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The Washington Post

The Washington Post’s Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann gather for a weekly in-depth conversation about politics and power. From presidential candidates to members of Congress to the judicial system, Sidebar dives deep on the topics and people at the forefront of the political conversation.

The crew sits down each Thursday (with the occasional breaking news episode) to discuss what has happened that week, and what’s coming up the next week – with guest appearances from Washington Post reporters.

The Trump Trials: Sidebar

The "Freedom Desk" video podcast is a new project from Jason Rezaian, Director of Press Freedom Initiatives at The Washington Post.

Introducing a new project from Jason Rezaian

On the final episode of Sidebar, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin, James Hohmann and JM Rieger breakdown the shaky ceasefire between Iran and Israel – and whether it will hold. And having decided to enter the conflict, President Trump is now trying to play peacemaker.

Then, the crew breaks down Trump's stunning turn of fortune since Sidebar began – from being found guilty in his New York hush money and election interference trial, to winning the presidency for a second time and seeing his federal charges dismissed.

Later, the crew reflects on their time hosting Sidebar and other Washington Post coverage.

Ceasefire

On this episode, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann break down the evolving news on Iran – from trading strikes with Israel to President Trump's increasing involvement.

The crew breaks down what Trump says he might do, what his endgame is – and whether Israel is luring the United States into a war of its choosing.

Then, Trump's 2024 financial disclosures have been released – and the President made money from all kinds of ventures, from his golf courses to crypto to signed guitars. Which ones earned him the most money?

Is the U.S. on the brink of war with Iran?

On this episode, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann break down just how much President Trump wants to remind you that he's Commander-in-Chief – from deploying the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles, to Saturday's military parade in D.C.

Plus, Democrats accuse Trump of intentionally provoking protests in an attempt to justify escalating use of military force.

And later, video journalist Anna Liss-Roy joins the show to discuss what it's like along Saturday's parade route near the White House, where tanks will drive down Constitution Avenue.

It's Trump's military, from parade to protests

On this episode, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann break down the Republican drama surrounding President Trump's signature "Big, beautiful bill" – starting with the dramatic social media breakup occurring between Trump and Elon Musk. And are GOP senators on board with Trump's plan?

Then, Trump seems to be reacting to that drama by creating distractions – from a new travel ban to a dubious investigation of his predecessor.

Plus, former president Joe Biden's former White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, says she's leaving the Democratic Party. Why?

Elon Musk's messy breakup with Trump

On this episode, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann break down some of the most controversial provisions in Republicans' giant spending and immigration bill: Provisions that would affect Medicare and the Affordable Care Act.

While the bill has already passed the GOP-controlled House, it might have a tougher time getting through the Senate, where some Republican senators have already expressed doubts – like Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Ark.), who has said it is “wrong to cut Medicaid for the working poor.”

Plus, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) told a town hall last week that "we all are going to die," then doubled down in an Instagram video on Saturday. Is that a politically risky move – or just what Trump would do?

Republicans' risky fight on health care

On this episode, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann are joined by Pentagon reporter Dan Lamothe to delve inside the ongoing drama in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's inner circle: Who is at odds with whom, and what does it mean for Hegseth's job security.

Then, President Trump has been on a spree of issuing pardons and commutations for convicted felons – many of whom are his supporters. The crew breaks down who got pardons, and why.

Finally, Elon Musk is out of government; did he accomplish what he set out to do, and was it a success?

Hegseth's drama, Trump's pardoning spree, and Elon Musk is out

On this episode, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann dive into the ways institutions are fighting back against President Trump – both culturally and legally – starting with Harvard University and NPR, which are both embroiled in lawsuits with the administration.

Plus, how are those two institutions bellweathers for the rest of America, from other universities to media outlets and free speech?

Harvard and NPR fight back against Trump

On this episode, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann break down a busy week in Washington, starting with the shocking shooting of two Israeli embassy employees. Then, the crew dives into the GOP's "big, beautiful" budget bill: What's in it, what the sticking points were, and what had to be negotiated.

Later, the crew breaks down the chaotic meeting in the Oval Office between Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa – and how Trump is using Oval Office meetings to set up televised showdowns with other world leaders.

Plus, technology reporter Drew Harwell joins the show to preview Trump's morally-murky dinner with investors in his crypto meme coin.

Medicaid cuts and trillions in debt: What's in Trump's bill

On this episode, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann break down President Trump's "big, beautiful bill" – the 1,100-page proposal for a measure that includes a whole of of the GOP's priorities, all in one package. 

But does Trump have the support of his own caucus, or does he need to convince Republicans in both the House and the Senate to vote for it? The crew dives into what changes it would make to U.S. law, which tax cuts it would extend, and how Republicans have structured the bill to bypass Democrats' votes entirely.

Plus: The timing of former president Biden's announcement that he has cancer raises questions.

Trump's budget bill is big – but is it beautiful enough?

Will the Biden administration be able to strike a balance between politics and public health to regulate menthol cigarettes? And what are the implications if it does? We explain the pending decision and unravel the history of menthol marketing.
Related reading and episodesBiden’s big bet on big governmentFDA weighs ban on menthol cigarettes

Menthol cigarettes kill more Black Americans. Should Biden ban them?

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