Post Reports

George Floyd’s murder sparked massive protests for racial justice around the country. There were calls for police reforms, reparations and closing the racial wealth gap.But five years later, it seems like the pendulum has swung back the other way. President Donald Trump is dismantling diversity and inclusion initiatives. And just this week, the Justice Department announced it was abandoning efforts to reshape law enforcement in cities where there have been high-profile killings by police officers.In light of all of this, we wanted to share a special episode of “Post Reports” from fall 2020. It’s called “The Life of George Floyd.” Martine Powers and our colleagues here at The Post looked at who George Floyd actually was — and what his story can tell us about being Black in the United States.Today’s show was produced and mixed by Ted Muldoon with help from Linah Mohammad. It was edited by Maggie Penman and Martine Powers. “George Floyd’s America” was reported by Arelis Hernández, Tracy Jan, Laura Meckler, Toluse Olorunnipa, Robert Samuels, Griff Witte and Cleve Wootson. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 24 May 2025

Federal prosecutors called a slew of witnesses this week to bolster their racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking case against Sean “Diddy” Combs. Many of them corroborated incidents that Combs’s ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura described in her testimony last week – but others added details that pushed against her narrative that he was controlling and coerced her into sex acts. And musician Kid Cudi took the stand to talk about the molotov cocktail he said was thrown into his Porsche.  Style reporter Anne Branigin breaks down the key testimony from this week and how the trial is going for each side so far.Today’s show was produced by Sabby Robinson. It was edited by Reena Flores and mixed by Sean Carter. Thanks to Carla Spartos and Shayna Jacobs.Follow our coverage of the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs on Spotify here.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 23 May 2025

President Donald Trump has had a busy week. The House passed a legislative package containing much of his agenda early Thursday morning after Trump met with factions of the House GOP earlier this week.Congressional reporter Marianna Sotomayor walks through how overnight negotiations led to the bill’s passage. And Colby Itkowitz talks with The Post’s White House bureau chief Matt Viser and White House reporter Emily Davies about what they make of Trump’s role in getting his “big, beautiful bill” through the House.They also make sense of Trump’s Oval Office confrontation with the president of South Africa on Wednesday and talk through former president Joe Biden’s cancer diagnosis.Today’s show was produced by Laura Benshoff and Rennie Svirnovskiy. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and mixed by Sam Bair. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2025

House Republicans are trying to push President Donald Trump’s massive tax and immigration bill across the finish line this week, hoping to conquer internal divisions and tee up a vote that would send the bill to the Senate. One of the areas targeted for major cuts is Medicaid, which insures more than 80 million people in the United States. To root out what they say is waste, fraud and abuse in the system, and preserve the program long term, conservatives have proposed reductions and changes to Medicaid eligibility.Today on “Post Reports,” Elahe Izadi speaks with health reporter Fenit Nirappil about the United States’ largest public health insurance program: What it is, how it works, whom it serves and what could change.Today’s show was produced by Elana Gordon and Rennie Svirnovskiy. It was edited by Reena Flores and mixed by Sean Carter. Thanks to Lenny Bernstein and Azi Paybarah.Check out our Memorial Day sale to subscribe to The Washington Post. It’s just $2, every four weeks, for your first year. 

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2025

Just days before his inauguration, President Donald Trump launched his own meme coin, a novelty cryptocurrency. Since then, the Trump Organization has made millions of dollars off its sale and has invited the top investors to a private dinner, set to happen later this week.Technology reporter Drew Harwell talks to Post Reports co-host Colby Itkowitz about how Trump got involved in cryptocurrency and the foreign investors buying access to Trump via his meme coin.  Today’s show was produced by Rennie Svirnovskiy, with help from Lucas Trevor. It was mixed by Sam Bair, and edited by Ariel Plotnick. Thanks to Shawn Boburg. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2025

Before she decided to sue the Trump administration, Emily Ley’s image wasn’t political. She makes high-end planners and has a new cookbook with easy recipes for busy parents. But she manufactures her planners in China and says Trump’s tariffs make her business model untenable. “One minute I was talking about how to make an easy pot roast, and the next minute we’re talking about an international trade war,” Ley said.Today on the show White House reporter Cat Zakrzewski explains the case Ley is making.Today’s show was produced by Emma Talkoff, who also contributed reporting. It was edited by Maggie Penman and mixed by Sean Carter. Thank you to Mike Semel and Annah Aschbrenner. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2025

