Sahil Kapur

Younger Democrats are less inclined to accept this deeply entrenched system of seniority, this culture that exists within the House Democratic Caucus, where people who have been there longer, people who have seniority on a panel, typically get the jobs they want.

Younger Democrats are less inclined to accept this deeply entrenched system of seniority, this culture that exists within the House Democratic Caucus, where people who have been there longer, people who have seniority on a panel, typically get the jobs they want.

There have been various instances in recent years that Democrats I've talked to have pointed to as examples of where deference to elders has not paid off for them.

There have been various instances in recent years that Democrats I've talked to have pointed to as examples of where deference to elders has not paid off for them.

And the final aspect of this is former Speaker Nancy Pelosi holding that top job in the Democratic conference for about two decades, which is really extraordinary. There was a lot of tension simmering just underneath the surface.

And the final aspect of this is former Speaker Nancy Pelosi holding that top job in the Democratic conference for about two decades, which is really extraordinary. There was a lot of tension simmering just underneath the surface.

I think she sees her role as being progressive, but also somewhat pragmatic, not letting the perfect be the enemy of the good, saying no when she feels the need to, but also compromising in certain spaces when it does move the ball forward, even if it's just a little bit.

I think she sees her role as being progressive, but also somewhat pragmatic, not letting the perfect be the enemy of the good, saying no when she feels the need to, but also compromising in certain spaces when it does move the ball forward, even if it's just a little bit.

Speaker Mike Johnson disagrees with Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Johnson wants to do it all in one bill in the next few months.

Speaker Mike Johnson disagrees with Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Johnson wants to do it all in one bill in the next few months.

John Thune thinks that's not going to happen, that they're going to need more time for complicated things like taxes, and they should split it up into two bills, do border security and maybe throw in some energy stuff on the front end, the low-hanging fruit, essentially, and take their time with taxes and do a second bill later in the year for that.

John Thune thinks that's not going to happen, that they're going to need more time for complicated things like taxes, and they should split it up into two bills, do border security and maybe throw in some energy stuff on the front end, the low-hanging fruit, essentially, and take their time with taxes and do a second bill later in the year for that.

The reality here is that Trump has never really concerned himself with the nuances of legislative machinations. He is just telling the Republicans to do it, and it turns out it's not quite that simple.

The reality here is that Trump has never really concerned himself with the nuances of legislative machinations. He is just telling the Republicans to do it, and it turns out it's not quite that simple.

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So there's still a dispute and honestly a growing clash within the Republican Party that's been going on for about a month and a half now. And there's no path to a resolution here.

So there's still a dispute and honestly a growing clash within the Republican Party that's been going on for about a month and a half now. And there's no path to a resolution here.

He's going to need a lot of resources from Congress to be able to implement even existing law, let alone, you know, additional laws.

He's going to need a lot of resources from Congress to be able to implement even existing law, let alone, you know, additional laws.

Many of these now ex-federal workers are struggling to figure out next steps. Washington Post reporter William One and his colleagues spoke with more than 30 former and current federal workers about the chaos of the last few months, the mass firings that left people feeling demoralized, devalued, and deeply anxious. And please be advised, this story mentions suicide.

Many of these now ex-federal workers are struggling to figure out next steps. Washington Post reporter William One and his colleagues spoke with more than 30 former and current federal workers about the chaos of the last few months, the mass firings that left people feeling demoralized, devalued, and deeply anxious. And please be advised, this story mentions suicide.

One reports that the tactics the Doge team deployed to cut the federal workforce are unusual for both the public and private sector. Some people were fired, rehired, and then fired again. Others were locked out of their offices by police or fired for political, quote, disloyalty.

One reports that the tactics the Doge team deployed to cut the federal workforce are unusual for both the public and private sector. Some people were fired, rehired, and then fired again. Others were locked out of their offices by police or fired for political, quote, disloyalty.

At various points, President Trump or officials in his administration have called federal workers crooked, dishonest, or lazy.

At various points, President Trump or officials in his administration have called federal workers crooked, dishonest, or lazy.

She worked for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation in Baltimore, where she used data to show that birth centers could bring down costs and emergency room visits while also contributing to higher birth weights.

She worked for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation in Baltimore, where she used data to show that birth centers could bring down costs and emergency room visits while also contributing to higher birth weights.

One says, as the threats to Cross-Barnett's job became more real, her mental health deteriorated. Her husband helped her check into a mental health facility, and while there, Cross-Barnett killed herself.

One says, as the threats to Cross-Barnett's job became more real, her mental health deteriorated. Her husband helped her check into a mental health facility, and while there, Cross-Barnett killed herself.

Experts told the Post, suicide is complicated to explain, but research points to clear contributing factors—feelings of worthlessness, stress, lack of access to health care and insurance, and unemployment— Since publishing this story, one says many federal workers have reached out to offer their stories.

Experts told the Post, suicide is complicated to explain, but research points to clear contributing factors—feelings of worthlessness, stress, lack of access to health care and insurance, and unemployment— Since publishing this story, one says many federal workers have reached out to offer their stories.

While Musk is leaving, Doge as a department is not disbanding. Asked by reporters about its future earlier this month, Musk replied, is Buddha needed for Buddhism? Congress returns from its Memorial Day recess on Monday. And one of the top agenda items for the Republican-controlled Senate will be to work on the mega tax and spending bill that narrowly passed the House last week.

