Washington Today
Catch up on the biggest stories of the day from Washington with interviews and analysis from leading journalists. Posted weekdays at 6:30 pm ET. From C-SPAN, the network that brings you the "Q&A" podcast.
Episodes
June jobs report; U.S. does not extend USMCA; reflecting pool 'vandalism' indictment; Spkr. Johnson & Min. Ldr. Jeffries at America 250th anniv. celebrations
U.S. economy adds 57,000 jobs in June, according to the Labor Department, about half what many economists expected. Unemployment rate falls from 4.3% to 4.2%, mainly due to people leaving the labor market; U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer explains why the Trump Administration has decided not to extend the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. We hear from him and talk with Washington Post tr
Pres. Trump asked about $1B+ crypto income; Pres. Trump opens Theodore Roosevelt Pres. Library in ND; Dem. Socialist wins Cong. primary in CO
President Donald Trump is asked about the over $1 billion he earned from cryptocurrency, according to a new financial disclosure; President travels to North Dakota for the opening of a new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, part of the celebration of America's 250th anniversary; another self-described Democratic Socialist Congressional candidate defeats a Democratic incumbent, this time in C
Supreme Court upholds birthright citizenship and state law banning transgender athletes in school sports; Rep. Kean (R-NJ) says he was hospitalized for depression
Supreme Court upholds birthright citizenship under the Constitution's 14th Amendment, ruling unconstitutional President Donald Trump's Executive Order declaring that children born to parents who are in the United States illegally or temporarily are not American citizens; Supreme Court also rules that states may may ban transgender girls from participating in sports at publicly funded schools; U.S.
Supreme Court Rules on Trump, Lisa Cook, Mail Ballots & Congress Moves Housing Bill
The Supreme Court rejected President Trump's attempt to immediately remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook from office, while at the same time expanding presidential authority to remove other federal officials. The justices also upheld state laws allowing mail ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted even if they arrive afterward.
On Capitol Hill, Politico reports House Speaker Mike
The Weekly: Supreme Court Backs Trump on Immigration, Housing Bill Delayed & Campaign 2026 Results
This week on The Weekly, the Supreme Court hands President Trump two major victories on immigration, allowing the administration to end Temporary Protected Status for hundreds of thousands of migrants and continue turning asylum seekers away at the southern border. We also look at the president's decision to delay signing a bipartisan housing bill, new warnings about the U.S. Postal Service's long
Weekend Edition: White House's $86.7B Supplemental Spending Request, Great American State Fair, and AEI Survey on American Attitudes on Civic Education and Patriotism
In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal.
First: A discussion with NOTUS Senate reporter Igor Bobic – on the White House's $87.6 supplemental spending request.
Then: Axios reporter Mimi Montgomery discussed this week's opening of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall here in Washington - part of America 250 celebrations.
Finally: as
John Bolton pleads guilty to mishandling classified docs; House Oversight Cmte subpoenas billionaire Leon Black in Epstein investigation; Pres. Trump speaks at Faith & Freedom Coalition conf.
John Bolton, former national security adviser to President Donald Trump, in a plea deal pleads guilty to illegally retaining national security information, admitting to mishandling classified notes he used in a memoir. He has agreed to a $2.5 million fine and faces up to five years in
prison; House Oversight Committee leaders issue subpoenas for billionaire Leon Black after they say he did not ans
Supreme Court rules Haitians, Syrians with TPS can be deported; U.S. sends aid to Venezuela after earthquakes; inflation highest since 2023
Supreme Court rules the Trump Administration can move forward to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian and Syrian nationals living in the United States and does not have to offer immigrants turned away at the border the chance to apply for asylum, saying the immigrants never 'arrived in' the U.S. because they did not physically set foot in the country; Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) announces
Pres. Trump has tense exchange with Sen. Cassidy (R-LA) over Iran War; Pres. Trump cancels housing bill signing until Senate passes voter ID bill
President Donald Trump meets with Senate Republicans and news reports say there were some tense exchanges over the war with Iran. On the way out, he said it was a 'good meeting' and the party is 'unified', but he is not happy with every Republican Senator. He said, 'I don’t like a few people, but I think you know who they are'; President postpones signing a bipartisan housing bill into law, he say
Senate joins House in passing Iran War Power Act resolution to require Pres. withdraw U.S. military; Pres. Trump visits Pennsylvania to talk about economy
Senate passes an Iran War Powers Act resolution to require the President to withdraw U.S. military forces. House also passed it, but it is symbolic. It will not go to the president desk for a signature or veto, and therefore has no force of law; President Trump insists Iran will allow international nuclear inspectors to enter their country, despite what they are saying now, and Secretary of State
VP Vance says Iran will allow nuclear inspectors; Senate prepares to pass housing bill
Vice President Vance says peace talks with Iran set "a good foundation;" The Senate prepares to pass a bipartisan affordable housing bill; and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigns.
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Weekend Edition: U.S. Economic Outlook, Education & Use of A.I., and Family Research Council
In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal.
First: A discussion with Mike Konczal of the Economic Security Project and Richard Stern of Advancing American Freedom, discuss the U.S. economic outlook and the Iran War's impact on the economy.
Then: American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten discusses challenges facing education & the use
Juneteenth federal holiday; Pres. Trump unveils new Air Force One jet; U.S.-Iran talks in Geneva postponed
On this Juneteenth National Independence Day federal holiday, we hear from two African-American U.S. Senators, Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Tim Scott (R-SC); President Donald Trump unveils the Boeing 747-8 that was a gift from Qatar and will serve as the new Air Force One. It is painted the president's preferred red, white & blue; Israel and Hezbollah agree to a ceasefire in Lebanon after continued mili
Barack & Michelle Obama dedicate Obama Presidential Center in Chicago; Defense Secretary Hegseth announces review of U.S. forces in Europe
Former President Barack Obama at the opening of his presidential center in Chicago calls on Americans to look to the future, saying, 'We want to find a way to look toward each other again, not further away' and 'I hope this center will serve as an affirmation of just how special, how precious, our democracy truly is'; Vice President JD Vance defends the memorandum of understanding with Iran, sayin
Pres. Trump says he will bomb Iran again if it violates peace deal; DNI Dir. nominee confirmation hearing canceled; Fed leaves interest rates unchanged
President Donald Trump in a concluding news conference at the G7 Summit in France says if Iran does not follow the agreement it will sign
with the U.S. on Friday, the U.S. will resume bombing Iran; Senate confirmation hearing for Director of National Intelligence nominee Jay Clayton is postponed after President Trump prevents the nominee from testifying. Confirmation of a new DNI was expected to c
Pres. Trump says he'll send U.S.-Iran deal to Congress for review; Senate defeats Iran War Powers Act res.; Senate Budget Cmte holds hearing for OMB Dep Dir nominee
President Donald Trump at the G7 summit in France praises the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU) as a document that normalizes relations between the U.S. and Iran after months of warfare, indicates the text could be made public before the formal signing in Switzerland on Friday, and says he could send it to Congress for review; Senate votes for a 9th time on an Iran War Powers resolution
Trump Claims Iran Agreement Is Close; Senate Eyes FISA Extension
President Trump says the United States and Iran are close to finalizing an agreement to end the war, but major disagreements remain. Iran is demanding an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that won't happen. We hear from both leaders on the latest developments.
Plus, the Senate returns to Washington with a possible extension of FISA surveillance author
Weekend Edition: Inflation at Three-Year High, Conditions at Immigration & Customs Enforcement Detention Centers, and Changes to the Federal Workforce
In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal.
First: A discussion with Manhattan Institute's Allison Schrager, about the new inflation numbers hitting a three-year high.
Then: ProPublica's Perla Trevizo discusses the conditions at Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers across the U.S.
Finally: Max Stier of the Partnership for Public Ser
Elon Musk is 1st trillionaire after SpaceX IPO; reports of progress in U.S.-Iran peace talks; DNI Gabbard says U.S. funded dangerous biolab research
SpaceX begins trading above its listing price following a record-setting IPO, making founder Elon Musk the world's first-ever trillionaire; Victims of the deadly Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida are remembered on this 10th anniversary; reports of progress in talks to end the war between the U.S. & Iran. Pakistan's Prime Minister says “final, agreed upon text of the peace deal has been
FISA Sect. 702 spying power set to expire after House defeats extension; Pres. Trump calls of Iran bombing, says deal to end war being finalized
House votes down an extension of the foreign spying power called FISA Sect. 702 a day before it is set to expire, with many Democrats upset at President Trump naming FHFA Director Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence; after the vote, President Trump nominates Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commis
Trump Threatens New Iran Strikes, Bill Gates Testifies on Epstein Ties, Inflation Hits 4.2%
President Trump says the U.S. will resume attacks on Iran amid stalled negotiations, inflation reaches a three-year high, Bill Gates appears before the House Oversight Committee to answer questions about Jeffrey Epstein, and we preview tonight's Congressional Baseball Game.