The world can seem like a really scary place right now. Many of us look around and see wars, climate change, economic uncertainty and a lot of overwhelming things we can’t control. So today we’re going to share a conversation about fear.Elahe Izadi spoke to Tara Brach, a therapist with a PhD in clinical psychology who has also spent years studying Buddhism and mindfulness. She teaches meditation, and she’s written several books including one called “Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha.”If you’re interested in learning more about her work or accessing her podcast and meditations, you can find that here. Today’s show was produced by Emma Talkoff and mixed by Sam Bair. It was edited by Maggie Penman. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 17 May 2025

The world can seem like a really scary place right now. Many of us look around and see wars, climate change, economic uncertainty and a lot of overwhelming things we can’t control. So today we’re going to share a conversation about fear.Elahe Izadi spoke to Tara Brach, a therapist with a PhD in clinical psychology who has also spent years studying Buddhism and mindfulness. She teaches meditation, and she’s written several books including one called “Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha.”If you’re interested in learning more about her work or accessing her podcast and meditations, you can find that here. Today’s show was produced by Emma Talkoff and mixed by Sam Bair. It was edited by Maggie Penman. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 17 May 2025

The first week of testimony in the trial of music producer Sean “Diddy” Combs began with several witnesses, including the highly anticipated Casandra “Cassie” Ventura. Ventura is a central witness in the government’s case against Combs – she filed a civil lawsuit against him detailing allegations of violence and sex trafficking in 2023 that led to dozens of other lawsuits being filed. Today, Style reporter Anne Branigin is back to describe the intense testimony, how it bolsters the government’s case and how the defense questioned Ventura in response. Today’s show was produced by Sabby Robinson. It was edited by Reena Flores and mixed by Sean Carter. Thanks to Carla Spartos and Shayna Jacobs.Follow our coverage of the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs on Spotify here.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2025

There are plenty of ethical and security questions surrounding the Trump administration’s plan to accept a gift of an airplane from Qatar. Senior political reporter Aaron Blake talks with White House reporters Cleve R. Wootson Jr. and Natalie Allison about the proposal, and what it says about Trump’s evolving foreign policy in the Middle East.Also, how the temporary trade deal between the U.S. and China came together.Today’s show was produced by Laura Benshoff with help from Reena Flores. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and mixed by Sam Bair.  Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2025

Norman Wong didn’t know his family’s history for most of his life. Now, the 75-year-old retired carpenter is fighting to save birthright citizenship and his great-grandfather’s legacy.His great-grandfather was Wong Kim Ark, a cook born to Chinese immigrants in San Francisco in 1870. After visiting family in China, Wong Kim Ark was denied reentry into the United States. The ensuing court battle made it up to the U.S. Supreme Court and enshrined the right to citizenship for almost any child born on U.S. soil, regardless of where their parents came from. More than a century later, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to limit birthright citizenship. On Thursday, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments about the legal battle over the order. Norman Wong hopes that sharing his family story can influence that fight. Today’s episode was produced by Laura Benshoff, with help from Emma Talkoff. It was edited by Maggie Penman and mixed by Sean Carter. If you want to learn more about Wong Kim Ark and the landmark Supreme Court case that affirmed birthright citizenship, check out our podcast “Constitutional.” Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2025

The idea of a car that drives itself might feel futuristic. But for an increasing number of Americans, that future is already here. Waymo and other companies have announced plans to expand in cities across the U.S.And the Trump administration has signaled that it wants to pave the way for autonomous vehicle companies to expand. Last month, it loosened rules around driverless cars.Martine Powers talks with Washington Post tech columnist Geoffrey Fowler and reporter Lisa Bonos about what it's like to live in a city full of driverless cars – and what you should know before getting in one.Today’s show was produced by Emma Talkoff. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and mixed by Sam Bair. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2025

Following direct talks between the U.S. and Hamas officials, Edan Alexander was freed Monday after more than 19 months in captivity in Gaza. He is the last living U.S. hostage in Gaza. The Israel-Hamas conflict has already exacted a devastating toll. More than 52,000 people in Gaza have died, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Fifty-eight people who were seized by Hamas remain in Gaza, 23 of whom are believed to be alive. Gazans are facing a critical famine risk as Israel blocks aid. Now, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government says it plans to expand the war if Hamas does not meet Israel's demands. Today on “Post Reports,” Elahe Izadi speaks with Middle East reporter Miriam Berger about Israel’s plans to escalate the war in Gaza. Today’s show was produced by Peter Bresnan with help from Elana Gordon. It was mixed by Sean Carter and edited by Ariel Plotnick with help from Reena Flores. Thanks to Alan Sipress, Erin Cunningham and Heidi Levine. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2025

Dozens of people showed up for jury duty this week at the Southern District of New York’s courthouse in Lower Manhattan. There, they would find out if they would serve as one of the handful of people who would determine whether Sean “Diddy” Combs was guilty or not. The federal government is accusing him of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty.  Reporter Anne Branigin and audio producer Sabby Robinson reported from New York City to see the dynamics in the courtroom and how the jury pool was narrowed down. On today's episode, Anne describes Combs’s demeanor and who the other important players are – and what we can gather about each team’s strategy from the jury selection process.Today’s show was produced by Sabby Robinson. It was edited by Reena Flores and mixed by Sean Carter. Thanks to Carla Spartos and Shayna Jacobs.Follow our coverage of the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs on Spotify here.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2025

Why President Donald Trump’s messaging has shifted from economic prosperity to austerity.Will voters tolerate economic pain from Trump’s tariffs? Senior politics reporter Aaron Blake talks with The Post’s senior political correspondent Naftali Bendavid and White House correspondent Michael Birnbaum about Trump’s inconsistent messaging on the economy and foreign policy this week. Beyond tariffs, they discuss how foreign leaders are responding to Trump on Ukraine and immigration. Today’s show was produced by Rennie Svirnovskiy. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and Sean Sullivan and mixed by Sam Bair. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2025

Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas is a place that many people describe as one of the most beautiful areas in South Asia: Kashmir. It has also been the site of a struggle between two major powers: India and Pakistan. The Indian military said Wednesday that it had launched strikes against Pakistan in retaliation for last month’s militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that left at least 26 dead. These latest strikes killed at least 31 civilians, according to Pakistani officials. The escalation marks a turn in a decades-long conflict. Today, co-host Elahe Izadi talks to South Asia correspondent Karishma Mehrotra about how the region got to this point and whether South Asia could be on the brink of war. Today’s show was produced by Rennie Svirnovskiy and mixed by Sean Carter. It was edited by Maggie Penman and Ariel Plotnick. Thanks to Jesse Messner-Hage and Elana Gordon.  Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

Cardinals will gather on Wednesday for the highly secretive process of choosing a new pope, following the death of Pope Francis in late April.In the film “Conclave,” Ralph Fiennes plays a Catholic cardinal presiding over the election of a new pope. In real life, that task falls to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a possible front-runner among papal candidates at this week’s conclave at the Vatican.But how accurately does the Oscar-nominated “Conclave” match an actual conclave — the process of electing a pope that will begin May 7? Today on “Post Reports,” style reporter Shane O’Neill joins host Colby Itkowitz to parse fact from fiction. Today’s episode was produced by Rennie Svirnovskiy, with help from Ariel Plotnick and Peter Bresnan. It was mixed by Sam Bair and edited by Lucy Perkins. Thanks to Carla Spartos. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2025

Since February, thousands have attended political rallies helmed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York), deemed the “Fighting Oligarchy” tour. Political events with crowds like this don’t have much precedent outside of a presidential campaign. But Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez are hoping to harness anger over the policies of the second Trump administration to push the Democratic Party to support their progressive policies.Host Colby Itkowitz travels to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to speak with rallygoers and to sit down with Sanders for an interview. Today’s show was produced by Laura Benshoff with help from Emma Talkoff. It was edited by Reena Flores and mixed by Sean Carter. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2025

Since February, thousands have attended political rallies helmed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York), deemed the “Fighting Oligarchy” tour. Political events with crowds like this don’t have much precedent outside of a presidential campaign. But Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez are hoping to harness anger over the policies of the second Trump administration to push the Democratic Party to support their progressive policies.Host Colby Itkowitz travels to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to speak with rallygoers and to sit down with Sanders for an interview. Today’s show was produced by Laura Benshoff with help from Emma Talkoff. It was edited by Reena Flores and mixed by Sean Carter. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2025

