The Times Launches “The State of It: USA” Podcast on Trump, Washington & US Politics
The Times and The Sunday Times are set to launch a new weekly US politics podcast, titled “The State of It: USA,” offering listeners a powerful behind-the-scenes look at the forces shaping American politics in a pivotal election cycle and a historic second Trump presidency.
Hosted by Katy Balls, Washington Editor of The Times and The Sunday Times, and Gerry Baker, Editor-at-Large of The Wall Street Journal, the podcast promises authoritative analysis, insider reporting, and unfiltered conversations about how power really works in Washington.
Launching on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the show will be available across major podcast platforms and as a video podcast, marking The Times’ continued expansion into premium audio journalism.
Reveal inside perspectives from Washington and New York
Explain why US political decisions impact the rest of the world
The podcast is positioned as a serious political explainer, aimed at audiences who want clarity amid growing political polarization and global uncertainty.
Each episode will:
Break down the week’s biggest political developments
Feature analysis of White House power dynamics
Explore the evolving Republican and Democratic party strategies
Investigate how policy shifts influence global economics, security, and diplomacy
A Transatlantic View: Washington Meets New York
One of the defining features of the podcast is its dual-city perspective:
Katy Balls broadcasts from Washington, D.C.
Gerry Baker reports from New York
This structure allows the show to balance:
Insider access to Capitol Hill and White House insiders
Broader financial, media, and global policy insights from America’s media capital
The format aims to bridge on-the-ground political reporting with big-picture strategic analysis.
Who Is Katy Balls? A Rising Power in Political Journalism
Katy Balls has rapidly become one of the most influential political journalists covering Washington.
Her Role at The Times
Serves as Washington Editor for The Times and The Sunday Times
Leads daily US political coverage
Authors the popular “Washington Insider” column
Her reporting focuses on:
Elite political conversations
Insider decision-making
Strategy battles inside both parties
Impactful Reporting
Since relocating to Washington in April 2025, Balls’ journalism has already:
Sparked public reactions from Donald Trump, including a Truth Social post responding to one of her investigations
Influenced media narratives about US foreign policy and executive power
Previous Experience
Before joining The Times, she served as:
Political Editor at The Spectator
A respected commentator on UK and US politics
Her reputation combines sharp analysis, trusted sources, and fearless questioning of political power.
Who Is Gerry Baker? A Veteran Voice on US Power and Democracy
Gerry Baker brings nearly three decades of experience covering US politics and international affairs.
Career Highlights
Former Editor-in-Chief of The Wall Street Journal
Senior leadership roles at:
The Financial Times
The Times
The BBC
Author of “American Breakdown”
In 2023, Baker published “American Breakdown,” a widely discussed book examining:
The erosion of democratic trust
Political polarization
Institutional strain in modern America
The book positioned him as a leading intellectual voice on America’s democratic crisis.
Why This Podcast Matters in 2026
The timing of The State of It: USA is strategically significant.
A Historic Trump Second Term
Donald Trump’s return to the White House has already:
Reshaped federal leadership
Triggered major policy shifts
Rekindled debates on executive authority
According to Katy Balls:
“In his first year back at the White House, Donald Trump has already done more than many presidents do in a full term.”
Political Crossroads Ahead
Upcoming episodes will explore:
Trump’s attempt to redefine the Republican Party
GOP planning for a post-Trump future
Democratic efforts to rebuild after electoral defeat
Potential constitutional and institutional reforms
Cutting Through Media Noise and Political Bias
Gerry Baker argues that much modern political commentary has become:
Over-simplified
Emotionally charged
Politically biased
Repetitive and shallow
He says the podcast aims to:
“Bring the whole vivid story to a wide audience — without clichés, spin, or ideological distortion.”
The show promises:
Long-form context
Honest political critique
Thoughtful and evidence-based storytelling
Inside the Power Capital: What Listeners Can Expect
Each episode will provide:
Behind-the-scenes political reporting
Insight into White House decision-making
Stories from those closest to power
Deep analysis of Washington’s influence on global affairs
Key Topics Likely to Be Covered
Trump’s executive agenda
US-China relations
Ukraine and Middle East policy
Immigration and border security
Tech regulation and AI governance
Economic strategy and inflation
Supreme Court power struggles
2026 midterm election strategies
The Times Expands Its Podcast Portfolio
The launch builds on the success of the UK edition of “The State of It.”
Dan Box, Head of Podcasts at The Times, said:
The US version reflects:
A commitment to authoritative journalism
A push for engaging political storytelling
A mission to explain how power really works
The move signals The Times’ broader investment in:
Premium political audio
Global news storytelling
Video podcast formats
Younger, mobile-first audiences
Why Global Audiences Should Care About US Politics
American political decisions impact:
Global financial markets
Defense alliances (NATO, Indo-Pacific strategy)
Climate policy
Trade tariffs and sanctions
Tech governance
International immigration
The State of It: USA aims to explain why what happens in Washington doesn’t stay in Washington.
Podcast Format & Release Details
Podcast Name
The State of It: USA
Hosts
Katy Balls
Gerry Baker
Release Date
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Availability
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
YouTube (Video Episodes)
Times Radio Platforms
Episode Frequency
Weekly
Why This Podcast Is Different From Other Political Shows
Unlike many political podcasts that focus on:
Sound bites
Outrage
Partisan arguments
This show emphasizes:
Investigative depth
Policy clarity
Insider access
Narrative storytelling
Long-term political consequences
It aims to become a must-listen podcast for policy professionals, students, journalists, investors, and politically engaged listeners.
The Bigger Media Trend: Politics Meets Podcasting
The launch reflects a growing industry shift:
News organizations investing in long-form audio
Audiences seeking context over headlines
Podcasts becoming primary sources of political education
Political podcasts are now:
Influencing voter opinions
Shaping public discourse
Competing with traditional TV news
Future Potential: Could This Become a Flagship Global Show?
Media analysts predict:
The podcast could become a global political reference point
Its cross-Atlantic angle could attract UK, US, and international listeners
It may expand into live events, documentaries, and subscriber exclusives
Final Thoughts: A Podcast for the Political Moment
The State of It: USA arrives at a moment when:
American democracy faces deep questions
Global audiences demand credible political insight
Media trust is under strain
By combining elite journalism, insider access, and narrative depth, The Times is positioning this podcast as a serious political authority for the Trump era and beyond.
