Insight and analysis on what's happening inside Donald Trump's White House. Americast is the authoritative US news and politics podcast from the BBC. Each week we provide audiences with the best analysis from across the BBC, with on-the-ground observations and big picture insights about the stories which are defining America right now. The podcast is hosted by trusted BBC journalists including the BBC’s North America editor, Sarah Smith, BBC Radio 4 presenter, Justin Webb, the BBC’s disinformation and social media correspondent, Marianna Spring, and BBC North America correspondent, Anthony Zurcher. As well as political analysis, we also specialise in social media. Each week Marianna Spring brings listeners the latest updates from the BBC’s Undercover Voters, our award-winning investigation into the content that is recommended to US voters on social media. The team is also joined by special guests each week, like CNN anchor, Christiane Amanpour, Emmy Award-winning TV host, Rachel Maddow, and Succession actress, J Smith-Cameron. Podcasts are published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. As well as being a podcast, we are also available every Friday on BBC Radio 4 and every Saturday on the BBC World Service. Oh, and you can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say ‘”Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers. Every Monday we answer your questions on Americanswers, with some help from our friends, including BBC Radio 5 Live's Matt Chorley. Got a question or a comment? Get in touch with us on email at Americast@bbc.co.uk (mailto:Americast@bbc.co.uk) or WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
What this show covers
US politicsTrumpMidtermsIranUS midtermsDemocratic PartyDonald TrumpMidterm electionsWhite HouseDemocratsRepublicansPollingPete HegsethUS militaryWhite House press
What listeners will find here
Can Democrats really ride a blue wave into hostile Senate territory?
The episode examines whether surprisingly strong Democratic polling in Republican-leaning states signals a real midterm opening or a misleading snapshot. Sarah Smith and Justin Webb weigh key Senate races and hear from strategist John Anzalone on why Democrats should stay cautious.
Trump’s Iran remarks and Hegseth’s military rhetoric collide in one tense episode
Trump’s comments that Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego set off a clash with Gavin Newsom, who called them “deranged and dangerous.” The episode also digs into Pete Hegseth’s push against DEI in the military, his language about masculinity, and impeachment calls tied to the war with Iran.
Death penalty fallout, a campus assault case, and Trump’s election pivot
The episode looks at Christa Pike’s case and how a failed execution process in Tennessee has reignited debate over the death penalty. It also examines the Cornell rape allegation, fraternity culture, Trump’s red-state tour and mail-voting message, and renewed Republican scrutiny of Jack Smith.
Inside the DSA’s pitch to skeptical voters and its bigger Democratic ambitions
The episode examines what the Democratic Socialists of America says it stands for and whether it can win over undecided Americans. Justin Webb speaks with DSA national co-chair Ashik Siddique about domestic priorities, foreign policy, and the group’s growing influence inside Democratic politics.
Florida tests whether Trump still helps Republicans win
This episode examines whether Donald Trump has become an electoral liability for Republicans ahead of the midterms, with a close look at Florida’s governor’s race. Sarah Smith and Anthony Zurcher explore why some GOP candidates are downplaying Trump ties and what Republican voters say matters most with early voting underway.