In early 2023, Sean Combs — otherwise known as Diddy, Puff Daddy, Love — seemed to be on top of the world. He had a long career as a successful music producer and businessman, and he received multiple honors for his work — even getting a key to the city of New York from its mayor. But that fall, everything changed when his ex-girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura filed a lawsuit against him alleging that he’d sexually abused and sex trafficked her throughout their decade-long relationship. This opened the floodgates. Dozens of other alleged victims came forward, and soon Combs found himself at the center of a federal investigation into his businesses. After arresting him in September 2024, federal prosecutors alleged in an indictment that Combs used his business to carry out criminal activity, including sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson and bribery. He’s now awaiting trial in a Brooklyn jail.For the next month on “Post Reports,” we’re going to be following Combs’s trial, which starts Monday. You’ll hear regularly from reporter Anne Branigin, who’s been closely following this story since Cassie filed her lawsuit, as well as other Washington Post journalists from the Style and Audio teams. On today’s episode, Branigin describes how the Combs rose to fame and power, and what he is now being accused of. Today’s show was produced by Sabby Robinson. It was edited by Reena Flores and Carla Spartos and mixed by Sean Carter. Thanks also to Maggie Penman, Lucas Trevor, Amanda Finnegan and Renita Jablonski. The episode also features Janay Kingsberry and Helena Andrews-Dyer, reporters for the Style section of The Post. Geoff Edgers contributed to this report.Follow our coverage of the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs on Spotify here.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2025

President Donald Trump’s second term started with a record-breaking pace of executive actions. Today, senior political reporter Aaron Blake talks with White House reporter Natalie Allison and national reporter Maeve Reston about Trump’s 100-day record and how the American public feels about some of his signature actions so far. They also discuss Trump’s decision to switch out national security adviser Michael Waltz, and some early and very different recent maneuvers from some ambitious Democrats who could lead the party into the 2028 election – including Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.Today’s show was produced and mixed by Ted Muldoon. It was edited by Laura Benshoff.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2025

On April 30, 1975, the Vietnam War came to an end, as North Vietnamese closed in on the South Vietnamese capital and thousands of American personnel frantically evacuated. The war left a devastating legacy: More than 3 million Vietnamese died and more than 58,000 U.S. troops were killed. The remains of more than 300,000 Vietnamese soldiers and 1,200 U.S. service members are still missing. Over the past five decades, there has been a delicate progress toward peace and reconciliation between the countries, facilitated by trade, U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Institute of Peace. Under President Donald Trump, that’s all being unraveled. On today’s show, South East Asia Bureau chief Rebecca Tan shares her reporting from Vietnam on the painful legacies of the war and how U.S.-Vietnam relations are suddenly faltering.  This episode was produced by Elana Gordon, and mixed by Sam Bair. It was edited by Lucy Perkins with help from Peter Finn and Maggie Penman. Thank you to Emma Talkoff. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2025

On May 2, the United States will start charging import fees, also known as tariffs, on small-dollar shipments from China. Those fees fundamentally alter the business model of companies like Shein and Temu, which ship low-cost goods and garments directly from factories in China to consumers.Host Colby Itkowitz speaks with Washington Post fashion critic Rachel Tashjian to understand what these changes will mean for shoppers and gets advice for how to shop for better quality clothes on any budget.Today’s show was produced by Laura Benshoff. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and mixed by Sam Bair. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and border czar Tom Homan held a briefing Monday to tout the Trump administration’s record on immigration. There, reporters asked about the recent deportation of three U.S. citizen children. According to recent polls, Trump is increasingly losing support for his hard-line approach to immigration enforcement. Co-host Colby Itkowitz talks to White House reporter Marianne LeVine about what the first 100 days of Trump’s immigration policies add up to – and what we could expect next.Today’s show was produced by Emma Talkoff. It was edited by Maggie Penman and Ariel Plotnick. It was mixed by Sean Carter. Thank you to Christine Armario. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2025

Lisa Singh has spent the past six months working overnight on the subway platforms of New York, where homelessness, mental illness, drug addiction and crime had been unfolding as overlapping crises. Since Lisa had taken the job, a woman died after being lit on fire on an F train at Coney Island, a man was pushed into the path of an oncoming train in Manhattan, and other riders were shoved, punched and stabbed in unprovoked attacks.Before this work, Lisa had spent years as a nurse in a psychiatric emergency room, so she knew how difficult it could be to treat schizophrenic or bipolar patients who couldn’t always advocate for themselves. Now, she has the power to order involuntary removals of people with mental illness and hospitalize them for up to 72 hours, and she can use the orders at her discretion to remove mentally ill people who cannot meet their basic needs — even if they aren’t acting dangerously toward others.This story follows Lisa through several shifts in the New York City subway. The piece was reported, written and read by Ruby Cramer. Audio production and original music by Bishop Sand.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2025

