Explore every episode of the podcast Talking Politics USA

Another week, another public spat between Donald Trump and Elon Musk. This time it came after billionaire Musk announced he was launching a new party, the America Party, to challenge the Republican and Democratic "Uniparty".But what did Trump have to say about it, and will this feud ever end?

On this week's Talking Politics USA, Tom Bradby and Robert Moore discuss the bromance that’s turned into a bust-up, and where Trump goes from here. 

Also on the show, President Trump and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer are very different leaders but are the challenges they face the same and what can they learn from each other?

Want to get in touch? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

You might not have heard of Zohran Mamdani, but last week he took New York by storm to win the city's Democratic primary, beating establishment figure Andrew Cuomo and put himself within touching distance of becoming the city's next mayor.
So who is he, how did he do it and why do some people view him as so controversial?

On this week's Talking Politics USA, our Washington producer Aisha Kherallah spoke with Tom Bradby about the 33 year old's remarkable rise.

Also on the show, Tom and correspondent Rachel Younger discuss a week of wins for President Trump - aka "The Daddy" - and what it might mean for his grip on power.

Want to get in touch? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

On Talking Politics USA this week, Tom Bradby is joined by Robert Peston, Emma Murphy in Iraq and Dan Rivers in Washington to discuss America's strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and the potential consequences for the Middle East and the rest of the world.

The team discuss what Iran might do next, whether President Donald Trump and his administration really want regime change in Iran, and what America's actions tell us about the state of the relationship between the UK and the U.S.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com to make sure we're talking about the issues that matter most to you.

In a special edition of Talking Politics USA, Lucy Watson is joined in the studio by Jessica Taylor, election expert and analyst for the Cook Political Report, who joined ITV News on US Election night in 2024 as Donald Trump swept to a second term in the White House. They discuss: 

• How the growing conflict in the Middle East is splitting the MAGA faithful
• What impact will Trump's popularity have on next year's midterm elections
• And the potential frontrunners to lead the Democratics and Republicans in 2028

Catch up with the latest episode of Talking Politics USA on ITVX, YouTube or on your favourite podcast platform.

Got a question for the team? Email us on talkingpolitics@itv.com or comment below.

This week on Talking Politics USA, we hear from U.S. correspondent Dan Rivers about what influence Donald Trump could have on the developing conflict between Israel and Iran.

Lucy Watson speak to Pete Souza, the man who was Barack Obama's chief photographer for eight years in the White House and thinks the images from today's administration are more like a "reality show".

And Stacy Foster recalls her whirlwind time covering for Dan in DC - from rushing coast to coast to cover the protests in Los Angeles, to trying to grab a glimpse of President Trump's much-discussed military parade.

Want to get in touch? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

In this week's Talking Politics USA, Lucy Watson, US correspondent Dan Rivers and former White House adviser Laura Schwartz answer your questions, including:

• If Elon Musk and Donald Trump continue fighting, who will come out of it worse?
• What's the difference between Trump's travel ban and his 2017 'Muslim ban'?
• How effective is Trump's 'Mexican wall' and immigration policies?
• How can a President who claims to understand business not understand the negative effect from constantly changing tariff arrangements?
• Why are the Democrats approval ratings down so low?
• Is the While House press office just a propaganda machine?

Do you have a question you'd like the team to answer? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Lucy Watson, Dan Rivers, and Laura Schwartz gather for an impromptu bonus episode after relations between the world's richest man and perhaps the world's most powerful man collapsed at lightning speed.

Elon Musk ramped up the row between the pair yesterday after claiming, without evidence, that Trump's administration hasn't released all the records related to sex abuser Jeffrey Epstein because the president is mentioned in them. He wrote on X: "Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public."

So what on earth just happened? Where did this spat begin? And how damaging could this be to the U.S. President? 

The team will be back on Monday with another Q&A session.

Keith Kellogg has perhaps the hardest job of all in the Trump administration. The retired general is the US President's Special Envoy for Ukraine, putting him right at the forefront of the American effort to end Russia's invasion - travelling between Washington, Kyiv, Turkey, the Middle East, attempting to reconcile the very, very different demands of Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and an increasingly impatient Donald Trump. And it has not been an easy ride. He was the first American official to meet with Zelensky after Trump called him a 'dictator' back in February; he was just a metre away when the pair later had that extraordinary shouting match in the Oval Office. And this week, he's been tasked with diffusing escalating tensions after Ukraine's audacious drone attack on Russian war planes. So it was quite a moment for our US Correspondent Dan Rivers to sit down with him for an extended interview, to discuss whether there is really ANY path to peace any more, and what it's been like dealing with Donald Trump behind the scenes.

