Ceasefire, Wild Fires & The Hegesth Dumpster Fire

Right now a week can feel like a month in US politics. Donald Trump’s booting of the Ukrainian President from the White House precipitated a dramatic series of domino events and only one person can sift through it, US correspondent and regular contributor to NPR, the BBC and RTE, Marion McKeone. There’s a lot to pick through after a near trade war is averted, a state of the union address like no other, transgender mice, the Oscars and the suggestion that egg prices will go down in price if everyone starts rearing their own chickens.

The betrayal of Ukraine is how many observers have described it. The unthinkable swing behind Russia and North Korea has spun the world out and left leaders reeling. Today Marion examines the many layers of cowardice underneath this move and what might happen next. It’s another breathless episode of Irishman In America where we try to understand the many bizarre decisions this administration has made in the last 10 days. Including but not limited to mass firing of Federal workers via the email debacle, the banning of AP from the White House and the firing of General Brown. Is Donald mentally able for the job? He certainly is struggling with complex ideas. Marion digs into the Elon Musk popularity index and the fall of Tesla sales.

Marion McKeone examines the latest news from America with the help of comedian Jarlath Regan. The image of Elon Musk and his booger eating child in the Oval Office is one that will last. How much of what he says can he actually do? The profound constitutional questions his cuts are raising will test US institutions. Are they up to it? From Gaza to Ukraine, mass deportations and Kendrick Lamar, there is no stone left unturned in this week’s episode. Pop over to www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad  to hear the full conversation ad free and start enjoying all of the Irishman Abroad podcast network. While it’s very hard to laugh, we have to try. Why not come and see Jarlath on tour in 2025! www.jigser.com/gigs

Steve Bannon calls it ”flooding the zone”. There’s too many stories to chase, too many bananas ideas for the media to examine, question and cover. The temptation is to tap out. In this first month of whack-a-mole political and economic chaos Marion McKeone has been trying to figure out which stories deserve your attention and which stories are a distraction tactic. From the new tariffs on Canada to the new use of Guantanamo Bay, Jarlath works through the news of the week and Marion breaks the key points down as only she can. To hear a deeper discussion of the u-turned federal spending freeze, the Rep. Andy Ogles constitutional amendment designed to give Trump a third term, the Kennedy hearing and a big new development in the January 6th blanket pardons - come over to Patreon and start enjoying the extended cut of this podcast each week. www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad

Are you struggling to understand what is happening in America this week? Washington Correspondent Marion McKeone breaks down the executive orders, pardons, name changes and salutes with the help of comedian Jarlath Regan. For a further, deeper look at how Elon Musk’s first week in the White House went, pop over to www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad - Email the show irishmanabroadpodcast@gmail.com or come see Jarlath’s new standup show live and in person www.jigser.com/gigs