Senior politics reporter Aaron Blake talks with The Washington Post’s chief correspondent covering national politics, Dan Balz, and national security reporter Abigail Hauslohner about new reporting this week about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Hegseth’s continued use of Signal, an unclassified messaging app, to share highly sensitive information has roiled the agency he oversees. They also unpack new polling that shows warning signs for Trump: public support for his legally dubious immigration policies have turned negative. Today’s show was produced by Laura Benshoff with help from Rennie Svirnovskiy. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and mixed by Sean Carter. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025

David Hogg began his journey as a political activist after surviving the Parkland school shooting in 2018. Today, he’s a leader in the Democratic National Committee and co-founder of a group called Leaders We Deserve, which focuses on electing young, progressive candidates. The group’s recent announcement that it would spend $20 million to challenge Democratic incumbents in safe seats has stoked controversy within the party – even prompting DNC Chair Ken Martin to propose a rule change that would force Hogg to choose between his two roles. Today, Colby Itkowitz speaks with Hogg about why Democrats' popularity is cratering and how he thinks primarying established Democrats will strengthen the party.This show was produced by Laura Benshoff and Sam Bair, who also mixed the episode. It was edited by Reena Flores and Maggie Penman. And special thanks for the video production to Daniel Mich, David Bruns, Justin Scuiletti, Peter Stevenson and Billy Tucker. Watch Hogg’s interview with us on YouTube here.

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2025

Since Trump unleashed Elon Musk’s U.S. DOGE Service on the federal government, Post reporter Hannah Natanson has been deluged with messages from hundreds of federal workers. They fear for their jobs and are worried about the damage DOGE could do to crucial programs as it tries to make massive spending cuts across the government.Colby Itkowitz speaks with Hannah about what it has been like to be on the receiving end of these messages, what federal workers are most concerned about, and what DOGE may look like now that Elon Musk is stepping back from leading the initiative.Today’s show was produced and mixed by Ted Muldoon. It was edited by Peter Bresnan. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

América Platt was detained at Prairieland – an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Alvarado, Texas. She spent four sleepless nights on the floor because there weren’t enough beds. She had her period when she arrived, and a fever from an ear infection – but she said it took hours to access medical care or even a sanitary pad.  “You’re stripped from your humanity,” she told investigative reporter Doug MacMillan.  Today, producer Laura Benshoff speaks with Doug about the conditions in overcrowded ICE detention centers. This episode was produced by Ariel Plotnick and edited by Maggie Penman. It was mixed by Sean Carter. Thanks to Evelyn Larrubia. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, became leader of the world's nearly 1.4 billion Catholics in 2013. Immediately, Francis made it clear that he would not be a traditional pope. He rejected the customary red slippers of the office in favor of simple black shoes, and he chose to live in a small boarding house instead of the lavish papal apartments above St. Peter’s Square. Francis made few changes to church doctrine during his 12 years as pope, but he fostered an inclusive style that won him many admirers and provoked harsh criticism from the church’s more conservative factions. In particular, he tried to make the church more inclusive to women and to the LGBTQ community.Anthony Faiola is the Post’s Rome bureau chief, and he has covered Francis for more than a decade. Colby Itkowitz speaks with him about the legacy Francis leaves behind, and about why the upcoming conclave to choose Francis’s successor is shrouded in mystery. “Even the most astute Vatican watchers would not hazard a guess as to who the next pope will be,” Anthony says. Today’s show was produced by Peter Bresnan. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and mixed by Ted Muldoon. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2025

Think you know how to take a good nap? Think again. Neuroscientist and columnist Richard Sima discusses the latest research on how to maximize the benefits. Plus, how breathing can help calm our minds. Today’s show was produced by Elana Gordon and mixed by Sean Carter. It was edited by Lucy Perkins, with help from Maggie Penman. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

The world’s two largest powers are closer than ever to a full economic break. Why neither the United States nor China want to blink, and what it will take for China to survive the trade war. Read more: A week after President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs roiled global markets, his administration put China in its crosshairs, with a 145 percent levy on Chinese imports. China countered by raising tariffs on all U.S. goods to at least 125 percent and by publicly casting the United States as an irresponsible global power. Today on “Post Reports,” The Post’s China bureau chief, Lily Kuo, joins guest host Chris Velazco to explain how the trade relationship between the two countries got so hostile, how China plans to weather the storm, and how the rest of the world might feel the consequences of this game of chicken. And China correspondent Christian Shepherd brings us to an e-commerce expo in Shenzhen, China, where sellers are pledging to find a way through the tariffs. Today’s show was produced by Rennie Svirnovskiy and Elana Gordon. It was mixed by Sam Bair and edited by Reena Flores. Thanks to Anna Fifield. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