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House passes $70B ICE/CPB funding on party-line vote; Pres. Trump says U.S. 'must' respond to U.S. Army helicopter downed by Iran; NASA reveals Artemis III crew
House joins the Senate in passing $70 billion, budget reconciliation, multiyear funding bill for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs & Border Protection, ending a four month showdown with Democrats over whether federal immigration enforcement should be reformed; President Trump says the U.S. 'must' respond to an attack
from Iran on a U.S. army helicopter that was patrolling over the S
GOP budget reconciliation bill to fund ICE & CPB moves to House; Pres. Trump attends NBA Finals game at MSG
Republicans’ budget reconciliation package is now in the House’s hands, and they could approve the immigration bill this week; Another contentious issue boils in the Senate, extending the government's overseas warrantless spy powers authority known as FISA. That power expires on Friday, but Congress has repeatedly punted an extension for
the past two months. And throwing a wrench into this time, P
Weekend Edition: Immigration Enforcement, Anti-Weaponization Fund, and PBS Frontline Documentary on Trump's "War Cabinet"
In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal.
First: A discussion about the Trump Administration's immigration enforcement and deportation policies with Lora Ries of the Heritage Foundation.
Then: Donald Sherman of Citizens for Responsibility & Ethics in Washington discusses his organization's efforts to block the Trump Administration's "anti-weaponizati
Senate Vote-a-Rama Begins on GOP Immigration Funding Bill as Trump Announces Key Nomination
The Senate vote-a-rama is underway as Republicans push toward passage of a 70-billion-dollar budget reconciliation package to fund the Trump administration's immigration enforcement priorities.
The process began this morning with an amendment from Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer that would have sent the bill back to committee and prohibited funding for the President's proposed 1.8-billio
Senate Begins Debate on GOP Reconciliation Bill Amid High-Profile Hearings
On Capitol Hill, Republicans are finally moving their reconciliation package forward.
The Senate voted this afternoon to begin debate on the measure, which no longer includes funding for President Trump's proposed White House ballroom.
The bill also comes after Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed that the administration's proposed $1.8 billion IRS "Anti-Weaponization Fund" has been dr
Bill Pulte Faces Capitol Hill Scrutiny, Rubio Testifies on Iran & C-SPAN2 Marks 40 Years of Senate Coverage
President Trump's decision to name Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence draws mixed reactions on Capitol Hill, with Democrats sharply criticizing the move and some Republicans expressing caution. We hear from lawmakers weighing in on the appointment.
Also, Secretary of State Marco Rubio testifies before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on efforts to reopen the Strait of
IRS "Weaponization" Fund Scrapped? Senate Returns, Iran Talks in Question & Primary Elections Ahead
The Trump administration is reportedly abandoning its controversial $1.8 billion IRS "weaponization" fund after bipartisan criticism and concerns raised by federal judges. We hear reaction from Capitol Hill and what the decision could mean for ongoing immigration funding negotiations.
Also, Iran says it has suspended talks with the United States following Israeli actions in Lebanon, while Presi
Weekend Edition: Texas GOP Senate Primary, Government Fraud, and Americans View of the Iran War
In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal.
First: A discussion with Cook Political Report's Jessica Taylor on what the brutal Texas GOP Senate primary tells us about President Trump's grip on the Republican party – and the bigger fight over the Senate this fall.
Then: OJ Oleka of the State Financial Officers Foundation discusses his group's efforts ac
Pres. Trump holds Situation Room meeting on possible deal to end Iran War; Former Atty. Gen. Bondi is interviewed by House Oversight Committee on Epstein files
President Donald Trump posts a list of requirements for any deal to end the war with Iran peacefully, then says he is meeting in the White House Situation Room to make a final determination. Some media reports say he did not reach a decision; Russian military drone hits an apartment building in Romania. U.S., NATO & the European Union condemn it as a 'reckless act' by Russia; Week ends as it began
Reports of possible U.S.-Iran deal to extend ceasefire, reopen Strait, launch nuclear talks; Treasury Dept exploring $250 bill with Pres. Trump's portrait
There are reports of a possible agreement between the U.S. and Iran to extend the ceasefire and start negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, while a new inflation report shows the increase in oil prices from the Iran war has led to the highest inflation level in three years. We will hear from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent; He is also asked about an effort to put President Donald Trump's port
Pres. Trump holds Cabinet meeting, talks about Texas primary results, Iran war negotiations, anti-ICE protests; retiring Sen. Durbin honored by Illinois legislature
President Donald Trump holds a Cabinet meeting at the White House, talking about Tuesday's election primary results, including in Texas, where his preferred Republican nominee for U.S. Senator, Ken Paxton, defeated incumbent John Cornyn. President also talks about talks to end Iran war, saying Iran was "negotiating on fumes" and "maybe we have to go back and finish it, maybe we don't"; and the Pre
Pres. Trump says physical went 'perfectly'; SC Senate GOP votes down GOP-leaning Cong. district map; Fed. workers to sign NDA's under proposed rule to prevent leaks
President Donald Trump has a routine physical fitness examination, posting 'Everything checked out PERFECTLY'; Republican South Carolina state senators help defeat a new Congressional district lines map intended to eliminate the state's only Black majority district and make the
entire delegation Republican; Election day in Texas, with the closely watch
Senate Republican primary runoff where Presid
Weekend Edition: David Hogg on Young Voters, Ken Cuccinelli on Redistricting Battles, and Trump RX
In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal.
First: A conversation with political activist David Hogg – founder of the group Leaders We Deserve -- about young voters and future of the Democratic Party
Then: We chat with former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli - national chair of the Election Transparency Initiative – on the redistricting battles
DNI Gabbard resigns, Fed Chair Warsh is sworn in; Sec. Rubio says there's been 'slight progress' in talks with Iran to end the war
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard resigns, she says to support her husband, who has been diagnosed with an extremely rare form of bone cancer; Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh is sworn-in at the White House. President Donald Trump tells him he wants him to be 'totally independent' when making decisions, such as on interest rates. Warsh says he will lead a 'reform-oriented Federal R
Senate GOP puts off debate & votes on $70 billion immigration agencies package over concerns about Pres. Trump's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization fund'
Senate Republicans cancel floor debate and votes on a $70 billion immigration agencies package known as the Budget Reconciliation bill because of concerns among Republicans about who would qualify to receive compensation under President Trump's $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund; President announces a rollback of environmental
regulations on greenhouse gas releasing refrigerants, he says, to low
Reaction to Rep. Massie (R-KY) losing primary to Pres. Trump-backed opponent; Justice Dept. indicts fmr. Cuban Pres. Raúl Castro; fmr. Rep. Frank (D-MA) dies
What did the results of Tuesday's Republican primaries, especially the defeat of targeted Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), say about the power of President Donald Trump's endorsement? We hear from the President, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and an ally of Massie, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA); Justice Department indicts 94-year-old Raúl Castro, former Cuban
president and defense minister, on murder and conspira
Acting AG Blanche defends $1.8B Anti-Weaponization Fund; Pres. Trump endorses TX AG Paxton over Sen. Cornyn in TX Senate GOP primary runoff
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche defends before a Senate subcommittee the newly-created $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund designed to compensate people unfairly targeted by the federal government. Democrats on the committee call it President Donald Trump's slush fund; President Trump endorses in the Texas U.S. Senate Republican primary runoff Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over incumben
Trump Delays Iran Strike, Senate Budget Fight Intensifies, CDC Confirms American Ebola Case
President Trump says he’s delaying a planned strike on Iran after pressure from Middle Eastern allies to continue diplomatic talks. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans push ahead on their reconciliation bill after key provisions were blocked by the Senate Parliamentarian. Plus — the CDC confirms an American aid worker has tested positive for Ebola amid new travel restrictions tied to the outbreak in Afr
The Weekly: Trump’s China Trip, Iran War Powers Fight & Senate Shutdown Pay Vote
President Trump travels to China for a high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping as tensions over trade, Taiwan, and global security continue shaping Washington politics. Congress debates another War Powers Resolution tied to Iran…while the Senate unanimously votes to withhold lawmakers’ pay during government shutdowns. Plus — the head of the U.S. Border Patrol resigns amid the administ
Weekend Edition: Federal Gas Tax, Career Education and Skilled Trades, and Trump Admin Taking Equity Stakes
In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal.
First: A discussion with Bipartisan Policy Center tax policy director Andrew Lautz about President Trump's proposal to pause the federal gas tax. We'll talk about potential impacts on consumers and tax revenue.
