Before he entered politics, most Americans knew Donald Trump as an entertainer.

As the host of the hit show “The Apprentice” he was catapulted to a new level of fame.

That persona has carried over to Trump’s political life as he embraces his role as entertainer-in-chief.

In this term, unlike the first, Trump has taken aim at cultural institutions.

He initiated a takeover of the Kennedy Center, has declared that Smithsonian exhibits must submit to White House scrutiny, and he’s successfully sued – and won settlements from – multiple broadcasting giants.

Throughout Trump’s second term, he’s dramatically expanded the authority of the executive branch. Now, he’s using his power to reshape American culture.

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This episode was produced by Kai McNamee.

It was edited by Courtney Dorning and Justine Kenin.

Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.

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The war in Gaza is approaching the 2 year mark. As it does, Israel continues to launch new attacks on a territory that is already in ruins. And the humanitarian situation for Gaza’s Palestinian residents continues to worsen.

A team of NPR reporters has been focusing on one question: how did we get here? For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

Email us at considerthis@npr.org.

This episode was produced by Mia Venkat and Daniel Ofman.

It was edited by Andrew Sussman, Courtney Dorning and William Troop.

Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.

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What happens when the federal government owns part of a company?

That’s one of MANY questions about federal policy right now, as the Trump Administration aggressively pushes for stakes — and oversight — of major private companies.

This week, the White House announced it was taking a ten percent stake in the struggling technology giant Intel.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says the administration is considering similar moves with other companies tied to the defense industry, too.

Trump looks ready to turn the U.S. into a corporate stockholder. Should the government be in the business of … business?

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This episode was produced by Connor Donevan and Henry Larson. It was edited by John Ketchum. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.

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