Americast

Why has one of Washington DC’s most famous landmarks become symbolic of the Trump presidency?

The renovation and subsequent damage to the Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC gives an insight into Donald Trump’s second term as president and the team that surrounds him. For months the president has claimed that vandalism was responsible for damage to the monument he wanted restored in time for the country’s 250th birthday celebrations.

But at the end of last week, Jeanine Pirro, the federal prosecutor he selected for Washington DC, dropped charges against four people - including US Olympian David Hearn - who were accused of damaging the pool’s lining and blamed “flawed” construction for the damage. Trump accused Pirro of “folding like an umbrella”, but her decision to go against the president’s version of events has raised questions over where Trump is getting his information, and whether his top allies are now less willing to give him the news he wants to hear.

Sarah and Anthony discuss the wider significance of the Reflecting Pool story and also what changes can be expected if Todd Blanche, Trump’s former personal attorney, is appointed as head of the Justice Department.

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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 George Dabby with BethanAshmead. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Will the US president intervene to help Gianni Infantino who is facing calls to step down as head of FIFA, football’s world governing body?

In this episode, Marianna, Anthony and Justin join Matt Chorley on 5 Live to answer your questions. We also discuss why Republicans are targeting Trump’s former Chief Medical Adviser, Anthony Fauci, who was the public face of the US fight against Covid, and how Fauci is responding after being questioned in Congress.

Plus, can the Democrats salvage their senate race in Maine with a new candidate, Troy Jackson, after Graham Platner’s campaign imploded following rape allegations?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent • Matt Chorley, 5 Live 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 Alix Pickles and Beth Ashmead Latham. 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 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

From chasing pickpockets to unmasking predators, vigilantism has become one of the biggest trends on social media. On this episode Matt and Marianna discuss how the age of streaming has added a new layer of risk to content like this, with the potential for devastating consequences including reputational damage and even legal repercussions.

Also this week, as national media fangirls over Andy Burnham's TikTok persona, we ask what the new prime minister is doing right online. Is social media now the ultimate test of a politician's authenticity, and could cosying up to influencers set a dangerous precedent in terms of transparency and accountability for those in positions of power.

Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is topcomment@bbc.co.uk or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

The Democrats almost certainly need to win the Senate race in Michigan if they are to take control of Congress in November’s midterm elections but picking a candidate is exposing a stark choice for the party. Next week party members in the state will decide between a left wing candidate backed by Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and a centrist candidate backed by establishment Democrats like Gretchen Whitmer.

It's opened up a debate about whether the success of other progressive candidates like Zohran Mamdani could be replicated across the country as the Democrats build a strategy to take on the Republicans at the midterms and beyond.

Just how important is the race in Michigan for the Democrats, and will the outcome have an outsized role in deciding how they approach the 2028 presidential election?

HOSTS:

- Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter - Sumi Somaskanda, BBC News chief 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 George Dabby with Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Ben Andews. 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: 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

One of Donald Trump’s favourite right wing influencers, Laura Loomer, had been a vocal critic of US support for Ukraine, but after a complete U-turn, we ask whether MAGA is softening on support for the country.

We also discuss whether this is Loomer auditioning for a job in the president's team.

She did the Zelensky interview soon after the death of Republican senator and Ukraine supporter Lindsey Graham. Anthony talks about what it was like to be at the funeral.

HOSTS:

- Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter - Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent - Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent

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 Chris Flynn with Beth Ashmead Latham. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Donald Trump joked at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner that he would run for a “fourth term” as president before taking out a red hat with the words 'TRUMP 2028' on it. The event had been rescheduled after being cancelled by a shooting three months ago. The president said he respects “most” of the media but then accused many in the room of having "Trump Derangement Syndrome". Sarah was there in the room, but is the event still likely to continue in the future?

The president has also announced new tariffs on 60 trading partners in the latest escalation of the trade war that Donald Trump started when he returned to office last year. Countries including the UK and China will face tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on all goods, and follow a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year that found many of Donald Trump’s tariffs were illegal. Will he face similar resistance this time around?

And, the US has signed a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia that will allow the kingdom to develop a civilian nuclear programme. The deal has prompted bipartisan criticism in the U.S with some lawmakers in the U.S concerned that it could lead to nuclear proliferation in the Middle East. What does the U.S want from the agreement?

The whole Americast team was back with Matt Chorley to answer your questions on 5 Live.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent • Matt Chorley, 5 Live 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 Alix Pickles and Shiler Mahmoudi. The technical producer was Rohan Madison. The series producer is George Dabby. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

We’ve been speaking to perhaps the most prominent anti DEI MAGA activist, Christopher Rufo. He’s widely credited for convincing Donald Trump to dismantle Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programmes within the government, and led the campaign which saw Harvard President Claudine Gay resign from her post in 2024.

He's a controversial figure who has who has spearheaded the right-wing movement against what he describes as "gender ideology" and "woke" institutional policies. He’s also concerned about the future direction of the movement he helped to create and worries about splits within MAGA that have seen influencers like Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens split with Donald Trump.

In today’s podcast, Justin and Rufo sit down to discuss how successful he thinks the second Trump administration has been, and why Richard Nixon is enjoying a revival among Gen Z Republicans.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter

GUEST: • Christopher Rufo, Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute

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 George Dabby and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Rohan Madison. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Republicans hope they can win a number of crucial races in Arizona that could determine which party controls Congress in this year’s midterm elections. Arizona Republicans chose to nominate a number of Trump-backed candidates for November’s elections, putting the power of the president’s endorsement to the test in the crucial swing state.

At the top of the ticket is the race for the governor’s office where Republicans are optimistic their candidate, Andy Biggs, can beat incumbent Democratic governor, Katie Hobbs. Biggs supported Trump’s failed attempt to block certification of his 2020 election loss, and there are concerns among some Republicans that his record may put off independent voters in the state.

And, New York mayor Zohran Mamdani has called on the federal government to arrest Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes. Mamdani said in a social media video that Netanyahu is “not welcome” in New York with the Israeli prime minister expected to travel to the city for the UN General Assembly in New York. Donald Trump said in response that Netanyahu would not be arrested while in the U.S. Is this exactly the sort of political fight the president wants right now?

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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 George Dabby with Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Philip Bull. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm

The FIFA 2026 World Cup was not without controversy, but with the event now concluded, was it a success for the US and Donald Trump? The president has faced scrutiny over perceived interference in the tournament, but what has the legacy of the World Cup been for the US? ​​ ​​Meanwhile, the US and Iran have continued to exchange attacks over the weekend, with the Pentagon announcing on Sunday that a third member of the American military had died in attacks in Jordan and Iraq. Secretary of state Marco Rubio has said the US remains open to negotiations, but is America getting dragged into a so-called ‘forever war’? ​​ ​​And, Justin, Sarah and Marianna answer your questions about plans to sell early access to the president‘s posts on Truth Social.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent

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 George Dabby, Alix Pickles and Shiler Mahmoudi. The technical producer was Rohan Madison. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Join Americast for insights and analysis on what's happening inside Trump's White House.

In the space of one week, two men have been fatally shot by ICE agents in two different states. With limited footage of the incidents and suggestions that neither men were the initial targets of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, protesters are calling for investigations into their deaths.

The deaths of Joan Sebastian Guerrero in Maine - a 26-year-old Colombian national authorised to work in the US - and Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston - a Mexican national who worked in the country as a builder for three decades - have sparked protests and calls for ICE to change how they operate.

Donald Trump has also weighed in, defending ICE agents on Truth Social, saying they are ‘doing a GREAT job’ and shouldn’t change how they apprehend suspects driving vehicles. But will these incidents have any impact on the administration's immigration policies, particularly with midterm elections in November?

In this episode, Justin, Sarah and Anthony also discuss how the incidents in Maine and Houston are resurfacing questions about the progress of investigations into the shootings of US citizens Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents earlier this year.

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

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 Purvee Pattni, Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Jonny Hall. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

A photo of the US senator has gone viral, after he hadn’t been seen for weeks, with rumours mounting over his absence. Over the weekend, the republican Mitch McConnell posted a picture of himself in hospital with his wife, with a dated copy of the Washington Post. But will it stop the conspiracy theories? Also in today’s episode, Justin, Sumi and Anthony answer your questions about Senator Lindsay Graham whose death was announced over the weekend. We look at his changing relationship with Donald Trump, his infamous exchange over the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanagh, and the wider impact of his death. Plus, Trump’s latest plan to allow ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz which involves paying a charge to the US government.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Sumi Somaskanda, Chief Anchor, BBC News

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 Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Jonathan Greer. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

After Charlie Kirk’s death, will young people still vote Republican, and could the battle for his legacy cost Donald Trump crucial votes in this year’s midterm elections?

This week marks the start of hearings which will determine whether prosecutors have enough evidence to bring a murder case against Kirk’s alleged killer, Tyler Robinson. The hearings have once again highlighted Charlie Kirk’s influence on young people and the battle among some Republicans to secure his legacy.

His death remains the subject of conspiracy theories among prominent far-right influencers such as Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens while candidates in this year’s midterm elections have used his endorsement in campaign ads. But alongside this is also an administration that is increasingly unpopular with young people who voted for Trump in part to deal with cost-of-living pressures and a desire for no more wars.

Can the Republican Party keep hold of the voters that Charlie Kirk helped deliver, and where will they go if they don’t vote for the party?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

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 George Dabby and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Jonathan Greer. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Top Democrats are urgently searching for a new senate candidate in Maine. Graham Platner, the former marine and oyster farmer, lost his party’s support after serious allegations of rape and sexual assault, which he denies.

Winning Maine is pivotal to the Democrats’ chances of gaining back control of the Senate in this November’s midterm elections. Now the party is scrambling for alternative candidates, with questions around they type of candidate the party should choose, and how the Democrats will choose to fight Trump. Before these allegations emerged, Graham Platner was heralded as a non establishment candidate with a ‘chequered’ past who ordinary voters could relate to.

In this episode, Anthony and Sumi also discuss the wider consequences for the Democrats as they choose candidates in other states going into this November’s midterms and the presidential election in 2028.

HOSTS: • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Sumi Somaskanda, Chief Anchor, BBC News

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 George Dabby and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Donald Trump explains his controversial intervention in the World Cup. Speaking in the Oval office, the US president confirmed he asked FIFA to review United States star striker Folarin Balogun's one-match red card suspension at the World Cup. It means the US will be able to play its top scorer during tonight’s game against Belgium.

