Podcast appearances and mentions of jack blanchard

President Donald Trump is aiming to grab control of the news cycle after a tumultuous turn over the past couple of weeks. The White House wants to be laser-focused on affordability messaging — but things aren't that simple. On Tuesday, the House is poised to vote on legislation calling for the release of the Epstein files. Many Republicans were already expected to join Democrats on the vote, and now Trump is telling them to do so after initial resistance. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns tee up what to expect, the latest on Trump's engagement with Venezuela and Trump's ire toward Indiana.

President Donald Trump last night signed a short-term funding bill that officially reopened the government. But when one door opens, so does a large can of worms. As lawmakers returned to the Capitol on Wednesday morning, a new collection of Jeffrey Epstein emails were made public, and their references to Trump reignited a storyline that dominated headlines earlier this year. Now, with Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.) finally sworn in, a dramatic vote on the release of the Epstein files is on its way. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns walk through what to expect, and what it all means for Trump.

The record-breaking government shutdown is on track to end after 43 days. But lawmakers are returning to Washington with both parties sorting out internal dilemmas. Democrats are dealing with the intra-party strife that eight caucus members triggered when they joined Republicans to reopen the government. And Republicans are reckoning with the future of the party once Donald Trump leaves office as a confluence of hot-button issues exposes a series of rifts. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns break down the discord, plus what to expect as the House convenes for the first time in weeks.

There is a growing sense of unease within the Trump administration over the ceasefire in Gaza, with new documents obtained by POLITICO revealing a White House beset with questions over how to move to the subsequent phases of the peace deal. The collection of documents paint a vivid picture of the myriad hurdles that could complicate — or even tank — the effort. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns unpack the reality that the documents display, which runs counter to the rhetoric that President Donald Trump deploys.

A 60-40 procedural vote in the Senate on Sunday night is putting the 40-day government shutdown on track to find an end date this week if all goes according to plan. While the shutdown may be coming to an end, another dramatic fracas is spinning off from it. The eight centrist Democrats who voted with Republicans, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, are now at the center of intra-party ire. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns unpack what happens now, and what the deal means for both sides.

There is a lot that President Donald Trump wants to talk about today. He wants to talk about drug prices and rare earth minerals, among other things. But the only thing anyone else in Washington wants to talk about are the dramatic election results on Tuesday, when Democrats put on a dominating display. Trump is blaming the losses on his name being absent from the ballot, and on the shutdown, for which he blames Democrats. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns discuss Republicans' path forward, and how the longest government shutdown in history figures into the equation.

If last night was any indication, Democrats may have regained some spark. The party pulled off wins in various races around the country. From Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani's decisive win over Andrew Cuomo in the New York mayoral race to the more centrist Democrat victories in the Virginia and New Jersey gubernatorial races, the left came out on top. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House bureau chief Dasha Burns discuss what lessons—if any—the party as a whole can learn from the success.

Election Day is here and even though some of the races look predictable, plenty of questions abound: Will Zohran Mamdani's Democratic socialist agenda carry him to victory in New York City over Andrew Cuomo, who received an eleventh-hour endorsement from President Donald Trump? How close will the margins be in the New Jersey governor's race? Which other races should you be watching? Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns break down all the marquee matchups that could provide a glimpse into the midterms. Plus, the government shutdown is set to become the longest in U.S. history later today.

There's one day of campaigning left before Election Day in states like New York, New Jersey and Virginia for contentious mayoral and gubernatorial races, plus a redistricting referendum in California that will help decide control of Congress. The case on the constitutionality of President Donald Trump's tariffs is before the Supreme Court this week — but Trump won't be there. Plus, the government shutdown enters its 34th day, without a compromise in sight. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns walk through a big week in Trump's Washington.

Minutes before President Donald Trump headed into his long-awaited and widely watched meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, he took to Truth Social to announce that the U.S. would “immediately” begin testing nuclear weapons. The U.S. has not conducted a test of nuclear weapons in more than three decades. But it's unclear how much of a practical play this announcement by Trump was or whether it was largely wielded as a negotiating tactic with other nuclear powers. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns dig into the nuclear news, and the government shutdown that Trump is returning to today.

President Donald Trump is winding down his trip across Asia. Today, he meets with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung for what many are expecting will be thorny trade talks. But in a way, everything now is a precursor to the big finale of the trip: Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns walk through what to expect. Plus, eyes are fixed on Fed Chair Jerome Powell again for his interest rate announcement later today.

President Donald Trump met with new Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for the first time — with plenty of pomp — as he continues his trip around Asia. But while the president rubs elbows with dignitaries across the globe, Washington is facing day 28 of the government shutdown. Will lawmakers make any progress before the looming Nov. 1 cliff? Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns discuss.

Eight days remain until Election Day. Despite the off-year slate, a handful of races around the country are making headlines in tightening gubernatorial races and redistricting efforts. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House reporter Megan Messerly discuss what voting in Virginia, New York, New Jersey and California could tell us about how both parties are approaching next year's midterms — and beyond. Plus, President Donald Trump is in Japan to meet with the new prime minister.

President Donald Trump finds himself in the middle of two dizzying news cycles — one abroad and one back home. The White House has leveled new sanctions against Russia, with the goal of ending the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Trump is demolishing the East Wing of the White House to build his grandiose ballroom as he reshapes Washington in his own image. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns discuss how each of these moves underlines the extent of Trump's unique position and power during his second presidency.

Paul Ingrassia's nomination to lead the Office of Special Counsel is off. The withdrawal of Ingrassia's nomination comes after POLITICO reported on text messages that showed Ingrassia say he has “a Nazi streak,” and that the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday should be “tossed into the seventh circle of hell” — which quickly caused several Republican lawmakers to voice their opposition. It marks one of the very few instances when the Senate has stood up to Trump. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House reporter Megan Messerly discuss what the episode means for Trump and what it could tell us about the rest of the Republican Party.

President Donald Trump is once again testing the limits of the Justice Department. Today, lawyers representing Rep. LaMonica McIver will attempt to have the case against the New Jersey Democrat thrown out. McIver's legal team is calling the charges political prosecution and saying she qualifies for legislative immunity — which is exactly what the Supreme Court granted Trump last year. Will Trump tally another unprecedented legal win? Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns discuss the implications. Plus, Hill Republicans are set to flock to the White House today for lunch with the president on day 21 of the government shutdown, and Trump's pick to lead the Office of Special Counsel is in hot water.

President Donald Trump is set to meet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House today — but that is far from his only order of foreign policy business this week. The push to end Russia's war in Ukraine is ramping up, the work on holding the Gaza peace deal together continues and Trump's going further in the Caribbean. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns cover the range of affairs that continue to test Trump 2.0's diplomatic mettle. Plus, the government shutdown stretches to the 20-day mark.

Monday will mark nine months since Inauguration Day, and President Donald Trump's second term is only gaining momentum. Since January, Trump has bent the justice system to his will, sent the military into U.S. cities and challenged seemingly every precedent. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns discuss how Trump has wielded power so far, and what to expect in the months ahead.

The Supreme Court today will hear arguments in a case that could gut the Voting Rights Act, which would drastically reshape next year's midterms. Some conservatives argue that consideration of race in drawing district lines is discriminatory and unconstitutional. But advocates warn that without the Voting Rights Act, minority populations would not have adequate representation in American politics. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House reporter Megan Messerly walk through the potential outcomes, and what they mean. Plus, the latest on the Middle East ceasefire and the disappearing Pentagon press pool.

President Donald Trump is back in Washington today after a visit to Israel, where he delivered a speech touting the ceasefire that he helped broker. Now that the groundwork is laid, what's next? Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House reporter Megan Messerly walk through the path forward for the region, with much of the hard work still left to sort out. Plus, the latest phase of the U.S.-China trade war kicks in as of this morning, and on the 14th day of the government shutdown, significant movement (still) looks unlikely.

President Donald Trump last night announced that Israel and Hamas both signed off on the first phase of his peace plan. This isn't just a momentous occasion for the people of Israel and Gaza, but it is also an opportunity for Trump to take a victory lap. White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns spoke with Trump last night and joins Playbook's Jack Blanchard to discuss the implications and what comes next.

Former FBI Director James Comey is set to be arraigned this morning. The move, though hardly unexpected, marks a defining moment in the history of the justice system after President Donald Trump repeatedly pressed for Comey's prosecution. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns break down where things go from here. Plus, National Guard troops are poised to deploy to another major U.S. city. And on the eighth day of the government shutdown, do Democrats have the upper hand?

Attorney General Pam Bondi is on Capitol Hill today for a high-profile hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Among those poised to grill Bondi is Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), who claims he is being targeted as an enemy of President Donald Trump. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns walk through what to watch from Bondi's appearance. Plus, Trump says he's not wholly opposed to invoking the Insurrection Act, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will be at the White House today.

Communities in Chicago and Portland spent the weekend adjusting to President Donald Trump's decision to send in the National Guard — but some of his moves are hanging in legal limbo. In Egypt, representatives from Hamas, Israel and the U.S. are set to hold talks on a Middle East ceasefire. Back in D.C., signs of a shutdown resolution are nowhere to be found as it stretches to six days. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns unpack it all.

Washington may not agree on much at the moment, but there's a broad consensus on at least one thing about the federal shutdown: There is, at this moment, no end in sight. Today, it's all but certain that Republicans and Democrats will continue to lob barbs — and subpar memes — at one another. Meanwhile, outside the Beltway, Americans will feel the day-to-day consequences of an unfunded government. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns discuss the state of play. Plus, President Donald Trump's Gaza proposal faces an uncertain future, while Trump's military push into major cities looks to continue.

Overnight, the federal government shut down as its congressionally approved funding lapsed. How long will it last? Who will the American public hold responsible for it? And what is going to happen to the government while a prospective solution gets sorted out? Playbook's Jack Blanchard and POLITICO White House bureau chief Dasha Burns walk through every angle.

Barring a last-minute deal, the federal government will shut down at midnight tonight. And at this hour, the two sides seem as far apart as ever. A meeting at the White House saw Democratic and Republican leaders dig in their heels and emerge while aiming fire at one another, confident that they can spin a shutdown as the other side's fault. What does President Donald Trump think about all of it? Our very own Dasha Burns spoke with him last night and brings us the latest. Plus, Dasha and Jack Blanchard walk through what the president also had to say about his plans for the Middle East, and parse Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's big military meeting at Quantico today.

President Donald Trump has found his next big foreign policy project: Peace in the Middle East. And where that's a goal hat has vexed generations of presidential administrations, Trump believes he can force a breakthrough with a bit of help from his friends in the region. On Tuesday, Trump met with eight leaders of Arab or Muslim-majority nations in New York. Today, he welcomes Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to the White House to talk about a nascent 21-point plan for peace in Gaza. Could Trump succeed where so many others have failed? Playbook's Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns unpack it all. Plus, Trump's efforts at lawfare drastically escalate.

With just days left before a federal funding lapses, a government shutdown is looking more and more likely. There's no deal in sight that would deliver the Democratic votes to make it through the Senate, top congressional leaders aren't talking to one another and the race is on to pre-assign blame. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and Adam Wren sort through what you need to know with T-minus seven days remaining. Plus: President Donald Trump makes an abrupt — and potentially hugely consequential — shift on Ukraine. And: Are Democrats too focused on the rear-view mirror instead of the road ahead?

President Donald Trump is set to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York today, and there's no shortage of topics he could wade into. There's Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, a smattering of U.S.-brokered peace deals, the outlook for beleaguered international institutions and new attempts to reset and remake the global order. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and POLITICO White House reporter Megan Messerly walk through what to expect. Plus, the far-reaching fallout from Trump's autism announcement is only beginning to be understood.

President Donald Trump and dozens of top administration officials and aides spent Sunday at Charlie Kirk's stadium-sized memorial service in Arizona. Trump called Kirk “our greatest evangelist for American liberty” and a “martyr” for American freedom, while drawing at least one stark contrast between himself and the late conservative Christian activist. “He did not hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them. That's where I disagreed with Charlie,” Trump said. “I hate my opponents, and I don't want the best for them.” That portends turbulence ahead, as Trump returns to Washington eager to press the Justice Department to prosecute his political enemies, readies a major announcement on autism and gears up for a battery of meetings at the U.N. General Assembly. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and Adam Wren unpack what to know as the week begins.

Sriram Krishnan is a venture capitalist who once served as general partner at Andreessen Horowitz. Now, he serves as White House Senior Policy Advisor for AI, where he has helped to develop President Trump's American AI Action Plan.  In a live interview with The Conversation host Dasha Burns at POLITICO's AI & Tech Summit, Krishnan discussed what it takes for the United States to win the AI race, how the White House wants to keep “wokeness” out of government-funded AI, and how artificial intelligence will be harnessed, regulated, and contested in the years ahead.  “We want to make sure that our ecosystem has market share, and if [China's] Huawei gets market share that means revenue, that means usage, it makes their chips better, it makes them set up to start exporting to other countries,” Krishnan said. Krishnan explains that the era of artificial intelligence is still very new, and while it closely resembles the early days of the internet, the Trump White House is working to make sure everyday Americans can make good use of the technology. “What I think about is how do we get more of what people here are seeing, which is AI making your lives better, making your work better and figuring out how to get us to economic prosperity.”  Plus, Playbook managing editor and in-house UK expert Jack Blanchard breaks down the significance of Trump's unprecedented second state visit to Great Britain and the president's close relationship with prime minister Keir Starmer.

Sriram Krishnan is a venture capitalist who once served as general partner at Andreessen Horowitz. Now, he serves as White House Senior Policy Advisor for AI, where he has helped to develop President Trump's American AI Action Plan.  In a live interview with The Conversation host Dasha Burns at POLITICO's AI & Tech Summit, Krishnan discussed what it takes for the United States to win the AI race, how the White House wants to keep “wokeness” out of government-funded AI, and how artificial intelligence will be harnessed, regulated, and contested in the years ahead.  “We want to make sure that our ecosystem has market share, and if [China's] Huawei gets market share that means revenue, that means usage, it makes their chips better, it makes them set up to start exporting to other countries,” Krishnan said. Krishnan explains that the era of artificial intelligence is still very new, and while it closely resembles the early days of the internet, the Trump White House is working to make sure everyday Americans can make good use of the technology. “What I think about is how do we get more of what people here are seeing, which is AI making your lives better, making your work better and figuring out how to get us to economic prosperity.”  Plus, Playbook managing editor and in-house UK expert Jack Blanchard breaks down the significance of Trump's unprecedented second state visit to Great Britain and the president's close relationship with prime minister Keir Starmer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump is on day two of his U.K. state visit. While Wednesday saw plenty of pomp and circumstance, today will bring the business end. Trump is set to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and talks about trade and Ukraine are likely to top the agenda. Trump will be back in the U.S. later today, and he's returning as Washington grapples with two big pieces of news: Disney indefinitely pulled Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show off the air over comments made in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's killing. Meanwhile, Trump said in a post on Truth Social that he is designating the antifa movement a terrorist organization. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House reporter Megan Messerly break it all down.

President Donald Trump is in the U.K. today for his second state visit, but the spotlight today will be pointed squarely back home in Washington. Attorney General Pam Bondi is attempting to define the debate over free speech one week after Charlie Kirk's death. Susan Monarez, who was dismissed as head of the CDC, is set to appear before the Senate to detail the break with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that led to her ouster. And Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will announce the central bank's highly anticipated decision on interest rates. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House reporter Megan Messerly break down how it's all playing out while Trump is abroad.

As President Donald Trump travels to the U.K. this morning, the conversation in the U.S. remains focused on the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's death. FBI Director Kash Patel is set to appear for a Senate hearing this morning, where he'll likely face questions over his credibility in light of his response to the investigation. Meanwhile, Kirk's death is spurring Republicans to go after what they have deemed the “radical left” over the response to Kirk's death. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and Adam Wren unpack the stakes and what to expect next. Plus, the Federal Reserve's highly anticipated meeting begins this morning.

In the days since the public killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the country has seen an unprecedented level of eulogizing from Washington. Vice President JD Vance escorted Kirk's body back to Arizona in Air Force Two and is set to host Kirk's podcast Monday afternoon. A number of senior Trump officials spoke at a memorial for Kirk at the Kennedy Center on Sunday night. But how will Kirk's killing influence the next stage of policymaking from the administration? Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns walk through what may come next.

Charlie Kirk, the right-wing political influencer and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot dead in an apparent act of political violence during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Scores of politicians from both sides of the aisle quickly condemned the killing. Trump — who counted Kirk among his close allies — promised action in an address from the Oval Office, stating that his administration “will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity and to other political violence, including the organizations that fund it and support it.” Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns walk through how we got to this moment and where things go from here.

It has been one month since President Donald Trump federalized Washington, D.C. His control over the police department expires today, and it appears unlikely Congress will act to extend his power. But the National Guard troops and other federal agents are set to stay for now, so Trump's influence will likely still be felt throughout the city. The question on everyone's mind: Where will he direct troops next? Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns explore some possibilities. Plus, the aftershocks from Israel's shocking bombing of Qatar are being felt in Washington.

The Jeffrey Epstein files are dominating the conversation in Washington today, following the release yesterday of a birthday greeting reportedly sent to Epstein by Donald Trump. Democrats are taking some glee over the release, but Republicans are ignoring the issue altogether, opting instead to focus on immigration and crime. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and POLITICO White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns walk through the situation. Plus, the immigration crackdown in Chicago ramps up, and it's special election day in northern Virginia.

This morning, President Donald Trump will head to the Museum of the Bible to speak at the second meeting of his Religious Liberty Commission. But as his words aim to shore up support from a key constituency, his actions — ranging from deploying the National Guard in major cities to favorably comparing his efforts to “Apocalypse Now” — risk opening new fissures in American life. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns break it all down. Plus, the inside scoop about the latest public clash within Trump's inner circle.

This morning on Capitol Hill, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will appear before the Senate Finance Committee to answer questions. Officially, the topic is the "President's 2026 Health Care Agenda." But unofficially, the hearing will offer the first chance for senators to grill Kennedy since the the CDC's internal war over vaccines spilled into public view, pitting scientists and medical professionals against RFK Jr.'s MAHA loyalists. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and Politico White House reporter Megan Messerly tell you what to watch for. Plus, President Donald Trump engages with European leaders on Ukraine and Russia, and a who's who of tech world CEOs descend on DC for a Rose Garden soiree.

The day Washington has been anticipating for more than a month has finally arrived: With August recess over and Congress back in action, the furor over the Jeffrey Epstein files is set to ramp up in a major way. From the maneuvering around the bipartisan discharge petition to the public pressure campaign spearheaded by Epstein's survivors, the story is set to dominate DC today. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and Politico White House reporter Megan Messerly talk through what to expect. Plus, Trump threatens to send the military to Chicago and his tariff policies head to the Supreme Court.

When President Donald Trump addresses the press today in the Oval Office, it will be his first public appearance in a week. For many presidents, that wouldn't be particularly notable. But Trump's weeklong absence was heard loud and clear and sparked myriad theories about his health and vitality. POLITICO White House reporter Megan Messerly joins Playbook's Jack Blanchard to discuss that, the president's latest comments on Russia and all the rest of the news driving the day.

Today, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Malaysia, where the ASEAN Foreign Ministers summit is underway. On its surface, the Rubio-Lavrov meeting isn't necessarily notable. But it comes as a seismic shift is underway in President Donald Trump's approach to Russia and Ukraine — and as he seems to have finally reached the limit of his patience with Russian President Vladimir Putin. As Russia continues to attack Ukraine, Putin is putting Trump's reputation as an expert negotiator — and his desire for a Nobel Peace Prize — on the line. Playbook author Jack Blanchard and chief Playbook correspondent Dasha Burns discuss how this could play out, and what it means for the future of Ukraine.

Yesterday, the Supreme Court eased the way for President Donald Trump to proceed with his plans to fire tens of thousands of federal workers by executive order. The implications for Washington — and the nation — are vast. But will the win — and the ensuing makeover of the bureaucracy — satisfy a disgruntled MAGA base? Playbook author Jack Blanchard and chief Playbook correspondent Dasha Burns talk it through. Plus, a peek at the growing daylight between the White House and members of Trump's Cabinet.

After a few weeks during which things seemed to go more or less as the Trump administration had hoped, MAGA world is suddenly in revolt. Yesterday, the Justice Department announced that it would not release any further documents pertaining to its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, the notorious sex offender and wealthy financier whose 2019 death fueled conspiracy theories across the political spectrum. Many members of the MAGA base aren't satisfied with the DOJ's decision — and its conclusion that he died by suicide and did not maintain a long-rumored “client list” — and are aiming their ire at Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino. Playbook author Jack Blanchard and chief Playbook correspondent Dasha Burns discuss the potential political fallout.

For President Donald Trump, it's a week of tests on several fronts. After deadly floods in Texas, his administration's cuts to the NOAA and National Weather Service are receiving new scrutiny, with many critics calling for investigations into what went wrong — and wondering how to prevent more disasters in the coming hurricane season. Meanwhile, as the nation inches toward a new trade deadline and a wave of new tariffs, the economy is bracing for impact. And on the global stage, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due to visit the White House this evening — his third such trip in the Trump 2.0 era. Playbook author Jack Blanchard and chief correspondent Dasha Burns walk through all you need to know to start the week.

As Congress wrestles over the GOP's megabill package, President Donald Trump heads to Iowa for a major rally on the eve of the July 4 holiday. Playbook's chief correspondent Dasha Burns joins author Jack Blanchard to talk through the ghosts of rallies past, what to watch for this time around and what some people misunderstand about Trump's connection with his audience.

The GOP's massive reconciliation package heads back to the House this morning after narrowly crawling to passage in the Senate yesterday. But it looks much different than the last time the chamber considered it: To get through the Senate, the bill underwent an major makeover that drastically increases the deficit and could complicate the voting math in the House. The implications — for everyday Americans, for President Donald Trump's agenda and for the 2026 and 2028 elections — couldn't be much bigger. POLITICO senior Congress editor Mike DeBonis joins Playbook author Jack Blanchard to talk through how it went down and what comes next.