For the first time in nearly seven years, the US Congress was unable to come to a spending agreement in time. The government shut down. Democrats want to challenge President Donald Trump and extend healthcare subsidies. Republicans don’t want to budge. The Financial Times’ Washington bureau chief James Politi and deputy chief Lauren Fedor break down how it all went down and the position Democrats now find themselves in.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Donald Trump threatens permanent spending cuts as US shutdown continues

What happens when the US government shuts down?

Email Marc with your questions (Marc.Filippino@FT.com)

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Swamp Notes is produced by Henry Larson. This week’s show was mixed by Sam Giovinco. The FT’s acting co head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson.

CREDIT: FOX News, Reuters, ABC News, C-SPAN

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show is back on the air.The president of the US isn’t happy about it. He’s threatened to revoke licenses from broadcast networks that air negative programming about him. The former counselor to the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Gigi Sohn, and the FT’s Los Angeles bureau chief Christopher Grimes unpack what’s at stake for America’s television industry.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Inside Disney’s decision to bring back Jimmy Kimmel

Is America entering a new era of McCarthyism?

Email Marc with your questions (Marc.Filippino@FT.com)

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Swamp Notes is produced by Henry Larson. This week’s show was mixed by Sam Giovinco. The FT’s acting co head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson.

CREDIT: Benny Johnson podcast, New York Post, Verdict with Ted Cruz

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Monday, Donald Trump posted on social media that he wanted US public companies to ditch quarterly reporting. It is yet another move by his administration to hand more power to corporate executives and take power away from investors. The FT's Wall Street editor Sujeet Indap and global business columnist Rana Foroohar break down the arguments for and against the president’s efforts, and what it’ll mean for businesses.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Trump’s quarterly reporting move is the wrong idea at the wrong time

Donald Trump tilts balance of power from investors to CEOs

Bonus ep: How the UK is navigating the Trump era

Email Marc with your questions (Marc.Filippino@FT.com)

Sign up for the FT’s Swamp Notes newsletter here

Swamp Notes is produced by Henry Larson. Sam Giovinco mixed this week’s episode. Our show is mixed by Kelly Garry. The FT’s acting co- head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.