Advertise on podcast: Two Blocks from the White House

Ever since U.S. President Donald Trump started his ‘51st state’ rhetoric, Canadians have been parsing every word to discern what's real and what’s bluster. Last week, the White House was back at it, threatening tariffs on Bombardier and aircraft made in Canada. And Prime Minister Mark Carney was warned by the U.S. Treasury Secretary not to ‘pick a fight’ ahead of CUSMA trade negotiations.  When it comes to the Trump administration’s trolling comments and tariff threats, how can Canadians know what to take seriously? CBC Washington correspondents Katie Simpson, Paul Hunter and Willy Lowry dig in.

Could the unrest in Minneapolis be the political tipping point Donald Trump never saw coming? This week, the public face of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown — U.S. Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino — is being pulled out of Minneapolis, replaced by border czar Tom Homan. The shift comes just days after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by ICE agents, a second killing captured on video that sparked large protests in Minnesota and other U.S. cities, and fuelled calls in Washington to withhold funding from the Department of Homeland Security. CBC’s Katie Simpson, reporting from Minnesota since the weekend, joins Paul Hunter and Willy Lowry to unpack the human toll, the political consequences — and what this moment could mean for both Trump’s broader immigration strategy and his 2026 prospects. From unrest on the streets of Minneapolis to tariff threats aimed at Canada, this episode explores whether a crisis on the ground could become a turning point in U.S. politics.

The U.S. demands for Greenland ramped up this week, with President Donald Trump threatening new tariffs against EU countries that oppose his plan. Prime Minister Mark Carney pushed back in a speech at Davos – calling for a rethinking of alliances, warning that 'great powers' are using economic integration as 'weapons.' What does this moment reveal about where Canada-U.S. relations are headed?  CBC Washington correspondents Paul Hunter, Katie Simpson and Willy Lowry dig into the president’s latest moves on Greenland, the impact on NATO and where this leaves Canada as a neighbour and key trading partner. What do you want to know about how American politics affects Canada? Connect with us at [email protected]

Three days into the new year, the U.S. attacked Venezuela and removed President Nicolás Maduro. Threats against Colombia, Mexico, Greenland and Iran followed. Has U.S. President Donald Trump’s promise to put 'America First' morphed into a foreign policy of imperialism and expansion? And if so, what does it mean for Canada? Fresh off reporting from the Venezuelan border, Paul Hunter joins fellow CBC correspondents Katie Simpson and Willy Lowry in the CBC’s Washington bureau — Two Blocks from the White House — to talk about America’s aggressive international relations. What you want to know about how American politics affects Canada? Connect with us at [email protected]

It’s always been prudent for Canadians to keep an eye on American politics. And with U.S. president Donald Trump back in the White House, it’s become essential. CBC’s Washington correspondents are here to cut through the noise and help make sense of it all. Fresh episodes and analysis every Wednesday, starting Jan. 14.