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Americanswers… on 5 Live! Trump claims Iran wants to "make a deal" to end the war

23 maart 2026 · 27 min
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Donald Trump has told reporters there have been talks between the US and Iran in which the two sides had “major points of agreement” and both wanted “to make a deal”. The US president says his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner talked to Iran on Sunday and that discussions would continue on Monday.
However, the Fars news agency, which is linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, denied any such talks took place, saying there were neither direct nor indirect communications with the US. Iran’s foreign ministry reportedly said that Trump’s statements were “part of efforts to reduce energy prices and buy time to implement his military plans”, with state media saying they showed the US president was “backing down”.
Trump said the US is talking to a “top person” within the Iranian regime to try to end the war, but this person was not the new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.
In this episode, Justin, Sumi and Marianna answer your questions with Matt Chorley on 5 Live and discuss what might be going on with the conflicting statements behind the scenes. This comes after a Trump ultimatum issued on Saturday evening - for Iran to fully open the Strait of Hormuz by Monday midnight, or have its power plants bombed.
The team also answer questions on who’s influencing Trump, what is public opinion in the US and where this war puts Vice President JD Vance. Lees meer

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sumi Somaskanda, North America Correspondent
• Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

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This episode was made by Purvee Pattni and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was James Piper. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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Trump v Anthropic: The battle over who controls AI

20 maart 2026 · 27 min
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Away from the war in Iran, the Pentagon is engaged in another battle, with Anthropic and its AI chatbot Claude. After awarding the company a contract potentially worth $200 million last year to integrate their artificial intelligence into the Department of Defence’s classified systems, that relationship has ended with a lawsuit and a threat which puts the future of Anthropic in jeopardy. Lees meer

Anthropic says it cannot acquiesce to the government’s demand that it breaches its own ‘red lines’ in how its technology is used. The company insists it cannot be used for mass surveillance of US citizens nor in lethal weapons that are operated without human oversight. It has filed lawsuits against the Pentagon.

Justin and Marianna speak to Dean Ball, Trump’s former AI adviser who helped devise much of the Trump administration’s AI policy, about Anthropic’s position and why he thinks the Pentagon have gone too far. They also discuss the controversy around domestic surveillance and how policy makers still do not fully understand how AI technology actually works.

Presenter: Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter and Marianna Spring, social media investigations senior correspondent
Producer: Purvee Pattni, Ben Carter and Alix Pickles
Sound engineer: Michael Regaard
Editor: Sam Bonham

Get in touch:
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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.

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Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other …
Trump threatens TV networks over unpatriotic Iran coverage

18 maart 2026 · 27 min
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Donald Trump’s fight with US media has entered a new chapter since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran. The president has taken issue with Wall Street Journal reporting on an Iranian attack against US tankers in Saudi Arabia, while going as far to accuse the “Fake News Media” of working with Iran to circulate AI-generated videos of the USS Abraham Lincoln in flames. Lees meer

Until now the president has largely used the courts in his fight with the press, but he’s now considering revoking broadcast licences with the help of the Federal Communications Commission run by close ally Brendan Carr. It remains to be seen whether the administration would be prepared to follow through on its threats to broadcasters, but could it have a chilling effect on journalists covering the war, some of whom have already been banned from the Pentagon by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth?

And, top counterterrorism official Joe Kent has resigned from the Trump administration over the war with Iran, urging the president to “reverse course”. Who is Joe Kent, and what’s the real story behind his resignation?

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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This episode was made by George Dabby with Alix Pickles. 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.

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Americanswers… on 5Live! Will Trump lose his MAGA base over Iran?

16 maart 2026 · 37 min
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How serious is the growing split within Trump’s MAGA base, as prominent Republican commentators and influencers criticise why the US started a war with Iran, and how long it might go on for. Also, might Trump voters turn on the president who told them ‘no more wars’ and ‘America First’? Lees meer

Justin, Sarah and Marianna join Matt Chorley on 5 Live to answer your questions. They also look at pressure from Trump for other countries to help police the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran is currently blocking to the United States and ‘its enemies’. The US president has said it would be “very bad for the future of Nato" if allies don't help, given its importance with world energy supplies. How much planning did the US put into a plan to protect the Strait of Hormuz? And can Trump convince NATO members to get involved now?

Plus, what did Hollywood say about Trump at last night’s Oscars - and does it even matter?

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
• Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent
• Matt Chorley, 5 Live presenter

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This episode was made by Rufus Gray, Alix Pickles and 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.

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Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts…
Is Cuba Trump’s next target after Iran?

13 maart 2026 · 32 min
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President Trump has renewed his threat of a “friendly takeover” of Cuba, saying the island is in deep trouble and that the Cuban government is desperate to make a deal. In this episode, Justin and Anthony look at how seriously we should we be taking these threats, and look into the talks taking place between the US and Cuba. Lees meer

Pressure on Cuba has been building since the capture of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro earlier this year, a long-time ally of Cuba’s government. The Trump administration has effectively cut off oil supplies into Cuba by stopping shipments of Venezuelan oil, and threatening to impose tariffs on any country which supplies the island with oil.

With the prospect of a worsening humanitarian crisis, as Cuba deals with mass blackouts - its electricity grid is powered by oil - affecting all areas of Cuba’s economy and society including schools, hospitals, agriculture and tourism, will the country make a deal with the US? Who is involved in the talks, and how does Trump’s approach differ from other US presidents?

We speak to Peter Kornbluh, co-author of Back Channel to Cuba: The Hidden History of Negotiations between Washington and Havana, who is also a senior analyst at the National Security Archive about the talks between the US and Cuba.

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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This episode was made by Purvee Pattni, Mhairi MacKenzie, Grace Reeve and Rufus Gray. 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.

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Can Trump persuade Americans to ignore oil prices and back his war on Iran?

11 maart 2026 · 28 min
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Does Donald Trump actually have a plan for the war in Iran? Eleven days on from the start of the conflict - with rising oil prices, and worries over oil supplies - the president’s narrative has shifted, branding the war “very complete”, while also signalling that ”we're going to go further.” Can he persuade Americans to back him? Lees meer

However, the decision to withdraw from Iran is not as straightforward as it may seem. Anthony and Sarah discuss what factors might be keeping the US forces in the region? How far will they back Israel? And what might be necessary to keep key shipping lanes moving, to avoid petrol and gas price inflation not just in the United States, but also around the world.

Sarah’s in Kentucky ahead of the latest stop of Trump’s affordability tour, asking whether president can take control of the narrative to convince voters and lawmakers that he has a clear plan for success in Iran? And despite promising to put America first, will his MAGA base agree with the president that higher prices are “a very small price to pay for USA and World, Safety and Peace”? We also look at the role of Congress and the process for Trump when it comes to funding the war.

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

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This episode was made by Rufus Gray, Alix Pickles, and Mhairi MacKensize. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

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Americanswers… on 5Live! Why is Trump’s White House comparing the war in Iran to a video game?

9 maart 2026 · 40 min
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The US-Israel war with Iran has continued into a second week, with America’s allies still scrambling to respond. Oil prices are dominating the headlines with the cost of a barrel exceeding $100 for the first time since 2022. Lees meer

In this episode, Justin, Marianna and Anthony join Matt Chorley on 5 Live to answer your questions about the war, including whether Europe still needs to cooperate with the White House, and whether Trump’s war is motivated by oil.

Meanwhile, the White House is uploading social media videos of the war in Iran interspersed with online memes, TV shows and video games. Is it just rage bait or is the “gamification” of war upon us? And what does that actually mean?

Plus, former homeland security head Kristi Noem has faced the wrath of Trump’s signature ‘you’re fired!’ catchphrase, becoming the first cabinet secretary to be sacked in Trump’s second term. A White House official said this was “a culmination of her many unfortunate leadership failures”.

After predicting her demise on a recent episode, Justin, Marianna and Anthony discuss why Noem was sacked and what this means for the Trump administration. Plus, is Pete Hegseth the secretary for war or defence? And has the level of scrutiny changed for American leadership since the days of Obama’s tan suit?

HOSTS:

- Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
- Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent
- Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent
- Matt Chorley, 5 Live presenter

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• Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
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• Email Americast@bbc.co.uk
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This episode was made by Rufus Gray, Grace Reeve, Mhairi MacKenzie and Harry Craig. 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 subscr…
Trump's war with Iran: What we still don't know

6 maart 2026 · 32 min
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Saturday marks one week of the US-Israel war on Iran. In that time, we have heard shifting stories and opposing justifications from the Trump administration on why military action was taken. BBC North America editor Sarah Smith and BBC North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher discuss the changing narratives, and look at the many questions that remain unanswered. This includes, examining what does success look like for America and whether Trump needs Congress to carry on funding the war in the longer term? Lees meer

Sarah and Anthony speak to Robert Malley, one of the architects of the Iran nuclear deal during Barack Obama’s presidency in 2015. A key US linchpin on Iran policy, Malley was also a special assistant to Bill Clinton for Arab-Israeli affairs. The team ask him what it was like to be in the room with Iranian negotiators during the Obama and Clinton administrations. Plus, he reveals his view on which US president was best placed to achieve the strongest deal with Iran.

Get in touch:
• Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
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• Email Americast@bbc.co.uk
• Or use #Americast

Presenter: Sarah Smith, BBC North America editor and Anthony Zurcher, BBC North America correspondent
Producer: Purvee Pattni, Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve.
Sound engineer: Dafydd Evans.
Editor: 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.

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Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then …
What did we learn about Epstein from the Clintons?

4 maart 2026 · 38 min
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In this episode, Justin and Anthony look at other news stories happening in the United States, away from the US-Israel war with Iran. Lees meer

Anthony is in Dallas, Texas, for the first big primary elections of this year’s midterms, where Democrats have now chosen rising star James Talarico to be their candidate. It’s been over thirty years since a Democrat in Texas has won a US senate seat, so what does Talarico’s victory tell us about how Democrats might push back against Trump and Republicans more widely in 2026?

We also listen to newly released video of the Clintons testifying about links to the disgraced child sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. They were giving evidence behind closed doors as part of a Congressional investigation into Epstein. The team discuss what we learnt (if anything) and who could be next to face questions about their links to the convicted sex offender?

Plus, new worries over the future of CNN because of an imminent change in ownership, to the media giant Paramount Skydance, which scooped up CBS last year, and has close links to the Trump administration.

And why has video of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem being grilled by both Democrats and Republicans over the actions of ICE agents, and the killing of American citizens, gone viral?

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GET IN TOUCH:
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• Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480
• Email Americast@bbc.co.uk
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This episode was made by Purvee Pattni and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. 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”.…
Americanswers… on 5 Live! Are Trump’s Iran strikes breaking the law?

2 maart 2026 · 35 min
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Pete Hegseth, Trump’s Defence Secretary has defended the US/Israeli war with Iran, refuting concerns from the “fake news” media that the conflict would lead to an “endless war” and making clear there would be “no stupid rules of engagement” or “politically-correct wars”.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump, making his first public comments from the White House, told his audience the US has the “capability to go far longer”, whilst also projecting a four-five week mission. Lees meer

In this episode, Justin and Anthony join Matt Chorley on 5 Live to answer your many questions about the war - including is there a legal basis for its military action? Is the United States breaking the law? How many US military casualties can Trump’s MAGA base tolerate? And how will the war affect midterm elections in November, where Republicans could lose control of the House and Senate?

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent
• Matt Chorley, 5 Live presenter

GET IN TOUCH:
• Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
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This episode was made by Rufus Gray, Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve.
The technical producer was Frank McWeeny. 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.

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Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we th…
Trump's Iran Gamble... What is the US president up to?

1 maart 2026 · 34 min
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In the biggest political gamble of his presidency so far, Donald Trump has defended his decision for the United States to bomb Iran - alongside Israel - as a “noble” mission to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons, and says military operations are “ahead of schedule”. Lees meer

The US president announced the start of the war on Saturday via an 8 minute video on his social media platform, Truth Social, from his Mar a Lago home in Florida. In this episode Sarah and Justin unpack Trump’s announcement, his justification and aims for the war, and look back at US political involvement in the Middle East.

We also discuss reaction from within Trump’s MAGA base and ask whether the wider Republican party will rally behind the president, particularly with the midterm elections coming up in November, elections that could see Republicans lose control of the House and Senate.

Also, how should Democrats be talking to American voters about the war - and what role does Congress have, now that the war has started?

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

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• Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
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This episode was made by Purvee Pattni, Sam Bonham and Chris Flynn. 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.

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Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts…
The battle for Texas: Can Democrats win it back from Trump?

27 februari 2026 · 32 min
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The midterm elections are underway in the Republican stronghold of Texas. Early voting has begun in the primaries and Democrats are hopeful they could win a Texas senate seat for the first time in over 30 years. Lees meer

The election will have national consequences - Texas is one of America’s political power centres and Republicans from here have dominated the national agenda from immigration, to the courts, to reshaping electoral districts. Taking back Texas could help Democrats take back the House, the Senate, and check Trump’s executive power in a way they have so far been unable to do in his second term. It could also realign the presidential election in 2028.

Justin and Anthony, who grew up in Texas and knows its politics well, unpack the primaries, which are fast becoming the most expensive in modern US history. On the Republican side, there is meltdown and infighting, as Senator John Cornyn faces a serious challenge from Attorney General Ken Paxton. The US president, who is campaigning in Texas, has not yet endorsed one candidate.

On the Democrat side, two of its biggest stars are fighting for the nomination. Jasmine Crockett, well known for her fiery public battles with the Trump administration and James Talarico, who is tipped as a future Democrat presidential candidate. We look at what their realistic chances are, and what it tells us about the future of the party.

Presenter: Justin Webb, Radio 4, and Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent
Producer: Purvee Pattni, Grace Reeve, Sophie van Brugen and Kris Jalowiecki
Sound engineer: Rohan Madison
Senior news editor: Sam Bonham

Get in touch:
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Trump's big, long, State of the Union speech

25 februari 2026 · 31 min
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The Americast team assembles for a late evening/early morning special as President Trump delivers the longest State of the Union address ever. On the agenda was a full-throated defence of the administration’s record, hailing a "turnaround for the ages,” whilst playing down the Supreme Court's ruling against his signature tariff policy (with the judges themselves in the crowd). Lees meer

Despite the speech lasting nearly two hours, there was little to suggest a change of course from Trump’s favourite taking points. He focused on the economy, immigration, the Democrats…. And the US men’s olympic hockey team.

But with growing voter dissatisfaction souring the polls, will Trump’s sales pitch be enough to counter sliding approval ratings and convince voters to stick with him for November's midterm election?

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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This episode was made by Rufus Gray, Grace Reeve and Kris Jalowiecki. 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.

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Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. 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 pod…
Americanswers... on 5Live! Why haven't more Americans faced charges over Epstein?

23 februari 2026 · 30 min
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Fresh questions are emerging about the Jeffrey Epstein case, after the release of new material and renewed scrutiny over why more Americans have not faced charges linked to him. Sarah, Marianna and Anthony join Matt Chorley on 5 Live to answer your questions including who, if anyone, could still be held accountable in the US. Lees meer

And with tensions rising between Iran and the US, Trump says he is considering military options while insisting diplomacy remains on the table. Steve Witkoff told Fox News on Saturday that Trump was "curious" about Iran's position after he had warned of a limited military strike if a deal could not be reached on Tehran's nuclear programme. But will the president actually strike Iran? And what could that look like?

Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s tariffs have been ruled unlawful, triggering a legal and political battle over his executive power. What does the decision mean for businesses and global trade, and what happens next as the courts and the administration grapple with the fallout?

The team discuss whether or not the shock factor of US politics is wearing off, plus there’s an unexpected parcel delivery to Americast HQ in London from the world of protest quilting.

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: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
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This episode was made by Rufus Gray and Sophie van Brugen. 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…
Trump's Tariffs... Trump attacks the Supreme Court over tariff ban

20 februari 2026 · 22 min
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Donald Trump has called the Supreme Court’s ruling blocking many of his sweeping tariffs ‘deeply disappointing’ and has announced a new 10 per cent tariff on global imports. Lees meer

Justin, Sarah and Anthony jumped into action following the President’s press conference to unpack the day’s drama: starting with the US Supreme Court decision to block global tariffs and ending with the President’s withering attack on some of the justices for their decision.

The president spoke a few hours after the US Supreme court struck down the legal justification for a large portion of Trump's sweeping global tariffs in a major blow to the president's economic agenda.

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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

This episode was made by Rufus Gray, Miranda Slade, Grace Reeve and Kris Jalowiecki. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl
Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r
The Gl…
Who is Tucker Carlson and what does he tell us about the future of MAGA?

20 februari 2026 · 38 min
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Who are the people shaping MAGA ideology in the US? Tucker Carlson’s story tells a larger one about just how much conservative media has changed in the United States, and the direction of conservatism itself. Lees meer

Jason Zengerle, New Yorker staff writer and author of ‘Hated by All the Right People’, joins us to map Tucker Carlson’s trajectory from centre-right talk show host to one of the most prominent figures in the MAGA movement, with the ear of the president and a knack for gauging the mood of the base.

Anthony and Justin discuss Carlson and the future of the conservative movement, as well as the other prominent figures spearheading it. Where is the Make America Great Again movement going - and who will lead it after Trump?

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GUEST:
Jason Zengerle, Staff Writer at the New Yorker and Author, ‘Hated By All The Right People’

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

This episode was made by Rufus Gray, Grace Reeve and Kris Jalowiecki. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. 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…
Everything you need to know about Donald Trump’s Board of Peace

18 februari 2026 · 32 min
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President Trump described his Board of Peace as “the most consequential international organisation ever.” The Board, which Donald Trump heads in perpetuity, is having its inaugural meeting in Washington, DC, on Thursday February 19. Lees meer

Sarah and Anthony convene to tell you everything you know ahead of the meeting: lay out exactly what the Board is, what it does, who its members are, and crucially: what Donald Trump wants to get out of it.

Plus, a handful of prominent Democrats appeared at the Munich Security Conference at the weekend with the message that Donald Trump would only be around for a few more years, and that the US would return as a strong partner with Europe. But did any of them stick out as potential front-runners for the nominations?

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

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

This episode was made by Rufus Gray, Grace Reeve and Kris Jalowiecki. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl
Radi…
Americanswers... on 5Live! Why did Pam Bondi, US Attorney General, lose her temper during Epstein Files questioning?

17 februari 2026 · 32 min
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In fiery congressional hearings last week, US Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the justice department's handling of the Epstein files. Several of Epstein's victims watched heated exchanges as Bondi faced a range of questions, including whether the files were sufficiently redacted, Trump’s role, Ghislaine Maxwell’s prison treatment and whether the Attorney General had met with victims. Lees meer

Justin, Marianna, Sarah and Anthony also discuss the difficulties for survivors of Epstein’s abuse in obtaining successful prosecutions and self identifying perpetrators. Plus, why have Bill and Hillary Clinton insisted on giving their evidence publicly on what they did and didn’t know about Epstein’s abuse. Both deny any wrongdoing, and Hillary Clinton makes clear she never met Epstein.

And, Barack Obama appeared to confirm the existence of aliens on a podcast. The former president later took to Instagram to row back his remarks, clarifying he saw ‘no evidence’ of extraterrestrials during his tenure. The truth is out there…

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

This episode was made by Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part o…
Will the US Supreme Court stand up to Trump?

13 februari 2026 · 31 min
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Will Donald Trump be legally allowed to proceed with key elements of his second term agenda - such as imposing global trade tariffs, ending birthright citizenship and the right to sack heads of independent agencies? As the Supreme Court prepares to rule on the legality of major policies from the Trump administration, we look at whether the court will stand up to Donald Trump, or further expand the power of the US presidency? Lees meer

Justin and Anthony are joined by Kate Shaw, former Supreme Court clerk, and Professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania’s Carey Law School. We look at how SCOTUS (Supreme Court of the United States) has dealt with former presidents, and discuss criticism that the current makeup of SCOTUS justices are making Trump the most powerful president in US history.

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GUEST:
Kate Shaw, former Supreme Court clerk, Professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania’s Carey Law School and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast

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

This episode was made by Purvee Pattni with Grace Reeve and Kris Jalowiecki. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast and Ukraineca…
Has Jeff Bezos brought down the Washington Post?

11 februari 2026 · 28 min
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The paper that contributed to the resignation of President Nixon over Watergate and the Vietnam war is now having to rethink its future. The Washington Post’s owner - Amazon boss Jeff Bezos - has announced mass layoffs at the newspaper, which will fundamentally change how it covers the news. Lees meer

When Bezos bought the paper in 2013, he reassured staff about a “new golden era for the Washington Post”, and later adopted a new slogan for the Washington Post “Democracy Dies in Darkness”.

Justin and Anthony discuss why the cuts have happened and what the wider impact may be on US media. With Bezos defending the cuts as “the data tells us what is valuable and where to focus", we look at whether the role of money, influence, and closeness to President Trump could also be at play?

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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

This episode was made by Rufus Gray, Grace Reeve and Kris Jalowiecki. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds…
Americanswers! Why is Trump so annoyed about Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl?

9 februari 2026 · 39 min
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Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance was a love letter to Latin culture, paying homage to his birthplace Puerto Rico and making history as the first Super Bowl performance performed entirely in Spanish. He was joined onstage by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin for what is regularly the most-watched event on US TV. Lees meer

But Donald Trump wasn’t a fan. In a Truth Social post after the show he called it "absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER!". But what did US viewers think?

Plus, the White House has taken down a racist Truth Social video aimed at Barack and Michelle Obama, depicting them as apes. Trump has said he ‘didn’t see’ the part of the video that contained the racist depiction of the former president and first lady when it was posted on his account. The White House dismissed what it described as "fake outrage" about the video but later took it down.

And Donald Trump has defended Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in an interview with NBC, saying “we have to back them. If we don’t back them, we don’t have a country.” Now the family of Alex Pretti - the American citizen fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis - say they want an impartial investigation into his death. Justin, Anthony, and Marianna answer your questions about the situation in Minneapolis and Trump’s latest comments that Renee Good and Alex Pretti ‘were no angels’.

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

This episode was made by Rufus Gray and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the …
Is Donald Trump going to cancel the midterm elections?

6 februari 2026 · 32 min
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This week Donald Trump has doubled down on why he thinks power should be taken away from individual states when it comes to running elections. Instead, he says federal government should be running elections - contrary to the U.S. constitution - claiming there is too much corruption from “crooked” blue Democrat states.
In this episode, Justin and Anthony unpack what the president is proposing, and look at other ways Republicans could disrupt this year’s midterms. Also, is there a way Trump may be able to effectively cancel or stop the midterms from happening at all? Lees meer

Plus, what are the Democrats up to ahead of the midterms? The California governor Gavin Newsom achieved a win in the Supreme Court, allowing California to use a new voting map that favours Democrats. And there’s been a historic win in Texas with a huge 31-point swing towards the Democrats from the ’24 presidential election. What does this tell us about the popularity of Democratic policies?

And we hear another entry into the ‘United States of Americast’ - this time from Jenny in Utah who tells us about the issues that matter in the ‘Beehive State’.

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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

The race to the midterms is well and truly under

This episode was made by Purvee Pattni with Rufus Gray, Grace Reeve and Kris Jalowiecki. 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 Ant…
Why are Bill and Hillary Clinton testifying over Epstein?

4 februari 2026 · 30 min
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In one of the biggest US headlines to emerge from the latest Epstein files, former President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton, the former Secretary of State, have agreed to testify in the congressional investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. Lees meer

Sarah, Anthony, and Marianna explain why they are testifying, having previously dismissed legal summons issued to them, saying they had already submitted sworn statements covering the "limited information" they had on Epstein.

Bill Clinton denies knowledge of Epstein‘s crimes during his association with him.

We also look at whether this represents a fork in the road for Republicans and how their party responds to the new information in the files. Donald Trump is urging people to move on, but as more documents are released, how are his supporters reacting?

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

This episode was made by Rufus Gray, Grace Reeve and Kris Jalowiecki. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think th…
Americanswers… On 5 Live! Do the new Epstein files "absolve" Trump?

2 februari 2026 · 32 min
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The Department of Justice has said that their review process into files related to Jeffrey Epstein is over, after a new tranche was released on Friday. Donald Trump says the lack of evidence in this batch absolves him of any guilt, while survivors and Democrats say there are still unanswered questions and unseen documents. Lees meer

Justin, Sarah, Marianna and Anthony discuss where this leaves the president and his MAGA base. Also, what does it mean for Epstein's victims, particularly as many victims’ names have been published by the US DoJ for the first time without permission.

We also answer your questions on celebrities calling out the actions of ICE agents in Minneapolis at the Grammys as Trump threatens to sue its host Trevor Noah. Plus, why quilters on social media might have more to do with those ongoing protests than meets the eye.

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

This episode was made by Rufus Gray and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Jonny Baker. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Americast (and …
Can Trump really save the midterms for the Republicans?

30 januari 2026 · 35 min
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Can Republicans win the midterm elections and keep control of both houses of Congress? It’s the biggest political event of the year, and this week Donald Trump kicked off the Republican’s campaign in Iowa, telling voters the odds are against him, but Republicans “need to win”. The president’s chief of staff says this is just the start, and Trump will be campaigning for the midterms as if it were a presidential race because he’s good at driving voter turnout.
In this episode, Sarah and Anthony discuss why the midterm elections matter, what the stakes are, and Republican chances of winning. They’re joined by a former campaign adviser to Donald Trump, Bryan Lanza, who sets out why ICE immigration protests and worries over the economy shouldn’t stop a Republican victory.
We also hear from Mary in Kentucky as we build our own “United States of Americast”, finding Americasters in every US state. Listen out for what you might not already know about Kentucky… Lees meer

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

GUESTS:
• Bryan Lanza, Former senior advisor to Donald Trump

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

This episode was made by Purvee Pattni, Grace Reeve and Kris Jalowiecki. 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: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Ame…
Will Trump “de-escalate” Minneapolis tensions after Alex Pretti killing?

28 januari 2026 · 34 min
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What does Donald Trump actually mean when he says his administration plans to “de-escalate a little” in Minneapolis? On Tuesday Democratic Rep Ihan Omar was attacked at a local event in the city and protests are continuing following Saturday’s shooting of US citizen Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents. Video evidence contradicts claims by Trump administration officials immediately after Pretti’s killing that he was a “domestic terrorist”, planning a “massacre” and “brandishing” a weapon.
In this episode, Sarah, Anthony and Marianna discuss the president’s controversial response to the attack on Democrat Ihan Omar, and whether Trump can actually de-escalate tensions when thousands of ICE agents remain in Minnesota. Lees meer

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: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
- Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480
- Email Americast@bbc.co.uk
- Or use #Americast

This episode was made by Purvee Pattni, Kris Jalowiecki and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.
You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.…
Americanswers… On 5 Live! Another US citizen shot dead by ICE. What happens next?

26 januari 2026 · 41 min
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After a second fatal shooting in Minneapolis by Immigration and Customs federal agents, pressure is growing on the Trump administration to hold a full inquiry into what happened. On Saturday, 37 year old intensive care nurse Alex Pretti was fatally shot during an altercation with federal immigration agents. In this episode, the Americast team unpack widely circulated video footage which directly contradicts the Trump administration’s version of events. How big a moment is this for Donald Trump’s second term, and how will it impact on the president’s promise to enact the widest deportation programme in American history? Lees meer

Also in this episode, we answer your questions - along with 5 Live’s Matt Chorley - on Trump’s apology to UK service personnel who were part of NATO’s Afghanistan deployment, the president’s health and why he’s fallen out again with the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney over China.

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent
• Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations correspondent
• Matt Chorley, 5 Live presenter

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

This episode was made by Rufus Gray, Grace Reeve and Kris Jalowiecki The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that mak…
Are ICE immigration agents acting outside the law?

23 januari 2026 · 30 min
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Donald Trump came into power with a promise to carry out the “largest mass deportation programme in history”. One year on, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids in US cities are one of biggest political issues dividing America right now, with questions over how ICE agents are behaving and who they are targeting.
In this episode, Anthony, Marianna and Justin look at whether ICE agents are going beyond their remit, and is public opinion starting to turn against the president?
We focus on Minneapolis after the killing of 37 year old Renee Nicole Good two weeks ago, who was shot dead by an ICE officer. Anti-ICE protests have been ongoing within the city, and this week, the Vice President JD Vance who was visiting Minneapolis called for Democrats to co-operate with the Trump agenda.
Justin talks to John Sandweg, former Acting Director of ICE under President Obama who gives us his insight into how ICE agents are being vetted and recruited, plus the wider impact of diverting billions of dollars into Trump’s enforcement operations. Lees meer

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent
• Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

GUEST:
John Sandweg, former Acting Director of ICE under President Obama

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

This episode was made by Purvee Pattni and Laura Cain. 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…
Have Trump and Europe reached a deal on Greenland?

22 januari 2026 · 30 min
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What exactly is Donald Trump’s plan for Greenland? Lees meer

Donald Trump began on Wednesday by telling world leaders in more detail why the United States needs to acquire Greenland. He ruled out the use of force and made fresh claims on why Greenland needs to be owned by the United States, deriding European leaders and NATO.
But by the end of the day the president announced he no longer plans to impose tariffs on European countries opposing his ambitions for the US to acquire Greenland. In a social media post, Trump said his decision followed a "very productive meeting" with Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte, while Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said in a statement that "the day is ending on a better note than it began."

In this episode, Sarah and Anthony start by unpacking Donald Trump’s speech before reconvening to look at the president’s “concepts” of a deal which was cautiously welcomed by NATO as a focus on the “collective efforts of Allies”.

HOSTS:

• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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

This episode was made by George Dabby and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast and Ukrainecast.…
Americanswers… On 5 Live! Can Donald Trump be talked down over Greenland?

19 januari 2026 · 33 min
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As we mark one year of Donald Trump back as president of the United States, we answer your questions with Matt Chorley on 5 Live. We start with Greenland, and ask whether the president can be talked down from his threats to impose further tariffs on countries who oppose his takeover plan. What’s been the response of Republicans, and who has the biggest influence on Trump when it comes to foreign policy? Lees meer

Also, the US president reportedly sent a letter to Norway’s prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre, saying Trump no longer feels ‘an obligation to think purely of Peace’ after they awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to Venzuela’s María Corina Machado. More text from his reported letter here: “Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace, although it will always be predominant, but can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America.”

The president has now said he will “100%” follow through on his threats to impose further tariffs on NATO countries if a deal over Greenland is not reached. Plus, after Trump told Iranians “help is on its way” following mass protests and killings, what happened behind the scenes for him not take military action?

And Robert F. Kennedy Jr has promised to ‘Make America Healthy Again’. When asked about Donald Trump’s diet, the health secretary said ‘I don’t know how he’s alive’, citing a diet of fast food, sugar and fizzy drinks. The team look at whether RFK Jnr is making ay progress on changing US eating habits, and what is happening with vaccinations for children.

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
• Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior correspondent
• Matt Chorley, 5 Live presenter

GET IN TOUCH:
• Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
• Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480
• Email Americast@bbc.co.uk
• Or us…
Introducing The Global Story... what's really behind Trump's foreign policy?

18 januari 2026 · 31 min
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How are Donald Trump’s ambitions in Venezuela and Greenland changing America’s place in the world? President Trump’s key adviser Stephen Miller has said that we are living in a world “that is governed by strength, that is governed by force, that is governed by power” - so where has that philosophy come from? Lees meer

All this week, we are teaming up with our sister podcasts to explore how power and influence around the world is shifting. We exploring who is in a sphere of influence and who is being controlled by one.

Today, we speak to Anthony Zurcher, co-host of Americast and the BBC’s North America correspondent, about what US history tells us about this moment.

Producers: Sam Chantarasak and Xandra Ellin

Executive producer: Bridget Harney

Sound engineer: Travis Evans

Senior news editor: China Collins
The Jan 6th Capitol riots five years on… Why America is still divided

16 januari 2026 · 26 min
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Five years on from the Jan 6th Capitol riots in Washington DC, the narrative around what happened that day continues to shift and cause division within America. Lees meer

In Congress, a new Republican-led House panel the Select Subcommittee to Investigate the Remaining Questions Surrounding January 6th 2021 held its first hearing this week. Republicans say it’s needed because the previous committee, led by Democrat Nancy Pelosi was a “sham from the start”, finding Trump responsible for inciting the riots.

But Democrats continue to blame Donald Trump, accusing the US president of pardoning hundreds of violent rioters and trying to reversion the history of Jan 6th.

In today’s episode, Marianna and Anthony discuss why the divisions continue, what the American public think, and who is winning the argument of what really happened that day.

HOSTS:
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent
• Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

GET IN TOUCH:
• Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
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• Email Americast@bbc.co.uk
• Or use #Americast

This 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: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you …
Can Denmark convince Trump not to “conquer” Greenland?

15 januari 2026 · 32 min
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There are two big stories on today’s episode. What happened when foreign ministers from Denmark and Greenland met with Vice President JD Vance and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House? We discuss their “frank” talks and “fundamental disagreements”. Lees meer

Plus, the world’s top central banker Jerome Powell has hit back at the US president in an unprecedented video statement on social media. It follows the Trump administration opening a criminal investigation against Jerome Powell, chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve. Over the past year the president has insulted Powell publicly, criticising his decisions not to cut interest rates, as well as calling the Fed chair "Mr Too Late", a “major loser” and a "numbskull".

Justin, Sarah and Anthony explain why it matters and the impact this very public spat could have on the US and global economy.

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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

This episode was made by Purvee Pattni, George Dabby, Alix Pickles, and Grace Reeve. 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: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this …
Americanswers... On 5 Live! What do Americans really think of Donald Trump?

12 januari 2026 · 33 min
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Donald Trump won his second presidency on a promise to put “America First” and to “Make America Great Again”. But with his recent action against Venezuela, and ambitions to acquire Greenland and strike Iran - in the midst of a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis - how much support does Trump really have? Justin, Sarah and Marianna discuss whether Trump Is losing popularity with those who voted for him in 2024. Lees meer

The team also - along with Matt Chorley from 5 Live - look at the upcoming aftermath of a 37 year old American citizen in Minneapolis.

Plus, Sarah went viral with a question she put to Donald Trump over the weekend. We hear more about the behind-the-scenes of putting questions to the president.

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
• Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

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

This episode was made by Rufus Gray and Grace Reeve. 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: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl…
Can the US really rebuild Venezuela’s oil industry?

10 januari 2026 · 26 min
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In the fallout of Nicolas Maduro’s dramatic capture from Venezuela to the US, Donald Trump has made no secret of his desire to obtain Venezuelan oil, which he says is integral for keeping prices low in America. Lees meer

He’s also pledged to have the US oil industry operating in Venezuela within 18 months and that there would be huge private-sector investments into the country. Reports suggest representatives from major US petroleum companies are due to meet the Trump administration this week.

Not everyone is convinced by the president’s plans. Some analysts told the BBC it could take tens of billions of dollars - and potentially a decade - to restore Venezuela's former output, which has been in decline since the early 2000s.

In this episode, Justin sits down with US energy expert Robert Bryce to explore the unique challenges of reforming Venezuela’s oil industry and the mistakes that the president will have to avoid to prevent the collapse in Iraq’s oil industry following the US invasion in 2003. What reassurances would private firms need to operate, and what would it take to reverse the problems that have plagued Venezuela’s oil industry since the presidency of Hugo Chavez?
The fatal Minneapolis ICE shooting

8 januari 2026 · 29 min
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Protests have broken out in Minneapolis after a US immigration agent shot dead a 37-year-old woman in the city. Lees meer

Videos posted on social media show the moment of the shooting, in which ICE agents approach a car in the middle of a residential street. As it attempts to drive off, one of the agents points his gun at the driver and at least two shots are heard.

With the Trump administration characterising the incident as “domestic terrorism”, alleging Renee Good had “harassed” officers all day prior to the shooting, the mayor of Minneapolis has labelled this account “bullshit” and called on immigration officers to get out of the city. The governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, is calling for a full investigation but says a fair outcome will be difficult because "people in positions of power" - naming Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem - have "already passed judgement". Walz says they've shared information that he says is "verifiably false" and "inaccurate" and made assumptions about Renee Good's character and actions ahead of the shooting.

In today’s episode, Justin, Sarah and Marianna discuss the reasons why Americans can’t agree on what happened in the videos posted to social media, and reflect on whether the shooting has the capacity to lead to a larger protest movement across the nation. And, as recent polling suggests more Americans are growing dissatisfied with some of the tactics used by ICE, we ask what it would take to change Donald Trump’s mind on his flagship deportations policy.

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
• Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

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

This episode was made by George Dabby with Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Rohan Madison. The series produc…
How far will Trump go to seize Greenland?

7 januari 2026 · 26 min
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Few in Washington took Donald Trump seriously when he first floated the idea of the US acquiring Greenland during his first term as president. Even last year when JD Vance and Donald Trump Jr (the US president’s eldest son) made whistle stop visits to the semi-autonomous island, most observers viewed the trips as an example of the administration’s efforts to troll the international community. Lees meer

But less than a week since Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro was seized, Donald Trump and the senior people around him, are now repeating US intentions to acquire Greenland and are not ruling out using the military. Although Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly says the plan is to buy the island from Denmark.

In this episode of Americast, Anthony and Sarah look at why the Trump administration is intent on acquiring Greenland and who in the White House is the most influential in pushing for it. Is the US really prepared to risk the future of NATO over Greenland, and how credible is the president’s argument that the island is crucial to US national security?

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

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

This episode was made by George Dabby with 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.

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Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts fam…
Americanswers... On 5 Live! Could Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro be found not guilty in a US court?

5 januari 2026 · 30 min
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Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro proclaimed "I am still president" and pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and other charges as he appeared in court in New York for the first time. In this episode, we answer your questions, which include looking at the evidence against Maduro, and whether it’s possible a court could find him not guilty.
We also answer your questions on who is really running Venezuela now? President Trump and his Secretary of State Marco Rubio seem to have differing answers to that question. Plus, will Trump now be emboldened to take over Greenland, after his latest comments on to reporters last night - how seriously should we be taking his threats?
Justin, Anthony and Marianna answer your questions, alongside Matt Chorley from 5 Live. Lees meer

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent
• Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent

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

This episode was made by Alix Pickles and Purvee Pattni. The technical producer was Johnny Hall. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below…
Trump’s Venezuela takeover... everything you need to know

4 januari 2026 · 32 min
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How did the US capture the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and how exactly will the US “run the country” until there is a “proper transition of power”?
In this episode, Anthony and Justin unpack an extraordinary weekend, with more details on exactly how the US military were able to storm Maduro’s home, and what kind of intelligence the CIA had.
They also look at what could happen next in Venezuela. Donald Trump says his Foreign Secretary Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth will help run the country. What can we learn by looking at historical precedence in Iraq?
Trump also said Rubio was in talks with the Venezuelan vice president and is "essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again."
There is also a promise that American oil companies would move into the country and invest billions.
How do these ambitions fit in with his wider plans for the country? Lees meer

HOSTS:

- Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
- Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent
-

GET IN TOUCH:

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

This episode was made by Purvee Pattni. 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: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully…
How did a YouTuber stop federal funding to Minnesota?

2 januari 2026 · 29 min
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The Trump administration has frozen child care payments for the state of Minnesota after the conservative YouTuber, Nick Shirley, alleged that several centres run by Somali immigrants were taking public money without providing care. The video has received significant attention from figures like JD Vance and Elon Musk since being uploaded, prompting the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to declare the agency would target "blatant fraud that seems to be rampant in Minnesota". Lees meer

Despite the administration’s response to the story, some mainstream media outlets have not found evidence of fraud, while some conservatives feel the story has not had enough attention in the wider media. What’s the truth behind Nick Shirley’s claims and what does it mean for Minnesota and its Somali community?

And, Zohran Mamdani has been sworn in as New York mayor. He delivered a speech outside City Hall promising to show the world that America’s political Left can govern. What are the obstacles he’ll face in that journey as mayor, and how much will it hinge upon his relationship with Donald Trump?

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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

This episode was made by George Dabby with Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC New…
What will be the biggest US stories of 2026?

31 december 2025 · 28 min
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The Americast team look ahead to what the big U.S. stories of 2026 are likely to be, and how they might play out, answering many listener questions as they go along. Justin, Sarah, Anthony and Marianna put their 2026 predictions into the ‘Americast time capsule’ which will be sealed and re-opened at the end of next year. Lees meer

Listen to what they predict ahead of November’s midterm elections, who Trump is likely to fall out with next, and what’s next for big U.S. social media companies…

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

This episode was made by Rufus Gray and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Jonny Hall. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl
Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm
Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r
The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd
Americanswers! What’s happening in Trump’s battle with universities?

29 december 2025 · 29 min
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Since returning to the White House, Donald Trump has started a series of high-stakes battles with America’s elite universities. Back in April, he froze $2 billion in federal grants from Harvard University and accused the college of antisemitism, "radical left" ideologies and racial bias. A US federal court has since overturned the funding cuts while other Ivy League universities have struck deals with the White House instead of going to court. Lees meer

In October, Justin and Anthony sat down with Inez Stepman, the education specialist whose views have inspired White House decision making when it comes to higher education in America. That discussion prompted a wave of correspondence from Americasters about the administration’s motivations for reform and its consequences for public opinion.

Justin and Anthony are back for a special edition of Americanswers dedicated to the future of US universities…

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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

This episode was made by Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we …
Were our 2025 predictions right?

24 december 2025 · 35 min
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What did the Americast team get right when they made their predictions for what the big news stories of 2025 might be? Justin, Anthony, Sarah and Marianna look back at a tumultuous year for Donald Trump in his second term, which include deportation raids, Elon Musk’s role, the war in Gaza, the US shutdown and more. It’s time to open up the Americast time capsule of predictions and find out what we got right and what we got wrong… Lees meer

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

This episode was made by Rufus Gray and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Jonny Hall. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl
Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm
Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r
The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd
Americanswers! What did we learn from the latest Epstein files?

22 december 2025 · 35 min
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The US justice department was forced by law to release documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein at the end of last week, but by Saturday, at least 13 files were removed, leading to accusations of the department violating its obligations. Lees meer

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche later said the decision was taken to protect victims' privacy, but how much is the ongoing controversy around the Epstein files affecting public trust?

Tensions between the US and Venezuela continue to escalate after it emerged on Sunday that the US Coast Guard was in "active pursuit" of a vessel in international waters. The US has already seized two oil tankers this month in Washington’s ongoing pressure campaign against the government of Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro. We discuss whether Trump is allowed to take action against Venezuela without wider governmental approval.

And, what would the new ‘Patriot Games’, designed to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, involve?

Justin and Anthony answer your questions on the latest edition of Americanswers…

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 Presenter
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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

This episode was made by George Dabby with Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Stephen Bailey. The series producer is 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: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes America…
Can Trump convince voters on the US economy?

19 december 2025 · 25 min
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There was a lot of speculation ahead of Donald Trump’s address to the nation on Wednesday night and what the president would say to Americans during television primetime. Ultimately the president gave a full-throated defence of his administration’s achievements this year, with a particular focus on efforts to address the cost of living in the US, which has become synonymous with a debate over affordability. Lees meer

The timing of the president’s speech comes after polling suggests the Republican Party is losing support over the direction of the economy. Earlier this week the vice president JD Vance spoke to workers in Pennsylvania to address their fears, telling them “Rome wasn’t built in a day”. Will Republicans be able to convince voters that they should still be trusted on the economy ahead of next year’s midterms?

Anthony, Marianna and Nomia sit down to go through the most significant aspects of the president’s speech, including a new “warrior dividend” for US service members…

HOSTS:
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent
• Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent
• Nomia Iqbal, North America Correspondent

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

This episode was made by Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes America…
Has Trump’s chief of staff revealed White House secrets?

17 december 2025 · 30 min
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Susie Wiles is widely credited as being the mastermind behind Donald Trump’s successful presidential campaign last year. The White House Chief of Staff, referred to by the president as the “most powerful woman in the world”, is the gatekeeper to the Oval Office and a crucial figure in delivering Trump’s national agenda. Lees meer

She also rarely speaks to the media, making her an elusive figure in the president’s top team despite her significant influence. But in a series of interviews for Vanity Fair, she refers to Donald Trump as having an “alcoholic’s personality”, describes JD Vance as a “conspiracy theorist” and Elon Musk as an “odd, odd duck”. The White House has described the articles as a “framed hit piece” and accused Vanity Fair of taking statements out of context.

In today’s podcast, Justin and Anthony go through some of the most revealing lines from the interviews, and speak to the journalist who sat down with Susie Wiles - Chris Whipple - to find out why he thinks Wiles wanted to speak with him, and how he responds to White House criticism of the interviews.

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 Presenter
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GUEST:
Chris Whipple, Journalist and author of several White House books, including Uncharted: How Trump Beat Biden, Harris, and the Odds in the Wildest Campaign in History

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

This episode was made by George Dabby with Alix Pickles. 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 …
The Americast Awards 2025… on 5 Live!

15 december 2025 · 35 min
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It’s time for the 2025 Americast Awards… Lees meer

There’s no doubt that it’s been a tumultuous year in US politics. From a dramatic disagreement between President Trump and Ukraine’s President Zelensky in the Oval Office, the deployment of the National Guard to cities across America, self-described democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani becoming the Mayor of New York, to Trump announcing his plan to turn Gaza into the ‘Riviera of the Middle East’.

Justin, Sarah and Marianna pitch the moments which they think caused the biggest ripples in America this year to Matt Chorley. And we hear some of your picks too.

HOSTS:

• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter

• Sarah Smith, North America Editor

• Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent

GET IN TOUCH:

• Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB

• Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480

• Email Americast@bbc.co.uk

• Or use #Americast

This episode was made by Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve.The technical producer was Johnny Hall.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.

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Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

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How far will Trump go in his 'war' with Venezuela?

11 december 2025 · 37 min
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What’s going on between the United States and Venezuela? The Trump administration has been defending its seizure of an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast. In a dramatic video shared by the US Attorney General, armed camouflaged soldiers are shown swinging down ropes from low flying helicopters, and running along the vessel’s decks. Lees meer

The US claims the tanker is used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran in an "illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organisations". The Venezuela government in response has called the seizure blatant theft, claiming Trump is after the country’s rich oil and energy resources.

In this episode, Sarah and Justin unpack how far Donald Trump is willing to go in his ongoing campaign against the Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. In recent months, the US president has accused Maduro of “forcing” criminals into the US and facilitating drug smuggling, which Maduro denies. And this week, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has defended the killing of over 80 people in US military strikes on alleged drug boats as the “Al Qaeda of our hemisphere”.

The Americast team also look at how this fits in with other South American countries, with Trump recently offering Honduran ex-president Juan Orlando Hernández a ‘full and complete pardon’.

Presenter: Justin Webb, and Sarah Smith

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

This episode was made by George Dabby with Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was 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 work…
Does Trump have a plan to reform healthcare in America?

10 december 2025 · 31 min
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Donald Trump has lambasted European countries as “decaying” and “weak”, singling out the UK, France and Germany for their immigration policies, whilst praising the Hungarian leader Viktor Orban for allowing “nobody in his country”. In an interview for Politico, Trump expanded on his administration’s new U.S. security strategy, which warned that Europe faces “civilisational erasure” unless it changes its migration policies. Lees meer

In today’s episode, Sarah and Anthony unpack Trump’s views, and analyse how far the president is willing to interfere with America’s traditional allies.

The U.S. president also used the interview to expand on his vision behind healthcare reform, after being criticised for having no plan. As Congress races to beat a fast-approaching deadline that would see premiums rise sharply for millions of Americans, the president blames Democrats for the stalemate in Congress while promising to end subsidies for insurance companies. Does Trump have a plan to reform healthcare that will make it cheaper for Americans?

And, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case on the future of birthright citizenship, following an executive order signed by Donald Trump in January. The president wants to end birthright citizenship for those born to parents who are in the country illegally. Hear why he thinks the law needs to be changed, and what it should mean to be an American citizen.

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

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

This episode was made by George Dabby with Grace Reeve. The technical producer was 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 a…
Americanswers... On 5 Live! Has Trump just made the US/Europe breakup official?

8 december 2025 · 34 min
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Has the Trump administration just said the quiet part out loud? After months of speculation about what the U.S. really thinks about Europe, the Trump administration has published an excoriating 33-page National Security Strategy. It warns Europe faces "civilisational erasure" over migration and EU integration policies,
and questions whether certain nations can remain reliable allies. Sarah, Anthony and Justin analyse its significance and what it means for Europe. Lees meer

Also, Anthony was with Trump in the Oval Office on Saturday night - he tells us why and who else was there.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has doubled down on the administration's strikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean Sea, likening them to Al Qaeda.

Plus, what’s been the reaction to Donald Trump becoming the first ever recipient of the FIFA peace prize? Americast unpacks what ordinary Americans think.

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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

This episode was made by 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: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading thi…

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