Can He Do That?
“Can He Do That?” is The Washington Post’s politics podcast, exploring presidential power in the face of weakened institutions, a divided electorate and changing political norms. Led by host Allison Michaels, each episode asks a new question about this extraordinary moment in American history and an… read more
All Episodes
Reshaping the role of the Justice Department
February 26th, 2021
Biden’s shifting benchmarks for reopening schools
February 18th, 2021
The duty of a president during crisis
February 12th, 2021
Biden says he wants to reunite migrant families. It won’t be easy.
February 4th, 2021
Will Biden get you a vaccine?
January 29th, 2021
The Biden era begins
January 21st, 2021
What’s next for Trump?
January 14th, 2021
One impeachment is rare. Two is unprecedented.
January 12th, 2021
Trump incited a mob. American Democracy suffered.
January 7th, 2021
How can the Supreme Court maintain impartiality in America's modern political climate?
December 29th, 2020
Over the holiday break, we're bringing back an old episode that has resonance today. What happens to the public's perceived independence of the …
The problems with pardon power
December 28th, 2020
We’re looking back at an episode that sheds light on President Trump’s actions as his term ends. Reporter Toluse Olorunippa explores the principles …
Trump and the economy: The administration’s biggest victories also exacerbated our divides
December 23rd, 2020
The final episode in the reprisal of our series on President Trump’s legacy focuses on uneven gains in the Trump era. The stock market and the wealthiest Americans have done better, but at the cost of growing …
Trump and science: An erosion of our institutions, in public and behind the scenes
December 22nd, 2020
We're revisiting our series on the legacy of Trump's administration. Through weakening agencies and shuttering scientific programs, the administration has increased divisions in our trust of science-based guidance. …
Trump and race: How the president’s rhetoric and policies divided us
December 21st, 2020
Over the holiday break, we're bringing back our series on President Trump's legacy. Trump has been surrounded by race-related controversies. Some …
Trump’s last chance
December 17th, 2020
Trump takes credit for the vaccine. Does he deserve it?
December 10th, 2020
Pardon me? And my family? And maybe my lawyer?
December 4th, 2020
Trump’s lame-duck agenda: Lessons from history and warnings for coronavirus
November 19th, 2020
Does Trump’s refusal to concede put national security at risk?
November 13th, 2020
What do Trump’s legal threats actually accomplish?
November 5th, 2020
Because of increased vote-by-mail and early voting, vote counts are taking longer than usual this year.
The race is very tight. The winner of …
Trump and the economy: The administration’s biggest victories also exacerbated our divides
October 29th, 2020
Trump and science: An erosion of our institutions, in public and behind the scenes
October 28th, 2020
Trump and race: How the president’s rhetoric and policies divided us
October 27th, 2020
How 2020 races across the country lay the groundwork for a president’s influence
October 22nd, 2020
Many of …
The 2020 election is facing big challenges. Which ones matter most?
October 15th, 2020
First, the world is …
A week after we learned of Trump’s covid-19 diagnosis, why don’t we know more?
October 8th, 2020
But, last week, that …
What happens if Trump refuses to accept a loss?
October 2nd, 2020
And his ongoing rhetoric around perhaps the most significant norm of …
How the Supreme Court became the most trusted branch, and how electoral politics might undo that
September 24th, 2020
Is the federal government to blame for wildfires gone out of control?
September 17th, 2020
Reporter Seung Min Kim on how Trump’s refusal to acknowledge human-caused climate change affects the country’s wildfire management and response plans. Plus, environmental analysis professor Char Miller on who's really …
The Justice Dept. intervenes on behalf of Trump in defamation case. What happens next?
September 10th, 2020
The Justice Department on Tuesday intervened in the defamation lawsuit brought by a woman who says President Trump raped her years ago, moving the matter to federal court and signaling it wants to make the U.S. …
Two different stories of American unrest
September 3rd, 2020
Since that shooting, Kenosha has been the site of …
Trump suggested sending law enforcement to the polls. Can he do that?
August 27th, 2020
And this year, it’s being tested in unprecedented ways.
Some of those challenges are emerging from the rhetoric of …
Postal problems persist. (But your mail-in ballot is probably safe.)
August 20th, 2020
How an extraordinary election season affects Trump’s reelection chances
August 13th, 2020
TikTok flip-flop: What’s the president’s power over foreign companies?
August 6th, 2020
How America votes is inherently unpredictable. So why do polling?
July 30th, 2020
A double down on federal force, a do-over on coronavirus
July 23rd, 2020
And on two major issues — …
Conventions vs. covid-19: Trump’s push for a spectacle while the virus surges
July 16th, 2020
The …
Will the Court’s decision on electors prevent (at least some) election mayhem?
July 9th, 2020
But …
July 4 special: 'The Framers would not recognize the modern presidency.’
July 2nd, 2020
Virus cases are surging in the U.S. Is our government better prepared now?
June 25th, 2020
An ‘erratic’ and ‘stunningly uninformed’ commander in chief: Inside Bolton’s book
June 18th, 2020
Public sentiment on police reform has shifted dramatically. Will it matter?
June 11th, 2020
Trump’s response to unrest raises concerns among those trained to detect democratic regression
June 4th, 2020
Trump threatened military action to quell protests. Can he do that?
June 2nd, 2020
Public health partisanship confronts a new reality: The virus is surging in rural America
May 28th, 2020
The …
How Trump is leveraging the presidency to campaign against Biden
May 21st, 2020
Politics, pressure and pleas: The twisting case of Michael Flynn and the Justice Department
May 14th, 2020
The president’s desperate push to reopen America
May 7th, 2020
The Postal Service is in dire need. Trump wants to block the loan that could save them.
April 30th, 2020
The U.S. is spending trillions to save the economy. Where does all that money come from?
April 23rd, 2020
Freezing funding, adjourning Congress, reopening states. What are the limits on Trump’s power?
April 16th, 2020
A president’s push for an unproven cure
April 9th, 2020
In …
States are competing for life-saving medical equipment. Who decides where it goes?
April 2nd, 2020
Yet, for most states getting …
Rugged individualism vs. social distancing enforcement: Who can keep us home and how?
March 26th, 2020
U.S. elections are being tested like never before. What comes next?
March 19th, 2020
To solve these new public health challenges, …
The U.S. stumbled at the start of the coronavirus outbreak. Can we make up for lost time?
March 12th, 2020
Does the president have much power to control a viral outbreak?
March 5th, 2020
The delegate math questions you were too embarrassed to ask
March 2nd, 2020
Hacks, chaos and doubt: Lessons from the 2016 election revisited
February 28th, 2020
Four years later, President Trump seems to be …
The problems with pardon power
February 20th, 2020
We’ve seen President Trump exercise his pardon power at several moments during his …
Trump’s view of a unilaterally powerful president goes unchallenged
February 13th, 2020
From firing people in his administration who testified against him in the House Inquiry …
A president acquitted. The balance of power tested.
February 5th, 2020
Will the Iowa caucuses clarify anything? Lessons from history in an unpredictable year
January 30th, 2020
How Bolton’s allegation — no, not the one you’re thinking of — could change the impeachment trial
January 28th, 2020
How Trump’s impeachment lawyers could undermine him in court
January 23rd, 2020
Trump is fighting impeachment-related battles in both the Senate and the court system. His lawyers have conflicting strategies in each arena. The Post’s Ann Marimow explains why these cases matter for the future of …
Watchdog says the hold on Ukraine aid violated the law. Will it matter in the Senate trial?
January 21st, 2020
Economic policy reporter Jeff Stein answers key questions about what legal weight a decision from the GAO carries and how likely this ruling is to be …
Block witnesses? Allow evidence? The battles ahead for the Senate impeachment trial
January 16th, 2020
Congress reporter Rachael Bade offers insight into how the Senate trial process may get thrown off course, how new revelations factor into the trial, and whether the final outcome actually as inevitable as it seems.
Pelosi signals next step. Does anyone get what they wanted?
January 10th, 2020
After a long standoff, Nancy Pelosi announced that the House will finally consider a resolution to send the articles of impeachment to the Senate …
Trump and Iran: The president's broad authority to strike
January 8th, 2020
Where do a president’s powers begin and end when it comes to issuing a strike to kill? Can presidents decide how much force to use against an adversary? National security correspondent Karen DeYoung breaks down the …
Presidents who faced impeachment: Bill Clinton
December 27th, 2019
President Trump is just the fourth president to face impeachment proceedings. In 2016, The Post’s Presidential podcast examined the three presidents in that category before Trump. We finish our series from Presidential …
Presidents who faced impeachment: Richard Nixon
December 25th, 2019
President Trump is just the fourth president to face impeachment proceedings. In 2016, The Post’s Presidential podcast examined the three presidents in that category before Trump. Here’s the second of their stories from …
Presidents who faced impeachment: Andrew Johnson
December 23rd, 2019
President Trump is just the fourth president to face impeachment proceedings. In 2016, The Post’s Presidential podcast examined the three presidents in that category before Trump. Here are their stories, beginning with …
A divided Congress and a presidency on the line
December 19th, 2019
President Trump is the third U.S. president in history to be impeached. Chief correspondent Dan Balz analyzes how this impeachment compares to others, what happens if an impeached president runs again and how Trump’s …
After heated, long debate, the articles of impeachment move to the full House
December 13th, 2019
The House Judiciary Committee voted along party lines to move the articles of impeachment to the full House. Politics reporter Colby Itkowitz breaks …
Articles of impeachment against Trump are unveiled
December 10th, 2019
House Democrats announced articles on abuse of power and obstruction of Congress against President Trump in its investigation of his conduct regarding Ukraine. Reporter Mike DeBonis explains what the articles mean, why …
Five things we know now that we didn’t know last week
December 6th, 2019
This week, the impeachment inquiry offered plenty of new revelations. Political reporter Amber Phillips unravels Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s news …
The inquiry moves to Judiciary. Can the president’s legal team sit this one out?
December 3rd, 2019
Trump and his lawyers won’t be part of Wednesday’s hearing. Have we ever before seen a president’s legal team absent from impeachment proceedings? …
White House investigation reveals effort to justify Trump’s Ukraine aid decision
November 26th, 2019
The White House’s review of President Trump’s decision to hold up Ukraine military aid found documents showing an extensive effort to justify the …
After a week of hearings, what more do we know?
November 21st, 2019
Key witnesses testified publicly in the House impeachment inquiry this week. Reporter Devlin Barrett unpacks complicated details, notable takeaways from the hearings and where things stand in Congress and the White …
Eight people. Five hearings. Three days.
November 18th, 2019
Here’s what to watch for in a week jam-packed with public hearings. Senior political reporter Aaron Blake explains why each of this week’s witnesses …
An ousted ambassador tells her story to Congress
November 15th, 2019
Marie Yovanovitch faced lawmakers for hours of testimony Friday. National security reporter Matt Zapotosky breaks down the key moments from the inquiry’s second public hearing. Plus, other impeachment news developments …
A new inquiry phase and a new revelation: Your guide to the first public impeachment hearing
November 14th, 2019
Complete with contentious moments between lawmakers and insight into facts from key witnesses, the first day of impeachment hearings was eventful. …
What to expect when public hearings begin
November 8th, 2019
Next week’s public hearings mark the beginning of the next phase in the impeachment inquiry, but what exactly does this next phase look like? How long will it last? And when might the inquiry wrap up? Congress reporter …
When secret testimonies go public
November 6th, 2019
Reporter Amber Phillips breaks down the key takeaways of secret testimony transcripts from the House impeachment inquiry released to the public this week. What new insights have we gained and what might we learn as more …
Congress wants to hear from John Bolton. What might he tell them?
November 1st, 2019
Former national security adviser John Bolton could offer firsthand insight into some Ukraine-related events. But Bolton’s relationship with President …
House Democrats unveil rules for impeachment process. What changes now?
October 30th, 2019
Pending a House vote on the Democrats’ resolution, the stage will be set for the next phase of the impeachment probe. Congress reporter Mike DeBonis …
Republicans’ defense of Trump grows frantic. Will it work?
October 24th, 2019
Reporter Toluse Olorunnipa explains what GOP lawmakers were trying to achieve Wednesday when they protested in the basement of the Capitol. What role …
If a president is impeached, can they run for reelection?
October 23rd, 2019
What actually happens to a president who’s impeached? What penalties against removed presidents are written into law? Law professor Jessica Levinson offers insight into how the law comes down on reelecting a president …
McConnell prepped Republicans for a Senate trial. Here’s what that trial might look like.
October 18th, 2019
Senate impeachment trials are rare in American history, but there are some rules and precedent for how it all works. Reporter Paul Kane answers …
Closed hearings, document deadlines and unanswered questions
October 15th, 2019
Reporter Mike DeBonis explains the information gathering efforts on the Hill this week. Plus, we dig into whether closed door hearings are unusual for a Congressional investigation, and what the inquiry’s pace suggests …
How Trump’s Syria decision is testing GOP support
October 11th, 2019
First, Pentagon reporter Dan Lamothe explains the complexities of the Turkey-Syria conflict. Then, political reporter Robert Costa explains how …
Congress requested depositions. The Trump administration blocked them. Who wins?
October 8th, 2019
Reporter Shane Harris breaks down how the State Department blocked the U.S. ambassador to the European Union from testifying to Congress Tuesday. If few testimonies actually happen, what does that mean for the …
Does Trump’s urging China to investigate the Bidens complicate the impeachment inquiry?
October 3rd, 2019
Reporter Aaron Blake explains what makes Trump’s request of China different from that of Ukraine, how federal election law might apply, and where the founders of our country stood on foreign interference in our …
Are whistleblowers protected from the president?
October 1st, 2019
President Trump’s targeted effort to discredit, and reveal the name of, a government employee raises questions about legal protections for whistleblowers -- and the repercussions for whoever might disclose his or her …
A whistleblower. A phone call. A tipping point.
September 27th, 2019
Reporter Matt Zapotosky on how this fast-paced news week unfolded, what we learned from documents, transcripts and testimonies, and what happens next …
California wants its own strict air pollution standards. Trump has other ideas.
September 20th, 2019
The latest move from the Trump administration threatens to set in motion a massive legal battle and plunge automakers into uncertainty. The Post’s …
What happens when a president overrides science?
September 13th, 2019
Weather editor Andrew Freedman explains how Trump’s inaccurate hurricane tweet led to worrying implications for NOAA and the NWS, and what happens …
Summer is an opportunity for presidents. Did Trump take it?
September 6th, 2019
Some of President Trump’s allies described a lost summer, full of controversies and missed opportunities. White House reporter Ashley Parker explains …
Trump’s latest trade war escalation: Ordering businesses out of China. Can he do that?
August 30th, 2019
The commercial war between two economic superpowers has entered a new phase. The Post’s Jeanne Whalen explains whether President Trump’s edict to U.S. business is enforceable and what the latest trade war developments …
Does the president have the power to buy Greenland?
August 23rd, 2019
President Trump abruptly canceled a trip to Denmark because the country’s prime minister wouldn’t discuss the purchase of Greenland. Economic policy …
How much can a president affect gun policy?
August 9th, 2019
After two mass shootings, President Trump is considering background checks and red-flag laws. But he has suggested action on gun control in the past, …
How far can a president go to get the intelligence chief he wants?
August 2nd, 2019
Some officials have questioned whether President Trump’s pick for the Director of National Intelligence might use the position to serve Trump’s …
‘Problematic is an understatement’: Robert Mueller testifies before Congress
July 25th, 2019
Wednesday’s hearings marked the first time former special counsel Robert Mueller answered questions about his investigation. The Post’s Justice Department reporter Matt Zapotosky explains the significance of Mueller’s …
How Trump’s racist comments can be used against him in court
July 19th, 2019
President Trump’s language may be part of his political strategy, but this moment raises questions about what consequences the president can face for …
Trump avoids releasing his business information to the courts — for now
July 12th, 2019
A federal appeals court dismissed a lawsuit claiming President Trump is illegally profiting from foreign and state government visits to his D.C. hotel. Post legal affairs reporter Ann Marimow untangles the details and …
'The Framers would not recognize the modern presidency.'
July 4th, 2019
For this special Fourth of July episode, we’re going back to the beginning. Jeff Rosen, president of the National Constitution Center, explains how …
Trump vs. Iran: A president's choices as commander in chief
June 28th, 2019
The president has significant power when it comes to war. Pentagon reporter Dan Lamothe explains what led to this escalation with Iran, Trump’s strategy going forward and how recent events affect international …
Introducing: ‘Moonrise’
June 21st, 2019
The 'Can He Do That?' team presents a new Post podcast, 'Moonrise' and showcases a segment from the Post's daily podcast 'Post Reports' about developments in Iran and what it has to say about President Trump's approach …
How the sprawling Democratic field will winnow down to Trump's single opponent
June 14th, 2019
What are the pros and cons for Trump in facing a huge number of candidates? National political reporter Michael Scherer explains how the upcoming …
Here's what happens if Trump imposes tariffs on Mexican imports
June 7th, 2019
Does the law allow Trump to tax Mexican imports? Can the Senate stop him from following through on his threat? Economic policy reporter Damian …
Investigating an investigation: Barr’s newfound power to declassify materials
May 31st, 2019
President Trump gave Attorney General Barr full declassification authority for his audit of the Russia investigation. Reporter Devlin Barrett …
Will they or won't they? Where House Democrats stand on impeachment
May 24th, 2019
President Trump cut short a bipartisan infrastructure meeting, telling Democrats he won't work with them until they stop investigating him. Congressional reporter Mike DeBonis explains how Democrats might move forward …
Why didn't the White House back an international effort to fight online extremism?
May 17th, 2019
At the intersection of regulation and free speech, the "Christchurch Call" presents a challenge for a president who alleges political bias from …
What happens when a president asserts executive privilege?
May 10th, 2019
The conflict between Congress and the White House accelerated as President Trump blocked access to the unredacted Mueller report. Reporter Carol …
How does Attorney General Barr view presidential power?
May 3rd, 2019
Reporter Devlin Barrett weighs in on Attorney General William Barr's contentious week on the Hill -- a week that raised questions about Barr's views …
Will Trump stop Congress from obtaining documents and testimonies?
April 26th, 2019
Our country is facing a largely unprecedented battle between the White House and Congress. Post investigative reporter Tom Hamburger explains this week's subpoena fights and how the tension between Trump and House …
The Mueller report, unpacked
April 18th, 2019
After nearly two years, America finally gets its first look at special counsel Robert S. Mueller III's report. The Post's Justice Department reporter Matt Zapotosky explains new insights we've gained from an early look …
Trump dismantled leadership at DHS. Can he fill key vacancies however he wants to?
April 12th, 2019
Reporter Nick Miroff explains what shakeups at the Department of Homeland Security mean for U.S. immigration enforcement. Plus, a look at the president's power to fill important vacancies, from Stanford law professor …
Trump's decision to definitely, maybe close the border now -- or a year from now
April 5th, 2019
Will Trump ultimately decide to shut down the border? And why keep the country -- including his own administration -- in suspense awaiting a border …
Trump's latest fight against Obamacare: Destroy it in the courts
March 29th, 2019
The Post's David Weigel explains the potential political consequences of Monday's Justice Department filling arguing that the Affordable Care Act …
Mueller report: What we still don't know
March 25th, 2019
National security reporter Devlin Barrett explains what we know so far about the findings of the special counsel's Russia investigation, what clarity we’ve gained from Attorney General William P. Barr's summary, and …
Does a president ever stop campaigning?
March 22nd, 2019
President Trump’s campaign for 2020 began shortly after he won the 2016 election. Post reporter Jenna Johnson and U.S. Naval Academy professor Brendan J. Doherty explain how presidents grapple with the inherent tension …
Does the president get to decide which planes can fly?
March 15th, 2019
Reporter Toluse Olorunnipa explains how global pressure, calls with industry executives and self-proclaimed expertise contributed to Trump's decision …
Congressional Democrats ramp up investigations into Trump
March 8th, 2019
With congressional reporter Karoun Demirjian, we look at how Capitol Hill's investigations work, how the Democrats are trying to hone their oversight …
What we learned from Michael Cohen's scathing testimony
March 1st, 2019
Marc Fisher wraps up this week's hearings, plus a look at what it was like for reporters experiencing the public hearing in realtime.
Will Trump’s emergency survive legal and congressional challenges?
February 22nd, 2019
How will legal battles over President Trump's emergency play out in the courts? How will Democrats push back in Congress? Is there anything stopping Trump from starting to build the wall today? The Post's legal affairs …
Trump to declare a national emergency and Barr is confirmed
February 14th, 2019
Can Trump get funding for a border wall by declaring a national emergency? And can the new U.S. attorney general decide what happens to the Mueller report? Here's a refresher episode answering key questions surrounding …
Better, faster, stronger? Fact-checking Trump's State of the Union address
February 6th, 2019
Which of President Trump's Tuesday night claims were accurate? Salvador Rizzo and Meg Kelly of The Washington Post's Fact Checker team unpack the truth behind some of the biggest claims around immigration, the economy …
How much power does an attorney general have to protect a president?
February 1st, 2019
William Barr's delayed confirmation vote for attorney general means there's less clarity on who'll see Robert Mueller's report. Post reporters Dan Balz and Devlin Barrett look at history, precedent and law regarding …
The Supreme Court allowed Trump’s transgender troops ban to proceed. What happens next?
January 25th, 2019
In a vote Tuesday, the court allowed Trump's restrictions on transgender troops to go into effect. The Post's courts reporter Fred Barbash explains …
The longer the shutdown lasts, the weirder the consequences get
January 18th, 2019
Can Nancy Pelosi postpone the State of the Union address? Can Trump cancel Pelosi's travel? Can Trump and Pelosi find a way to reopen the government? …
Does Trump have the power to declare a national emergency to get border wall funding?
January 11th, 2019
Can a president choose to invoke emergency powers whenever he wants? Liza Goitein of the Brennan Center for Justice explains the extent of Trump's power in states of emergency. The Post's Philip Rucker breaks down the …
Will Trump face a challenger for the GOP's 2020 nomination?
January 4th, 2019
Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) wrote an op-ed asserting his independence from Trump -- a move that prompted speculation about a potential 2020 bid. The …
Trump’s year of legal battles, Part 2: The Mueller probe
December 28th, 2018
In the final days of 2018, Post reporter Rosalind Helderman recaps the year’s biggest moments in Robert Mueller’s investigation and weighs in on what to watch for as the probe continues.
Trump’s year of legal battles, Part 1: Suits and settlements
December 21st, 2018
As this year comes to a close, Post reporter David Fahrenthold helps us unravel the details of the swirling lawsuits and investigations surrounding …
What does Cohen’s sentencing mean for Trump? Presented by ‘Post Reports’
December 14th, 2018
While host Allison Michaels is away this week, we’re bringing you a segment from the Post’s premier daily podcast ‘Post Reports’ on Michael Cohen’s sentencing and what it may mean for Trump.
Will Trump, "a tariff man," win the trade war with China?
December 7th, 2018
Amid escalating tensions and stalled talks between the U.S. and China, financial reporter David J. Lynch and Beijing Bureau Chief Anna Fifield explain what's at stake for Trump, the two countries and the global economy.
What power does Trump have to push back on GM for closing U.S. plants?
November 30th, 2018
The revival of American manufacturing is a key part of Trump's economic message. Now that GM faces cuts, he's threatened to impose import penalties, …
How much power does a president have over election recounts?
November 16th, 2018
Amid recounts in Florida, the president has used strong rhetoric to cast doubt on our elections. Can he do that? Amy Gardner, reporting from Broward County, Fla., explains what's at stake for Republicans, Democrats and …
How will Democrats use their new power as a check on the president?
November 9th, 2018
Will a Democratic House stop President Trump's agenda? Mike DeBonis explains how House Democrats might stall Trump's policies in Congress, and Karoun …
Trump forced out his attorney general. Can he do that?
November 7th, 2018
Jeff Sessions and President Trump have had a tense relationship since Sessions recused himself from the Russia investigation last year. So why did Trump request his resignation now? And what are the implications for …
How do the midterm election results reflect on the president?
November 7th, 2018
After time on the trail tracking candidates and talking to voters, David Weigel offers insight on last night's results. Which party can claim the …
President Trump has played an outsize role in midterm campaigns. Can he do that?
November 2nd, 2018
Are midterm elections always a referendum on the sitting president? Reporters Ashley Parker and Michael Scherer explain whom Trump has endorsed, …
Trump says he'll stop a migrant group from crossing the U.S. southern border. Can he do that?
October 26th, 2018
White House reporter David Nakamura explains which pieces of border operations and immigration law Trump can change or influence. Plus, Kevin Sieff recounts migrant experiences from his time traveling with the caravan …
Trump faces a challenging moment in Saudi-U.S. relations. What's at stake?
October 19th, 2018
Washington Post contributing columnist Jamal Khashoggis disappeared from a Saudi consulate in Turkey. His editor, Karen Attiah, sheds light on …
Trump made some strange financial moves in the decade before he became president. Can he do that?
October 12th, 2018
Trump's financial past includes $400 million in cash spending, $300 million in private loans and a $50 million loan to himself. David Fahrenthold and …
How can the Supreme Court maintain impartiality in America's modern political climate?
October 5th, 2018
What happens to the public's perceived independence of the Supreme Court when confirmation processes devolve into partisan battles? The Post's Robert …
Kavanaugh and Ford will testify at the Senate. Here's what to expect.
September 26th, 2018
Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and Dr. Christine Blasey Ford will testify in relation to sexual misconduct allegations that have arisen during Kavanaugh's confirmation process. With much at stake, Trump is …
Trump ordered Russia investigation documents declassified. Can he do that?
September 21st, 2018
At odds with the Justice Department, Trump wants some texts, interviews and warrants made public. We explore his exercise of presidential power when it pushes against well-established norms and creates conflicts of …
President Trump says we are “absolutely, totally prepared” for Hurricane Florence. Are we?
September 14th, 2018
Trump called the handling of Hurricane Maria an "unsung success" and falsely said its high death count was generated to make him look bad. As we face Florence, reporter Joel Achenbach adds insight to Trump's claims and …
A harrowing book, an anonymous op-ed and a White House in chaos
September 7th, 2018
After a week of revelations about what it's like to work for President Trump, White House bureau chief Philip Rucker offers insight into the state of the administration.
Exclusive: Phone call between President Trump and Bob Woodward
September 4th, 2018
Bob Woodward sought an interview with President Trump as he was writing "Fear," a book about his presidency. Trump called Woodward in early August, after the manuscript had been completed, to say he wanted to …
Trump threatened to "take a look" at Google for "rigged" results. Can he do that?
August 31st, 2018
Does the administration have power to regulate the information technology companies distribute? Post technology reporter Brian Fung, technology …
Michael Cohen spent years alongside Trump. What might he know?
August 24th, 2018
Trump’s longtime lawyer and friend, who made a plea implicating Trump this week, has connections to the president’s charity and business. Post reporter Rosalind Helderman explains what we've learned from documents made …
Michael Cohen implicates Trump. Paul Manafort is found guilty. What happens now?
August 22nd, 2018
Within a few minutes on Tuesday afternoon, two people close to Trump are declared guilty. This special break-in episode with Post reporter Devlin Barrett breaks down what these major developments mean for the President …
Trump is trying to enforce an NDA against Omarosa Manigault Newman. Can he do that?
August 17th, 2018
A former White House aide is releasing details from her time in the administration. Trump wants to stop her. White House reporter Joshua Dawsey and watchdog director Danielle Brian explain what happens when a president …
Trump wants to distance himself from Paul Manafort’s trial. Can he do that?
August 10th, 2018
The ongoing trial of Trump’s former campaign manager can affect the future of the Mueller investigation. National security reporter Devlin Barrett and former federal prosecutor Robert Mintz explain what the jury’s …
Trump says that even if there were collusion, there was no crime. Can he do that?
August 4th, 2018
What are the legal lines surrounding collusion? Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Carol Leonnig and white-collar defense lawyer Jacob Frenkel analyze …
What Trump's rhetoric at his rallies can tell us about his approach towards policy and diplomacy
July 13th, 2018
In June, national political correspondent Jenna Johnson and producer Anne Li went to a Trump rally in Duluth, Minn. Johnson has been to dozens of …
How to Flip the House: The takeaways for 2018
June 29th, 2018
Given what we've learned from the 1994, 2006 and 2010 midterms about how partisanship, divisiveness and polarizing presidents all affect affect both …
How to Flip the House: The secret heist of 2010
June 28th, 2018
2010 was the year of the Tea Party, the year of backlash against Obama, and the year of the biggest shift of power in the House in a century. But it’s also the year that Republicans executed a little-noticed strategy …
How to Flip the House: The 2006 blue wave
June 27th, 2018
To understand the identity crisis within the Democratic Party, you could look to the 2006 midterm election … and the story of a junior congressman …
How to Flip the House: The 1994 Republican revolution
June 26th, 2018
Since childhood, Bill Paxon was a diehard Republican – a Nixon fanboy who watched House Republicans lose midterm elections for decades. Then he became a member of Congress. And he was finally in a position to help them …
How to Flip the House: A prologue on why midterm elections matter
June 25th, 2018
In the last 60 years, the House of Representatives has changed political control just three times: in 1994, 2006, and 2010. What do those midterms …
A week of mixed messaging on border separations
June 22nd, 2018
Post reporter Mary Jordan helps us look back at a week of conflicting statements and rapid reversals amid an outcry over immigration policy and …
The DOJ report on Comey: What you should know
June 15th, 2018
Post reporter Devlin Barrett joins us for a special episode to talk about the Justice Department inspector general's report on the FBI investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server.
'A meet-and-greet-plus': What to expect from Trump's sit-down with Kim Jong Un
June 9th, 2018
Trump is set to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore on Tuesday. How will the president navigate the high-stakes negotiations?
The Tale of the 'Trump Triers'
May 26th, 2018
Will tried-and-true Democrats in the Midwest who voted for Trump in 2016 continue supporting the president? And what do their evolving views say …
What to expect in Year Two of the Mueller investigation
May 19th, 2018
One year into the Mueller investigation, we ask: What happens next? And what if President Trump is right, and this all turns out to be nothing?
The president is backing out of the Iran Nuclear Deal. Will ‘the Trump Doctrine’ work?
May 11th, 2018
President Trump’s decision could unilaterally kill the landmark agreement — and his unconventional foreign policy approach could have widespread …
Midterms and Trump: What to look for as we enter primary season
May 5th, 2018
What does the state of the midterm season say about President Trump, and his effect on the political landscape of the country?
Will Trump get Americans off of welfare?
April 28th, 2018
Recent Trump executive actions are part of an effort to curb the number of people who rely on the government-funded "social safety net." How will these new restrictions affect low-income Americans?
Will courts let the Trump administration put a citizenship question on the Census?
April 21st, 2018
The Trump Administration wants to ask people about their citizenship status on the 2020 Census. Why are Democrats fighting this?
Special episode: Trump’s lawyer got raided by the FBI. Now what will Trump do?
April 12th, 2018
This week, we talk with reporter Matt Zapotosky about the FBI raid on attorney Michael Cohen — and potential implications for President Trump and the future of Robert Mueller's investigation.
Will Trump change how America pays for its infrastructure?
April 7th, 2018
So far, there's no $1.5 trillion infrastructure package. But Trump is still having a significant effect on how America funds and prioritizes its most significant transportation projects.
Will Trump change America's relationship with internet privacy?
March 31st, 2018
Confused about the Cambridge Analytica scandal and how it relates to President Trump? You're not alone. Reporter Tony Romm and internet privacy expert Daniel Kreiss take us on a deep dive.
When will Trump stop firing people and settle on his ‘A-team’?
March 24th, 2018
The firings, resignations, and ousters in the White House have reached a crescendo. What does that say about Trump – as a manager, as a policy-maker, …
Will Trump convince Kim Jong-Un to give up nuclear weapons?
March 17th, 2018
President Trump says he will sit down with North Korea and negotiate a deal on nuclear disarmament. On this week’s episode of “Can He Do That,” we talk to someone who’s tried that before.
Does the President have the power to downsize the government?
March 10th, 2018
Since President Trump entered office, he's promised a radical restructuring of the federal government — including significant cuts to the size of the federal workforce. But that hasn't happened yet. On this episode, we …
Should the president run the White House like a family business?
March 2nd, 2018
On this week's episode, we talk about presidential family members, and about Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and embattled senior adviser. What happens when a president's own children wield influence in the White …
Will teen victims of school shootings force a change in federal gun laws?
February 21st, 2018
In this week's episode, Post reporters John Woodrow Cox and Wesley Lowery talk about their experiences covering school shootings — and why the …
Will Trump strike a deal on the Dream Act?
February 16th, 2018
Congress has been kicking around versions of the Dream Act for almost two decades — and yet, the latest debates in the Senate suggests that lawmakers …
Special episode: The Nunes memo and what it means
February 2nd, 2018
The House Intelligence Committee publicly released a memo Friday, and it has Washington D.C. in a whirlwind. National security reporter Matt Zapotosky explains what's in the memo, why it's been so controversial and what …
Special episode: Trump's first State of the Union address
January 31st, 2018
Washington Post senior editor Marc Fisher and political reporter Eugene Scott discuss the major themes of President Trump's first State of the Union …
Special episode: A State of the Union listening guide
January 26th, 2018
National political correspondent Karen Tumulty and senior editor Marc Fisher discuss what they’ll be listening for in Trump’s first State of the …
Special episode: One year after Trump’s inauguration, we revisit his speech
January 19th, 2018
One year ago, President Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States. In his speech, he painted his picture of America and made promises for his presidency. White House correspondents Jenna Johnson and …
We'll be back in 2018
December 15th, 2017
With highlights from some of this year's best episodes, Allison Michaels signs off for now.
Special episode: What does Doug Jones's win in Alabama mean for the country?
December 13th, 2017
Robert Costa reports on voter sentiment from Alabama. Plus, we dive into what happens for Trump, Congress, and party divisions in our country now that Alabama has elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate.
Trump's lawyer says a president can't obstruct justice. Can he?
December 8th, 2017
Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Sari Horwitz guides us through Trump's lawyers' comments on obstruction of justice. Plus, legal experts weigh in on …
Is Trump reshaping an entire branch of government -- the judiciary?
December 1st, 2017
Supreme Court reporter Robert Barnes weighs in on presidential influence on the federal courts system. Plus, we talk to a political science professor …
Why do American presidents pardon turkeys anyway? A holiday episode.
November 22nd, 2017
Where did this tradition come from? What does it mean to “pardon" a turkey? We’ve got you covered in this special holiday episode with Post reporter …
Trump’s pressuring the Justice Dept to investigate Clinton. Can he do that?
November 17th, 2017
What are the limitations of a president's influence on the Justice Dept? Reporter Devlin Barrett offers the latest news, fact checker Glenn Kessler unpacks Uranium One, and a once dep. special counsel explains risks for …
One year since Trump's election: Live show
November 10th, 2017
Bob Woodward, David Fahrenthold and Karen Tumulty join Allison Michaels live on stage at Washington, DC's Warner Theatre for a look back on the past …
How much power does a president have to prevent terrorist attacks?
November 3rd, 2017
Reporter David Nakamura helps us answer: Can Trump keep us safe from terror attacks? We talk to an expert to learn how terrorist groups recruit. Plus, we examine how much power presidents have to influence …
Special episode: Trump's associates have been indicted. Can Trump himself emerge unscathed?
October 31st, 2017
What do developments in the Mueller investigation mean for Trump? Are indictments proof that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to sway the 2016 …
Will Trump lose GOP majorities in 2018 if he keeps fighting with Republican lawmakers?
October 27th, 2017
Public criticism of the president from GOP senators seems unprecedented. But is it? Reporter Sean Sullivan weighs in on implications for the 2018 …
Will President Trump end the opioid crisis?
October 20th, 2017
How much power does the president have to solve a crisis that kills so many Americans? Reporter Scott Higham takes us on a deep dive into The Post-60 …
Is it within a president's power to strip broadcast licenses?
October 13th, 2017
We revisit the president-press relationship with media columnist Margaret Sullivan and talk to reporter Aaron Blake about President Nixon. Plus, …
Did Trump advisers break the law by using personal email for White House business?
September 29th, 2017
How does use of private email by Trump’s advisers compare to Clinton’s? We answer key questions with political investigations reporter Rosalind …
What can Paul Manafort's actions tell us about the Trump campaigns ties to Russia?
September 22nd, 2017
Pulitzer Prize-winner Carol Leonnig explains the complexities of Manafort's involvement in the Mueller investigation. Plus law professor Jimmy Gurulé …
Will Trump be able to work with Democrats and still maintain the support of his base?
September 15th, 2017
The Post's Robert Costa adds insight to Trump's latest deals with Democrats and what they mean for his political future. Plus, Nick Troiano of the …
What does Trump really want for the 'dreamers'?
September 8th, 2017
What does Trump hope will happen in Congress? With white house reporter David Nakamura, we talk to John Sandweg, former Immigration and Customs …
Will Trump get emergency response funding for Texas, as promised?
September 1st, 2017
How does Trump’s response to this natural disaster compare to that of past presidents? We talk to former FEMA administrator R. David Paulison. Plus, …
What's lost when a president opts out of ceremonial duties?
August 25th, 2017
With chief correspondent Dan Balz, we answer: Can a president fail to participate in tradition? Plus, we learn how President Reagan handled similar events and we talk to a former White House Social Secretary about …
Does a president need to unify the country to govern effectively?
August 18th, 2017
In the aftermath of violence in Charlottesville, Va., we examine the history of political appeals to white fear and how past presidents have …
How much power does a president have to lead us to nuclear war?
August 11th, 2017
With insight from White House reporter Jenna Johnson, we learn the answers to this critical question from an expert in North Korean history and a …
Will Trump's new chief of staff fix a White House in chaos?
August 4th, 2017
Can Kelly bring order to the White House? We talk to Kristine Simmons from the Bush White House, Chris Whipple, author of "Gatekeepers: How The White House Chiefs of Staff Define Every Presidency," and Greg Jaffe who …
Is it unusual for a president to publicly berate members of his own cabinet?
July 28th, 2017
Can a president fire the attorney general? How much influence does a president have over the Justice Department? Reporter Ashley Parker, historian …
Trump promised to bring back American jobs, can he do that?
July 21st, 2017
What can a president do to revive an industry in decline? Amy Goldstein, author of “Janesville: An American Story,” tells us what happens to people …
Did Donald Trump Jr.'s meeting with a Russian lawyer violate the law?
July 14th, 2017
Jens David Ohlin, vice dean at Cornell Law School, explains the legal boundaries and political consultant Tracy Sefl takes us into the world of …
Will Trump deliver on his health-care promises? (Part II)
June 30th, 2017
Health policy reporter Paige Cunningham breaks down the Senate bill and explains what’s at stake. Plus, we talk to Republican Mayor John Giles of …
Special episode: Obama's secret struggle to punish Russia for Putin's election assault
June 23rd, 2017
In an exclusive report, The Post's national security team goes inside the Obama administration's decision-making after the CIA captured Putin issuing these instructions: defeat Clinton and help elect Trump. Reporter …
How much of Obama's Cuba policies could Trump rollback?
June 16th, 2017
Will Trump's policy toward Cuba undo the Obama administration's efforts to normalize relations? What's at stake? Karen DeYoung answers those …
Will Trump accomplish his infrastructure promises?
June 9th, 2017
The Post's Damian Paletta on how much Trump can achieve. Plus, former Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak on facing tragedy in his city in 2007. And Henry …
Special episode: What we learned from Comey's testimony
June 8th, 2017
The Post's national security reporter Matt Zapotosky explains what Comey's words at Thursday's Senate Intelligence Committee hearing mean for the …
Is Trump isolating our strongest allies by backing away from key agreements?
June 2nd, 2017
The Post's White House bureau chief Philip Rucker offers insight from his trip abroad with the president. Plus, former ambassador to NATO Ivo Daalder explains the relationship between the U.S. and Europe, and the value …
What can Michael Flynn's actions tell us about the Russia investigation?
May 26th, 2017
Harvard's Alex Whiting explains where former national security adviser Michael Flynn's actions might break the law. Plus, The Post's Greg Miller tells us how Flynn fits in the story of possible coordination between the …
Amid turmoil in the U.S., can Trump's first international trip turn things around?
May 19th, 2017
President Trump leaves for his first international trip after two tumultuous weeks back home. Pulitzer Prize-winning correspondent Kevin Sullivan …
Special episode: Can a president reveal classified information?
May 16th, 2017
Greg Jaffe, one of The Post reporters who broke news of Trump revealing classified information to Russian diplomats, is on the show to explain presidential power when it comes to classified information and what happens …
How much power does a president have to affect an investigation?
May 12th, 2017
As the fallout from Trump's decision to fire FBI Director James Comey continues, we take a look at the limitations of presidential power when it comes to investigations. Plus, we assess how history measures up, with Bob …
Special episode: Can Trump fire the FBI director?
May 10th, 2017
The timing of FBI Director James B. Comey’s termination raises a lot of questions. The Post's national security reporter Matt Zapotosky discusses what we know now and what more there is to learn as this critical story …
Would Trump be able to break up the 9th Circuit Court?
May 5th, 2017
Can President Trump break up a federal circuit court because he disagrees with their decisions? Are there consequences for suggesting he'd do so? …
100 days: Is Trump in violation of his contract with American voters?
April 28th, 2017
Post reporters convene in a round-table conversation about Trump's achievements and failures in his first 100 days and what it means for the next four years of his presidency.
Do power struggles in the White House make Trump a more effective president?
April 21st, 2017
Do staff tensions interfere with Trump's ability to govern? And are these rivalries by Trump's design? White House bureau chief Philip Rucker talks to former Trump aide Sam Nunberg about what it's like to work for Trump …
When it comes to acts of war, how far can Trump go?
April 14th, 2017
With military action, when can a president bypass Congress and what are the consequences? National security reporter Dan Lamothe, American …
What can (and can’t) Trump associates do when it comes to Russia?
April 7th, 2017
Congressional reporter Karoun Demirjian helps answer: What can history show us about presidents’ relationships with foreign governments? When is communication illegal? And at what point do allegations turn into concrete …
Does Ivanka Trump’s new White House role hold up against legal and ethical standards?
March 31st, 2017
This week’s episode asks a slightly different question: Can she? How do potential business conflicts and issues of nepotism factor into Ivanka’s new …
Will Trump be able to deliver on his healthcare promises?
March 24th, 2017
In a setback for the president, a vote on the GOP health care overhaul plan was delayed Thursday. How does it affect Trump's promises to voters? The …
Will Trump really cut programs people depend on?
March 17th, 2017
Trump’s budget proposes massive cuts to the arts, science and the poor: Can he do that? The Post’s Kelsey Snell weighs in on whether Trump’s requests …
Are Trump's attacks on the media a threat to freedom of the press?
March 10th, 2017
How unusual is Trump's behavior toward the media? Media columnist Margaret Sullivan weighs in on that question and on what's at risk for democracy. …
Does Trump’s success depend on his relationship with Congress?
March 3rd, 2017
A master class in the relationship between party and president: The Post’s Robert Costa explains who’s running the show in Washington. He talks to GOP insider Grover Norquist on party unity under Trump and what it means …
Do President Trump's business conflicts violate the Constitution?
February 24th, 2017
The Post’s award-winning David Fahrenthold breaks down Trump’s many businesses, his complex foreign ties and the Emoluments Clause.
Will Trump ever release his tax returns?
February 17th, 2017
Trump is the first major party nominee in decades to not release returns. What happens now that he's president? Does Flynn's resignation change things? Plus, Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-N.J.) on Democrats' efforts to make …
Should Trump be spending weekends at Mar-a-Lago?
February 10th, 2017
President Trump frequents his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, has a triplex penthouse in Trump Tower in downtown Manhattan and has his last name blazoned on dozens of properties around the world. Does that change things …
Will President Trump's immigration ban survive?
February 3rd, 2017
Is President Trump's executive order temporarily barring entry into the U.S. from seven majority-Muslim countries within the bounds of presidential power? With Marc Fisher, Post senior editor and author of "Trump …
Can he tweet that?
January 27th, 2017
We take a close look at Trump's tweets now that he's president. Can he make official policy statements on Twitter? And does that dictate government …
Introduction to the podcast
January 23rd, 2017
Host Allison Michaels gives a look at what to expect from the newest podcast from the Washington Post.
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