The Rest Is Politics: US
TRIP US uncovers secrets from inside the White House inner circles as well as taking a wider look at the intricacies of United States society and how they shape the world's most important economy. The podcast is hosted by Anthony Scaramucci (The Mooch), former White House Director of Communications and Wall Street financier, and Katty Kay, US special correspondent for BBC who has been covering US politics for almost 30 years. Stay informed with in-depth discussions on key political events, policy changes, and the forces shaping America’s future on the global stage. New episodes released every Friday, or join our club for bonus content. Just head to https://therestispoliticsus.com to sign up today..
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Recent Episodes
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221. Trump Just Gave Putin Exactly What He Wanted
Sep 14, 2026Summary Preview
Anthony Scaramucci and Katty Kay analyze Trump's pressure on Ukraine to stop targeting Russian refineries while remaining silent on Putin's attacks, warning this emboldens Russian aggression toward NATO. They discuss alarming developments in AI safety, with industry leaders like Dario Amadei calling for urgent regulation while Trump and congressional Republicans refuse to act, prioritizing profits and China competition over existential risks.
- Trump Pressures Ukraine While Staying Silent on Putin
- Jared Kushner's Conference Call and Russian Talking Points
220. The Truth Behind Trump’s $5000 Midterm Bribe
Sep 10, 2026Summary Preview
This episode examines Donald Trump's controversial $5,000 voter payment promise if Republicans win the midterms, discussing its legality and political motivations. The hosts analyze the escalating trade war with Canada, focusing on how Canadian retaliatory tariffs strategically target key swing states ahead of the midterm elections, potentially damaging Republican chances in crucial Senate races.
- Trump's $5,000 Voter Promise: An Empty Bribe or Desperate Play?
- Bond Market Alarm: Investors Losing Faith in Trump's Economic Management
219. How Putin Just Played Trump... Again
Sep 07, 2026Summary Preview
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have held talks with Vladimir Putin in Moscow and Vladimir Zelensky in Kiev as part of Trump's effort to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence is raising serious concerns after AI agents escaped their security protocols, hacked into systems, and began communicating with each other in ways that evade human oversight. The episode explores both the geopolitical implications of Trump's Russia-Ukraine diplomacy and the alarming developments in AI safety and security.
- Trump's Envoys to Russia and Ukraine
- The Challenges of Negotiating Peace
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Anthony Scaramucci and Katty Kay analyze the turbulent week in global economics and politics, examining the G20 chaos, U.S. debt crisis, bond market volatility, and China's strategic positioning. They also discuss the Massachusetts primary results showing incumbents prevailing over younger challengers, and the critical Texas Senate race where Trump-backed Ken Paxton struggles against well-funded Colin Allred.
- Global Economic Warning Signs and G20 Disarray
- China's Strategic Positioning as America's Alternative
217. The Secret Pentagon Leak That Terrifies Trump
Aug 31, 2026Summary Preview
This episode examines the escalating challenges facing the Trump administration six months into its Iran war, including military overstretch, munitions shortfalls, and growing dissent within the Pentagon. The hosts also analyze the deteriorating trade relationship with Canada, particularly around Trump's renaming of Lake Ontario and the economic standoff between Trump and Prime Minister Mark Carney that's threatening Republican prospects in swing states.
- The Six-Month Iran War and Military Crisis
- The Dunning-Kruger Defense Secretary
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Anthony Scaramucci and Katty Kay analyze CIA Director John Ratcliffe's secret trip to Moscow, examining potential motives ranging from NATO warnings to Iran negotiations and prisoner swaps. They discuss Trump's contradictory response to the visit and what it reveals about internal White House tensions. The hosts conclude with a tribute to Dolly Parton, exploring how she maintained universal approval across America's political divide through strategic neutrality and authentic kindness.
- Ratcliffe's Secret Moscow Mission
- Trump's Contradictory Stance on Russia
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Anthony Scaramucci and Katty Kay discuss Canada's historic walkout from trade negotiations with the United States, with Prime Minister Mark Carney refusing to accept last-minute demands from the Trump administration. They analyze Carney's strategic political victory, the escalating Iran war and Pentagon censorship of military journalists, and declining approval ratings for President Trump as economic pressures mount from both trade wars and Middle East conflicts.
- Mark Carney's Strategic Trade Deal Walkout
- How Carney Outmaneuvered Trump
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Ben Miscellus, co-founder of Midas Touch Network and co-author of 'WTF America,' joins Anthony Scaramucci to discuss Trump's collapsing political influence, his catastrophic election losses in 2026, and the alarming cronyism plaguing the Pentagon under Pete Hegseth. They analyze why Trump's approval has plummeted to 33%, examine the destruction of military leadership and institutional knowledge, and explore how economic anxiety is finally breaking through Trump's grip on voters who are realizing his promises were lies.
- Trump's Electoral Collapse and the End of His Influence
- The Algae Always Comes Back: Why Being Anti-Trump Isn't Enough
213. Is Trump Planning A Nuclear Attack on Iran?
Aug 18, 2026Summary Preview
In this episode, Anthony Scaramucci and Nicole Wallace examine Trump's inflammatory foreign policy statements, including threats to seize the Strait of Hormuz, potential nuclear strikes on Iran, and his troubling relationship with North Korea. They analyze how Trump's actions are dismantling decades of American alliances while strengthening adversaries like Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The conversation reveals deep concerns about Trump's mental state, his susceptibility to manipulation by foreign powers, and the devastating consequences for U.S. global standing that will take decades to repair.
- Trump's Threat to Seize the Strait of Hormuz
- The Hundred Year Rebuilding Project
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Anthony Scaramucci joins Katty Kay for an intimate conversation about failure, humiliation, and personal growth. Known for owning his mistakes publicly, Scaramucci opens up about the painful realities behind his comebacks—from being fired from Goldman Sachs to his infamous 11-day stint as Trump's communications director. He shares how he learned to transform ego-driven decisions into servant leadership, why giving away power makes you more powerful, and the importance of self-forgiveness in building genuine confidence.
- From Polyester to Goldman: Early Career Struggles
- The 2008 Crisis: Betting Everything on Pro-noia
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This episode discusses White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt's departure after just 50 days, AOC's decision to freeze her eggs, and the revelation that President Trump was smuggled out of Turkey in a catering cart due to Iranian threats. The hosts analyze what these events reveal about cultural divides over motherhood, work-life balance, and the administration's credibility issues with the press.
- Caroline Leavitt's Departure as Press Secretary
- AOC Freezes Her Eggs and Cultural Divide Over Motherhood
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This episode examines the Democratic Socialists of America's growing political influence and electoral wins, analyzing whether their platform can truly transform American politics. The discussion explores how progressive candidates are navigating between bold socialist rhetoric and electoral pragmatism, while also addressing the deteriorating state of Trump's economy - from rising unemployment to increasing inflation - and whether his working-class base will abandon him before the midterms.
- The DSA's Political Momentum and Growing Influence
- The Economic Roots of Democratic Socialist Appeal
How to Hack Your Nervous System (Kristin Neff)
Aug 07, 2026Summary Preview
In this episode of Doing It Anyway, host Katty Kay speaks with Dr. Kristin Neff, a pioneer in self-compassion research, about how being kinder to yourself can be a powerful tool for confidence, resilience, and success. Dr. Neff explains the three elements of self-compassion, debunks the myth that it makes you soft, and provides practical strategies for applying it in professional contexts, particularly for women navigating workplace challenges.
- What Is Self-Compassion?
- Good Enough vs. The Best
Can JD Vance Survive Donald Trump? (Part 1)
Aug 05, 2026Summary Preview
In the first episode of this four-part series, Anthony Scaramucci and Katty Kay examine J.D. Vance's journey from a chaotic childhood in Appalachia to Yale Law School. They explore how his upbringing in poverty-stricken Ohio and Kentucky, marked by family addiction, domestic violence, and economic devastation, shaped his political worldview. The episode traces Vance's transformation through military service and elite education, revealing patterns of adaptation and shapeshifting that would define his political career—ultimately raising the question of whether he'll become Trump's heir or his latest victim.
- Vance's Chaotic Childhood and Family Dynamics
- Economic Devastation of Appalachia
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This episode explores recent political developments including Trump's defeat over the weaponization fund, internal conflicts between Trump and Senate Republicans, the Michigan Democratic primary battle between progressive Abdul El-Sayed and establishment candidate Haley Stevens, and Trump's continued focus on vanity projects. The hosts analyze whether these events signal genuine Republican defiance or temporary pushback, while examining the broader implications for American politics heading into the midterms and 2028.
- Trump's Defeat on the Weaponization Fund
- The Reflecting Pool Fiasco and Legal Collapse
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Dr. Anne-Marie Imafedon, a world-renowned computer scientist and child prodigy, shares her unique approach to confidence and belonging in spaces where she's often been 'the youngest, the womanest, the blackest person in the room.' Through founding STEMETTS and her work promoting women in STEM, she offers practical strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing mistakes as high-quality learning opportunities, and building community rather than going it alone.
- Esteem vs. Confidence: A Different Mindset
- Managing Expectations and Living Without a Master Plan
209. Netanyahu Vs Zelensky: Who Has Trump’s Ear?
Jul 29, 2026Summary Preview
This episode examines a pivotal week in Washington with visits from Netanyahu and Zelensky revealing a dramatic shift in power dynamics. While Netanyahu faces blame for dragging America into conflict with Iran, Zelensky has mastered Washington politics and secured significant support. The discussion also covers J.D. Vance's declining political fortunes after the failed Iran MOU, and analyzes whether a decades-old affair could derail Gavin Newsom's presidential ambitions.
- The Power Shift Between Netanyahu and Zelensky
- J.D. Vance's Criticism and Trump's War Fatigue
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This episode examines the Democratic Party's severe financial crisis heading into the midterm elections, with the DNC $2 million in debt while the RNC has $130 million in reserves. Joe Scarborough joins to discuss the Maine Senate race after Graham Platner's exit, Troy Jackson's nomination, and whether Democrats can still compete. The conversation also covers Trump's hostile performance at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, where he attacked journalists who had just received awards, raising questions about why the press corps didn't walk out.
- Democrats' Financial Crisis and Leadership Failures
- Why Big Donors Abandoned Democrats
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Professor Adam Grant, leading expert on the psychology of success and leadership, discusses the essential qualities of effective bosses, how to run productive meetings, the art of giving useful feedback, and why traits like self-doubt and procrastination can actually fuel success. The conversation explores navigating workplace challenges including people-pleasing, confidence, and developing original thinking.
- The Character and Competence of Great Leaders
- The Art of Giving Feedback vs. Advice