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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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
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Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci discuss the escalating crisis in Iran, with reports suggesting a potential ground invasion could occur this weekend. The conversation covers military buildup in the region, Trump's lack of clear exit strategy, the political pressures from Fox News hosts urging restraint, and comparisons to past American military quagmires. The episode also examines Democratic efforts to prepare for potential election interference in the upcoming midterms, particularly in Arizona where election deniers have won Republican primaries.
- Iran Crisis Escalation and Military Buildup
- Political Fallout and Fox News Pressure
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In this episode, Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci dissect Trump's controversial White House speech claiming Chinese interference in the 2020 election, despite his own declassified documents refuting those claims. They examine how this undermines electoral confidence—precisely what US adversaries want—and discuss whether Trump is strategically laying groundwork for midterm election challenges or simply cannot accept his 2020 loss. The hosts also investigate alarming reports that the FBI has been ordered to stop investigating ICE agents, potentially unleashing more aggressive immigration enforcement, and explore the Trump administration's unprecedented attempt to activate a dormant 'Alien Terrorist Removal Court' created 30 years ago but never used.
- Trump's Unfounded Claims About Chinese Election Interference
- Strategic Motivations Behind Election Fraud Claims
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Ali Love, the celebrated Peloton instructor, shares her remarkable journey from a life-threatening accident at age nine to becoming a fitness icon. This conversation explores her approach to resilience, ambition, and confidence through practical strategies like 'bossing up,' daily intention-setting, and reframing fear. Ali opens up about her struggles with comparison, returning to work as a new mother, and the small daily battles that constitute real strength. Her infectious optimism and hard-won wisdom offer a masterclass in doing it anyway, even when the odds seem impossible.
- Overcoming a Life-Threatening Childhood Accident
- The Power of Small Steps and Redefining Strength
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Anthony and Katty examine the heated Senate confirmation hearings for Trump's picks Todd Blanche (acting Attorney General) and Jay Clayton (Director of National Intelligence), both of whom refused to clearly state that Joe Biden won the 2020 election. They also discuss the escalating conflict with Iran following the collapse of the Memorandum of Understanding, threats to global oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, and J.D. Vance's appearance on Joe Rogan where he criticized Israeli influence in prolonging Middle East conflicts.
- The Loyalty Test: Senate Confirmation Hearings
- The Epstein Files Obstruction
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Anthony Scaramucci and Katty Kay discuss the death of Senator Lindsey Graham after 31 years in the Senate, examining his transformation from a Trump critic to ally and his lasting impact on Ukraine policy. They also analyze the escalating ICE enforcement operations under the Trump administration, including controversial shootings and the political implications for Republican candidates in Hispanic communities.
- Lindsey Graham's Political Evolution and Death
- The Trump Proximity Paradox
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Mika Brzezinski, co-anchor of MSNBC's Morning Joe, joins Katty Kay to discuss her journey from undervaluing herself to becoming an advocate for women knowing their worth. Through candid storytelling about contract negotiations gone wrong and hard-won lessons, Mika shares practical strategies for asking for raises, avoiding the 'good girl trap,' and understanding that women have a much longer runway than previous generations believed. The conversation covers everything from the art of salary negotiation to handling workplace dynamics after maternity leave, all anchored in Mika's core philosophy that knowing your value extends far beyond your career into every relationship in your life.
- The Origins of Know Your Value
- Know Your Value Beyond Career
203. Inside the Implosion of the Platner Campaign
Jul 09, 2026Summary Preview
Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci discuss the implosion of Graham Plattner's Senate campaign in Maine following sexual assault allegations, the mysterious absence of Mitch McConnell from the Senate, Trump's volatile relationship with Iran and shifting stance on Ukraine, and the broader implications of populism and the Me Too backlash in American politics. They also discuss women's declining fortunes in corporate leadership and introduce Katty's new workplace confidence series.
- Graham Plattner's Campaign Collapse and What It Reveals About Democratic Politics
- The Populist Energy Problem and Me Too Backlash
202. Is Trump Rigging the World Cup?
Jul 06, 2026Summary Preview
This episode explores several controversial Trump administration actions, focusing on presidential interference in FIFA's World Cup decisions, the quiet dissolution of DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), and emerging political voices like Mayor Mamdani. The hosts examine how Trump's norm-breaking behavior affects America's global standing, the failure of government efficiency promises, and the rise of democratic socialist alternatives in American politics.
- Trump's FIFA Interference and the World Cup Red Card Reversal
- The Quiet Death of DOGE and Government Spending Reality
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Anthony Scaramucci and Kara Swisher discuss Trump's unprecedented financial disclosures revealing potential corruption and conflicts of interest, examining the massive scale of his family's wealth accumulation during his presidency. They analyze the cultural and political implications of differential rule enforcement, corporate settlements that resemble extortion payments, and a Supreme Court ruling on birthright citizenship that preserves constitutional protections despite Trump's efforts to eliminate them.
- Trump's Financial Disclosures and Unprecedented Grift
- Two Sets of Rules: The Erosion of Fairness
200. Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Will Backfire
Jun 29, 2026Processing failed
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A comprehensive analysis of Trump's tumultuous relationship with Congressional Republicans, focusing on a failed housing bill signing, explosive confrontations with senators, and the broader implications for GOP unity. The episode also discusses Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan's new book 'Regime Change' and examines the shifting dynamics within the Democratic Party following Mamdani-backed victories in New York primaries, particularly around Israel-Gaza politics.
- Trump's Failed Housing Bill Signing and Republican Chaos
- The Cassidy-Trump Shouting Match
198. Trump's War On Europe: No Way Back?
Jun 22, 2026Summary Preview
Joe Scarborough joins Katty Kay to discuss Donald Trump's increasingly hostile approach toward European allies and his simultaneous accommodation of adversaries like Iran and Russia. They examine how European leaders, particularly Georgia Meloni and potential UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, should navigate their relationship with an unpredictable American administration. The conversation also explores the Iran ceasefire negotiations, Trump's legacy, and JD Vance's political positioning.
- Europe's Leadership Instability Crisis
- How to Handle Donald Trump: Lessons from Meloni
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Anthony Scaramucci and Katty Kay dissect the Trump administration's controversial Iran deal signed at Versailles, which they characterize as a diplomatic disaster worse than Obama's original agreement. They examine how this deal, requiring significant political and financial concessions to Tehran, positions J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio for potential 2028 presidential runs. The second half analyzes Vance's new book 'Communion' and his strategic media tour aimed at rebranding himself as a softer, more empathetic figure while maintaining MAGA credentials.
- The Versailles Iran Deal: A Historic Mistake
- Jamie Dimon's Versailles Appearance and Republican Complicity
196. Trump’s Iran Deal: One Big American Failure?
Jun 15, 2026Summary Preview
Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci analyze the recently announced Iran deal, which they argue leaves America in a worse strategic position than before the war. They discuss how Trump will attempt to spin this as a victory despite achieving few of his stated objectives, and examine the broader implications for nuclear proliferation and American credibility. The episode also covers Trump's controversial 80th birthday UFC celebration at the White House, exploring the cultural divide it represents and what Democrats can learn about connecting with working-class voters.
- The Iran Deal: More Questions Than Answers
- America's Standing and Nuclear Proliferation Risks
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Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci discuss how the 2026 World Cup has become a public relations disaster for America, highlighting issues with ICE enforcement, visa restrictions, and plummeting tourism numbers. They contrast Trump's closed-door America with New York Mayor Zoran Mamdani's welcoming approach, and examine Trump's continued election fraud claims following California's recent primary results.
- The World Cup's Image Problem for America
- Economic and Political Fallout from Immigration Enforcement