Planet America

Chas and John are back to look at the issues from a busy holiday period including ICE protests and what's happening in Minnesota plus Trump's one year anniversary of his second term and looking ahead to the midterms.

Trump calls for Americans to "move on" as Democrats pledge to fight an Epstein files "cover-up". Also the Trump family crypto scandal the world has hardly noticed, plus the President's rare backdown on his racist Obama post.

Attorney General Pam Bondi's fiery Epstein files hearing descends into chaos and prompts more claims of a cover-up. Does Trump have reason to worry? We ask Democratic Congressman Ted Lieu. Meanwhile, border czar Tom Homan announces an end to Minnesota's ICE surge, while Trump's approval slumps to an all-time low.

As Epstein’s billionaire backer denies knowing anything about the convicted sex trafficker’s crimes, more allegations surface about President Trump himself. Meanwhile, America’s highest court throws out Trump’s tariffs, and the immigration crackdown becomes a liability heading into the midterms.

Operation Epic Fury: America’s “president of peace” goes to war with Iran. Meanwhile the Clintons face awkward questions over Jeffrey Epstein, and an explosive Senate race in Texas could reshape Congress for the midterms.

America continues its attack on Iran, while Trump continues his ever-shifting rationale for war. Did Iran pose an “imminent threat”? We ask former Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, the chief US negotiator for the 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal. Meanwhile Trump fires disgraced Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and replaces her with a former wrestler.

How and when will America's war with Iran end? We ask former US Navy Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery. Meanwhile on the home front, President Trump wants to save American democracy - by making it much harder to vote.

Iran warns of retaliatory strikes if Trump follows through on his threat to attack Iranian power plants. So, what’s Iran’s next move? We ask former National Security Council Director for Iran, Nate Swanson. Also, former MMA fighter Markwayne Mullin spars with senators at his confirmation hearing to be the new Homeland Security boss.

As more American troops head to the Middle East, is a ground war next? We ask Ambassador Dan Shapiro, former Deputy Asst Secretary of Defense for the Middle East. Meanwhile, is Trump using the war with Iran to manipulate the stock market? And who is cashing in?

President Trump unleashes a social media F-bomb as he threatens Iran with yet more bombs. Is the US committing war crimes by targeting Iran's civilian infrastructure? Meanwhile, how is the war in the Middle East impacting the forgotten war in Ukraine?

President Trump threatens Hormuz blockade after US-Iran peace talks collapse without a deal. Meanwhile, Trump’s favourite European, Viktor Orban, is swept from power and the mystery over why Melania wanted to talk about Epstein.

Psychologist Dr Mary Trump talks about her uncle’s erratic behaviour and extreme comments. Meanwhile, new tensions threaten the Iran ceasefire, and a disgraced former presidential candidate resigns over a sex scandal.

Donald Trump escapes another would-be assassin; we ask The Independent’s Washington Bureau Chief Eric Garcia what it was like to be in the room where it happened. Also, the Iran ceasefire holds while peace talks stall, Trump gets sucked in by AI and is FBI Director Kash Patel the next big exit?

Conspiracies swirl as Trump’s alleged would-be-assassin faces court and former FBI Director James Comey is indicted over a seashell “threat” to Trump. And as the Supreme Court destroys the Voting Rights Act; will this affect the midterms?

Operation Epic Distraction? Trump’s UFO file release sparks backlash over Epstein distraction. And as war and gas prices weigh down Trump’s approval rating, will Democrats have a chance to take the Senate? We ask The Cook Political Report’s Dave Wasserman.

Trump bows to Xi, but what did the China summit achieve? We ask former US Ambassador to China, Nick Burns. Also, more economic uncertainty, Trump’s DOJ lawsuit, and the MAGA backlash over ‘Trump Mobile’. Are voters losing their patience?

Is this Trump’s most brazen act? Meanwhile, hopes for a lasting peace rise and fall as Trump says “no rush” on a deal with Iran. Meanwhile, Congressman Thomas Massie loses the most expensive primary in US history and Tulsi Gabbard heads for the exit.

As tensions escalate, we ask exiled Assembly of the Cuban Resistance leader Orlando Gutierrez Boronat why he is pushing for regime change. Also, the ugly senate race in Texas which could decide the balance of power in November’s midterms. Could Republicans lose the Lone Star State?

We ask strategist Julie Roginsky whether Graham Platner can save his campaign. Also, a rare Republican revolt sees Trump walk away from his slush fund but claim victory in his long-running feud over tax.

Trump claims victory after a long-awaited peace deal is agreed with Iran. Meanwhile, as Congress advances US-Israel military integration, we ask former national security official Josh Paul why the plan has sparked a backlash.

The Republican backlash intensifies after Trump makes a deal with Iran, then threatens a return to war. Meanwhile, JD Vance lashes out at Israel and Trump blames vandals after his reflecting pool woes take a turn for the worse.

Trump’s White House declares America is closed, and the ‘Green-Watergate’ disaster continues as Americans prepare to celebrate their 250th birthday.

Join Chas Licciardello and John Barron for a special bonus episode of Planet America covering President Donald Trump's 2026 State of the Union. With special guest Republican Strategist Lanhee Chen.