The Explanation

Medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy are proven to be highly effective for weight management. They are also increasingly being found to treat other conditions and reduce the risk of disease, promising health benefits far beyond the treatment of obesity. But these drugs generally need to be continued for weight loss to be maintained, so there are big questions to be answered about their use and s...

Donald Trump claims to have ended eight wars in eight months. Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Sumi Somaskanda unpack President Trump’s claims and look at what is happening on the ground. Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You...

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses who will actually be running Gaza in the wake of the ceasefire there, examines the escalating trade war between China and the United States, and looks at the recent spate of cyber-attacks targeting western companies. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive Producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning Editor: Vara...

As a ceasefire takes hold in Gaza, attention has turned to how the story itself is being covered and interpreted. From live reporting in Tel Aviv to verifying information from inside Gaza, journalists describe the pressures of working amid uncertainty and political tension. Channel 4 News presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy reflects on the choices behind frontline coverage and the balance between speed...

The US Supreme Court begins its new term with a docket full of potentially significant cases that could define the scope of Donald Trump's presidential authority - and the prospect of more to come. On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Sumi Somaskanda analyse how the Supreme Court can reshape Trump's powers. Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politic...

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether two years on from the 7 October attacks peace in Gaza is now possible, looks at what it’s like for western journalists to report from Russia, and examines the consequences of UN sanctions being reimposed on Iran. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor:...

Steve Rosenberg, BBC News Russia editor, is one of the few Western reporters still based in Moscow. He talks about working under tight controls, renewing short visas and facing limits on access while trying to report facts from inside the country. His years of steady reporting have now earned him the Charles Wheeler Award for Broadcast Journalism. Also on the show, Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor-in-...

President Trump is expanding his powers over the federal workforce and flexing his muscles in front of generals. On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Sumi Somaskanda analyse the consequences of the government shutdown, and what the new guidelines for the US Army could mean for America's military power. Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — i...

Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle and one of the world’s richest men, is becoming a major force in media. His son David runs Skydance, which recently took over Paramount and is now interested in Warner Bros Discovery. Ellison is also linked to a bid for TikTok in the US. These moves raise questions about whether his wealth and political ties influence media ownership. James Warrington, Media an...

From late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel's suspension to an unprecedented Pentagon memo - where is the line between criticism and censorship? On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Sumi Somaskanda analyze how the Trump administration is taking on its critics and tries to control the narratives in the media. Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics in...

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses what effect the recognition of Palestine as a state might have, examines whether Syria is back in the international fold, and looks at the latest restrictions that the Taliban have introduced in Afghanistan. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkows...

In the US, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel was taken off air after making remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The broadcasting regulator, the FCC, warned stations about continuing to air his show. Donald Trump supported the suspension, but Disney, which owns ABC, later decided to bring the show back. Brian Stelter, Chief Media Analyst at CNN, looks at what this means for the relationshi...

President Trump’s visit to the UK tests Sir Keir Starmer’s handling of the “special relationship” - but the bigger test comes next, at the UN General Assembly. On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Bernd Debusmann Jr unpack Trump’s foreign relations and relationships, and how the world adapts to his style. Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics...

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines the relationship between Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump, analyses whether Israel’s strike on Qatar has played into Iran’s hands, and looks at the widening split between Europe and the United States over Israel and Gaza. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor...

The killing of US conservative commentator Charlie Kirk has raised questions about how the media should report on controversial figures while still showing respect to victims and their families. Meanwhile in London, more than one hundred thousand people joined the Unite the Kingdom rally, where Elon Musk spoke by video link. The event has sparked fresh debate about whether using terms like “far ri...

The killing of Charlie Kirk triggers shockwaves through the US, sparking grief, anger, and debate over politics, political violence and America’s future. On this live episode, Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Bernd Debusmann Jr discuss the killing of Charlie Kirk, reaction from across the political divide, and what it signals about the depth of polarization in the US. Every Friday, The P...

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether the latest political crisis in France is a sign of long-term decline, examines the reasons for the simmering tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, and looks at the ways in which Russia is trying to win over opinion around the world. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive Producer: Benedick Watt...

Super Mario Bros reaches its 40th anniversary. First released in 1985, the Nintendo title redefined video game design and propelled Mario from a supporting character into a global icon. Keza MacDonald, video games editor at The Guardian and author of a forthcoming book on Nintendo, outlines its creation and cultural significance. In Russia, a state-approved messaging service called Max has been ma...

Trump enters a new political season as Congress returns from its summer recess. Sumi Somaskanda, Caitríona Perry, and Courtney Subramanian look at challenges to his agenda. Every Friday, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at: path@...

France’s Prime Minister, François Bayrou, has called a parliamentary confidence vote after his proposals to abolish two public holidays triggered widespread opposition. The unrest has coincided with the emergence of a grassroots movement, ‘Bloquons Tout’, which began on messaging apps and is now pushing its message through social media. BBC News Paris Correspondent Hugh Schofield assesses how Fren...

Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard in Washington DC draws equal parts praise and concern. Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda, and Courtney Subramanian examine crime data, community reactions, and the politics behind the move. Every Friday, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the...

A number of publications, including Wired and Business Insider, have withdrawn articles initially attributed to a freelance journalist named Margaux Blanchard. Press Gazette first reported the concerns after an editor flagged a suspicious pitch. The true identity of the writer and whether AI authored the pieces remain unclear. Jacob Furedi, editor of Dispatch, and Dr Glenda Cooper, Head of Journal...

Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for ending several international conflicts and continues to present himself as a global peacemaker. Sumi Somaskanda, Courtney Subramanian, and Bernd Debusmann Jr examine the president's efforts to broker deals in Ukraine and Gaza, his broader foreign policy approach, and how these initiatives align with his stated ambition to receive a Nobel Peace Prize....

Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky visited Washington for talks with Donald Trump and other European leaders. The timing coincided with Anushka Asthana’s first day as US editor for Channel 4 News, who describes her early impressions of covering the American political landscape. Meanwhile, independent Russian broadcaster TV Rain, operating in exile from Amsterdam, also reported intensively on t...

Donald Trump will not be on the ballot in next year’s midterm elections, but his policies will be put to the electoral test. On this episode, Sumi Somaskanda, Courtney Subramanian, and Bernd Debusmann Jr explore how the President’s latest actions on immigration and economy could shape Latino voter behaviour in the 2026 midterms. Every Friday, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics...