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Americast

ByBBC News
426 episodes

Podcast Summary

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 [email protected] or WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

#1

Americanswers... on 5 Live! Who controls Donald Trump's Truth Social account?

Donald Trump founded Truth Social in 2022 after he was banned from major social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. But is the president the sole user of his account, and are there any “tells” for when someone else has posted on his account?We also answer your questions about whether funding cuts in the latest instalment of Donald Trump’s war with Harvard could lead to a brain drain in the US.And, what next for DOGE after Elon Musk officially left the White House on Friday? Justin, Sarah and Marianna join Matt Chorley for another instalment of Americanswers…HOSTS: • Matt Chorley, 5 Live Presenter • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use episode was made by Rufus Gray and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Phil 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-06-02•31mins
#2

Have Trump's tariff dreams been shattered?

It’s been a chaotic day in the United States.This morning, we heard the news that a court in the US has blocked Donald Trump’s tariffs.Later this evening, we found out that Trump's tariff plan was temporarily reinstated while a court considers a White House appeal.In between that, we recorded an episode, exploring what all this could mean for the global trade war, Trump’s relationship with the courts, and what seems to be the final moments of Elon Musk’s and Trump’s courtship - as the tech mogul steps away from DOGE.​​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: ​​• Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 ​​• Email [email protected] ​​• Or use ​​ ​​This episode was made by George Dabby with Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Mike 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: ​​ ​​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: ​​The Today Podcast: ​​Newscast: ​​Ukrainecast:

2025-05-29•27mins
#3

Americanswers... on 5 Live! Is the Trump-Musk bromance now over?

Elon Musk says he’s 'disappointed' by Donald Trump's 'big, beautiful' tax bill, marking a break from the US president who he helped to win re-election in 2024.Today Matt Chorley is joined by the full Americast ensemble to discuss whether the Trump-Musk bromance is now over. They also explore how middle class Americans view Trump’s ongoing row with Harvard, and assess the most popular presidential dogs.HOSTS: * Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter * Sarah Smith, North America editor * Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent * Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH: * Join our online community: * Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 * Email [email protected] * Or use episode was made by Tim Walklate 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: 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 Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-05-28•28mins
#4

Why did Trump ambush the South African president?

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa went to the White House in hope of a ‘reset’ with the USA on trade and asylum laws. What he got was a choreographed presentation from Donald Trump with allegations of a white genocide taking place in South Africa, with stark parallels to the infamous Zelensky meeting in the Oval Office.Justin, Anthony, and Sarah convene to check the fact on Trump’s assertions, and discuss why the confrontation might really be a message to his MAGA supporters.Plus, Justin speaks to Robyn Cunrow, former CNN correspondent in Johannesburg and host of the Searching for America podcast, to find out more about the relationship between the US and South Africa. HOSTS: - Justin Webb, Radio 4 Presenter - Sarah Smith, North America Editor - Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGUEST: - Robyn Curnow, former CNN Africa correspondentGET IN TOUCH: - Join our online community: - Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 - Email [email protected] - Or use episode was made by George Dabby with Rufus Gray, 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-05-22•37mins
#5

How will Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' change America?

Donald Trump's ‘one big beautiful bill’ looks set to be his defining piece of legislation for his second term, if he can get it through Congress. It’s an enormous bill which covers everything from the future of Medicaid, the taxes Americans pay, to border spending and national defence. But not all Republicans are on board and the president may face a fight to pass the bill by his Memorial Day deadline.Justin, Sarah and Anthony unpack how the bill could change peoples’ lives in America, and whether Trump will have to make concessions to hardliners in his party. HOSTS: - Justin Webb, Radio 4 Presenter - Sarah Smith, North America Editor - Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent GET IN TOUCH: - Join our online community: - Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 - Email [email protected] - Or use 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-05-21•27mins
#6

Americanswers! Why is Biden’s cancer diagnosis prompting new questions?

Anthony, Marianna and Justin discuss Joe Biden’s announcement that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. They also talk about the political reaction, including US Vice President JD Vance who says Biden and his staff should have been more transparent about the former president’s health whilst in office. They also analyse some MAGA rumours over whether Joe Biden hid his cancer diagnosis, and what this means for the Democratic hopefuls of the future.Plus, the team unpack the backlash to the former FBI Director James Comey’s picture of seashells on a beach - a post that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said called “for the assassination of President Trump".And Anthony enters a new word in his A-Z of Zurcherisms…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: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use This episode was made by Rufus Gray 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-05-19•36mins
#7

We speak to CNN's Jake Tapper on the “cover-up” behind Joe Biden’s decline

The fallout from Joe Biden’s failed presidential campaign continues with a new book that accuses senior White House figures of covering up the former president’s “physical deterioration”. The author, Jake Tapper - who co-authors the book with Alex Thompson of Axios - claims Biden did not recognise George Clooney at a fundraiser last June hosted by the Hollywood star and that at one stage of the campaign, aides discussed putting him in a wheelchair.A spokesperson for Joe Biden said "evidence of aging is not evidence of mental incapacity" and maintained the Democrat had been "a very effective president".Why does Jake Tapper believe that there was a cover-up of the president’s condition, and does the American media need to take some responsibility for how they reported Biden’s campaign?HOST:- Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenterGUEST:- Jake Tapper, CNN anchor and chief Washington correspondent, co-author of Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again GET IN TOUCH:- Join our online community: - Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 - Email [email protected] - Or use episode was made by George Dabby, Purvee Pattni, Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

2025-05-18•23mins
#8

What is RFK doing for the health of Americans?

Testifying in front of Congress is often a bruising process for lawmakers, and Wednesday’s hearing was no exception for Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, who faced questions on cuts to his department, his stance on vaccines and a measles outbreak in the United States.But with Donald Trump’s second term in full swing, just how far has the former presidential candidate got in his quest to ‘Make America Healthy Again?’Justin and Marianna chat with Sheryl Gay Stolberg who covers health policy for the New York Times to find out how he’s trying to transform America’s health and why not everyone thinks he’s succeeding.HOSTS:- Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter - Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations CorrespondentGUEST:- Sheryl Gay Stolberg, correspondent based in Washington covering health policy for The New York Times.GET IN TOUCH:- Join our online community: - Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 - Email [email protected] - Or use 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-05-16•24mins

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#9

Is Trump's free plane a gift too far for Republicans?

It’s Donald Trump’s first major trip in his second term as president and he’s chosen to visit the Gulf in a four-day whirlwind tour. He began in Saudi Arabia for a friendly meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Among other issues he agreed to lift sanctions on Syria and struck a number of trade deals, marking a big shift in relations between the two nations since Joe Biden’s presidency.But the trip threatens to be overshadowed by the fallout from Qatar’s gift of a free luxury jumbo jet. The president has defended the gift and said he would be a “stupid person” to turn it down, which has prompted criticism from his supporters including the far-right influencer Laura Loomer.Sarah and Anthony in Qatar join Justin to unpack a busy few days on the road, and discuss the new U.S. approach to the Middle East and what it means for the region, and the rest of the world. HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use episode was made by George Dabby with Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. 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: 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 ...

2025-05-14•26mins
#10

Introducing... Diddy On Trial

On the first day of Diddy’s trial, jurors have watched a video showing him assaulting his former long-time partner, the singer Cassie.The prosecution’s first witness, a former hotel security guard, says he was called on the night the CCTV video was filmed to help a "woman in distress", where he found Cassie sitting in the corner covering her face.Both the prosecution and defence gave their opening statements. The prosecution say Combs' behaviour was "coercive and criminal" and that he "had the power to ruin" his alleged victims’ lives. The defence argues that while Diddy might have engaged in domestic violence, he is innocent of the sex trafficking and prostitution charges at the heart of this case.Warning: This episode contains descriptions of violence, sexual violence and graphic descriptions of sex.Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is accused of sex trafficking, racketeering with conspiracy and transportation for prostitution. He denies the charges.Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to the BBC’s New York correspondent Nada Tawfik about the day in court.The Diddy on Trial podcast is here to investigate the rumours, confront the theories, and give you the answers that you need.We also want YOU to be part of the conversation. Have you any burning questions about the cases or the upcoming trial? Heard a theory that doesn’t sit right with you? Get in touch now via WhatsApp: 0330 123 555 1.Presenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Laura Jones Executive Producer: Neal Razzell Sound Design: Mark Burrows Senior Digital Producer: Matthew Pintus Video Producer: Daniel Raza Production Coordinator: Hattie Valentine Editor: Clare FordhamCommissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Commissioning Assistant Producer: Rechmial Miller

2025-05-13•20mins
#11

Americanswers... on 5 Live! Has China won its trade war with Trump?

Donald Trump says the US has achieved a “total reset” in relations with China after both countries agreed to reduce tariffs on each other's goods for 90 days. Today Matt Chorley is joined by the full Americast ensemble to discuss whether this really marks the end of the trade war between the two nations. The team also assess the world’s reaction to the newly elected ‘woke’ pope across social media, and whether his stance on deportation will result in a head-to-head with Trump. And why might Qatar gift a 747 jet to the president?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: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use This episode was made by Rufus Gray with 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-05-12•34mins
#12

We Speak To Prof Joseph Stiglitz (Nobel Laureate) On The UK/US Trade Deal…

As more details of the trade deal between the UK and United States emerge, we get a view from the Novel prize winning economist and author, Professor Joseph Stiglitz. He explains to Justin why the deal is a mistake for the UK, why China has a better strategy against President Trump’s tariffs, and how the UK’s deal adversely affects the rest of the world. Professor Stiglitz is a former Chief Economist at the World Bank, a former chair of the U.S. President’s Economic Council, and his most recent book The Road to Freedom: Economics and the Good Society unpicks what real economic freedom means, and how to achieve it. HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 Presenter GUEST: Professor Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel Laureate, former chief economist at the World Bank, former chair of the council of economic Advisers and author of The Road to Freedom: Economics and the Good Society. GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use This episode was made by Grace Reeve and Purvee Pattni. 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-05-09•22mins
#13

Who’s the real winner from the UK’s trade deal with the US?

At a press conference inside the Oval Office on Thursday, Donald Trump - with the British PM Keir Starmer on the phone - announced changes to tariffs which included steel, aluminium and car exports. In return, the UK government made concessions on imports of ethanol and American beef, with Keir Starmer calling it a ‘fantastic, historic day’. Justin and Anthony unpack the politics behind the deal, asking who is the real winner? With accusations that the UK has caved in too easily to American demands on beef and ethanol, what does today’s announcement mean for the U.S. economy and its trade tariffs with China? Also today, Justin gets an insider’s account of the “delusion and denial” inside Joe Biden’s curtailed 2024 presidential campaign with his former biographer Chris Whipple, who details the final months in his new book Unchartered. HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 Presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGUEST: Chris Whipple, Journalist and Author of “Unchartered: How Trump Beat Biden, Harris, and the Odds in the Wildest Campaign in History” GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use episode was made by George Dabby, Laurie Kalus, 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: 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 (a...

2025-05-08•30mins
#14

Joe Biden's BBC Interview

In his first interview since leaving the White House, Joe Biden accused the Trump administration of "modern-day appeasement" in pressuring Ukraine to give up territory to Russia. He also spoke about his ill-fated presidential campaign last year that saw him eventually drop out the race against Donald Trump, saying it "wouldn't have mattered" if he had dropped out of the race earlier. The White House said that Joe Biden was a "complete disgrace" in response to the interview.It's unusual for former presidents to speak about their successors, so why has Biden chosen to speak now, and what were the things he didn't reveal?Adam and Justin sit down with the BBC'S Nick Robinson to unpack his interview with the former president.

2025-05-07•31mins
#15

Americanswers... on 5 Live! Are the US and Canada friends again?

Mark Carney, Canada’s new prime minister, made a high-stakes visit to the White House on Tuesday in his first meeting with Donald Trump since winning the election in Canada. How will their relationship affect the future of Canada with Trump still hoping to turn the country into the ’51st state’?And, Donald Trump has pledged to reopen the notorious Alcatraz prison. It was originally shut down in 1963 and has since operated as a successful tourist site in San Francisco. Is the president serious about the plans?Americanswers is back on 5 Live to answer your questions…HOSTS: * Matt Chorley, 5 Live Presenter * Justin Webb, Radio 4 Presenter * Sarah Smith, North America Editor * Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH: * Join our online community: * Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 * Email [email protected] * Or use 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-05-07•28mins
#16

Is Donald Trump losing public support?

As Donald Trump surpasses 100 days in office for the second time, new polls suggest he might not be quite as popular as he claims. Justin, Sarah, and Anthony get together to discuss why the president could be losing support with some Americans and, crucially, whether he cares.HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Justin Webb, Radio 4 Presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use episode was made by George Dabby with Rufus Gray and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer was 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: is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including 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 Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-05-02•32mins
#17

100 Days of Trump (Part 5)… Has He Redefined What It Means To Be President?

This is a special Americast mini series, looking at five ways Donald Trump has changed America in his first 100 days back, as President of the United States. “…in the USA we do no have kings, we do not have dictators we have a constitution, and the rule of law, and we’re going to make damn sure Donald Trump and his administration follow the law”Critics like Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes say Trump has defied the U.S. constitution, others say he’s restricted free speech and silenced oppositional voices. Trump says it’s what the American people voted for… In our final episode, how has Trump redefined what it means to be President? And will this change how the world’s leaders govern?HOSTS: • Matt Chorley, Radio 5 Live presenter • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use This episode was made byPurvee Pattni and Marie Lennon, with Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-04-29•13mins
#18

