The Playbook Podcast

D.C. District Judge Tanya Chutkan has given Donald Trump until 5 p.m. today to respond to a protective order in his Washington, D.C., criminal case. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza explains how this event will give important clues about how the former president’s prosecution will unfold in D.C., and when his trial may actually happen.

Donald Trump’s third arraignment may be dominating chyrons nationwide this week, but in California, he and his allies are working to ensure that he can secure every last GOP delegate. Rivals like Ken Cuccinelli are even claiming that the Trump camp is “looking to rig the system in their favor.” Playbook co-author Rachael Bade digs into her exclusive reporting.

With President Joe Biden still at the beach and Congress in August recess, there’s one gigantic story dominating the headlines today: Donald Trump’s expected arraignment in Washington D.C. following his indictment this week stemming from his attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza talks with senior legal affairs reporter Josh Gerstein about what to expect from this latest arraignment.

The case filed Tuesday by special counsel Jack Smith is the first attempt to hold Trump criminally accountable in a court of law for his actions between Election Day 2020 and Jan. 6, 2021 — actions which, prosecutors allege amounted to four federal felonies. Ryan Lizza quizzes legal affairs reporter Kyle Cheney about what he learned about yesterday’s historic grand jury indictments.

Midnight marked the mid-year FEC filing deadline for PACs and parties. Rachael Bade and data reporter Jessica Piper have a first look at the donations and spending habits of former President Donald Trump’s campaign. Plus, President Biden has decided to keep U.S. Space Command in Colorado, igniting tensions among Senate Republicans. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

As Congress begins its summer recess, the biggest questions for the remainder of 2023 are coming into focus: Will Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema run for reelection? How will NRSC Chairman Steve Daines get his candidates through contentious primaries – and in so doing, avoid another 2022-style disappointment for Republicans? And can Joe Biden’s cabinet sell “Bidenomics” to voters? Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels on what’s next along all these fronts.

Special counsel Jack Smith introduced three new felony charges against former President Donald Trump — including a blockbuster claim that he asked an employee to delete security camera footage sought by investigators. Kyle Cheney joins Ryan Lizza to explain what it means for the case — and what indictments we can expect next. Plus, the Senate passed its annual NDAA defense bill yesterday — check out Playbook Deep Dive this morning where Ryan nerds out with Arnold Punaro, a retired general with the U.S. Marine Corps, on the politics and policy of the bill.

Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell offered some good news on Wednesday: The Fed’s staff believes the U.S. will avoid a recession in 2023. Plus, so much for Ron DeSantis's campaign reset - check out Playbook this morning where Eugene charts some paths forward. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels talks with economics reporter Victoria Guida.

The campaign of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis cut more than a third of its staff on Tuesday in another move billed as a 'reset.' Plus, Speaker Kevin McCarthy walks back comments he made on Fox News about a possible Biden impeachment. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade talks with national political reporter Alex Isenstadt.

Donald Trump’s presidential race rivals are hesitating to leverage his impeding January 6 indictment, treating it like a new primary third rail. In a rare statement, Kevin McCarthy alludes to a possible impeachment inquiry for Biden. Plus, the most surprising guests at Bohemian Grove this year. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza breaks it all down.

Over the weekend, Tim Scott received the latest in a series of polls that show him in third place in some key early states. The candidate he’s closing the distance with: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade examines how other GOP campaigns are reacting to Sen. Scott’s surge, and what they're doing to stunt his momentum.

The scoop about Kevin McCarthy’s promise to Donald Trump about an impeachment expungement vote continues to rock Capitol Hill. Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema may be dashing confirmation hopes for Biden Labor Secretary nominee Julie Su. Plus, Ron DeSantis is pivoting his campaign strategy to stay in the game. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook deputy editor Zack Stanton chats with co-author Rachael Bade about her ongoing reporting.

After Kevin McCarthy suggested that Donald Trump may not be the strongest 2024 candidate, the former president fumed. So the speaker placated him with a promise: the House would vote expunge his impeachments before the August recess. That bill is now coming due, posing a major dilemma for the McCarthy, as many moderate Republicans want nothing to do with such a vote and fear electoral backlash. Plus, Sen. Lindsey Graham may soon have to guard his back against a Norman — Rep. Ralph Norman, that is. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade dishes on her inside scoops.

Yesterday, Donald Trump announced that he expects to be indicted by special counsel Jack Smith’s Jan. 6 grand jury, citing a new “target letter” he received from investigators. Joining Playbook co-author Rachael Bade to discuss the implications, including when such an indictment may come, is Kyle Cheney, POLITICO’s senior legal affairs and Jan. 6 reporter.

After largely eschewing mainstream media for months, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has a sit-down interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper this afternoon. All that, and everything else you need to know today.

It’s not often that we in Washington obsess over a policy issue that everyday voters are following closely as well. That changes this week, as Congress hits the gas on legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration — Playbook co-author Rachael Bade talks with transportation reporter Alex Daugherty about everything you need to know.

Late last night, in a slight surprise, the House punted on the National Defense Authorization Act, the annual defense policy bill; SAG-AFTRA goes on strike today and Sally Goldenberg previews the Family Leadership Summit, a gathering of evangelical Christians that most of the Republican presidential candidates will be at, except for Donald Trump. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook deputy editor Zack Stanton talks with national political correspondent Sally Goldenberg.

President Biden’s NATO visit is wrapping up on a high note, as Turkey ends its blockade of Sweden’s bid for membership. Meanwhile, Biden has major domestic momentum as new economic numbers put inflation at its lowest rate since March 2021 — igniting hopes that the economy has finally turned the corner. Even so, it may be too soon for him to declare victory. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels talks with White House reporter Adam Cancryn.

For the first time in more than 100 years, the Marine Corps has no Senate-confirmed commandant, thanks to Sen. Tommy Tuberville's blockade of hundreds of senior military appointments. At issue is the Pentagon’s new policy of reimbursing troops and their families should they have to travel to receive an abortion. Joe Gould, anchor of POLITICO’s Morning Defense newsletter, joins Playbook co-author Rachael Bade to discuss what plays, if any, Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell have available to resolve this standoff.

The National Defense Authorization Act and its 1,500 amendments are headed to the House Rules Committee today, but Kevin McCarthy can’t exhale just yet. Proposals regarding abortion, diversity and medical treatment for transgender troops are worrying Democrats. Plus, Turkey shocks the world by advancing Sweden’s NATO bid. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels talks with senior defense reporter Connor O’Brien.

House Republicans are ready to wield a new tool in their quest to punish Biden Cabinet officials. The Holman Rule could allow the House to eliminate salaries of Attorney General Merrick Garland, FBI Director Christopher Wray or other GOP targets. But there are already some skeptics. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade breaks down her reporting.

President Joe Biden is about to embark on his latest tour of Europe, with stops visiting Britain’s King Charles and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. But what will he face when he arrives at the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania? Also, Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy is hesitating to endorse one of his biggest supporters: Donald Trump. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza talks with national security reporter Alex Ward.

We've seen Republican voters rally around former president Donald Trump following his recent indictments. But his second-quarter fundraising haul of $35 million is really causing jaws to drop. Plus, "Bidenomics" is hitting the road in South Carolina. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels talks with national political reporter Alex Isenstadt.

Playbook co-author Rachael Bade walks through the buzziest stories of the morning, including Rep. Adam Schiff’s gigantic new fundraising numbers, the discovery of cocaine in the White House and President Biden’s stumping on the economy.

President Joe Biden gave a live interview on Thursday. Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels and White House reporter Myah Ward discuss the major takeaways. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Whether it’s affirmative action, LGBTQ rights or student loan forgiveness, we’re awaiting a cascade of opinions from the Supreme Court that have the potential to remake American life — as well as the contours of the political battlefield. Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels talks with senior legal affairs reporter Josh Gerstein.

Former President Donald Trump and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy have had one of the most powerful relationships in Washington. So when McCarthy went on CNBC and didn't provide a full-throated endorsement that Trump was the strongest Republican candidate, it got a lot of tongues wagging, especially in Trump world. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade breaks down her reporting.

Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis are racing to appeal to New Hampshire voters with full slates of campaign events today. Plus, more developments in the Trump documents case and political strategist Doug Sosnik’s latest must-read strategy memo. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

It’s going to be a quiet week on the Hill but a frenzied one on the campaign trail, where 2024’s GOP hopefuls will be hitting the donor circuit in advance of Friday’s quarterly fundraising deadline. Meanwhile, Ron DeSantis has a new setback in New Hampshire. Lisa Kashinsky, author of POLITICO’s Massachusetts Playbook, joins Playbook co-author Rachael Bade with more.

As President Joe Biden fetes Indian PM Narendra Modi in D.C., he faces uncomfortable questions about his rhetoric putting idealism at the heart of American foreign policy — and what happens when that approach runs head-on into the buzzsaw of realpolitik. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza talks with national security reporter Alex Ward.

Hunter Biden, President Joe Biden’s son, struck a plea bargain with the Department of Justice over a five-year investigation into tax fraud and illegal firearms possession. It’s a relief for President Biden, but still an event that’s been used politically by his opponents. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels talks with White House reporter Eli Stokols.

All eyes are on the 2024 presidential election, but Congress is heating up as House Speaker Kevin McCarthy contends with a growing conservative uprising and tough times for moderates. Meanwhile, Democrats are analyzing and looking to capitalize on the situation. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade breaks down her reporting.

Yesterday the Republican presidential primary got a new contender: the 45-year-old mayor of Miami: Francis Suarez. Hear excerpts of Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza's interview with him as he tries to make his case.

The Supreme Court still has yet to release decisions for a whopping 21 cases, ranging from affirmative action to student loans. But beyond the decisions themselves, what remains to be seen is how the conservative majority drives those rulings — and how they’re received by the overall public. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels talks with Senior Legal Affairs reporter Josh Gerstein.

Donald Trump had his day in court — again. All that, and everything else you need to know today. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza talks with Senior Legal Affairs reporter Josh Gerstein.

Unpacking the schedule of today's arraignment and what to look out for. Plus, Josh Gerstein tells Ryan about why Donald Trump seemed to win the judicial lottery when his case landed before U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon, who ruled deferentially for Trump last summer. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza talks with Senior Legal Affairs reporter Josh Gerstein.

Former President Donald Trump gets arraigned in Miami Tuesday. House conservatives are still unhappy with Speaker Kevin McCarthy and are talking about possibly tanking more GOP legislation. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade breaks down her reporting.

Here’s what we know right now about the legal and political implications of the federal indictment filed against former President Donald Trump connected to his handling of classified national security records. Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels talks with national correspondent Betsy Woodruff Swan.

Unpacking the revolt against Kevin McCarthy, and what special counsel Jack Smith's target letter against Donald Trump means. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza talks with senior congressional reporter Sarah Ferris and senior legal affairs reporter Kyle Cheney.

The continuing fallout over the revolt against Kevin McCarthy, Mike Pence releases an announcement video, and inside Chris Christie's New Hampshire town hall. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza talks with Jonathan Martin.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continues to garner double-digit support in polls of Democratic presidential primary voters, and he's been a fixture in the political news cycle the past couple of days. Eugene provides an update on how President Joe Biden's orbit is approaching him. Plus, why Vivek Ramaswamy and other Republican nominees are increasingly focused on Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels talks with national political reporter Natalie Allison.

The biggest political news of the week is likely to be found on the campaign trail, with a number of notable new entries to the Republican presidential field. Eugene and Mike break them down. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook editor Mike DeBonis talks with Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels.

The United States will not be going into default. Last night around 11 p.m., the Senate passed the bipartisan debt deal, sending it to President Biden's desk in the nick of time. And with the debt ceiling crisis effectively resolved, attentions in Washington are turning to 2024 as the long-brewing rivalry between Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump heats up. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook deputy editor Zack Stanton talks with reporter Lisa Kashinsky.

On Wednesday night, the House passed a bipartisan debt ceiling deal, sending it to Senate. Plus, what we know about the reports that federal prosecutors have an audio recording of former President Trump discussing a sensitive military document he kept after leaving the White House. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels talks with Congress reporter Nicholas Wu.

Leaders in both parties are going to be spending much of the day whipping their rank-and-file to make sure they can get the 218 votes needed to pass the debt ceiling bill. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade breaks down her reporting.

With mere days left before the projected June 1 X-date, negotiators appear to be homing in on a debt ceiling deal that would avert an economic catastrophe. A source familiar with the talks told Playbook late last night that the two sides have all but finalized the spending portion of discussions. Rachael Bade breaks down her reporting.

The Florida governor’s entry into the Presidential race will immediately shake up a Republican primary that has been dominated by former President Donald Trump. All that, and everything else you need to know in politics today. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza talks with National Political Correspondent Meridith McGraw.

With only days until the earliest possible default on June 1, we’re going to address the question lawmakers aren’t ready to face: What happens if Biden and McCarthy can’t make a deal? Playbook spent several hours yesterday afternoon and evening working the phones. Rachael Bade breaks down four possible scenarios, ranked most to least likely. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade breaks down her reporting.

We are just days away from a potential federal default, and Washington this week is going to be consumed with the latest twists and turns on whether Congress will act to raise the debt limit in time to prevent a whole parade of horribles – from a tanking stock market to skyrocketing borrowing costs to mass unemployment. Over the weekend bipartisan negotiations went from on again to off again to on again, and today’s main event is a White House meeting between President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Playbook editor Mike DeBonis and author Rachael Bade break it down, along with the rest of the news you need to know today.

Though House Speaker Kevin McCarthy suggested a couple days ago that he wanted to have a debt-limit deal by the start of the weekend, as of right now on Friday morning, that doesn’t seem likely to happen — we break down the pressure points. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook deputy editor Zack Stanton talks with Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza.