The State of It: USA

The Times
The Times
  • 3.9 (45)
  • Politics
  • Updated Weekly

Katy Balls and Gerard Baker bring you the REAL truth about US politics and power. No fake news, no flag waving and no Trump Derangement Syndrome. Just honest, in-depth discussion of what’s really being said inside the White House.  Join the conversation between two people who know everyone in the USA who matters. Beaming in from NYC, Gerard brings almost 30 years’ experience reporting on America while Katy is the new kid on the block, spending her days chasing news and her nights on the Washington cocktail circuit.  This series launches on 28 January 2026. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 6h ago ·  Video

    The socialists take a beating and the tyranny of "woke 1"

    Francesca Hong suffered a shock defeat in the Wisconsin primary, losing out to the Democrats’ more centrist candidate David Crowley despite holding a 10-15 point lead in the polls. Is this a sign that the Democratic establishment is finally pushing back against the party’s socialist insurgency? And, as AOC distances herself from the “woke 1” politics of yesteryear, is she quietly positioning herself for a 2028 leadership bid? And why did Donald Trump hide from an Iranian assassination threat in a catering truck? Spare a thought for poor Marco Rubio, who was effectively used as a decoy. And the backlash against America’s sprawling data-centre boom is becoming a genuinely bipartisan issue. From Democratic socialists to Republican governors, politicians are waking up to growing public anger over the energy demands and sheer scale of AI infrastructure. Is this the beginning of a wider revolt against Big Tech? Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist at The Times and The Sunday Times Gerard Baker, columnist at The Times and editor at large at The Wall Street Journal Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty Images Audio: Reuters This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The socialists take a beating and the tyranny of "woke 1"

  2. 1d ago

    How did Trump mitigate an Iranian assassination attempt? – Washington Insider

    What's the best way of avoiding an Iranian assassination attempt? Turns out it's hiding out in a catering truck and using Air Force One as a decoy. Katy Balls takes us inside the clandestine operation. Produced in partnership with Times Radio Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist, The Times and Sunday Times Ed Vaizey, presenter, Times Radio Producers: Amelia Melvin Picture: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How did Trump mitigate an Iranian assassination attempt? – Washington Insider

  3. Aug 5 ·  Video

    Could America go socialist?

    One of America's largest states is set to nominate left-wing candidate Abdul El-Sayed. His victory in the Democratic primary is the latest sign that the party is shifting decisively to the left. Meanwhile, in Wisconsin, Francesca Hong has defeated her opponent despite previously arguing that Thanksgiving should be cancelled. Is America on the verge of embracing democratic socialism after 250 years, or can MAGA prove it is still the true standard-bearer of the American spirit? Plus, just how damaging has the war with Iran become for Donald Trump as US military stockpiles begin to run low? What does it mean for America's ability to project power abroad? And why is Trump threatening a US attorney and an Olympic swimmer over a body of water? Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist at The Times and The Sunday Times Gerard Baker, columnist at The Times and editor at large at The Wall Street Journal Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Picture: Getty Images Audio: Reuters, CNN This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Could America go socialist?

  4. Aug 4

    MAGA's Iran War Apathy - Washington Insider

    There is a growing sense of blasé indifference within the MAGA movement over Trump's war with Iran. Could that complacency come back to haunt Republicans at the midterm elections? There's also a growing rift between Donald Trump and US Attorney Jeanine Pirro after she dropped charges in a high-profile vandalism case, prompting fresh questions about loyalty and power inside the administration. Finally, with democratic socialist candidates on the rise, Katy and Gerry ask whether the Democrats' leftward shift is the key to winning back power—or a gamble that could cost them the midterms. Produced in partnership with Times Radio Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist, The Times and Sunday Times Ed Vaizey, presenter, Times Radio Producers: Erin Carney Picture: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    MAGA's Iran War Apathy - Washington Insider

  5. Jul 29 ·  Video

    How Trump changed his mind about Zelensky

    US foreign policy shifts on Ukraine: President Zelensky and President Trump have met in the White House and US-Ukraine relations are on a much friendlier footing than at any time since Donald Trump returned to office. They agreed that the US will give Ukraine licences to make their own Patriot missile interceptors to protect from Russian attacks, and there's talk that Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner could make a trip to Ukraine. Maga influencer Laura Loomer went from saying that Ukraine was full of Nazis to being a cheerleader for President Zelensky. That shift in opinion seems to have filtered through to the Oval Office, but how much has Trump's position shifted? And how has the war in Iran changed his view on Russia and Ukraine? The Battle for Fifa: after Martyn Ziegler's Times scoop that Fifa's president Gianni Infantino is planning to sell off parts of Fifa to private investors, even Andy Burnham has weighed in to telegraph his disapproval...is the reaction justified or "complete balderdash"? Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist at The Times and The Sunday Times Gerard Baker, columnist at The Times and editor at large at The Wall Street Journal Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty Images Audio: Reuters This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How Trump changed his mind about Zelensky

  6. Jul 28

    What to expect from Trump's meetings with Netanyahu and Zelensky - Washington Insider

    President Trump is having meetings with both Binyamin Netanyahu and Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. What can we expect? Also, new footage of Lindsey Graham before his death reveals more about his attitude to Iran. And how does Donald Trump do when he's delivering jokes that have been written for him? Produced in partnership with Times Radio Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist, The Times and Sunday Times Carolyn Quinn, presenter, Times Radio Producers: Tom Vigar, Amelia Melvin Picture: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    What to expect from Trump's meetings with Netanyahu and Zelensky - Washington Insider

  7. Jul 21

    Bromance but for how long? Trump and Burnham's first call

    Andy Burnham and Donald Trump have had their first phone call. How did it go? Will President Trump find time to visit Manchester? And how is Ed Miliband's appointment as foreign secretary going down in Washington? Also, why has the US announced 50% tariffs on goods from Canada? And JD Vance and his wife Usha have had another baby, their fourth child. How is the Secret Service coping with Vance's growing family? Bonus episode from Times Radio. Hugo Rifkind, Times Radio presenter Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist at The Times and The Sunday Times Producer: Amelia Melvin Picture: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Bromance but for how long? Trump and Burnham's first call

  8. Jul 21 ·  Video

    Who the hell is this Andy guy? Washington sizes up Burnham

    As Andy Burnham takes over as prime minister, how will he get on with Donald Trump and what will their relationship mean for US-UK relations? President Trump wrote on Truth Social that the people of Aberdeen are dancing in the streets because Burnham will open up North Sea Oil, and will "make the United Kingdom, from a Poverty Stricken Disaster, to one of the Richest Countries anywhere in the World!" But is Burnham as enthusiastic about drilling as Trump thinks he is? And what other issues could make or break their relationship?After three US servicemen died over the weekend, will the US feel obliged to escalate the war with Iran to avenge their deaths? Is there a danger that they get locked into a cycle of escalation with Iran?Plus, does Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey set the lights flashing on Gerry's woke radar? Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist at The Times and The Sunday Times Gerard Baker, columnist at The Times and editor at large at The Wall Street Journal Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Sophie Dolding Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty Images Audio: Reuters, The Odyssey trailer This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Who the hell is this Andy guy? Washington sizes up Burnham
See All (36)

Shows with Subscription Benefits

Subscribe to The Times to access bonus podcasts

View Subscription FAQs

3.9
out of 5
45 Ratings

About

Katy Balls and Gerard Baker bring you the REAL truth about US politics and power. No fake news, no flag waving and no Trump Derangement Syndrome. Just honest, in-depth discussion of what’s really being said inside the White House.  Join the conversation between two people who know everyone in the USA who matters. Beaming in from NYC, Gerard brings almost 30 years’ experience reporting on America while Katy is the new kid on the block, spending her days chasing news and her nights on the Washington cocktail circuit.  This series launches on 28 January 2026. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Channel
    The Times
  • Creator
    The Times
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Times
  • Show Website
    The State of It: USA
  • Provider
    News Corp UK & Ireland Limited

More From The Times

You Might Also Like