While Musk is leaving, Doge as a department is not disbanding. Asked by reporters about its future earlier this month, Musk replied, is Buddha needed for Buddhism? Congress returns from its Memorial Day recess on Monday. And one of the top agenda items for the Republican-controlled Senate will be to work on the mega tax and spending bill that narrowly passed the House last week.

Over the break, some Republicans in the House who voted to approve the package heard from unhappy constituents in town halls, like Representative Ashley Hinson from Iowa, who was booed by people from her district.

Over the break, some Republicans in the House who voted to approve the package heard from unhappy constituents in town halls, like Representative Ashley Hinson from Iowa, who was booed by people from her district.

President Trump supports the package. But in the Senate, there are some mixed feelings about the legislation. A number of Republicans have expressed concerns about elements of the bill, with some arguing it doesn't go far enough to reduce spending, like Senator Ron Johnson from Wisconsin.

President Trump supports the package. But in the Senate, there are some mixed feelings about the legislation. A number of Republicans have expressed concerns about elements of the bill, with some arguing it doesn't go far enough to reduce spending, like Senator Ron Johnson from Wisconsin.

But first, the Elon Musk era of Doge is coming to a close. The White House said his off-boarding process started Wednesday night, and it caps a tumultuous few months of the tech mogul cutting his way through Washington by dramatically reducing the size of the workforce, canceling contracts, grants, and leases, and attempting to shut down several federal agencies altogether.

But first, the Elon Musk era of Doge is coming to a close. The White House said his off-boarding process started Wednesday night, and it caps a tumultuous few months of the tech mogul cutting his way through Washington by dramatically reducing the size of the workforce, canceling contracts, grants, and leases, and attempting to shut down several federal agencies altogether.

Sahil Kapoor is a senior national politics reporter with NBC who's been keeping track of this bill's progress.

Sahil Kapoor is a senior national politics reporter with NBC who's been keeping track of this bill's progress.

Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky shares those concerns. And other Republican senators are questioning the depths of the Medicaid cuts in the House bill, which proposes cutting $700 billion from the program.

Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky shares those concerns. And other Republican senators are questioning the depths of the Medicaid cuts in the House bill, which proposes cutting $700 billion from the program.

Still, Kapoor said that other Republicans are in favor of introducing some things like work assessments and legal status verifications to the Medicaid program. The White House has been saying that revenue from tariffs will help offset the bill's impact on the deficit. It's unclear what the future of those tariffs will ultimately look like.

Still, Kapoor said that other Republicans are in favor of introducing some things like work assessments and legal status verifications to the Medicaid program. The White House has been saying that revenue from tariffs will help offset the bill's impact on the deficit. It's unclear what the future of those tariffs will ultimately look like.

Just yesterday, an appeals court temporarily paused Wednesday's ruling that voided many of Trump's tariffs. Or to put it plainly, the most sweeping tariffs are back on while the administration's appeal is being considered. Kapoor explained, regardless of what does or doesn't happen with tariffs, the House bill is projected to add $2.3 trillion to the deficit over the next 10 years.

Just yesterday, an appeals court temporarily paused Wednesday's ruling that voided many of Trump's tariffs. Or to put it plainly, the most sweeping tariffs are back on while the administration's appeal is being considered. Kapoor explained, regardless of what does or doesn't happen with tariffs, the House bill is projected to add $2.3 trillion to the deficit over the next 10 years.

But a potential tariff freeze could impact how some Republican lawmakers see the whole economic picture.

But a potential tariff freeze could impact how some Republican lawmakers see the whole economic picture.

Kapoor said he expects the Senate to take its time on the legislation. Their deadline is the end of July, when the debt ceiling will need to be raised to avoid a default, which could be economically disastrous. Any Senate changes would have to go back to the House for approval there. And as was the case in the House, Senate Republicans have a very narrow margin to navigate.

Kapoor said he expects the Senate to take its time on the legislation. Their deadline is the end of July, when the debt ceiling will need to be raised to avoid a default, which could be economically disastrous. Any Senate changes would have to go back to the House for approval there. And as was the case in the House, Senate Republicans have a very narrow margin to navigate.

They can only afford to lose three votes. There has been a lot of talk about the cost of prescription drugs in Washington lately, with bipartisan support for tackling this issue.

They can only afford to lose three votes. There has been a lot of talk about the cost of prescription drugs in Washington lately, with bipartisan support for tackling this issue.

Good morning. It's Friday, May 30th. I'm Shamita Basu. This is Apple News Today. On today's show, some Senate Republicans aren't on board with the big budget bill. Why a cancer drug that costs a quarter to make is being sold for nearly $1,000 a pop. And the Scripps National Spelling Bee has a new champion in its 100th year. Can you get the winning word?

Good morning. It's Friday, May 30th. I'm Shamita Basu. This is Apple News Today. On today's show, some Senate Republicans aren't on board with the big budget bill. Why a cancer drug that costs a quarter to make is being sold for nearly $1,000 a pop. And the Scripps National Spelling Bee has a new champion in its 100th year. Can you get the winning word?

Earlier this month, President Trump signed an executive order requesting that drug companies lower their prescription drug costs to be comparable with prices in other developed countries, an approach called most favored nation pricing.

Earlier this month, President Trump signed an executive order requesting that drug companies lower their prescription drug costs to be comparable with prices in other developed countries, an approach called most favored nation pricing.

And Senators Josh Hawley, a Republican, and Peter Welsh, a Democrat, introduced a bill proposing a similar idea, which would impose monetary penalties for drug companies that don't comply. Right now, pharmaceutical companies are able to set prices and raise them however they see fit.

And Senators Josh Hawley, a Republican, and Peter Welsh, a Democrat, introduced a bill proposing a similar idea, which would impose monetary penalties for drug companies that don't comply. Right now, pharmaceutical companies are able to set prices and raise them however they see fit.

In a recent story for ProPublica, reporter David Armstrong traced the story of Revlimid, a cancer drug that costs its creator, Celgene, 25 cents to make, but sells to patients for over $800 per pill. In fact, the company has raised the price of this drug 26 times since 2006, sometimes hiking it up as much as 20 percent within a year.

In a recent story for ProPublica, reporter David Armstrong traced the story of Revlimid, a cancer drug that costs its creator, Celgene, 25 cents to make, but sells to patients for over $800 per pill. In fact, the company has raised the price of this drug 26 times since 2006, sometimes hiking it up as much as 20 percent within a year.

Musk made no secret of his ambitions, as he spelled out to now Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick back in October.

Musk made no secret of his ambitions, as he spelled out to now Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick back in October.

In his reporting, Armstrong found that executives at Celgene banked on cancer patients being willing to pay any price for treatment.

In his reporting, Armstrong found that executives at Celgene banked on cancer patients being willing to pay any price for treatment.

Armstrong understands this firsthand. He takes this drug. He's a cancer patient himself. And he's my guest this week on Apple News in Conversation, where he shared what he learned in his reporting about why this drug is so expensive and how we all pay when drug prices climb too high.

Armstrong understands this firsthand. He takes this drug. He's a cancer patient himself. And he's my guest this week on Apple News in Conversation, where he shared what he learned in his reporting about why this drug is so expensive and how we all pay when drug prices climb too high.

And he says these latest efforts in Washington to regulate the drug industry are going to face challenges.

And he says these latest efforts in Washington to regulate the drug industry are going to face challenges.

To hear my full interview with David Armstrong stick around after today's show. If you're listening in the news app it'll play for you next. Before we let you go, a few other stories we're following. First, news from Texas, where state lawmakers have just passed a bill which defines men and women by their reproductive organs.

To hear my full interview with David Armstrong stick around after today's show. If you're listening in the news app it'll play for you next. Before we let you go, a few other stories we're following. First, news from Texas, where state lawmakers have just passed a bill which defines men and women by their reproductive organs.

It's the latest state to pass or consider laws explicitly spelling out the criteria to be considered a man or a woman. Supporters say the legislation is necessary to protect single-sex spaces and to recognize, quote, the immutable biological differences that exist.

It's the latest state to pass or consider laws explicitly spelling out the criteria to be considered a man or a woman. Supporters say the legislation is necessary to protect single-sex spaces and to recognize, quote, the immutable biological differences that exist.

Opponents say the bill is an attack on transgender people's identities and will cause hurt and confusion for those who have legally changed sex and hold documentation to that effect. While the bill carries no penalties or enforcement mechanisms, it's designed to form the basis for how laws relating to sex are applied elsewhere in the state.

Opponents say the bill is an attack on transgender people's identities and will cause hurt and confusion for those who have legally changed sex and hold documentation to that effect. While the bill carries no penalties or enforcement mechanisms, it's designed to form the basis for how laws relating to sex are applied elsewhere in the state.

Now to Switzerland, where an entire alpine village has been virtually crushed after a massive glacier collapsed, destroying everything in its path. Thanks to predictions from geologists, authorities were able to evacuate the 300 or so people who lived in Blatten in the days before. Even sheep and cows were airlifted by helicopter.

Now to Switzerland, where an entire alpine village has been virtually crushed after a massive glacier collapsed, destroying everything in its path. Thanks to predictions from geologists, authorities were able to evacuate the 300 or so people who lived in Blatten in the days before. Even sheep and cows were airlifted by helicopter.

The deluge of rock, mud, and ice descending into the valley was captured on video, and it shows the village wiped out in a matter of seconds. Authorities suspect that the collapse was caused by high-altitude snowmelt, while a Zurich-based geologist told The Washington Post the glacier was pushed down under the growing weight of overlying rocks.

The deluge of rock, mud, and ice descending into the valley was captured on video, and it shows the village wiped out in a matter of seconds. Authorities suspect that the collapse was caused by high-altitude snowmelt, while a Zurich-based geologist told The Washington Post the glacier was pushed down under the growing weight of overlying rocks.

That target was never reached. Doge does claim to have saved $175 billion so far, which amounts to 2.5 percent of the federal budget. But that figure has been difficult for journalists to confirm, and many outlets have identified cases of double counting and other errors in Doge's accounting.

That target was never reached. Doge does claim to have saved $175 billion so far, which amounts to 2.5 percent of the federal budget. But that figure has been difficult for journalists to confirm, and many outlets have identified cases of double counting and other errors in Doge's accounting.

And finally, the Scripps National Spelling Bee celebrated its 100th competition last night. The winner was Faison Zaki from Texas, the favorite going into the final and the runner-up from last year. The winning word, éclaircissement. Here is his moment of triumph, and you can pause now if you want to have a guess. Again, the word, éclaircissement.

And finally, the Scripps National Spelling Bee celebrated its 100th competition last night. The winner was Faison Zaki from Texas, the favorite going into the final and the runner-up from last year. The winning word, éclaircissement. Here is his moment of triumph, and you can pause now if you want to have a guess. Again, the word, éclaircissement.

That is correct. The 13-year-old collapsed to his knees in celebration and will take home $50,000 as a reward for his hard work. You can find all these stories and more in the Apple News app. And if you're already listening in the news app right now, stick around for my full conversation with ProPublica's David Armstrong about drug pricing in America.

That is correct. The 13-year-old collapsed to his knees in celebration and will take home $50,000 as a reward for his hard work. You can find all these stories and more in the Apple News app. And if you're already listening in the news app right now, stick around for my full conversation with ProPublica's David Armstrong about drug pricing in America.

If you're listening in the podcast app, follow Apple News in Conversation to find that episode. And I'll be back with the news on Monday.

If you're listening in the podcast app, follow Apple News in Conversation to find that episode. And I'll be back with the news on Monday.

As Musk returns to his usual day job, thinking about electric cars and getting to Mars, there are many people who were affected by his short tenure in D.C. and have no job to return to. Analysis from The New York Times puts the confirmed and planned job losses at around 280,000, largely achieved through buyouts, early retirements and firing threats.

As Musk returns to his usual day job, thinking about electric cars and getting to Mars, there are many people who were affected by his short tenure in D.C. and have no job to return to. Analysis from The New York Times puts the confirmed and planned job losses at around 280,000, largely achieved through buyouts, early retirements and firing threats.

Many of these now ex-federal workers are struggling to figure out next steps. Washington Post reporter William One and his colleagues spoke with more than 30 former and current federal workers about the chaos of the last few months, the mass firings that left people feeling demoralized, devalued, and deeply anxious. And please be advised, this story mentions suicide.

One reports that the tactics the Doge team deployed to cut the federal workforce are unusual for both the public and private sector. Some people were fired, rehired, and then fired again. Others were locked out of their offices by police or fired for political, quote, disloyalty.

At various points, President Trump or officials in his administration have called federal workers crooked, dishonest, or lazy.

She worked for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation in Baltimore, where she used data to show that birth centers could bring down costs and emergency room visits while also contributing to higher birth weights.

One says, as the threats to Cross-Barnett's job became more real, her mental health deteriorated. Her husband helped her check into a mental health facility, and while there, Cross-Barnett killed herself.

Experts told the Post, suicide is complicated to explain, but research points to clear contributing factors—feelings of worthlessness, stress, lack of access to health care and insurance, and unemployment— Since publishing this story, one says many federal workers have reached out to offer their stories.

While Musk is leaving, Doge as a department is not disbanding. Asked by reporters about its future earlier this month, Musk replied, is Buddha needed for Buddhism? Congress returns from its Memorial Day recess on Monday. And one of the top agenda items for the Republican-controlled Senate will be to work on the mega tax and spending bill that narrowly passed the House last week.

Over the break, some Republicans in the House who voted to approve the package heard from unhappy constituents in town halls, like Representative Ashley Hinson from Iowa, who was booed by people from her district.

President Trump supports the package. But in the Senate, there are some mixed feelings about the legislation. A number of Republicans have expressed concerns about elements of the bill, with some arguing it doesn't go far enough to reduce spending, like Senator Ron Johnson from Wisconsin.

But first, the Elon Musk era of Doge is coming to a close. The White House said his off-boarding process started Wednesday night, and it caps a tumultuous few months of the tech mogul cutting his way through Washington by dramatically reducing the size of the workforce, canceling contracts, grants, and leases, and attempting to shut down several federal agencies altogether.

Sahil Kapoor is a senior national politics reporter with NBC who's been keeping track of this bill's progress.

Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky shares those concerns. And other Republican senators are questioning the depths of the Medicaid cuts in the House bill, which proposes cutting $700 billion from the program.

Still, Kapoor said that other Republicans are in favor of introducing some things like work assessments and legal status verifications to the Medicaid program. The White House has been saying that revenue from tariffs will help offset the bill's impact on the deficit. It's unclear what the future of those tariffs will ultimately look like.

Just yesterday, an appeals court temporarily paused Wednesday's ruling that voided many of Trump's tariffs. Or to put it plainly, the most sweeping tariffs are back on while the administration's appeal is being considered. Kapoor explained, regardless of what does or doesn't happen with tariffs, the House bill is projected to add $2.3 trillion to the deficit over the next 10 years.

But a potential tariff freeze could impact how some Republican lawmakers see the whole economic picture.

Kapoor said he expects the Senate to take its time on the legislation. Their deadline is the end of July, when the debt ceiling will need to be raised to avoid a default, which could be economically disastrous. Any Senate changes would have to go back to the House for approval there. And as was the case in the House, Senate Republicans have a very narrow margin to navigate.

They can only afford to lose three votes. There has been a lot of talk about the cost of prescription drugs in Washington lately, with bipartisan support for tackling this issue.

Good morning. It's Friday, May 30th. I'm Shamita Basu. This is Apple News Today. On today's show, some Senate Republicans aren't on board with the big budget bill. Why a cancer drug that costs a quarter to make is being sold for nearly $1,000 a pop. And the Scripps National Spelling Bee has a new champion in its 100th year. Can you get the winning word?

Earlier this month, President Trump signed an executive order requesting that drug companies lower their prescription drug costs to be comparable with prices in other developed countries, an approach called most favored nation pricing.

And Senators Josh Hawley, a Republican, and Peter Welsh, a Democrat, introduced a bill proposing a similar idea, which would impose monetary penalties for drug companies that don't comply. Right now, pharmaceutical companies are able to set prices and raise them however they see fit.

In a recent story for ProPublica, reporter David Armstrong traced the story of Revlimid, a cancer drug that costs its creator, Celgene, 25 cents to make, but sells to patients for over $800 per pill. In fact, the company has raised the price of this drug 26 times since 2006, sometimes hiking it up as much as 20 percent within a year.

Musk made no secret of his ambitions, as he spelled out to now Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick back in October.

In his reporting, Armstrong found that executives at Celgene banked on cancer patients being willing to pay any price for treatment.

Armstrong understands this firsthand. He takes this drug. He's a cancer patient himself. And he's my guest this week on Apple News in Conversation, where he shared what he learned in his reporting about why this drug is so expensive and how we all pay when drug prices climb too high.

And he says these latest efforts in Washington to regulate the drug industry are going to face challenges.

To hear my full interview with David Armstrong stick around after today's show. If you're listening in the news app it'll play for you next. Before we let you go, a few other stories we're following. First, news from Texas, where state lawmakers have just passed a bill which defines men and women by their reproductive organs.

It's the latest state to pass or consider laws explicitly spelling out the criteria to be considered a man or a woman. Supporters say the legislation is necessary to protect single-sex spaces and to recognize, quote, the immutable biological differences that exist.

Opponents say the bill is an attack on transgender people's identities and will cause hurt and confusion for those who have legally changed sex and hold documentation to that effect. While the bill carries no penalties or enforcement mechanisms, it's designed to form the basis for how laws relating to sex are applied elsewhere in the state.

Now to Switzerland, where an entire alpine village has been virtually crushed after a massive glacier collapsed, destroying everything in its path. Thanks to predictions from geologists, authorities were able to evacuate the 300 or so people who lived in Blatten in the days before. Even sheep and cows were airlifted by helicopter.

The deluge of rock, mud, and ice descending into the valley was captured on video, and it shows the village wiped out in a matter of seconds. Authorities suspect that the collapse was caused by high-altitude snowmelt, while a Zurich-based geologist told The Washington Post the glacier was pushed down under the growing weight of overlying rocks.

That target was never reached. Doge does claim to have saved $175 billion so far, which amounts to 2.5 percent of the federal budget. But that figure has been difficult for journalists to confirm, and many outlets have identified cases of double counting and other errors in Doge's accounting.

And finally, the Scripps National Spelling Bee celebrated its 100th competition last night. The winner was Faison Zaki from Texas, the favorite going into the final and the runner-up from last year. The winning word, éclaircissement. Here is his moment of triumph, and you can pause now if you want to have a guess. Again, the word, éclaircissement.

That is correct. The 13-year-old collapsed to his knees in celebration and will take home $50,000 as a reward for his hard work. You can find all these stories and more in the Apple News app. And if you're already listening in the news app right now, stick around for my full conversation with ProPublica's David Armstrong about drug pricing in America.

If you're listening in the podcast app, follow Apple News in Conversation to find that episode. And I'll be back with the news on Monday.

As Musk returns to his usual day job, thinking about electric cars and getting to Mars, there are many people who were affected by his short tenure in D.C. and have no job to return to. Analysis from The New York Times puts the confirmed and planned job losses at around 280,000, largely achieved through buyouts, early retirements and firing threats.

Speaker Mike Johnson disagrees with Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Johnson wants to do it all in one bill in the next few months.

John Thune thinks that's not going to happen, that they're going to need more time for complicated things like taxes, and they should split it up into two bills, do border security and maybe throw in some energy stuff on the front end, the low-hanging fruit, essentially, and take their time with taxes and do a second bill later in the year for that.

The reality here is that Trump has never really concerned himself with the nuances of legislative machinations. He is just telling the Republicans to do it, and it turns out it's not quite that simple.

you

So there's still a dispute and honestly a growing clash within the Republican Party that's been going on for about a month and a half now. And there's no path to a resolution here.

He's going to need a lot of resources from Congress to be able to implement even existing law, let alone, you know, additional laws.

Younger Democrats are less inclined to accept this deeply entrenched system of seniority, this culture that exists within the House Democratic Caucus, where people who have been there longer, people who have seniority on a panel, typically get the jobs they want.

There have been various instances in recent years that Democrats I've talked to have pointed to as examples of where deference to elders has not paid off for them.

And the final aspect of this is former Speaker Nancy Pelosi holding that top job in the Democratic conference for about two decades, which is really extraordinary. There was a lot of tension simmering just underneath the surface.

I think she sees her role as being progressive, but also somewhat pragmatic, not letting the perfect be the enemy of the good, saying no when she feels the need to, but also compromising in certain spaces when it does move the ball forward, even if it's just a little bit.

I want to ask you more about messaging because I spent some time in anticipation of this conversation with you scrolling through the Democrats' account on Twitter. And it's a lot of Trump is bad. Trump is bad. Trump is bad for democracy. Trump is bad for these other reasons. And it feels like

I want to ask you more about messaging because I spent some time in anticipation of this conversation with you scrolling through the Democrats' account on Twitter. And it's a lot of Trump is bad. Trump is bad. Trump is bad for democracy. Trump is bad for these other reasons. And it feels like

I saw one tweet that said, I think from January 27th, Donald Trump is putting together an administration that's focused on Wall Street, not Main Street. And I had to check my calendar to make sure I wasn't back in 2016. Is the messaging just sort of stuck? And can you guys unstick it?

I saw one tweet that said, I think from January 27th, Donald Trump is putting together an administration that's focused on Wall Street, not Main Street. And I had to check my calendar to make sure I wasn't back in 2016. Is the messaging just sort of stuck? And can you guys unstick it?

Right. There was a poll that said you guys had, what, like 57% of the country didn't approve of the job you guys were doing, which is like the lowest since 2008, I think.

Right. There was a poll that said you guys had, what, like 57% of the country didn't approve of the job you guys were doing, which is like the lowest since 2008, I think.

I think there's this sense out there that the Democrats keep getting caught flat-footed. Like when Roe v. Wade was overturned and it felt like the president didn't really have a plan in place, even though, you know, Supreme Court cases, they take a while to process. They're kind of predictable in a way. Or, you know, let's just say by running – Joe Biden for reelection in the first place.

I think there's this sense out there that the Democrats keep getting caught flat-footed. Like when Roe v. Wade was overturned and it felt like the president didn't really have a plan in place, even though, you know, Supreme Court cases, they take a while to process. They're kind of predictable in a way. Or, you know, let's just say by running – Joe Biden for reelection in the first place.

That obviously seemed like a mistake eventually. And then right now, Elon Musk trying to reshape our civil service. It feels like we could have predicted some of this, though I do see Democrats out there outside USAID making a stink about it. Do you think there's more the party could be doing to feel, you know, like a couple steps ahead of what's coming instead of a couple steps behind?

That obviously seemed like a mistake eventually. And then right now, Elon Musk trying to reshape our civil service. It feels like we could have predicted some of this, though I do see Democrats out there outside USAID making a stink about it. Do you think there's more the party could be doing to feel, you know, like a couple steps ahead of what's coming instead of a couple steps behind?

Sean Ramos, firm halftime host at Today, explained Sahil Kapoor, senior national politics reporter at NBC News. Sahil's been following Democrats as they try to figure out how to respond to Republicans having all the power and doing all the things.

Sean Ramos, firm halftime host at Today, explained Sahil Kapoor, senior national politics reporter at NBC News. Sahil's been following Democrats as they try to figure out how to respond to Republicans having all the power and doing all the things.

Before we go, Senator, I want to ask you about pardons. You spent a lot of time trying to prosecute the January 6th insurrectionists. With some success, President Trump walked into office and let them all off the hook. Abuse of power, etc. But on his way out of office, President Biden pardoned his siblings and their spouses. Not a great look. He also pardoned you. What did you do?

Before we go, Senator, I want to ask you about pardons. You spent a lot of time trying to prosecute the January 6th insurrectionists. With some success, President Trump walked into office and let them all off the hook. Abuse of power, etc. But on his way out of office, President Biden pardoned his siblings and their spouses. Not a great look. He also pardoned you. What did you do?

Senator Adam Schiff, you can call him Adam. Amanda produced our show. Amina edited. Laura checked the facts. Patrick and Andy mixed it. It's today.

Senator Adam Schiff, you can call him Adam. Amanda produced our show. Amina edited. Laura checked the facts. Patrick and Andy mixed it. It's today.

This is the classic Steve Bannon strategy of flood the zone. Every day we hit them with three things. They'll bite on one and we'll get all of our stuff done. Just doing a ton of stuff, making a bunch of proclamations and overwhelming the system and the opposition.

This is the classic Steve Bannon strategy of flood the zone. Every day we hit them with three things. They'll bite on one and we'll get all of our stuff done. Just doing a ton of stuff, making a bunch of proclamations and overwhelming the system and the opposition.

USAID in particular, they refuse to tell us anything. We won't tell you what the money's going to, where the money's for, who has it. Over the weekend, Vice President Elon Musk, the richest man on Earth, tweeted about the same agency that, you know, gives money to the poorest people on Earth?

USAID in particular, they refuse to tell us anything. We won't tell you what the money's going to, where the money's for, who has it. Over the weekend, Vice President Elon Musk, the richest man on Earth, tweeted about the same agency that, you know, gives money to the poorest people on Earth?

Hmm. It's interesting, this kitchen table issues strategy, while I guess it makes some sense because surely they lost because of some kitchen table issues, it also feels like that is the strategy that Kamala Harris was taking in her campaign.

Hmm. It's interesting, this kitchen table issues strategy, while I guess it makes some sense because surely they lost because of some kitchen table issues, it also feels like that is the strategy that Kamala Harris was taking in her campaign.

You know it, and I know it. Is there some sense that it didn't work for her, but they can make it work for them?

You know it, and I know it. Is there some sense that it didn't work for her, but they can make it work for them?

The alternate strategy here, as you alluded to, is speaking out on immigration, taking stands on trans rights, opposing Trump's nominees, opposing the Lake and Riley Act. I guess it's too late for that one. Opposing basically everything this president wants to do. I believe Senator Chris Murphy wants to take this approach this week. He's talking about a constitutional crisis.

The alternate strategy here, as you alluded to, is speaking out on immigration, taking stands on trans rights, opposing Trump's nominees, opposing the Lake and Riley Act. I guess it's too late for that one. Opposing basically everything this president wants to do. I believe Senator Chris Murphy wants to take this approach this week. He's talking about a constitutional crisis.

Are you seeing more Democrats pressing for that approach or pushing against it?

Are you seeing more Democrats pressing for that approach or pushing against it?

Huh. That's a weird way to put it, Senator. We're going to ask what exactly is the Democrats' strategy to push back on Republicans on Today Explained.

Huh. That's a weird way to put it, Senator. We're going to ask what exactly is the Democrats' strategy to push back on Republicans on Today Explained.

And does that mean that that message is sort of geared towards... The midterm elections? Because it's not like they're going to do any agenda setting until they win something back.

And does that mean that that message is sort of geared towards... The midterm elections? Because it's not like they're going to do any agenda setting until they win something back.

Sahil Kapoor, NBCNews.com. Today Explained from Vox.com asks a Democrat, what's up with the Democrats when we are back?

Sahil Kapoor, NBCNews.com. Today Explained from Vox.com asks a Democrat, what's up with the Democrats when we are back?

Support for this show today comes from ZBiotics. ZBiotics pre-alcohol probiotic drink is the world's first genetically engineered probiotic, they say. They say it was invented by PhD scientists to tackle rough mornings after drinking. They say when you drink, alcohol gets converted into a toxic byproduct in the gut.

Support for this show today comes from ZBiotics. ZBiotics pre-alcohol probiotic drink is the world's first genetically engineered probiotic, they say. They say it was invented by PhD scientists to tackle rough mornings after drinking. They say when you drink, alcohol gets converted into a toxic byproduct in the gut.

They say it's a buildup of this byproduct, not dehydration that's to blame for rough days after drinking. They say their pre-alcohol produces an enzyme to break this byproduct down. Just remember to make pre-alcohol your first drink of the night. Drink responsibly and you'll feel your best tomorrow. Just ask Claire White.

They say it's a buildup of this byproduct, not dehydration that's to blame for rough days after drinking. They say their pre-alcohol produces an enzyme to break this byproduct down. Just remember to make pre-alcohol your first drink of the night. Drink responsibly and you'll feel your best tomorrow. Just ask Claire White.

You can go to zbiotics.com slash explain to learn more and get 15% off your first order when you use the code EXPLAINED at checkout. Zbiotics is backed with 100% money back guarantee. So if you're unsatisfied for any reason, they'll refund your money. No questions asked. Remember to head to zbiotics.com slash explain and use the code EXPLAINED to check out for 15% off.

You can go to zbiotics.com slash explain to learn more and get 15% off your first order when you use the code EXPLAINED at checkout. Zbiotics is backed with 100% money back guarantee. So if you're unsatisfied for any reason, they'll refund your money. No questions asked. Remember to head to zbiotics.com slash explain and use the code EXPLAINED to check out for 15% off.

So let's jump right in. Would you mind? We ask everyone to do this. It's a cute thing we do. Would you mind just saying your name and how you want us to identify you on the show?

So let's jump right in. Would you mind? We ask everyone to do this. It's a cute thing we do. Would you mind just saying your name and how you want us to identify you on the show?

Great. I can't call you Adam. I'm sorry. My mom will get mad. Senator Adam Schiff, congratulations on becoming a senator. Under the first Trump administration, when you were still in the House of Representatives, you were seen as one of the faces of the Democratic resistance. You were the lead prosecutor in Donald Trump's first impeachment case. You and he traded insults a bunch of times.

Great. I can't call you Adam. I'm sorry. My mom will get mad. Senator Adam Schiff, congratulations on becoming a senator. Under the first Trump administration, when you were still in the House of Representatives, you were seen as one of the faces of the Democratic resistance. You were the lead prosecutor in Donald Trump's first impeachment case. You and he traded insults a bunch of times.

You campaigned on being one of his toughest critics. What is your plan to oppose his agenda this time around?

You campaigned on being one of his toughest critics. What is your plan to oppose his agenda this time around?

It seems like there's some tension right now in the Democratic Party around the strategy that you're promoting here right now. I've seen reporting that some of our Democratic governors like Pritzker in Illinois would like to see sort of a across-the-board total opposition to the entire Trump agenda instead of the more bespoke approach perhaps that you're advocating.

It seems like there's some tension right now in the Democratic Party around the strategy that you're promoting here right now. I've seen reporting that some of our Democratic governors like Pritzker in Illinois would like to see sort of a across-the-board total opposition to the entire Trump agenda instead of the more bespoke approach perhaps that you're advocating.

What do you think of that tension or the other approach?

What do you think of that tension or the other approach?

I want to ask you more about messaging because I spent some time in anticipation of this conversation with you scrolling through the Democrats' account on Twitter. And it's a lot of Trump is bad. Trump is bad. Trump is bad for democracy. Trump is bad for these other reasons. And it feels like

I saw one tweet that said, I think from January 27th, Donald Trump is putting together an administration that's focused on Wall Street, not Main Street. And I had to check my calendar to make sure I wasn't back in 2016. Is the messaging just sort of stuck? And can you guys unstick it?

Right. There was a poll that said you guys had, what, like 57% of the country didn't approve of the job you guys were doing, which is like the lowest since 2008, I think.

I think there's this sense out there that the Democrats keep getting caught flat-footed. Like when Roe v. Wade was overturned and it felt like the president didn't really have a plan in place, even though, you know, Supreme Court cases, they take a while to process. They're kind of predictable in a way. Or, you know, let's just say by running – Joe Biden for reelection in the first place.

That obviously seemed like a mistake eventually. And then right now, Elon Musk trying to reshape our civil service. It feels like we could have predicted some of this, though I do see Democrats out there outside USAID making a stink about it. Do you think there's more the party could be doing to feel, you know, like a couple steps ahead of what's coming instead of a couple steps behind?

Sean Ramos, firm halftime host at Today, explained Sahil Kapoor, senior national politics reporter at NBC News. Sahil's been following Democrats as they try to figure out how to respond to Republicans having all the power and doing all the things.

Before we go, Senator, I want to ask you about pardons. You spent a lot of time trying to prosecute the January 6th insurrectionists. With some success, President Trump walked into office and let them all off the hook. Abuse of power, etc. But on his way out of office, President Biden pardoned his siblings and their spouses. Not a great look. He also pardoned you. What did you do?

Senator Adam Schiff, you can call him Adam. Amanda produced our show. Amina edited. Laura checked the facts. Patrick and Andy mixed it. It's today.

This is the classic Steve Bannon strategy of flood the zone. Every day we hit them with three things. They'll bite on one and we'll get all of our stuff done. Just doing a ton of stuff, making a bunch of proclamations and overwhelming the system and the opposition.

USAID in particular, they refuse to tell us anything. We won't tell you what the money's going to, where the money's for, who has it. Over the weekend, Vice President Elon Musk, the richest man on Earth, tweeted about the same agency that, you know, gives money to the poorest people on Earth?

Hmm. It's interesting, this kitchen table issues strategy, while I guess it makes some sense because surely they lost because of some kitchen table issues, it also feels like that is the strategy that Kamala Harris was taking in her campaign.

You know it, and I know it. Is there some sense that it didn't work for her, but they can make it work for them?

The alternate strategy here, as you alluded to, is speaking out on immigration, taking stands on trans rights, opposing Trump's nominees, opposing the Lake and Riley Act. I guess it's too late for that one. Opposing basically everything this president wants to do. I believe Senator Chris Murphy wants to take this approach this week. He's talking about a constitutional crisis.

Are you seeing more Democrats pressing for that approach or pushing against it?

Huh. That's a weird way to put it, Senator. We're going to ask what exactly is the Democrats' strategy to push back on Republicans on Today Explained.

And does that mean that that message is sort of geared towards... The midterm elections? Because it's not like they're going to do any agenda setting until they win something back.

Sahil Kapoor, NBCNews.com. Today Explained from Vox.com asks a Democrat, what's up with the Democrats when we are back?

Support for this show today comes from ZBiotics. ZBiotics pre-alcohol probiotic drink is the world's first genetically engineered probiotic, they say. They say it was invented by PhD scientists to tackle rough mornings after drinking. They say when you drink, alcohol gets converted into a toxic byproduct in the gut.

They say it's a buildup of this byproduct, not dehydration that's to blame for rough days after drinking. They say their pre-alcohol produces an enzyme to break this byproduct down. Just remember to make pre-alcohol your first drink of the night. Drink responsibly and you'll feel your best tomorrow. Just ask Claire White.

You can go to zbiotics.com slash explain to learn more and get 15% off your first order when you use the code EXPLAINED at checkout. Zbiotics is backed with 100% money back guarantee. So if you're unsatisfied for any reason, they'll refund your money. No questions asked. Remember to head to zbiotics.com slash explain and use the code EXPLAINED to check out for 15% off.

So let's jump right in. Would you mind? We ask everyone to do this. It's a cute thing we do. Would you mind just saying your name and how you want us to identify you on the show?

Great. I can't call you Adam. I'm sorry. My mom will get mad. Senator Adam Schiff, congratulations on becoming a senator. Under the first Trump administration, when you were still in the House of Representatives, you were seen as one of the faces of the Democratic resistance. You were the lead prosecutor in Donald Trump's first impeachment case. You and he traded insults a bunch of times.

You campaigned on being one of his toughest critics. What is your plan to oppose his agenda this time around?

It seems like there's some tension right now in the Democratic Party around the strategy that you're promoting here right now. I've seen reporting that some of our Democratic governors like Pritzker in Illinois would like to see sort of a across-the-board total opposition to the entire Trump agenda instead of the more bespoke approach perhaps that you're advocating.

What do you think of that tension or the other approach?