100 Days of Trump (Part 4)… Has Elon Musk Changed Government Forever?

This is a special Americast mini series, looking at five ways Donald Trump has changed America in his first 100 days back, as President of the United States. In our fourth episode, Matt Chorley joins Justin and Marianna to discuss large scale cuts to federal government by Elon Musk’s DOGE, and look at the impact of those cuts. They also talk about what a modern America should be paying for - both at home and abroad - and why some people think Trump is actually a democrat when it comes to big government spending. HOSTS: • Matt Chorley, Radio 5 Live presenter • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use This episode was made by Purvee Pattni and Marie Lennon, with Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-04-29•13mins
#19

100 Days of Trump (Part 3)… Who Is Welcome in America, Now?

This is a special Americast mini series, looking at five ways Donald Trump has changed America in his first 100 days back, as President of the United States. In this third episode, Matt Chorley joins Sarah and Anthony to discuss Trump’s plans to deport migrants on a large scale, how he is circumventing the courts, and revoking hundreds of student visas. We ask who has been allowed to stay in Trump’s America, and who is being forced out?HOSTS: • Matt Chorley, Radio 5 Live presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use This episode was made by Purvee Pattni and Marie Lennon, with Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-04-29•13mins
#20

100 Days of Trump (Part 2)… What Has He Done to the US Economy?

This is a special Americast mini series, looking at five ways Donald Trump has changed America in his first 100 days back, as President of the United States. In this second episode, Matt Chorley joins Justin and Sarah to discuss how the American economy has fared during Trump’s 100 days in office. What have been the impacts of tariffs on U.S. businesses, under his plan to put ‘America First’? Are we witnessing the economic liberation of America? Or this is a tipping point for the US and global markets? HOSTS: • Matt Chorley, Radio 5 Live presenter • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use This episode was made by Purvee Pattni and Marie Lennon, with Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-04-29•13mins
#21

100 Days of Trump (Part 1)… Is Trump winning his war on woke?

This is a special Americast mini series, looking at five ways Donald Trump has changed America in his first 100 days back, as President of the United States. In this first episode, Matt Chorley joins Justin and Marianna to discuss Trump’s declaration that America will be “WOKE no longer…whether you are a doctor, an accountant, a lawyer or an air traffic controller, you should be hired and promoted based on skill and competence, not race or gender.” We look at why private companies have dismantled their diversity and equity programmes, particularly as they were implemented to counter institutional racism and discrimination. Does the United States need DEI?HOSTS: • Matt Chorley, Radio 5 Live presenter • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use This episode was made by Purvee Pattni and Marie Lennon, with Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-04-29•13mins
#22

Americanswers… on 5 Live! Is the Trump/Zelensky relationship back on track?

After the two leaders were reunited at Pope Francis’s funeral over the weekend, the Americast inbox has been filled with correspondence on whether Trump and Zelensky really have reconciled - and if it could bring a peace deal with Russia any closer.Marianna and Sarah get together with Matt Chorley to answer your questions live on the radio. As well as the war in Ukraine, they discuss the 7-year sentence given to George Santos - the former congressman who is, of course, well known to long term listeners of this podcast via our semi-regular feature, ‘Santos watch’.Plus - has the White House been bugged for a second time? And where do Republicans and Democrats eat in Washington DC?HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH:- Join our online community: - Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 - Email [email protected] - Or use episode was made by Rufus Gray with Grace Reeve. 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-04-28•22mins
#23

Signal chats, leaks, and sackings... What's going on in the Pentagon?

There’s trouble in the Pentagon - again! Pete Hegseth and Donald Trump have dismissed new reports that the defence secretary sent details of confidential military plans to his wife, brother, and personal lawyer on Signal. They both criticised journalists at the annual White House Easter event between egg related activities, but reports keep coming about unrest at the top of the defence department. Justin, Marianna, and Anthony discuss whether Hegseth will survive or not and whether the accusations could start also damaging Trump’s reputation.Plus, have we found the oldest Americast listener?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: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use This episode was made by George Dabby, Rufus Gray, Grace Reeve and Claire Betzer. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The series producer was Chris Flynn. 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-04-24•27mins

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#24

Americanswers…on 5 Live! Is Elon Musk being forced out of the White House?

