All Things with Kim Strassel
From the Wall Street Journal Opinion page, “Potomac Watch” columnist Kim Strassel goes one-on-one with the newsmakers of the week: from candidates to campaign-managers, politicians to pollsters. The place to find news, insight and debate on both the overhyped and overlooked Washington storylines. Send your feedback to atkim@wsj.com.
Episodes
Sen. Dan Sullivan on ‘Decoy Dan’ and Alaska's Battleground Senate Race
Control of the Senate in the midterm balance and Democrats are pouring money into Alaska. On this episode of All Things, Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan talks to Kim Strassel about the “decoy” candidate causing confusion for voters across the state.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Congress Returns for a Pre-Midterm Sprint
Congress is back from recess and is diving into a mountain of unfinished work, including a third reconciliation bill. But what’s in Reconciliation 3.0, and what else does the GOP plan to tackle? On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel speaks with Republican Study Committee Chair Rep. August Pfluger about the GOP's latest approach to the SAVE America Act, the signs that Democrats intend to trig
Midterm Splits on the Right and Left
Democratic Socialists candidates sweep the New York primary for U.S. House seats, further dividing a fractured Democratic party. And President Donald Trump escalates his feud with Senate Republicans over his Save America elections bill, unrepentant for his role in cashiering incumbents. What does this all mean for the midterms? On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel speaks with Don “Stew” Ste
Vivek Ramaswamy’s Campaign Pledge: Make Ohio 'Greater' Than Ever
The coming midterms will feature a whopping 39 gubernatorial races, many for open seats. Ohio is shaping up to be one of the more competitive races, despite its solid GOP leanings. Entrepreneur, author and GOP nominee Vivek Ramaswamy joins Kim Strassel to talk about his race against Democrat Amy Acton. He discusses his desire to turn Ohio into a state that competes with Texas and Florida, offering
Post-Iran, Will Donald Trump Turn His Eye to Ukraine?
Donald Trump is using the G7 summit in France to tout his deal with Iran, and to suggest he'll now turn more attention to the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. What's the latest in that conflict, and what more should the U.S. be doing? On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel speaks with American Enterprise Institute President Robert Doar about his recent visit to the Ukraine--what he saw
NRSC Chair Tim Scott Handicaps the Senate Midterm Map
The 2026 primary season is in full swing, and both parties are gearing up for record midterm spending. As Republicans battle to maintain their Senate majority, where is the party placing its biggest bets? On this episode of All Things, National Republican Senatorial Campaign Chair Tim Scott (R., S.C.) walks Kim Strassel through the dynamics of his map, from Maine to Texas to Alaska. Where is the G
Mike Pence's Mission to Rekindle the Conservative Conscience
Donald Trump’s second presidential term has produced conservative victories, but has also sparked a populist right that is pushing the Republican Party away from its Reagan foundations. Former Vice President Mike Pence sees the movement once again at "a time for choosing," and is working to push it back toward those foundational principles. On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel and Pence tal
The Left's Exercise In Political Self-Deception
The Democratic Party ducked an honest discussion about why it lost 2024 presidential election, releasing an incomplete autopsy of Joe Biden’s abandoned campaign, Kamala Harris’ struggles, and the party's disconnect with voters. What's next for the left? On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel and political scientist Ruy Teixeira look at what the DNC did (and didn’t) say, the reasons behind the
A Crucial Swing Senate Race in North Carolina
Primary season has come for the 2026 midterm election, and with razor-thin margins in both chambers of Congress, so-called purple states have become crucial battlegrounds for control of the Senate. In North Carolina, Republican Michael Whatley has secured his party’s nomination and will face off against former Democratic governor Roy Cooper to replace the retiring Thom Tillis. On this episode of A
The Imprisonment of Jimmy Lai
Donald Trump will travel to Beijing this week for a high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. President Trump has said that one issue he will bring up during the meeting is the imprisonment of Jimmy Lai, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for crimes against the National Security Law. On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel speaks with Lai’s close friend and Wall Street Journal
Trump Launches 'Operation Freedom'
President Donald Trump announces “Project Freedom,” a new initiative to get ships through the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran responds by launching missiles and drones at the United Arab Emirates and U.S. warships. What does this mean for the fragile ceasefire and talks with Iran? On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel speaks with Seth Jones, president of the Defense and Security Department at the
Dana Perino on Presidential Security and Purple States
The attempted assassination of Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner has led to questions about how best to protect the president and other officials in a dangerous situation. What went right with the response to the shooting and what improvements can be made? On this episode of All Things, Fox News anchor and former White House Press Secretary Dana Perino talks to Kim Strassel ab
Sen. Tom Cotton on the Iran Blockade, Reconciliation and Surveillance
The U.S. blockade of Iran continues amid an uncertain round of peace negotiations, while Congress wrestles with the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown and the looming lapse of a key foreign surveillance tool. On this episode of All Things, Intelligence Committee Chair Sen. Tom Cotton talks with Kim Strassel about the status of the blockade and the potential for regime collapse in Ira
The Red State Tax Revolution vs. the Blue State Exodus
A wave of flat-tax reforms is sweeping ‘red’ states, while blue jurisdictions like New York and California drive away more residents by going on a taxing binge. On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel talks with Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist about the good news on taxes at both the state and federal level. They dive into new innovations in the state flat-tax movement in th
What's a Successful Iran Endgame?
