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BBC News

Americast is the authoritative US news and politics podcast from the BBC. 
 
Each week we provide audiences with the best analysis from across the BBC, with on-the-ground observations and big picture insights about the stories which are defining America right now. 
 
The podcast is hosted by trusted BBC journalists including the BBC’s North America editor, Sarah Smith, BBC Radio 4 presenter, Justin Webb, the BBC’s disinformation and social media correspondent, Marianna Spring, and BBC North America correspondent, Anthony Zurcher. 
 
As well as political analysis, we also specialise in social media. Each week Marianna Spring brings listeners the latest updates from the BBC’s Undercover Voters, our award-winning investigation into the content that is recommended to US voters on social media. 
 
The team is also joined by special guests each week, like CNN anchor, Christiane Amanpour, Emmy Award-winning TV host, Rachel Maddow, and Succession actress, J Smith-Cameron. 
 
Podcasts are published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. As well as being a podcast, we are also available every Friday on the World Service. Oh, and by the way, 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.
 
Every Monday we answer your questions on Americanswers, with some help from special guests, including Miles Taylor, who was chief of staff at the Department for Homeland Security during the Trump presidency before becoming a whistleblower. Got a question or a comment? Get in touch with us on email at Americast@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Americast

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said on Monday: “There are no rules anymore, apparently,” as he stood alongside the Democrat lawmakers who fled Texas to prevent a vote which would redraw the state’s political map in favour of the Republican Party.

It is a process known as ‘redistricting’, which normally occurs at the end of each decade when the census takes place. But in a move designed to give the Republicans a crucial advantage heading into the 2026 Midterms, Donald Trump wants it to take place now. It would give Republicans five extra seats in the House.

It is an unconventional request by Donald Trump’s administration, but Democrat governors are now threatening to do the same thing in their states, including California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Presenter Justin Webb and North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher, discuss whether this a fight the Democrats can win, and whether this is an audition for some 2028 presidential hopefuls. They are joined by special guest Steve Israel, former New York Congressman (2001-2017)

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 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 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: BBC Sounds - Radical with Amol Rajan - Available Episodes

Why are Texan Democrats on the run?

US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has cancelled 22 projects - worth $500m (£376m) in funding – for tackling infections such as Covid and flu. During the pandemic, mRNA vaccines were heralded as a medical marvel that saved lives, but RFK Jr says he wants to shift the money to "safer, broader vaccine platforms that remain effective even as viruses mutate". Justin and Marianna look at the broader reasons behind the decision, what the science says, and the possible ramifications. 
Also today, we discuss stories away from the main American headlines: why former US president Bill Clinton, and his wife Hillary Clinton, have been summoned to give evidence about the convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. Plus, Trump’s interview on why he sacked the head of America’s main agency which is responsible for issuing job data, and what that tells us about the US economy. 
 
HOSTS: 
* Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
* 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 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
Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm
Radical: BBC Sounds - Radical with Amol Rajan - Available Episodes

Why has RFK Jr pulled $500m of mRNA vaccine funding?

Today, Newscast joined forces with Americast for an episode live from the Edinburgh fringe recorded at the Edinburgh Fringe in front of a live audience.

They were joined by friend of the Newscast James Cook to discuss all things Trump. They chat about what it’s like being part of the President’s press pack, why Sydney Sweeney’s jeans are so controversial, plus what last week’s Truth Social posts about nuclear submarines were all about.

GET IN TOUCH:
• Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
• Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480
• Email Americast@bbc.co.uk
• Or use #Americast

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 The Global Story, The Today Podcast, and of course 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.
The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd
Radical with Amol Rajan: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0gg4k6r
Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl
Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm

BONUS EPISODE: Newscast and Americast live from the Edinburgh Fringe

On this week’s Q&A, why is Donald Trump personally endorsing a jeans advert with Sydney Sweeney? The US president calls it a ‘fantastic’ ad - but the campaign has sparked claims of racism and a row over promoting eugenics? 

Justin and Marianna also talk about the convicted child sex offender, Ghislaine Maxwell, who has been moved to a new minimum-security facility in Texas. Why has this been sanctioned, and could the move foreshadow a pardon from the president? 

And how can Trump fire the head of one of America’s most important economic institutions because he didn’t like the latest job statistics? ?

From South Park censorship to jeans and submarines, Matt Chorley, Justin and Marianna answer your questions on 5 Live.

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent
presenter
• 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 with Alix Pickles 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 The Global Story, The Today Podcast, and of course 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.
The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd
Radical with Amol Rajan: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0gg4k6r
Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl
Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm

Americanswers… on 5 Live! Why has Sydney Sweeney's jeans ad sparked a race debate?

Donald Trump and Rupert Murdoch have had a tumultuous relationship over the decades, but increasingly tensions have threatened to boil over. Following Donald Trump’s claim that he’s ‘been treated very unfairly by The Wall Street Journal on everything’, it’s the president versus the press.

Will this dispute end their relationship, or are they just going through a rough patch?

Joining us on today’s podcast is one of Rupert Murdoch’s former editors - David Yelland. He helps us understand Trump’s relationship with Murdoch throughout the years, what the current tensions could mean for the future of the press, and who will come out on top. 

We are doing some research to find out the things you love about Americast, and even the stuff you don’t. If you want to help shape the future of the podcast you can answer some questions. The link is in the description of the podcast and if you want to type it in to your browser it’s bit.ly/americastfeedback 

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

GUEST:
* David Yelland, Editor of The Sun (1998-2003) 

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 Tim Walklate with Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. 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 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: BBC Sounds - Radical with Amol Rajan - Available Episodes

Trump v Murdoch: Who will win?

President Trump has said he’s holding firm strong on his deadline this Friday for tariffs to go into effect on nations that do not come to new trade agreements with his administration.

“THE AUGUST FIRST DEADLINE IS THE AUGUST FIRST DEADLINE – IT STANDS STRONG, AND WILL NOT BE EXTENDED,” he wrote on Truth Social.

So what can we expect this Friday? Will the US president be true to his word? Sarah and Anthony are joined by BBC North America business correspondent Erin Delmore to chew this over - and they analyse the US-EU trade deal that was reached on Sunday.

We are doing some research to find out the things you love about Americast, and even the stuff you don’t. If you want to help shape the future of the podcast you can answer some questions. The link is in the description of the podcast and if you want to type it in to your browser it’s bit.ly/americastfeedback 

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

GUEST:
* Erin Dilmore, North America Business 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 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 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: BBC Sounds - Radical with Amol Rajan - Available Episodes

Will Trump stand firm on his tariff deadlines?

It was a wide-ranging and lengthy press conference between Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Trump’s luxury golf resort in Turnberry, Scotland. But what new things did we learn? Could anything sour their relationship? And how clean is Trump’s golf game?

Also, the questions keep flying in about the Epstein files. The President has again denied that he'd been told his name appeared in them. 

Justin, Sarah and Anthony join 5 Live’s Matt Chorley to discuss all this and more. 

Also, what do you really think of Americast? The team at the WWHQ are doing some research to find out the things you do and don’t love about Americast. If you want to help shape the future of the podcast, please answer some short questions using this link: bit.ly/americastfeedback

HOSTS:
• Matt Chorley, 5 Live presenter
• 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 Tim Walklate with Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The social producer was Grace Braddock. 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

Americanswers… on 5 Live! Trump hosts Starmer at his Scottish golf resort

Since returning to office Donald Trump has followed a familiar playbook when confronted with unfavourable stories in the press, often ending in a large lawsuit. That was exactly the case with the Wall Street Journal, subjected to a $10bn suit after they published a story about Trump’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

But even after the lawsuit, the Journal has continued its reporting on the story, this time alleging that Donald Trump is named in the ‘Epstein Files’. The story makes clear that being mentioned does not imply any wrongdoing, and the White House has called it “another fake story” by the Wall Street Journal.

Will the president’s usual strategy against the media work this time, or is the Jeffrey Epstein story the one he can’t control?

Also, what do you really think of Americast? The team at the WWHQ are doing some research to find out the things you do and don’t love about Americast. If you want to help shape the future of the podcast, please answer some short questions using this link: bit.ly/americastfeedback

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 Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The series producer is Tim Walklate. 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: BBC Sounds - Radical with Amol Rajan - Available Episodes

Donald Trump vs The Wall Street Journal

We’ve now witnessed six months of Donald Trump’s second term in the White House. In that time he's dominated the world's media and international headlines, but how much has he actually achieved so far? And what could he improve on? 

Today, Sarah and Justin are conducting a mid-year appraisal of the president with someone who knows him well - Marc Short, chief of staff to vice president Mike Pence during Trump’s first term.

HOSTS: 
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America 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 Tim Walklate, George Dabby, Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The social producer was Grace Braddock. 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 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: BBC Sounds - Radical with Amol Rajan - Available Episodes

Donald Trump’s mid-year review

As Trump heads to the UK this week in an unprecedented second state visit, the Americast team discuss whether the historic ‘special relationship’ between the UK and USA is better than ever - and what to look out for ahead of the president’s trip to Scotland.

The team also unpack why the Epstein files are continuing to divide Trump from his MAGA base, and whether or not Elon Musk’s much-anticipated America Party really could change the face of American politics.

And as England and Wales move to lower the voting age to 16, the team predict the political outcomes of more Gen Z voters taking to the American ballot box. 

Matt Chorley is joined by the full roster of Americast experts on 5 Live this week, to answer your questions on the week’s biggest stories. 

HOSTS:
• Matt Chorley, 5 Live presenter
• 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 Tim Walklate and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Rohan Madison. The social producer was Sophie Millward. 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: BBC Sounds - Radical with Amol Rajan - Available Episodes

Americanswers… on 5 Live! Is Trump a better friend to Britain than Biden?

Joe Biden is officially running again! The 80-year-old president has posted a video promising “freedom” for Americans and to “finish the job”.

Jim Messina, who masterminded Barack Obama’s re-election campaign, tells the Americast team that Democrats should be praying every night for Donald Trump to be their opponent, why he thinks it makes sense for Kamala Harris to stay on as vice president, and how Biden’s team can make sure his age isn’t the elephant in the room.

Sarah visits a college baseball park in North Carolina to see which way voters are swinging. And Marianna checks in with our Undercover Voters, but some of them are actually distracted by the shock exit of influential anchor Tucker Carlson from Fox News.

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America editor
• Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent
• Marianna Spring, disinformation and social media correspondent

GUEST:
• Jim Messina, Barack Obama’s re-election campaign manager

GET IN TOUCH:
• Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480
• Email Americast@bbc.co.uk
• Or use #Americast

Find out more about our award-winning “undercover voters” here: bbc.in/3lFddSF.

This episode was made by Daniel Wittenberg with Alix Pickles, Natasha Fernandes and Rufus Gray. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Biden's Final Campaign

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