Since returning to the White House, President Donald Trump has used his office to threaten or punish people he says have wronged him in the past. That includes prominent law firms that have represented Democratic causes or hired attorneys who have investigated him, such as former special counsel Robert S. Mueller III. To get back on Trump’s good side, some law firms are now pledging to do pro bono work for causes the administration supports. As of late last week, some law firms Trump has pressured have promised him nearly a billion dollars in legal services. Others are taking the administration to court.Host Colby Itkowitz speaks with law enforcement and criminal justice reporter Mark Berman about how Trump is using the power of the presidency to muzzle private law firms and why many lawyers say his moves undermine the entire justice system.Today’s show was produced by Laura Benshoff. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and mixed by Sean Carter. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2025

For the past few weeks, one man has become a focal point for President Donald Trump’s war on immigration. Kilmar Abrego García was mistakenly deported and sent to a Salvadoran prison last month. Abrego García’s deportation has become a legal battle over the rights of immigrants and the boundaries of executive power. Host Colby Itkowitz speaks with immigration reporter Maria Sacchetti about how Abrego García became collateral damage in Trump’s immigration fight. Today’s show was produced by Ariel Plotnick with help from Rennie Svirnovskiy. It was edited by Reena Flores and mixed by Sam Bair. Thanks also to Lucas Trevor and Lucy Perkins.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

The United States is experiencing a rise in measles, the most contagious virus in the world. Many of us have questions: Is my child protected? Do I need another vaccine? What about taking vitamin A?  Infectious disease experts worry that the Trump administration’s handling of the outbreak centered in West Texas is creating confusion and hindering an effective response. Today on “Post Reports,” host Colby Itkowitz speaks with Lena Sun, a national reporter focused on public health and infectious diseases, about what to know about the widening measles outbreak and how families can protect themselves.  Read more:Trump has faced measles before. The difference this time is RFK Jr.RFK Jr.’s focus on vitamin A for measles worries health expertsShould you get a measles booster? Here’s what to know.Five people who survived measles recount the disease’s horrorsToday’s show was produced by Elana Gordon. It was edited by Maggie Penman and mixed by Sean Carter. Thanks to Lenny Bernstein. Listen to our previous episode ”Inside Texas’s Growing Measles Outbreak.”Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2025

Dallas LeBeau had worked for years to make it to a top professional tour in skiing, only to stall in the standings last winter. He felt desperate to win respect. One of the last chances of the year to make some noise was by submitting a video of a jump to GoPro for a contest.In January 2024, on the drive back after a long day on the mountain, he snapped a photo of the turn before Highway 40 crests Berthoud Pass in Colorado — a 40-foot-wide stretch of asphalt. With the GoPro contest in mind, he thought: What if I could jump that gap?This is the story leading up to Dallas’s jump, his attempt to clear Highway 40, and the grief that followed. The piece was reported, written and read by Roman Stubbs. Audio production and original music by Bishop Sand.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 12 April 2025

Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-Colorado) speaks with host Colby Itkowitz about why he's seeking to rein in Trump's tariffs authority and restore that power to Congress.This episode was produced by Sam Bair, with help from Peter Bresnan and Ariel Plotnick. It was edited by Maggie Penman, Reena Flores and Renita Jablonski. Thank you to Emily Anderson and Meryl Kornfield. 

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2025

Unpacking the political fallout from President Donald Trump’s pause on tariffs.Tariffs are on. Tariffs are paused. Tariffs are making stock markets go wild. Where do we go from here?Senior political reporter Aaron Blake talks with The Post’s global economics correspondent, David Lynch, and White House reporter Cat Zakrzewski about Trump’s mixed messaging on tariffs, whether the administration’s tariff pause is strategic, and where the policy whiplash leaves Wall Street and American small-business owners. Today’s show was produced by Rennie Svirnovskiy, with help from Ted Muldoon. It was edited by Reena Flores, Lucy Perkins with help from Annah Aschbrenner and mixed by Sean Carter. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2025

