Americast

Americast

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 social media investigation 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 or WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

00:00
00:00

Episodes

652-

Do Republicans need to ditch Trump before the midterms?

30 Sep 2026
651-

Americanswers! Why don't the Democrats have a new leader yet?

This episode of America Answers examines the economic and political implications of Donald Trump's potential ban on diesel exports, including its impact on US gas prices and broader housing affordability. The discussion also explores the lack of unified leadership within the Democratic Party and the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the Epstein files. Additionally, the panel analyzes recent diplomatic interactions between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping regarding arms sales to China and Taiwan. The conversation concludes with an exploration of U.S.-China relations and whether high-level summits were intended to signal a shared stance on the unregulated advancement of AI technology.

28 Sep 2026
650-

Has Trump’s ban against the media backfired?

This episode of AmeriCast examines the legal and political battles surrounding the Trump administration's restrictions on press credentials. The discussion covers the lawsuit filed by major news organizations against the White House, the subsequent court ruling that overturned the ban due to a lack of due process, and the irony of a Trump-appointed judge delivering the decision. The conversation also explores the broader political implications for the Republican party ahead of the midterms. As Donald Trump's approval ratings on the economy hit record lows, the hosts discuss the emergence of an anti-Trump lane within the GOP and the potential for significant shifts in control of the Senate and House.

25 Sep 2026
649-

Did Trump's UN speech convince voters on Iran?

This episode of AmeriCast examines Donald Trump's address to the United Nations, focusing on his aggressive rhetoric regarding Iran and the potential for military action. The discussion explores the geopolitical implications of the ongoing Iran war, including its impact on global oil prices, the Houthi rebels, and diplomatic tensions. The episode also analyzes President Trump's recent activities at the UN, including meetings regarding Greenland and Ukraine. The speakers discuss shifting dynamics in international trust, the potential impact of US tariffs on energy prices, and the uncertainty surrounding Trump's domestic and international political power.

23 Sep 2026
648-

Americanswers… Why has Denmark made a deal with Trump over Greenland?

This episode examines Donald Trump's recent decision to ban specific media outlets, including CNN, Politico, and MSNBC, from the White House, exploring the legal implications for the First Amendment and the impact on presidential press pools. The discussion further covers the political repercussions of various administration policies, ranging from the Greenland security agreement and ICE enforcement issues in Austin to the controversial proposal for a 'Trump Triumphal Arch.' Additionally, the episode provides an update on the legal proceedings involving Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

21 Sep 2026