The Political Current

Today’s episode dives into three major U.S. political and legal developments shaping global conversation.

First, we break down the controversial U.S. social media rule for tourists, which could dramatically reshape international travel. A proposal to require millions of visitors to disclose five years of social media handles and digital history may have a chilling effect on inbound tourism — potentially affecting global events like the 2026 World Cup and undermining the travel industry. Listen as we explore what this means for travelers, privacy advocates, and U.S. global image. 

Next, we examine the political explosion spark...

Thailand has confirmed that its military operations against Cambodia will continue, directly contradicting claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that a ceasefire had been successfully brokered between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.

In this episode, we break down the latest developments in the Thailand-Cambodia conflict, where renewed fighting along the 800-kilometre border has already left more than 20 people dead and displaced an estimated 600,000 civilians. The clashes are centred on long-disputed temple sites, a flashpoint that has reignited one of Southeast Asia’s most sensitive border disputes.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that Bangkok neve...

In this episode, we break down one of the most dramatic moments in recent U.S. foreign policy: the Trump administration’s seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker operating in international waters. The move marks a major escalation in the ongoing confrontation between the United States and Nicolás Maduro’s regime — and raises questions about the administration’s broader military pressure campaign.

We explore why the tanker Skipper was targeted, how U.S. Coast Guard and Navy personnel carried out the operation, and why the administration insists the ship had ties to sanctioned oil networks and Iran-backed groups. T...

In this episode, we deliver a comprehensive fact-check of Donald Trump’s recent Pennsylvania rally and his Politico interview, breaking down the most viral claims dominating U.S. political conversations.

We investigate Trump’s statements on inflation, his assertion that he inherited the “worst inflation in U.S. history,” and what real economic data from FactCheck.org and CPI reports actually show. We look at gasoline prices, pandemic economic impact, and how historical inflation spikes compare to current levels.

The episode also explores Trump’s renewed attack on Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, including claims about her immigration status, al...

In this episode, we examine a striking political and legal shift: Reagan-appointed federal judges emerging as some of the strongest institutional critics of President Trump’s second-term agenda. Once viewed as pillars of modern conservatism, these long-serving judges are issuing decisive rulings that challenge Trump’s policies, public statements, and interpretations of presidential authority.

We break down the major moments shaping this unprecedented divide.
From Judge William Young’s sharp rebuke over the cancellation of diversity-focused NIH research grants to Judge Royce Lamberth’s condemnation of efforts to minimize the severity of the January 6 attack, the episode explores...

In this episode, we examine a major shift in U.S. immigration policy: the Trump administration’s nationwide halt on all asylum decisions following the Washington DC National Guard shooting. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow confirmed that no asylum case—regardless of nationality—will receive approvals, denials, or closures until a new vetting system is established.

We break down how the shooting, allegedly carried out by Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, triggered a rapid series of policy actions. From the temporary suspension of Afghan visa processing to the broad re-examination of green cards from 19 nations, the U.S. immigration system has en...

This episode examines why Russian President Vladimir Putin may be slowing down momentum on former U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed Ukraine peace plan, despite early signals of optimism. With battlefield gains, shifting diplomatic messages from Moscow, and a revised 19-point framework on the table, the negotiation landscape is more complex than ever.

We break down the U.S. push for rapid progress, the Kremlin’s strategic delay, and Ukraine’s concerns about sovereignty, territorial concessions, and the credibility of any long-term agreement with Russia. Key voices—including analysts, diplomats, and Ukrainian lawmakers—warn that Moscow remains confident on the b...

In June the Trump family unveiled Trump Mobile and promised a made-in-America T1 phone with preorder deposits — a $499 device customers could reserve with $100 down. But months later the phone hasn’t shipped, the website quietly removed “Made in the USA” language, and promotional photos appear to show a doctored Samsung device — leaving customers and reporters asking: did the T1 ever exist as promised? 

In this episode we walk through: • The timeline: announcement, preorder, promised August release, missed ship dates and changing messages from the company. 
• The controversy over marketing imagery — screenshots, the Spigen response, and how tech outlets identified...

In today’s episode, we unpack one of the week’s most intense political clashes: Donald Trump’s clarification that he was “not threatening death” to Democratic lawmakers, following their video urging U.S. military personnel to refuse unlawful orders.

Trump’s online posts accusing Democrats of “seditious behavior, punishable by death” sparked widespread concern across both parties, fueling an already volatile political environment. In this episode, we explore what triggered the dispute, how lawmakers responded, and why the debate over sedition, illegal orders, and political violence is dominating national headlines.

We examine the video released by six Democrati...

In this episode, we break down the highly watched meeting between President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) — a moment that revealed as much about U.S. political turbulence as it did about the prince’s carefully crafted global makeover.

We explore why MBS, once seen as a reckless disruptor tied to controversies like the Jamal Khashoggi killing, appeared calm, composed, and statesmanlike throughout the exchange. Meanwhile, President Trump delivered an unusually combative performance, attacking journalists, defending authoritarian tactics, and praising Saudi-owned media.

This episode dives deep into:
• The visual and politi...

In this episode, we break down the latest developments in the high-profile James Comey case, including new arguments that the former FBI director is facing a vindictive prosecution driven by political pressure from former President Donald Trump. With a critical Nov. 19 hearing approaching, Comey’s lawyers are preparing to argue that the criminal charges should be dismissed due to political retaliation and selective enforcement.

We examine the core allegations: that Comey lied to Congress during a 2020 Senate testimony and obstructed a congressional proceeding. Prosecutors claim he knowingly denied authorizing an anonymous leak. But Comey’s team argues these char...

In today’s episode, we break down President Donald Trump’s high-profile White House meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — a visit marked by military ceremony, strategic negotiations, and renewed global attention.

This episode explores why the crown prince’s return to Washington matters now, seven years after his last visit, and how both leaders are using the moment to strengthen U.S.–Saudi relations. We examine key agenda items including enhanced security cooperation, civil nuclear discussions, the proposed F-35 fighter jet sale, and Saudi Arabia’s multibillion-dollar investment commitments inside the United States.

We also anal...

In this episode, we explore a dramatic rupture inside the MAGA movement as Donald Trump breaks publicly with Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. What began as a clash over phone calls and accusations spiraled into a larger fight over the release of the Epstein files—documents that could reshape political narratives across Washington.

We analyze Trump’s shifting stance, from dismissing the Epstein file push as a “Democratic trap” to suddenly urging House Republicans to vote for full disclosure. Meanwhile, Greene’s criticism of U.S. support for Israel and her willingness to challenge Trump marks a rare moment of Republi...

In this episode we explore the explosive release of more than 20,000 pages of documents from the estate of convicted sex-offender Jeffrey Epstein, including emails that mention Donald Trump. The emails, published by the House Oversight Committee, include correspondence between Epstein and long-time associate Ghislaine Maxwell, as well as author Michael Wolff.

We walk you through:

The 2011 email in which Epstein writes: “that dog that hasn’t barked is Trump… [Victim] spent hours at my house with him.” 

The 2019 email in which Epstein says Trump “knew about the girls as he asked Ghislaine to stop.” <...

President Trump hosted Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in a historic White House visit — the first time a Syrian head of state has been invited to the White House in decades. We break down why this matters for U.S. foreign policy, what the removed sanctions mean for Syria’s reconstruction, and the proposed entry of Syria into the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS. 

In this episode:

A concise briefing of the White House meeting and what was discussed (counterterrorism, coalition membership, and sanctions). 

Background on Ahmed al-Sharaa’s rise, earlier U.S. desig...

In this episode we examine how newly-elected New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani’s ambitious progressive agenda could be significantly challenged by Donald Trump’s threats to cut federal support.
Mamdani’s victory speech was not just celebratory — it targeted Trump directly, setting the tone for a city-vs-federal showdown. We analyse:

Mamdani’s policy platform (rent freezes, free buses, universal childcare) and how federal money supports the city’s budget.

Trump’s past interventions in Democratic-run cities, his New York roots, and how he’s labelled Mamdani a “communist” and threatened to withhold funding.

The legal, fisc...

