The discussion focuses on whether Kamala Harris and President Donald Trump plan to run for the U.S. presidency again in 2028. Kamala Harris expressed her intention to continue in public service, while President Trump showed interest in a third term. The episode also explores the legality and funding of construction changes President Trump is making at the White House.
Key Facts
Kamala Harris has indicated she plans to continue serving in some public capacity.
President Trump expressed interest in running for a third term as President.
The U.S. Constitution currently limits Presidents to two terms in office.
President Trump is involved in construction at the White House, including building a new ballroom.
This construction has led to the demolition of the 103-year-old East Wing of the White House.
Questions have arisen about whether President Trump can legally demolish parts of the White House.
The episode also discusses who is paying for the changes to the White House.
The content is part of the BBC's Americast podcast series.
U.S. tariff revenue reached $195 billion in fiscal year 2025, a significant increase driven by new tariffs set by President Donald Trump's administration. The revenue increase faces a potential legal challenge as the Supreme Court is set to decide on the legality of these tariffs.
Key Facts
U.S. tariff revenue tripled to $195 billion in fiscal year 2025 due to new trade tariffs.
Monthly customs revenue rose from $7 billion in January to $30 billion by September.
President Trump's administration imposed global tariffs of 10% on all imports and higher tariffs on certain countries.
The U.S. Trade Court and a federal appeals court have both ruled these tariffs unlawful.
The Supreme Court will hear arguments in November on the legality of the tariffs.
If the court rules against the tariffs, up to $90 billion may need to be refunded.
President Trump argues the tariffs help restore manufacturing and fund the government without income taxes.
Tariffs have led to retaliatory tariffs from countries like China, impacting U.S. goods.
Food banks across the United States are preparing for increased demand as the federal government plans to halt the distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on November 1st. This pause means that 42 million Americans might not receive the food aid they rely on, leading to a possible hunger crisis. Some states are trying to find temporary solutions, but long-term uncertainty remains.
Key Facts
The federal government plans to stop SNAP benefits for 42 million people starting November 1st due to a government shutdown.
SNAP benefits help low-income families to buy food.
Food banks expect a surge in demand that they cannot handle alone.
Recent changes in federal policies have increased the work requirements to receive SNAP benefits.
Some states have warned residents that they will not get their November SNAP benefits.
The USDA says it cannot use its reserve funds to cover November benefits.
The lack of SNAP support will disproportionately affect low-income families already struggling with other government aid cuts.
Companies like DoorDash are offering support by waiving fees for food banks to help address the shortfall.
A report from DeMayo Law shows Massachusetts has the highest child care costs in the U.S., while Mississippi has the lowest. The study highlights that many American families spend a much larger portion of their income on child care than the recommended 7%.
Key Facts
Massachusetts has the highest average annual child care cost at $18,380.
The cost of child care for infants in Massachusetts can reach $23,191 annually.
In Massachusetts, families spend 30.29% of their income on child care.
Mississippi is the most affordable state with families spending 12.36% of their income on child care.
The report suggests child care costs rise due to wages, rent, and inflation-related pressures.
Child care costs are higher in states with higher living costs and strict quality standards.
The DeMayo Law rankings used data from the National Database of Childcare Prices and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
British journalist Sami Hamdi was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). His visa was revoked because U.S. authorities allege he supports terrorism, while a Muslim advocacy group claims his detention is a violation of free speech. Hamdi is being held in custody until he can be deported.
Key Facts
Sami Hamdi is a British journalist who was detained by ICE in the U.S.
Hamdi's visa was canceled, and he is awaiting deportation.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security alleges Hamdi supports terrorism and is a security threat.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) argues Hamdi is being targeted for his views.
Hamdi was detained at San Francisco International Airport during a U.S. speaking tour.
CAIR claims his detention is linked to his criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza.
The detention occurred after Laura Loomer accused Hamdi of supporting terrorism.
Similar actions have been taken by the Trump administration against other critics of Israel.
The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court for permission to remove the director of the U.S. Copyright Office. A federal appeals court previously ruled that the director cannot be fired by the president alone because the position is part of the Library of Congress.
Key Facts
President Trump's administration made a request to the Supreme Court.
They want to fire the director of the U.S. Copyright Office.
The current director is Shira Perlmutter.
A federal appeals court ruled that the president can't dismiss her alone.
The administration argues she should be removable by the president.
This case examines the limits of presidential power.
The request is part of Trump's efforts to have loyalists in key federal positions.
Author Stephen King mistakenly shared an online post claiming President Trump said he would not invite the World Series winners to the White House. The post was based on a fake screenshot and no such statement has been made by President Trump.
Key Facts
Stephen King posted a claim that President Trump wouldn't invite World Series winners to the White House.
The claim was based on a fabricated screenshot from a satire account.
President Trump has not made any social media posts regarding the World Series invitation.
The White House confirmed that President Trump did not make the alleged statement.
The false post shared by King was viewed 1.7 million times and liked 14,000 times.
President Trump issued an official statement wishing both World Series teams well.
The false post suggested Trump referred to the teams as "losers," but this has been debunked.
A recent poll shows that Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill and Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli are statistically tied in the New Jersey governor's race, with the election happening soon. The poll indicates a very close race, with a slight lead for Sherrill, but it remains within the margin of error.
Key Facts
The poll shows Mikie Sherrill at 48% and Jack Ciattarelli at 47%.
Five percent of likely voters are still undecided.
The poll surveyed 995 likely voters between October 23 and October 27.
The results have a margin of error of 3.27%, meaning the race is considered a tie.
New Jersey typically favors Democrats, making this close race noteworthy.
The election results could indicate voter sentiment ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Both candidates have similar favorability and unfavorability ratings.
Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
Thousands of people gathered in Queens, New York City, to support Democrat Zohran Mamdani in the mayoral race. This turnout was compared to a rally held by President Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden last year. Mamdani leads the polls against his opponents, with plans to implement a rent freeze and improve community safety if elected.
Key Facts
Over 10,000 people attended Zohran Mamdani's rally at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens.
Mamdani is running against Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa in the New York City mayoral race.
Mamdani's policy proposals include a rent freeze on certain apartments and creating a Department of Community Safety.
President Trump opposes Mamdani and threatened to cut federal funding to New York City if Mamdani wins.
Mamdani has significant support in the polls, leading by up to 22 points over Cuomo.
President Trump's past rally at Madison Square Garden was a point of comparison for crowd sizes.
Trump's May rally in the South Bronx had conflicting reports about its attendance numbers.
President Donald Trump has talked about possibly using the Insurrection Act, a law from 1807, which allows deploying the military within the U.S. to address violence or rebellion. There are ongoing legal challenges over sending the National Guard to some cities, and experts are uncertain about the exact legal limits of this law.
Key Facts
The Insurrection Act was signed in 1807 and allows the president to deploy the military domestically.
President Trump has mentioned considering this act if he is unable to use the National Guard.
The act can override the Posse Comitatus Act, which generally prevents military involvement in law enforcement.
Legal battles are happening in cities like Portland and Chicago regarding the deployment of the National Guard.
Vice President JD Vance stated the administration is exploring all options regarding the act.
Legal experts express concerns about the unclear boundaries and definitions within the act.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal has pushed for legislation to limit the president's authority under the act.
A Republican leader in Kentucky shared a video on social media that used a racist image of Barack Obama and Michelle Obama. The state Republican Party condemned the video, and the leader later apologized.
Key Facts
Bobbie Coleman is the chairwoman of the Hardin County Republican Party in Kentucky.
Coleman shared a video online showing Barack and Michelle Obama as apes.
The video was intended to celebrate President Trump’s achievements.
The state GOP called the video “vile and reprehensible.”
State GOP Chairman Robert J. Benvenuti III mentioned taking strong action against those involved.
Coleman apologized and said she did not think about the video’s racist message initially.
President Donald Trump has declared nine new national emergencies since taking office in January 2025. These declarations cover areas like energy, trade, immigration, and foreign relations. They add to the two emergencies from his first term, making a total of 11 current emergencies under his administration.
Key Facts
President Trump has declared nine national emergencies since January 2025.
Including two from his first term, Trump’s administration is responsible for 11 active national emergencies.
The National Emergencies Act allows presidents to use special powers for "unusual and extraordinary threats."
Trump reinstated a 2019 border emergency on his first day back in office.
He declared emergencies related to energy, labeling Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations.
Trump used emergency powers to impose tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada.
Other emergencies focused on cybersecurity threats, sanctions against the International Criminal Court, and declaring Brazil a national security threat.
Two emergencies from Trump's first term, concerning global corruption and foreign election interference, remain active.
The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to allow it to fire the head of the U.S. Copyright Office. This request follows a decision by a federal appeals court that said the official cannot be removed without proper steps.
Key Facts
President Trump's administration wants to fire the director of the U.S. Copyright Office.
The official in question is Shira Perlmutter.
A federal appeals court in Washington ruled that Perlmutter cannot be fired without following specific procedures.
The administration has filed an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court.
The appeal comes about a month and a half after the earlier court decision.
The Supreme Court's decision will affect the administration's ability to remove the official.
The Trump administration announced that emergency funds will not be used to continue SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits during the government shutdown. Roughly 42 million Americans might lose their food aid starting November 1, as shutdown has halted regular congressional funding for SNAP.
Key Facts
SNAP provides food aid to about 1 in 8 U.S. residents, averaging $187 a month.
About $8 billion per month funds SNAP, relying on annual Congressional appropriations.
The funding for SNAP lapsed on October 1 due to the government shutdown.
The USDA issued a memo stating SNAP contingency funds are not available because regular appropriation has not occurred.
The USDA’s guidance on SNAP funding during a shutdown has changed, departing from its earlier plan.
Critics argue the decision to not use contingency funds is part of a political strategy during the shutdown.
The USDA removed its lapse plan from its website without explanation from the White House.
A separate transfer of $300 million was made to continue the WIC program, showing different program support during the shutdown.
The Trump administration announced it will not use emergency funds to pay SNAP benefits in November. This decision affects nearly 42 million Americans who rely on this assistance.
Key Facts
Nearly 42 million Americans use SNAP benefits.
SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which helps low-income individuals buy food.
The decision affects about 1 in 8 Americans.
The Trump administration chose not to use a contingency fund to cover SNAP benefits in November.
This could happen because of a government shutdown.
About 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may not receive their benefits in November due to a government shutdown. The Trump administration announced it would not use extra funds to cover these payments.
Key Facts
SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which helps low-income individuals buy food.
Nearly 42 million Americans use SNAP benefits.
The government shutdown has affected the funding of SNAP benefits.
The Trump administration decided not to use contingency funds to pay for SNAP in November.
Approximately 1 in 8 Americans could be impacted by this decision.
A lawsuit has been filed against a California hotel by the family of Terril Wade Johnson, Sr., who died from severe burns after taking a shower at the hotel. The lawsuit claims the water was dangerously hot and exceeded safety standards, leading to Johnson's death.
Key Facts
Terril Wade Johnson, Sr., died from scalding burns at a hotel in California.
His family has filed a lawsuit against the hotel and Marriott.
The incident occurred after he took a shower with water heated above legal limits.
The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner confirmed that burns covered 33.5% of Johnson's body.
The lawsuit claims the water temperatures reached 134-136 degrees Fahrenheit.
The family alleges wrongful death, premises liability, negligence, and emotional distress.
They are seeking a jury trial and damages for financial and emotional losses.
Johnson was celebrating his granddaughter's graduation when the incident happened.
President Donald Trump mentioned he would like to run for office again in 2028, suggesting the possibility of a third term. However, the U.S. Constitution's 22nd Amendment currently prevents a president from serving more than two terms. Trump also named potential successors like Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Key Facts
President Trump mentioned interest in running for a third term in 2028.
The U.S. Constitution's 22nd Amendment does not allow presidents to serve more than two terms.
Trump dismissed the idea of running for vice-president in 2028 as "too cute."
His former adviser, Steve Bannon, claimed there is a plan to secure Trump a third term.
Trump stated that he has high poll numbers.
Trump named JD Vance and Marco Rubio as possible future leaders.
Changing the Constitution to allow a third term would require a complex approval process.
Several Democrats, including Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris, have shown interest in the 2028 presidential race.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced $30 million in emergency food assistance for New Yorkers due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The state funding aims to support nearly 3 million residents who risk losing their SNAP benefits if the shutdown continues. The shutdown might stop federal nutrition aid starting November 1st because the Trump administration decided not to use backup funds for payments.
Key Facts
Governor Kathy Hochul is providing $30 million in emergency food aid for New Yorkers.
Nearly 3 million New York residents might lose their SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown.
The announcement is in response to the federal shutdown, which is in its 27th day.
The shutdown began due to disagreements in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Federal nutrition aid could stop on November 1st if the shutdown continues.
President Donald Trump's administration chose not to use emergency funds to continue SNAP payments.
