POLITICO Playbook Audio Briefing

Democrats score a major redistricting win in Virginia that could flip four House seats blue. Jack and Dasha break down what it means for the midterms, why Republicans are getting uneasy and what's next in Florida. Plus, Trump delays Iran peace talks again as top officials head to Capitol Hill to face questions on rising gas prices and the economic impact of the war.

Trump's cabinet shakeup continues, with Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer out — the third high-level exit in just weeks. Dasha and Jack break down what's driving the firings, why allies are getting nervous, and who could be next. Plus, Trump's pick for Fed chair faces a high-stakes confirmation hearing under intense scrutiny, and voters in Virginia head to the polls in a closely watched redistricting fight that could shape the midterms.

JD Vance returns to Pakistan for another round of Iran talks as a fragile ceasefire nears its deadline. Gas prices may have peaked — but relief isn't coming anytime soon. And in Washington, top GOP operatives are huddling to prepare for a challenging midterm map. Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns break down the key developments driving the day.

California's governor's race just got a major shakeup. Democrat Eric Swalwell dropped out amid sexual assault and misconduct allegations, and now the field is wide open ahead of the June 2 primary. So where does that leave Republican candidate and former Fox News host Steve Hilton – backed by Trump and rising in the polls? Does the GOP have a shot at turning California red? Dasha Burns sat down with Hilton to talk about the state of the race, the impact of Trump's endorsement, and where he thinks Democratic leadership is coming up short.

President Donald Trump's push to promote his affordability agenda is colliding with economic anxiety at home and a war abroad that's driving up costs. Meanwhile, Trump heads to Arizona to rally younger supporters amid growing skepticism over the Iran conflict. POLITICO's Megan Messerly and Eli Stokols break down the messaging challenge, the political stakes ahead of the midterms and what to watch next.

Trump heads to Las Vegas to sell his tax agenda, but Republicans worry his message isn't breaking through — and that could spell trouble for the midterms. Meanwhile, a striking Senate vote and a New Jersey special election underscore a major shift inside the Democratic Party on Israel, especially among younger voters. RFK Jr. returns to Capitol Hill for a marathon stretch of hearings as speculation swirls about his political future. And yes — there's a bizarre new chapter in RFK Jr. lore that has everyone talking.

On today's Playbook Podcast, Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns break down Republicans' Tax Day push to sell Trump's tax cuts and ask whether voters are actually feeling the benefits. They also dig into Trump's latest comments on Iran, the political risks of rising gas prices, and the fallout on Capitol Hill from two high-profile resignations.

Playbook's Jack Blanchard is joined by POLITICO California Bureau Chief Melanie Mason for a deep dive into the resignation of Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.). Once a rising Democratic star and gubernatorial contender, Swalwell's career unraveled after multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct. Mason breaks down the long-circulated private warnings about the lawmaker, how his political allies are responding and what comes next in the California governor's race.

President Donald Trump's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz begins at 10 a.m. after talks with Iran collapsed, Hungary's Prime Minister and MAGA favorite Viktor Orbán conceded defeat following a landslide loss and Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) suspended his gubernatorial campaign amid sexual misconduct allegations. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns break down the risks of escalation with Iran, the political fallout at home and abroad and what to watch as Congress returns to a packed agenda.

Former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) – the MAGA acolyte-turned-antagonist who resigned from Congress after a public and messy fight with Donald Trump – joins “The Conversation” to talk about the war in Iran, why she thinks the GOP will be “slaughtered” in the midterms and her desire to build a new political coalition in America.

Today Kamala Harris and Pete Buttigieg take the stage in New York City, offering an early glimpse at a possible 2028 clash. Meanwhile, a fragile Iran ceasefire is raising fresh questions abroad, and Senate Republicans head to the White House to talk reconciliation. POITICO's Megan Messerly and Adam Wren break down the early 2028 dynamics, the foreign policy tensions and what comes next.

President Donald Trump's fresh barrage of attacks on NATO is raising new questions about America's commitment to the alliance. Meanwhile, confusion around the U.S.-Iran ceasefire continues to cloud the global picture. And Democrats weigh whether the moment presents a political opening. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and Adam Wren break down the NATO fallout, the state of the ceasefire and what to watch next.

President Donald Trump's sudden move to step back from the brink and agree to a two-week ceasefire with Iran is raising questions about what comes next. Meanwhile, NATO's secretary general arrives in Washington today amid growing strain on the alliance. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns break down the ceasefire, the political fallout and what to watch next. 

President Donald Trump has given Iran until 8 p.m. tonight to reopen the Strait of Hormuz — or face a potentially devastating military escalation. Meanwhile, in Georgia, polls will be closing in the special congressional runoff to replace former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene just as Trump's deadline looms. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns break down the stakes and potential fallout as the clock ticks down.

President Donald Trump is set to hold a press conference following the successful rescue of an American airman in Iran over the weekend. But it comes amid escalating tensions, after Trump issued a profane and jarring Sunday morning post threatening strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns break down the stakes — and the striking contrast with a historic NASA moon mission unfolding at the same time.

Artemis II has launched around the moon. Now, NASA has its sights set on Mars. NASA administrator and billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman sat down with POLITICO's Dasha Burns at Kennedy Space Center to talk about NASA's ambitious plans to build a moon base, sending humans to Mars, his relationship with Elon Musk and why we could all have 3D-printed spare livers in our fridge someday.

President Donald Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi, kicking off what sources say could be a broader round of cabinet shakeups as frustration builds inside the White House. Dasha Burns reports on who could be next. She also shares insights from her sit-down with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and his aggressive new moon-to-Mars push. Co-host Adam Wren previews a key gathering of 2028 Democratic hopefuls in New York.

President Trump gave a primetime address on Iran to the nation on Wednesday night. Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns break down the rhetoric, the unclear endgame, and what Trump's “two to three weeks” timeline really means for the conflict, global oil markets, and America's allies. Plus, one year after Liberation Day, how Trump's tariff agenda has actually played out, and a surprising twist in the long-running DHS shutdown fight that could hand Democrats the upper hand.

It's a busy start to April for Donald Trump. The president heads to the Supreme Court for a test of his effort to end birthright citizenship, a long-shot legal fight with big political stakes for the base and his broader coalition. Tonight, he'll address the nation on the war in Iran as tensions with European allies simmer. And in between, all eyes turn to Florida, where NASA is set to launch Artemis II — sending humans farther into space than ever before and kicking off a new era in the global space race. Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns break it all down.

We're a quarter of the way through 2026, and the Trump administration is facing challenges at home and abroad. The president is at a critical moment on Iran as military pressure ramps up and the effect of diplomatic efforts remains murky. Meanwhile, the DHS shutdown drags into record territory with no clear end in sight. And a wave of Republican primaries could test just how strong Trump's grip on the party really is. Dasha Burns and Jack Blanchard break down the big inflection points to watch.

Trump heads into a consequential week as he weighs whether to escalate the war in Iran, with the prospect of U.S. ground troops looming. At the same time, the Supreme Court takes up his birthright citizenship order, the anniversary of his tariff push brings renewed focus on affordability, and fresh jobs data will test his economic message. Hosts Jack Blanchard and Adam Wren break it all down. 

Andy Beshear is the most popular Democratic governor in the country – in a state Donald Trump won by more than 30 points in 2024. He explains why he believes a President JD Vance could be “more damaging than Trump”, lays out his playbook for winning back voters in Trump country, and calls out the litmus test he thinks Democrats should abandon. Can a Democrat who wins in deep-red Kentucky translate that success nationally? Beshear argues why someone like him may have an advantage at the top of the Democratic ticket in 2028.

Today, we're bringing you a new episode of 'On the Road' with Jonathan Martin, a new POLITICO show. California Gov. Gavin Newsom sits down for a wide-ranging conversation about the personal experiences that shaped his political career. A leading potential contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, Newsom has been raising his national profile by taking on President Donald Trump and traveling to key early primary states while promoting his new memoir. In the interview with Martin, Newsom reflects on his upbringing, outlines what he sees at stake for Democrats in 2026 and explains his increasingly aggressive strategy toward Trump. You can find more episodes in the 'On the Road with Jonathan Martin' feed wherever you get your podcasts.

President Donald Trump's decision to stay neutral in the Texas GOP Senate runoff between Sen. John Cornyn and Texas AG Ken Paxton is vexing Republicans. Though Trump at one point appeared ready to back Cornyn, many are wondering if he will punt on the race altogether as he pushes for passage of the SAVE Act. The messy runoff is likely to become more expensive, and could leave an opening for Democrats. Playbook's Adam Wren and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns discuss the latest drama.

President Donald Trump is convening the first Cabinet meeting since Markwayne Mullin was confirmed as DHS secretary. But it's also the first confab since Trump launched a military operation against Iran — a topic that is sure to dominate much of the conversation. And the headlines swirling around aren't friendly for Trump: gas prices are still surging and polling shows sinking public support. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House reporter Megan Messerly discuss the stakes surrounding the Iran operation.

Democrats got more big wins on Tuesday night, flipping two legislative seats in reliably red Florida, including the district containing President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home. The wins don't dent Florida Republicans' supermajority, but they mark more performances for Democrats that have defied expectations ahead of the pivotal midterm elections. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns discuss the warning signs for Republicans, and a notable Trump absence.

A Russian oil tanker is steaming toward the Caribbean, most likely destined for Cuba. But that's not really the story behind the ship and its cargo. It's a message, according to people close to the White House, former ambassadors and Russia observers — a negotiating chit, a provocation designed to force a disproportionate American response while Washington is consumed elsewhere. Playbook's Adam Wren and White House reporter Megan Messerly discuss the geopolitical stakes of Russia's oil play.

Republicans so far have peeled off a handful of Democrats to pass the DHS funding bill in previous votes, but it's still stalled in the Senate. But new demands from President Donald Trump could threaten any progress. Meanwhile, a new push from an influential Democratic think tank wants to help Democrats reclaim political ground on the issue ahead of the midterms. Playbook's Adam Wren and White House reporter Megan Messerly discuss the next turn of the screw on immigrating messaging between both parties.

When Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) won his Senate seat in 2024, he outperformed Kamala Harris in one of the closest battleground states in the country.  Now that he's in Washington, Gallego's background is particularly relevant at this moment in politics. With the Iran War intensifying, Gallego offers his perspective as an Iraq War veteran on Trump's military operation.  And as a Latino Democratic senator of a border state, Gallego has a distinctive outlook on immigration, with criticism for his own party as well as the GOP.  Sen. Gallego sat down with POLITICO's Dasha Burns on “The Conversation” to talk about voter ID, the 2028 election, and if he thinks Democrats can become the “fun” party again.

Ruben Gallego and Pete Buttigieg are trying to offer Democrats a roadmap back to relevance during the Trump era. Both are veterans, and both have a pitch to voters that goes beyond talking points and cuts through the rhetoric that defines much of the online chatter. Playbook's Adam Wren and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns compare notes on their recent conversations with Gallego and Buttigieg and what they reveal about the state of the Democratic Party.

President Donald Trump is still fuming over the lack of support that he has received from allied nations over the course of the war with Iran. That tension will be on full display when Trump welcomes Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi to the White House on Thursday. Japan is one such country that has resisted Trump's calls to get involved in the conflict. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns discuss Trump's coalition-building challenge. Plus, the administration official who refuses to use email.

VP JD Vance and DNI Tulsi Gabbard — two of the Trump administration's historically biggest war skeptics — are due to deliver remarks on Wednesday. Vance will be at an midterm rally with voters in Michigan as he pitches the administration's affordability agenda. Meanwhile, Gabbard is due before the Senate Intelligence Committee, where her past position on war with Iran and her role in the ongoing operation will be fair game for senators. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns discuss what Vance and Gabbard might say.

As the Iran war stretches on with no clear end in sight, some on the right are growing concerned that President Donald Trump will be pulled further into the conflict. A further step in the war would risk alienating a key segment of the MAGA base, which helped return Trump to the White House under the promise that Trump wouldn't set off another long-term military engagement. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns discuss the potential pitfalls for Trump over Iran.

President Donald Trump is calling on about seven countries that rely heavily on oil from the Middle East to band together to open up the Strait of Hormuz. The call to come together to protect the waterway is an escalation of Trump's efforts to expand the scope of the countries involved in the conflict with Iran. But thus far, there has been little to no interest from other countries to join the fight. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and Adam Wren discuss the stakes of Trump's latest gambit.

We're bringing you an episode of our newest show, On the Road with Jonathan Martin. POLITICO's senior columnist sits down with Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders for a lively conversation about politics, leadership and life growing up in the governor's mansion. From her time as White House Press Secretary to leading Arkansas today, Sanders shares insights on the Republican Party, U.S.-Israel security and the memories that shaped her journey—all while enjoying some of the state's best barbecue.   Watch upcoming episodes at politico.com/ontheroad Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Watch our show on YouTube: youtube.com/@POLITICO.

President Donald Trump's retribution campaign is landing in Indiana. After a raft of Republican state lawmakers spurned the White House's redistricting push in the Hoosier State, the president and his allies vowed to target rebels with aggressive primary efforts to oust them from their seats. That promise is now getting backed up by a significant splash of cash for a suite of state-level races. Playbook's Adam Wren and White House reporter Megan Messerly discuss the unprecedented effort from MAGA world.

A group of hard-line immigration hawks are pressing President Donald Trump's administration to keep up his mass deportation agenda, despite signals that the White House wants to take a new approach on the issue. With a new DHS secretary on the way in, the White House has sought to drive a different message on immigration ahead of the midterms. But the MAGA wing of the party wants to see Trump go further still. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House reporter Megan Messerly discuss the split between the rhetoric and the reality.

This week kicked off with a tumultuous moment for the markets as the war with Iran set off panic and spiking oil prices. But the White House didn't flinch. The administration believes it has a three- to four-week window to bear the brunt of any economic impacts as it pushes forward with military operations in Iran. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House reporter Megan Messerly discuss the tightrope that President Donald Trump is walking on the issue during an all-important midterm year.

After markets tumbled to open the week, President Donald Trump on Monday indicated that the war with Iran may not stretch as long as many have feared. Trump used the word "complete" a number of times throughout his remarks, seeming to signal that the U.S. military forces had accomplished most of his desired objectives. But the situation on the ground is evolving rapidly, and a U.S. exit is still uncertain. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and Politics Bureau Chief Jonathan Martin discuss Trump's guiding light. Plus, JMart previews his new podcast project launching today.

Oil prices are soaring at record figures as the war with Iran continues expanding, with little sign of slowing down. The White House is urging calm, promising that the historic disruption will only be temporary. But the rising prices are threatening to pinch American consumers at the pump, and the knock-on effects are difficult to predict. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and POLITICO's diplomatic correspondent Felicia Schwartz discuss how long President Donald Trump can sustain this position.

Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) is a young rising star in the Republican Party. She sits down with POLITICO's Dasha Burns to talk about how the war against Iran could affect Americans at home and the urgency of the midterm elections for the Republican Party. Britt also gets candid about her unique relationship with the White House and what it was like having Scarlett Johansson play her on SNL. And later on the show, Dasha breaks down the exciting Texas primary elections with a panel of journalists. Elaine Godrey of “The Atlantic,” Gabby Birenbaum of “The Texas Tribune” and POLITICO's Adam Wren share their takeaways.

During an exclusive interview with White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns, President Donald Trump made clear that his administration wants to be involved in selecting new leadership for Iran. During a lengthy conversation, Trump weighed in on the still-unfolding situation in Iran, Venezuela and Cuba — among other things. Playbook's Adam Wren and Dasha break down what Trump's latest comments mean. Plus, the Zohran Mamdani manifesto is going global.

The White House pledged that 2026 would see President Donald Trump focused on an affordability agenda, with voters feeling cost-of-living concerns ahead of the midterms. Now, the war that he set off with Iran is causing a spike in gas prices, leading to panic within the administration as they race to tamp down the fallout and pitch a message to voters who are feeling the pinch at the pump. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns discuss the ramifications of the ever-expanding war.

The Texas Senate primary results produced every bit of drama that the races promised ahead of Election Day. Democrats are set to put state Rep. James Talarico up for the nomination, while the Republican race is headed to a runoff between Sen. John Cornyn and state AG Ken Paxton. The question now turns to the White House: Will President Donald Trump put his thumb on the scale ahead of the May 26 runoff? Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns sort through the results.