The News Agents - USA

The news anchors discuss significant Democratic victories in recent elections, noting unexpected shifts in traditionally Republican states like Mississippi and Georgia. They analyze the potential for a new era of Democratic governance focused on economic affordability while navigating the challenges of political retribution and Trump's potential response. The segment also explores the political landscape following these victories, focusing on the tension between personal animosity toward Donald Trump and the desire for institutional accountability. The discussion covers potential consequences for the Justice Department, corporate interests, and the global anxiety regarding Trump's foreign policy and his potential to assert himself on the world stage.

This episode examines the significant electoral shift in Texas, where a Democratic sweep and the defeat of Governor Greg Abbott signal a potential civil war within the Republican Party. The discussion explores how voters rejected Donald Trump's policies, citing concerns over corruption, inflation, and the erosion of democratic norms. The analysis further delves into the political fallout for the GOP and the revitalization of the Democratic Party through populist messaging. As the landscape shifts, the speakers reflect on the implications for future leadership, the vulnerability of the billionaire class, and the broader impact of these results on American democracy.

This episode examines Donald Trump's involvement in the Alaskan Senate race and the potential for Justice Department intervention regarding ballot confusion. The discussion explores whether these actions represent legitimate investigations or strategic attempts to undermine election results. The program also analyzes the shifting US political landscape, specifically how Democrats are leveraging themes of corruption and the Epstein files to target Republican candidates in red states like Alaska, Kansas, and Florida. Additionally, the hosts discuss the political fallout from controversial campaign advertisements in Ohio involving Vivek Ramaswamy and J.D. Vance.

This episode examines the rising tide of political corruption and its impact on American elections. The hosts analyze a controversial campaign advertisement from Vivek Ramaswamy that weaponizes family history in the Ohio gubernatorial race, alongside investigations into political scandals in Texas involving Ken Paxton and the influence of Elon Musk's spending. The discussion further explores allegations of self-enrichment within the second Trump administration, including the 'Corruption Land' documentary and misappropriated funds related to the Kennedy Center. Finally, the hosts note a significant shift in US political trends, where voters are increasingly prioritizing political integrity and corruption over economic concerns.

This episode examines the recent White House press briefing by newly appointed Press Secretary Katie Zakaria, analyzing her unprepared performance and the controversy surrounding her legal credentials in China. The discussion also covers political tensions within the Trump administration, including allegations of foreign influence and the dismissal of Kimberly Guilfoyle following corruption reports. Additionally, the hosts explore the political implications of the Epstein files and recent debate performances in Georgia. The episode delves into allegations against Mike Collins regarding his voting record on Epstein-related evidence and how corruption remains a central concern for voters in upcoming midterm elections.

This episode examines the political impact of Donald Trump's recent rhetoric on the Republican Party and the potential for Democratic gains in the Senate. The discussion explores projections for Democratic control of Congress, the enduring influence of Barack Obama, and the implications of 'Doge' initiatives on US national security, specifically regarding the disbanding of the Office of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction. The episode also covers efforts to reduce federal spending through figures like Russ Vogt and examines the struggling Texas Senate campaign of Ken Paxton. The discussion concludes with reflections on recent campaign audio leaks and a lighthearted look at political personas.

This episode examines the political scrutiny surrounding former special counsel Jack Smith, analyzing how Republican senators have used flawed evidence to accuse the Department of Justice of weaponization. The discussion explores whether these attacks are a defensive measure intended to influence the historical narrative and protect against future investigations. The episode also addresses themes of institutional accountability through the lens of a sexual assault case at Cornell University and discusses the perceived double standard of justice for powerful individuals. Finally, the hosts investigate allegations regarding the misuse of US taxpayer funds and Department of Homeland Security resources to finance political advertising.

This episode examines the shifting political landscape within the Republican party, as several politicians begin breaking ranks with Donald Trump's immigration and foreign policy to appeal to moderate voters. The hosts analyze how economic concerns like inflation and trade are making previously safe GOP seats more competitive heading into the midterms. The discussion also covers allegations of a 'pay to play' corruption scheme involving Senator Susan Collins and a defense firm, alongside the strategic positioning of Democratic figures like Gavin Newsom and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. As the midterms approach, the conversation explores how new presidential contenders may emerge as defenders of democracy.