Elon Musk says he’s stepping back from his role at DOGE and refocusing on Tesla after the electric car firm reported a huge drop in profit and sales for the start of this year. We look at whether he could be on his way out completely.Donald Trump meanwhile says he’ll be attending the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome this weekend. The late Pope was an outspoken critic of Trump’s policies during the president’s first term. Will Trump try and influence the appointment of his successor?Americanswers is back on 5 Live to answer your questions…HOSTS: • Matt Chorley, 5 Live Presenter • Justin Webb, Radio 4 Presenter • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use This episode was made by George Dabby with Rufus Gray and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer was Chris Flynn. 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-04-23•30mins
#25

How the ‘world’s coolest dictator’ is helping Trump

Justin and Sumi take a closer look into the deepening relationship between Donald Trump and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, as the row over the deportation of migrants to the Central American country escalates.Could the Trump administration run into further trouble with the law over its handling of the situation? And, what's in it for Bukele?Plus, what else have we missed in the news cycle? Sumi shares one story at the US-Mexico border that’s flown under the radar this week.HOSTS:- Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter - Sumi Somaskanda, Chief Presenter in WashingtonGET IN TOUCH:- Join our online community: - Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 - Email [email protected] - Or use episode was made by Chris Flynn with Rufus Gray, Claire Betzer and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The series producer was Chris Flynn. 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: is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including 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 Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-04-17•35mins
#26

Can Harvard afford to fight Trump?

President Trump has given Harvard University a long list of demands, but the university has refused to give in to them.The president has frozen $2.2bn worth of funding as a result. He wants Harvard to change the way it governs, hires and teaches because of concerns has over antisemitism on campus."No government - regardless of which party is in power - should dictate what private universities can teach," Harvard's president Alan Garber said.It’s the biggest example of an issue playing out in universities across the US.HOSTS:- Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter - Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent - Sumi Somaskanda Chief Presenter in WashingtonGET IN TOUCH:- Join our online community: - Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 - Email [email protected] - Or use episode was made by George Dabby with Rufus Gray, and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer was Chris Flynn. 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: is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including 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 Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-04-16•32mins
#27

Americanswers! Does Trump want to bring back the man his administration mistakenly deported?

‘If I had all the money in the world, I’d spend it all just to buy one thing: a phone call to hear Kilmar’s voice again.’ Those were the pleas made to Trump’s administration by the wife of Abrego García, the Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador’s mega-jail. But can Trump bring him back? And does he want to?Mariana is joined by Sumi Somaskanda to discuss the most important trial in Meta’s history, LA’s largest-ever rally held by Bernie Sanders and AOC, and whether Trump’s eye-watering tariffs will go the distance.Plus we hear some correspondence from some young Americasters on how liberals might fight back against Trump.HOSTS: * Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent * Sumi Somaskanda, Chief Anchor for BBC NewsGET IN TOUCH: * Join our online community: * Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 * Email [email protected] * Or use This episode was made by Rufus Gray with 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-04-14•29mins
#28

Trump's Tariffs... Chaos or a cunning plan?

Everything has changed…again! Or has it? The team assemble after President Trump scrapped his tariff plans (for 90 days at least) and reverted for a 10% levy across the board. Except for China, that is, who now face a rate of 125%.So what is really going on? The Democrats are crying market manipulation, the markets remain chaotic, and MAGA Republicans are saying the country should trust the president. We try to separate the fact from fiction.Plus the search for the youngest and oldest Americasters continues...HOSTS:- Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter - Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent - Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH:- Join our online community: - Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 - Email [email protected] - Or use episode was made by George Dabby with Rufus Gray, Claire Betzer 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: is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including 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 Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-04-10•28mins
#29

Trump’s Tariffs...

Donald Trump's latest wave of tariffs came into force on Wednesday only for him to announce a 90-day pause on higher tariffs for dozens of countries except China, who were hit by increased levies of 125%.In this episode, the Americast team analyse the economic fallout from the first day of what could be a new era in world economics.HOSTS:- Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter - Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent - Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH:- Join our online community: - Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 - Email [email protected] - Or use episode was made by George Dabby with Rufus Gray, Claire Betzer 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: is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including 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 Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-04-09•31mins
#30

Americanswers! Which news stories are being overshadowed by Trump's tariffs?

The first US measles death in a decade, mass protests against Trump and El Salvador’s mega-jail…In today’s Q&A Anthony, Justin and Mariana sign the podcasting equivalent of an executive order, putting a one-episode exemption on tariffs to focus on the other stories that may have fallen on the backburner since Trump shook up the world’s financial markets.The team discuss the biggest protests of Trump’s second term so far, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s controversial social media video featuring Venezuelan deportees, and the danger of vaccine misinformation following a measles outbreak that’s led to the deaths of two children.And the US Senate and Congress seem to have gone quiet - what’s going on?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: * Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 * Email [email protected] * Or use This episode was made by Rufus Gray 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: Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including 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 Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-04-07•30mins
#31

Is Elon Musk leaving the White House?

