JD Vance has enjoyed increased prominence over the past week, as his headline-grabbing speech at the Munich Security Conference was followed by a starring role in the Oval Office blow-up between Presidents Trump and Zelensky. We look at how the VP’s central role compares to that played by Mike Pence during the first Trump administration, and how the current arrangement may be beneficial to the president.

Plus, why President Trump is struggling to get a handle on food price inflation despite having made tackling it a key election campaign pledge, and how that may help the Democrats, as the party plots its next move following November’s humbling election result.

Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann offer insight and analysis on another whirlwind week in Washington DC.

Producers: Tom Kavanagh and Aisling Taylor

Sound engineer: Mike Regaard

Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas

Senior news editor: China Collins