60 acast.com The State of It: USA https://shows.acast.com/the-state-of-it-usa en The Times US Politics,Trump,White House,American politics,US news,News,Politics The Times The REAL truth about US politics and power 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. 


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.

]]> false The Times info+6970d4769448a95f22559f23@mg-eu.acast.com 6970d4769448a95f22559f23 the-state-of-it-usa episodic https://assets.pippa.io/shows/cover/1769002057553-fd4d173f-15d5-4667-9156-240d63bd9370.jpeg https://shows.acast.com/the-state-of-it-usa The State of It: USA <![CDATA[Bonus: Trump's address to the nation unpacked]]> Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:05:43 GMT 16:35 69ce3d50ac25e4bf66fc1cf6 false https://shows.acast.com/the-state-of-it-usa/episodes/bonus-trumps-address-to-the-nation-unpacked 69ce3d50ac25e4bf66fc1cf6 6970d4769448a95f22559f23 bonus-trumps-address-to-the-nation-unpacked full President Trump has addressed the nation about the war in Iran for the first time. What did we learn?


This is a bonus episode. For this week's regular episode, click here


Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist at The Times and The Sunday Times

Fraser Nelson, columnist at The Times


Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson

Executive producer: Molly Guinness


Picture: Getty Images.

Clips: Reuters


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.

]]> President Trump has addressed the nation about the war in Iran for the first time. What did we learn?


This is a bonus episode. For this week's regular episode, click here


Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist at The Times and The Sunday Times

Fraser Nelson, columnist at The Times


Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson

Executive producer: Molly Guinness


Picture: Getty Images.

Clips: Reuters


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.

]]> Foreign policy by tantrum Foreign policy by tantrum Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:27:20 GMT 29:15 69cce1643e12f8b0f07decbe false https://shows.acast.com/the-state-of-it-usa/episodes/foreign-policy-by-tantrum 69cce1643e12f8b0f07decbe 6970d4769448a95f22559f23 foreign-policy-by-tantrum full Forget the fog of war, this is the fog of Donald Trump. How much does he care about the political pressure created by the war in Iran? Is America entering the end game or ramping up operations?

Also, how are the grassroots feeling? Katy has been to the Conservative Political Action Conference to find out. And we look at the secret life (and enormous fake breasts) of Kristi Noem's husband, Byron Noem.


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.

Clips: Reuters


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.

]]> Forget the fog of war, this is the fog of Donald Trump. How much does he care about the political pressure created by the war in Iran? Is America entering the end game or ramping up operations?

Also, how are the grassroots feeling? Katy has been to the Conservative Political Action Conference to find out. And we look at the secret life (and enormous fake breasts) of Kristi Noem's husband, Byron Noem.


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.

Clips: Reuters


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.

]]> Trump in Iran: Blitzkrieg to quagmire? Trump in Iran: Blitzkrieg to quagmire? Wed, 25 Mar 2026 16:54:33 GMT 28:10 69c3e4c4938a3e0037347968 false https://shows.acast.com/the-state-of-it-usa/episodes/troops-on-the-ground-and-iranian-trolling-is-trump-losing-hi 69c3e4c4938a3e0037347968 6970d4769448a95f22559f23 troops-on-the-ground-and-iranian-trolling-is-trump-losing-hi full Donald Trump is in a bind: there's very little appetite in Washington for boots on the ground but will that be the only way to unblock the Strait of Hormuz?

Is there any possible deal that would look and feel like a victory over the Iranian regime?

And why do people start looking more nervously at the president towards the weekend?


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.


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.

]]> Donald Trump is in a bind: there's very little appetite in Washington for boots on the ground but will that be the only way to unblock the Strait of Hormuz?

Is there any possible deal that would look and feel like a victory over the Iranian regime?

And why do people start looking more nervously at the president towards the weekend?


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.


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.

]]> <![CDATA[How Keir Starmer became Donald Trump's kickable pet]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2026 17:03:45 GMT 29:35 69bab4dd7739fc93d7dd8e94 false https://shows.acast.com/the-state-of-it-usa/episodes/how-keir-starmer-became-donald-trumps-kickable-pet 69bab4dd7739fc93d7dd8e94 6970d4769448a95f22559f23 how-keir-starmer-became-donald-trumps-kickable-pet full There are some reasons for the US to be optimistic about the war in Iran, but have the main beneficiaries so far been America's enemies?

The resignation of a counterterrorism official has ignited a debate about antisemitism in US politics.

Could Tucker Carlson really be the next president?

And what on earth is a shamrock shake?


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.

Clip: CBS News


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.

]]> There are some reasons for the US to be optimistic about the war in Iran, but have the main beneficiaries so far been America's enemies?

The resignation of a counterterrorism official has ignited a debate about antisemitism in US politics.

Could Tucker Carlson really be the next president?

And what on earth is a shamrock shake?


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.

Clip: CBS News


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.

]]> No grand strategy on Iran, just vibes No grand strategy on Iran, just vibes Wed, 11 Mar 2026 16:30:31 GMT 31:31 69b158f4a9beefe722c9f781 false https://shows.acast.com/the-state-of-it-usa/episodes/there-is-no-grand-strategy 69b158f4a9beefe722c9f781 6970d4769448a95f22559f23 there-is-no-grand-strategy full In Washington people are talking about an off-ramp, but if the Iranian regime doesn't surrender, can the US really claim any kind of victory? And as sentiment in the US turns against Israel, could this war ultimately leave Israel more rather than less fragile? Meanwhile President Trump seems to be playing Marco Rubio and JD Vance off against one another.


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


Picture: Getty Images.


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.

]]> In Washington people are talking about an off-ramp, but if the Iranian regime doesn't surrender, can the US really claim any kind of victory? And as sentiment in the US turns against Israel, could this war ultimately leave Israel more rather than less fragile? Meanwhile President Trump seems to be playing Marco Rubio and JD Vance off against one another.


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


Picture: Getty Images.


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.

]]> <![CDATA[The White House's mixed messages on Iran]]> Wed, 04 Mar 2026 17:52:09 GMT 26:47 69a84aaed7234219a3e549b3 false https://shows.acast.com/the-state-of-it-usa/episodes/the-white-houses-mixed-messages-on-iran 69a84aaed7234219a3e549b3 6970d4769448a95f22559f23 the-white-houses-mixed-messages-on-iran full What is the plan for Iran? Donald Trump has given 30-second interviews to many different journalists; there are disagreements in the administration and in MAGA about the decision to attack Iran. So it's a fairly confused picture coming out of the White House. And what about the special relationship between the US and the UK? President Trump has said that Keir Starmer is no Winston Churchill. Is the disagreement a blip or a rift?


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


Picture: Getty Images


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.

]]> What is the plan for Iran? Donald Trump has given 30-second interviews to many different journalists; there are disagreements in the administration and in MAGA about the decision to attack Iran. So it's a fairly confused picture coming out of the White House. And what about the special relationship between the US and the UK? President Trump has said that Keir Starmer is no Winston Churchill. Is the disagreement a blip or a rift?


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


Picture: Getty Images


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.

]]> What Trump got right and wrong at the State of the Union address What Trump got right and wrong at the State of the Union address Wed, 25 Feb 2026 18:11:25 GMT 30:18 699eeead7156d5087402aa64 false https://shows.acast.com/the-state-of-it-usa/episodes/what-trump-got-right-and-wrong-during-a-manic-state-of-the-u 699eeead7156d5087402aa64 6970d4769448a95f22559f23 what-trump-got-right-and-wrong-during-a-manic-state-of-the-u full President Trump’s State of the Union address included berating the Democrats and sweeping claims that America is entering a new golden age. But what were the real successes and missteps in the marathon speech? What trial by fire awaits the incoming British Ambassador to the United States? And why could the upcoming Texas primary prove so pivotal for the current administration?


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


Picture: Getty Images


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.

]]> President Trump’s State of the Union address included berating the Democrats and sweeping claims that America is entering a new golden age. But what were the real successes and missteps in the marathon speech? What trial by fire awaits the incoming British Ambassador to the United States? And why could the upcoming Texas primary prove so pivotal for the current administration?


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


Picture: Getty Images


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.

]]> The Democratic Trump? AOC shapes up to take on JD Vance The Democratic Trump? AOC shapes up to take on JD Vance Wed, 18 Feb 2026 17:58:13 GMT 25:58 6995f6b54a6b6137bf34e95c false https://shows.acast.com/the-state-of-it-usa/episodes/why-are-the-republicans-so-obsessed-with-aoc 6995f6b54a6b6137bf34e95c 6970d4769448a95f22559f23 why-are-the-republicans-so-obsessed-with-aoc The race for the White House in 2028 has begun full With the media spotlight on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Gavin Newsom, Gerry asks if we should be looking instead at the outsiders to become the next Democratic candidate for the US presidential election in 2028. Is the Dallas Mavericks's owner Mark Cuban a dark horse? And is Stephen A. Smith a brighter, funnier Gary Lineker?


Hosts:

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: Dan Box


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.

]]> With the media spotlight on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Gavin Newsom, Gerry asks if we should be looking instead at the outsiders to become the next Democratic candidate for the US presidential election in 2028. Is the Dallas Mavericks's owner Mark Cuban a dark horse? And is Stephen A. Smith a brighter, funnier Gary Lineker?


Hosts:

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: Dan Box


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.

]]> Is America past peak Trump? Is America past peak Trump? Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:24:07 GMT 27:57 698cb3a95a0d566e5b33117f false https://shows.acast.com/the-state-of-it-usa/episodes/is-america-past-peak-trump 698cb3a95a0d566e5b33117f 6970d4769448a95f22559f23 is-america-past-peak-trump full Polls suggest the Republicans are in big trouble, and people in Washington are getting jumpy about it. It could put JD Vance in a difficult position.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is on his way to meet European leaders: what's his message from the White House?

And the antisemitic influencer Nick Fuentes has hundreds of thousands of online followers: how much impact are they having on American politics in real life?


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.

]]> Polls suggest the Republicans are in big trouble, and people in Washington are getting jumpy about it. It could put JD Vance in a difficult position.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is on his way to meet European leaders: what's his message from the White House?

And the antisemitic influencer Nick Fuentes has hundreds of thousands of online followers: how much impact are they having on American politics in real life?


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.

]]> Epstein tried to befriend me Epstein tried to befriend me Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:25:25 GMT 28:26 69834984721f5a28cbc0291c false https://shows.acast.com/the-state-of-it-usa/episodes/epstein-tried-to-befriend-me 69834984721f5a28cbc0291c 6970d4769448a95f22559f23 epstein-tried-to-befriend-me full His enemies were hoping that Donald Trump would come out badly from the Epstein files, but he hasn't. Gerry argues that the scandal is a parable about modern capitalism, and remembers the time Jeffrey Epstein tried and failed to make friends with him. Katy tells the inside story of her interview with Peter Mandelson.

Also, what can we expect when the Clintons testify to the Epstein investigation? And what does President Trump mean when he says "nationalise the vote"?


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


Picture: Getty Images


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.

]]> His enemies were hoping that Donald Trump would come out badly from the Epstein files, but he hasn't. Gerry argues that the scandal is a parable about modern capitalism, and remembers the time Jeffrey Epstein tried and failed to make friends with him. Katy tells the inside story of her interview with Peter Mandelson.

Also, what can we expect when the Clintons testify to the Epstein investigation? And what does President Trump mean when he says "nationalise the vote"?


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


Picture: Getty Images


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.

]]> Trump v Iran: what MAGA and the military are saying Trump v Iran: what MAGA and the military are saying Wed, 28 Jan 2026 17:48:57 GMT 29:08 697a403f3718a16cebf0d4e4 false https://shows.acast.com/the-state-of-it-usa/episodes/trump-v-iran-what-maga-and-the-military-are-saying 697a403f3718a16cebf0d4e4 6970d4769448a95f22559f23 trump-v-iran-what-maga-and-the-military-are-saying full 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, 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.

]]> Introducing The State of It: USA Introducing The State of It: USA Wed, 21 Jan 2026 13:33:39 GMT 1:30 6970d5b32ab571f71a45bf8e false https://shows.acast.com/the-state-of-it-usa/episodes/introducing-the-state-of-it-usa 6970d5b32ab571f71a45bf8e 6970d4769448a95f22559f23 introducing-the-state-of-it-usa No fake news, flag waving, or Trump Derangement Syndrome full 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. 


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.

]]>