How Trump’s using the government shutdown to remake America

How Trump’s using the government shutdown to remake America

Author: The Times October 9, 2025 Duration: 28:02

The US government has been shut down for more than a week, and Democrats and Republicans are locked in a political blame game. Shutdowns are nothing new in US politics, but this time President Trump has made an unusual threat: to permanently cut hundreds of thousands of jobs and shutter entire government agencies. Is this just a new bargaining tactic to put pressure on Democrats or part of a bigger project to remake the American government? 


This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory


Guest: Lara Spirit, Washington Correspondent, The Times.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Producer: Micaela Arneson and Olivia Case.

Read more: Trump warns Democrats the ‘grim reaper is coming’

The revenge shutdown: Trump vows to inflict maximum pain on Democrats

Clips: CBS, ProPublica, Democracy Now!, @realDonaldTrump / TruthSocial, ABC, MSNBC, NBC News.

Music: (Don't Fear) The Reaper / Blue Oyster Cult / Columbia.

Photo: Getty Images.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com 

This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.


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


Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 108

The Story
Podcast Episodes
Could tech giants get us out of lockdown? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:38
Technology might be the answer to our problems - but could we be giving up our privacy in return for our liberty? Guest: Danny Fortson, The Sunday Times West Coast correspondent Host: David AaronovitchThis podcast was br…
Zookeeping under ISIS: Meet the Father of Lions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:22
We take a break from social distancing and life in lockdown to bring you an extraordinary story from Iraq. The Sunday Times' Louise Callaghan tells Manveen the tale of Abu Laith- the zookeeper of Mosul, and the man who k…
When staying at home is not an option [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:48
Stay at home. Protect the NHS. Save lives. But what if you don't have a home to stay in? Greg Hurst on the government campaign to protect the homeless. Guests: Greg Hurst, Social Affairs Editor for The Times. Rob in Lond…
Human origins: who do we think we are? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:56
Hundreds of thousands of years ago, Homo sapiens were not alone. Tom Whipple explains how we once shared the earth with Neanderthals and even 'hobbits'. Guest: Tom Whipple, Science Editor for The Times. Chris Stringer, M…
The curious case of Sweden [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:58
The Swedish government's approach to coronavirus has been controversial. Unlike in the UK, they have urged citizens to take personal responsibility for enforcing social distancing rather than using police forces to ensur…
The future of Julian Assange [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:50
Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks, is fighting extradition to the US, after seven years holed up in the Ecuadorian Embassy. This week it was revealed that he secretly started a family during his time in hiding. Is…
The search for a remedy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:17
As a number of existing therapies are being re-purposed to help patients with the most severe Covid-19 symptoms, we speak to a UK-based bioscience company about a drug they've developed and explore how it is being used i…
What to read in lockdown [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:47
With reading on the rise under the lockdown, the Times Literary Supplement editor Stig Abell suggests three books for a little escapism during these uncertain times. Guest: Stig AbellThis podcast was brought to you thank…
ICU: A doctor's story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:33
We have been warned that the Easter bank holiday could see the peak of the coronavirus crisis in the UK. But are our hospitals ready?Guest:‏Lucy Cocker, Junior Doctor and Deputy Chair of the BMA's Junior Doctor Committee…