This week on Talking Politics USA, Dan goes behind the scenes at the White House to meet Natalie Winters, co-host of Steve Bannon's 'War Room' and one of the new MAGA media cohort who have been granted greater access by President Donald Trump.

As Elon Musk bids farewell to the White House, Lucy Watson and Laura Schwartz join Dan to discuss whether this really is goodbye to the world's richest man and what his legacy will be.

Plus after Trump goes to war with Harvard, Dan reflects on meeting students at the university and the team discuss the new TACO meme which is ruffling the president's feathers.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

In this special edition of Talking Politics USA, Lucy Watson speaks to NBC News Senior Politics Reporter Jonathan Allen, author of 'Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House'.

Jonathan tells Lucy about the shocking stories he and co-author Amie Parnes uncovered about former President Joe Biden's disastrous late exit from the race against Donald Trump in the 2024 election, how he made Kamala Harris beg for his endorsement and how Barack Obama wasn't convinced she was the right candidate.

Lucy and Jonathan also discuss what next for the Democrats, the state of the UK-U.S. relationship under Trump and whether the president is really going down an authoritarian path.

Want to get in touch with the Talking Politics team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

This week on Talking Politics USA, Lucy Watson speaks with journalist and author Kate Andersen Brower, whose book 'The Residence' inspired a Netflix murder mystery of the same name.

Kate discusses why we've seen so little of First Lady Melania Trump at the White House, and how Donald Trump's 18-year-old granddaughter Kai Trump is using her huge social media fanbase to soften the president's images.

U.S. Correspondent Dan Rivers joins Lucy to discuss former President Joe Biden's cancer diagnosis and the questions it has raised.

They also delve into the meaning of the numbers 8-6-4-7 and why a seashell social media post has resulted in the former director of the FBI James Comey being interviewed by the Secret Service.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

This week on Talking Politics USA, award-winning correspondent Robert Moore tells Tom Bradby about his new documentary, 'Shock and Awe: Trump's Return'.

Robert has travelled from coast to coast meeting people caught in the eye of Donald Trump's storm during the first months of his second presidency, from those who support him to those who fear the potentially violent consequences of how America is changing.

Tom and Robert also discuss the potential implications if the royal family of Qatar gives the White House a luxury jumbo jet to be used as Air Force One. And is there conflict brewing between the two most influential Americans on the planet - President Trump and Pope Leo?

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

In this week's Talking Politics USA, presenter Tom Bradby, US correspondent Dan Rivers, former White House adviser Laura Schwartz and correspondent Robert Moore answer your questions, including:

• In what era was America greatest? And what will have changed when America is great again?
• Is it safe for LGBT+ foreigners to visit the United States?
• Is there anything that is actually politically damaging to Trump?
• And if you could meet one US president, who would it be and why?

Do you have a question you'd like the team to answer? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

This week, Donald Trump will mark 100 days of his second term as U.S. President.

So what has he achieved, what do Americans think and what could happen in the next 100 days?

The Talking Politics USA team also discuss the official Trump 2028 merchandise which has gone on sale and whether it's simply trolling liberals or a true statement of intent.

And US Correspondent Dan Rivers dials in from Canada ahead of an election there which has been heavily influenced by President Trump.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

In the first Talking Politics USA Q&A, presenter Tom Bradby, correspondent Robert Moore and former White House adviser Laura Schwartz answer your questions on a wide range of topics, including:

• How can average Americans relate to a multi-millionaire president?
• What are your thoughts on the Trump administration sharing AI content?
• Will U.S. gun laws ever change?
• And is there any truth to those Obama divorce rumours?

Do you have a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

As U.S. President Donald Trump continues his trade war with China, the Talking Politics USA team assess who is likely to come out on top in the battle between Beijing and Washington.

Presenter Tom Bradby, Correspondent Robert Moore and former White House adviser Laura Schwartz discuss whether America is in danger of losing its position as the world's dominant economy.

Also on the agenda this week: the "Kremlin-esque" showing from Trump's Cabinet, the impacts of the suspected arson attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's home, and why eggs matter more than ever for Americans this Easter.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

U.S. President Donald Trump's taxes on imports into the country have been causing turmoil on global stock markets and sparking concern from all corners of America. But as the Talking Politics USA team explore, there are plenty of people still right behind Mr Trump.

Host Lucy Watson, correspondent Robert Moore and former Trump appointee Matthew Bartlett discuss why the president is so keen to stick to his guns on tariffs and whether his fellow Republicans will stand by him.

One person seemingly opposed to the idea is the world's richest man and Trump adviser, Elon Musk. So could this hasten his departure from the administration?

Got a question for the Talking Politics USA team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

Donald Trump could not hide his frustration over the lack of progress on a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire, saying he is 'p***ed off' at Vladimir Putin whilst also hitting out at Volodymr Zelenskyy for 'backing out' of a rare earth minerals deal. US Correspondent Dan Rivers, former White House staffer Laura Schwartz, and host Lucy Watson discuss where this leaves the Trump-Putin relationship, and whether he can still secure a ceasefire and peace deal. 

Also, the team discuss Trump's latest comments to NBC News about his plans for a third term in the White House being 'no joke'. Could it really happen, perhaps with JD Vance running for President then resigning, or is America heading for a constitutional crisis in 2028? 

Also on the agenda is Trump's tariff 'Liberation Day' on Wednesday, and whether Americans are as excited about the imposition of sweeping new tariffs as Trump himself is - and how it will affect store prices as well as key industries such as car manufacturing. 

Laura Schwartz describes how security really works inside the White House in light of the Houthi Signal group chat fiasco, and the team discuss why Elon Musk is controversially handing out $1 million dollars to voters ahead of Wisconsin's supreme court election on Tuesday.

We're talking politics every week but what is it you want us to discuss?
Email us on talkingpolitics@itv.com 

You can watch Talking Politics on ITVX, YouTube or listen on your favourite podcast platform.

“It’s disgusting. It’s appalling …. there’s more of an uproar on grocery prices than the killings and the alignment with Russia…”

In this episode of Talking Politics USA, Tom Bradby, Dan Rivers and Laura Schwartz react to the shocking pro-Putin sentiments being issued from Trump’s loyalists and the White House - in stark contrast to the brutality and war crimes Dan unearthed in Ukraine. The trio also discuss:

• How Mark Carney is using Trump as the key campaign target for his bid to remain prime minister of Canada versus Pierre Poilievre.
• Why Donald Trump’s tariff wars runs a major risk of alienating one section of core supporters.
• How Vice President JD Vance and Trump envoy Steve Witkoff have deepened rifts with US allies while delighting the Kremlin.
• Why Witcoff's warm words about Vladimir Putin have caused such offence amid peace negotiations over Ukraine.
• The treasures in Greenland which have seen it become a territory of major interest to the Trump administration.
• And why a painting hanging on the wall of the Colorado State Capitol building in 2019 has suddenly enraged Donald Trump.

Do you have a question for the Talking Politics USA team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

You can WATCH and SUBSCRIBE on YouTube here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vLyvOf-qZsM&list=PLFXSE3NhAYiZ8ymySHRegjBOZL5pBv1bq&index=1&pp=iAQB

"How this showdown between the executive and the judiciary plays out is the drama of the next four years!"

After U.S. authorities deported hundreds of Venezuelan and Central American men to El Salvador - potentially in defiance of a federal judge - the Talking Politics USA team discuss the latest court battle Donald Trump could be about to face.

Tom Bradby, Robert Moore and former White House advisor Laura Schwartz also examine the impact of Elon Musk's ties to Donald Trump on Tesla, and the state of the Democrats.

Plus, Laura has details from the Gridiron Dinner, one of Washington's most exclusive nights.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com to make sure we're talking about what matters to you.

"Donald Trump is what every politician dreams to be - attitude and swagger".

Fifty days into the Trump presidency, the Talking Politics USA team discuss how the new administration is going down at home and abroad.

Tom Bradby, US Correspondent Dan Rivers and former Trump appointee Matthew Bartlett look at how Trump is picking fights with America's allies and whether any divisions are appearing within his own top team.

Plus, after a long haul flight, Tom ponders how films like Top Gun would land now with audiences worried about America's role in the world.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com

“It was like a diplomatic hand grenade which went off inside the room”

After the jaw-dropping row between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the White House, the Talking Politics USA team take stock of what the consequences could be.

Tom Bradby, Dan Rivers and former Trump appointee Matthew Bartlett dissect how the diplomatic spat unfolded, ask whether it could have all been planned and discuss how Europe should respond to the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

Got a question for the Talking Politics team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com to make sure we’re talking about the issues that matter most to you…

“If he’s banking on the special relationship, he’s probably on a hiding to nothing.”

In the latest Talking Politics USA, our International Editor Emma Murphy and former Trump appointee Matthew Bartlett join Rageh Omaar to debate the weight of the US-UK “special relationship" as Keir Starmer heads to the White House in these most turbulent of times.