In this episode we explore how the Serbian Parliament approved new legislation to clear the way for a luxury hotel and apartment complex branded with the Trump name, built on the site of the former General Staff complex in Belgrade — a modernist landmark devastated by NATO bombing in 1999. We’ll unpack the key political players — President Aleksandar Vucic and his ruling Serbian Progressive Party — and how the law strips the site of cultural-heritage protections and utilises an extraordinary constitutional mechanism to fast-track the project.
We examine the role of Jared Kushner’s investment firm, the 99-year lease deal, and how Serbia...

In this episode we examine the bold claim by U.S. President Donald Trump that South Africa should no longer be part of the G20 — and where this leaves global geopolitics. We dig into the roots of the U.S.–South Africa diplomatic fallout, from land-expropriation accusations and refugee claims to trade tariffs and Africa’s growing voice on the world stage. South Africa, which currently holds the G20 presidency, is pushing an agenda of solidarity, equality and sustainability — while the U.S. signals resistance. We break down how informal forums like the G20 operate, why consensus matters, and what happens...

In this episode, we unpack former President Donald Trump’s bold claim that the government shutdown was a major reason behind recent Republican election losses. Speaking at a breakfast with Senate Republicans, Trump called the shutdown a “big factor” in Democrats’ victories and urged the GOP to end the Senate filibuster to quickly restore federal funding.

We analyze how Trump’s remarks reveal deep divisions within the Republican Party — from his criticism of the filibuster to his call for a national voter ID law. The conversation also explores how voter sentiment in states like Virginia and New Jersey shifted towa...

In this episode we unpack a major shift in global diplomacy: China’s decision to publicly support Nigeria’s government in the face of US pressure and threats of sanctions or military action. We explore how China’s stance on non-interference and strategic partnership with Nigeria affects the US-Africa balance, what it means for alleged Christian genocide claims, and how the regional body ECOWAS is responding.
You’ll hear:

What triggered US President Trump’s declaration of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” and his threat of possible military intervention.

China’s Foreign Ministry statement reject...

In this episode we examine the growing possibility of a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, following a briefing by South Korea’s spy agency that Kim “has the intent to pursue dialogue” with the U.S. if conditions become favourable.
We explore what this means for U.S.–North Korea diplomacy, the significance of the upcoming joint U.S.–South Korea military drills in March, and how denuclearisation, Russian-Chinese influence and shifting regional security dynamics shape this moment.
What’s changed since the Trump-Kim summits in 2018-19? Why is North Korea...

In this episode, we unpack the latest national poll that reveals deepening worry among Americans about the ongoing federal government shutdown. The data shows three-quarters of U.S. adults are concerned, and the share saying they are very concerned has jumped from 25 % to 43 % since early October. 
We explore how blame is being assigned — nearly half of Americans now point the finger at Donald Trump and congressional Republicans, versus a third blaming Democrats. 
What does this mean for the political landscape, upcoming negotiations, and public trust in government? We review how concern breaks down by gender, income, and party-affiliation, and...

In this episode, we examine President Donald Trump’s directive to restart U.S. nuclear weapons testing — the first such move in over three decades — and what it signals for global strategic stability. We explore the context: China’s accelerating stockpile growth, Russia’s recent nuclear-capable missile tests, and the weakening framework of arms-control treaties such as the Comprehensive Nuclear‑Test‑Ban Treaty (CTBT).
We unpack the numbers — how the U.S. arsenal compares with China’s and the risks of a renewed nuclear arms race — and the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy, deterrence strategy, and global security.
Will...

In this episode, we dive deep into the landmark trade negotiation between the United States and South Korea — as President Donald Trump wrapped up his Asia tour in the South Korean city of Gyeongju. Amidst golden gifts and pomp, South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung presented Trump with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa and a Silla-era crown replica. 
The deal under discussion? A massive $350 billion investment by South Korea into the U.S. economy, with $200 billion in cash over time and $150 billion directed at U.S. shipbuilding. In return, the U.S. is expected to reduce automobile and auto...

On October 29, 2025, President Donald Trump arrived in Gyeongju and was presented with a replica Silla crown and South Korea’s highest decoration — the Grand Order of Mugunghwa. In this episode we unpack the ceremony, the symbolism of the Cheonmachong crown, and how President Lee Jae Myung used ceremonial theater — from a museum meeting to a customized “gold” tie and a working lunch — to press for trade concessions and deeper U.S.–Korea cooperation. 

We break down three things listeners should know: (1) the diplomatic message behind lavish gifts and what “peacemaker” recognition signals for North Korea policy; (2) the trade stakes — tariff tal...

In this episode we explore the provocative question: Is President Donald Trump pushing for regime change in Venezuela — and where else is he intervening in Latin America? We unpack the U.S. deployment of warships near Venezuelan waters, the strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats tied to the Tren de Aragua gang, and the broader geopolitical calculus behind Washington’s rising pressure in the Caribbean and beyond.
We evaluate Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s claims of a U.S. “fabricated eternal war,” the lack of clear evidence for U.S. drug-trafficking allegations, and the significance of Latin America within the “Americ...

In this episode we unpack how Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and U.S. President Donald Trump have agreed to extend the looming trade deadline by “a few more weeks” to settle key issues between the two countries. We explore the implications of tariffs on Mexican goods (which were set to rise to 30 % from 25 %) and how this pause affects ongoing trade talks under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) framework.
Learn how Mexico is working to resolve 54 outstanding non-tariff trade barriers, how the Mexican peso responded, and what this all means for global markets, North America’s economic ties, and fu...

Explore the U.S. redistricting battle — from the White House’s vote-monitor move in California to Trump’s strategy and what it means for Congress. Follow for daily political breakdowns.
Long Description (under 500 words):
In this episode we dive deep into the high-stakes world of U.S. redistricting. We examine how the White House’s decision to send election monitors to California has ignited a major mapping fight — even as Donald Trump appears to sit out the state’s redistricting war.

If you care about how election integrity, party strategy and congressional control intersect — this episode is for you. Li...

In this episode we unpack the high-stakes meeting between US President Donald Trump and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit. We examine how the US-Brazil trade deal could reshape bilateral diplomacy and global supply chains.
We cover key topics including: the 50 % tariffs imposed by the US on Brazilian goods, how Brazil responded, what Lula and Trump agreed — and why this matters for Brazilian exports, US consumers and global trade flows.
Listeners will gain insight into the politics behind the tariff hike, how the negotiating teams plan to act “immedia...

In today’s episode of Global Pulse Politics, we break down a major development shaking North American trade relations.
President Donald Trump has announced an immediate end to all trade talks with Canada, citing an Ontario government advert that criticized his tariffs using a quote from former U.S. President Ronald Reagan.

The ad, part of a $75 million Canadian campaign, accused tariffs of “hurting every American,” and featured Reagan’s 1987 remarks about trade wars.
Trump fired back on social media, calling the advert “FAKE” and “egregious,” saying the U.S. negotiations were “HEREBY TERMINATED.”

Stay tuned till the...

In this episode, we unpack the dramatic shift in U.S.–Russia relations as President Donald Trump abandons his diplomatic “carrot” strategy in favor of sanctions and pressure.

Just days after announcing a potential summit with Vladimir Putin in Budapest, the Trump administration abruptly canceled the talks. Instead, Trump has imposed sanctions on two of Russia’s biggest oil companies — Rosneft and Lukoil — signaling frustration with Moscow’s refusal to compromise on Ukraine.

We explore what led to this escalation, the growing tension between Washington and Moscow, and why this move represents a defining moment in Trum...

In this episode we dive into the bold move from the U.S. government: sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, in an attempt to stifle Moscow’s revenues from oil exports and pressure a resolution to the war in Ukraine.
We examine: what the sanctions entail (asset freezes, U.S. business prohibitions, 3.1 million barrels/day impact), why the Trump administration is leaning into energy policy as war leverage, how Russia has diverted exports to China and India, and what it means for global oil markets and U.S. strategic interests.
Listen to the end...

In this episode we unpack how the Trump administration’s $20 billion bailout for Argentina has sent shockwaves through America’s farming heartland. U.S. soybean producers, already hurting from the trade war with China, are now sidelined while Argentina gains ground in global soybean exports.
We break down: what the Argentina rescue really is, why U.S. farmers feel betrayed, how China exploited the situation, and what this means for U.S. trade policy and “America First”.
Listen till the end for expert insights on whether this bailout signals a shift in U.S. economic priorities, and what it could...

Trump blames U.S. homebuilders for rising housing costs — but experts reveal deeper causes like red tape, labor shortages, and tariffs.


#TrumpNews #USPolitics #HousingCrisis #RealEstateNews #Homebuilders #AffordableHousing #EconomicPolicy #TrumpAdministration #AmericanEconomy #PoliticalPodcast #BreakingNews #USGovernment #BidenVsTrump #HousingMarket #Inflation #InterestRates #RealEstateCrisis #USNews #PoliticalTalk #WhiteHouseNews

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President Donald Trump claims China “doesn’t want” to invade Taiwan, easing fears of conflict as tensions rise in the South China Sea. In this episode, we break down what Trump’s remarks mean for U.S.-China relations, Taiwan’s security, and the future of global politics.

#USPolitics #TrumpNews #ChinaTaiwan #TaiwanCrisis #ForeignPolicy #PoliticalPodcast #WhiteHouse #BreakingNews #AmericanPolitics #USChinaRelations #Geopolitics #TaiwanNews #XiJinping #TradeWar #GlobalNews

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The U.S. government shutdown enters a new week with Congress deadlocked and millions facing uncertainty over federal paychecks, Social Security, and national parks. Discover how the standoff is impacting veterans, the military, and American families as Washington politics grind to a halt.   #USPolitics #GovernmentShutdown #SocialSecurity #TrumpNews #PoliticalPodcast #BreakingNews #WhiteHouse #AmericanPolitics #Congress #FederalWorkers #EconomyUpdate #MilitaryNews #PoliticalNews

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Millions of Americans join “No Kings” rallies across all 50 states, protesting Trump’s immigration, education, and security policies amid growing fears of autocracy and civil unrest. Dive into the latest U.S. political movement shaking the nation and challenging presidential power.   #USPolitics #TrumpNews #NoKingsProtest #PoliticalPodcast #BreakingNews #AmericanDemocracy #ProtestNews #WhiteHouse #CivilRights #Congress #PoliticalNews #USProtests  

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Congress faces a stalemate as government shutdown talks stall, delaying key US federal operations and fueling uncertainty in American politics and policy decisions. Stay updated with the latest political news and analysis.     #USPolitics #GovernmentShutdown #Congress #WhiteHouse #PoliticalNews #FederalGovernment #AmericanPolitics #PolicyUpdate #PoliticalPodcast #BreakingNews

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A U.S. judge halts Trump’s plan to fire thousands of federal workers, sparking major debate over government power and labor rights.   #USPolitics #TrumpNews #FederalWorkers #GovernmentShutdown #WhiteHouse #PoliticalPodcast #BreakingNews #AmericanPolitics #CourtRuling #LaborRights

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Dive into the breaking U.S. politics update — Trump administration approves a $20B bailout for Argentina, reshaping global economics and foreign policy ties. Stay tuned for the latest White House news and international relations insights.   #USPolitics #TrumpNews #ArgentinaBailout #WhiteHouse #PoliticalPodcast #GlobalEconomy #ForeignPolicy #BreakingNews #AmericanPolitics #InternationalRelations #usanews #uspolitics #united states  

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Breaking news: The US military has carried out another airstrike off Venezuela’s coast, killing six people aboard a boat accused of drug trafficking. Donald Trump says the vessel was linked to a designated terrorist organization, sparking fresh debate over the legality of US strikes and escalating US–Venezuela tensions.   #USPolitics #BreakingNews #DonaldTrump #DrugCartels #USMilitary #ForeignPolicy #TrumpNews #PoliticalUpdate #InternationalNews

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Explore how Trump’s political influence and Swift’s cultural dominance mirror modern America’s divide. A sharp, witty take on US politics, celebrity power, and social influence.   #USPolitics #PoliticalNews #WhiteHouse #DonaldTrump #JoeBiden #AmericanPolitics #PoliticalUpdate #BreakingPolitics #PoliticalAnalysis #PoliticalDebate #USGovernment #PoliticsPodcast #USNews #AmericaToday

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