Donald Trump is now declaring the conflict with Iran will end in a matter of weeks. But with troops moving to the region and the future of the Strait of Hormuz still uncertain, how close is the United States to an actual endgame? And what does a successful end look like? On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel speaks with Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of the Iran program at the Foundatio
Congress Gets Serious About Reopening DHS--and Reconciliation 2.0
There’s chaos at American airports thanks to a Department of Homeland Security shutdown, but the Senate is finally getting serious about a deal. That might include Republicans finally tackling a new reconciliation bill. On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel goes inside the negotiations with the Chairwoman of the House Committee on Rules, Rep. Virginia Foxx. What's likely to be in a DHS bill,
A Tidal Wave of Momentum for School Choice
The school-choice wave rolls on, with reformers winning big victories from Texas to Kentucky. Teachers’ unions are losing the political battle, but are still waging ugly, rearguard actions. On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel speaks with American Federation for Children CEO Tommy Schultz about how Donald Trump’s new federal tax-credit scholarship program is putting Democratic governors in
Shannon Bream On the Supreme Court in the Age of Trump
For all of Donald Trump's headlines, the current Supreme Court is making an equally big mark on the nation. On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel speaks with “Fox News Sunday” host and Fox chief legal correspondent Shannon Bream about the court's efforts to get the branches "back in their lanes" and the fight over its "emergency" docket, as well as Trump's efforts to force it to confront uns
What Comes Next in Iran?
U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran have killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top leaders, while wiping out much of Iran's military capacity. But what remains to be done, and what does the region look like when strikes end? On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel speaks with Foundation for Defense of Democracies Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer about the initial success of the strikes,
America’s Digital Currency Revolution
As America celebrates 250 years of political and economic freedom, the Securities and Exchange Commission is racing to make the U.S. the global leader in digital assets and cryptocurrencies. On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel speaks with SEC Chairman Paul Atkins about his vision for modernizing U.S. capital markets and what it will take to "future-proof" American finance, as well as the a
Donald Trump’s Deregulation Blitz
Donald Trump has issued some 225 executive orders, many aimed at rolling back regulatory overreach. How does his approach in his second term compare to that of his first? On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel and Competitive Enterprise Institute President Kent Lassman look at the administration's overall strategy, as well as specifics, including EPA's move to rescind the 2009 endangerment fi
Senate Showdown in the Lone Star State
Texas Sen. John Cornyn in three weeks faces a primary challenge from Attorney General Ken Paxton, a raucous contest that could factor into Republicans' ability to maintain their slight Senate majority. On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel speaks with Sen. Cornyn about the state of the race and the mood of Texas voters, whether Donald Trump will weigh in with an endorsement, and what's happe
Ben Shapiro on the State of the Conservative Movement
In recent appearances at Turning Point USA's America Fest and the Heritage Foundation, Ben Shapiro called out the danger from conservative commentators who host Hitler apologists and indulge in conspiracy theories. On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel talks to the Daily Wire co-founder about the response, the current state of the movement, the growth of an anti-free-market right, the upside
Where Do Voters Stand on Immigration Amid the Minnesota Shootings?
Donald Trump made immigration policy central to his 2024 victory, and his successful closure of the border remains popular with voters. But in the wake of two law-enforcement shootings in Minnesota and amid protests across the country, where does the public stand now? On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel breaks down the numbers with pollster Scott Rasmussen, as well as discusses where the p
How Should the U.S. Respond to Iran's Brutal Crackdown?
