Planet AmericaSeason 2025
Campaign insiders, top reporters and pundits join the ABC's John Barron and The Chaser's Chas Licciardello on Planet America each week. Essential viewing for political junkies or those just trying to work out what on earth is going on in the US election.
Where to Watch Planet America • Season 2025
78 Episodes
- Friday 17/1/2025 - Biden's LegacyE1
Friday 17/1/2025 - Biden's LegacyPlanet America is back for a new year and a new political era in 2025! Chas and John take stock of Joe Biden's complicated legacy with former DNC Chair Howard Dean and discuss the catastrophic wildfires in California with disaster expert Jeff Schlegelmilch. - Wednesday 29/1/2025 - "Aggressive and Confrontational"E4
Wednesday 29/1/2025 - "Aggressive and Confrontational"A trade war, threats over Greenland and a plan to “clean out” Gaza. John and Chas discuss Trump’s foreign policy moments with The Heritage Foundation’s James Carafano. Also, as the ‘war on woke’ shifts up a gear, a judge blocks Trump’s freeze on federal funding - Weekend Edition (Friday 31/1/2025) - Blame GameE5
Weekend Edition (Friday 31/1/2025) - Blame GameTrump gets straight into the blame game after fatal Washington plane crash. RFK Jr and Tulsi Gabbard face skeptical senators, while Kash Patel is grilled about election denials. Plus 'Gold Bar Bob' goes to jail, and Chas examines transgender prison policy with Dr Alix McLearen. - Wednesday 5/2/2025 - New World Dis-OrderE6
Wednesday 5/2/2025 - New World Dis-OrderTariffs, threats and controversial cabinet picks. Canada and Mexico avoid a trade war, while Trump doubles down on a US "take over" of Gaza. Plus as the Senate clears a path for Gabbard and Kennedy, we ask former Congressman and Presidential Candidate Dennis Kucinich why he supports the controversial candidates. - Weekend Edition (Friday 7/2/2025) - Wrecking BallE7
Weekend Edition (Friday 7/2/2025) - Wrecking BallWhat's behind Trump's bid to 'take over' Gaza? We ask Middle East expert Brian Katulis. Plus as the world's richest man takes a wrecking ball to DC, we discuss the implications of Elon's government takeover with former USAID Director Jeremy Konyndyk. - Wednesday 12/2/2025 - The TakeoverE8
Wednesday 12/2/2025 - The TakeoverElon and Trump's blitz on the federal government continues - can the courts stop them? And with the Education Department also now on the chopping block, we ask Obama's Education Secretary Arne Duncan if it's worth saving. Plus RFK's 'MAHA' strikes a chord, and Trump looks to McKinley for inspiration. - Weekend Edition (Friday 14/2/2025) - Star Wars 2.0?E9
Weekend Edition (Friday 14/2/2025) - Star Wars 2.0?Will Trump's 'Iron Dome' make Americans safer? We ask National Security Expert Joseph Cirincione. Plus Trump's 'peace plan' with Putin over Ukraine, and the move to rename everything from Greenland to the Gulf of Mexico. And are Trump's executive orders leading to a constitutional crisis? - Wednesday 19/2/2025 - The Heart of The Peace DealE10
Wednesday 19/2/2025 - The Heart of The Peace DealAmerica and Russia hold peace talks as Trump blames Ukraine for the war. So, will Zelensky be handed a done deal? We ask foreign policy expert Professor Angela Stent. Also, the corruption case scandal of New York Mayor Eric Adams: is he selling out to save himself? - Weekend Edition (Friday 21/2/2025) - War of the WordsE11
Weekend Edition (Friday 21/2/2025) - War of the WordsTrump sides with Putin as he turns on Zelenskyy. Also, is the “chaotic” plan to send migrants to Guantanamo legal? Not according to former State Department legal adviser Professor Harold Koh. And five years after the start of COVID-19, will bird flu spark a human pandemic? We ask the Director of Brown University’s Pandemic Center, Professor Jennifer Nuzzo. - Wednesday 26/2/2025 - Goodbye Uncle SamE12
