President Trump’s Iran war was supposed to be over in weeks. Instead, tensions are escalating again, with Iran threatening cyberattacks on US infrastructure and the Strait of Hormuz still at the centre of the crisis. Does Trump really want to rename the Strait of Hormuz Trump Strait?Katy Balls joins Carole Walker to assess whether Trump is losing control of the conflict — and why he’s saying he’s glad Prince Harry and Meghan have left America. Produced in partnership with Times Radio Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist, The Times and Sunday TimesCarole Walker, presenter, Times Radio Producer: Angus Mitchell Picture: Getty ImagesAudio: ReutersThis podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=FY26_TML_thestateofitusa_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe today</a><hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

President Trump’s Iran war was supposed to be over in weeks. Instead, tensions are escalating again, with Iran threatening cyberattacks on US infrastructure and the Strait of Hormuz still at the centre of the crisis. Does Trump really want to rename the Strait of Hormuz Trump Strait? Katy Balls joins Carole Walker to assess whether Trump is losing control of the conflict — and why he’s saying he’s glad Prince Harry and Meghan have left America. Produced in partnership with Times Radio Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist, The Times and Sunday Times Carole Walker, presenter, Times Radio Producer: Angus Mitchell 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.

President Trump’s Iran war was supposed to be over in weeks. Instead, tensions are escalating again, with Iran threatening cyberattacks on US infrastructure and the Strait of Hormuz still at the centre of the crisis. Does Trump really want to rename the Strait of Hormuz Trump Strait?Katy Balls joins Carole Walker to assess whether Trump is losing control of the conflict — and why he’s saying he’s glad Prince Harry and Meghan have left America. Produced in partnership with Times Radio Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist, The Times and Sunday TimesCarole Walker, presenter, Times Radio Producer: Angus Mitchell Picture: Getty ImagesAudio: ReutersThis podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/?utm_source=podcasts&amp;utm_medium=audio&amp;utm_campaign=FY26_TML_thestateofitusa_" rel="noopener noreferrer">Subscribe today</a> Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Trump, Iran and why he’s glad Harry left America - Washington Insider

<ul><li>Who was attacked by a rabbit on his summer holiday?</li><li>How many days a year does Donald Trump play golf?</li><li>And why was George W Bush so keen on cutting brush?</li></ul>In this summer special episode, Katy and Gerry explore the political and cultural significance of the American summer. Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist at The Times and The Sunday TimesGerard Baker, columnist at The Times and editor at large at The Wall Street Journal Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Picture: Getty ImagesThis podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=FY26_TML_thestateofitusa_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe today</a><hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Who was attacked by a rabbit on his summer holiday?How many days a year does Donald Trump play golf?And why was George W Bush so keen on cutting brush?In this summer special episode, Katy and Gerry explore the political and cultural significance of the American summer. 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 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.

<ul><li>Who was attacked by a rabbit on his summer holiday?</li><li>How many days a year does Donald Trump play golf?</li><li>And why was George W Bush so keen on cutting brush?</li></ul>In this summer special episode, Katy and Gerry explore the political and cultural significance of the American summer. Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist at The Times and The Sunday TimesGerard Baker, columnist at The Times and editor at large at The Wall Street Journal Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Picture: Getty ImagesThis podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/?utm_source=podcasts&amp;utm_medium=audio&amp;utm_campaign=FY26_TML_thestateofitusa_" rel="noopener noreferrer">Subscribe today</a> Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Killer rabbits, violent protest and an awful lot of golf: American summer

<ul><li>Katy Balls reports from the Republican midterm convention in Dallas where President Trump made a pledge that every adult will get a $5,000 dividend if the Republicans win the House and the Senate. That adds up to about $1.2 trillion.</li><li>Golden balloons were dropped and the crowd joined the president in repeating a vow to vote for "the greatest president in the history of the United States that loves us so much he can't even breathe". </li><li>JD Vance's speech was received well and the audience chanted "48", suggesting they'd like the vice-president to become the 48th president of the United States. Is he pulling ahead of Marco Rubio as the bookies' favourite to be the Republican candidate for 2028? </li></ul> Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist at The Times and The Sunday TimesGerard Baker, columnist at The Times and editor at large at The Wall Street Journal Producer: Harry KitsonExecutive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty ImagesAudio: ReutersThis podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=FY26_TML_thestateofitusa_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe today</a><hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Katy Balls reports from the Republican midterm convention in Dallas where President Trump made a pledge that every adult will get a $5,000 dividend if the Republicans win the House and the Senate. That adds up to about $1.2 trillion.Golden balloons were dropped and the crowd joined the president in repeating a vow to vote for "the greatest president in the history of the United States that loves us so much he can't even breathe". JD Vance's speech was received well and the audience chanted "48", suggesting they'd like the vice-president to become the 48th president of the United States. Is he pulling ahead of Marco Rubio as the bookies' favourite to be the Republican candidate for 2028? 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 Producer: 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.

<ul><li>Katy Balls reports from the Republican midterm convention in Dallas where President Trump made a pledge that every adult will get a $5,000 dividend if the Republicans win the House and the Senate. That adds up to about $1.2 trillion.</li><li>Golden balloons were dropped and the crowd joined the president in repeating a vow to vote for "the greatest president in the history of the United States that loves us so much he can't even breathe". </li><li>JD Vance's speech was received well and the audience chanted "48", suggesting they'd like the vice-president to become the 48th president of the United States. Is he pulling ahead of Marco Rubio as the bookies' favourite to be the Republican candidate for 2028? </li></ul> Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist at The Times and The Sunday TimesGerard Baker, columnist at The Times and editor at large at The Wall Street Journal Producer: Harry KitsonExecutive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty ImagesAudio: ReutersThis podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/?utm_source=podcasts&amp;utm_medium=audio&amp;utm_campaign=FY26_TML_thestateofitusa_" rel="noopener noreferrer">Subscribe today</a> Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

It's a cult! Trump goes to Dallas

<ul><li>We're in Dallas for the Republican National Convention. It's been nicknamed Trumpapalooza. But some Republicans are uneasy about putting the president front and centre of their midterms campaign when his approval ratings are so low. Is it a wise move?</li><li>The UK has imposed sanctions on Israel and accused Binyamin Netanyahu's government of supporting ethnic cleansing. How much of an issue is this for the US administration?</li><li>And 25 years on from 9/11, we reflect on how America was changed by the attacks on the Twin Towers.</li></ul> Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist at The Times and The Sunday TimesGerard Baker, columnist at The Times and editor at large at The Wall Street Journal Producer: Harry KitsonExecutive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty ImagesAudio: ReutersThis podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=FY26_TML_thestateofitusa_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe today</a><hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

We're in Dallas for the Republican National Convention. It's been nicknamed Trumpapalooza. But some Republicans are uneasy about putting the president front and centre of their midterms campaign when his approval ratings are so low. Is it a wise move?The UK has imposed sanctions on Israel and accused Binyamin Netanyahu's government of supporting ethnic cleansing. How much of an issue is this for the US administration?And 25 years on from 9/11, we reflect on how America was changed by the attacks on the Twin Towers. 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 Producer: 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.

<ul><li>We're in Dallas for the Republican National Convention. It's been nicknamed Trumpapalooza. But some Republicans are uneasy about putting the president front and centre of their midterms campaign when his approval ratings are so low. Is it a wise move?</li><li>The UK has imposed sanctions on Israel and accused Binyamin Netanyahu's government of supporting ethnic cleansing. How much of an issue is this for the US administration?</li><li>And 25 years on from 9/11, we reflect on how America was changed by the attacks on the Twin Towers.</li></ul> Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist at The Times and The Sunday TimesGerard Baker, columnist at The Times and editor at large at The Wall Street Journal Producer: Harry KitsonExecutive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty ImagesAudio: ReutersThis podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/?utm_source=podcasts&amp;utm_medium=audio&amp;utm_campaign=FY26_TML_thestateofitusa_" rel="noopener noreferrer">Subscribe today</a> Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Trumpapalooza: the risky Republican midterm strategy

Welcome to the first ever episode of The State of It: USA. An attack on Iran looks imminent: we reveal what senior military and political figures are saying about it.Also, is Donald Trump taking a softer line on immigration after the deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis?And get ready for Melania, the movie. Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist at The Times and The Sunday TimesGerard Baker, columnist at The Times and editor at large at The Wall Street Journal Producer: Euan DawtreyExecutive producer: Molly Guinness Email us: <a href="mailto:thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk</a>This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=FY26_TML_thestateofitusa_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe today</a><hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Welcome to the first ever episode of The State of It: USA. An attack on Iran looks imminent: we reveal what senior military and political figures are saying about it. Also, is Donald Trump taking a softer line on immigration after the deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis? And get ready for Melania, the movie. 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 Producer: Euan Dawtrey Executive producer: Molly Guinness Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk 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.

Welcome to the first ever episode of The State of It: USA. An attack on Iran looks imminent: we reveal what senior military and political figures are saying about it.Also, is Donald Trump taking a softer line on immigration after the deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis?And get ready for Melania, the movie. Katy Balls,&nbsp;Washington editor and columnist at The Times and The Sunday TimesGerard Baker, columnist at The Times and editor at large at The Wall Street Journal Producer: Euan DawtreyExecutive producer: Molly Guinness Email us: <a href="mailto:thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer">thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk</a>This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/?utm_source=podcasts&amp;utm_medium=audio&amp;utm_campaign=FY26_TML_thestateofitusa_" rel="noopener noreferrer">Subscribe today</a> Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Trump v Iran: what MAGA and the military are saying

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.  The 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. <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=FY26_TML_thestateofitusa_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe today</a><hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

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. The 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.

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.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; The 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. <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/?utm_source=podcasts&amp;utm_medium=audio&amp;utm_campaign=FY26_TML_thestateofitusa_" rel="noopener noreferrer">Subscribe today</a> Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Introducing The State of It: USA

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.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; 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. <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/?utm_source=podcasts&amp;utm_medium=audio&amp;utm_campaign=FY26_TML_thestateofitusa_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe today</a><hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

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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.

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.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; 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. <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/?utm_source=podcasts&amp;utm_medium=audio&amp;utm_campaign=FY26_TML_thestateofitusa_" rel="noopener noreferrer">Subscribe today</a> Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

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The State of It: USA

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