Iran's regime continues its brutal treatment of protestors determined to overthrow the authoritarian government. President Trump is promising that help is on the way, but what should he do, and what should he avoid? On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel speaks with Foundation for Defense of Democracies CEO Mark Dubowitz about the magnitude of this moment, the traps Trump should avoid, the mo
The Minnesota Fraud Scandal Claims Tim Walz’s Political Career
Crushed by the welfare-fraud scandal in Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz-- Kamala Harris’s 2024 running mate --has ended his run for a third term and put his political career on pause. The Trump administration is meanwhile cracking down on Minnesota's fraud-riddled program. What does the scandal mean for the state, the federal antipoverty machinery, and upcoming midterm politics? On this episode All T
2025 In Review: The Best of All Things with Kim Strassel
All Things ends the year with a look back at some of Kim’s favorite guests, including Sen. John Kennedy, Dana Perino, Mike Pence and more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise on the GOP’s Healthcare and Permitting Reforms
Congress is racing through its final week of the year, with the House planning votes on two major reforms: Providing alternatives to costly Obamacare and fixing the National Environmental Policy Act permitting process. On this episode of All Things with Kim Strassel, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise details his party’s plans for both, explaining the GOP's new drive for choice in the healthcare
What Comes Next in the Comey and James Indictments
A federal judge dismissed the Trump Department of Justice lawsuits against former FBI director James Comey and New York attorney general Letitia James on procedural grounds, but could they be revived? And how? Also, where do things stand on the broader lawfare battlefield? On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel speaks with law professor Jonathan Turley about why the charges were dismissed aga
The Rising Cost of Healthcare and What To Do About It
Congress claims keeping healthcare premiums down is a top priority, with Democrats going so far as to shut down the government over extending ObamaCare subsidies. But what exactly is driving prices higher, and how should Washington go about truly fixing it? On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel speaks with healthcare policy expert Avik Roy about the "original sin" of American healthcare poli
A Prosecutor’s View of the Jeffrey Epstein Files
Now Congress has voted to require the Justice Department to release the Jeffrey Epstein files, what types of information are about to land, and what damage might that information cause? On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel queries former federal prosecutor Jim Trusty about both the legal and political angles, including Donald Trump’s reversal on producing the files, the likelihood of a smok
Conservatives and the Rise of the 'New Right'
Tucker Carlson's interview with white supremacist Nick Fuentes--and Heritage Foundation President Kevin Robert's initial defense of it--is highlighting a rift in the conservative movement. While the Heritage president has since walked back that support, the fight underscores fringe elements of today's New Right movement and risks to the coalition going forward.
On this episode of All Things, Kim
The Tuesday Election Stakes
What will New York City's election of Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani mean for the future of the Democratic Party? Why is New Jersey GOP gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli so outperforming his Virginia counterpart, Winsome Earle-Sears? And how much will Tuesday's elections really matter to next year's midterms and Donald Trump's governance? On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel spe
The Federal Shutdown's Other Casualty: The States
The shutdown pain for federal workers and programs like Obamacare is all the news, but the 50 states are also starting to feel the crunch. How and when did the states become so dependent on Washington, D.C. dollars and what's that doing to the national debt? On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel speaks with Senior Executive Vice President at the State Policy Network Tony Woodlief about how s
House Speaker Mike Johnson on Shutdown Risks and Democratic Demands
The government shutdown has been going on for more than three weeks, and neither side is budging. On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel talks to House Speaker Mike Johnson about the closure calculations of Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, why he hasn't yet sworn in Arizona's Adelita Grijalva, and the likelihood that the shutdown could soon grow painful for far more Americans--as more fligh
Sen. John Kennedy on the Senate, Stupidity and Shutdowns
Louisiana Republican John Kennedy (R-L.A.)--also known as 'America's most quotable senator'--joins this episode of All Things with an update on the government closure, and the lowdown on his (hilarious) new book, 'How to Test Negative for Stupid.' Kim Strassel queries the senator on how he comes up with his classic lines, his thoughts on the Trump administration so far, his amusing insights on wha
Breaking Down the Shutdown
With negotiations at a standstill, the government is headed for a shutdown. Can Democrats sell a healthcare message, or will voters view this as yet more anti-Donald-Trump resistance? Is this a liability for the White House, or OMB Director Russ Vought's opportunity to produce more sweeping federal-worker firings? What exactly gets shut down, how inconvenient will it be for Americans, and when wil
Untangling the Free-Speech Muddle
Recent threats by Attorney General Pam Bondi to prosecute "hate speech" and by Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr to penalize ABC affiliates over Jimmy Kimmel's comments have thrust the nation into a muddled conversation over free speech. On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel asks Institute for Free Speech Chairman Brad Smith to sort through the basics: What does the First Amen
Lawmaker Safety in the Wake of Charlie Kirk’s Murder
The assassination of Charlie Kirk and the rising tide of political violence is turning a spotlight on how best to keep Congress and other members of government safe. What kind of protection do political leaders have now, and what more do they need? What challenges come with protecting members both in Washington, D.C., and also in their home districts and states? On this episode of All Things, Kim
How to Tackle an Affordable-Housing Crisis
President Donald Trump is considering declaring a national housing emergency to deal with high home costs, but what can the federal government actually do, and will it make a difference? On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel speaks with former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Dr. Ben Carson about cutting regulatory burdens, increasing tax incentives, expanding financing for unconventi
Donald Trump's Anti-Crime Spree
Donald Trump’s decision to send the National Guard into Washington, D.C. to tackle crime is provoking backlash from Democrats across the nation. But Republicans are leaning in on law and order, seeing it as political winner in next year's midterms. Will the president now escalate, and send troops to other cities? On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel speaks with Wall Street Journal columnist
Trey Gowdy on Advocating for Crime Victims and the Danger of ‘Progressive Prosecutors’
Trey Gowdy is known as a former congressman and a Fox News television host, but he remains a prosecutor at heart and has now poured that experience into his newly released first novel, "The Color of Death." On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel and Gowdy discuss the real work "good" prosecutors do, the emotional toll it can take, and the worrisome trend of prosecutors focusing more on politi
Making Congress Great Again
Public approval of Congress remains low, as Americans no longer think the polarized institution is even capable of performing basic functions. But does the gridlock really all come down to partisanship? On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel speaks with the Bipartisan Policy Center's J.D. Rackey about the congressional rules, procedures and trends that get in the way of action, and some of th
The Gerrymandering Wars Heat Up
A battle of restricting in Texas has created a national firestorm, with Lone Star State Democrats fleeing to other states, and governors from California to New York getting in on the fight. But what is gerrymandering, how did it start, and what does it mean for Donald Trump’s second term? On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel speaks with legal scholar and former member of the Federal Electio
Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Resetting the Climate Debate
The Department of Energy's new climate report is making waves, offering a fresh look at the alarmist claims pushed by special-interest groups and prior administrations. The report's five scientists lay out data showing that while climate change is real, it isn't the threat suggested by media or the climate lobby. On this episode of All Things, Energy Secretary Chris Wright takes Kim Strassel throu
The Political Origins of the Russia 'Collusion' Hoax
Recently declassified documents by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard are illuminating the political origins of the infamous Russia “collusion” hoax that began with the 2016 election. On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel and investigative journalist Michael Shellenberger take a deep dive into the new material. Just how far did the Barack Obama administration go to manipulate in
Are Republicans Capable of Cutting Spending?
Donald Trump scored a victory with the passage of his ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill,” and lawmakers recently approved a rescissions package that cuts $9 billion in spending. Yet Republicans remain far from their campaign promises to rein in the Joe Biden-era spending spree. On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel speaks to one of the Senate's fiscal conservatives, Florida's Rick Scott, about the pr
Saudi Arabia’s Transformation and its Role in the Middle East
The U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran put a new spotlight on Saudi Arabia, where Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is rapidly shifting his country both domestically and on the world stage. On this episode of All Things, journalist Karen Elliott House--drawing on her new book, "The Man Who Would Be King"--explains the crown prince's work to rein in clerics, to reduce restrictions on women, music and "fun
Senate Majority Leader John Thune on Donald Trump’s War Powers and the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’
Will the ceasefire deal between Iran and Israel hold, and what will Donald Trump do next if it doesn’t? And will the Senate finally pass the President’s “one, big, beautiful” spending bill? Kim Strassel speaks with Senate Majority Leader John Thune about why he thinks Sen. Tim Kaine’s War Powers resolution will ultimately fail on the Senate floor, why getting rid of green tax “scams” is one of his
Linda McMahon on the Department of Education's 'Final Mission'
Forty-five years after its creation, the Department of Education has spent $3 trillion, even as educational outcomes have declined and the agency now swims in student-loan debt. On this episode of All Things, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon breaks down Donald Trump's plan to return education to the states--and to ultimately close the department. She explains cuts to the federal bureaucracy; p
Agriculture Sec. Brooke Rollins on Reforming Food Benefits and Returning Power to the States
The Department of Agriculture is walking point on federal food-stamp reform, and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins joins All Things to talk about the more controversial changes. She explains the need for work requirements and cost sharing in the program--both proposals in congressional Republicans' "Big Beautiful Bill"--as well as her "passion" for "devolving power back to the people" by gra
Karl Rove on the GOP's Good, Bad and Ugly--So Far
Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” is roiling the Senate, Elon Musk is leaving Washington behind (for now), and the courts are finally digging into the many Trump lawsuits. As the Trump administration transitions from early days to day-to-day governing, what is it getting right, and where's it missing the boat? On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel speaks with political strategist and Wall
Federalism in the Second Trump Administration
Donald Trump is shaking up Washington, but how is his second term playing in the states? On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel interviews a leader uniquely situated to give a perspective. Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy talks about the punitive regulations the Joe Biden administration levied on his state, and Trump's more recent efforts to revive the state-federal partnership. The governor explain
Rep. Chip Roy on the Inside Battle over the ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’
Donald Trump met Tuesday morning with the House GOP to rally support for his “big, beautiful” reconciliation bill, which the President and House Speaker Mike Johnson hope to pass by Memorial Day. On this episode of All Things, Rep. Chip Roy (R., Texas)--who has been leading the fight for more savings in the legislation-- reports on the president's message, breaks down the fights over Medicaid refo
A Deep Dive Into Immigration Law and Donald Trump's Deportation Policies
Former federal prosecutor Andy McCarthy joins All Things to jump into the weeds of the immigration law and deportation cases currently dominating the news. Donald Trump was elected on promises of sweeping immigration reform, but which of his actions are likely to be upheld by courts? McCarthy breaks down deportation rules, the definition of asylum and the use of the Alien Enemies Act, while he and
Taxes and Tariffs With the ‘Grumpy Economist’
What to make of our “two doll, five pencil” economy? On this episode of All Things, the Hoover Institution's John Cochrane explains the bigger problem of Donald's Trump's tariff policy: it is focused only on the symptoms of a bigger U.S. structural disease. The "Grumpy Economist" also highlights his favorite Trump deregulatory moves so far, lays out the tax flaws in Congress's "one, big, beautiful
Sen. John Cornyn on How Congress Can Pressure China
President Donald Trump has placed huge new tariffs on China, though he's under economic and political pressure to reduce or pause them. How else can the U.S. address threats posed by China? On this episode of All Things, Sen. John Cornyn explains his bipartisan legislation to require notification and prohibition of some U.S. investment in critical technologies in China. He gives an update on Congr
Former Vice President Mike Pence Grades Trump 2.0
As the second Donald Trump administration nears its first 100 days, how does it compare to the first? On this episode of All Things, former Vice President Mike Pence shares with Kim Strassel his view on what this Trump team is getting right (hint: China tariffs), as well as what it's getting wrong (hint: broad-based tariffs). He warns Republicans against the “bad politics” of raising taxes, explai
All Things With Kim Strassel: Dana Perino Dishes Life Advice.
Drawing on her time as a former White House press secretary and Fox News host--and the entertaining life stories of friends and colleagues--Dana Perino in this episode of All Things discusses the big takeaways of her new book, "I Wish Someone Had Told Me," an advice guide for graduates and professionals. She also grades the Trump administration on its first months' communications strategy, and tal
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum Takes On Everything
With a sprawling portfolio that spans national lands, wildlife, oceans and Indian Affairs, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum sits at the intersection of key areas of Donald Trump's agenda. In this episode of All Things, Secretary Burgum lays out his vision for getting national lands to again "benefit" Americans, with big plans for energy production, permitting, housing development, timber management
What Happened to the Once-Great State of California?
Governor Gavin Newsom has turned California into a prime example of everything that can go wrong under Democratic leadership, piling on green initiatives that stifle business and raise prices, while allowing crime and homelessness to explode. What will it take for the Golden State to make a comeback? On this episode of All Things, political commentator and possible gubernatorial candidate Steve Hi
Reconciliation, DOGE and Democrats: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito
Now that Speaker Mike Johnson's House Republicans have passed “one big beautiful” budget blueprint, where are Senate Republicans in completing Donald Trump's tax, border and energy agenda? On this episode of All Things, Senate policy committee chair Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) talks about current Senate Republican policy divides in the reconciliation process, including the challenges of ref
Coming Next Week: All Things with Kim Strassel
From the Wall Street Journal Opinion page, “Potomac Watch” columnist Kim Strassel goes one-on-one with the newsmakers of the week: from candidates to campaign-managers, politicians to pollsters. The place to find news, insight and debate on both the overhyped and overlooked Washington storylines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection an
Recommended
Dubs Talk: A Golden State Warriors Podcast
A Life Engineered
پادکست بهزاد بلور | Behzad Bolour's Podcast
Beauty of Real Love
Brazo Wa Afrika Addictive Sessions
The Rabbit Hole: Conspiracy Theories
Detection Dispatch (Alex's Version)
Native Plants, Healthy Planet
The Conspiracy Podcast
Cult of Conspiracy
Dispatches from Reality
Ghost Stories For The End Of The World
