The Opinions

The Trump Administration Is Disappearing People Like the Soviet Union

<p>Last week, the Supreme Court ordered the Trump administration to “facilitate” the return of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man deported because of an “administrative error,” back to his home in Maryland. But, so far, the administration has not complied. On this episode, Michelle Cottle, who writes about national politics for Opinion, speaks with her colleagues Jamelle Bouie and David French on what this defiance means for the power of the judicial system and the threat it poses to our rights.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Derek Arthur. It was edited by Alison Bruzek and Kaari Pitkin. The rest of the show's production team includes Vishakha Darbha and Jillian Weinberger. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud and Efim Shapiro. Original music by Pat McCusker and Carole Sabouraud. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker and Kate Sinclair. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Bret Stephens on What Trump Gets Right, Wrong and Really, Really Wrong

<p>On this First 100 Days episode, the deputy Opinion editor, Patrick Healy, and the columnist Bret Stephens discuss the nuance of being a conservative and critical of President Trump.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. It was edited by Alison Bruzek and Kaari Pitkin. The rest of the show's production team includes Derek Arthur and Jillian Weinberger. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Original music by Sonia Herrero, Carole Sabouraud and Aman Sahota. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker and Kate Sinclair. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Larry Summers on Trump: ‘The First Rule of Holes Is Stop Digging’

<p>On this episode, the former president of Harvard University and former U.S. Treasury secretary explains the dangers of President Trump’s economic policies, and why we should expect more instability ahead.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Derek Arthur. It was edited by Alison Bruzek and Kaari Pitkin. The rest of the show's production team includes Vishakha Darbha and Jillian Weinberger. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Original music by Pat McCusker, Efim Shapiro and Carole Sabouraud. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

‘They&apos;re Coming After All of Us. So You Might As Well Tell the Truth.’

<p>In this episode, the New York Times Opinion columnist Lydia Polgreen speaks to the author and activist Sarah Schulman on resistance and solidarity during politically charged times.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. It was edited by Alison Bruzek and Kaari Pitkin. The rest of the show's production team includes Derek Arthur and Jillian Weinberger. Mixing by Efim Shapiro. Original music by Pat MuCusker and Isaac Jones. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

‘We’re Playing With Fire’: The Risks of Trump’s Tariffs on China

<p>In this episode, the deputy Opinion editor, Patrick Healy, talks to Binyamin Appelbaum about the goals of President Trump’s tariffs and the risks they pose to America’s place in the global order.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Jillian Weinberger. It was edited by Alison Bruzek and Kaari Pitkin. The rest of the show's production team includes Derek Arthur and Vishakha Darbha. Mixing by Sonia Herrero. Original music by Carole Sabouraud, Aman Sahota and Pat McCusker. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

How to Survive in Politically Volatile Times

<p>In this episode, the columnist David French and Rory Stewart explore how small-c conservatives can keep hope alive in the midst of a populist onslaught.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Jillian Weinberger. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin and Alison Bruzek. The rest of the show's production team includes Derek Arthur and Vishakha Darbha. Mixing by Pat McCusker. Original music by Carole Sabouraud and Pat McCusker. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker and Kate Sinclair. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta. The director of Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Steve Rattner on Just How Bad Things Will Get Under Trump’s Tariffs

<p>In this episode of “The Opinions,” the deputy Opinion editor Patrick Healy and contributing Opinion writer, investor and economic analyst Steven Rattner break down how Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs” are already shaking the global economy — and it hasn’t even been 24 hours.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Derek Arthur. It was edited by Alison Bruzek and Kaari Pitkin. The rest of the show's production team includes Vishakha Darbha and Jillian Weinberger. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Original music by Isaac Jones, Aman Sahota and Carole Sabouraud. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker, Michelle Harris and Kate Sinclair. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

To Save Democracy, Here’s a Playbook That Works

<p>In this episode, the Times Opinion columnist David French explores how Poland managed to turn the tide against right-wing populism and restore constitutional order.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Jillian Weinberger. It was edited by Alison Bruzek and Kaari Pitkin. The rest of the show's production team includes Derek Arthur and Vishakha Darbha. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Original music by Pat McCusker and Carole Sabouraud. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker and Kate Sinclair. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser. Special thanks to Michelle Goldberg.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Obama’s Not Going to Save Democrats, but This Might

<p>The Opinion writer Michelle Cottle and contributing Opinion writer Ben Rhodes discuss why the Democratic Party hasn’t launched an effective opposition and who they see as the future of the party.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin and Alison Bruzek. The rest of the show's production team also includes Derek Arthur and Jillian Weinberger. Mixing by Sonia Herrero. Original music by Pat McCusker, Sonia Herrero and Carole Sabouraud. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