The team also react to Elon Musk’s chainsaw stunt, the next German leader Friedrich Merz’s outspoken comments about the US and Amazon boss Jeff Bezos’s controversial takeover of the James Bond franchise - as Emma makes a surprising 007 confession and Matthew explains how he was inspired by Daniel Craig’s wardrobe.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com to make sure we're talking about the issues which matter most to you.

"American underwriting of European security now has a question mark"

As Donald Trump looks to strike a peace deal with Russia over its war in Ukraine - and leave European leaders and Kyiv feeling left out in the cold - the Talking Politics USA team assess whether America remains the ally to Europe which it has been ever since the Second World War.

Before that, Rageh Omaar, US Correspondent Dan Rivers and former advisor to President Bill Clinton, Laura Schwartz delve into the world of the young college grads at the heart of Elon Musk's cost-cutting operation.

And after President Trump made a claim for Greenland, the team hear from one of the people behind a satirical petition suggesting Denmark buy California in the ultimate real estate deal. Could Trump be tempted?

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com to make sure we’re talking about the topics that matter most to you…

“If Donald Trump is a rare bird, then he is something of an odd duck…”

The Talking Politics USA team step inside the royal court of Donald Trump to identify three potential key and controversial power players in his new administration.

U.S. Correspondent Dan Rivers and former Trump appointee Matthew Bartlett explain to Rageh Omaar why Trump picks RFK Jr, Tulsi Gabbard and Russell Vought will become critical voices in the returning president’s ear - and whether he really is all powerful this time round.

But before that the trio look back at Trump’s history-making trip to the Super Bowl and how the president rewrote the map, dissed Taylor Swift and attempted to shift some more tectonic political plates with his nearest neighbours.

Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com to make sure we’re talking about the topics that matter most to you…

“President Trump is always eager to bury the hatchet, sometimes in your face, sometimes in your back…”

Former Trump appointee Matthew Bartlett delivers colourful analysis on his Talking Politics USA debut to explain to Tom Bradby how the president is likely to react to Peter Mandelson’s remarkable u-turn from his previously scathing criticism.

Political Editor Robert Peston and US Correspondent Dan Rivers debate the strategy behind the president’s tariffs war with Canada, Mexico and the EU, while our expert panel weigh up whether Elon Musk is about to shut down US aid around the world.

Every week Talking Politics USA digs into the key topics for a UK audience to understand what’s really going on in Donald Trump’s America.

Got a question? Email the team at talkingpolitics@itn.co.uk to make sure we’re talking about the topics that matter most to you…

Tom Bradby, Brett O'Donnell, and Dan Rivers discuss the debut of Trump's 27-year-old Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the president's latest diplomatic fallouts with Colombia and Denmark, how his promised mass deportation programme is unfolding, and why he has decided to branch out into the brave new world of 'meme coins'.

ITV News' Tom Bradby and former Trump official Heather Nauert discuss the returning President's first 24 hours in charge.

You can also watch episodes of Talking Politics USA on YouTube and ITVX.

ITV News' Tom Bradby, Robert Moore and former Trump official Heather Nauert discuss the returning President's Inauguration Day.

You can also watch episodes of Talking Politics USA on YouTube and ITVX.

Ahead of Trump's inauguration in Washington, ITV News' Tom Bradby, Robert Moore and former Trump official Heather Nauert discuss his return as President.

As a ceasefire deal on Gaza is finally agreed, Tom Bradby is joined by Dan Rivers and Republican strategist Brett O'Donnell.

Is it Joe Biden's deal or Donald Trump's? What isn't in doubt is that Trump will most certainly be in charge of what comes next.

You can also watch episodes of Talking Politics USA on YouTube and ITVX.

As the extraordinary dispute between Sir Keir Starmer's government and Elon Musk rumbles on, Tom Bradby is joined by Dan Rivers and two Republicans - the strategist and veteran debate coach Brett O'Donnell, and former Trump official Heather Nauert - who offer an unsparing view of the Prime Minister.

You can also watch episodes of Talking Politics USA on YouTube and ITVX.

In the final Talking Politics USA of 2024, Tom Bradby is joined by Robert Moore and former Trump advisor Heather Nauert to reflect on Trump's dramatic comeback and look ahead to what we can expect in 2025.

As all eyes are on the unfolding situation in Syria, Tom Bradby is joined by Robert Moore and former Trump advisor Heather Nauert to discuss what approach the USA might take. It's also been a big week for the next President - who was named Time's Person of the Year (again) and who sat down with Prince William for a chat.

Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's pick for defence secretary, is fighting for his political future as he tries to hold on following allegations of sexual assault. And why Joe Biden's pardoning of his son Hunter might backfire spectacularly. 

Tom Bradby is joined by journalist and author Kate Andersen Brower and our US Correspondent Dan Rivers.