This episode examines growing concerns regarding voter intimidation through the deployment of federal agents to polling stations and the legal implications of potential mail-in ballot seizures. The discussion also explores allegations of foreign influence, specifically focusing on claims that a Russian oligarch funded Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding and the lack of investigation into these ties. Additionally, the episode critiques Donald Trump's efforts to personalize federal institutions and use national symbols to build a cult of personality. The conversation covers everything from intelligence compromises involving ties to Vladimir Putin to the symbolic appropriation of federal buildings and imagery.

This episode examines the upcoming Republican midterm convention in Dallas, noting how Donald Trump's presence dominates the event while many prominent candidates avoid it. The discussion explores the strategic use of social media by Trump and the political dynamics within the party. The episode also covers the competitive Texas race between James Tallarico and Ken Paxton, highlighting significant fundraising disparities. Additionally, the hosts discuss legal battles over mail-in ballot delivery, the impact of gerrymandering, widespread American distrust in government institutions, and a debunking of Donald Trump's claims regarding his experience during the September 11th attacks.

This episode examines the internal tensions within the Democratic Party regarding Abdul El-Sayed's Senate run in Michigan, exploring whether mainstream Democrats are practicing 'passive neglect' toward his campaign. The discussion draws parallels between this dynamic and the Republican Party's historical struggle to contain insurgent candidates like Donald Trump. The conversation further explores the political legacy of Roy Cohn and his influence on Donald Trump's 'rule-breaking' tactics and political bullying. Finally, the episode addresses recent systemic failures in US food safety, specifically regarding E. coli outbreaks and the impact of personnel cuts at agencies like the CDC and FDA.

The podcast examines the Trump administration's aggressive 'sue-to-settle' approach to foreign policy, analyzing its impact on trade relations with allies like Canada and the effectiveness of economic sanctions against Iran. The discussion highlights how these tactics may disrupt global supply chains and face resistance from international leaders. The episode also covers legal tensions surrounding executive orders on mail-in voting and the administration's attempts to access state voter rolls, alongside a reflection on the cultural significance of Dolly Parton as a unifying figure in American society.

This episode examines the deteriorating conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and how the administration's dismissal of sailors' reports reflects broader strategic vulnerabilities in US foreign policy regarding Iran, China, South Korea, and Eastern Europe. The discussion also covers the recent Democratic primary upset in Florida, where progressive Angie Nixon defeated Alex Vindman, signaling a rise in democratic socialist influence. Additionally, the hosts analyze the intense scrutiny surrounding Donald Trump's aide, Natalie Harp. They explore how the White House's aggressive reaction to rumors regarding her relationship with the former president may have amplified controversy and reflect a broader pattern of Trump surrounding himself with sycophantic staff.

This episode examines the recent failure of progressive candidate Francesca Hong in the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary and its implications for the Democratic Party, alongside an analysis of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's strategic political positioning. The discussion also explores parallels between potential progressive movements in the Democratic Party and Donald Trump's 2016 rise, as well as Mike Lindell's failed Minnesota gubernatorial bid. Additionally, the hosts cover a controversial report regarding security vulnerabilities involving Donald Trump being moved via a catering cart on a private jet. Finally, the episode investigates allegations that Truth Social's high-cost subscription service may be facilitating a form of insider trading by providing early access to political announcements.

This episode analyzes Abdul El-Sayed's narrow victory in the Michigan Senate primary, examining how the results impact Democratic Party unity and the party's stance on Israel. The discussion explores the political strategies and risks facing El-Sayed as he attempts to counter Republican attacks. The episode also reports on the domestic abuse allegations against Republican Congressman Max Miller and the resulting scandal in the Ohio race. Finally, it covers the launch of the 'Trump Epstein bookmobile,' a traveling library initiative designed to display millions of Epstein files across the United States.

This episode explores Volodymyr Zelensky's strategic shift toward engaging with MAGA-aligned influencers to secure continued U.S. support, alongside an analysis of Donald Trump's 'winners and losers' approach to foreign policy. The discussion examines the complexities of the Russia-Iran relationship and how Ukraine's military successes are influencing Republican sentiment. The episode also covers shifting political tones regarding Ukraine among figures like Sean Hannity and examines the potential confirmation of Todd Blanche as Attorney General, highlighting concerns over personal loyalty to Donald Trump. Finally, the discussion addresses the political consequences of Trump's actions against Republican senators, his involvement with the Epstein files, and his targeted remarks toward CNN's Caitlin Collins.