There was a bright spot for Democrats this week after a liberal judge beat her conservative rival in the most expensive judicial election in US history. Susan Crawford beat Brad Schimel despite being backed by President Donald Trump's billionaire adviser Elon Musk. The results came amid reports that Elon Musk could soon leave his prominent role in Donald Trump's administration. The White House has described the reports as "garbage" and that Musk would only leave when his work at DOGE was complete.And, Justin has been chatting to an economist from The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think-tank which backs Trump's global tariffs policy.HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations CorrespondentGUEST: • EJ Antoni, Heritage Foundation EconomistGET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use episode was made by Purvee Pattni with Rufus Gray, Claire Betzer 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-04-04•32mins
#32

Will Trump’s tariffs start a global trade war?

Donald Trump has announced sweeping new universal tariffs tonight on all imports into the United States. Justin, Sarah and Anthony unpack the U.S. president’s speech at the White House. Which countries are worst affected? How will the UK be impacted? And what are the chances Trump will change his mind again and roll back on some of his announcements?HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Justin Webb, Radio 4 PresenterGET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use episode was made by George Dabby with Claire Betzer 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-04-03•22mins
#33

Americanswers…on 5 Live! Could Trump run for a third term?

‘A lot of people want me to do it’ was Donald Trump’s answer when asked in an NBC interview on Saturday if he wanted to serve a third term as US President. The Constitution says that “no person…shall be elected more than twice”. In today’s Q&A with Matt Chorley on 5 Live, Mariana and Justin unpack whether Trump could rewrite history. The team also discuss whether the million-dollar cheques that Elon Musk has been handing out in Wisconsin ahead of a tightly contested Supreme Court Election are illegal. Comedian Amber Ruffin has been dropped from hosting the White House correspondent’s dinner – what’s going on? And is Donald Trump really going to invade Greenland, or attempt to buy it – or something else entirely?HOSTS: • Matt Chorley, 5 Live presenter • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use This episode was made by Purvee Pattni with 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-03-31•25mins
#34

Will US-Canada relations ever be the same again?

Donald Trump announced this week 25% tariffs on US car imports, a move that will impact neighbours Mexico and Canada. Canadian prime minister Mark Carney has called the tariffs "unjustified" and said it marked the end of "deep ties" between the two countries.Canadian journalist and podcaster Jordan Heath-Rawlings joins Sarah and Anthony today to assess how Trump's policies have flipped Canadian politics on its head.HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGUEST: • Jordan Heath-Rawlings, Host of the Elbows Up podcastGET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use episode was made by George Dabby with Catherine Fusillo, Claire Betzer and Julia Webster. 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-03-28•30mins
#35

We speak to the journalist behind Signalgate

The journalist who was inadvertently included in a group chat among Trump’s senior cabinet leaders and national security officials tells Sarah Smith how it happened. He also responds to the White House’s furious reaction to his decision to publish the entire exchange of messages, with Donald Trump calling the reporting a “witch hunt” and declaring the Atlantic a “failed magazine”. He also calls for the Trump administration to acknowledge the security breach and “just go fix it”. HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use This episode was made by George Dabby with Rufus Gray, Catherine Fusillo and Claire Betzer. 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-03-27•24mins
#36

Can Donald Trump shrug off the Signal chat leak?

What constitutes a ‘war plan’ and when is information ‘classified’? After the revelation that the editor of The Atlantic was included in a sensitive group chat discussing plans to bomb Yemen, the magazine has taken the decision to publish the whole conversation discussing operational details of the attack.The publication says it took the decision after repeated statements from top Republicans stating that no classified information was revealed to Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg.As the fallout continues from the leak, the Americast team discuss how the mistake will impact Donald Trump, the White House strategy for dealing with the crisis, and whether could prompt the first firing of Trump's second term.HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Justin Webb, Radio 4 Presenter • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use episode was made by George Dabby with Catherine Fusillo, Claire Betzer and Julia Webster. 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: 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: The Today Podcas...

2025-03-26•33mins
#37

Americanswers… on 5 Live! Why does Trump want to shut down the Education Department?

It’s Americanswers! Sarah, Anthony and Marianna join Matt Chorley from 5 Live to answer your questions. Today, can Donald Trump dismantle the Department of Education without going through Congress, and what impact would it have on kids with special educational needs? Also, as Canada prepares for its snap general election, what role is the U.S. playing? And why has a portrait of Donald Trump got him angry? 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: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use This episode was made by Catherine Fusillo 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: 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.Ukrainecast: The Global Story: The Today Podcast: Newscast:

2025-03-24•28mins
#38

The Trump Comeback... Michael Wolff’s Inside Story

How did Donald Trump get close to Elon Musk? What is the story behind his relationship with Melania, and how did Trump get re-elected against all the odds? Donald Trump is no stranger to the journalist Michael Wolff, whose latest book is his fourth on the current president. His book, All or Nothing, details the story of Trump’s comeback and and his relationships to the people who helped him do it. Trump himself has called Wolff “fake news” and described the book as “junk.”Justin spoke with the journalist and author about who is sources are, whether he spoke to Trump whilst writing this book, and why a staffer carries a printer on the golf course.HOSTS: * Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenterGUEST:* Michael Wolff, journalist and author of “All or Nothing: How Trump Recaptured America” GET IN TOUCH: * Join our online community: * Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 * Email [email protected] * Or use This episode was made by George Dabby with Catherine Fusillo, Claire Betzer and Rufus Gray. 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-03-21•25mins
#39

Is Donald Trump ready to defy the courts?

The U.S. President is setting up a major showdown with America’s judicial system. Sarah and Justin pick apart claims that Donald Trump defied a court order by deporting more than 200 migrants to El Salvador, despite a judge ordering to be turned planes carrying the migrants to be turned back if they were already in the air. Legal analyst and former federal prosecutor Jennifer Rodgers gives her view on whether Trump has broken the court ruling, and whether America is facing a constitutional crisis. HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America EditorGUEST: • Jennifer Rodgers, Former Federal Prosecutor and Professor of Clinical Law at NYU Law SchoolGET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use episode was made by George Dabby with Julia Webster, Catherine Fusillo and Claire Betzer. 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-03-19•29mins
#40

Americanswers…on 5 Live! Is Trump standing up to Putin?

Donald Trump says he and Vladimir Putin will hold Ukraine peace talks on Tuesday.Sarah, Anthony, Justin and Marianna answer your questions on what they might say to each other.And they return to the subject of egg prices after claims from Trump that they’re dropping.And we find out why JD Vance has been wearing special socks.This episode was made by Chris Flynn and Catherine Fusillo. 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-03-17•36mins
#41

Where do the Democrats go from here?

The Democrats may be on the retreat politically but they're hoping to bounce back after an actual retreat this week in Leesburg, Virginia.One of the speakers at the retreat political strategist (and friend of the podcast) James Carville, who's suggested Democrats should "play dead" and do nothing against Trump. The Americast team unpack whether this approach could work, and Justin's been chatting to Democrat Congressman Seth Moulton, who thinks the party has lost touch with the country.HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use episode was made by Purvee Pattni with Chris Flynn. 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-03-14•38mins
#42

Can Donald Trump afford a trade war with Canada?

The world is bracing itself as Donald Trump enacts his global tariffs. As the president begins to enforce them upon the rest of the world, the Americast team assemble to ask whether Trump’s bet on tariffs might be a bad deal for the US. How have the markets reacted, and does Trump actually care? Plus, why has Donald Trump bought a Tesla even though he isn’t allowed to drive it? HOSTS:- Justin Webb, Radio 4 Presenter - Sarah Smith, North America Editor - Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH: * Join our online community: * Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 * Email [email protected] * Or use episode was made by George Dabby with Rufus Gray. 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-03-12•24mins
#43

Americanswers…on 5 Live! Is Trump worried about the US economy?

Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility of the US going into recession. Sarah, Anthony, Justin and Marianna answer your questions on how Trump’s trade war is impacting on stock markets and American voters. Plus, is the new Canadian PM, Mark Carney is escalating the war on tariffs?Also, how could the Democrats be more effective as an opposition voice, and why have we seen an influx of memes about the Vice President JD Vance?The Americast team joins Matt Chorley on 5 Live to answer all of your questions.This episode was made by Rufus Gray and Catherine Fusillo. The technical producers were Mike Regaard and 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-03-10•31mins
#44

How should Trump deal with Putin?

