Trump's Terms

NPR

Host Scott Detrow curates NPR's reporting, analysis and updates on the 47th President, focusing on actions and policies that challenge precedent and upend political norms, raising questions about what a President can do — and whether his efforts will benefit the voters who returned him to power.

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May 25, 2024 · 15 min
Here are three possible outcomes in the Trump hush money trial
For this episode of Trump's Trials, host Scott Detrow speaks with legal expert Harry Litman. Closing arguments in former President Donald Trump's hush money trial are expected to begin on Tuesday. And if all goes according to plan, the jury will begin deliberations on Wednesday. That means there's a chance a verdict is reached as soon as next week. We break down three possible outcomes the jury could reach — guilty, not guilty, or a hung jury. Topics include: - Prosecution and defense rest - Jury instructions - Possible verdicts Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for new episodes each Saturday. Sign up for sponsor-free episodes and support NPR's political journalism at plus.npr.org/trumpstrials. Email the show at trumpstrials@npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
May 22, 2024 · 8 min
In Florida a motion to dismiss, in Georgia an election
For this episode of Trump's Trials, All Things Considered host Ailsa Chang speaks with NPR correspondent Greg Allen. In Florida, Federal Judge Aileen Cannon held a pre-trial hearing on Wednesday to dismiss the classified documents case against former President Donald Trump and two co-defendants. And in Georgia, both the prosecutor and judge in Trump's election interference case have won elections. Prosecutor Fani Willis won her Democratic primary and will face a Republican who interned in the Trump White House in the general election in November. Meanwhile, Judge Scott McAfee, who's overseeing the election interference case easily won his election to his first full term after being appointed last year. Topics include: - Florida classified documents case - Fulton County DA Fani Willis - Judge Scott McAfee Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for new episodes each Saturday. Sign up for sponsor-free episodes and support NPR's political journalism at plus.npr.org/trumpstrials. Email the show at trumpstrials@npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
May 21, 2024 · 4 min
Testimony in hush money trial concludes; Trump did not testify in his defense
For this episode of Trump's Trials, All Things Considered host Ailsa Chang speaks with NPR's Andrea Bernstein. Testimony in Former President Donald Trump's criminal trial in New York is now in the books. The prosecution and the defense have rested, and Trump did not testify. Topics include: - Testimony from the defense's witnesses - What's next Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for new episodes each Saturday. Sign up for sponsor-free episodes and support NPR's political journalism at plus.npr.org/trumpstrials. Email the show at trumpstrials@npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
May 20, 2024 · 5 min
Cohen's testimony concludes and the prosecution rests its case
For this episode of Trump's Trials, All Things Considered host Ailsa Chang speaks with NPR's Andrea Bernstein. The prosecution has rested its case with the conclusion of its star witness Michael Cohen in former President Donald Trump's hush money trial. Topics include: - Cohen's testimony - What's next Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for new episodes each Saturday. Sign up for sponsor-free episodes and support NPR's political journalism at plus.npr.org/trumpstrials. Email the show at trumpstrials@npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
May 18, 2024 · 19 min
Has the prosecution proved its case against Trump?
For this episode of Trump's Trials, host Scott Detrow speaks with NPR political reporter Ximena Bustillo and Boston University law professor Jed Shugerman. The prosecution's star witness, Michael Cohen was on the stand for three days this week. He testified about the alleged scheme to pay off adult film star Stormy Daniels and the alleged business fraud that followed. Cohen placed former President Trump at the scene saying he was aware and involved in the alleged cover up. But Cohen is an admitted liar and the defense called into question his credibility. Cohen is expected back on the stand on Monday and is likely the prosecution's final witness. Closing statements may begin as soon as Tuesday. Topics include: - Michael Cohen testimony - What prosecution needs to prove - What's next Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for new episodes each Saturday. Sign up for sponsor-free episodes and support NPR's political journalism at plus.npr.org/trumpstrials. Email the show at trumpstrials@npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
May 16, 2024 · 4 min
Trump's defense tries to cast doubt on Michael Cohen's credibility
For this episode of Trump's Trials, All Things Considered host Juana Summers speaks with NPR political reporter Ximena Bustillo. The prosecution's star witness Michael Cohen was back on the stand today in former President Donald Trump's hush money trial. Trump's defense team took direct aim at Cohen's credibility, asking him about his criminal history, times he's lied and questioned his memory of events. Topics include: - Cross-examination of Cohen - What's next Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for new episodes each Saturday. Sign up for sponsor-free episodes and support NPR's political journalism at plus.npr.org/trumpstrials. Email the show at trumpstrials@npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
May 14, 2024 · 8 min
Trump's defense team grills Michael Cohen in cross-examination
For this episode of Trump's Trials, All Things Considered host Juana Summers speaks with NPR's Andrea Bernstein and attorney Kim Wehle. Donald Trump's former fixer Michael Cohen spent a second day on the witness stand testifying against his one time boss. Cohen mostly testified about purposefully mislabeling checks, false receipts and his previous loyalty to Trump. Cohen was aggressively cross-examined by Trump's defense team over social media statements he's made about Trump and whether he wants to see Trump in jail. Cohen is expected to be the final witness for the prosecution then defense will present their case to the jury. Topics include: - Cohen testimony - Cross-examination of Cohen Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for new episodes each Saturday. Sign up for sponsor-free episodes and support NPR's political journalism at plus.npr.org/trumpstrials. Email the show at trumpstrials@npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
May 13, 2024 · 11 min
Former fixer Michael Cohen takes the stand in Trump's criminal trial
For this episode of Trump's Trials, All Things Considered host Ailsa Chang speaks with NPR's Andrea Bernstein and attorney Andrew Weissmann. Donald Trump's former personal attorney and "fixer" Michael Cohen gave an extended, first-hand account of what happened in the turbulent months at the end of the 2016 campaign. At the New York criminal courthouse, Cohen said that then-presidential candidate Trump directed him to negotiate an agreement with adult film actor Stormy Daniels. Topics include: - What Cohen said on the stand - If Cohen's testimony is necessary in this case - A preview of the defense's strategy for cross examination Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for new episodes each Saturday. Sign up for sponsor-free episodes and support NPR's political journalism at plus.npr.org/trumpstrials. Email the show at trumpstrials@npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
May 11, 2024 · 20 min
Stormy moments in Trump's hush money trial
For this episode of Trump's Trials, host Scott Detrow speaks with NPR senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro and Boston University law professor Jed Shugerman. This week adult film actress Stormy Daniels testified about her alleged sexual encounter with former president Donald Trump in 2006. Daniels described the encounter, which Trump denies took place, in great detail. Although whether or not Trump and Daniels had sex is not what the jury will rule on, it is the alleged event that led to a payment 10 years later that lies at the heart of the case. Trump's former fixer Michael Cohen is expected to testify on Monday. His testimony will be key for the prosecution's case. And calling Cohen's testimony into question will be a top priority for Trump's defense team. Topics include: - Stormy Daniels' testimony - Stormy Daniels' impact on the case - Michael Cohen to testify Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for new episodes each Saturday. Sign up for sponsor-free episodes and support NPR's political journalism at plus.npr.org/trumpstrials. Email the show at trumpstrials@npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
May 9, 2024 · 5 min
Day two of Stormy Daniels testimony in hush money trial
For this episode of Trump's Trials, All Things Considered host Ari Shapiro speaks with NPR's Andrea Bernstein. Adult film actress Stormy Daniels took the stand for the second time in the New York hush money case. The defense continued their cross-examination of Daniels attempting to highlight inconsistencies in her story about meeting Trump in 2006. Defense attorneys questioned whether Daniels was out to make money, asking her about a book deal and documentary she was in. Topics include: - Stormy Daniels testimony - Cross-examination Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for new episodes each Saturday. Sign up for sponsor-free episodes and support NPR's political journalism at plus.npr.org/trumpstrials. Email the show at trumpstrials@npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