A Jewish Comedian Walks Into a Theater in Minnesota

<p>In his HBO special, “Just for Us,” the comedian Alex Edelman explores his Jewish identity and whiteness in an unusual way: attending a neo-Nazi meeting in Queens. Before the 2024 presidential election, he traveled to Minnesota to watch a stranger perform his comedy special in a theater performance. In this episode, Edelman joins the Opinion editor Susannah Meadows to reflect on that experience, what “Just for Us” means after Donald Trump’s return to office and why hard conversations — even with extremists — matter now more than ever.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Kristina Samulewski. It was edited by Alison Bruzek, Kaari Pitkin and Annie-Rose Strasser. The rest of the show's production team includes Derek Arthur, Vishakha Darbha and Jillian Weinberger. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Original music by Sonia Herrero, Pat McCusker, Isaac Jones and Carole Sabouraud. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

David Leonhardt: &apos;By the Time Trump Comes for Your University, It&apos;s Probably Too Late&apos;

<p>On this episode, Patrick Healy and David Leonhardt discuss President Trump’s attempts to remake higher education and argue that higher education should reform itself first.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Jillian Weinberger. It was edited by Alison Bruzek and Kaari Pitkin. The show's production team also includes Derek Arthur and Vishakha Darbha. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Original music by Sonia Herrero, Carole Sabouraud and Aman Sahota. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

The Worst Part of Pete Hegseth’s Group Chat Debacle

<p>In this episode, the New York Times Opinion columnist David French breaks down the security concerns behind the Trump administration’s military discussions on the Signal app and the consequences such a security breach could have on American safety and military strategy.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. It was edited by Alison Bruzek and Kaari Pitkin. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

The Claim Trump Is Making That ‘Could Break the American System’

<p>More than two months into his second term, President Donald Trump is testing the limits of the U.S. Constitution. But which of his executive actions are legally sound, and which defy constitutional principles? In this episode, the Opinion columnist Jamelle Bouie sits down with his editor, Aaron Retica, for a deep dive into the crisis that’s reshaping American democracy.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Derek Arthur. It was edited by Alison Bruzek and Kaari Pitkin. The rest of the show's production team includes Vishakha Darbha and Jillian Weinberger. Mixing by Pat McCusker and Carole Sabouraud. Original music by Sonia Herrero, Pat McCusker and Carole Sabouraud. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta. The director of Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Tom Friedman: Trump Is a ‘Small Man in a Big Time’

<p>President Trump has been operating with complete impunity and disregard for American institutions. In this episode, the Times Opinion deputy editor Patrick Healy and the columnist Thomas L. Freidman discuss the repercussions of such behavior on America’s national and international policy.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishkaha Darbha. It was edited by Alison Bruzek and Kaari Pitkin. Mixing by Sonia Herrero. Original music by Aman Sahota, Carole Sabouraud and Pat McCusker. The show's production team also includes Derek Arthur and Jillian Weinberger. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker and Kate Sinclair. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Musk Said No One Has Died Since Aid Was Cut. That Isn’t True.

<p>What does it look like when some of the world’s richest men withdraw assistance for the world’s poorest women and children? After Elon Musk claimed no one had died from cuts to American foreign aid spending, the Opinion writer Nicholas Kristof traveled to South Sudan to see the impact for himself. In this episode, he shares how millions of people now face death and starvation and why Americans — including those who believe in “America First” — should care.</p><p>Read Kristof’s <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/03/15/opinion/foreign-aid-cuts-impact.html" target="_blank">interactive essay</a> with photos and charts at <a href="http://nytimes.com/opinion" target="_blank">nytimes.com/opinion</a>.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Derek Arthur. It was edited by Alison Bruzek and Annie-Rose Strasser. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Original music by Pat McCusker and Carole Sabouraud. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker and Kate Sinclair. The show's production team also includes Jillian Weinberger and Vishakha Darbha. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta. The director of Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Measles, MAHA Moms and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

<p>A measles outbreak in West Texas has claimed two lives, and President Trump’s secretary of health and human services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is spreading false claims about the disease and the vaccines that nearly eliminated it. In this episode of “The Opinions,” a Times Opinion editor, Alexandra Sifferlin, and an Opinion writer, Jessica Grose, discuss how the successes and failures of our modern health care system brought us to this moment and the Make America Healthy Again movement. We have eliminated “so many things that used to kill so many people that people have forgotten how dangerous those things are,” Grose says.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com</p><p>You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of “The Opinions” at nytimes.com/column/the-opinions.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. Edited by Alison Bruzek. Fact-checking by Kate Sinclair and Mary Marge Locker. Mixing by Pat McCusker. Original music by Carole Sabouraud, Isaac Jones and Pat McCusker. The show’s production team also includes Derek Arthur and Jillian Weinberger. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta. The Director of New York Times Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

They Saved Taxpayers Billions. Trump Fired Them Anyway.

<p>Inspectors general are our government watchdogs. They root out corruption and check for fraud and inefficiencies — all things President Trump has claimed to want to do. And yet, when he took office, he fired more than a dozen inspectors general without warning.</p><p>In this episode of The Opinions, we spoke to the reporter and filmmaker Francesca Trianni about her interviews with seven of these inspectors, their relationship to the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, and why they’re worried about the future of American democracy.</p><p>To see the videos of the Inspectors General, go to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/03/06/opinion/trump-doge-fires-inspectors-general.html">nytimes.com</a>.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.</p><p>You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of “The Opinions” at<a href="http://nytimes.com/column/the-opinionshttps://www.nytimes.com/column/the-opinions"> nytimes.com/column/the-opinions</a>.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. Edited by Kaari Pitkin and Alison Bruzek. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker and Kate Sinclair. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. The show’s production team also includes Derek Arthur and Jillian Weinberger. Original music by Sonia Herrero, Pat McCusker and Carole Sabouraud. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta. The Director of New York Times Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

&apos;Is the Destruction the Point?&apos;: Three Opinion Writers on Trump&apos;s First 50 Days

<p>President Donald Trump is about halfway through his first 100 days in office. In this episode of The Opinions, Patrick Healy talks with the columnist Michelle Goldberg and contributor Frank Bruni about the moments that have defined Trump’s second term so far and what his first 50 days portend for the rest of Trump’s second term.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com">theopinions@nytimes.com</a><br /> </p><p>You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of “The Opinions” at <a href="http://nytimes.com/column/the-opinionshttps://www.nytimes.com/column/the-opinions">nytimes.com/column/the-opinions</a>.<br /><br />This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Jillian Weinberger. Edited by Kaari Pitkin and Alison Bruzek. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker and Kate Sinclair. Mixing by Sonia Herrero. The show’s production team also includes Derek Arthur and Vishakha Darbha. Original music by Aman Sahota, Isaac Jones and Carole Sabouraud. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta. The Director of New York Times Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.<br /> </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

I’m a Transgender Colonel. Trump Wants Me Out.

<p>Time is running out for transgender service members in the U.S. military. The Trump administration has put in motion plans to identify and remove transgender troops, with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth saying they are unfit to serve.</p><p>In this episode with the Opinion editor Sarah Wildman, Col. Bree Fram, one of the highest-ranking transgender members of the military, speaks about her journey and her uncertain future.</p><p>Note: The views presented are Colonel Fram’s and do not reflect the official guidance or position of the U.S. government or the Department of Defense.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com</p><p>You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of “The Opinions” at nytimes.com/column/the-opinions.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Derek Arthur. Edited by Kaari Pitkin and Alison Bruzek. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker and Kate Sinclair. Mixing by Pat McCusker. Original music by Sonia Herrero, Pat McCusker and Carole Sabouraud. The show’s production team also includes Vishakha Darbha and Jillian Weinberger. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta. The Director of New York Times Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

David Brooks on Why the Democrats Are Losing to Trump

<p>The columnist David Brooks joins Patrick Healy to take stock of President Trump’s fifth address to Congress, to analyze the Democrats’ response, and to discuss where Americans who care about moral leadership should put their energies today. </p><p>Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com</p><p>You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of “The Opinions” at<a href="http://nytimes.com/column/the-opinionshttps://www.nytimes.com/column/the-opinions"> nytimes.com/column/the-opinions</a>.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Jillian Weinberger. Edited by Kaari Pitkin and Alison Bruzek. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. The show’s production team also includes Derek Arthur and Vishakha Darbha. Original music by Aman Sahota, Pat McCusker and Carole Sabouraud. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta. The executive producer of New York Times Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser. </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Elon Musk and the Useless Spending-Cut Theater of DOGE

<p>As a fiscal conservative, the columnist David French would normally be excited about a Department of Government Efficiency and the opportunity to rein in spending. But Elon Musk’s approach to cost cutting has left much to be desired. In this conversation with the Manhattan Institute's Jessica Riedl, French reckons with what Musk and his department have wrought on the government, and argues that DOGE will do little to ameliorate the proposed tax cuts in the budget resolution recently passed by the House.</p><p>This conversation was recorded on Friday, February 28.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com</p><p>You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of “The Opinions” at<a href="http://nytimes.com/column/the-opinionshttps://www.nytimes.com/column/the-opinions"> nytimes.com/column/the-opinions</a>.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Jillian Weinberger. Edited by Kaari Pitkin and Alison Bruzek. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker and Kate Sinclair. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. The show’s production team also includes Derek Arthur and Vishakha Darbha. Original music by Sonia Herrero, Pat McCusker and Carole Sabouraud. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta. The executive producer of New York Times Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser. </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

What Man&apos;s Man Politics Is Doing to America

<p>President Trump’s outsize performance of masculinity has won him attention, elections and the support of manosphere influencers like Andrew Tate and Joe Rogan. In this episode of “The Opinions,” the deputy editor of Times Opinion, Patrick Healy, speaks with its columnist Tressie McMillan Cottom about what Trump’s focus on gender means for women, minorities and American politics.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.</p><p>You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of “The Opinions” at <a href="http://nytimes.com/column/the-opinionshttps://www.nytimes.com/column/the-opinions">nytimes.com/column/the-opinions</a>.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. It was by Kaari Pitkin and Alison Bruzek. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Mixing by Sonia Herrero. The show’s production team also includes Derek Arthur, Jillian Weinberger and Kristina Samulewski. Original music by Aman Sahota, Sonia Herrero and Carole Sabouraud. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta. The executive producer of New York Times Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

The Most Important Lesson in Sex Ed Isn’t Actually Sex

<p>When Hillary Frank took her middle-school-age daughter to see “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.,” she was surprised to learn that the fictional Margaret had more sex education than her daughter. In this episode, Frank reflects on what she wishes she learned in health class as a teenager and how we might improve sex education in schools across the country.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.</p><p>You can find transcripts (posted within 24 hours) and more episodes of “The Opinions” at <a href="http://nytimes.com/column/the-opinions">nytimes.com/column/the-opinions</a>.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Jillian Weinberger. Edited by Kaari Pitkin and Alison Bruzek. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Original music by Pat McCusker, Efim Shapiro and Carole Sabouraud. The show’s production team also includes Derek Arthur, Vishakha Darbha and Kristina Samulewski. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The executive producer of New York Times Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

What an F.B.I. Under Patel and Bongino Might Mean for America

<p>President Trump has appointed Dan Bongino — a former U.S. Secret Service agent, right-wing podcaster and an outspoken critic of the F.B.I. — as the agency’s deputy director. In this episode, the Opinion columnist Michelle Goldberg examines what Bongino’s appointment means for the bureau and for the new order of American politics.</p><p>Thoughts? Emails us at theopinions@nytimes.com.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Trump’s Bargain With Putin Is ‘Shameful’

<p>Turning our back on Ukraine would only weaken America.</p><p>The Trump administration may be considering negotiating a peace deal with Russia that would end the war in Ukraine. “No American president in the last 80 years and probably 100 years before that would have made this bargain,” Kori Schake, the director of foreign and defense policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, tells the Opinion columnist David French.</p><p>Thoughts? Questions? Get in touch at theopinions@nytimes.com.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Thomas Friedman Has Given Up on Politics — but Not on the World

<p>President Trump appears ready to cut a deal that could end Russia’s war in Ukraine without ever consulting Ukraine. In this episode, the deputy Opinion editor Patrick Healy talks to the Opinion columnist Thomas L. Friedman about Trump’s unpredictable approach to foreign policy.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Trump and Musk, the ‘Co-Presidents’

<p>In this episode, the Opinion editor Aaron Retica and the columnist Jamelle Bouie discuss how President Trump, Elon Musk and their supporters are trying to sidestep Congress and reshape executive power.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

My Values ‘Can’t Be Nullified by an Executive Order’

<p>Kirk Wallace Johnson served with U.S.A.I.D. in Baghdad and Fallujah. When he returned to the United States, he spent much of his career helping thousands of Iraqis and Afghans, many of whom risked their lives working with American troops, gain refugee status in the United States through the <a href="https://thelistproject.org/" target="_blank">List Project</a>. As President Trump closes the door on the American refugee program, Johnson and the Times columnist Lydia Polgreen grapple with how to live now, through Trump’s second term, in the face of a muted resistance movement.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Please, Don&apos;t Buy Flowers for Valentine&apos;s Day

<p>It’s Valentine’s Day, and if you celebrate, the chances of giving or receiving a bouquet of flowers is high. But have you considered the environmental impact of those flowers? In this audio essay, the contributing Opinion writer Margaret Renkl explains the true cost of bouquets and argues for other, less environmentally harmful ways to express your love.</p><p>This episode originally aired February 14, 2024.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

There’s a Reason Even ‘Smart’ People Surrender to Trump

<p>The deputy editor of Opinion, Patrick Healy, speaks with the columnist M. Gessen about why so many people and institutions, including Democrats, have bent the knee to Trump, despite strongly disagreeing with him.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>