Trump vs. the Pope
The Daily
04/16/26
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This week, an unusual disagreement broke out between the president of the United States and Pope Leo XIV.
The New York Times Rome bureau chief, Motoko Rich, explains why President Trump cares so much about what the pope thinks, and why it matters that they are so deeply at odds.
Guest: Motoko Rich, the Rome bureau chief leading coverage of Italy, the Vatican and Greece for The New York Times.
Background reading:
- President Trump lashed out on Sunday night at Pope Leo XIV, who responded hours later by saying he would continue to oppose war.
- The Times’s Rome bureau chief is still getting a feel for a pontiff who is willing to challenge President Trump and use his sense of humor.
Photo: Alberto Pizzoli, Anna Rose Layden for The New York Times
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.
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Previous Episode
Over a month into a war with Iran that has no clear end, President Trump has enforced a blockade, which went into effect on Monday at the Strait of Hormuz.
The New York Times reporters David E. Sanger, Rebecca F. Elliott and Eric Schmitt discuss the strategy behind the blockade, the dangers that it poses and whether or not it’s actually working.
Guest:
- David E. Sanger, a White House and national security correspondent for The New York Times.
- Rebecca F. Elliott covers energy for The New York Times.
- Eric Schmitt, a national security correspondent for The New York Times.
Background reading:
- Mr. Trump is setting up a test of which side can endure more economic pain with his blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
- His oil blockade could provoke retaliation that inflicts more damage on energy assets and the global economy.
Photo: Reuters
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Next Episode
Warning: This episode discusses suicide.
This week, Congress was on the cusp of doing something that has never happened in U.S. history: forcibly removing four House members. Two of those members resigned.
Michael Gold, who covers Congress, explains what unfolded on Capitol Hill, and what the events tell us about how willing Congress is to hold itself accountable.
Guest: Michael Gold, a congressional correspondent for The New York Times.
Background reading:
- Senator Ruben Gallego admitted he had long heard, but disbelieved, rumors of impropriety involving Eric Swalwell.
- Mr. Swalwell resigned after allegations that he sexually assaulted a former staff member and engaged in misconduct with other women.
Photo: Michael McCoy for The New York Times
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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