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Podcast Playlist: How Trump’s First 10 Days Changed DC

Posted on January 30, 2025   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Adrian González

Adrian González

President Trump during a Jan. 21 news conference.

President Trump during a Jan. 21 news conference. (Andrew Harnik / Getty Images)

City Cast

The Panic Over Trump’s ‘Buyouts’ for Federal Employees

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It’s only week two of the new administration, but news is happening fast and it’s hitting D.C. the hardest. That’s why we put together a podcast playlist, or “cheat sheet” if you will, of everything going down in D.C. since the inauguration and how it affects Washingtonians.

Who: Lauren Ober and Hanna Rosin, hosts of the “We Live Here Now” podcast

What: When President Trump pardoned Jan. 6 rioters, it was hard to know what the real repercussions would be. But Ober and Rosin have a better idea than most. Last year, they reported on what happened when a house of J6 activists moved onto their block. They tell us what the pardons means for their Northeast neighborhood and for D.C.

Who: Emily Davies, reporter at The Washington Post

What: On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order to end remote work for all federal employees. Davies tells us the stories she’s been collecting from locals on how they feel about going back into the office and what they’re doing about it.

Who: Monica Hopkins, executive director of the ACLU’s D.C. chapter

What: Between a barrage of executive orders and campaign promises, it can be hard to separate threats from reality. Hopkins has been tracking rumors and promises from the new administration and breaks down if they could become a reality.

Who: Lisa Rein, reporter at The Washington Post

What: As the city’s largest employer, the Trump administration’s policies have a significant impact on Washingtonians. Rein breaks down what the whirlwind of new rules means for D.C., all in less than 30 minutes.

Who: Emilia Calma, director of policy and research at DC Policy Center; Aaron Wiener, reporter at The Washington Post

What: Call them buyouts or delayed resignation offers — either way, the Trump administration's offer to federal employees is confusing. But what's clear is that if 10% of employees take it, as Elon Musk predicts, D.C.'s economy could take a huge hit, and its culture could change forever.

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