Trump said football's world governing body "made the right decision", adding it would have left a "big stain" on the tournament had the ban been implemented and that “he didn’t think it was a foul”. What’s been the reaction to Trump’s comments and what does this do for the USA team, and Trump’s involvement with the rest of the tournament?

Justin and Anthony also answer your questions around Trump’s wealth and the billions he’s earned during his presidency, whether the Democrats have elected their most left wing candidate EVER after primaries in New York and the impact this is having on the rest of the Democratic party.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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 Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

How have 250 years of history shaped modern America? As historic July 4th celebrations take place across the country this weekend we ask how does modern America compare to the vision of the Founding Fathers in the 18th Century? What does it means to be an American citizen today and has that changed over time? Where does this all leave the American dream?

In this episode, Justin and Anthony talk to the historian Heather Cox Graham who writes a daily Substack on American politics and society and has started a video project - 250 to 250 - to mark the historic landmark. Today, we are bombarded by information at a frenetic pace but can a careful consideration of the past 250 years tell us more about the United States in 2026?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GUEST: • Heather Cox Richardson, historian, author, Substack columnist, founder of 250 to 250 project marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence

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 Purvee Pattni, George Dabby, Tom Gillett and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has removed restrictions on campaign spending. It opens a new wave of spending in the midterm elections after voting to remove restrictions on how much political parties may spend on candidates, potentially altering the dynamic of November’s midterms and the 2028 presidential election. Democrats were quick to criticise the judgement as a win for “billionaire donors and special interests” as figures show Republicans are massively outraising the Democrat Party. How will the ruling affect the future of US political campaigns?

While Donald Trump celebrated the ruling as a ‘BIG WIN’ for Republicans, he was less pleased with another of the Court’s rulings which struck down his attempt to end birthright citizenship. The ruling is a major blow to the president’s immigration agenda, but attention has already turned to next steps. Trump wants to see Republicans push forward a new bill in Congress, but members of his party are split on how to proceed.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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 George Dabby and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

SCOTUS overturns 90 years of legal precedent to expand US presidential power, handing Donald Trump a major victory. The court ruled President Donald Trump CAN fire the heads of independent agencies without cause. The justices struck down a nearly century-old precedent that has allowed Congress to protect the leaders of independent agencies from political influence.

The court’s landmark decision is based on allowing President Trump to remove a Democratic member of the Federal Trade Commission, Rebecca Slaughter, for policy reasons. She sued the government, but today’s decision effectively ends the bipartisan, independent nature of regulatory agencies that oversee many aspects of American life. Trump has called the decision a "BIG WIN" and "one of the most important ever given with respect to Presidential Powers.”

Anthony and Sarah talk to Professor Kate Shaw from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and the co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast and ask, is Trump now the most powerful President in history? We also look at cases which didn’t go Trump’s way, and what that tells us about the Supreme Court, and whether it’s prepared to stand up to the president.

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GUEST: Kate Shaw, Professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast

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 Purvee Pattni, Alix Pickles and Tom Gillett. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm

What should Democrats be doing when it comes to challenging Donald Trump, and in particular, why are Democrat politicians struggling to connect with voters? In this episode, Ben Rhodes joins Americast and gives Justin his current view on the Democrats (and whether they should avoid lecturing voters) plus, why Republicans have been more successful at getting their message out in the digital sphere. What are they doing more effectively than the Democrats?

Ben Rhodes was a speech writer and Deputy National Security Advisor to President Obama and is now the co-host of the popular Pod Save the World podcast. They also discuss Ben’s latest book “All We Say: The Battle for American Identity” which explores American history through the lens of 15 speeches; from Benjamin Franklin to President Trump.

Are we living through a unique moment in time or can we learn more about our present through a study of the past? Have arguments over immigration, citizenry, race and religion always been part of the American story? And, as negotiations continue between the US and Iran, Ben Rhodes gives us an inside view after his experience negotiating the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) directly with Iran in 2015. What sort of deal could Trump strike with Iran and should we trust it?

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

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter

GUEST: • Ben Rhodes, former Deputy National Security Advisor under President Obama and author of All We Say: The Battle for American Identity, A History in 15 Speeches

This episode was made by Alix Pickles, Bethan Ashmead Latham, Purvee Pattni and Tom Gillett. The technical producer was Rohan Madison. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: BBC Sounds - Top Comment - Available Episodes Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

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

The US is lifting its decades-long sanctions on Iran, without guarantees against its nuclear programme. We hear from Republican senators usually loyal to Donald Trump who are critical of Trump’s claims that America has won the war, and that Iran is “on the ropes”. In this episode, Sarah and Anthony look at how the US president is trying to convince Republicans and US voters, that it’s the right decision to allow Iran to make billions of dollars from selling oil, and that the regime won’t use it on their military or nuclear programme. Will this work on senate Republicans, where a measure has just been passed to limit Trump’s ability to restart his war on Iran? Also, as Trump blames continued high gas prices on the oil companies, will he convince voters their economic troubles are not his fault?

Plus, is New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani starting a new socialist democrat movement across the city? A slate of socialist-leaning Democratic candidates he endorsed have achieved sweeping victories in the primaries. These include candidates who want to defund the police and are critical of the mainstream Democratic establishment. Is this a model the rest of the party might follow elsewhere in the United States?

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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 Purvee Pattni, Alix Pickles, Bethan Ashmead and Tom Gillett. The technical producer was Jonny Hall. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

The US Vice President has been justifying his changing view of Donald Trump’s IQ. JD Vance says Donald Trump is probably the most intelligent president the US has ever had. But how does he defend changing his opinion, after admitting that he didn’t think Trump was “a smart person” back in 2016? And how intelligent is the US president?

Sarah, Justin and Marianna answer your questions in today’s episode. These include what’s gone wrong with Trump’s reflecting pool makeover in DC? It’s gone from a shade of blue chosen by Trump at great expense to green. How much is the algae ridden water really costing, both financially and politically? And who is the Trump administration blaming?

And the row between Donald Trump and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Why have the two fallen out and what does it say more widely about relations between Europe and the United States?

HOSTS: * Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter * Sarah Smith, North America Editor * Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

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 Alix Pickles and Bethan Ashmead. The technical producer was Rohan Madison. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

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 Alix Pickles and Bethan Ashmead. The technical producer was Rohan Madison. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm

The US economy backs Elon Musk’s vision for sending people to Mars, the moon and beyond with SpaceX. Elon Musk’s rocket, telecommunications and artificial intelligence company SpaceX has listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange with a value of $2.2 trillion; making him the world’s first trillionaire in the process. Other AI companies, including Open AI and Anthropic have plans to follow suit but what does that mean for the US economy and global financial stability? In this episode, Justin speaks to Ryan Mac - an investigative technology reporter for the New York Times who has extensive experience covering Elon Musk and other leaders in the AI field. SpaceX’s public valuation has made millionaires of many of its past and current employees and generated around $85 billion for the company; money that Elon Musk says is essential to fulfill the company’s plans to build bases on the Moon, put data centres into orbit and send human beings to Mars. But what happens if those plans remain unfulfilled? As more companies offer shares to investors and the general public, Justin and Ryan explore whether America is gambling on the promise of AI? And is the US economy becoming dangerously reliant on one industry?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter

GUEST: • Ryan Mac - New York Times investigative technology correspondent

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 Tom Gillett, Grace Reeve, Alix Pickles and Purvee Pattni. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: BBC Sounds - Top Comment - Available Episodes Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Former First Lady Jill Biden says she wants to “set the record straight” on how she felt about her husband’s health during that infamous debate that ended his 2024 presidential bid. Why is she speaking out now, and what does it mean for the Democrats, particularly in the run up to this November’s midterm elections? In this episode of Americast we go under the radar, looking at stories away from the main news headlines.

As well as the Bidens, we also discuss why this World Cup might be the best PR machine for Donald Trump’s America. Social media videos show international fans united in their positive experiences of the States - but is everything as good as it seems online?

And the president wants to give America’s top legal job to his former personal lawyer. Trump says that Todd Blanche kept him ‘out of jail for years’ and is doing a great job as interim leader. But not everyone is complimentary. Who are the Republicans who could block him becoming Attorney General?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent • Caitriona Perry, Chief Anchor, BBC News

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 Purvee Pattni, Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Donald Trump became the second oldest president in US history on Sunday, at 80 years old. And to celebrate the milestone he hosted a UFC cage fight on the White House lawn.

Justin, Anthony and Marianna join Matt Chorley on 5 Live to discuss how the UFC Freedom 250 event was received in the US. Was it a money trap or a celebration of all things America? Did Trump really fall asleep for part of the event and does that say anything about his ability to do the job?

Also, what does Trump’s deal over Iran actually mean - and is it any different from the situation pre-war? The president called the New York Times on Sunday, criticising Netanyahu as a “very difficult guy”. Do the US public think the negotiation process has been worth it?

Plus, who is Jon Ossoff, and could he be a presidential underdog for 2028? The team answer your questions about the Democrat ahead of the Georgia primaries.

And with the World Cup kick-off and the New York Knicks winning the NBA title for the first time in over a century, the team unpack what’s got sports fans talking.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

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 Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. 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 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

The world’s largest data centre (62sq miles) has been approved in Utah, but there is growing opposition towards the project. At twice the size of Manhattan with promises to create thousands of jobs, we look at the bi partisan opposition against it. In this episode, Justin and Anthony discuss the enormous buildings being built across rural America, to house the huge amounts of data that A.I companies work with. Tech bosses say the centres are essential to the growth of Artificial Intelligence. Also, for many of these companies, now valued at billions of dollars, their stock price is based on data centres which need to be approved and built. But there are growing bi partisan which range from the environmental impact, water pollution, electricity usage, sound pollution, falling property prices and their impact on the landscape of rural America. We hear from the journalist and author Robert Bryce, who is an energy specialist and Substack columnist. He has been geographically tracking the development and opposition to data centres across the United States and has interesting observations on how this compares with the development of wind and solar energy.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GUEST: • Robert Bryce, Energy journalist, author and Substack columnist

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 Tom Gillett, Ellie House, Alix Pickles and Purvee Pattni. The technical producer was Stephen Bailey. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

There are new allegations against Graham Platner, the confirmed Democratic senate candidate in Maine. The small north eastern state which borders Canada is at the centre of a fierce debate within the Democratic party. Have they picked the right candidate for a profoundly important election in Maine, which will be integral to Democrats’ chances of winning back control of the US Senate?

Graham Platner, the Democrat’s new candidate, is facing multiple allegations and scandals around his conduct and behaviour, particularly around women. He says he’s been unfairly targeted, and that everyone has behaviours in their past which they regret. But will that be enough to convince voters? In this episode, Anthony Zurcher - who is just back from reporting in Maine - joins Justin to give us his take after hearing from voters and Graham Platner himself.

Also, we hear from insiders on exactly how Platner was selected and vetted before he became a Democrat candidate. He’ll be facing incumbent Susan Collins, the longest serving female Republican in the senate, who is also a longstanding Trump critic.

Plus, with accusations from the US president about election fraud in California - where ballots are still being counted for the governor race to replace Democrat Gavin Newsom - we look at the preliminary results. It looks like British-born Republican Steve Hilton has been chosen to stand against Democrat Xavier Baccera in November. Why is it taking so long to count ballots and come up with a result? And, we discuss whether Trump’s claims about election fraud part of a bigger playbook for November’s midterm elections.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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 Tom Gillett, Alix Pickles and Ellie House. The technical producer was Jonny Baker. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

The US president was being questioned in Wisconsin when he walked out - what happened and why has the clip gone viral? In this episode, Anthony, Marianna and Sumi answer your questions with Matt Chorley on 5 Live.

We also look at whether the president has lost control of the Iran War. Last week, some Republicans joined Democrats to pass a measure in Congress seeking to halt Trump from taking further military action amid growing opposition to the war. Meanwhile, with renewed tit-for-tat strikes from both Iran and Israel, Donald Trump is insisting that he’s close to a deal to end the conflict.

Plus, why is Vice President JD Vance posting about Henry Nowak on social media, and what impact does It have?

And, is one of America‘s most iconic news programmes - 60 Minutes - being killed off by its new editor in chief Bari Weiss? That’s the accusation after its long-time anchor Scott Pelley was fired. We ask what’s going on with all the layoffs at CBS.

HOSTS: • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent • Matt Chorley, 5 Live 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 Alix Pickles and Ellie House. The technical producer was Jonny Hall. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001mssm

We’ve got together with Americast/Newscast and Football Daily for three special episodes on what could be the most political World Cup ever.

How much will Donald Trump make it about him? Will the US-Iran war affect the tournament? And why are tickets so expensive?

We tell you everything you need to know about what’s going on off the pitch.

Adam Fleming joins from Newscast and 5 Live football commentary legend John Murray is on from Football Daily.

In this episode we look at what the US-Iran war means for Iran’s team and what strict Visa laws mean for players and fans.

Listen to Newscast here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl

Listen to Football Daily here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p02nrsln

HOSTS: • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent • Adam Fleming, Newscast Host • John Murray, 5 Live Commentator

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 Ellie House. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producers were Chris Flynn and 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

We’ve got together with Americast/Newscast and Football Daily for three special episodes on what could be the most political World Cup ever.

How much will Donald Trump make it about him? Will the US-Iran war affect the tournament? And why are tickets so expensive?

We tell you everything you need to know about what’s going on off the pitch.

Adam Fleming joins from Newscast and 5 Live football commentary legend John Murray is on from Football Daily.

In this episode we look at what the US-Iran war means for Iran’s team and what strict Visa laws mean for players and fans.

Listen to Newscast here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl

Listen to Football Daily here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p02nrsln

HOSTS: • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent • Adam Fleming, Newscast Host • John Murray, 5 Live Commentator

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 Miranda Slade. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producers were Chris Flynn and 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001mssm

We’ve got together with Americast/Newscast and Football Daily for three special episodes on what could be the most political World Cup ever.

How much will Donald Trump make it about him? Will the US-Iran war affect the tournament? And why are tickets so expensive?

We tell you everything you need to know about what’s going on off the pitch.

Adam Fleming joins from Newscast and 5 Live football commentary legend John Murray is on from Football Daily.

In this episode we look at why the US, Canada, and Mexico were picked as hosts, and who’s benefiting from the Trump-Infantino bromance.

Listen to Newscast here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl

Listen to Football Daily here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p02nrsln

HOSTS: • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent • Adam Fleming, Newscast Host • John Murray, 5 Live Commentator

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 Anna Harris. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producers were Chris Flynn and 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001mssm

Could Democrats flip Iowa from the Republicans? It’s a state Trump has won three times and Republicans have dominated for more than a decade. The last senate race the Democrats won there was Barack Obama’s victory in 2008, before he went on to win the presidential nomination. But now, overnight primary results from Iowa are leaving Democrats feeling optimistic.

Justin, Sarah and Anthony break down the key races, including a well-funded, gun-owning Democratic gubernatorial candidate who is appealing to voters across party lines, versus a Republican outsider who won without Trump’s endorsement. Does this signal an end to Trump’s winning streak when it comes to picking Republican candidates? Democrats are also hoping to flip the senate, with a paralympian gold medallist who was backed by Chuck Schumer and the party establishment. We analyse how important Iowa is for the Democrats to win, and for Republicans to keep hold of.

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

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 Alix Pickles and Purvee Pattni. The technical producer was Stephen Bailey. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001mssm

Why have artists pulled out of a festival celebrating America's 250th birthday in Washington DC ? The Great American State Fair is planned on the National Mall between 25th June and 10th July but artists such as Young MC, the Commodores and country singer Martina McBride expressed concern at the political nature of the event and cancelled their appearances. President Trump has subsequently said that he might give a headline speech instead so what hope now for a celebration of national unity?

In this episode, Justin, Sarah and Marianna answer your questions with Matt Chorley on 5 Live. They talk about whether Trump or Netanyahu are calling the shots on Iran, the upcoming UFC fight within the White House grounds and ask whether Europeans are becoming less inclined to visit the United States?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, BBC North America Editor • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

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 Purvee Pattni and Ellie House. The technical producer was David Evans. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm

US presidents have always told lies. Richard Nixon famously lied to Congress over his knowledge of the Watergate scandal while Bill Clinton was impeached by the House of Representatives after declaring that he did not have “sexual relations” with Monica Lewinsky.

How much does the American public care about politicians lying and could a new law stop it from happening?

In today’s Americast, Justin and Sarah speak to a former federal prosecutor who wants to hold politicians accountable if their lies damage democracy. Andrew Weissman played a major role in former FBI director Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, and now believes the US should bring in laws to protect elections from lies.

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 George Dabby with Tom Gillett, Grace Reeve and Oscar Pearson. The technical producer was Rohan Madison. The series producer is George Dabby. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

The Senate race for Texas could decide which party controls Congress in November’s midterm elections, and some Democrats think the state could be theirs for the first time since 1988.

It follows Tuesday’s Republican primary in Texas that ousted the state’s long-serving senator, John Cornyn, in favour of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a controversial figure who was backed by Donald Trump after the president accused Cornyn of disloyalty.

In today’s episode, Sarah and Anthony assess whether Trump’s backing for Ken Paxton reflects a growing disconnect between the president and his base, and why some Republicans are worried about his chances when facing up against the Democrat’s James Talarico in November.

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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 Tom Gillett with Grace Reeve and Oscar Pearson. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is George Dabby. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

There was a gender divide in the US in 2024 and one of the criticisms of the failed Democrat presidential campaign was that they appealed to women and largely ignored men.

So, with the midterms coming up, and the 2028 battle lines being drawn, how much is are political conversations going to centre around who can attract the male vote?

Justin’s been talking to a man who’s been thinking about that very question.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent

GUEST: • Scott Galloway, New York University professor, author, and podcaster

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 Alix Pickles. The technical producer was James Piper. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment BBC Sounds - Top Comment - Available Episodes

What is President Trump’s plan for the future of Cuba? His oil blockade has crippled the island’s economy and could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe. He has indicted former President Raul Castro for murder and put sanctions on Cuba’s military leaders, but what might be his next steps? Is he thinking about using the Venezuela playbook and snatching the 94 year old leader?

In this episode, Sarah and Anthony discuss what Trump’s options are in Cuba and whether military action is feasible and likely.

We also hear from Carlos Cubelo - a former Republican Congressman from Florida who is the son of Cuban immigrants and ask what do Cuban Americans think about Trump’s course of action?

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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 Tom Gillett, Grace Reeve and Purvee Pattni. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment BBC Sounds - Top Comment - Available Episodes

US tax authorities will be barred from pursuing claims against Donald Trump, some members of his family and the Trump organisation. This pledge is part of an extraordinary new settlement, announced yesterday, between the US president and the US Department of Justice. In this episode, Sarah and Anthony look at the implications of the deal, which includes the creation of a fund worth almost £1.8 billion for victims of alleged “lawfare”, aswell as supporters of the president who claim to have been unfairly prosecuted. Also this week, Donald Trump has continued his purge of those he sees as disloyal within the Republican Party through primary elections throughout the US. In Kentucky, Congressman Thomas Massie lost his bid for re-election after Trump endorsed his challenger and his donors threw unprecedented amounts of money at the campaign. In Louisiana, veteran Senator Bill Cassidy lost out to a Trump backed challenger (Cassidy angeredTrump by his 2021 decision to impeach him in 2021). What do these victories tell us about Donald Trump’s popularity within the Republican party? And what does that mean for Republicans who disagree with him?

HOSTS: Sarah Smith, North America Editor Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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 Purvee Pattni, Tom Gillett, Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm

NYC’s new mayor says his new budget will save the city billions without having to cut key services. In a social media post, Zohran Mamdani told New Yorkers his administration “uncovered a $12 billion budget deficit. Today, I’m proud to say we brought it down to zero. We didn’t close the gap on the backs of working people.”But beyond the headlines, how accurate is this, and what do New Yorkers say about it?

In this episode, Justin, Anthony and Marianna answer your questions with Matt Chorley on 5 Live.They also talk about whether Trump’s social media posts now carry less weight, particularly when it comes to Iran, and a new move by Senate Democrats to take funding away from the president’s plans for a new ballroom. And, how the US president is further expanding the brand of Donald Trump, including with a Trump-branded gold phone.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

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 Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm

It’s the world’s fourth largest economy, with over 40 million people and home to some of the world’s most powerful tech companies. So why aren’t the Democratic party’s biggest names queuing up for a chance to run California?

Voting has started in a primary to decide who will run to replace Governor Gavin Newsom. Democrats have been scrambling after its frontrunner, Rep Eric Swalwell dropped out following allegations of sexual misconduct, and without a blockbuster candidate such as Kamala Harris, Democrat voters have been left navigating a crowded, unsettled field of candidates.

In this episode, Sarah, Anthony and Justin discuss why California is problematic to govern and assess the risk for Democrats possibly losing the state. Also, who is the British-born Republican endorsed by Trump and does he have a real chance of making it to the November election?

We also hear from Democrat Californian royalty, Christine Pelosi, long time Democrat strategist who is now running as a Californian State Senate candidate, and of course daughter to Nancy Pelosi, former speaker of the House of Representatives.

Presenter: Sarah Smith, North America editor, Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter and Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent

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 George Dabby with Tom Gillett, Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Jonny Hall. 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: 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

It’s Donald Trump vs President Xi, as the US president is on his first China visit in nearly a decade. A fragile truce exists after both countries came close to a fully blown trade war last year, and now the U.S may need China to help end the war in Iran.

As ever, Donald Trump is hoping a positive personal relationship with Chinese president Xi Jinping will help broker a number of trade deals, and has brought with him a fleet of tech CEOs including Nvidia's Jensen Huang, Tim Cook of Apple, Elon Musk of Tesla and SpaceX, Larry Fink of BlackRock, as well as other executives from Meta, Visa, JP Morgan, Boeing, Cargill and more.

But hanging over the entire trip is the fragile ceasefire in Iran, which Trump says is on “massive life support”. China is a key ally of Iran and may have greater ability to broker a peace deal, but what would Beijing want from any peace deal, and would the US president be able to resist the opportunity to end a war that’s deeply unpopular with Americans back home?

Back in Washington DC, FBI Director Kash Patel has been facing more questions over reports of allegations of excessive drinking, this time during a congressional hearing over the FBI’s budget. Patel continues to deny the allegations and has sued The Atlantic for defamation over its reporting. Why can’t he shake off the claims, and will Donald Trump take notice?

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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 George Dabby with Tom Gillett and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Philip Bull. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

A viral video of Marco Rubio has sparked speculation over who might take over the Republican party in 2028. Whilst president Trump muses over his successor, reportedly asking his advisors whether they prefer “JD or Marco”, Anthony and Justin weigh up how both potential candidates might perform in a 2028 presidential run. Could Trump anoint a successor? And is it the Vice President, JD Vance’s to lose? Vance has the greater name recognition but could Rubio attract the Latino voters who were instrumental in securing Trump’s win in 2024? We also look at where the millions of dollars in campaign spending actually goes - why do election candidates in the US spend millions, and what sort of difference can it make? Also, democrats have suffered a major blow for taking back control of Congress in this November’s elections. In the space of ten days, the party has lost two big court cases - in Virginia and Louisiana - we’ll tell you why they matter and how the Democrats are looking to fight back.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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 Grace Reeve, Purvee Pattni and Tom Gillett. The technical producer was Philip Bull. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

The US president is going after his fellow Republicans in Kentucky and Indiana. Donald Trump is getting involved in key state primaries - often in cases where US presidents don’t intervene - urging voters to stay away and not vote for candidates who Trump regards as his political enemies. From Indiana to Kentucky, Louisiana and beyond, Anthony and Justin look at how Trump’s MAGA Republican party is targeting fellow Republicans and whether it’s succeeding. Trump’s top target is the seven term Republican congressman in Kentucky, Thomas Massie who has stood up to Trump on issues including the Epstein files, congressional spending and the war in Iran. Massie now faces a challenge from a multi million dollar funded Trump backed candidate… we look at Massie’s chances, and what this race tells us more widely about what happens to Republicans who stand up to Trump. We also look at Louisiana and Indiana, where Trump has recently wiped out state senators he regarded as disloyal.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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 Purvee Pattni, Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The technical producers were Jack Graysmark and Stephen Bailey. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

What is really going on beyond the rhetoric? We unpick the mixed messages from the Trump administration with the war on Iran. It started with the president unveiling “Project Freedom”, a US operation to help vessels trapped in the Gulf to safely escape through the Strait of Hormuz. But less than 48 hours later, that plan was put on hold, with President Trump threatening “higher intensity” bombing if Tehran doesn’t comply with his demands for a deal.

Anthony and Sarah discuss what it will take for the US to extricate itself from the war, and look at the political cost at home as the price of gas breaks new records. Can Trump still convince Americans that what he’s calling a “mini war” is worth the escalating price of food and gas? And can he do it before the midterms in November?

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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 Alix Pickles and Purvee Pattni. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Sarah’s recent phone call with Donald Trump told us more about the president’s thoughts on the war with Iran, as well as his relationship with the UK and NATO allies, but what’s he like when he’s away from TV cameras?

In this special live edition of Americanswers recorded at Maida Vale Studios in London as part of Castfest, the entire Americast team assemble on stage to answer your questions. As well as Sarah’s phone call with the president, we discuss whether the president is a symptom or a cause of America’s political environment.

And, the team look at the runners and riders to lead the Democrats into the 2028 presidential election. Who are the frontrunners to replace Kamala Harris in two year’s time?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 Presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent

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 Purvee Pattni with Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Matilda Macari. The video producers were Grace Braddock, Sophie Millward and Jem Westgate. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/soun/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm

Controversy continues to surround the build-up to the 2026 World Cup after reports emerged that Trump officials had asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy at the tournament, and that some fans would have to pay more than $100 for a 30-minute journey to games in New Jersey.

The pushback from New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill is in response to what she described as a $48 million safety bill for fans and that she will not “stick New Jersey commuters with that tab for years to come.”

Meanwhile in Texas a row broke out between Houston city officials and Texas Governor Greg Abbott after he threatened to withdraw World Cup safety grants if the city did not promise to cooperate with ICE officials.

In this episode, Justin, Anthony and Marianna discuss the risks to Donald Trump if the event fails to run smoothly, and the real reasons why some Democrats are pushing back against plans for the tournament.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 Presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent

GUEST: • Dan Miller, Reporter at POLITICO

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 George Dabby with Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Stephen Bailey. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Why aren’t Democrats more popular, given the president’s low approval ratings in significant areas such as the economy? And what do Americans really think of Donald Trump? In this special episode of Americast, recorded live at Maida Vale studios in London for Castfest (celebrating some of the BBC’s best loved news podcasts) we look at recent polling for both Donald Trump, and the Democrats. Why has the president lost support, and how worried should the Republican party be, given the possibility of losing control of Congress in November’s midterm elections? Justin, Sarah, Anthony and Marianna also hear why former Trump loyalist Tucker Carlson who is now apologising for helping to get Donald Trump elected, and the wider impact this may have on Trump’s MAGA (Make America Great Again) base. We also take a closer look at polling for the Democrats and why the party is not more popular. What should Democrats be doing ahead of the presidential election in 2028 to increase their support?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent

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 Alix Pickles and Purvee Pattni. The technical producer was Robbie Hayward, the video producers were Grace Braddock, Sophie Millward and Jem Westgate. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment BBC Sounds - Top Comment - Available Episodes

The fallout continues from the shooting at the White House Correspondent’s Dinner with Donald Trump using the incident to argue the case for his new White House ballroom, and to apply pressure on Disney to take action against late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.

The comedian made a joke days before the shooting incident on his show in which he said Melania Trump had “a glow like an expectant widow”. But in the aftermath of the event and calls from the president and first lady for action to be taken against Kimmel, the Federal Communications Commission has ordered an early review of Disney's television broadcast licences.

And, Donald Trump has argued that Saturday’s shooting highlights the need for his new White House ballroom to go ahead, with the US Department of Justice asking a judge to lift a pause on work to Donald Trump's new White House ballroom.

In today’s episode, Sarah, Anthony and Marianna assess the likelihood of Kimmel being taken off air, and look at the conspiracy theories which continue to swirl in the aftermath of Saturday’s shooting.

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent

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 George Dabby with Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Stephen Bailey. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Conspiracy theories are swirling, and in this episode we answer your questions about the shooting - targeting the president and top figures from his administration - at the White House correspondents dinner in Washington DC.

Justin and Anthony join Matt Chorley from 5 Live, where we also discuss questions around whether the US Secret Service should have evacuated President Trump more quickly, and why the Vice President JD Vance was whisked away from the stage before the president.

We also discuss the role of the “designated survivor” and whether this protocol was followed at the weekend - what does it mean, and could it have been? We also talk about why the Trump administration is making threats about the Falkland Islands and the Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s view of talks in Europe about Iran.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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 Grace Reeve and Purvee Pattni. The technical producer was Stephen Bailey. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm

The US president says the gunman who stormed a security perimeter at the White House correspondents’ dinner had written a “manifesto”. Investigators are continuing to examine a possible motive for the attack which appeared to be aimed at the president and his top aides. In this episode, Justin and Sarah talk to the BBC‘s state department correspondent Tom Bateman who was at the dinner and was in the room as it all happened.

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

GUEST: • Tom Bateman, BBC State Department Correspondent

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 Alix Pickles and Purvee Pattni. The technical producer was Rohan Madison. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

What happened when Americast’s Sarah Smith cold called the US president? In this episode, Sarah and Anthony thoroughly unpack her phone call with Donald Trump, how she planned the interview…and also, she tells us what happened when the US president unexpectedly called her back.

Listen to what Donald Trump told Sarah about next week’s state visit from King Charles and Queen Camilla, and how he thinks it could help repair relations with the UK. He also has advice for how Keir Starmer can recover after the fallout from Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador. Plus, Sarah asks Trump about his earlier threat to “wipe out” an entire civilisation in Iran.

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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 George Dabby. 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 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment BBC Sounds - Top Comment - Available Episodes

A small election in Virginia looks set to have a major impact on Donald Trump’s power, and the capacity to derail the rest of the president’s second term in office.

Overnight, voters in Virginia approved a measure to redraw the state’s political map in favour of the Democrats, who now stand to gain as many as four additional seats in November’s midterms. Given Trump’s thin majority in the House of Representatives, that shift could be enough to flip Congress and put Democrats back in control of the nation’s legislature.

The debate around ‘gerrymandering’ began when Donald Trump urged conservatives to push through redistricting in their own states to redraw their own maps in favour of Republicans, sparking retaliation from Democrats in places like California and Utah.

The Democrats argue the Virginia election is about restoring fairness while Republicans have accused the party of acting like hypocrites. Will voters be turned off by the tactics, where does it all end, and which party stands to gain in the midterm elections?

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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 George Dabby with Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm

BBC News investigates claims that traders have been betting millions of dollars just before president Trump makes major announcements over Iran. Some of the biggest movements have been in oil trades. Sarah, Justin, Anthony and Marianna join Matt Chorley on 5Live to answer your questions on what this means for the Trump administration and whether the US president is likely to investigate the claims?

