Planet America

Was it Murder?

Join Chas and John as Planet America returns for 2026. Can the federal agents who killed Minnesota protestors Alex Pretti and Renee Good be charged with murder? We ask the state's lead prosecutor Mary Moriarty. Plus Trump's approval rating sinks as he rewrites the rules in Venezuela and threatens an attack on Greenland and Iran.

Epstein Files: "Cover-Up"?

Trump calls for Americans to "move on" as Democrats pledge to fight an Epstein files "cover-up". Also the Trump family crypto scandal the world has hardly noticed, plus the President's rare backdown on his racist Obama post.

Epstein Files: "Abuse of Power"

Attorney General Pam Bondi's fiery Epstein files hearing descends into chaos and prompts more claims of a cover-up. Does Trump have reason to worry? We ask Democratic Congressman Ted Lieu. Meanwhile, border czar Tom Homan announces an end to Minnesota's ICE surge, while Trump's approval slumps to an all-time low.

Epstein Files: Trump Accused

As Epstein's billionaire backer denies knowing anything about the convicted sex trafficker's crimes, more allegations surface about President Trump himself. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court throws out Trump's tariffs, and the immigration crackdown becomes a liability heading into the midterms.

Trump at War

Operation Epic Fury: America's "President of Peace" goes to war with Iran. Meanwhile the Clintons face awkward questions over Jeffrey Epstein, plus an explosive Senate race in Texas could reshape Congress for the midterms.

Operation Epic Confusion?

America continues its attack on Iran, while Trump continues his ever-shifting rationale for war. Did Iran pose an imminent "threat"? We ask former Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman. Meanwhile Trump fires Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and replaces her with a former plumber, MMA fighter and wrestler.

Out of Gas?

How and when will America's war with Iran end? We ask former US Navy Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery. Meanwhile on the home front, President Trump wants to save American democracy - by making it much harder to vote.

Operation Epic Fail?

Iran warns of retaliatory strikes if Trump follows through on his threat to attack Iranian power plants. So, what's Iran's next move? We ask former National Security Council Director for Iran, Nate Swanson. Plus former MMA fighter Markwayne Mullin spars with Senators at his confirmation hearing to be the new Homeland Security boss.

Ground War "Highly Likely"

As more American troops head to the Middle East, is a ground war next? We ask Ambassador Dan Shapiro, former Deputy Asst Secretary of Defense for the Middle East. Meanwhile, is Trump using the war with Iran to manipulate the stock market? And who is cashing in?

Trump Unhinged

President Trump unleashes a social media F-bomb as he threatens Iran with yet more bombs. Is the US committing war crimes by targeting Iran's civilian infrastructure? Meanwhile, how is the war in the Middle East impacting the forgotten war in Ukraine?

The Melania Mystery

President Trump threatens Hormuz blockade after US-Iran peace talks collapse without a deal. Meanwhile, Trump's favourite European, Viktor Orban, is swept from power, plus the mystery over why Melania wanted to talk about Epstein.

"Serious Cognitive Decline"

Insane, demented or just Donald? We ask psychologist Dr Mary Trump about her uncle's erratic behaviour and extreme comments. Meanwhile, new tensions threaten the Iran ceasefire, and a disgraced former presidential candidate resigns over a sex scandal.

How Did It Happen?

Donald Trump escapes another would-be assassin; we ask reporter Eric Garcia what it was like to be in the room where it happened. Also, the Iran ceasefire holds while peace talks stall, Trump gets sucked in by AI and is FBI Director Kash Patel the next big exit?

Conspiracies Out of Control

Conspiracies swirl as Trump's alleged would-be-assassin faces court and former FBI Director James Comey is indicted over a seashell "threat" to Trump. Plus as the Supreme Court destroys the Voting Rights Act; will this affect the midterms?

The Great UFO Distraction

Operation Epic Distraction? Trump's UFO file release sparks backlash over Epstein distraction. Plus as war and gas prices weigh down Trump's approval rating, will Democrats have a chance to take the Senate? We ask The Cook Political Report's Dave Wasserman.

Trump Bows Down

Trump bows to Xi, but what did the China summit achieve? We ask former US Ambassador to China, Nick Burns. Also, more economic uncertainty, Trump's DOJ lawsuit, and the MAGA backlash over 'Trump Mobile'. Are voters losing their patience?

"Slush Find for Cronies"

Republicans revolt over Trump's taxpayer-funded slush fund. Is this Trump's most brazen act of corruption? Also, hopes for a lasting peace rise and fall as Trump says "no rush" on a deal with Iran. Meanwhile, Congressman Thomas Massie loses the most expensive primary in US history and Tulsi Gabbard heads for the exit.

Is Cuba Next?

Is Trump planning to attack Cuba? As tensions escalate, we ask exiled Assembly of the Cuban Resistance leader Orlando Gutierrez Boronat why he is pushing for regime change. Also, the ugly senate race in Texas which could decide the balance of power in November's midterms. Could Republicans lose the Lone Star State?

Sex, Lies and Nazi Tattoos

Will a scandal-plagued political newcomer cost Democrats the Senate? We ask strategist Julie Roginsky whether Graham Platner can save his campaign. Plus a rare Republican revolt sees Trump walk away from his slush fund but claim victory in his long-running feud over tax.

Let the Oil Flow!

Trump claims victory after a long-awaited peace deal is agreed with Iran. Meanwhile, as Congress advances a US-Israel military integration plan, we ask former national security official Josh Paul why the measure has sparked a backlash.

The Art of Surrender?

The Republican backlash intensifies after Trump makes a deal with Iran, then threatens a return to war. Meanwhile JD Vance lashes out at Israel, and Trump blames vandals after his reflecting pool woes take a turn for the worse.

Not Racist?

Planet America celebrates our 600th episode. Since 2012, John Barron and Chas Licciardello have unpacked the issues, events, people and politics from the US - in their own inimitable way.The Supreme Court clears the way for mass deportations as Trump's White House declares America is closed. Plus the 'Green-Watergate' disaster continues as Americans prepare to celebrate their 250th birthday. (Midseason Final)

TBA