The News Agents - USA

It was a mixed night for progressive Democrats in primaries yesterday. They chalked up some wins, but the Wisconsin gubernatorial hopeful Francesca Hong was probably the highest profile left wing candidate up in a contest - she'd been leading in the polls but ended up falling short to the more moderate Jason Crowley. Notably, neither AOC nor Bernie Sanders took up the invitations to endorse her campaign - and after a series of gaffes along the way they may feel vindicated.

In fact, AOC has been tailoring her messaging and her platform, arguably playing down the more radical side of her politics and playing up her winning track record. A recent poll had her as the preferred presidential candidate for Democrats in New Hampshire. Does she have a real shot?

Later, the problems with Donald Trump's plane bait and switch story. And why Truth Social premium (costing $100,000 a month) might become a whole can of worms.

With Miles Taylor.

The News Agents USA is a Global Production.

The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The Michigan Senate race primary between two Democrat candidates was so tight that by midday it still hadn’t been officially called. But it looks like the progressive, Muslim candidate of the Left has edged it over his AIPAC backed opponent. Abdul El-Sayed is a charismatic orator already being compared in tone to Obama.

But is the Democrat party already splitting before a critical midterm election? And could it cost them the Senate? Later, why is alleged domestic abuser Max Miller still standing for the Republican party in Ohio? Has Trump now set the blueprint for any politician facing charges of abuse or violence who believe they can win if they just show resilience?

The News Agents USA is a Global Production.

The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

There are good signs that Ukraine seems to now be winning the war against Russia - and for Volodymyr Zelenskyy, there are even better signs that Ukraine is winning the battle the battle for hearts and minds with MAGA. Now long ago Laura Loomer, the hard-right MAGA cheerleader with the ear of Donald Trump, was accusing Ukraine of starting the conflict, regurgitating Russian propaganda, and generally denigrating the cause of Kyiv.

That's all changed. In something of a damascene conversion, she's been to Ukraine, interviewed Zelenskyy, and is now shouting from the rooftops about the nobility of the Ukrainian cause and the lies coming out of Moscow. Trump has been posting approvingly about her content, and was glowing about a recent meeting with the Ukrainian President. Sean Hannity too, another Trump whisperer, was practically hero worshipping him when he came on Fox News. So is MAGA finally rowing in behind the country it has so publicly clashed with in Trump's second term? And why?

Later, why Todd Blanche's confirmation as Attorney General is on the ropes - and why this week could be the worst of his life whatever the outcome.

Jon is joined again this week by Miles Taylor.

The News Agents USA is a Global Production.

The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Pete Hegseth took an absolute pummelling in the Senate as he tried to make the continued case for Trump's war in Iran. It wasn't just the Democrats getting exasperated - Louisiana Senator John Kennedy said the situation was as serious as "four strokes and a heart attack" - and lambasted the lack of "straight answers" coming from the Secretary of War.

Trump insisted yesterday that Iran's threats over the Strait of Hormuz "won't have any impact" on him - but is that wishful thinking? Republicans are getting increasingly itchy to bring this thing to a close. So far, Trump's shown no sign of backing down, but could they force his hand? Jon discusses with Miles Taylor.

Later, why 'Blue MAGA" is taking over the Democratic party - and how Andy Burnham and Ed Miliband should try and handle the White House.

The News Agents USA is a Global Production.

The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

ICE agents have been instructed to immediately suspend vehicle stops during enforcement operations nationwide. It follows two fatal shootings in Texas and Maine over the last week. Are things getting out of control again? Or are ICE about to double down? And how are Americans reacting? Former Chief of Staff at Homeland Security, Miles Taylor joins us.

Later, we look back the strange legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham. How did he go from Trump critic to ally? And what was his impact on US politics?

The News Agents is a Global Production.

The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

There were so many signs that Graham Platner was a flawed candidate. A history of offensive social media posts, A tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol. A sexting scandal. And last month, a series of ex-partners accusing Platner of erratic and angry behaviour. But it wasn't until this week, when a woman told CNN that she had been sexually assaulted by Platner, that his position became untenable as the Democrat vying for a Senate seat in Maine. He denies the allegations - and has hit out at a "political establishment" trying to bring him down. But is the truth that the Dems should have cut him loose much sooner? In the search for authenticity, did the party embrace someone it should have been much more wary of? And, like with Biden, have they jeopardised their chances in Maine by leaving the search for a replacement until the last minute?

Later, is Mitch McConnell alive? That's the question one GOP Congressman was unable to answer earlier this week. The 84-year-old has been in hospital for weeks and there has been a series of recent incidents prompting fresh concerns about his health. Some MAGA figures are demanding proof of life. Why does America's political system keep churning out octogenarians?

The News Agents USA is a Global Production.

The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

President Donald Trump made more than $1bn last year from business dealings in cryptocurrency. This week's disclosure shows his crypto earnings now far overshadow income from his real estate business.

On this week's episode we ask why nobody seems to have too much of a problem with it?

Later, we discuss this week's Supreme Court judgments, where Trump's plan to over-turn the right to birthright citizenship failed.

The News Agents USA is a Global production.

The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

There was something of a political earthquake in New York overnight. Three left wing Democratic candidates, endorsed by Mamdani, sweeping out established Congressional characters and hailing in a new era of progressive politics in the Big Apple.

Mamdani's political stardust shows little sign of waning - is he now the most powerful figure in his party? And what does that mean for the future of the Dems?

We speak to Ben Rhodes, one of Barack Obama's closest aides during his presidency, and author of a new book 'All We Can Say' - a history of America through political speeches - about the magic of Mamdani, and the malice of Donald Trump.

The News Agents USA is a Global Production.

The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

"Congratulations to all!" Read the President's tweet on truth social. Nominally, this was about the end of the (self-imposed) Iran war. But it’s also possible Trump was congratulating himself on his 80th birthday, which somehow managed to hijack the 250th Independence Day anniversary.

So why was there a cage fight on the White House lawn? What does Joe Rogan really make of Trump now? And why - if there's a ceasefire - are the Iranians insisting the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

How should Democrats be feeling today about their Senate candidate for Maine? Graham Platner has a Nazi tattoo, a dodgy past and quite a lot of baggage. But his fans call him an authentic voice that’s ready to shake up the election in a seat they just can’t seem to win.

We ask journalist and broadcaster Mehdi Hasan what’s going on in the Democratic Party more widely - and as turmoil strikes the heart of Americas legendary 60 minutes show - where is the backbone to US media companies?

The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/