We also discuss the FBI Director Kash Patel with new allegations of alcoholism and absenteeism made by the Atlantic. He denies them. However, critics say the timing of his new claims - that his department has evidence to prove the 2020 election was rigged - are conveniently timed to placate Donald Trump. Has he impressed the president enough so far to keep his position? Or could he be next to be fired?

Plus, we answer your questions on the FIFA world cup, where fans are outraged at astronomical travel fares, some of which are 11 times the usual price. Has Trump struck a deal with FIFA which puts profit over punters? And could outpricing fans end up hurting Trump’s image?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Marianna Spring, Disinformation and Social Media Correspondent • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Matt Chorley, 5 Live 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 Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment BBC Sounds - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm

Why has an oyster fisherman from Maine - criticised for having a Nazi tattoo - become a frontrunner for the Democrats, and one of their best hopes to help take back the US Senate in this year’s midterm elections?

The north eastern state of Maine has become integral for Democrats as they look to unseat Republican senator Susan Collins, and elect their first Democrat senator in decades. But it also tells a bigger story, about how the Democratic party is looking to take on Donald Trump more widely, beyond this November’s midterms and into the 2028 presidential elections.

Justin and Anthony unpack what Maine tells us about Democrat strategy and why Graham Platner, currently polling first, is not a typical Democrat candidate. And does it tell us something significant about what voters want in 2026? Plus, we speak to Josh Keefe, a reporter for the nonprofit Maine Monitor, who went to school with Graham Platner. He discusses his memories of Platner, what Mainers think about his tattoo and Reddit scandals, and he tells us what he loves about his state as in the return of our United States of Americast feature.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GUEST: • Josh Keefe, Reporter for the Maine Monitor

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 George Dabby with Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment BBC Sounds - Top Comment - Available Episodes

Donald Trump is losing public support over the war in Iran, but how much does the president care? He said in a recent interview with Fox News that gas prices may be “a little bit higher” but has downplayed fears that high prices could cost Republicans at the midterm elections. With the U.S naval blockade in full swing - and Iran threatening to stop shipping in the Gulf in retaliation - the president’s latest assertion that the war is “very close to over” may be optimistic.

In today’s episode, Justin and Sarah discuss China’s involvement in the blockade, the mood amongst Republicans and whether the president will be able to convince voters in November that short-term pain is worth it for long-term national security. And, reports are emerging that four Senate races may fall in favour of the Democrats, including battles in Georgia and North Carolina, two states that Donald Trump won in the presidential election. Can the Democrats keep up their momentum later in the year?

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

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 George Dabby with Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Jonathan Greer. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

President Trump has become entangled in a very public row with Pope Leo XIV, who has been critical of the US war with Iran. The US president has slammed the pope for being “weak” on crime and “terrible” at foreign policy, whilst also posting a picture of himself as Jesus (this post has been taken down from social media since we recorded the episode). Sarah, Anthony and Marianna join Matt Chorley to discuss the Pope’s response, and where this leaves the US president and those who voted for him. Also, how will Trump’s criticism of the pontiff affect his standing with the wider American public? We also answer your questions on Melania Trip’s surprise statement about the disgraced sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, why the Trump administration will be disappointed by the ousting of Viktor Orban in Hungary’s elections, the legality of a US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, and Trump’s huge rant against some of America’s biggest MAGA influencers.

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent • Matt Chorley, 5 Live 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 Alix Pickles and Purvee Pattni. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm

Why has Hegseth fired top generals from the military, and how does he use religion to justify America’s war aims? We look at the frontman for the US war in Iran, the former Fox News host, Pete Hegseth. A key feature of his Pentagon press briefings are his religious rhetoric, which may reveal the motivation behind his reforms of the U.S. military.

Despite only narrowly making it through the confirmation process to become defense secretary in the first place, Hegseth has become a key figure in the White House as he looks to reshape the Pentagon by rolling back on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies and removing many key figures at the top of the Pentagon.

Justin Webb and Anthony Zurcher, speak to Eric Schmitt from The New York Times, a longtime national security correspondent who recently left his press desk inside the Pentagon after refusing to accept new Trump administration rules that restrict their movements and who they can talk to. Justin and Eric discuss the reasons why Donald Trump wanted Hegseth in post, the impact so far of the changes he is making inside the Pentagon, and whether he is eyeing up a presidential run of his own one day.

Presenter: Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter and Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent Proudcer: George Dabby with Alix Pickles Technical producer: Mike Regaard Editor: Sam Bonham

Get in touch: • Join our online community: 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

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: 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Donald Trump’s MAGA base - and the Republican party - are divided over his threats to wipe out an entire civilisation. In this episode, Justin, Anthony and Sarah unpack how we got from Trump’s annihilistic threats to the start of a two week ceasefire and new claims from the US president, that Iran will stop enriching uranium.

With both sides claiming victory, what are Donald Trump’s options now for ending the war, and how big a factor is keeping the support of his MAGA Republican base? With several prominent influencers and MAGA supporters speaking out against Trump, and the war, the Americast team look at who Trump is listening to in the Republican party, and what influences him.

We also look at the bigger issues around what happens now with the Strait of Hormuz and reports that Trump has also suggested the US could impose its own tolls on vessels in transit through the channel.

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

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 George Dabby with Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment BBC Sounds - Top Comment - Available Episodes

Since it began last month, the Iran War has dominated global headlines and deflected attention away from other important stories happening across the U.S. In today’s Americanswers, the team join up to discuss stories playing out under the radar.

For example, is the U.S. still targeting strikes against alleged boats off the coast of Venezuela, and who will fill the country’s power vacuum now that Nicolas Maduro is on trial in New York? Plus, with Zohran Mamdani‘s feet now firmly under the table as New York mayor, has he been able to keep the promises he made on the campaign trail, and can he maintain his populairty?

Justin, Marianna and Sumi answer these questions and more, including why the train has never been popular in the United States… HOSTS: * Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter * Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent * Sumi Somaskanda, BBC chief 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 Emma Close and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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 Newscast. 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. Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment: BBC Sounds - Top Comment - Available Episodes

Excitement has been building among some Democrats after the party won a special election in Florida last week in a district that includes Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach. This win, along with several others recently, suggests the party may have the momentum heading into November’s midterm elections, when they’ll be looking to reclaim control of the House, and possibly even the Senate. Despite the optimism, some Democrats are cautious about the party’s progress as frustration builds over internal divisions within the party.

In today’s episode, Justin and Sumi sit down with key Democratic adviser Jim Messina, who was deputy chief of staff to Barack Obama and the mastermind behind his successful 2012 presidential campaign. He gives his thoughts on how the party needs to approach the midterm elections and the main contenders to take over leadership of the party.

Presenter: Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter and Sumi Somaskanda, BBC chief presenter Producer: Emma Close with Alix Pickles and led by George Dabby Technical producer: Mike Regaard Senior news editor: Sam Bonham

Get in touch: * Join our online community: 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

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: 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment: bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm

It was an historic day in the Supreme Court on Wednesday as it began hearing arguments on Donald Trump’s effort to ban birthright citizenship. The president began his second term in office by signing an executive order to end automatic citizenship for babies born in the U.S to parents who are in the country illegally or temporarily, an order which has now made its way to the highest court in the land.

In a sign of the case’s importance to Donald Trump, he became the first ever sitting president to personally attend oral arguments in the chamber on Wednesday.

In today’s episode, Justin and Sumi assess how the Supreme Court will consider the arguments over citizenship, how much of an obstacle the court is proving for Trump’s agenda, and why the Republican Party has become increasingly divided more broadly on the subject of immigration.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sumi Somaskanda, BBC chief 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 George Dabby with Alix Pickles. The senior journalist is George Dabby, and the technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm

Donald Trump has said the US will “conclude” its war in Iran by “blowing up and completely obliterating” key assets in the country, including Kharg Island - Iran’s key oil export terminal - if a deal is not reached. He also suggested in a social media post that “great progress” had been made with Iran’s “new” regime. The president’s rhetoric has raised fears that the war could still escalate and the U.S might actually be prepared to seize Iranian territory.

Justin and Sumi join up for this week’s Americanswers to answer your questions on the war in Iran. They discuss the domestic response to possible U.S involvement in a deadly strike on an Iranian primary school, and accusations that some traders are illegally profiteering from volatility in oil prices.

And, as Donald Trump publicly talks up the role of Pete Hegseth in initiating the war in Iran, is the president looking to shift responsibility for the war onto his defence secretary?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sumi Somaskanda, BBC chief 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 George Dabby with Alix Pickles. The senior producer is George Dabby, and the technical producer was Dafydd Evans. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from making big changes to vaccines for children in the United States. It is a blow to Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy - RFK Jr - a longtime vaccine sceptic who was given free rein by Donald Trump to “go wild with health”.

Since taking office a year ago, Kennedy has sought to slash the number of recommended shots for children from 17 to 11. The American Academy of Paediatrics and other large medical groups have sued, saying Kennedy's changes violate federal law and are based on ideology instead of science.

Marianna Spring and Justin Webb unpack what this means for Donald Trump’s big plan to - as he puts it - "Make America Healthy Again” with Dr Debra Houry, the former director of the CDC (Centre of Disease Control and Prevention) who resigned in August 2025.

Presenter: Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter and Marianna Spring, social media investigations correspondent Producer: Emma Close and Alix Pickles Technical producer: Mike Regaard Editor: Sam Bonham

Get in touch: • Join our online community: 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

Apply for Castfest tickers: bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/castfest-2026

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: 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment: bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm

Should voters be required to prove they are US citizens and show photo ID before being allowed to cast their ballots?

Donald Trump is pushing for these changes and more in the SAVE (Save America Act) telling Republican lawmakers he’s “not going to sign anything until this is approved."

In this episode, Justin and Anthony look at the politics of the SAVE act. Would it make voting harder and who would benefit? Also, we explain how the bill is linked with huge delays at US airports, and why Democrats are accused of blocking homeland security funding.

Plus, the Democrats have won a special election in Florida that includes Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach after first-time candidate Emily Gregory defeated Trump-backed Republican Jon Maples in a race for the open Florida District 87 state House seat. Just how worried should Republicans be ahead of the midterm elections?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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

APPLY FOR CASTFEST TICKETS: https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/castfest-2026

This episode was made by George Dabby with Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm

Donald Trump has told reporters there have been talks between the US and Iran in which the two sides had “major points of agreement” and both wanted “to make a deal”. The US president says his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner talked to Iran on Sunday and that discussions would continue on Monday. However, the Fars news agency, which is linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, denied any such talks took place, saying there were neither direct nor indirect communications with the US. Iran’s foreign ministry reportedly said that Trump’s statements were “part of efforts to reduce energy prices and buy time to implement his military plans”, with state media saying they showed the US president was “backing down”. Trump said the US is talking to a “top person” within the Iranian regime to try to end the war, but this person was not the new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. In this episode, Justin, Sumi and Marianna answer your questions with Matt Chorley on 5 Live and discuss what might be going on with the conflicting statements behind the scenes. This comes after a Trump ultimatum issued on Saturday evening - for Iran to fully open the Strait of Hormuz by Monday midnight, or have its power plants bombed. The team also answer questions on who’s influencing Trump, what is public opinion in the US and where this war puts Vice President JD Vance.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sumi Somaskanda, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

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 Purvee Pattni and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was James Piper. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment BBC Sounds - Top Comment - Available Episodes

Away from the war in Iran, the Pentagon is engaged in another battle, with Anthropic and its AI chatbot Claude. After awarding the company a contract potentially worth $200 million last year to integrate their artificial intelligence into the Department of Defence’s classified systems, that relationship has ended with a lawsuit and a threat which puts the future of Anthropic in jeopardy.

Anthropic says it cannot acquiesce to the government’s demand that it breaches its own ‘red lines’ in how its technology is used. The company insists it cannot be used for mass surveillance of US citizens nor in lethal weapons that are operated without human oversight. It has filed lawsuits against the Pentagon.

Justin and Marianna speak to Dean Ball, Trump’s former AI adviser who helped devise much of the Trump administration’s AI policy, about Anthropic’s position and why he thinks the Pentagon have gone too far. They also discuss the controversy around domestic surveillance and how policy makers still do not fully understand how AI technology actually works.

Presenter: Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter and Marianna Spring, social media investigations senior correspondent Producer: Purvee Pattni, Ben Carter and Alix Pickles Sound engineer: Michael Regaard Editor: Sam Bonham

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

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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm

Donald Trump’s fight with US media has entered a new chapter since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran. The president has taken issue with Wall Street Journal reporting on an Iranian attack against US tankers in Saudi Arabia, while going as far to accuse the “Fake News Media” of working with Iran to circulate AI-generated videos of the USS Abraham Lincoln in flames.

Until now the president has largely used the courts in his fight with the press, but he’s now considering revoking broadcast licences with the help of the Federal Communications Commission run by close ally Brendan Carr. It remains to be seen whether the administration would be prepared to follow through on its threats to broadcasters, but could it have a chilling effect on journalists covering the war, some of whom have already been banned from the Pentagon by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth?

And, top counterterrorism official Joe Kent has resigned from the Trump administration over the war with Iran, urging the president to “reverse course”. Who is Joe Kent, and what’s the real story behind his resignation?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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 George Dabby with Alix Pickles. The technical producer was James Piper. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm

How serious is the growing split within Trump’s MAGA base, as prominent Republican commentators and influencers criticise why the US started a war with Iran, and how long it might go on for. Also, might Trump voters turn on the president who told them ‘no more wars’ and ‘America First’?

Justin, Sarah and Marianna join Matt Chorley on 5 Live to answer your questions. They also look at pressure from Trump for other countries to help police the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran is currently blocking to the United States and ‘its enemies’. The US president has said it would be “very bad for the future of Nato" if allies don't help, given its importance with world energy supplies. How much planning did the US put into a plan to protect the Strait of Hormuz? And can Trump convince NATO members to get involved now?

Plus, what did Hollywood say about Trump at last night’s Oscars - and does it even matter?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent • Matt Chorley, 5 Live 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, Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Rohan Madison. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0jml8nh

President Trump has renewed his threat of a “friendly takeover” of Cuba, saying the island is in deep trouble and that the Cuban government is desperate to make a deal. In this episode, Justin and Anthony look at how seriously we should we be taking these threats, and look into the talks taking place between the US and Cuba.

Pressure on Cuba has been building since the capture of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro earlier this year, a long-time ally of Cuba’s government. The Trump administration has effectively cut off oil supplies into Cuba by stopping shipments of Venezuelan oil, and threatening to impose tariffs on any country which supplies the island with oil.

With the prospect of a worsening humanitarian crisis, as Cuba deals with mass blackouts - its electricity grid is powered by oil - affecting all areas of Cuba’s economy and society including schools, hospitals, agriculture and tourism, will the country make a deal with the US? Who is involved in the talks, and how does Trump’s approach differ from other US presidents?

We speak to Peter Kornbluh, co-author of Back Channel to Cuba: The Hidden History of Negotiations between Washington and Havana, who is also a senior analyst at the National Security Archive about the talks between the US and Cuba.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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 Purvee Pattni, Mhairi MacKenzie, Grace Reeve and Rufus Gray. The technical producer was Rohan Madison. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm

Does Donald Trump actually have a plan for the war in Iran? Eleven days on from the start of the conflict - with rising oil prices, and worries over oil supplies - the president’s narrative has shifted, branding the war “very complete”, while also signalling that ”we're going to go further.” Can he persuade Americans to back him?

However, the decision to withdraw from Iran is not as straightforward as it may seem. Anthony and Sarah discuss what factors might be keeping the US forces in the region? How far will they back Israel? And what might be necessary to keep key shipping lanes moving, to avoid petrol and gas price inflation not just in the United States, but also around the world.

Sarah’s in Kentucky ahead of the latest stop of Trump’s affordability tour, asking whether president can take control of the narrative to convince voters and lawmakers that he has a clear plan for success in Iran? And despite promising to put America first, will his MAGA base agree with the president that higher prices are “a very small price to pay for USA and World, Safety and Peace”? We also look at the role of Congress and the process for Trump when it comes to funding the war.

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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, Alix Pickles, and Mhairi MacKensize. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

The US-Israel war with Iran has continued into a second week, with America’s allies still scrambling to respond. Oil prices are dominating the headlines with the cost of a barrel exceeding $100 for the first time since 2022.

In this episode, Justin, Marianna and Anthony join Matt Chorley on 5 Live to answer your questions about the war, including whether Europe still needs to cooperate with the White House, and whether Trump’s war is motivated by oil.

Meanwhile, the White House is uploading social media videos of the war in Iran interspersed with online memes, TV shows and video games. Is it just rage bait or is the “gamification” of war upon us? And what does that actually mean?

Plus, former homeland security head Kristi Noem has faced the wrath of Trump’s signature ‘you’re fired!’ catchphrase, becoming the first cabinet secretary to be sacked in Trump’s second term. A White House official said this was “a culmination of her many unfortunate leadership failures”.

After predicting her demise on a recent episode, Justin, Marianna and Anthony discuss why Noem was sacked and what this means for the Trump administration. Plus, is Pete Hegseth the secretary for war or defence? And has the level of scrutiny changed for American leadership since the days of Obama’s tan suit?

HOSTS:

- Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter - Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent - Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent - Matt Chorley, 5 Live 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, Grace Reeve, Mhairi MacKenzie and Harry Craig. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Saturday marks one week of the US-Israel war on Iran. In that time, we have heard shifting stories and opposing justifications from the Trump administration on why military action was taken. BBC North America editor Sarah Smith and BBC North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher discuss the changing narratives, and look at the many questions that remain unanswered. This includes, examining what does success look like for America and whether Trump needs Congress to carry on funding the war in the longer term?

Sarah and Anthony speak to Robert Malley, one of the architects of the Iran nuclear deal during Barack Obama’s presidency in 2015. A key US linchpin on Iran policy, Malley was also a special assistant to Bill Clinton for Arab-Israeli affairs. The team ask him what it was like to be in the room with Iranian negotiators during the Obama and Clinton administrations. Plus, he reveals his view on which US president was best placed to achieve the strongest deal with Iran.

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

Presenter: Sarah Smith, BBC North America editor and Anthony Zurcher, BBC North America correspondent Producer: Purvee Pattni, Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. Sound engineer: Dafydd Evans. Editor: 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

In this episode, Justin and Anthony look at other news stories happening in the United States, away from the US-Israel war with Iran.

Anthony is in Dallas, Texas, for the first big primary elections of this year’s midterms, where Democrats have now chosen rising star James Talarico to be their candidate. It’s been over thirty years since a Democrat in Texas has won a US senate seat, so what does Talarico’s victory tell us about how Democrats might push back against Trump and Republicans more widely in 2026?

We also listen to newly released video of the Clintons testifying about links to the disgraced child sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. They were giving evidence behind closed doors as part of a Congressional investigation into Epstein. The team discuss what we learnt (if anything) and who could be next to face questions about their links to the convicted sex offender?

Plus, new worries over the future of CNN because of an imminent change in ownership, to the media giant Paramount Skydance, which scooped up CBS last year, and has close links to the Trump administration.

And why has video of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem being grilled by both Democrats and Republicans over the actions of ICE agents, and the killing of American citizens, gone viral?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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 Purvee Pattni and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Pete Hegseth, Trump’s Defence Secretary has defended the US/Israeli war with Iran, refuting concerns from the “fake news” media that the conflict would lead to an “endless war” and making clear there would be “no stupid rules of engagement” or “politically-correct wars”. Meanwhile, Donald Trump, making his first public comments from the White House, told his audience the US has the “capability to go far longer”, whilst also projecting a four-five week mission.

In this episode, Justin and Anthony join Matt Chorley on 5 Live to answer your many questions about the war - including is there a legal basis for its military action? Is the United States breaking the law? How many US military casualties can Trump’s MAGA base tolerate? And how will the war affect midterm elections in November, where Republicans could lose control of the House and Senate?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Matt Chorley, 5 Live 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, Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Frank McWeeny. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

In the biggest political gamble of his presidency so far, Donald Trump has defended his decision for the United States to bomb Iran - alongside Israel - as a “noble” mission to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons, and says military operations are “ahead of schedule”.

The US president announced the start of the war on Saturday via an 8 minute video on his social media platform, Truth Social, from his Mar a Lago home in Florida. In this episode Sarah and Justin unpack Trump’s announcement, his justification and aims for the war, and look back at US political involvement in the Middle East.

We also discuss reaction from within Trump’s MAGA base and ask whether the wider Republican party will rally behind the president, particularly with the midterm elections coming up in November, elections that could see Republicans lose control of the House and Senate.

Also, how should Democrats be talking to American voters about the war - and what role does Congress have, now that the war has started?

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

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 Purvee Pattni, Sam Bonham and Chris Flynn. The technical producer was Philip Bull. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

The midterm elections are underway in the Republican stronghold of Texas. Early voting has begun in the primaries and Democrats are hopeful they could win a Texas senate seat for the first time in over 30 years.

The election will have national consequences - Texas is one of America’s political power centres and Republicans from here have dominated the national agenda from immigration, to the courts, to reshaping electoral districts. Taking back Texas could help Democrats take back the House, the Senate, and check Trump’s executive power in a way they have so far been unable to do in his second term. It could also realign the presidential election in 2028.

Justin and Anthony, who grew up in Texas and knows its politics well, unpack the primaries, which are fast becoming the most expensive in modern US history. On the Republican side, there is meltdown and infighting, as Senator John Cornyn faces a serious challenge from Attorney General Ken Paxton. The US president, who is campaigning in Texas, has not yet endorsed one candidate. On the Democrat side, two of its biggest stars are fighting for the nomination. Jasmine Crockett, well known for her fiery public battles with the Trump administration and James Talarico, who is tipped as a future Democrat presidential candidate. We look at what their realistic chances are, and what it tells us about the future of the party.

Presenter: Justin Webb, Radio 4, and Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent Producer: Purvee Pattni, Grace Reeve, Sophie van Brugen and Kris Jalowiecki Sound engineer: Rohan Madison Senior news editor: Sam Bonham

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

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: 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

The Americast team assembles for a late evening/early morning special as President Trump delivers the longest State of the Union address ever. On the agenda was a full-throated defence of the administration’s record, hailing a "turnaround for the ages,” whilst playing down the Supreme Court's ruling against his signature tariff policy (with the judges themselves in the crowd).

Despite the speech lasting nearly two hours, there was little to suggest a change of course from Trump’s favourite taking points. He focused on the economy, immigration, the Democrats…. And the US men’s olympic hockey team.

But with growing voter dissatisfaction souring the polls, will Trump’s sales pitch be enough to counter sliding approval ratings and convince voters to stick with him for November's midterm election?

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

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, Grace Reeve and Kris Jalowiecki. The technical producer was Stephen Bailey. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Fresh questions are emerging about the Jeffrey Epstein case, after the release of new material and renewed scrutiny over why more Americans have not faced charges linked to him. Sarah, Marianna and Anthony join Matt Chorley on 5 Live to answer your questions including who, if anyone, could still be held accountable in the US.

And with tensions rising between Iran and the US, Trump says he is considering military options while insisting diplomacy remains on the table. Steve Witkoff told Fox News on Saturday that Trump was "curious" about Iran's position after he had warned of a limited military strike if a deal could not be reached on Tehran's nuclear programme. But will the president actually strike Iran? And what could that look like?

Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s tariffs have been ruled unlawful, triggering a legal and political battle over his executive power. What does the decision mean for businesses and global trade, and what happens next as the courts and the administration grapple with the fallout?

The team discuss whether or not the shock factor of US politics is wearing off, plus there’s an unexpected parcel delivery to Americast HQ in London from the world of protest quilting.

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

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 Sophie van Brugen. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Donald Trump has called the Supreme Court’s ruling blocking many of his sweeping tariffs ‘deeply disappointing’ and has announced a new 10 per cent tariff on global imports.

Justin, Sarah and Anthony jumped into action following the President’s press conference to unpack the day’s drama: starting with the US Supreme Court decision to block global tariffs and ending with the President’s withering attack on some of the justices for their decision.

The president spoke a few hours after the US Supreme court struck down the legal justification for a large portion of Trump's sweeping global tariffs in a major blow to the president's economic agenda.

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

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, Miranda Slade, Grace Reeve and Kris Jalowiecki. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Who are the people shaping MAGA ideology in the US? Tucker Carlson’s story tells a larger one about just how much conservative media has changed in the United States, and the direction of conservatism itself.

Jason Zengerle, New Yorker staff writer and author of ‘Hated by All the Right People’, joins us to map Tucker Carlson’s trajectory from centre-right talk show host to one of the most prominent figures in the MAGA movement, with the ear of the president and a knack for gauging the mood of the base.

Anthony and Justin discuss Carlson and the future of the conservative movement, as well as the other prominent figures spearheading it. Where is the Make America Great Again movement going - and who will lead it after Trump?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GUEST: Jason Zengerle, Staff Writer at the New Yorker and Author, ‘Hated By All The Right People’

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, Grace Reeve and Kris Jalowiecki. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

President Trump described his Board of Peace as “the most consequential international organisation ever.” The Board, which Donald Trump heads in perpetuity, is having its inaugural meeting in Washington, DC, on Thursday February 19.

Sarah and Anthony convene to tell you everything you know ahead of the meeting: lay out exactly what the Board is, what it does, who its members are, and crucially: what Donald Trump wants to get out of it.

Plus, a handful of prominent Democrats appeared at the Munich Security Conference at the weekend with the message that Donald Trump would only be around for a few more years, and that the US would return as a strong partner with Europe. But did any of them stick out as potential front-runners for the nominations?

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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, Grace Reeve and Kris Jalowiecki. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

In fiery congressional hearings last week, US Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the justice department's handling of the Epstein files. Several of Epstein's victims watched heated exchanges as Bondi faced a range of questions, including whether the files were sufficiently redacted, Trump’s role, Ghislaine Maxwell’s prison treatment and whether the Attorney General had met with victims.

Justin, Marianna, Sarah and Anthony also discuss the difficulties for survivors of Epstein’s abuse in obtaining successful prosecutions and self identifying perpetrators. Plus, why have Bill and Hillary Clinton insisted on giving their evidence publicly on what they did and didn’t know about Epstein’s abuse. Both deny any wrongdoing, and Hillary Clinton makes clear she never met Epstein.

And, Barack Obama appeared to confirm the existence of aliens on a podcast. The former president later took to Instagram to row back his remarks, clarifying he saw ‘no evidence’ of extraterrestrials during his tenure. The truth is out there…

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

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 Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Will Donald Trump be legally allowed to proceed with key elements of his second term agenda - such as imposing global trade tariffs, ending birthright citizenship and the right to sack heads of independent agencies? As the Supreme Court prepares to rule on the legality of major policies from the Trump administration, we look at whether the court will stand up to Donald Trump, or further expand the power of the US presidency?

Justin and Anthony are joined by Kate Shaw, former Supreme Court clerk, and Professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania’s Carey Law School. We look at how SCOTUS (Supreme Court of the United States) has dealt with former presidents, and discuss criticism that the current makeup of SCOTUS justices are making Trump the most powerful president in US history.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GUEST: Kate Shaw, former Supreme Court clerk, Professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania’s Carey Law School and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast

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 Purvee Pattni with Grace Reeve and Kris Jalowiecki. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

The paper that contributed to the resignation of President Nixon over Watergate and the Vietnam war is now having to rethink its future. The Washington Post’s owner - Amazon boss Jeff Bezos - has announced mass layoffs at the newspaper, which will fundamentally change how it covers the news.

When Bezos bought the paper in 2013, he reassured staff about a “new golden era for the Washington Post”, and later adopted a new slogan for the Washington Post “Democracy Dies in Darkness”.

Justin and Anthony discuss why the cuts have happened and what the wider impact may be on US media. With Bezos defending the cuts as “the data tells us what is valuable and where to focus", we look at whether the role of money, influence, and closeness to President Trump could also be at play?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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, Grace Reeve and Kris Jalowiecki. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance was a love letter to Latin culture, paying homage to his birthplace Puerto Rico and making history as the first Super Bowl performance performed entirely in Spanish. He was joined onstage by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin for what is regularly the most-watched event on US TV.

But Donald Trump wasn’t a fan. In a Truth Social post after the show he called it "absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER!". But what did US viewers think?

Plus, the White House has taken down a racist Truth Social video aimed at Barack and Michelle Obama, depicting them as apes. Trump has said he ‘didn’t see’ the part of the video that contained the racist depiction of the former president and first lady when it was posted on his account. The White House dismissed what it described as "fake outrage" about the video but later took it down.

And Donald Trump has defended Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in an interview with NBC, saying “we have to back them. If we don’t back them, we don’t have a country.” Now the family of Alex Pretti - the American citizen fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis - say they want an impartial investigation into his death. Justin, Anthony, and Marianna answer your questions about the situation in Minneapolis and Trump’s latest comments that Renee Good and Alex Pretti ‘were no angels’.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

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 Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

This week Donald Trump has doubled down on why he thinks power should be taken away from individual states when it comes to running elections. Instead, he says federal government should be running elections - contrary to the U.S. constitution - claiming there is too much corruption from “crooked” blue Democrat states. In this episode, Justin and Anthony unpack what the president is proposing, and look at other ways Republicans could disrupt this year’s midterms. Also, is there a way Trump may be able to effectively cancel or stop the midterms from happening at all?

Plus, what are the Democrats up to ahead of the midterms? The California governor Gavin Newsom achieved a win in the Supreme Court, allowing California to use a new voting map that favours Democrats. And there’s been a historic win in Texas with a huge 31-point swing towards the Democrats from the ’24 presidential election. What does this tell us about the popularity of Democratic policies?

And we hear another entry into the ‘United States of Americast’ - this time from Jenny in Utah who tells us about the issues that matter in the ‘Beehive State’.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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

The race to the midterms is well and truly under

This episode was made by Purvee Pattni with Rufus Gray, Grace Reeve and Kris Jalowiecki. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

In one of the biggest US headlines to emerge from the latest Epstein files, former President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton, the former Secretary of State, have agreed to testify in the congressional investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.

Sarah, Anthony, and Marianna explain why they are testifying, having previously dismissed legal summons issued to them, saying they had already submitted sworn statements covering the "limited information" they had on Epstein.

Bill Clinton denies knowledge of Epstein‘s crimes during his association with him.

We also look at whether this represents a fork in the road for Republicans and how their party responds to the new information in the files. Donald Trump is urging people to move on, but as more documents are released, how are his supporters reacting?

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

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, Grace Reeve and Kris Jalowiecki. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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 Newscast. 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

The Department of Justice has said that their review process into files related to Jeffrey Epstein is over, after a new tranche was released on Friday. Donald Trump says the lack of evidence in this batch absolves him of any guilt, while survivors and Democrats say there are still unanswered questions and unseen documents.

Justin, Sarah, Marianna and Anthony discuss where this leaves the president and his MAGA base. Also, what does it mean for Epstein's victims, particularly as many victims’ names have been published by the US DoJ for the first time without permission.

We also answer your questions on celebrities calling out the actions of ICE agents in Minneapolis at the Grammys as Trump threatens to sue its host Trevor Noah. Plus, why quilters on social media might have more to do with those ongoing protests than meets the eye.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

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 Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Jonny Baker. 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 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Can Republicans win the midterm elections and keep control of both houses of Congress? It’s the biggest political event of the year, and this week Donald Trump kicked off the Republican’s campaign in Iowa, telling voters the odds are against him, but Republicans “need to win”. The president’s chief of staff says this is just the start, and Trump will be campaigning for the midterms as if it were a presidential race because he’s good at driving voter turnout. In this episode, Sarah and Anthony discuss why the midterm elections matter, what the stakes are, and Republican chances of winning. They’re joined by a former campaign adviser to Donald Trump, Bryan Lanza, who sets out why ICE immigration protests and worries over the economy shouldn’t stop a Republican victory. We also hear from Mary in Kentucky as we build our own “United States of Americast”, finding Americasters in every US state. Listen out for what you might not already know about Kentucky…

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GUESTS: • Bryan Lanza, Former senior advisor to Donald Trump

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 Purvee Pattni, Grace Reeve and Kris Jalowiecki. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. 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 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

What does Donald Trump actually mean when he says his administration plans to “de-escalate a little” in Minneapolis? On Tuesday Democratic Rep Ihan Omar was attacked at a local event in the city and protests are continuing following Saturday’s shooting of US citizen Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents. Video evidence contradicts claims by Trump administration officials immediately after Pretti’s killing that he was a “domestic terrorist”, planning a “massacre” and “brandishing” a weapon. In this episode, Sarah, Anthony and Marianna discuss the president’s controversial response to the attack on Democrat Ihan Omar, and whether Trump can actually de-escalate tensions when thousands of ICE agents remain in Minnesota.

HOSTS:

- Sarah Smith, North America Editor - Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent - Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

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 Purvee Pattni, Kris Jalowiecki and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. 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 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

After a second fatal shooting in Minneapolis by Immigration and Customs federal agents, pressure is growing on the Trump administration to hold a full inquiry into what happened. On Saturday, 37 year old intensive care nurse Alex Pretti was fatally shot during an altercation with federal immigration agents. In this episode, the Americast team unpack widely circulated video footage which directly contradicts the Trump administration’s version of events. How big a moment is this for Donald Trump’s second term, and how will it impact on the president’s promise to enact the widest deportation programme in American history?

Also in this episode, we answer your questions - along with 5 Live’s Matt Chorley - on Trump’s apology to UK service personnel who were part of NATO’s Afghanistan deployment, the president’s health and why he’s fallen out again with the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney over China.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations correspondent • Matt Chorley, 5 Live 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, Grace Reeve and Kris Jalowiecki The technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Donald Trump came into power with a promise to carry out the “largest mass deportation programme in history”. One year on, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids in US cities are one of biggest political issues dividing America right now, with questions over how ICE agents are behaving and who they are targeting. In this episode, Anthony, Marianna and Justin look at whether ICE agents are going beyond their remit, and is public opinion starting to turn against the president? We focus on Minneapolis after the killing of 37 year old Renee Nicole Good two weeks ago, who was shot dead by an ICE officer. Anti-ICE protests have been ongoing within the city, and this week, the Vice President JD Vance who was visiting Minneapolis called for Democrats to co-operate with the Trump agenda. Justin talks to John Sandweg, former Acting Director of ICE under President Obama who gives us his insight into how ICE agents are being vetted and recruited, plus the wider impact of diverting billions of dollars into Trump’s enforcement operations.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

GUEST: John Sandweg, former Acting Director of ICE under President Obama

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 Purvee Pattni and Laura Cain. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

What exactly is Donald Trump’s plan for Greenland?

Donald Trump began on Wednesday by telling world leaders in more detail why the United States needs to acquire Greenland. He ruled out the use of force and made fresh claims on why Greenland needs to be owned by the United States, deriding European leaders and NATO. But by the end of the day the president announced he no longer plans to impose tariffs on European countries opposing his ambitions for the US to acquire Greenland. In a social media post, Trump said his decision followed a "very productive meeting" with Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte, while Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said in a statement that "the day is ending on a better note than it began."

In this episode, Sarah and Anthony start by unpacking Donald Trump’s speech before reconvening to look at the president’s “concepts” of a deal which was cautiously welcomed by NATO as a focus on the “collective efforts of Allies”.

HOSTS:

• Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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 George Dabby and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

As we mark one year of Donald Trump back as president of the United States, we answer your questions with Matt Chorley on 5 Live. We start with Greenland, and ask whether the president can be talked down from his threats to impose further tariffs on countries who oppose his takeover plan. What’s been the response of Republicans, and who has the biggest influence on Trump when it comes to foreign policy?

Also, the US president reportedly sent a letter to Norway’s prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre, saying Trump no longer feels ‘an obligation to think purely of Peace’ after they awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to Venzuela’s María Corina Machado. More text from his reported letter here: “Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace, although it will always be predominant, but can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America.”

The president has now said he will “100%” follow through on his threats to impose further tariffs on NATO countries if a deal over Greenland is not reached. Plus, after Trump told Iranians “help is on its way” following mass protests and killings, what happened behind the scenes for him not take military action?

And Robert F. Kennedy Jr has promised to ‘Make America Healthy Again’. When asked about Donald Trump’s diet, the health secretary said ‘I don’t know how he’s alive’, citing a diet of fast food, sugar and fizzy drinks. The team look at whether RFK Jnr is making ay progress on changing US eating habits, and what is happening with vaccinations for children.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior correspondent • Matt Chorley, 5 Live 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 Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Philip Bull. 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 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

How are Donald Trump’s ambitions in Venezuela and Greenland changing America’s place in the world? President Trump’s key adviser Stephen Miller has said that we are living in a world “that is governed by strength, that is governed by force, that is governed by power” - so where has that philosophy come from?

All this week, we are teaming up with our sister podcasts to explore how power and influence around the world is shifting. We exploring who is in a sphere of influence and who is being controlled by one.

Today, we speak to Anthony Zurcher, co-host of Americast and the BBC’s North America correspondent, about what US history tells us about this moment.

Producers: Sam Chantarasak and Xandra Ellin

Executive producer: Bridget Harney

Sound engineer: Travis Evans

Senior news editor: China Collins

Five years on from the Jan 6th Capitol riots in Washington DC, the narrative around what happened that day continues to shift and cause division within America.

In Congress, a new Republican-led House panel the Select Subcommittee to Investigate the Remaining Questions Surrounding January 6th 2021 held its first hearing this week. Republicans say it’s needed because the previous committee, led by Democrat Nancy Pelosi was a “sham from the start”, finding Trump responsible for inciting the riots.

But Democrats continue to blame Donald Trump, accusing the US president of pardoning hundreds of violent rioters and trying to reversion the history of Jan 6th.

In today’s episode, Marianna and Anthony discuss why the divisions continue, what the American public think, and who is winning the argument of what really happened that day.

HOSTS: • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

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 George Dabby and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. 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 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

There are two big stories on today’s episode. What happened when foreign ministers from Denmark and Greenland met with Vice President JD Vance and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House? We discuss their “frank” talks and “fundamental disagreements”.

Plus, the world’s top central banker Jerome Powell has hit back at the US president in an unprecedented video statement on social media. It follows the Trump administration opening a criminal investigation against Jerome Powell, chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve. Over the past year the president has insulted Powell publicly, criticising his decisions not to cut interest rates, as well as calling the Fed chair "Mr Too Late", a “major loser” and a "numbskull".

Justin, Sarah and Anthony explain why it matters and the impact this very public spat could have on the US and global economy.

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

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 Purvee Pattni, George Dabby, Alix Pickles, and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Philip Bull. 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 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Donald Trump won his second presidency on a promise to put “America First” and to “Make America Great Again”. But with his recent action against Venezuela, and ambitions to acquire Greenland and strike Iran - in the midst of a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis - how much support does Trump really have? Justin, Sarah and Marianna discuss whether Trump Is losing popularity with those who voted for him in 2024.

The team also - along with Matt Chorley from 5 Live - look at the upcoming aftermath of a 37 year old American citizen in Minneapolis.

Plus, Sarah went viral with a question she put to Donald Trump over the weekend. We hear more about the behind-the-scenes of putting questions to the president.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

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 Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Philip Bull. 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 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

In the fallout of Nicolas Maduro’s dramatic capture from Venezuela to the US, Donald Trump has made no secret of his desire to obtain Venezuelan oil, which he says is integral for keeping prices low in America.

He’s also pledged to have the US oil industry operating in Venezuela within 18 months and that there would be huge private-sector investments into the country. Reports suggest representatives from major US petroleum companies are due to meet the Trump administration this week.

Not everyone is convinced by the president’s plans. Some analysts told the BBC it could take tens of billions of dollars - and potentially a decade - to restore Venezuela's former output, which has been in decline since the early 2000s.

In this episode, Justin sits down with US energy expert Robert Bryce to explore the unique challenges of reforming Venezuela’s oil industry and the mistakes that the president will have to avoid to prevent the collapse in Iraq’s oil industry following the US invasion in 2003. What reassurances would private firms need to operate, and what would it take to reverse the problems that have plagued Venezuela’s oil industry since the presidency of Hugo Chavez?

Protests have broken out in Minneapolis after a US immigration agent shot dead a 37-year-old woman in the city.

Videos posted on social media show the moment of the shooting, in which ICE agents approach a car in the middle of a residential street. As it attempts to drive off, one of the agents points his gun at the driver and at least two shots are heard.

With the Trump administration characterising the incident as “domestic terrorism”, alleging Renee Good had “harassed” officers all day prior to the shooting, the mayor of Minneapolis has labelled this account “bullshit” and called on immigration officers to get out of the city. The governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, is calling for a full investigation but says a fair outcome will be difficult because "people in positions of power" - naming Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem - have "already passed judgement". Walz says they've shared information that he says is "verifiably false" and "inaccurate" and made assumptions about Renee Good's character and actions ahead of the shooting.

In today’s episode, Justin, Sarah and Marianna discuss the reasons why Americans can’t agree on what happened in the videos posted to social media, and reflect on whether the shooting has the capacity to lead to a larger protest movement across the nation. And, as recent polling suggests more Americans are growing dissatisfied with some of the tactics used by ICE, we ask what it would take to change Donald Trump’s mind on his flagship deportations policy.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

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 George Dabby with Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Rohan Madison. 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 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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd