The State of It: USA is a new weekly US politics podcast from The Times and The Sunday Times hosted by Katy Balls and Gerry Baker.
With Katy in Washington and Gerry in New York, the series will give a guide to what is really shaping American politics.
It will unpack the forces shaping the US political landscape and explain why they matter beyond America’s borders.
Katy Balls is Washington editor of The Times and The Sunday Times, and leads day-to-day US political coverage. Her Washington Insider column for The Sunday Times tells readers what those closest to power are saying and thinking.
Since landing in DC in April last year, her reporting has already made waves at the highest level. One of Katy’s articles about the President’s UN visit prompted a post on Trump’s Truth Social platform. Previously Katy was political editor at The Spectator and is a respected commentator on both UK and US politics.
Gerry Baker has reported, written and broadcast on US politics and global affairs for nearly three decades. His career includes senior roles at the Financial Times, The Times and the BBC.
In 2023 he published his first book, “American Breakdown”, a look at the causes of the crisis of US democracy in the last decade. He is currently editor‑at‑large of the Wall Street Journal, and previously was editor-in-chief.
Katy Balls said: “We want to cut through the noise and bring listeners the stories and conversations that matter.
“In his first year back at the White House, Donald Trump has done more than many presidents do in a full term, but the coming years could be the most pivotal yet as the US president tries to redraw the map of America, Republicans look to life after Trump and the Democrats regroup.
“I’m looking forward to lifting the veil on what’s really going on in the power capital of the world and am delighted to be working with Gerry – who brings deep knowledge of American politics and wit.”
Gerry Baker added: “America has never loomed larger and with greater consequences for the world in the last half century than it does today.
“Under Donald Trump the US is going through a period of revolutionary change, and understanding what is happening and what it means has never been more important. But too much of the commentary in the media is trite, clichéd and wilfully biased.
“I’m incredibly excited to work with Katy Balls in bringing the whole vivid story to a wide audience “
Dan Box, Head of Podcasts for The Times and The Sunday Times, said the launch built on the success of the UK edition of The State of It. He said the US version reflected a commitment to authoritative, engaging audio journalism and promised in-depth discussion of how power works inside the White House.
The State of It: USA will be available to listen to or watch from Wednesday 28 January wherever you get your podcasts.