What do we know about President Trump’s long term strategy when it comes to dealing with Russia, and where does that leave America’s relationship with Europe and Ukraine? Justin, Sarah and Anthony get an inside view from Celeste Wallander, one of Biden and Obama’s top security staffers who has been in meetings with Vladimir Putin.How does the Russian leader behave during negotiations, and what advice does she have for the Trump administration? We also look at what Trump’s reset of US/Russia relations means for Europe, and the war in Ukraine. HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGUEST: • Celeste Wallander, Former Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, U.S. Department of Defense (2022-25)GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use This episode was made by Chris Flynn with Rufus Gray and Claire Betzer. 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-03-06•25mins
#45

Trump’s GREAT BIG LONG Speech

Sarah and Anthony pick apart Donald Trump’s biggest speech since returning to the White House.He delivered it 24 hours after announcing he was pausing aid to Ukraine, and on the same day tariffs came in on Mexico and Canada.He was addressing a joint session of the US Congress, declaring “the American dream is unstoppable”.It was the the longest presidential speech to Congress on record - lasting around an hour and 40 minutes and included details of a letter from President Zelensky, his desire to get Greenland “one way or another” and Elon Musk’s DOGE cuts.And, a Democrat is kicked out.HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use This episode was made by Chris Flynn with Catherine Fusillo. The technical producer was James Piper. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

2025-03-05•27mins
#46

Americanswers... on 5 Live! Did Trump ambush Zelensky?

Presidents Trump and Zelensky clashed on Friday night in a furious exchange at the White House, during which Trump accused the Ukrainian president of “gambling with World War III.”The future of the world now seems more uncertain, and people naturally have a lot of questions.The team try to provide them as they join Matt Chorley for a special edition of their weekly Q&A.Was the conflict manufactured by a Trump-friendly reporter? How has Congress reacted? Has the incident hurt Trump in the polls? All will be answered in today's edition of AmericanswersHOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH: - Join our online community: - Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 - Email [email protected] - Or use episode was made by Rufus Gray and Catherine Fusillo. The technical producers were Ben Andrews and 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-03-03•39mins
#47

Who’s Running America… Trump’s Health Secretary (RFK Jr)

Our latest mini series is here and this time we're profiling some of the key players in Donald Trump's presidency, who are now running America. We’re ending the series with Robert F Kennedy Jr., the new Secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy has been tasked with making America healthy again - an appointment which came as a surprise to some, given that he’s been accused of supporting the anti-vaccination movement and spreading misinformation. Spurning a democratic dynasty and risking a family rift to embrace Trump’s administration, his aim now is to end the ‘chronic disease epidemic’. But who is he? And will Americans be any healthier with him in charge? Marianna is joined by Sheryl Gay Stolberg, New York Times Health Correspondent and Clare Malone, Staff Writer at The New Yorker to find out who RFK Jr. really is and why he was appointed.We also hear from Del Bigtree, who was RFK Jr.’s Communications Director during his brief Presidential run, who tells us he’s an ‘amazing guy’ who loves nature and walking barefoot.HOSTS: Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations CorrespondentGUESTS: - Sheryl Gay Stolberg, New York Times Health Correspondent - Clare Malone, Staff Writer at The New YorkerGET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use This episode was made by Keiligh Baker and Chris Flynn with Marianna Brain, Catherine Fusillo and Joe McFadden. The technical producer was Phil 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: Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of ...

2025-03-02•34mins
#48

Ukrainecast: Trump and Zelensky clash in the Oval Office

There were unprecedented scenes in the White House this afternoon when President Trump, Vice President JD Vance and President Zelensky clashed in an extraordinary shouting match in front of stunned reporters.Lyse Doucet and Vitaly Shevchenko from Ukrainecast are joined by former UK national security adviser Lord Ricketts to get immediate reaction, and what this all means for the future of Ukraine.

2025-02-28•30mins
#49

Did Starmer win over Trump at the White House?

How successful was Sir Keir Starmer’s meeting with President Trump at the White House on Thursday? Trump praised the Prime Minister as a “tough negotiator”, but did Sir Keir get the key concessions needed over the war in Ukraine and trade? Justin, Sarah and Marianna analyse what was said - and not said - between the two leaders, and how Sir Keir Starmer played the ultimate royal card with Donald Trump. HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use This episode was made by Rufus Gray, Catherine Fusillo and Claire Betzer. 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-02-28•24mins
#50

Why is Trump sharing an AI video of Gaza?

Donald Trump sparked a social media frenzy on Wednesday when he posted a video of Gaza generated by artificial intelligence on his site Truth Social. Marianna's been analysing Trump's social media strategy and how he attempts to influence what we see on our online feeds.Meanwhile, the fallout from Elon Musk's email to federal workers over the weekend continues. Musk asked all federal workers to list their accomplishments to him an email, and defended his actions at the first meeting of Trump's new cabinet earlier today.Justin and Marianna assess the two stories and what risks could lie ahead for the president.HOSTS: * Justin Webb, Radio 4 Presenter * Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH: * Join our online community: * Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 * Email [email protected] * Or use episode was made by George Dabby with Catherine Fusillo and Claire Betzer. 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: 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: The Today Podcast: Newscast: Ukrainecast:

2025-02-26•28mins

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