• Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent
• Anthony Zurcher, North A...
Three wildfires are still burning in the Los Angeles area and the death toll has risen to 24 as the LA mayor says 'urgent preparations' being made for strong winds. With nearly 100,000 people under evacuation orders and thousands of properties damaged or destroyed, does the US need to rethink the way it builds its homes?And, President Donald Trump was sentenced on Friday to an "unconditional discharge" in his hush-money criminal trial, meaning he will face no prison time, probation or fine. He will enter the White House next week as the first convicted felon in office, but does his lack of ...
Social media giant Meta says it will abandon independent fact-checking practices on Facebook and Instagram. Is the new policy an attempt to improve relations with Donald Trump before he takes office later this month? And what does the switch-up mean for the spread of misinformation on Meta’s platforms? Meanwhile, Los Angeles is grappling with the most destructive fires in the city’s history - and the response has already transformed into a political lightning rod. Also, Justin and Sarah are joined by Anthony, fresh from Jimmy Carter’s funeral, who tells us all about what it was like inside ...
It was a press conference intended to showcase investment from a Dubai-based firm in new US data centres, but its focus quickly switched to what the incoming president might do when it comes to America’s closest neighbours. Fielding questions from reporters, Donald Trump refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland and the Panama Canal. While he appeared to rule out the possibility when it came to Canada, Trump did say he would use “economic force” to annex Canada and described their shared border as “an artificially drawn line”.How seriously should the world take Trum...
On Monday the Senate certified the results of the 2024 election, the first time it has done so since the January 6 riots in Washington DC four years ago. President Biden vowed there would be no repeat of the violence on that day, so what is security looking like on Capitol Hill?And, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation as Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party. His popularity has plummeted among voters, with polls suggesting his party are on course for a general election defeat this year. But was Trump part of the reason for Trudeau’s exit, and what d...
New Orleans is mourning the loss of at least 14 people after a pick-up truck drove into a crowd of people in the city’s French Quarter in the early hours of New Year’s Day. Justin, Anthony and Marianna explain what we know so far and how both Joe Biden and the incoming president, Donald Trump, have responded to the attack.HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent
• Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH:
• Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
• Send us a message or voice note v...
On a fateful Thursday evening in November 2023 - to mark a year to go until the election - Justin, Sarah, Marianna and Anthony made predictions for our very own Americast time capsule. Not to be opened until after Americans had gone to the polls in 2024. Who accurately predicted which presidential candidate would drop out of the race, and who said one of the candidates would undergo a health scare? Which issues did we think would dominate the election and why?In this episode we open the time capsule and find out which of our prognoses came true, which of them turned out to be a nothingbur...
Former US President Jimmy Carter has died aged 100. The 39th U.S. President and Nobel prize winner lived longer than any president in history. He celebrated his 100th birthday in October 2024.How did a peanut farmer from the Deep South and Georgia Governor become president? Justin speaks to Jonathan Alter, author of His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life. From brokering peace in the Middle East, to famously promising the American people he would never lie, Carter served as president from 1977 to 1981. It was period beset by economic and diplomatic crises. The Carter Center, which advoc...