Podcasts about us correspondent

Trump is set to meet with recently elected New York mayor Zohran Mamdani at the White House on Friday following months of public conflict. The US President announced the meeting in a Truth Social Post which said the "communist mayor" requested the meeting. US correspondent Charles Feldman told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "Trump is at heart a New Yorker, and I think he's going to want to present himself as somebody who does have New York's interests at heart." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

George W. Bush has paid a fond farewell to his friend and former Vice President, Dick Cheney. The former Republican President has spoken at Cheney's funeral at Washington's National Cathedral. He was a divisive figure in American politics, both for his role as the driving force behind the Iraq War, and his scathing criticism of Donald Trump. But Bush has told Cheney's family, many Americans are grieving Cheney's death. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking Trump did not take part in the funeral, and wasn't invited. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump appears to have had his hand forced, over the Jeffrey Epstein files. A bipartisan bill compelling the Justice Department to release case documents relating to the deceased convicted sex offender has overwhelming Congress support. The President - who's repeatedly denied links to Epstein - must now sign it into law. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says it's unknown when these files will be released, but that detail is up to the Department of Justice. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Government is business as usual after the longest shutdown in US history – but only till January. US President Donald Trump's signed a bill to end the shutdown and fund the government, while providing back-pay to federal workers. It's caused a divide among Democrats, as it doesn't ensure access to Affordable Care subsidies. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking the shutdown costs are estimated to be around NZ$24.6 billion per week, or as much as 1.5% of the GDP. He says the National Economic Council is estimating that 60,000 non-federal workers lost their jobs during the period. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Senate has passed through legislation to reopen the US Government, indicating the long-running shutdown is closer to wrapping up. The 41-day shutdown could last a few more days, with more members of the House set to vote on the legislation. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says there's still more issues to come - as flights in the US are impacted by delays and disruptions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White House says released emails claiming Donald Trump spent hours with a victim of late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein create a fake narrative. The House Oversight Committee has released a tranche of emails and documents from Epstein's estate - another referencing the now US President as 'the dog that hasn't barked'. The White House says the victim referenced in the emails is the late Virginia Giuffre, who repeatedly said Trump wasn't involved in any wrongdoing. US correspondent Mitch McCann told Ryan Bridge Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He says the White House says these are nothing more than bad faith efforts to distract from Trump's historic accomplishments. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Division within Democrats as US Senators approve the final version of a Bill that could end the weeks-long Government shutdown. The deal from a group of Democrats and GOP leaders will go to the House of Representatives, then will need signing into law by the President. Under the deal, the Government will reopen in exchange for a future vote on extending Affordable Care subsidies. Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley told CNN it's unlikely that vote will go anywhere, because Republicans have vastly different healthcare ideals. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that the Democrats who flipped say that they've at least set the table for the debate in the midterm elections. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The BBC is under extra scrutiny after this latest scandal - and US President Donald Trump is threatening legal action. A leaked BBC memo suggests the Panorama programme edited Trump's speech to imply he encouraged the Capitol Hill riots of January 2021. The US President is demanding a full retraction, and is threatening to sue for nearly $1.8 billion New Zealand dollars in damages. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says it's unclear where Trump will take this legal action. "If he does it in the United Kingdom, well, they've got different defamation laws to what they do here in the United States - in the United States, you would have to go to a specific state." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 40 days, the US government shutdown appears close to ending as several Senate Democrats backed a Republican deal, sparking internal party tensions. 

Donald Trump has announced to reduce the costs of some weight loss drugs, or as he calls them 'fat shots'. The Trump administration claims that Americans could lose 61 billion kilogrammes combined because of this deal. A US$1 trillion pay package, endorsed by Tesla shareholders, could be headed for Elon Musk . Meanwhile, the Government shutdown, which has now reached 37 days, is leading to flight delays and cancellations at US airports. Jonathan Kearsley told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "what this is now doing is spreading the pain far beyond federal workers ... straight into American travellers." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ongoing US federal government shutdown could stop many Americans returning home for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. The shutdown's now the longest in US history. Thousands of air traffic controllers and security screeners aren't being paid for their work, prompting a sharp drop in flights across the country. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that more than 5000 flights around the country were delayed in the past 24 hours. He says air traffic controllers are reportedly resigning every day due to the prolonged nature of the shutdowns. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zohran Mamdani's scored victory for the Democrats - making history as New York City's youngest mayor in a century. The 34-year-old candidate focused his winning campaign on working-class issues. It's a crushing defeat for the second-placed Trump-backed Independent Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says it's not gone down well with the US president. "He's blaming some of the losses, not just in New York but in governing races in Virginia and New Jersey on the Government shutdown that's been going on for well over 30 days - and also on a lack of presence of himself." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New York City's new Mayor Elect says he will remain accessible and transparent. 34-year-old democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has become the city's first Muslim mayor and the first mayor of South Asian heritage. He's achieved a landmark victory over Donald Trump-backed independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. US correspondent Jagruti Dave told Ryan Bridge this is a real shift for the Democratic Party. She says they've been in the wilderness since Donald Trump became president, so this will put some wind beneath their wings. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former US Vice President Dick Cheney has died at the age of 84, from the complications of pneumonia, and cardiac and vascular disease. George W Bush says his VP's death is a "loss to the nation". Cheney's family say he taught his children and grandchildren fly-fishing, to love their country, and to live lives of courage, honour, love and kindness. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking he was the most powerful vice president in American history, pushing for the war on terror and the invasion of Iraq, among other things. Cheney gained the nickname Darth Vader for his role as well as his health, Arnold said, the VP experiencing his first heart attack at 37, with four more following before he got a heart transplant at 71. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Government shutdown has reached 32 days, 3 days away from the longest in history. President Donald Trump seems to be on-track to break his own record after the shutdown in late 2018 which lasted 35 days. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that the shutdown is affecting US public services. 'More and more air traffic controllers are staying off work since they're not being paid.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concerns over potential US nuclear tests have arisen after Donald Trump posted on X saying 'I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our nuclear weapons on an equal basis'. The announcement left questions about whether the US President meant testing weapons systems or actually conducting test explosions, which the United States has not done since 1992. Vice-President JD Vance failed to provide any clarification, telling reporters the President's statement “speaks for itself". US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson told Andrew Dickens he wasn't convinced the threats will be followed through- "as we know, the president tends to speak first sometimes and think after he has spoken". LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hurricane Melissa is moving towards eastern Cuba, weakening further to a category three storm. The National Hurricane Center is still warning of powerful effects as it moves across Cuba and the Bahamas. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says the hurricane's hit Jamaica hard, with heavy rainfall and damaging winds impacting the area. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During the first game of the baseball World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays the province of Ontario aired an anti-tariff ad. The ad featured clips from Ronald Reagan's 1987 national radio address which focused on foreign trade. In retaliation US President Donald Trump slammed Canada with an additional 10% tariffs on goods imported from Canada to the United States. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Military tensions are escalating in the Caribbean Sea, as the US deploys the world's largest warship to counter drug-traffickers. The US says it has killed dozens of people in strikes on small vessels from Venezuela which it alleges carry 'narcotics' and 'narco-terrorists.' But US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Venezuela's fighting back. "The President of Venezuela, who's accusing the US of 'fabricating' this new war - but yet, we see the drug trail kind of leads back there as well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An NBA player and coach are among dozens of people arrested in an FBI investigation into rigged, mafia-linked poker games. Miami Heat's Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups were named as those arrested. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says the NBA stars were used as bait to draw players to the table with the rigged game. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plans for a second Trump-Putin meeting to discuss the Ukraine war have been shelved, days after they were proposed. Last week, Trump said he and the Russian president would hold talks in Budapest to discuss the war in Ukraine. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says reports claim Russia isn't happy with some proposed terms. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shohei Ohtani made baseball history and ensured the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Milwaukee Brewers to reach the World Series. Ohtani made three home runs and struck out 10 Brewers batters in a comprehensive 5-1 victory as the Dodgers swept the series 4-0. US correspondent Leon Busby joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's warning Hamas will have their weapons taken off them - even if it falls to him to make it happen. Talks are underway in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh on the second phase of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Trump hasn't given Hamas a hard deadline as of yet, and it's unclear how this will go. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few hiccups in the journey towards peace in the Middle East. Hamas has released the 20 living Israeli hostages and almost 2000 Palestinians have been returned by Israel. Leaders including Donald Trump have signed the US-brokered peace deal at a summit in Egypt. However, US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking, despite Trump claiming the war is over, he had no input on how to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian standoff over rebuilding Gaza. He says the peace proposal lacks detail in key areas and its implementation remains tenuous. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump's confident the momentum will continue beyond the first phase of a Gaza peace plan. The Israeli Government's voting this morning on whether to implement the terms agreed with Hamas yesterday. It would see hostages released early next week and Israeli troops withdraw to agreed lines. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking the remaining hostages are believed to be held by splinter groups, so getting them all together will be challenging. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Locking down a new trade deal is front of mind for Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as he met for talks with US President Donald Trump. Negotiations have been ongoing since August, when Trump imposed 35 percent tariffs on Canadian goods. Canada remains the only G7 country without a deal - something Trump attributes to a 'natural conflict' stemming from their proximity. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says this meeting appeared to be a positive one, when compared to their previous discussion. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A view mass layoffs are imminent as the US Federal Government shutdown nears its third day. Democrats and Republicans failed to get their respective bills through the senate, suspending thousands of government workers without pay. US President Donald Trump's called it an unprecedented opportunity to slash spending. US Correspondent Jonathan Kearsley told Andrew Dickens layoffs are coming, it's just a question of how deep and wide they are. He says we know they're looking to slash spending to save billions, but the shutdown is also hurting the economy every day. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White House Press Secretary's confirmed federal layoffs could happen within days thanks to the latest United States government shutdown. Federal funding expired yesterday after Democrats and Republicans failed to get their respective bills through the senate, furloughing thousands of government workers. Donald Trump is blaming the Democrats, threatening to follow through with mass layoffs in an effort to pressure them to back moves to end the shutdown. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that analysts are estimating approximately 750,000 federal employees will be furloughed. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A congressional deadlock's shut down the US Government. Congress failed to pass last-ditch attempts to extend federal funding failed, with Democrats and Republicans refusing to vote through each other's bills. The deadline's now passed - meaning the Government must strip back to essential services, and most federal workers won't be paid. President Trump's threatened major cuts. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says it's a monstrous situation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Trump and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announce a Gaza peace plan.

There's a belief a shooter in Dallas, Texas, was motivated by violent ideology and divisive rhetoric. One detainee is dead and two more are critically injured after a rooftop sniper fired indiscriminately at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Facility, also known as ICE yesterday. The gunman later died from a self-inflicted gunshot. Dallas ICE Director Joshua Johnson says it's being investigated as an act of targeted violence. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking the shooter reportedly left behind notes including a game plan of the attack and target areas at the facility. One note reportedly says he wanted to give ICE agents a sense of “terror”, the shooter describing ICE employees as "people showing up to collect a dirty pay check". LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump lashed out at the world on climate change and immigration while addressing the UN's General Assembly. With a MAGA style rally speech, Trump began by touting his own domestic achievements. He went on to say the United Nations doesn't come close to its tremendous potential. Trump also claimed open border policies are a failed experiment and warned against the 'green scam'. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley labelled the speech 'extraordinary' and raised concerns over what this could mean for the US' relationship with allies. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Secret Service has dismantled a massive network of electronic devices that could have been used to disable New York City's cellphone network, officials say. Investigators found devices in vacant properties within 55km of the UN General Assembly meeting that's taking place in Manhattan this week. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that allegedly foreign governments and criminals located in the US are using this network to run their organisations. He says they appear to have identified links to at least one foreign country and links to some known criminals, but have not said who. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Trump attends a memorial for Charlie Kirk and there's another Government shutdown looming over budget disagreements.

Thousands have gathered in Arizona for the memorial service of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk. Among those in attendance is a number of Republican politicians and high-profile names including The President, Vice President and Elon Musk. US Correspondent Richard Arnold says that the rise of political discourse around free speech has grown alongside the grieving. 'Seen by most as completely abhorrent alongside the grieving, we've also seen a growing political debate over freedom of speech.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The axing of Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show has sparked debate around freedom of speech. Kimmel has been pulled off air indefinitely by ABC over his comments relating to the Charlie Kirk killing. The late-night host suggested Kirk, who was shot at a Utah University last week, was killed by a pro-Trump Republican. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking reactions are sharply partisan. He says that some, like former Fox host Geraldo Rivera, believe Kimmel's statements were inappropriate and it's wrong to overthink the suspension and make it about government, censorship, and other issues. But on the other side, Arnold says, is people like former President Barack Obama, who says cancel culture has been taken to a new and dangerous level. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charlie Kirk's murder accused allegedly told his roommate about the fatal shooting. 22-year-old Tyler Robinson is facing seven charges including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice and witness tampering. US prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. US correspondent Charles Feldman says Robinson exchanged a series of texts and left a note for his roommate reportedly confessing to the murder. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 22-year-old charged with allegedly killing right-wing activist Charlie Kirk has made his first appearance in court. Tyler Robinson is facing seven charges including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering. Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University last week. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, which is something Trump had called for. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest from the USA with Washington bureau chief for The Guardian.

The fallout from Charlie Kirk's death continues as politicians, commentators and celebrities weigh-in on the situation. The likes of Stephen King, Ted Cruz and President Trump have all commented on the situation – with King and Cruz butting heads on twitter. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that the investigation into the killing is ongoing. He said that only the roommate of the suspected shooter has acted cooperatively so far. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The killing of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk is causing deep divide. He was shot while speaking at an event at a Utah University and later died in hospital. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says several people have lost their jobs for making comments after the assassination. He says it's caused other disruption as well, with a fight breaking out in Iowa after someone shouted profanities about Kirk. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Authorities say they are making significant progress in the manhunt for Charlie Kirk's killer. The highly influential conservative activist and Donald Trump ally died after being shot at an event at Utah Valley University yesterday morning. Investigators say they've recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle and have good quality video of their latest suspect. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking there has been bipartisan denunciation of the murder. He says there have been statements not just from Trump, but every living former president condemning this attack and any and all political violence. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US is on edge after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed today. The Donald Trump ally died after being shot in the neck at a campus event at Utah Valley University. The shooter remains on the run after reportedly fleeing from a rooftop. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says this incident is another watershed moment in the history of American gun violence. "We've seen politically motivated attacks in Washington DC, we've seen the shootings of Minnesota senators, Minnesota politicians earlier this year - and now we're seeing a conservative commentator assassinated in full view of the public." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Poland's shot down drones over its territory after repeated violations of its airspace during a Russian attack on Ukraine. It's shut four of its airports after warning of the drones in its airspace. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says this has sparked concern among NATO nations, with investigations ongoing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chicago is bracing for a major immigration enforcement operation.

Donald Trump says reports of his death have been greatly exaggerated. The US president is addressing media in the White House after his recent absence from the spotlight over the weekend sent social media into a tailspin. Health rumours have been ramping up since his diagnosis of a chronic vein condition, with photos of his bruised hand circling online. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking his reappearance comes after yet another federal judge ruled against his deployment of military tropes in Los Angeles in June. He says the ruling could have significant implications for the President's future plans if it holds, but the Trump Justice Department is planning on appealing. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are the repercussions of the US President's move to take over the Federal Reserve? 

A recent decision by the US Court of Appeal has ruled Trump's tariffs illegal. The court has said it will leave the tariffs in effect for the next few weeks, giving time for Trump to appeal the decision. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that although the President has been given the chance to appeal, his team are likely shaken by this ruling. ‘The back and forth shows the concern behind the scenes in Trump world. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minneapolis' Police Chief says they'll be working to make sure schools are protected following a shooting which killed two children. Eighteen people were also injured when a gunman shot through church windows at Annunciation Catholic School, before turning a gun on himself. The FBI's investigating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crimes targeting Catholics. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking a survey reveals that in the last year, there were at least 91 shootings on school grounds – almost two a week. He says the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in the United States is not illness or accidents, it's gun violence. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest from the meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump at the White House.