The Rest Is Politics: US

The Rest Is Politics: US

TRIP US uncovers secrets from inside the White House inner circles as well as taking a wider look at the intricacies of United States society and how they shape the world's most important economy. The podcast is hosted by Anthony Scaramucci (The Mooch), former White House Director of Communications and Wall Street financier, and Katty Kay, US special correspondent for BBC who has been covering US politics for almost 30 years.  Stay informed with in-depth discussions on key political events, policy changes, and the forces shaping America’s future on the global stage. New episodes released every Friday, or join our club for bonus content. Just head to https://therestispoliticsus.com to sign up today..
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Episode's summary

The hosts analyze the potential for a 'blue wave' in the upcoming midterm elections, noting that Democrats are leading on key issues like inflation and immigration. The discussion explores how Trump's presence on the ballot may not benefit other Republicans and highlights growing dissatisfaction among Hispanic voters due to broken economic promises. The episode also examines the diplomatic implications of President Xi's state visit to the United States, specifically regarding trade negotiations and the strategic vulnerability of US dependence on Chinese rare earth minerals. Additionally, the hosts critique the current political landscape through a role-playing scenario and discuss legal challenges regarding recent White House attempts to ban certain press members.

Chapters

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Highlights

Democrats are ahead on all of those four issues, even on immigration.

00:03:57 · The segment highlights a significant shift in polling where Democrats have overtaken Republicans on key voter concerns.

His being on the ballot doesn't confer to other Republicans.

00:10:20 · The discussion notes that Trump's individual strength in certain states does not necessarily translate to success for down-ballot Republican candidates.

You are at George W. Bush levels of approval 2006 leading into the midterm.

00:14:20 · The host uses a historical comparison to illustrate the potential for significant Republican losses in upcoming elections due to economic and war-related dissatisfaction.

They secured and this is super important for the United States way more than the Chinese. They secured a continued impasse, meaning they're not going to have a trade war until January.

00:31:37 · The speaker explains that the recent negotiations resulted in a temporary pause in trade hostilities rather than a definitive resolution.

Too bad for the US. You don't have the mining. You don't have the production capability on rare earths. You're going to be reliant on the Chinese at least until 2030.

00:33:21 · The discussion highlights the strategic vulnerability of the United States regarding its dependence on Chinese-controlled mineral supplies.

Episodes

252-

224. Trump Is Caving to Xi: Will Maga Turn on Him?

The hosts analyze the potential for a 'blue wave' in the upcoming midterm elections, noting that Democrats are leading on key issues like inflation and immigration. The discussion explores how Trump's presence on the ballot may not benefit other Republicans and highlights growing dissatisfaction among Hispanic voters due to broken economic promises. The episode also examines the diplomatic implications of President Xi's state visit to the United States, specifically regarding trade negotiations and the strategic vulnerability of US dependence on Chinese rare earth minerals. Additionally, the hosts critique the current political landscape through a role-playing scenario and discuss legal challenges regarding recent White House attempts to ban certain press members.

24 Sep 2026
251-

How The War on Terror and Obama’s Bailout is Still Costing America

This episode explores the economic and political consequences of George W. Bush's decision to pursue simultaneous tax cuts and multi-trillion dollar wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It details how the abandonment of fiscal discipline, specifically the PAYGO legislation, led to massive deficit spending and set a precedent for future economic instability. The discussion further examines how long-term wars in Afghanistan and Iraq depleted America's financial buffer. Additionally, it explores how policies promoting subprime lending, combined with deregulation and high interest rates, contributed to the housing crisis and the eventual Wall Street bailout.

22 Sep 2026
250-

223. Trump’s Latest Vanity Project Is Proof He’s Losing

The hosts examine Donald Trump's potential plans for massive vanity projects, such as an 'Art de Triomphe' style arch at the Kennedy Center, and how he utilizes national security justifications to bypass legal and budgetary hurdles. The discussion explores his personal involvement in the Kennedy Center renovation and the resulting exodus of performers. The episode also analyzes a significant shift in US Middle East policy, where Trump prioritized protecting American assets over traditional alliances with Saudi Arabia. Finally, the speakers characterize Trump's foreign policy as a 'feudal' system driven by personal relationships and a desire for validation rather than established institutional processes.

21 Sep 2026
249-

222. The Man Who Just Stood Between Trump and Economic Chaos

The hosts examine the Federal Reserve's recent interest rate hike and the political tensions surrounding Fed Chair Kevin Walsh's management of Donald Trump's economic stances. The discussion explores the Democratic Party's struggle to address the US affordability crisis through concrete policy, alongside a look at how modern political communication must adapt to digital platforms like TikTok. The episode also delves into escalating geopolitical instability in the Middle East and Asia. The speakers analyze the implications of US engagement with the Houthis, the potential for energy shocks, and the long-term risks to American credibility as a security partner due to transactional diplomacy. Finally, the conversation reflects on the historical consequences of China's integration into the global trade system and the political landscape of the 1992 US election.

17 Sep 2026
248-

221. Trump Just Gave Putin Exactly What He Wanted

The hosts examine the geopolitical implications of Donald Trump's recent pressure on Ukraine to cease attacks on Russian oil refineries, debating whether such actions align with Russian interests and assessing the potential for increased Russian aggression against NATO territory. The discussion also explores the risks of a distracted US administration regarding Middle East instability and European security. The conversation shifts to the urgent debate over AI regulation, weighing existential safety concerns against political interests and strategic moves by tech companies to manage IPO valuations. Finally, the episode touches upon the economic historical mistakes that contributed to the rise of American populism.

14 Sep 2026