Is the U.S. on the brink of war with Iran?

Ceasefire

On the final episode of Sidebar, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin, James Hohmann and JM Rieger breakdown the shaky ceasefire between Iran and Israel [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/06/24/iran-israel-us-trump-ceasefire-updates/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=can-he-do-that] – and whether it will hold. And having decided to enter the conflict [https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/06/22/trump-iran-strike-decision/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=can-he-do-that], President Trump is now trying to play peacemaker. Then, the crew breaks down Trump's stunning turn of fortune since Sidebar began – from being found guilty in his New York hush money and election interference trial, to winning the presidency for a second time and seeing his federal charges dismissed. Later, the crew reflects on their time hosting Sidebar and other Washington Post coverage.

Is the U.S. on the brink of war with Iran?

On this episode, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann break down the evolving news on Iran – from trading strikes with Israel to President Trump's increasing involvement. The crew breaks down what Trump says he might do, what his endgame is – and whether Israel is luring the United States into a war of its choosing. Then, Trump's 2024 financial disclosures have been released – and the President made money from all kinds of ventures, from his golf courses to crypto to signed guitars. Which ones earned him the most money?

It's Trump's military, from parade to protests

On this episode, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann break down just how much President Trump wants to remind you that he's Commander-in-Chief – from deploying the National Guard and Marines [https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/06/09/marines-la-protests/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=can-he-do-that] to Los Angeles, to Saturday's military parade in D.C. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/interactive/2025/trump-military-parade-dc-army-birthday-national-mall/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=can-he-do-that] Plus, Democrats accuse Trump of intentionally provoking protests in an attempt to justify escalating use of military force [https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/06/11/protests-immigration-cities-ice-raids/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=can-he-do-that]. And later, video journalist Anna Liss-Roy joins the show to discuss what it's like along Saturday's parade route near the White House, where tanks will drive down Constitution Avenue [https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/06/12/army-parade-anti-trump-protests-america-divided/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=can-he-do-that].

Elon Musk's messy breakup with Trump

On this episode, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann break down the Republican drama surrounding President Trump's signature "Big, beautiful bill" – starting with the dramatic social media breakup occurring between Trump and Elon Musk. And are GOP senators on board with Trump's plan? Then, Trump seems to be reacting to that drama by creating distractions – from a new travel ban to a dubious investigation of his predecessor. Plus, former president Joe Biden's former White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, says she's leaving the Democratic Party. Why?

Republicans' risky fight on health care

On this episode, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann break down some of the most controversial provisions in Republicans' giant spending and immigration bill [https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/06/02/trump-presidency-news/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=can-he-do-that]: Provisions that would affect Medicare and the Affordable Care Act. While the bill has already passed the GOP-controlled House, it might have a tougher time getting through the Senate, where some Republican senators have already expressed doubts – like Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Ark.), who has said it is “wrong to cut Medicaid for the working poor.” Plus, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) told a town hall last week that "we all are going to die," then doubled down in an Instagram video on Saturday [https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/06/03/ernst-medicaid-cuts-republican-message/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=can-he-do-that]. Is that a politically risky move – or just what Trump would do?