Episodes
One of the biggest stories of last year’s presidential election was Donald Trump’s success with Latino voters which led him to win crucial swing states in the battle for the White House.While the Democrats still won the popular vote nationwide, there was no question that Trump’s messaging on the economy appealed to voters worried about the cost of living.Eight months on from that victory, are Latinos still with Trump? Recent polling suggest that doubts are growing about the president’s ability to ease the cost of living. With the midterm elections roughly a year away, are Latino voters goin...
Fresh off the back of Monday’s meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, Donald Trump has indicated that the U.S could offer Ukraine some form of security guarantee in the event of a peace deal with Russia. While the details of any security guarantee are yet to be confirmed, it has prompted fear and uncertainty within parts of the president’s MAGA base, who view the prospect of a security guarantee as a precursor to a messy U.S entanglement in European affairs. Will they give him the benefit of the doubt over his handling of peace negotiations?Meanwhile, the Trump administration says a Nobel Peace P...
Straight off the back of the Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump hosted Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House as he pushes for an end to the war in Ukraine.The last time they met in the Oval Office, it ended in an argument in front of the world's media. It was a friendlier encounter this time, with Zelensky handing a letter to Donald Trump from his wife to the First Lady, Melania Trump. It was soon followed by a meeting of major European leaders, all of whom travelled to Washington in solidarity with the Ukrainian president. Beyond the smiles and warm words, how much was actuall...
The first face to face meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin since the war in Ukraine started is over, with Donald Trump saying “we didn’t get there” on a Ukraine deal, or a ceasefire. The meeting lasted three hours, with the US president insisting progress was made, and Putin saying he is “sincerely interested” in ending the war, but without giving details. The two leaders both addressed the media at the end of the summit, but didn’t take questions. Sarah was in the room, in Anchorage, Alaska, and was joined by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko from Ukrainecast and Ad...
Ahead of his meeting with Vladimir Putin on Friday, Donald Trump has said that “in the first two minutes, I’ll know exactly whether or not a deal can be made”.
Trump will be the first US president to have a face to face meeting with the Russian president since the war in Ukraine started.
Alaska is a state which is already home to a historic deal between both countries - in 1867 the United States purchased it from Russia for around $7 million, making it one of the most successful business deals in history.
Sarah and Anthony are in Anchorage, covering all you need to know about the meeting…wh...
What is really behind Donald Trump’s decision to send the National Guard into Washington DC, and what could it mean for other states in America? As troops arrive into DC, after Trump said the deployment was necessary to bring down crime and homelessness, Sarah and Justin talk about why the US president has made the announcement now.We also discuss crime rates, particularly as his opponents say the figures are trending downward in DC, and how this deployment might expand to other Democratic cities. Plus, we answer your questions on whether this is just a distraction technique to “flood the ...
Washington D.C. has been "taken over by violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals”.
That was Donald Trump’s claim at this morning’s press conference in Washington DC, where he invoked his presidential powers to deploy the National Guard, and do a federal takeover of the state’s police force. Justin and Anthony join Matt Chorley on 5 Live to discuss why the US president is singling out DC, and what might happen next. Also, with reports of a 19-vehicle motorcade, armed agents and security crawling over the Cotswolds…it must be JD Vance’s summer holiday. Matt Chorley, Justin and Anthony unpac...
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said on Monday: “There are no rules anymore, apparently,” as he stood alongside the Democrat lawmakers who fled Texas to prevent a vote which would redraw the state’s political map in favour of the Republican Party.It is a process known as ‘redistricting’, which normally occurs at the end of each decade when the census takes place. But in a move designed to give the Republicans a crucial advantage heading into the 2026 Midterms, Donald Trump wants it to take place now. It would give Republicans five extra seats in the House.It is an unconventional request by Do...
US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has cancelled 22 projects - worth $500m (£376m) in funding – for tackling infections such as Covid and flu. During the pandemic, mRNA vaccines were heralded as a medical marvel that saved lives, but RFK Jr says he wants to shift the money to "safer, broader vaccine platforms that remain effective even as viruses mutate". Justin and Marianna look at the broader reasons behind the decision, what the science says, and the possible ramifications.
Also today, we discuss stories away from the main American headlines: why former US president Bill Clinton...
Today, Newscast joined forces with Americast for an episode live from the Edinburgh fringe recorded at the Edinburgh Fringe in front of a live audience.They were joined by friend of the Newscast James Cook to discuss all things Trump. They chat about what it’s like being part of the President’s press pack, why Sydney Sweeney’s jeans are so controversial, plus what last week’s Truth Social posts about nuclear submarines were all about.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@b...