This episode examines the escalating conflict in Iran and the political pressures facing the Trump administration as it navigates a military stalemate. The discussion explores how US officials struggle to reconcile claims of victory with rising costs, while also analyzing how foreign adversaries use psychological tactics to manipulate the administration's reactions. The episode further delves into the shifting political landscape, comparing the rise of democratic socialism in the Democratic Party to the 'Blue MAGA' phenomenon. Finally, it addresses the rhetoric of Stephen Miller regarding communism and offers strategic advice for Britain's new Prime Minister on navigating a relationship with Donald Trump through strength rather than weakness.

This episode examines recent developments in immigration enforcement and political shifts within the Trump administration. The discussion covers fatal ICE shootings during vehicle stops, the subsequent suspension of such tactics by the agency, and the potential for constitutional violations in large-scale deportation efforts. The program also explores the political evolution of figures like Tom Homan and Lindsey Graham, analyzing how power and the fear of irrelevance have influenced their trajectories. Additionally, the episode addresses the security implications surrounding Senator Graham's death and discusses Joe Biden's recent health announcement and upcoming memoir.

This episode examines the political fallout surrounding Graham Plattner, a Democratic Senate candidate in Maine, following allegations of sexual assault and racism. The hosts analyze how the Democratic establishment's failure to address various red flags led to his campaign suspension and created a vacuum in the Maine race, reflecting a broader identity crisis within the party. The discussion also addresses the growing concerns regarding gerontocracy in American politics, specifically focusing on the health and visibility of Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell. The hosts touch upon recent verbal slips by political leaders, including President Biden's confusion between Zelensky and Putin, and the broader implications of aging leadership in power.

This episode explores allegations of Donald Trump's unprecedented self-enrichment through crypto ventures and foreign investments, examining how recent Supreme Court rulings on presidential immunity may allow these financial interests to continue without legal consequence. The discussion also covers the broader political and legal landscape, including debates over birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment and the implications of judicial decisions regarding the Temporary Protected Status program. The conversation further examines recent Supreme Court decisions concerning deportation protections and the E. Jean Carroll case, noting that while some executive powers have been granted, a 'clean sweep' for the president has not occurred. Finally, the hosts speculate on the potential emergence of a third-party political threat led by figures like Tucker Carlson, which could challenge the long-standing American two-party duopoly.

This episode explores the shifting landscape of American politics, beginning with Zoran Mamdani's recent success in New York and how his endorsements signal a move away from gerontocracy toward a more diverse, media-savvy generation of leaders. The discussion examines how this movement represents a new template for Democratic politics. Ben Rhodes joins to discuss his book 'All We Say,' analyzing the tension between progressive and reactionary forces through the evolution of political oratory. He explores how modern communication has shifted from storytelling to polarized snippets, while the episode concludes with a report on the failed refurbishment of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

This episode examines the complexities of the recent framework agreement between the US and Iran, questioning whether it represents a genuine deal or merely an extension of a ceasefire. The hosts analyze the potential implications for the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian nuclear enrichment, and the broader impact on American global prestige and economic stability. The discussion further explores the geopolitical and domestic consequences of Donald Trump's recent actions, ranging from economic risks to high-profile events at the White House. Additionally, the episode analyzes shifting political dynamics between Trump and European populist leaders like Jordan Bardella and Nigel Farage.

This episode explores the shifting political and media landscapes in America, beginning with the rise of Graham Plattner in Maine and the Democratic Party's potential pivot toward 'authentic' but unpolished candidates. The discussion examines whether this strategy is a response to anti-establishment sentiment or a risk involving significant personal baggage. The conversation further delves into concerns regarding the consolidation of American media ownership by billionaires and the resulting threats to journalistic integrity. The speakers critique the perceived double standards in media coverage, the lack of solidarity within the White House press corps, and the potential for billionaire owners to prioritize political access over impartial reporting.

This episode examines significant shifts in US political dynamics, beginning with the Trump administration's cancellation of a $1.8 billion fund and discussions regarding Donald Trump's declining political influence. The program also explores the Maine Senate race involving Graham Plattner and potential Republican candidates for California's governorship. Additionally, the episode features an interview with Congressman Suha Subramaniam concerning investigations into the Epstein files and allegations of DOJ cover-ups. The discussion concludes with reflections on presidential transparency, specifically regarding Joe Biden's health and the historical tendency of administrations to conceal medical information.

Ken Paxton - Texas Attorney General - and a politician with a string of sleaze investigations behind him - has just been anointed by Trump as the Texas Senate candidate. Has Trump made a terrible mistake here? Why are the Democrats licking their lips? And is a blue seat in a deep red state starting to seem possible? Later, Philadelphia congressman Brendan Boyle on Trump’s slush fund, the mid term races, and his urgent warning to British voters. The News Agents USA is a Global Production. The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Donald Trump announced a $1.776bn new scheme this week labelled an 'anti-weaponisation fund' to compensate citizens who've been mistreated by the US justice system. Who could the President have in mind as in need of compensation? How about the January 6th rioters? Well they are stepping forward in their droves to state their intentions to claim millions from the IRS - and Trump seems to be cheering them on. Critics say he's using the money to keep his own private militia on retainer - are they right? And why did Trump secure 'forever' immunity for him and his family from tax audits? Later, in a rare act of rebellion, Republican Congressmen stripped out $1bn worth of funding for Trump's ballroom from a Bill going through the legislature that was supposed to be about immigration enforcement funding. Trump has doubled down on the ambitions for the ballroom - talking about a drone port on the roof and a military base. But will the GOP get increasingly jittery about the exorbitant costs and the gaudy nature of…

Did Trump really mean to tell Americans he wasn't thinking of their financial situation "at all" when he went to war with Iran? He repeated it several times so we can assume it was no slip of the tongue. The democrats are delighted. His allies are dismayed. Expect that line to get played on a loop. But has Trump stopped worrying about the economy for everyone except his own family? And has he given up on the midterms? Later, Politico's Jonathan Martin joins Jon in the studio. What's Trump playing at? Is the base still with him? And is the American media doing enough to hold him to account? The News Agents USA is a Global production. The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Overnight in Indiana ,Trump showed the grasp he still has over the Republican Party where the candidates he’d endorsed for the State Senate won their primaries against the moderate Republicans that had stood up to his attempts to gerrymander. It's remarkable in itself that Trump was at all invested in the races - these are local politicians earning $33,000 a year - and yet his influence proved key. What does this tell us about how the midterms will play out? Meanwhile, Marco Rubio has announced the end of the Iran war as if it were obvious to all of us. Are we about to see some actual progress in the conflict in the Middle East? A peace deal? An actual signed contract? Or is Trump just playing for time before his next big stunt? The News Agents is a Global Production. The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Fiona Hill served in Donald Trump's first administration and is one of the most authoritative voices on geopolitics. She advised on his Russia strategy and matters of national intelligence - before becoming a witness in his impeachment in 2019. She has worked up close and personal with the President. And, as the war in Iran rages, and Putin continues to try and chisel Trump away from Europe's position on Ukraine, she came into the News Agents studio to try and make sense of the new age of international turmoil ushered in by Trump's second term. What does she understand about the Putin-Trump relationship? Is the President compromised? Is Trump a fundamentally different man now compared to his first term? And is he backsliding America into territory similar to Russia? The News Agents - USA is a Global Production. The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Voters in Virginia have approved changes to their electoral map which essentially makes it easier for Democrats to win. Republicans argue they’ve been disenfranchised - and they’re right: It’s ugly. It’s unfair. But it’s not illegal. What’s more, they've already done the same thing in the red state of Texas. So are democrats finally learning how to play dirty? Is it enough to win? And are they prepared to go low as a response to Trump - even if it creates a moral vacuum and erodes democracy in the 250th anniversary year of the republic. The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Has Trump’s erratic behaviour and threatening rhetoric over the last few weeks rendered him unfit for office? The question seems an obvious one to House Democrats - who are petitioning to remove him under 25th amendment. They won’t succeed. No one ever has. But it raises a bigger question of how many and for how long those around Trump are prepared to stand by and do nothing. Miles Taylor was in the DHS in Trump's first term. He became a whistleblower - now being investigated by Trump's DOJ for 'treason' for telling the world what went on. He is with us on today’s episode and takes us into the conversations he’s having behind the scenes with Republican legislators right now. The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Besides Trump's threat to eliminate Iran, something else remarkable happened this week. A string of Republican Congressmen finally found the courage in themselves to come forward and criticise that threat. Trump's actions in the Middle East are a disaster for his colleagues. Gas prices are up, the affordability agenda is in tatters, and America looks on course for a humiliating military defeat to an old adversary. Is this the catalyst for widespread rebellion in the Republican party? Jon speaks to Marc Short, Trump's director of legislative affairs, about what happens now in Iran - and to the Republican's in the midterms later this year. The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Things just aren’t going well for Donald Trump right now. Forget the Iran war, his spectacular NATO fallout, rising gas prices, Trump’s just heard that the construction of his 90,000ft ballroom will have to be paused after a judge told him he was the White House steward and not its owner. The affordability crisis in America is spiking as his poll numbers are tanking. Is he looking for a speedy way out? A diversion? We speak to Congressman Jim Himes, the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee. The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Vast sums of money was traded before President Trump's now famous attempt to announce an Iran peace deal on Monday. The speculation was that those with prior knowledge had capitalised by insider trading. Today we’re joined by Nobel Prize winning economist Paul Krugman to explain why this sounds highly plausible, and why there’s no ethics investigation even if it’s true. Later - was Meta and Google deliberating trying to harm children by getting them addicted to the their sites? A jury finds the companies liable in a historic ruling. The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The first resignation over the Iran war came yesterday. Oddball Joe Kent, Director of counter-terrorism, said he disagreed with President Trump's war. Are others starting to feel the same? Loud voices in MAGA are telling Trump he’s got it wrong. What happens now? We talk to Jason Greenblatt, White House special envoy to the Middle East during Trump's first term, about what Trump is trying to achieve in Iran - and whether he is losing the room. The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Despite being at war, America's commander in chief President Trump has been busy hosting election-style campaign events ahead of important midterm elections. It was billed as an "affordability tour", a chance for Trump to hammer home the ways in which his presidency will make voters feel better off. But predictably, at a rally in Kentucky, Trump went off script. He used the platform to repeatedly slam GOP Congressman Thomas Massie, mock Barack Obama, and declare that America had in fact already won the conflict in the Middle East. US public opinion on the war already makes alarming reading for the White House - and that's before the huge spike in oil prices really filters through to the weekly shop or at the gas pumps. Has his decision to strike Iran wrecked his best shot at keeping voters on side? Later - John Bolton on how Trump has fumbled his Iran "excursion", and why Marco Rubio needs insoles...

Why did Trump decide to strike Iran? Was it the US that started the war? Is it even a war? Listening to senior figures in the administration and in MAGA it's not entirely clear. The accounts are confused, contradictory, and seem to change by day. What is clearer is that the American public don't support the action. Polling suggests only one in four Americans back the strikes - and a series of Trump influencers have reacted with fury to the move. This is another war from the President who pledged to end them. With the midterms critical for Trump's future, could this intervention become a massive own goal if gas prices rise and voters turn away from the GOP? This week, Jon is joined by Michael D. Shear, the Pulitzer Prize winning New York Times correspondent. And later - James Talarico electrifies Democrats in Texas, but is talk of turning the State blue premature? Or does Talarico represent a generational shift in the party? The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Has the DOJ withheld documents from the Epstein files that relate to allegations against President Trump? That's the accusation from senior Democrats after an NPR investigation found that more than 50 pages of FBI interviews and notes from a conversation with a woman who accused Trump of sexual abuse when she was a minor were removed from the dataset. California Congressman Robert Garcia is calling it "the largest government cover up in modern history". The White House says that President Trump has been "totally exonerated on anything relating to Jeffrey Epstein". So what's actually going on? We speak to the editor of The Atlantic, Jeffrey Goldberg, about Epstein, the State of the Union address, and the state of journalism in the era of Trump. The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Senator Mark Kelly is a former astronaut, a Navy pilot, and was almost Kamala Harris VP pick. Now he’s weighing up a run for the presidency himself in 2028. He came into the News Agents studio this lunchtime to tell us why Trump is helping his cause by threatening to have him “hanged“ and why it’s important for European leaders, including Starmer, to push back on Trump’s bullying. The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Trump is trying his best to manifest good polling numbers. But the raw numbers as they stand are dire for the President. This week, we talk to top pollster Doug Sosnik, who was at Bill Clinton’s side for six years, about political shamelessness, polling and 'the Epstein class'. The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

In an exclusive interview with Emily, Amy Wallace - who co-authored Virginia Giuffre's posthumous memoir - warns that lives are being put in danger by the way that the US department of justice has handled the Epstein files. Why are victims' names appearing unredacted but possible perpetrators are having their names concealed, and testimony against them omitted entirely? Donald Trump has told America to move on and focus on something "people care about". Does the President's feeble attempt to draw a line under the Epstein files only strengthen the resolve to get to the bottom of the scandal and bring about justice? The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The actor Billy Crudup, known for The Morning show, Jay Kelly, and Almost Famous, is bringing the Western to the London stage in High Noon. It's an allegory of McCarthyism and Hollywood’s “black list ". This week, he joined Emily in the studio to discuss why he’s drawn to stories of moral cowardice and why he finds it so easy to speak up right now. The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The deadline to release the Epstein files is now over a month old. Last night, a congressional committee confirmed Ghislaine Maxwell would appear before it in a hearing on February 9th. Although she may choose to say little. The vote in Congress last November created a legal obligation on the government to release the Epstein files. So what happens now if the justice department refuses to comply? Later, how Gavin Newson rose through the Democrat ashes to lead the polls as the front runner in 2028. What has he discovered in how to deal with Trump? The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

It's a week since Renee Nicole Good was shot by an ICE agent whilst in her car in Minnesota. Since then, protests have erupted around the country, schools in Minneapolis have closed, and last night saw a second shooting by an ICE agent. Is the immigration law enforcement now just a political weapon? And, as Trump threatens martial law, is ICE deliberately trying to provoke conflict in Minnesota? We're joined by Semifore's Ben Smith. The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The plan to taken down Venezuelan leader, Nicolas Maduro, was months in the making. And yet, when it did finally happen, it not only took Caracas by surprise but even Washington was stunned by the speed of the incursion. What does the operation in Venezuela tell us about how Trump might be planning to take over other territories? Why has he got his eyes on oil tanks, and is he prepared to go battle with Putin? We speak to The Crisis Room's Marc Polymeropoulos. Later, Tim Walz has ended his campaign to run for Minnesota governor after ongoing fraud accusations became the focus of Republicans. Are fraud claims a new effective weapon for MAGA to attack the Democrats? The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Trump's inner circle may be wondering this week why they gave Vanity Fair exclusive access and close up photos for the magazine. The portrait is unflattering to say the least. And highly revelatory. Will it change how Trump sees those around him? And why is the MAGA aesthetic so central to the brand? Also - Trump speaks to the nation about the economy. Why’s he had to make up all his figures? The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Affordability is the word that Zohran Mamdani made the centre of his New York mayoral campaign after watching the Democrats lose so badly in 2024. But now it’s the Republicans and President Trump that have to convince voters the economy is going in the right direction. And 70 percent of them no longer trust Trump to get it right. What does this mean for the midterms? Later, why the Supreme Court could be about to hand Trump the power he craves to fire whoever he fancies. We talk to Slate' s Mark Joseph Stern. The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The story of the affair between journalist Olivia Nuzzi and Health Secretary RFK Junior has been called the least important and most important story of our times. What does it tell us about MAGA culture, journalistic ethics and the power of click bait versus deep dive investigation? Why is America so obsessed with her story? Later, has a leaked recording of Pete Hegseth, Secretary of WAR, opened him up to accusations of war crimes? And what happens to those who speak out against Trump's extra judicial killings? The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The former FBI director James Comey has walked free after his indictment was thrown out by a judge who decided the presiding attorney was actually invalid. It’s a tricky moment for Donald Trump, who had pursued his enemies in the hope of putting behind bars people who he called “bad” - and led to accusations of “vindictive prosecution“ by the President. But already, the administration's ire has turned to its next victims - former astronaut and Arizona senator Mark Kelly. A decorated, highly respected military man who finds himself facing a possible court martial for sedition after Pete Hegseth's latest outburst. What effect are these arrests and investigations having on America's institutions? And after the resignation of outspoken congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, is Trump starting to lose his grip on his own base? We talk to the New York Times journalist Mark Landler. The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Last night both houses of Congress overwhelmingly voted to force the justice department to release the Epstein files. We could see the contents made public within days. But the vote itself, long resisted by Trump, has left the President looking weaker and more friendless amongst the MAGA base than he’s ever been. Is he starting to look like a lame duck President? And are Republicans imagining a MAGA world that comes after Trump? Or will they quickly revert to fealty? Later, the college professor in exile from America after being targeted by death threats for his academic work on Antifa. The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/