Why 2026 could be Trump's most volatile year yet

Why 2026 could be Trump's most volatile year yet

Author: Global January 7, 2026 Duration: 34:27

The plan to taken down Venezuelan leader, Nicolas Maduro, was months in the making. And yet, when it did finally happen, it not only took Caracas by surprise but even Washington was stunned by the speed of the incursion.

What does the operation in Venezuela tell us about how Trump might be planning to take over other territories? Why has he got his eyes on oil tanks, and is he prepared to go battle with Putin? We speak to The Crisis Room's Marc Polymeropoulos.

Later, Tim Walz has ended his campaign to run for Minnesota governor after ongoing fraud accusations became the focus of Republicans. Are fraud claims a new effective weapon for MAGA to attack the Democrats?

The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/


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
Mamdani for Mayor? How a New York race reset the Democrats [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:16
Zohran Mamdani is just 33 years old. His victory over (tarnished) Democrat royalty Andrew Cuomo for the New York mayoral primaries is exciting a lot of younger folk. Is his pitch a potential blueprint for how democrats s…
Can the federal government survive President Trump? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:50
Michael Lewis, author of The Big Short and Who is Government, joins Emily in the studio to talk about whether American's have fallen out of love with their government, and what happens when you dismantle it? The News Age…
Steve Bannon on LA raids, Elon Musk and tax cuts for billionaires [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:18
As tensions in LA spills out, President Trump is sending the armed forces onto the streets of the city. It's against the wishes of California's governor, who has warned that "democracy is under assault". Jon an Emily are…
Trump's Big, Beautiful, Disgusting Abomination (Bill) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:11
For months, Donald Trump has been heralding his "Big, Beautiful" spending bill - a key piece of his agenda, containing tax cuts for the rich and benefits cuts for the vulnerable. It will also add trillions to America's d…
Why does Trump want to tear down Harvard? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:31
Not content with demanding government oversight of Harvard's teaching and appointments, Donald Trump has directed his government to cease all federal funding of America's most prestigious university. And in a wider blow…
Joe Biden and the cancer cover-up conspiracy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:32
Gone are the days when a presidential cancer diagnosis would be greeted with kind words and warm wishes. It took less than 24 hours for the White House administration to try and turn the illness into the latest smoking g…
Plane stupid: why MAGA loyalists hate Trump's Qatari gift [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:27
Donald Trump's trip to the Gulf should have been accompanied by glowing headlines and fawning Fox coverage about the hundreds of billions of dollars secured in fresh investment into America from allies in the region. But…
Is Trump about to ditch his tariff fiasco? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:12
Canada's Prime Minister Carney has been in the White House explaining to President Trump why he can’t just claim Canada as a 51st state. Trump still likes to think he can. Meanwhile, Trump has accused America's closest t…
How to lose friends and alienate people (in 100 days) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:46
Has Donald Trump irrevocably reordered America's place in the world? He may have only just marked his first 100 days back in the White House, but in that time President Trump has confronted his allies, courted adversarie…
Has Trump's Pentagon “trial run“ blown up? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:39
It's not the first time America's Defense Secretary has leaked Pentagon battle plans. Last month he shared details of a strike attack against the Houthis with an Atlantic journalist by mistake. This time another Signal g…