The NPR Politics Podcast: "How Trump Is Governing In His Second Term"
Release Date: January 27, 2025
In this episode of The NPR Politics Podcast, NPR’s seasoned political reporters—Deepa Shivaram, Tamara Keith, and Domenico Montanaro—delve into President Donald Trump’s governance strategies during his second term. The discussion centers on unprecedented moves within the administration, implications for governmental checks and balances, and the ongoing reshaping of Trump’s cabinet. The episode, recorded on Monday, January 27, 2025, provides a comprehensive analysis of Trump’s actions and their broader impact on American politics.
1. Mass Dismissal of Independent Inspectors General
Timestamp: 01:06
The episode opens with a significant development: President Trump’s decision to fire approximately 17 independent inspectors general (IGs) within the White House. These IGs are crucial for investigating government operations, ensuring accountability, and preventing waste, fraud, and abuse within various federal agencies.
Deepa Shivaram begins by highlighting the unprecedented nature of this move:
"On Friday night, the White House fired about 17 independent inspectors general. That was first reported by the Washington Post." (01:06)
Tamara Keith elaborates on the abruptness and method of the dismissals:
"These inspectors general got an email from the White House saying, today's your last day. You're done... One of the inspectors general was interviewed on MSNBC and said he was out to dinner with friends, started getting calls from other inspectors general and was like, oh, I'm so sorry that happened to you." (01:28)
The reporters emphasize that inspectors general are intended to be apolitical and serve long terms to maintain independence from presidential influence:
"These are supposed to be apolitical. They serve long terms, but their terms do not coincide with a president's term." (02:11)
Domenico Montanaro adds context by noting that many of these IGs were initially appointed by Trump, implying that their dismissal may be a strategic move to gain a "clean slate":
"Trump wants a clean slate. And this shows that they're really gonna go deep on who they think is with them or not." (02:26)
2. Legal and Political Implications
The discussion shifts to the legal framework governing the removal of inspectors general. A 2022 law mandates that the President must provide 30 days' notice to Congress before dismissing an IG, a requirement Trump seemingly bypassed.
Domenico Montanaro points out the possible legal violations:
"He didn't do that. Do you think he violated the law?" (04:38)
Lindsey Graham, Senator from South Carolina, weighs in, minimizing the legal breach:
"Technically, yeah, but he has the authority to do it." (04:44)
The hosts discuss the broader implications for checks and balances, expressing concern over the erosion of independent oversight:
"What oversight looks like, what checks and balances even turn into in this era that we're living in." (08:18)
Tamara Keith highlights the lack of robust enforcement mechanisms due to Congressional alignment with Trump’s policies:
"If Congress, and particularly Republicans in Congress are not going to push back hard on this, then there really isn't much of an enforcement mechanism." (06:22)
3. Threatening a Trade War Over Deportation Flights to Colombia
Timestamp: 09:06
The podcast transitions to another controversial action by Trump: threatening a trade war over deportation flights to Colombia. This incident involves two military transport planes carrying Colombian citizens facing rejection by Colombian authorities.
Tamara Keith outlines the sequence of events:
"President Trump threatened to start a trade war over deportation flights to Colombia... Trump went on Truth Social and said that there would be tariffs, there would be other sanctions." (09:25)
Domenico Montanaro contextualizes the incident within Trump's broader foreign policy approach:
"This is not unexpected because Trump had promised that he was going to use tariffs to leverage allies." (10:54)
He further explains the implications for U.S.-Colombia relations and contrasts it with typical diplomatic practices:
"In a typical administration, arranging for flights... would be handled through diplomatic channels. But this is the Trump administration, and Trump wants to send a message." (10:13)
Tamara Keith notes that despite the public confrontation, the issue was resolved with Colombia agreeing to resume flight operations:
"Colombia is going to resume accepting flights. Trump asserted dominance, and that was the point." (12:15)
4. Upcoming Hearings for Trump’s Cabinet Picks
Timestamp: 12:37
The episode concludes by previewing upcoming hearings for Trump’s controversial cabinet nominees: RFK Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and Kash Patel. These hearings are pivotal in shaping the administration’s future policies and strategies.
Domenico Montanaro provides an overview of the nominees and the challenges they face:
"RFK Jr. is going to be testifying... Tulsi Gabbard might be the most vulnerable of these three... Cash Patel has talked about his enemies list and who he intends to target if confirmed." (12:50)
He expresses particular concern over Tulsi Gabbard’s past associations and how they may be scrutinized:
"There are a lot of Republicans who have questions for her on those things." (12:50)
Deepa Shivaram and Tamara Keith underscore the significance of these hearings in determining the effectiveness and direction of Trump’s second-term governance.
5. Conclusion
The hosts wrap up the episode by reiterating the critical nature of Trump’s actions and their far-reaching consequences for American governance and international relations. They emphasize the potential for increased executive power and the diminishing role of traditional checks and balances.
Domenico Montanaro concludes:
"It really signals, though, that there won't be a lot of checks and balances, that what we're looking at is Trump funneling power and wanting to have more power than maybe we've seen a president have previously." (08:36)
Deepa Shivaram and Tamara Keith thank listeners and encourage them to stay informed through NPR's comprehensive coverage.
This episode provides an in-depth exploration of President Trump’s governance tactics, highlighting significant shifts in administrative practices, legal boundaries, and the interplay between executive actions and legislative oversight. Through expert analysis and informative discussions, the podcast paints a nuanced picture of the evolving political landscape under Trump’s leadership.