President Donald Trump and his ally Elon Musk have vowed to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse they say is rampant in the Social Security Administration, a federal program that provides more than 70 million Americans with retirement or disability income. But evidence of widespread fraud and abuse is scant, and cost-cutting at the agency has driven out experienced staff. As a result, the website is crashing, phone lines are clogged, and seniors are reporting difficulty getting the help they need to establish or update their benefits.Host Colby Itkowitz speaks with Lisa Rein, who covers the Social Security Administration for The Washington Post, about how this agency has come under fire during the second Trump administration.Today’s show was produced by Laura Benshoff. It was edited by Maggie Penman and mixed by Sean Carter. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

After President Donald Trump announced far-reaching tariffs last week, the stock markets immediately reacted, taking the biggest plunge since 2020. Host Colby Itkowitz speaks with personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary about how to weather the economic storm, from whether to pause on big purchases like cars to how to handle your retirement savings. Today’s show was produced by Emma Talkoff, with help from Ariel Plotnick. It was edited by Reena Flores and mixed by Sean Carter. Thanks also to Rivan Stinson.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

Within hours of taking office in January, President Donald Trump issued an executive order freezing nearly all foreign aid. While exemptions were later given for some life-saving services, the move has sent the global fight against HIV/AIDS into chaos. In Kenya, clinics have closed, HIV medication is being rationed and condom dispensers are empty, according to The Washington Post’s Nairobi correspondent, Katharine Houreld. She spoke with host Colby Itkowitz about a woman named Mary’s story, and how mothers and children with HIV fear for their lives.In the wake of the U.S. overhaul in foreign aid, many now wonder: How much of these long-fought victories against the virus are now being lost? Today’s show was produced by Elana Gordon. It was mixed by Sean Carter, and edited by Lucy Perkins. Thanks to Jesse Mesner-Hage and Jennifer Amur.  Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2025

With the stock market roiling following the announcement of new tariffs, Republicans are confronting a challenge. Will they support President Donald Trump’s economic plans, even if they don’t believe in them? Or will they seek to temper his moves and draw criticism from a president who hates disloyalty?Senior reporter Aaron Blake talks with Post congressional correspondent Liz Goodwin and Senate reporter Theodoric Meyer about the mixed reactions to this week’s bombshell economic news. They also discuss how special elections in Florida, and a state Supreme Court race in Wisconsin, provide Democrats with some positive data points after their stinging 2024 defeat. In particular, Elon Musk’s spending push in support of the conservative candidate in Wisconsin may have backfired, motivating liberal voters to turn out en masse. Plus, what Cory Booker’s more than 25-hour speech from the Senate floor did and didn’t accomplish.Today’s show was produced by Laura Benshoff. It was edited by Reena Flores and mixed by Sean Carter. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced the largest increase in tariffs in modern U.S. history, unveiling import taxes that he said would revive domestic manufacturing and amount to a national “Declaration of Economic Independence.”Today on “Post Reports,” financial writer David Lynch joins host Colby Itkowitz to discuss the impact of these tariffs on the American economy, and on your wallet. Today’s show was produced by Sabby Robinson and Ariel Plotnick, with help from Rennie Svirnovskiy. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and mixed by Sean Carter. Thanks to Jen Liberto.  Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2025

President Donald Trump has wanted to make Greenland a part of the United States since his first term, citing its strategic location and valuable mineral resources. Now, the White House is drawing up scenarios for how the U.S. could take control of Greenland from Denmark, which currently governs the island. But those in Greenland and Denmark have been alarmed by the Trump administration’s strategy and rhetoric.White House reporter Michael Birnbaum reports on this effort and the challenges that the administration is facing as it tries to make this plan into a reality. Today’s show was produced by Ariel Plotnick and Sabby Robinson. It was edited by Reena Flores and Peter Bresnan and mixed by Sean Carter. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2025

From New York to Boston to Washington, we've seen arrests of noncitizens by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, citing ties to Hamas and Hezbollah. The evidence seems to be their participation in protests of the Israel-Gaza war, or social media posts.Civil liberties groups say the legal justifications are tenuous and potentially unconstitutional. The First Amendment protects the right to speak, protest and publish views, regardless of citizenship status. But experts say that deportation is an area where courts have historically granted the executive branch broad latitude — and that gray area is where the Trump administration is operating.Today on “Post Reports,” reporter María Luisa Paúl joins host Colby Itkowitz to outline the rights of noncitizen protesters. And, as reports emerge of travelers being questioned, detained or refused entry at U.S. ports of entry — and of travelers having their phones searched and taken by border patrol officers – technology reporter Heather Kelly shares her guide to locking down your devices.Today’s show was produced by Rennie Svirnovskiy. It was mixed by Sean Carter, and edited by Maggie Penman. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

Conservative judicial candidate Brad Schimel and Democratic-backed judge Susan Crawford are the ones on the ballot in Tuesday’s election. But it’s Elon Musk who’s drawing outsized attention in the race for an open seat on Wisconsin’s Supreme Court.That’s because the billionaire and his super PAC are pumping money into a race that Republicans claim could decide the fate of the country. Democrats, meanwhile, are also spending millions, hoping that painting Musk as the ultimate villain of the race will inspire their base to turnout. Host Colby Itkowitz speaks to Wisconsin-based reporter Patrick Marley about how the cash is being spent and the strategy behind it all. Today’s show was produced by Laura Benshoff. It was edited by Reena Flores and mixed by Sean Carter. Thanks to Dan Eggen.  Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2025

What does Bob Woodward think of all this? Colby Itkowitz poses that question to the renowned Washington Post journalist in his first sit-down interview about President Donald Trump since Trump’s second inauguration. Over 50 years ago, Woodward’s reporting of the break-in at the Watergate with his colleague Carl Bernstein exposed the Nixon administration’s plan to spy on and sabotage his political adversaries and the cover-up that followed. After President Richard Nixon’s resignation, Congress would go on to enact new limits on presidential power, which Trump is now challenging. In the years since Watergate, Bob Woodward has continued to report on presidents – interviewing Trump and writing three books about him that reveal the president’s approach to power.“So much of it is Trump just asserted himself, taking on the role of the courts, taking on the role of Congress,” Woodward told Itkowitz. “So we are entering a moment where there is going to be a clash of those traditions and laws and Trump's will.” You can also watch the interview here on Youtube. Special thanks to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. Today's episode was produced by Sabby Robinson. It was edited by Renita Jablonski and Reena Flores and mixed by Sam Bair. Additional thanks to Zach Purser Brown, David Bruns, Ross Godwin, Randolph Smith, Dan Mich, Tom LeGro, Lauren Saks and Micah Gelman on our video team. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

Baseball is back – and so are the sport’s existential questions, both on and off the field.  Coming off a dominant 2024 season, Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to become the first team since the 2000 New York Yankees to capture back-to-back World Series championships. Standing in their way is a changing game, the increasingly pervasive threat of elbow injuries across the majors, and the 29 other MLB teams set on beating them.  Today on “Post Reports,” guest host Ava Wallace is joined by Washington Post national baseball writer Chelsea Janes to discuss how the Dodgers are shaping the future of America’s pastime and building a team to compete in October.  Today’s show was produced by Lucas Trevor. It was mixed by Sean Carter. It was edited by Maggie Penman. Clips provided courtesy of MLB.  Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2025

With just a few weeks to go until Tax Day, Treasury Department and IRS officials are predicting a decrease of more than 10 percent in tax receipts by the April 15 deadline compared with 2024. That would amount to more than $500 billion in lost federal revenue. The prediction, officials told congressional economic correspondent Jacob Bogage, is directly tied to changing taxpayer behavior and President Donald Trump’s rapid demolition of parts of the IRS. On “Post Reports,” Jacob joins host Colby Itkowitz to discuss the signals the Trump administration has sent taxpayers with its shrinking of the IRS. And he explains how the administration is hoping to use the tax agency's confidential taxpayer databases to aid in its mass deportation campaign.Today’s show was produced by Rennie Svirnovskiy, with help from Bishop Sand. It was edited by Peter Bresnan and mixed by Sean Carter. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2025

A Tuesday hearing had been previously scheduled for senior Trump administration officials to share an annual global threat assessment with the Senate Intelligence Committee. Instead, Democratic senators spent much of the time grilling them about their involvement in a Signal group chat in which Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor in chief of the Atlantic, had been erroneously included. Screenshots shared by Goldberg showed top officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, discussing a U.S. plan to launch airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. They shared precise information about weapons and timing. Host Colby Itkowitz is joined by national security reporters Dan Lamothe and Abigail Hauslohner to discuss the security risks this poses and how the administration and Congress are responding. Today’s episode was produced by Sabby Robinson and Ted Muldoon, who also mixed the show. It was edited by Lucy Perkins, with help from Peter Bresnan.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025