Recently we have seen cracks forming within the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement. We are seeing Republican members of Congress push back on issues, like the Epstein files or President Trump’s approach to Ukraine, in the most significant way since he took office in January.

What is causing these rifts within the MAGA movement? Is MAGA whatever President Trump says it is? How are these tensions likely to play out?

Non-Resident Senior Fellow Lester Munson joined Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck to discuss these questions. Lester has held multiple positions on Capitol Hill and is based in DC, at the epicentre of these MAGA tensions.

The United States Studies Centre (USSC) has just released our annual Allies and partners poll.
The USSC polled publics in Australia, the United States, Japan and, for the first time this year, India. This means there was polling data to compare public opinion across all four Quad countries.
Where do the Quad countries stand on Trump, security and the future of the Indo-Pacific? What are the biggest similarities and differences between the Quad countries on foreign policy? How has Trump 2.0 changed US relationships with these countries? How supportive are the four publics of militarising the Quad or sending forces to Taiwan in the event of an invasion?

To discuss these questions, polling authors USSC Senior Research Associates Samuel Garrett and Ava Kalinauskas joined Mari Koeck on the podcast.
Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

On 2 April 2025, President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on most countries around the globe as part of “Liberation Day” but is the president allowed to impose tariffs like that? This is the question the US Supreme Court is considering at the moment.

What were the arguments for and against the presidential power to unilaterally tariff? How are the justices likely to decide? How could their decision impact one of the president’s signature policies?

To consider these questions, we invited ABC’s Planet America Co-Host Chas Licciardello back on the podcast with Director of Impact and Engagement Mari Koeck to take a deep dive into the Supreme Court tariffs case.

If you like a deep dive on Supreme Court issues, you may want to listen to these other episodes with Chas:

• Deep dive into Trump’s Supreme Court immunity hearing with Chas Licciardello
• Trump’s immune. It is so ordered – featuring Chas Licciardello

Check out PEP with Chas and Dr Dave here:

• YouTube
• Spotify
• Apple

Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat