Trump's Kentucky chaos and Rubio's big...shoes

Trump's Kentucky chaos and Rubio's big...shoes

Author: Global March 12, 2026 Duration: 29:15

Despite being at war, America's commander in chief President Trump has been busy hosting election-style campaign events ahead of important midterm elections. It was billed as an "affordability tour", a chance for Trump to hammer home the ways in which his presidency will make voters feel better off.

But predictably, at a rally in Kentucky, Trump went off script. He used the platform to repeatedly slam GOP Congressman Thomas Massie, mock Barack Obama, and declare that America had in fact already won the conflict in the Middle East. US public opinion on the war already makes alarming reading for the White House - and that's before the huge spike in oil prices really filters through to the weekly shop or at the gas pumps. Has his decision to strike Iran wrecked his best shot at keeping voters on side?

Later - John Bolton on how Trump has fumbled his Iran "excursion", and why Marco Rubio needs insoles...


Every week, Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel bring their decades of frontline reporting experience to a conversation that cuts through the noise of American politics. The News Agents-USA isn't just another rundown of headlines; it's a deep, engaging dissection of the forces shaping the United States, from the corridors of power in Washington to the issues resonating across the country. What you'll hear is a blend of astute political analysis and a wry sense of humour, offering world-class insight that makes complex topics accessible and compelling. This Global production stands out in the crowded field of news commentary by focusing on the 'why' behind the stories, delivered through the unique rapport between two seasoned journalists. New episodes of this essential podcast arrive every Tuesday or Wednesday, providing a timely and thoughtful perspective on the ever-evolving American landscape. It’s designed for anyone who wants to move beyond the soundbites and understand the real narratives driving the world's most consequential democracy.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The News Agents - USA
Podcast Episodes
Trump's billion dollar battle with the BBC - what's at stake [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:29
Donald Trump has told Fox News he has an "obligation" to sue the BBC - claiming the broadcaster "defrauded the public" in the way a Panorama episode misleadingly edited a clip of his January 6th speech.The dispute has ma…
"Trump's worst nightmare": Mamdani wins New York [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:31
After a year in the wilderness for the Democrats, last nights electoral victories have given many a taste of winning again. Races in Democratic strongholds like New York, California, New Jersey and Virginia may not have…
What would a Mamdani win mean for Trump's America? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:37
A week out from the New York mayoral contest we speak to a good friend of Zohran Mamdani - journalist and broadcaster Ross Barkan. Does Mamdani represent a totally fresh start for the Democrats - or did he just get lucky…
Exclusive: George Santos on Trump's get out of jail free pass [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:44
Former Republican congressman George Santos was jailed for wire fraud and identity theft and began his 7 year sentence in the summer. On Friday, after a mere 87 days, it was commuted - by the president - and Santos walke…
MAGA brands anti-Trump protestors 'American traitors' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:21
Saturday could see the largest mass demonstration in modern American history. The "No Kings" rallies across the country will see millions turn out to voice their discontent with Donald Trump and his administration's incr…
Trump puts his enemies on the stand [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:32
James Comey, former director of the FBI and Trump’s enemy number 1, has appeared in court this week to plead not guilty of lying to Congress. Trump has desperately sought his prosecution and said so out loud on numerous…
Trump wages war on the "enemy within" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:13
On today’s episode, the jaw-dropping personal account from a former government employee whose life has been turned upside down by the US President. Miles Taylor finds himself the subject of an unprecedented executive ord…
Kimmel uncancelled: Is this a fight Trump can't win? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:18
Late night comedian Jimmy Kimmel was taken off air “indefinitely" last week by his ABC bosses at a Disney. But last night he came back. And he had plenty to say. We analyse the show, the reaction from the audience - and…
How Trump's free speech crackdown is angering the Right [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:50
As more details emerge about the alleged killer of Charlie Kirk and more questions about his motivation, one thing is pretty clear - he is not obviously part of any "domestic terror network" of the kind Trump and his adm…
Are world leaders treating Trump like a useful idiot? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:44
Donald Trump has told reporters (several times) that he is “ not thrilled “ by Benjamin Netanyahu's bombing of Hamas targets in Qatar. He’s told Netanyahu it’s “an unfortunate incident “. Just like he’s asked Putin nicel…