The Playbook Podcast

The Indiana state Senate on Thursday rejected a proposed congressional map backed by President Donald Trump that would have all but guaranteed an additional two safe Republican seats, dealing a major blow to the president’s nationwide redistricting push. The rejection marks a rare loss for Trump during his second term, as state-level lawmakers flex their own political power in the face of an intense pressure campaign. Playbook’s Adam Wren and White House reporter Megan Messerly discuss why Indiana Republicans stiff-armed Trump and what it means for the midterm map.

President Donald Trump has shaken up the way that America interacts with the rest of the world in nearly every way since he returned to office earlier this year. It’s a reality that is only becoming more apparent as Trump continues to navigate efforts to secure peace in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Longstanding alliances with Europe have taken precedent in the past, but that appears to no longer be the case. So what does this mean for the futures of Russia, Ukraine and U.S.-European relations? Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and White House reporter Megan Messerly dig in.

President Donald Trump made an affordability push on Tuesday night in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, where he spoke for more than an hour-and-a-half. The speech was billed as a major opening salvo in an increasing affordability push from the White House ahead of the midterms. The president clung to the idea that the high day-to-day expenses many Americans are facing is the fault of former President Joe Biden. But at various points he also veered off on tangents. So what do voters really think? Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and White House reporter Megan Messerly dig in.

In this special edition of the Playbook Podcast, we're bringing you an interview with President Donald Trump. POLITICO's Dasha Burns sat down with the president for The Conversation to discuss his global influence, especially his involvement in trying to end the Ukraine-Russia war and his evolving relationship with America’s longtime allies in Europe and beyond. Plus, they discuss the situation in Venezuela, domestic issues like affordability and rising healthcare costs and more.

Major cases coming before the Supreme Court will force the justices to consider the extent of President Donald Trump’s power. Today, the high court will hear oral arguments in Trump v. Slaughter, which will determine whether a president has the authority to reshape independent federal agencies. And over the weekend, the justices indicated that they would take up the landmark case on birthright citizenship. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and White House reporter Megan Messerly walk through what to know ahead of the day’s proceedings, plus what Trump said about the Ukraine peace negotiations.