What does this week's ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, brokered by the US, mean for the region - and will Trump returning to power change things? Plus, will Americans come to love or loathe Trump's proposed tariffs? 

Tom Bradby is joined by the former Trump administration official Heather Nauert and our Correspondent Robert Moore stateside.

Donald Trump faces his first setback since the election as his pick for Attorney General steps down amid an investigation into sex trafficking allegations.

Did he walk or was he pushed? And did Trump really think he could make it through the nomination process?

As Donald Trump shakes hands with Joe Biden in the White House his top team starts to take shape, with some controversial appointments.

But what can we expect from them?

And is the world braced for a second Trump Presidency?

Donald Trump will become the 47th President of the United States after his stunning victory over Kamala Harris.

 As the dust settles, Tom Bradby speaks with former Democratic adviser Jessica Taylor and former Trump staffer Heather Nauert about how the former - and now future - president won the White House, the popular vote and control of Congress.

As Americans finally head to the polls to cast their vote for the 47th president of the United States, Tom Bradby and Robert Moore discuss how the gender gap will shape the outcome in an increasingly polarised electorate.

They also predict what the two presidencies would look like and how the country is bracing itself for possible upset as the results are announced, after a ‘loss of civility’ within the discussion.

The panel discusses whether abortion will be the issue that ultimately decides this election, if there's a tangible 'momentum shift' towards Harris - and why everyone is talking about one poll in the lesser-discussed state of Iowa.

You can also watch new episodes of Talking Politics USA on ITVX and YouTube.

Could Biden's latest comments derail the Democrats, how significant will the gender divide prove to be and can Trump steal back Wisconsin in time?

Tom Bradby is joined by a panel of guests to discuss the final dash for last minute votes in the US election. 

Julie Etchingham is joined by some of our regular experts Dan Rivers, Heather Nauert and Adam Hodge to talk through what both camps will be hoping for as the campaign enters its final week and reflecting on Trump’s shocking rally opener at Madison Square Gardens.

Plus, we hear from our correspondent Sejal Karia who has been travelling across the all-important sun belt swing states asking voters what really matters to them. 

New episodes of Talking Politics USA are also available to watch on ITVX and YouTube. 

Renowned Democrat strategist James Carville tells Tom Bradby about his fears for his liberty if Donald Trump is reelected.

Plus, the reaction when he became one of the first voices to call for President Biden to step aside and why he's convinces Kamala Harris will win.

Tom Bradby is joined by our some of our regular experts Dan Rivers, Jessica Taylor and Adam Hodge to talk through another extraordinary set of election campaign headlines - including Trump's former Chief of Staff calling him a 'fascist'.

We're also joined by our reporter Sam Leader who has been investigating what is going on with America's youth vote, and how right-wing memes and the so-called 'bro vote' is working in Trump's favour. 

New episodes of Talking Politics USA are also available to watch on ITVX and YouTube. 

Tom Bradby is joined by ITV News' Election Analysts Heather Nauert and Adam Hodge, as well as U.S. correspondent Dan Rivers to discuss record early voting numbers, whether the polls are way off and if former Presidents on the campaign trail are a help or a hindrance.

Plus - is Donald Trump showing signs of cognitive decline after dancing on stage for 39 minutes at a rally?

Tom Bradby is joined by ITV News election anaylst Jessica Taylor and U.S. correspondent Dan Rivers to discuss the potential effect of Hurricane Milton on next month's election.

The team also examine how Kamala Harris is directly appealing to women during her recent 'media blitz'.

Tom Bradby is joined by Heather Nauert, who served in Donald Trump's administration, Adam Hodge, a former adviser to both President Biden and President Obama, and ITV News Correspondent Robert Moore to discuss the growing crisis in the Middle East and the one and only Vice Presidential Debate.

On today's episode Tom Bradby is joined by US Correspondent Dan Rivers and polling expert Jessica Taylor, from the Cook Political Report. The team discuss Kamala Harris' comments on scrapping the senate filibuster to protect abortion rights.

Also on the agenda: how a controversial gubernatorial candidate in North Carolina could harm the Republicans, and why there's been such a row over how Nebraska allocates its electoral college votes.

Tom Bradby is joined by U.S. Correspondent Dan Rivers and Election Analysts Adam Hodge and Jessica Taylor for another special bonus episode of Talking Politics USA, to discuss whether another apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump will impact the election. 

They also discuss how interest rates falling for the first time in more than four years, could be good news for Harris. 

Plus, is Florida no longer an electoral battleground? We take a deep dive into the state where Mr Trump lives and that apparent assassination attempt happened.