On this week’s Q&A, why is Donald Trump personally endorsing a jeans advert with Sydney Sweeney? The US president calls it a ‘fantastic’ ad - but the campaign has sparked claims of racism and a row over promoting eugenics? Justin and Marianna also talk about the convicted child sex offender, Ghislaine Maxwell, who has been moved to a new minimum-security facility in Texas. Why has this been sanctioned, and could the move foreshadow a pardon from the president? And how can Trump fire the head of one of America’s most important economic institutions because he didn’t like the latest job stati...
Donald Trump and Rupert Murdoch have had a tumultuous relationship over the decades, but increasingly tensions have threatened to boil over. Following Donald Trump’s claim that he’s ‘been treated very unfairly by The Wall Street Journal on everything’, it’s the president versus the press.Will this dispute end their relationship, or are they just going through a rough patch?Joining us on today’s podcast is one of Rupert Murdoch’s former editors - David Yelland. He helps us understand Trump’s relationship with Murdoch throughout the years, what the current tensions could mean for the future o...
President Trump has said he’s holding firm strong on his deadline this Friday for tariffs to go into effect on nations that do not come to new trade agreements with his administration.“THE AUGUST FIRST DEADLINE IS THE AUGUST FIRST DEADLINE – IT STANDS STRONG, AND WILL NOT BE EXTENDED,” he wrote on Truth Social.So what can we expect this Friday? Will the US president be true to his word? Sarah and Anthony are joined by BBC North America business correspondent Erin Delmore to chew this over - and they analyse the US-EU trade deal that was reached on Sunday.We are doing some research to find o...
It was a wide-ranging and lengthy press conference between Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Trump’s luxury golf resort in Turnberry, Scotland. But what new things did we learn? Could anything sour their relationship? And how clean is Trump’s golf game?Also, the questions keep flying in about the Epstein files. The President has again denied that he'd been told his name appeared in them. Justin, Sarah and Anthony join 5 Live’s Matt Chorley to discuss all this and more. Also, what do you really think of Americast? The team at the WWHQ are doing some research to find out the ...
Since returning to office Donald Trump has followed a familiar playbook when confronted with unfavourable stories in the press, often ending in a large lawsuit. That was exactly the case with the Wall Street Journal, subjected to a $10bn suit after they published a story about Trump’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.But even after the lawsuit, the Journal has continued its reporting on the story, this time alleging that Donald Trump is named in the ‘Epstein Files’. The story makes clear that being mentioned does not imply any wrongdoing, and the White House has called it “another fake sto...
We’ve now witnessed six months of Donald Trump’s second term in the White House. In that time he's dominated the world's media and international headlines, but how much has he actually achieved so far? And what could he improve on? Today, Sarah and Justin are conducting a mid-year appraisal of the president with someone who knows him well - Marc Short, chief of staff to vice president Mike Pence during Trump’s first term.HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America EditorGET IN TOUCH:
• Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
• Send us a message o...
As Trump heads to the UK this week in an unprecedented second state visit, the Americast team discuss whether the historic ‘special relationship’ between the UK and USA is better than ever - and what to look out for ahead of the president’s trip to Scotland.The team also unpack why the Epstein files are continuing to divide Trump from his MAGA base, and whether or not Elon Musk’s much-anticipated America Party really could change the face of American politics.And as England and Wales move to lower the voting age to 16, the team predict the political outcomes of more Gen Z voters taking to t...
There has been a significant change in how Donald Trump has been speaking about Vladimir Putin and today on Americast, we look at what that could mean for Ukraine and Trump’s relationship with the Russian president.
Justin, Sarah and Anthony also discuss Melania Trump and what influence she may be having over his change in position. They also look at the likelihood of sanctions against Russia, and how serious Trump’s threat is.
After announcing a 50 day window for Russia to come to the table for serious peace talks, Donald Trump said Putin has “fooled Clinton, Bush, Obama and Biden”…bu...
Donald Trump is trying to move on and dismiss the growing backlash within his own party over the refusal to release further information related to the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This week, the leading Republican - and House Speaker - Mike Johnson has called for Trump to “put everything out there” and publish documents related to Epstein, otherwise known as the Epstein Files. There are a growing number of influential Republicans who are now also breaking from Trump, by calling for greater transparency around the information, adding to the conspiracy theories around a possible cover up. ...
Adam Fleming from Newscast speaks to the BBC's Chief North America Correspondent Gary O'Donoghue about his exclusive interview with Donald Trump. It happened by phone call, waking Gary up in his apartment as he was asleep. Donald Trump told Gary that he is disappointed but not done with Vladimir Putin.
The US president was pressed on whether he trusts the Russian leader, and replied: "I trust almost nobody."
Trump was speaking hours after he announced plans to send weapons to Ukraine and warned of severe tariffs on Russia if there was no ceasefire deal in 50 days.
In an interview from t...
US President Donald Trump and Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte have made a statement at the White House to [INSERT DETAILS HERE]. We answer your questions on precisely what this means for the Ukraine war.There were awkward scenes at the end of the FIFA Club World Cup yesterday when Donald Trump joined the Chelsea team on the winners podium yesterday when they lifted the trophy. The tournament is widely considered to be a test run for next year's FIFA World Cup in North America, but will teams boycott the tournament?Justin and Anthony join Matt Chorley to answer your questions, including th...
There were big promises of deals being struck around the world after Donald Trump announced his “reciprocal” tariffs back in April. But those promises - “90 deals in 90 days” - are yet to materialise and now the president has moved the deadline for those deals from July to August.The president said the plan was always to wait until August for tariffs to take effect, but not everyone’s convinced. Trump had already been give the ‘TACO’ nickname by Wall Street for not following through on his threats, and the latest delay on tariffs show the difficulty he’s having in bringing America’s trading...
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 that he held a client list in order to blackmail high-profile individuals. During the campaign, Donald Trump promised to release files relating to the disgraced financier. Anthony, Marianna and the BBC’s North America Correspondent, Nomia Iqbal look into the new accusations of a cover up, the controversial ‘missi...
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 sooner, the inadequate warning systems in place, and if Donald Trump and Elon Musks’ cuts could have been part responsible? Also, as conspiracies about the cause of the floods begin to circle on social media, the Americast team look into where the theories come from and whether there’s any truth to them. Plus, the t...
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 against Los Angeles, and other Democratic cities. Trump says the Democrats are harbouring “millions of illegal aliens” by creating sanctuary cities which don’t need to co-operate with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). Justin and Anthony discuss the upcoming fight between Donald Trump and these cities, and a...
In the latest instalment of Donald Trump's battle with the U.S. media, Paramount - the parent company of CBS News - has agreed to pay $16 million to Donald Trump's future presidential library. The company noted the settlement does not include a statement of apology or regret.Trump filed the lawsuit last October, alleging the network had deceptively edited an interview that aired on its 60 Minutes news programme with his presidential election rival Kamala Harris, to "tip the scales in favour of the Democratic party".Paramount becomes the latest media company to make concessions to the presid...
We answer your questions on Americanswers.
Donald Trump suggested this week that the Supreme Court ruling on birth right citizenship is a victory for democracy. Anthony, Justin and Sarah discuss what the ruling means and how it might be interpreted across different states in America. They also discuss the impact of Supreme Court rulings on Trump’s power as President. Also, as a Republican Senator breaks rank to criticise the Big Beautiful Bill, what will be the impact on proposed Medicaid cuts and other health programmes?Elsewhere, recent ICE raids are leaving Texan farms empty… What ot...
Why has a mayoral race in New York sparked conversations across America about the future of the Democratic party, and the state of politics in the United States? Zohran Mamdani, who looks set to be confirmed as the Democrat’s new candidate for the Mayor of New York has already been labelled a ‘disruptor’ a ‘visionary’ and a ‘communist lunatic’ by Donald Trump.
Sarah, Justin and Marianna look at who he is, his politics, and what impact his victory might have beyond New York, America’s largest city.
We also speak to author (Moneyball, The Big Short) and financial journalist Michael Lewis a...
Donald Trump has aimed his fury at the media after a Pentagon report was leaked to the press claiming that the US strikes on Iran only set back the country’s nuclear programme by a few months. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth says the FBI is investigating how the report ended up in the media, while Donald Trump aimed his fury at outlets like The New York Times and CNN for reporting the story.Despite the report, Donald Trump has been boasting of the mission’s success while at a NATO summit in the Netherlands, where he compared the strikes to the American bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in th...
What has Donald Trump started in the Middle East after US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend? He also seemingly changed his position on regime change in the country, posting on Truth Social that it may be needed to ‘MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN’. The Americast team - along with Matt Chorley from 5 Live - discuss the potential fallout of the the strikes within America, whether Congress has any say in what Donald Trump does next, and what happened after the president told his own Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, that she was wrong about Iran’s nuclear capabiliti...