May 8, 2024 · 9 min
An indefinite delay in Florida, an appeal granted in Georgia
For this episode of Trump's Trials, host Scott Detrow speaks with NPR Justice Correspondent Carrie Johnson. In Florida, Judge Aileen Cannon delayed a trial over Trump's alleged mishandling of classified documents indefinitely, citing the backlog of pre-trial motions that must be handled before a trial date can even be set. This all but ensures that the trial will not happen before the November election. In Georgia, an appeals court has agreed to hear Trump's challenge to the decision that allowed Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to remain on the state's election interference case. Willis was previously accused of having a conflict of interest because of a relationship she had with a prosecutor she hired. After holding a lengthy hearing earlier this year, Judge Scott McAfee ruled Willis could stay on the case but noted there was an "appearance of impropriety." Topics include: - Documents case delayed - Georgia election interference appeal Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for new episodes each Saturday. Sign up for sponsor-free episodes and support NPR's political journalism at plus.npr.org/trumpstrials. Email the show at trumpstrials@npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
May 7, 2024 · 8 min
Tensions flare as Stormy Daniels testifies about Trump and hush money scheme
For this episode of Trump's Trials, All Things Considered host Juana Summers speaks with NPR's Andrea Bernstein and later, former White House special counsel Ty Cobb. Adult film actress Stormy Daniels testified about her alleged sexual encounter with Donald Trump in 2006 and hush money payment in 2016. Tensions were high as Daniels detailed her experience with Trump, sometimes in a level of detail that drew multiple objections from the defense and a mistrial request that was denied by the judge. Separately, former White House special counsel Ty Cobb discussed the possibility of Trump being sent to jail if he violates the judge's gag order again. Judge Juan Merchan has already found Trump violated the order 10 times and fined him 10 thousand dollars. Topics include: - Daniels testimony - Cross-examination of Daniels - Gag order - Can Trump be sent to jail Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for new episodes each Saturday. Sign up for sponsor-free episodes and support NPR's political journalism at plus.npr.org/trumpstrials. Email the show at trumpstrials@npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
May 6, 2024 · 4 min
After 10th gag order violation, judge threatens Trump with jail
For this episode of Trump's Trials, All Things Considered host Ari Shapiro speaks with NPR's Andrea Bernstein. Judge Juan Merchan says former President Donald Trump has violated a gag order in his New York criminal trial for a 10th time. Merchan threatened the next violation could land the presidential candidate in jail. Topics include: - Judge Merchan's reaction to Trump's latest violation - How this admonishment differs from other times Trump has tussled with judges - Highlights from Monday's testimonies Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for new episodes each Saturday. Sign up for sponsor-free episodes and support NPR's political journalism at plus.npr.org/trumpstrials. Email the show at trumpstrials@npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
May 4, 2024 · 27 min
Tearful testimony and a contempt of court ruling
For this episode of Trump's Trials, host Scott Detrow speaks with NPR's Ximena Bustillo and former New York Prosecutor Tristan Snell. He's a former New York prosecutor who led the state's case against Trump University, and author of the book Taking Down Trump. The third week of former President Donald Trump's criminal hush money trial ended with a high-profile witness: former Trump aide Hope Hicks. She testified about the Trump campaign's damage control efforts in the 2016 election and even took a break after briefly breaking down on the witness stand. Earlier in the week, Judge Juan Merchan fined Trump $9,000 for contempt of court for violating a gag order. And on Thursday prosecutors asked Merchan to hold him in contempt for a second time for recent comments he's made about jurors and witnesses. Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for new episodes each Saturday. Sign up for sponsor-free episodes and support NPR's political journalism at plus.npr.org/trumpstrials. Email the show at trumpstrials@npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
May 2, 2024 · 5 min
Jurors hear secret recording of Trump discussing payment to former Playboy model
For this episode of Trump's Trials, All Things Considered host Juana Summers speaks with NPR's Andrea Bernstein. Stormy Daniels' former attorney Keith Davidson wrapped up his testimony on Thursday in the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump. The jury heard some dramatic audio of Trump and his former lawyer Michael Cohen talking about payments to former Playboy model Karen McDougal and Daniels. But the defense became combative in cross-examining Davison. Topics include: - Davidson's testimony - Tape of Trump and Cohen played for the jury - What's next for proceedings Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for new episodes each Saturday. Sign up for sponsor-free episodes and support NPR's political journalism at plus.npr.org/trumpstrials. Email the show at trumpstrials@npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
Apr 30, 2024 · 4 min
Trump fined $9,000 for violating gag order in hush money trial
For this episode of Trump's Trials, All Things Considered host Juana Summers speaks with political reporter Ximena Bustillo. Judge Juan Merchan fined former President Donald Trump $9,000 for violating a gag order that prohibited him from speaking out about potential witnesses and others involved in his hush money trial. Jurors also heard from four witnesses as testimony continues in the trial. Topics include: - The gag order against Trump - Testimonies of Gary Farro, Robert Browning, Phillip Thompson and Keith Davidson - What's next when proceedings pick back up on Thursday Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for new episodes each Saturday. Sign up for sponsor-free episodes and support NPR's political journalism at plus.npr.org/trumpstrials. Email the show at trumpstrials@npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
Apr 27, 2024 · 22 min
Week one of testimony in hush money trial, plus Supreme Court weighs immunity
This week on Trump's Trials, host Scott Detrow and Domenico Montanaro are joined by law professor Kim Wehle. This was the first week of witness testimony in former President Donald Trump's New York hush money trial. The prosecution used their witnesses to establish Trump's knowledge and involvement in hush money payments for his alleged electoral benefit. Trump's defense team cross-examined witnesses countering that framing with the idea that this is politics as usual. Meanwhile, at the Supreme Court, justices heard oral arguments over whether Trump is immune from criminal prosecution. Although the justices seemed skeptical of granting Trump absolute immunity, it appeared the majority of the conservatives justices seemed opened to granting some sort of immunity for presidents. Topics include: - Week one of testimony in hush money trial - David Pecker testimony - Supreme court and immunity Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for new episodes each Saturday. Sign up for sponsor-free episodes and support NPR's political journalism at plus.npr.org/trumpstrials. Email the show at trumpstrials@npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
Apr 25, 2024 · 9 min
Witness cross-examined in hush money trial, plus new indictments in Arizona
For this episode of Trump's Trials host Scott Detrow speaks with NPR's Andrea Bernstein about the latest in the New York hush money trial. Later, election law professor Edward Foley explains the fake elector indictments out of Arizona. In a New York courtroom, former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker took the stand for his third day of testimony. In his testimony Pecker said Trump had intimate knowledge of hush money payments from the very beginning. Pecker was then questioned by Trump's defense team, who tried to poke holes in his story. In Arizona, 18 people have been indicted for their alleged efforts to overturn the state's 2020 election. They include some of former President Donald Trump's closet allies — former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and his personal attorney Rudy Giuliani. Trump himself was listed as an unindicted co-conspirator. Arizona becomes the fourth state to criminally charge people related to the fake electors scheme. Topics include: - Hush money trial testimony - Cross examination begins - Fake electors scheme Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for new episodes each Saturday. Sign up for sponsor-free episodes and support NPR's political journalism at plus.npr.org/trumpstrials. Email the show at trumpstrials@npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
Apr 25, 2024 · 18 min
Supreme Court likely to deny blanket immunity but could limit scope of prosecution
For this episode of Trump's Trials, NPR's Michel Martin speaks to Chief Legal Affairs Correspondent Nina Totenberg, Washington Desk Senior Editor and Correspondent Ron Elving, National Justice Correspondent Carrie Johnson and former White House Counsel Neil Eggleston. On Thursday, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments over whether former President Donald Trump is immune from criminal prosecution. A majority of the justices appeared skeptical of blanket immunity. But some of the conservative justices hinted at the need for some immunity for certain actions taken while in office. The speed at which the court releases an opinion could determine whether the federal election interference case goes to trial before the November election. Topics include: - Justices' questions - Scope of immunity - Private vs official acts - Impact on federal election interference case Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for new episodes each Saturday. Sign up for sponsor-free episodes and support NPR's political journalism at plus.npr.org/trumpstrials. Email the show at trumpstrials@npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
Apr 24, 2024 · 10 min
Supreme Court to hear oral arguments on presidential immunity
For this episode of Trump's Trials host Scott Detrow speaks with NPR Justice Correspondent Carrie Johnson. On Thursday the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on whether former President Donald Trump is immune from criminal prosecution. Trump is charged with four counts related to alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. But he is claiming since he was president at the time he cannot face prosecution. If the Supreme Court sides with Trump, the federal election interference case is dead. If they side against him, the case moves forward, but the likelihood of it going to trial before the November election is slim. Topics include: - Immunity arguments - Why did the Supreme Court take this case - Potential trial timeline Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for new episodes each Saturday. Sign up for sponsor-free episodes and support NPR's political journalism at plus.npr.org/trumpstrials. Email the show at trumpstrials@npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy