Are midterm elections always a referendum on the sitting president? Reporters Ashley Parker and Michael Scherer explain whom Trump has endorsed, which candidates have embraced Trump's policies and how his presence might play out at the polls.

President Trump has played an outsize role in midterm campaigns. Can he do that?

The Washington Post’s Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann gather for a weekly conversation about former president Donald Trump’s ongoing legal troubles. As trials loom in New York, Florida, Georgia and Washington, D.C., the team will break down the most important – and historic – twists and turns, all as Trump seeks a second term as president.

The crew will sit down each Thursday (with the occasional breaking news episode) to discuss what has happened that week, and what’s coming up the next week – often with guest appearances from Washington Post reporters. Listen in to see how you can submit your own questions for the team to answer.

News

Politics

True crime

In this week's episode, the crew discusses Judge Juan Merchan's finding that former president Donald Trump is in contempt of court, the $9,000 fine he faces, and what could happen if he continues violating the gag order imposed by the court.

Washington Post Senior National Political Correspondent Ashley Parker joins the show to talk about Hope Hicks, the former Trump aide who could be called to testify soon.

Hope on the horizon

In this week's episode, the crew discusses what's happened in former president Donald Trump's New York trial so far – and what we're hearing from witnesses.

Washington Post reporter Devlin Barrett returns to take us inside the courtroom, while senior video journalist JM Rieger analyzes Trump's repetitive, falsehood-filled statements outside the courtroom.

Co-conspirator #1

In our second episode, the crew discusses the jurors selected during the first two days of former president Donald Trump's Manhattan criminal trial – and why plenty of other prospective jurors were dismissed.

Washington Post reporter Devlin Barrett joins to discuss what it's like covering the trial from inside the courthouse.

Sleepy Don

In our first episode, the crew discusses the first day of former president Donald Trump's criminal trial in the hush money case brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and how jury selection could play out. Plus - why the trial won't be televised, and how much trouble Trump could be in.

Michael Cadenhead joins to discuss his recent trip to New York to ask Manhattanites if they could serve as impartial jurors in the trial.

No cameras in court

The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann will host a weekly conversation as former president Donald Trump faces legal challenges in New York, Florida, Georgia and Washington, D.C. On the new show, "The Trump Trials: Sidebar," the hosts will break down the latest twists and turns as Trump contends with court appearances and seeks a second presidential term.

President Trump has played an outsize role in midterm campaigns. Can he do that?

Download our free app to listen on your phone