The Right-Wing Provocateur Who Has Trump’s Ear
The Daily
08/21/25
•37m
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Warning: This episode contains strong language.
In President Trump’s second term, Laura Loomer has emerged as the most influential outside adviser, telling the president whom to fire and shaping major policy decisions.
Ken Bensinger, who covers media and politics, explains how a social media provocateur became Mr. Trump’s favorite blunt instrument.
Guest: Ken Bensinger, a New York Times reporter covering media and politics.
Background reading:
- Ms. Loomer is Mr. Trump’s blunt instrument.
- Her role in firings at the National Security Council showed a rising sway of fringe figures on the president.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Photo: Greg Kahn for The New York Times
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Previous Episode
Why So Many Parents Are Opting Out of Public Schools
August 20, 2025
•29m
Across the country, public schools are facing steep declines in enrollment, while the movement to use public funds for private education grows.
Dana Goldstein, who covers education and families for The New York Times, explains why so many parents are using taxpayer money to privately educate their children — and what this means for American education.
Guest: Dana Goldstein, a reporter covering education and families for The New York Times.
Background reading:
- A decline in the number of children and rise in the number of choices has created a crisis for public schools.
- In July, Congress approved the first national school voucher plan, helping to pay for private education.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Photo: Zack Wittman for The New York Times
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Next Episode
California Strikes Back at Texas’ Power Grab
August 22, 2025
•28m
Texas is about to gerrymander five new house seats, and California is ready to retaliate. Gov. Gavin Newsom says that his state will also redraw its congressional maps to create five new districts, effectively fighting fire with fire.
Laurel Rosenhall, who covers California’s government and politics, discusses whether the state’s voters will actually go for this plan, whether it’ll work if they do, and what is at stake either way.
Guest: Laurel Rosenhall, a New York Times reporter covering California politics and government.
Background reading:
- Mr. Newsom and Democratic state lawmakers moved quickly to create new districts that could help their party flip five congressional seats.
- The Texas House approved a congressional map intended to help Republicans win five more U.S. House seats.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Photo: Mike Blake/Reuters
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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