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
Summary Preview
Anthony Scaramucci and Katty Kay analyze President Trump's controversial $1.776 billion 'anti-weaponization slush fund' that will potentially compensate January 6th rioters and Trump allies, alongside a DOJ agreement to drop tax investigations into the Trump family. They also examine Trump's endorsement of scandal-plagued Ken Paxton over Senator John Cornyn in the Texas Senate race, exploring the implications for Republican Party control and Trump's loyalty-based political strategy.
- The Trump Slush Fund and IRS Settlement
- Comparing Trump's Actions to Authoritarian Playbooks
188. Trump Declares War On His Own Party
May 18, 2026Summary Preview
Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci discuss Donald Trump's ironclad control over the Republican Party despite falling national approval ratings, focusing on high-stakes primary races in Kentucky and Louisiana where Trump is successfully purging dissenting GOP members. They analyze the most expensive House primary in history between Thomas Massey and Trump-backed Ed Galrein, before turning to examine the looming oil crisis caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its devastating economic impact on American consumers.
- Trump's GOP Purge: The Thomas Massey Primary Battle
- Trump's Costly Political Strategy: Finite Capital on Intramural Fights
187. Trump and Xi Face Off: Who Won and Who Lost?
May 15, 2026Processing failed
186. Trump’s War Delusion & Kash Patel’s Big Problem
May 13, 2026Summary Preview
In this episode, Michael Steele joins Katty Kay to discuss the mounting economic and political challenges facing the Trump administration. The conversation covers Trump's startling admission that he doesn't care about Americans' financial situation while pursuing the Iran war, the deteriorating economic indicators including 3.8% inflation and record-low consumer confidence, and the broader dysfunction across government institutions. They also examine the Trump phone scam that netted $59 million, Kash Patel's contentious FBI hearing, and the long-term damage being done to critical American institutions through mass firings and political weaponization.
- Trump's Admission: Not Caring About Americans' Finances
- Why Trump Chose War Despite Knowing Economic Consequences
185. Trump Vs China: Who Really Holds the Cards?
May 11, 2026Summary Preview
This episode examines President Trump's upcoming China summit overshadowed by the deteriorating Iran situation, as well as the Supreme Court's Virginia redistricting ruling and its implications for Democratic midterm prospects. The hosts analyze how Trump's foreign policy struggles may weaken his negotiating position with Xi Jinping, while Democrats grapple with both redistricting setbacks and the fundamental challenge of winning back voters they've lost.
- Trump's China Summit and Iran Crisis
- Trump's Delusions About His Negotiating Power
184. Trump's Destroying JD Vance And Rubio's Next
May 06, 2026Summary Preview
Anthony Scaramucci and Katty Kay discuss the state of Washington D.C. under Trump, analyzing a potential one-page Iran deal that falls far short of Trump's original goals, the rising rivalry between Marco Rubio and J.D. Vance for the 2028 Republican nomination, and Trump's successful revenge tour in Indiana's state Senate primaries that demonstrates his continued iron grip over the Republican Party base.
- The Anxiety in Trump's America
- The One-Page Iran Deal: Trump's Desperate Exit Strategy
183. Trump Wants Out - But Iran Won’t Let Him
May 04, 2026Summary Preview
This episode examines Trump's predicament in navigating the Iran conflict while simultaneously focusing on legacy projects like renaming buildings and monuments after himself. The hosts analyze Trump's options for resolving the Iran crisis, discuss Democratic Senate races in Maine and Michigan that signal a potential populist shift, and explore how Trump's vanity projects distract from the core economic issues voters elected him to address.
- Trump's Iran Dilemma: Between War and Peace
- Four Strategic Options for Trump
182. Trump Vs Comey - The ‘86 47’ Feud Explained
Apr 29, 2026Summary Preview
In this episode, Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci dissect the Justice Department's absurd indictment of former FBI Director James Comey over a seashell photo allegedly threatening Trump, explore Trump's ongoing campaign of retribution against perceived enemies, and analyze King Charles III's politically-charged speech to Congress that defended American democratic values while Republicans stood and cheered—seemingly unaware of the coded criticism embedded in his remarks.
- The Seashell Indictment: Prosecutorial Overreach Against James Comey
- Trump's Strategy: Intimidation, Retribution, and Distraction
Summary Preview
This episode covers the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, where a gunman attempted to breach security but was stopped before reaching the ballroom. The hosts discuss the security implications, the normalization of political violence in America, and President Trump's contentious interview with CBS's Nora O'Donnell. The second half examines Iran's new peace proposal regarding the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear negotiations, with analysis of whether Trump's blockade strategy is working or if Iran can outlast American economic tolerance.
- The White House Correspondents' Dinner Shooting
- Security Failures and Protocols
180. Trump Blinks First In Iran Standoff
Apr 23, 2026Summary Preview
Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci discuss the chaotic state of U.S.-Iran ceasefire negotiations, where Trump's erratic messaging has devalued his negotiating position. They analyze the Pentagon's leadership turmoil with the firing of Navy Secretary John Phelan, and celebrate Democrats' gerrymandering victories that have leveled the playing field for midterm elections. The episode reveals deep dysfunction in Trump's approach to both foreign policy and domestic governance.
- Iran Ceasefire Extension and Trump's Contradictory Strategy
- Trump's Devalued Currency and Iranian Resolve
Summary Preview
Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci analyze the ongoing Iran crisis, examining potential negotiation pathways, the dysfunctional Trump administration's handling of the conflict, and competency concerns regarding key cabinet members. They explore military options ranging from blockades to ground troops, discuss China's potential role as mediator, and scrutinize the qualifications and behavior of officials like Kash Patel, Pete Hegseth, and Tulsi Gabbard during wartime.
- Iran Talks Resume Amid Confusion
- Military Options and Pentagon Planning
178. Who’s Getting Rich Off Trump’s War?
Apr 17, 2026Summary Preview
Anthony Scaramucci and Stephanie Ruhle analyze the puzzling disconnect between stock market performance and economic reality amid Middle East tensions, examining why investors seem unfazed by potential oil supply disruptions while ordinary Americans face mounting financial pressures. They explore the growing wealth divide, AI's looming impact on employment, and the escalating confrontation between President Trump and Fed Chair Jerome Powell, questioning whether traditional political solutions can address the emerging two-tier economy.
- Market-Economy Disconnect and the K-Shaped Recovery
- The Affordability Crisis Facing Middle America
Summary Preview
Former diplomat Richard Haass joins Anthony Scaramucci to analyze the Trump administration's naval blockade strategy against Iran, the stalled nuclear negotiations, and the surprising political fallout from President Trump's attacks on Pope Leo XIV. Haass argues the Iran war was ill-advised from the start, that economic pressure would have been more effective than military action, and that the U.S. is "so much worse off" than before the conflict began. The conversation also explores Trump's strategic use of religious controversy to manipulate his Catholic subordinates, including VP Vance and Secretary of State Rubio.
- The Naval Blockade of the Strait of Hormuz
- China's Role and International Diplomacy
Summary Preview
Anthony Scaramucci and Katty Kay analyze the fragile Iran ceasefire, examining why it appears to be failing and Trump's diminished negotiating position. They discuss the New York Times reporting on Netanyahu's influential White House meeting, the breakdown of US-European relations, and surprising Democratic momentum in recent elections. The hosts debate whether Democrats should maintain a low profile or develop a bold new vision heading into the 2026 midterms.
- The Fragile Iran Ceasefire and Trump's Weakened Position
- Netanyahu's White House Power Play
175. TRUMP CALLS FOR IRAN CEASEFIRE – WILL IT HOLD?
Apr 08, 2026Summary Preview
In an emergency live stream, Anthony Scaramucci and Katty Kay analyze the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran following weeks of military conflict. The discussion centers on a 10-point Iranian proposal that President Trump called 'workable,' which includes Iran maintaining control of the Strait of Hormuz and continuing uranium enrichment. The hosts are joined by former CIA officer Mark Polymeropoulos and Council on Foreign Relations President Mike Froman to assess the winners, losers, and long-term implications of what they characterize as America's 'Suez Canal moment.'
- Breaking Down the 10-Point Ceasefire Proposal
- Winners and Losers: The Geopolitical Scorecard
Summary Preview
In this episode recorded on Easter Monday, Anthony and Katty analyze President Trump's profanity-laden Truth Social post threatening Iran with massive infrastructure destruction by Tuesday, exploring the strategic dilemmas he faces between escalation and negotiation. They examine military options, discuss the extraordinary two-day rescue of a downed F-15 pilot from Iranian territory, and debate whether Trump can find a diplomatic off-ramp before his self-imposed deadline.
- Trump's Easter Sunday Ultimatum and the Timing Problem
- The Strategic Dilemma: Trump's Limited Options
173. What Trump's Unhinged War Speech Means for Iran
Apr 02, 2026Summary Preview
Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci discuss Donald Trump's increasingly desperate moves, including a low-energy primetime speech about the Iran conflict and his unprecedented appearance at the Supreme Court during the birthright citizenship case. They analyze Trump's erratic foreign policy that benefits Russia and China, his declining approval ratings, and whether America has become a 'rogue state.' The episode also examines how the judiciary remains the last line of defense against executive overreach, while Congress remains largely silent.
- Trump's Nothing-Burger Iran Speech
- Russia and China: The Real Winners
172. Why Trump Will Keep Escalating The Iran War
Mar 30, 2026Summary Preview
Cathy Kay and Anthony Scaramucci analyze the Trump administration's escalating conflict with Iran, examining whether the president is pursuing genuine dealmaking or extended military engagement. They explore internal White House power dynamics, the lack of strategic planning, and how both political parties are grappling with populist movements and identity crises as the 2028 election landscape begins to take shape.
- Trump's Contradictory Iran Strategy and Market Reactions
- Inside Trump's War Room: Who Has the President's Ear
171. Trump Is Trapped in the Iran War
Mar 25, 2026Summary Preview
In this episode, hosts Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci analyze the ongoing Iran-US tensions, examining Trump's mixed signals between escalation and negotiation. They discuss Iran's sophisticated defense strategy, suspicious trading activity on betting markets that suggests insider information, and the broader corruption issues plaguing Washington. The conversation reveals Trump's political challenges as polling numbers drop and Democrats win special elections, while exploring how financial incentives may be driving policy decisions.
- Iran's Mosaic Defense Strategy and Military Stalemate
- Trump's Divergent Signals and Victory Definitions
170. Trump Backs Down on Iran Threats - What Next?
Mar 23, 2026Summary Preview
Anthony Scaramucci and Katty Kay analyze Trump's decision to postpone his threatened strikes on Iranian power plants after a 48-hour deadline, despite Iran denying that any productive talks occurred. They discuss the challenges of de-escalation, the attack on Diego Garcia military base, and Trump's unpredictable decision-making as the conflict enters a critical phase with no clear exit strategy.
- Trump's Phantom Iran Negotiations and Market Manipulation
- The Dangers of Deadlines and Leverage in Foreign Policy