Then: We chat with former Congressman Jason Altmire- President & CEO of Career Education Colleges and
President Trump talks about Taiwan, Iran, political prisoners & trade on flight back from China; Hotline's Editor Kirk Bado on GOP primary challenges to Sen. Cassidy
President Donald Trump tells reporters he has 'made no commitment either way' on supporting Taiwan following his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping; President Trump also spoke on the flight home from China about discussions over the Iran war and closing of the Strait of Hormuz to oil shipments, political prisoners in China, and trade deals;
House soundly defeats a Republican-sponsored amendm
Pres. Trump meets Chinese Pres. Xi in Beijing; House defeats Iran War Powers Act resolution for third time; U.S. gives another $1.8 billion to UN for humanitarian aid
President Donald Trump meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Trump calls Xi a "great leader" and a "friend," says China wants to help end the Iran war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz and touts that China will buy 200 Boeing jet planes. Xi calls the U.S.-China relationship the most important in the world, but warns disagreements over Taiwan could lead to conflict; CENTCOM Commander A
Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed chair; House leaders react to Pres. Trump saying, ‘I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation' amid talks to end Iran war
Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve Chair, 54-45, mostly along party lines except Se. John Fetterman (D-PA) voted yes; House leaders react to President Donald Trump saying he does not "think about Americans' financial situation" when negotiating with Iran over a deal to end the war; Senate defeats for a seventh time an Iran War Powers Act
resolution offered by Democrats to force the Pre
Iran war pushes inflation to 3-year high; Pres. Trump starts trip to China; FDA Comm. Dr. Makary resigns; Ship operator in Key Bridge collapse indicted
Labor Department says inflation in April was 3.8 percent year over year, highest in three years, with the Iran war driving up energy and food prices; Senate leaders weigh in on President Trump's proposal to suspend the federal gas tax as the average for a gallon hits $4.50; Pentagon Comptroller Jay Hurst testifies to House & Senate Appropriations subcommittees that the war with Iran has cost so fa
Trump Says Iran Ceasefire on “Life Support” as Congress Returns for Surveillance, Immigration Fights
President Trump says the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is on “massive life support” after Iran’s latest counterproposal to end the war.
Media reports say Tehran’s offer included demands for war reparations…control over the Strait of Hormuz…an end to U.S. sanctions…and the return of frozen assets.
Iran also sought to keep nuclear talks separate from negotiations over the Strait.
The presid
The Weekly: Iran Conflict, Trump Influence, and Redistricting Fights Shape the 2026 Midterms
This week on The Weekly, tensions with Iran remain front and center — as President Donald Trump insists a ceasefire is holding, even as U.S. and Iranian forces exchange strikes in and around the Strait of Hormuz and questions grow in Congress over presidential war powers.
A major redistricting ruling in Virginia. The Supreme Court of Virginia strikes down a voter-approved referendum, restoring th
Weekend Edition: John Bolton on the war in Iran, Rising National Debt, and Mental Health Policy in the United States
In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal.
First: A discussion about the Trump administration's handling of the War in Iran, with the National Security Adviser in the FIRST Trump administration - John Bolton.
Then: Concord Coalition executive director and former Democratic congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux discusses the rising national debt and a new govern
Virginia Supreme Court strikes down new Dem.-leaning Cong. district map; April jobs report; Sec. of State Rubio on meeting Pope; Pentagon releases UAP files
Virginia Supreme Court strikes down the Congressional redistricting referendum approved by Virginia voters that would have created a new map that favored Democrats, ruling the state legislature did not follow proper state Constitutional amendment procedures; U.S. military says it fired on two Iranian-flagged oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, as Secretary of Marco Rubio says the U.S. is expectin
U.S., Gulf allies draft UN Sec. Council resolution condemning Iran for blocking Strait of Hormuz; Tenn. GOP passes new Cong. district map to flip sole Dem seat
U.S. and Gulf allies present a draft United Nations Security Council resolution condemning Iran's stopping commercial shipping, especially oil tankers, in Strait of Hormuz; Federal court of appeals is reportedly skeptical of the Pentagon's military punishment of Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) for his part in a video reminding servicemembers they have a duty not to follow illegal orders; World Health Organ
Iran says it is reviewing latest U.S. peace plan; White House salute to military mothers; Commerce Sec Lutnick testifies in Epstein probe; Ted Turner dies
Iran says it is looking over the latest U.S. plan to end the war, while President Donald Trump issues a new ultimatum to Iran: accept a deal to end the war or face U.S. bombing “at a much higher level and intensity than it was before”; President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump pay tribute to mothers of military servicemembers ahead of Mother's Day. First Lady says, "At the very heart of Americ
Pres. Trump & Defense Sec. Hegseth say Iran ceasefire still holds despite attacks in Strait of Hormuz; Rep. Garcia (D-TX) celebrates Cinco de Mayo
President Donald Trump & Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth both say the ceasefire in the war with Iran still holds, despite the attacks from Iran on U.S. ships and U.S. sinking Iranian small military boats; Secretary of State Marco Rubio fills in for White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt at a White House news conference while she is on maternity leave and is asked about his meeting later this
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