The NPR Politics Podcast: Roundup – Trump Visits the Middle East

Release Date: May 16, 2025

In this episode of The NPR Politics Podcast, host Sarah McCammon, alongside co-hosts Franco Ordonez and Domenico Montanaro, delves into the significant developments surrounding President Donald Trump's recent Middle East trip. The discussion encompasses policy shifts, international relations, domestic political maneuvers, and noteworthy anecdotes from the political arena.

I. Trump's Middle East Trip and Policy Shifts

Franco Ordonez provides an in-depth analysis of President Trump's actions during his four-day Middle East tour, particularly his decision to lift sanctions on Syria. Announced at a Saudi business forum on the first day (01:26), this move marks the end of sanctions that have been in place since 1979. The trip also included a pivotal meeting with Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharah the following morning (01:26), signaling a substantial shift in U.S. policy towards Syria. Ordonez highlights the significance of this meeting, noting, “Trump spoke about it to us on Air Force One later that afternoon and, you know, basically praised Al Sharra. He called him attractive. He said he was a tough guy. And he said he was someone who he thought had a shot of turning Syria around, though he said it would take a while” (03:00).

Domenico Montanaro comments on Trump's broader approach, emphasizing his tendency to prioritize business deals over traditional diplomatic concerns like democracy and human rights. Montanaro observes, “Trump has always had a sort of soft spot for these kind of dictators and autocrats” (03:55), underscoring the administration's focus on economic investments and strategic partnerships in the region despite ongoing conflicts, such as the war in Gaza.

II. Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Stagnation

The podcast shifts focus to the intended peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, which were scheduled to take place in Turkey. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to attend the negotiations (06:21), leading to frustration among U.S. officials and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Ordonez explains, “Zelensky... said it was proof that Putin was not taking it seriously” (06:21), while Franco Ordonez adds, “Trump said he, it was time to meet with Putin and he said he was going to meet with Putin as soon as they can get a time on the schedule” (07:09). This failure highlights the challenges Trump faces in leveraging personal diplomacy to resolve entrenched international conflicts.

III. Controversial Offer from Qatar for Air Force One Replacement

A contentious topic arises with Qatar's offer to provide President Trump with a new plane to serve as Air Force One. Franco Ordonez discusses the ethical and legal concerns surrounding this proposal, noting bipartisan skepticism. Despite these concerns, Trump dismissed them, stating, “if it was basically be stupid to turn down such a generous offer” (08:50). Ordonez highlights the complexity of the issue, mentioning, “there have been extensive delays about getting a new official one” (09:55), and observes that even some Republican lawmakers are voicing national security apprehensions (10:12).

IV. DOJ's Crackdown on Non-Citizen Voting: Myth vs. Reality

Miles Parks brings to light the Department of Justice's efforts to prosecute non-citizens for illegal voting. Over recent months, four individuals were charged within a single week, a development that has been co-reported with Jude Joffe Block (12:07). Parks challenges the narrative promoted by Trump and other right-wing figures that Democrats and the Biden administration have been actively facilitating non-citizens to vote, asserting, “this does not match the story that Donald Trump has been promising” (13:14).

The discussion reveals that many of these cases involve individuals who did not fully understand the voting eligibility rules, often lacking malicious intent. Domenico Montanaro reflects on the disparity between high-profile anecdotes and extensive studies showing that widespread voter fraud is not a pervasive issue, stating, “this idea that there's this... fraudulent voting happening in large scale numbers... just isn't happening” (17:03).

V. State-Level Voter ID Laws and the SAVE Act

The conversation shifts to proposals for stricter voter identification laws at both federal and state levels. Miles Parks explains the passage of the SAVE Act in the House of Representatives, which mandates documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration (18:12). He notes the potential challenges, including millions who might struggle to provide such documentation swiftly. Domenico Montanaro elaborates on the political motivations behind these laws, highlighting their popularity among Republicans despite concerns about disenfranchising eligible voters.

Jocelyn Benson, Michigan's Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate, advocates for a targeted approach rather than broad ID requirements. She emphasizes, “We want to have no evidence of people who aren't eligible voting in our elections. But this is a serious issue and it has to be addressed with a scalpel, not a sledgehammer” (19:57), underscoring the need for precision in electoral reforms to avoid unnecessary voter suppression.

VI. Can't Let It Go: Legislators' Fatigue and DHS's Reality Show Proposal

In the Can't Let It Go segment, the hosts share lighter moments from the political sphere. Notably, they discuss instances of legislators appearing exhausted during lengthy committee meetings, humanizing elected officials by showcasing their relatable struggles with fatigue (23:19).

A more controversial topic is brought up by Domenico Montanaro, who highlights a report about Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's proposal for a reality TV show aimed at immigrants seeking citizenship (25:19). This idea, reminiscent of shows like Duck Dynasty or Hunger Games, has sparked criticism for its dehumanizing implications and raises ethical concerns about treating immigration processes as entertainment.

VII. Personal Stories and Closing Remarks

The episode concludes on a positive note, with Miles Parks sharing his personal journey into gardening as a means of mental health and relaxation (27:53). This segment serves as a reminder of the importance of finding balance and tranquility amidst the often tumultuous landscape of politics.

Sarah McCammon wraps up the episode by acknowledging the contributions of the production team and encouraging listeners to engage with other NPR podcasts for diverse content.

Notable Quotes:

• Franco Ordonez on Syria sanctions: “Trump dropped this news about Syria and lifting sanctions against Syria at a Saudi business forum on his first day on this four day trip through the Middle East” (01:26).

• Domenico Montanaro on Trump's approach to leadership: “Trump has always had a sort of soft spot for these kind of dictators and autocrats” (03:55).

• Miles Parks on DOJ charges: “this does not match the story that Donald Trump has been promising” (13:14).

• Jocelyn Benson on voter ID laws: “We want to have no evidence of people who aren't eligible voting in our elections. But this is a serious issue and it has to be addressed with a scalpel, not a sledgehammer” (19:57).

• Domenico Montanaro on DHS reality show proposal: “it just feels very cringy, like these are real people's lives” (26:18).

This comprehensive roundup captures the multifaceted discussions of the episode, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of the current political landscape influenced by President Trump's international engagements and domestic policy initiatives.