Wednesday 26/2/2025 - Goodbye Uncle SamTrump sides with Russia as UN vote deepens the US-European rift. Is it all part of the ‘deal’? We ask foreign policy expert Evelyn Farkas. Also, “what did you do last week?” The federal workers left in limbo after Elon Musk’s memo orders them to justify their jobs. - Weekend Edition (Friday 28/2/2025) - Beat the PressE13
Weekend Edition (Friday 28/2/2025) - Beat the PressThe White House seizes control of the press pool, while the House seizes control of the budget. We ask leading economic analyst Jessica Riedl if their sums might be a bit DOGE-y. Also, the industry set to cash in as Trump’s mass deportation plans get underway, and remembering the secret service agent who tried to save JFK. - Weekend Edition (Friday 7/3/2025) - Deadly OutbreakE15
Weekend Edition (Friday 7/3/2025) - Deadly OutbreakAs a second death is reported in the growing measles outbreak, we discuss falling vaccination rates with infectious disease expert Dr Syra Madad. And did we just witness the “dumbest trade war in history”? We ask the State Department’s former Deputy Chief Economist Philip Luck. Also, more from Ambassador Steven Pifer on the deal that forced Ukraine to give up its nukes. - Wednesday 12/3/2025 - Ceasefire a "Big Mistake"E16
Wednesday 12/3/2025 - Ceasefire a "Big Mistake"Is Donald Trump’s bully diplomacy with Ukraine working? We ask his former National Security Advisor John Bolton. Also, the tariff chaos causing a stock market meltdown and Elon’s bad week continues with “explosive” cabinet meeting. - Weekend Edition (Friday 14/3/2025) - Attack on Free Speech?E17
Weekend Edition (Friday 14/3/2025) - Attack on Free Speech?Could the crackdown on dissent lead to a new era of McCarthyism? And an iconic polling site shuts down, just as Trump’s approval ratings slump. With guests GWU Professor of Law Catherine Ross and FiveThirtyEight’s polling analyst Nathaniel Rakich. - Weekend Edition (Friday 21/3/2025) - JFK Files: No Smoking Gun?E19
Weekend Edition (Friday 21/3/2025) - JFK Files: No Smoking Gun?Spies, secrets but no smoking gun? Classified JFK assassination files finally revealed. Plus, Trump defies the courts with calls to impeach judges and deletes history with a DEI purge on military legends. With guests Penn Carey Law School’s Professor Kate Shaw and ‘In The Black Network’ host Sharon Reed. - Wednesday 9/4/2025 - Is He Serious?!E20
Wednesday 9/4/2025 - Is He Serious?!Trump's tariff turmoil continues, but what does he hope to achieve? We ask Michael Strain, director of economic policy at the American Enterprise Institute. Also, more on how Elon Musk spent $25 million on a Wisconsin election loss. - Weekend Edition (Friday 11/4/2025) - Is He Joking?!E21
Weekend Edition (Friday 11/4/2025) - Is He Joking?!Trump says he’s serious about running for a third term, but what about Canada as a 51st State? We ask military historian Eliot Cohen. Also, more stock market chaos after a backflip on tariffs and did the Supreme Court hand Trump a victory on the Alien Enemies Act? We ask UVA Constitutional Law Professor Sai Prakash. - Wednesday 16/4/2025 - Unchartered Waters?E22
Wednesday 16/4/2025 - Unchartered Waters?A US judge has slammed Donald Trump for failing to take steps to bring back a man who's been illegally deported to El Salvador. We ask USC Professor Jean Reisz if Trump can go a step further, and deport US citizens to foreign prisons. Also, an update on the spiralling trade wars and an arson attack on Governor Shapiro is the latest in an escalation of political violence. - Wednesday 23/4/2025 - Trump's War on HarvardE23
Wednesday 23/4/2025 - Trump's War on HarvardComing to you from the Situation Room! Trump attacks America’s oldest and richest college. We ask Harvard Professor Cornell William Brooks how Harvard is fighting back. Also, a divided Supreme Court loses patience over deportations to El Salvador. And how Wisconsin’s Governor used a powerful veto to lock in school funding for the next four centuries. - Wednesday 30/4/2025 - Fail of the CenturyE24
Wednesday 30/4/2025 - Fail of the CenturyComing to you from the Situation Room! Trump celebrates his first 100 days in office, so why are the polls turning against him? We ask The Atlantic’s Ashley Parker and Republican strategist Ford O’Connell. Also, a judge is arrested as the immigration crackdown escalates and a disgraced Congressman begs for a presidential pardon in a bid to avoid jail. - Weekend Edition (Friday 2/5/2025) - Scapegoat?E25
Weekend Edition (Friday 2/5/2025) - Scapegoat?You’re fired! National Security Advisor Mike Waltz out after Signal chat controversy. Also, fact-checking the claims about Trump’s First 100 Days, and why media companies are bending the knee from the boardroom to the White House press room. Plus, author and journalist Jonathan Allen reveals how the 2024 battle for the White House became one of the wildest election campaigns in American history - Wednesday 7/5/2025 - Secretary of EverythingE26
Wednesday 7/5/2025 - Secretary of Everything‘Little Marco’ gets promoted to the big time. But what are the implications of Rubio’s ‘Secretary of Everything’ role? We ask former US Ambassador to NATO, Ivo Daalder. Also, the surprising economic impact of the weight-loss drug craze, and Chas investigates the unprecedented legal blitz slowing Trump’s roll. - Weekend Edition (Friday 9/5/2025) - Collision Course?E27
Weekend Edition (Friday 9/5/2025) - Collision Course?What does America’s first pope think of Trump? Also, as the Supreme Court upholds a transgender military ban, we discuss the implications with Air Force veteran Colonel Bree Fram. And New York Times Diplomatic Correspondent Edward Wong joins to discuss the new pope, Trump and Starmer’s ‘breakthrough’ trade deal, Gaza and more. - Wednesday 14/5/2025 - Grift WrappedE28
Wednesday 14/5/2025 - Grift WrappedGift or grift? Trump defends plan to accept luxury jet from Qatar. Also, as sanctions are pulled on Syria, Iran receives threats and an olive branch. We ask former National Security Advisor John Bolton what Trump really wants in the Middle East. And why the executive order to slash drug prices may struggle to get off the ground - Weekend Edition (Friday 16/5/2025) - Bobby DazzledE29
Weekend Edition (Friday 16/5/2025) - Bobby DazzledDon’t take medical advice from me! Health Secretary RFK Jr clashes with lawmakers over vaccine comments and staffing cuts. And as measles cases surge, we ask Dr Peter Hotez if the wellness influencer nominated for Surgeon General is up to the job. Also, Professor Justin Wolfers explains the economic fallout of doll and pencil rations and Melina Wicks examines why big tech titans have yet to reap rewards, despite going full Trump - Wednesday 21/5/2025 - Biden Health Cover-Up?E30
Wednesday 21/5/2025 - Biden Health Cover-Up?Biden’s cancer diagnosis prompts scrutiny and conspiracy theories. Was there a health ‘cover-up’? We ask former White House Physician Dr Jeff Kuhlman. Also, Trump’s baby boom bribes and the growing influence of the pronatalist movement. And the cryptic seashell post that saw former FBI boss James Comey accused of plotting Trump’s assassination - Weekend Edition (Friday 23/5/2025) - Cashing InE31
Weekend Edition (Friday 23/5/2025) - Cashing InDonald Trump shrugs off ethics concerns as he cashes in on crypto, while House Republicans pass tax cuts for the rich in their “big, beautiful bill”. Also, another White House ambush as Trump clashes with South Africa’s Ramaphosa over “white genocide” claims. And Professor Peter Beinart joins Chas and John to discuss his latest book “Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza” - Wednesday 28/5/2025 - Five Years OnE32
Wednesday 28/5/2025 - Five Years OnThe backlash against Black Lives Matter. Five years after the death of George Floyd, has anything changed? We ask activist and former vice-presidential candidate Dr Melina Abdullah. Also, Trump loses patience with Putin and risks a trade war with Europe. And Bobby Kennedy vows to make American healthy again, but will it work? - Weekend Edition (Friday 30/5/2025) - So long, Elon!E33
Weekend Edition (Friday 30/5/2025) - So long, Elon!Elon is exiled and Trump’s trade war heads to the courts. We talk to Ilya Somin; the lawyer who helped strike down Trump’s tariffs. Also, the mystery of America’s missing workers who disappeared after Covid and never returned. We ask political economist Dr Nick Eberstadt why that matters - Wednesday 4/6/2025 - Is War "imminent"?E34
Wednesday 4/6/2025 - Is War "imminent"?Is a US-China war over Taiwan “imminent”? We ask former US Ambassador to China, Nick Burns. Also, the trade war continues as Trump doubles down on tariffs, while Elon Musk turns nuclear on the “big, beautiful bill”. And Trump amplifies another conspiracy theory that an ‘executed’ Biden was replaced by robotic clones. - Weekend Edition (Friday 6/6/2025) - Face/offE35
Weekend Edition (Friday 6/6/2025) - Face/offFrom bromance to breakup. Musk calls for Trump’s impeachment as their feud goes nuclear. What happened? We ask New York Times Congressional Correspondent Catie Edmondson. Also, Trump issues a new travel ban and orders an inquiry into Joe Biden’s “cognitive decline”. - Wednesday 11/6/2025 - LA ConsequentialE36
Wednesday 11/6/2025 - LA Consequential“Democracy under assault” – California Governor slams Trump after Marines deployed to curfewed LA. Also, wrongly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia returns from El Salvador to face criminal charges in the US. And, tensions cool after Elon Musk’s very public break-up with his former boss. - Weekend Edition (Friday 13/6/2025) - Don's ArmyE37
Weekend Edition (Friday 13/6/2025) - Don's ArmyTrump’s use of California’s National Guard is ruled illegal, but will his politicization of America’s military continue? We ask Republican defense expert Kori Schake. Also, Israel v Iran, the latest on the trade wars, and as Gavin Newsom’s brawl with Trump continues, is the California Governor positioning himself for the presidency? - Wednesday 18/6/2025 - Trump's MAGA problem with IranE38
Wednesday 18/6/2025 - Trump's MAGA problem with IranAs the Israel – Iran conflict intensifies, so does the conflict within Trump’s MAGA movement. Also, after the assassination of Democrat Melissa Hortman, we speak to her friend and colleague, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, about America’s growing problem with political violence. And Trump gets his birthday military parade, while ‘No Kings’ protests rage across the country. - Weekend Edition (Friday 20/6/2025) - Will He or Won't He?E39
Weekend Edition (Friday 20/6/2025) - Will He or Won't He?Will he, or won’t he? As Trump decides whether to attack Iran, we ask former Obama aide Mara Rudman about the risks of another Middle East war. Also, on the 10-year anniversary of Trump’s golden escalator moment in New York, we talk to his former campaign advisor Sam Nunberg about the day America’s political landscape was changed forever. - Wednesday 25/6/2025 - Trump Goes NuclearE40
Wednesday 25/6/2025 - Trump Goes NuclearFrom bunker-busting bombs to F-bombs, Trump lashes out at Israel and Iran over ceasefire violations. Meanwhile, leaked intelligence disputes Trump’s claim that US bombs “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear sites. So, is the nuclear program still intact? We ask nuclear weapons expert Dr David Albright and foreign policy advisor Danielle Pletka. Also, a judge orders the release of pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil and Melina Wicks explains the Supreme Court case that could have massive implications for birthright citizenship. - Weekend Edition (Friday 27/6/2025) - Socialist, Rapper. NYC Mayor?E41
Weekend Edition (Friday 27/6/2025) - Socialist, Rapper. NYC Mayor?Trump unleashes on the media while doubling down on US “obliteration” of Iran’s nuclear sites. We ask a leading Middle East intelligence expert about the real state of Iran’s nuclear program. Also, who is the socialist, former rapper on track to become New York City’s first Muslim mayor? We ask the co-chair of the NY Democratic Socialists of America about Zohran Mamdani’s spectacular victory over disgraced Andrew Cuomo. - Weekend Edition (Friday 18/7/2025) - Cover Up?E42
Weekend Edition (Friday 18/7/2025) - Cover Up?Donald Trump accused of a cover-up over the Epstein files; could the scandal consume his presidency? Also, what the weapons deal for Ukraine means for the war. And is the Commander-in-Chief now the Editor-in-Chief? The news giants caving to Trump’s war on the media. - Weekend Edition (Friday 25/7/2025) - Look Over There!E43
Weekend Edition (Friday 25/7/2025) - Look Over There!Look over there! Trump deploys weapons of mass distraction as MAGA outrage over Epstein escalates. We ask investigative journalist Tara Palmeri about the president’s unconvincing denials. And as Trump goes to war with Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell, we discuss the fallout with economist Justin Wolfers. - Weekend Edition (Friday 1/8/2025) - Tariffs, Racist Mascots, ClimateE44
Weekend Edition (Friday 1/8/2025) - Tariffs, Racist Mascots, ClimateTrump’s war on climate science and the implications of scrapping carbon regulations. Also, making their names racist again. We ask a Native American leader about Trump’s call for sport teams to revert to their former names. Plus, the latest on tariffs, Democrats’ woeful polling, and; is Kamala Harris gearing up to run for president again in 2028? - Monday 4/8/2025 - You’re fired!E45
Monday 4/8/2025 - You’re fired!You’re fired! Trump defends shooting the messenger after weak jobs report. We ask former Labor Dept. Chief Economist Betsey Stevenson about the true state of the US economy. Also, is US sentiment shifting on Gaza? And the Epstein files scandal that just won’t go away. - Weekend Edition (Friday 8/8/2025) - Rigging 2026?E46
Weekend Edition (Friday 8/8/2025) - Rigging 2026?Showdown in Texas! How gerrymandering is reshaping the political map and the future of Trump’s presidency. Also, as the Russia-Ukraine ceasefire deadline approaches, Trump touts a face-off with Putin. And who are the Democrats already gearing up for the 2028 presidential race? We ask legendary political strategist Joe Trippi. - Weekend Edition (Friday 15/8/2025) - Trump stations National Guard in DC streetsE48
Weekend Edition (Friday 15/8/2025) - Trump stations National Guard in DC streets“Violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals.” Trump mobilizes the National Guard in DC crackdown, but is crime really out of control in America’s capital? We ask crime analyst Jeff Asher. Also, journalist Salena Zito, who was just metres from Trump when he was shot in Pennsylvania, explains what the media doesn’t understand about the president’s supporters. And California’s Governor fights fire with fire. But will Newsom’s plan to counter the Texas gerrymander backfire? - Monday 18/8/2025 - Did Putin teach Trump the art of "no deal"?E49
Monday 18/8/2025 - Did Putin teach Trump the art of "no deal"?No ceasefire and no sanctions. Did Putin give Trump a lesson in the art of the “no deal”? We ask former US Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor. Also, the growing threat of inflation as tariffs start to bite and why Trump’s crackdown on immigrants could make the problem even worse. - Weekend Edition - Did the Trump-Zelenskyy talks make any progress to peace?E50
Weekend Edition - Did the Trump-Zelenskyy talks make any progress to peace?No peace in sight. Did the Trump-Zelenskyy talks achieve anything? We ask former US Ambassador to Ukraine Steve Pifer. Also, Russia-gate revisited; is it a genuine scandal or just a distraction from the Epstein files? And California Governor Gavin Newsom fights back in response to Texas Republicans. - Monday 26/08/2025 - The Ghislaine Maxwell Tapes: Is Trump off the hook?E51
Monday 26/08/2025 - The Ghislaine Maxwell Tapes: Is Trump off the hook?Ghislaine Maxwell praises Trump and claims there was no “client list”. Will that put an end to the uproar on Epstein? Also, as Trump vows to ban mail-in-voting for future elections, we ask Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon if he has the power to do that. And the redistricting wars are heating up, while California Governor Gavin Newsom trolls his way to the top of social media. - Weekend Edition - Did Trump really end seven wars?E52
Weekend Edition - Did Trump really end seven wars?Did Donald Trump really end seven wars? We ask foreign policy expert Dr Evelyn Farkas. Also, turmoil at the CDC prompts mass staff walkout. And as Elon Musk backs away from starting a rival party to the Republicans and Democrats, we ask whether third parties have a future in American politics. - Monday 01/09/2025 - Is RFK Jr "dismantling" American public health?E53
Monday 01/09/2025 - Is RFK Jr "dismantling" American public health?Firings and mass walkouts amid turmoil at the Centers for Disease Control, while Health Secretary Bobby Kennedy stokes fears about vaccines. Also, Trump furious after court rules most of his global tariffs are illegal, and the plot thickens following the FBI raids on John Bolton. Does he have some questions to answer? - Weekend Edition - Pressure mounts on Congress to unseal the Epstein filesE54
Weekend Edition - Pressure mounts on Congress to unseal the Epstein filesPressure mounts on Congress to unseal the files as Epstein survivors gather in Washington. Trump responds to viral rumours about his “death,” and Professor Kate Shaw joins the show to discuss how a president can be removed if they’re not up to the job. And with Trump’s tariffs on the ropes, we ask economist Michael Strain if America will miss them when they’re gone. - Monday 8/9/2025 - Trump's Department of all out WarE55
Monday 8/9/2025 - Trump's Department of all out WarPresident Trump escalates his war on cartels and threatens sending in the troops to Chicago, but is any of it legal? Also, the key moments from RFK Jr’s trainwreck Senate hearing and the push for him to resign. - Charlie Kirk's assassination sparks bitter blame gameE56
Charlie Kirk's assassination sparks bitter blame gameAmerica divided as the assassination of pro-Trump activist Charlie Kirk leads to a bitter blame game. Is this a new era of political violence? Also, Trump’s extensive use of emergency powers - can he just do whatever he wants? We ask the Brennan Center’s Liza Goitein. And John talks to former astronaut Mike Massimino about America’s mission to return to the moon. - How influential was MAGA activist Charlie Kirk?E57
How influential was MAGA activist Charlie Kirk?How influential was Charlie Kirk on the MAGA movement? Chas and John discuss Kirk’s controversial legacy and America’s deep divides with journalist and "Raising Them Right" author Kyle Spencer, as the political fallout over Kirk’s assassination continues. And Melina Wicks explains Trump’s bold and expensive plan to turbocharge his mass deportation machine. - Kimmel Cancelled: Trump's war on late night TVE58
Kimmel Cancelled: Trump's war on late night TV Censor-in-chief? Trump's warning to TV networks after Jimmy Kimmel is pulled off air. Also, was it a drone, a meteor, or a UFO? We talk mystery UFO sightings and the search for extraterrestrial life. Plus cracks in America's mental health system. - Is freedom of speech under attack in America?E59
Is freedom of speech under attack in America?Trump’s push to go after his opponents leaves Republicans divided. Is free speech under attack? We ask Trump’s former White House lawyer Ty Cobb. Also, how FCC chair Brendan Carr took down Jimmy Kimmel, and Trump’s war with Antifa. - James Comey indicted as Trump goes after his enemiesE60
James Comey indicted as Trump goes after his enemies "I'm not afraid". Defiant ex-FBI boss James Comey indicted as Trump goes after his political enemies. Also, Jimmy Kimmel is back on air, we get a MAGA perspective on why the two sides are more polarised than ever. Plus Trump's unproven autism claims. - Trump's Warning: Are more indictments on the way?E61
Trump's Warning: Are more indictments on the way?Trump warns “there will be others” after the indictment of ex-FBI chief Comey. Could the case end in humiliation for Trump’s DOJ? We ask former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani. Also, an update on the Epstein files as Democrats release new evidence. And Jimmy Kimmel returns to late-night TV, while New York City Mayor Eric Adams slips out the side door. - How QAnon crept into mainstream American politicsE62
How QAnon crept into mainstream American politicsThe cult of conspiracy; how QAnon crept into mainstream politics and why it continues to take a toll. Also, the government shutdown and Trump’s “unprecedented opportunity” to punish Democrats. And should ICE agents be banned from wearing masks? We ask California Sheriff Chad Bianco. - Government shutdown turns into healthcare showdownE63
Government shutdown turns into healthcare showdownThe US government shutdown turns into a showdown over healthcare. We ask Senator Heidi Heitkamp why both sides have failed to agree to a way forward and what Democrats hope to get out of it. Also, Trump advances plans to send troops into another American city, and the military destroys another ‘drug-smuggling’ boat off the coast of Venezuela. - Files Declassified: The disappearance of aviator Amelia EarhartE64
Files Declassified: The disappearance of aviator Amelia EarhartIs the mystery surrounding the disappearance of aviator Amelia Earhart about to be solved? We ask author Laurie Gwen Shapiro about the declassification of the files and the “likely” discovery of Earhart’s missing plane. Also, the latest on the Gaza ceasefire deal, Trump’s efforts to ramp up the National Guard and the Big Pharma showdown. Will Trump’s plan bring medicine prices down? We ask Harvard Medical School Professor Ameet Sarpatwari. - Is Trump’s Gaza ceasefire sustainable?E65
Is Trump’s Gaza ceasefire sustainable?Trump’s peace plan achieves a breakthrough in Gaza, but is it “everlasting”? We ask Middle East analyst Hussein Ibish. Meanwhile, there’s no peace in Washington as the shutdown continues and another Trump enemy is crossed off the list with the indictment of NY Attorney General Letitia James. - Cracks forming in Trump's Gaza peace dealE66
Cracks forming in Trump's Gaza peace dealIsrael and Hamas trade blame over ceasefire violations. Can Trump’s truce hold the peace? We ask former Middle East peace envoy Mara Rudman. Also, the media mass walkout at the Pentagon, the scandal engulfing Democrats in Virginia and a look back at why Ronald Reagan’s Star Wars program never got off the ground. - Does Trump mean war with Venezuela?E67
Does Trump mean war with Venezuela?Trump mulls a land attack on Venezuela after admitting he sent in the CIA. Does this mean war? We ask former CIA Chief of Staff Larry Pfeiffer. Meanwhile, millions march against Trump in ‘No Kings’ rallies as the government shutdown drags on. And John Bolton pleads not guilty, while a very guilty George Santos walks free. - Is Trump allowed to demolish the White House's East Wing?E68
Is Trump allowed to demolish the White House's East Wing?Trump sends in a wrecking crew to demolish the historic East Wing of the White House. We ask an expert about the decades-old exemption that lets Trump fast-track the demolition. Also, the racist group chat exposing what Young Republicans said when they thought nobody was listening, Trump’s $230 million claim against the DOJ and the ‘Mississippi Miracle’ – how America’s poorest state saw a dramatic rise from the bottom of the education rankings. - Why are big tech billionaires funding Trump's ballroom?E69
Why are big tech billionaires funding Trump's ballroom?Private donors are paying for the White House ballroom and even the US military. Who are they and what do they get in return? And is any of it legal? We ask the founder of the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law. And, the ongoing shutdown now threatens food stamps, while relations between America and Canada sink to new lows over the “hostile act” of a Canadian TV ad. - American voters head to the polls in election showdownsE70
American voters head to the polls in election showdownsVoters head to the polls in New York, New Jersey, and Virginia, while a crucial vote on redrawing state boundaries gets underway in California. Meanwhile Trump ponders a third term as rumblings about 2028 gain momentum. Join Chas and John as they discuss the week that was with Politico’s NYC reporter Jeff Coltin and political scientist Lee Drutman. - Testing times as Trump goes nuclearE71
Testing times as Trump goes nuclearTesting times as Trump talks up nuclear options for weapons and ending the government shutdown. Also, is New York ready for a Democratic Socialist Mayor? We ask strategist Lupe Todd-Medina. Plus, the other elections with far-reaching consequences and what Trump’s deal with Xi did and didn’t agree on. - Democrats sweep major elections as voters reject TrumpE72
Democrats sweep major elections as voters reject TrumpBig wins for Democrats in NYC, Virginia, and New Jersey as voters reject Trump. What does this mean for the future of the Democratic Party and what are the lessons for the GOP? We ask former NY Governor George Pataki. Also, Trump’s plan for a more aggressive crackdown on migrants and California’s new gerrymander leaves Republicans scrambling. - Longest US government shutdown in history nears endgameE73
Longest US government shutdown in history nears endgameThe longest government shutdown in US history looks set to end, but not everyone’s happy. Chas and John discuss the fallout with Democratic strategist Julie Roginsky and last week’s election backlash against Trump with Republican strategist Whit Ayres. Also, former Speaker Pelosi retires, and Marjorie Taylor Greene responds to rumours that she’s running for president. - Congress to vote on Epstein files as shutdown endsE74
Congress to vote on Epstein files as shutdown endsDemocrats face the fallout as the longest shutdown in US history finally ends. Meanwhile, Congress is set to vote on releasing the Epstein files after emails allege Trump “knew about the girls”. Also, what does Trump’s firing of the Inspectors-General means for government accountability? And, why the White House proposal for a 50-year mortgage could backfire. - Donald Trump backflips on Epstein files amid MAGA riftE75
Donald Trump backflips on Epstein files amid MAGA rift“Nothing to hide”- Trump backflips on Epstein files and tells House Republicans to vote for their release. Meanwhile, Trump’s feud with former ally Marjorie Taylor-Greene fuels a new MAGA rift. With special guest Gloria Allred; lawyer for Epstein’s victims. - Is Trump bullying Ukraine into a deal?E77
Is Trump bullying Ukraine into a deal?Leaked Ukraine peace plan confuses allies and emboldens Russia. Is this the death knell for Ukraine? We ask former US Ambassador to Ukraine, William Taylor. Meanwhile, as MAGA devotee Marjorie Taylor-Greene quits Congress, does Trump have a new bestie in NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani? - Goodbye 2025! Chas and John unpack the week in final episode of the yearE78
Goodbye 2025! Chas and John unpack the week in final episode of the yearJoin Chas and John for Planet America’s final show of 2025 as they navigate the week that was. Trump condemns ‘act of terror’ after National Guard shooting, while a ‘peace plan’ for Ukraine gains momentum. Also, with the charges against James Comey and Letitia James dismissed, will this be the final word? We ask NY Judge Shira Scheindlin. And author and former Camp David historian Charles Ferguson explains what it's like to be in the iconic presidential retreat.