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Politics Friday
Brian Bakst and Matt Alvarez
Updated:

Politics Friday: Blur of action in Washington, back to action in St. Paul

people stand outside with masks and hold signs
Demonstrators and lawmakers rally against President Donald Trump and his ally Elon Musk as they disrupt the federal government, including dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development, which administers foreign aid approved by Congress, on Capitol Hill in Washington on Wednesday.
J. Scott Applewhite | AP

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There has been so much activity by President Donald Trump in Washington that it has been difficult to keep up.

Executive orders and moves have led to ramped-up deportations, an international aid shutoff and staff upheaval across federal agencies. All the while, the U.S. Senate is steaming through cabinet secretary confirmations — some of which have teetered on close votes.

Minnesota Senator Tina Smith speaks
Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith speaks before President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the Biden administration’s efforts to rebuild infrastructure at Earth Rider Brewery in Superior, Wis.
Erica Dischino for MPR News | 2024

MPR News host Brian Bakst talks with U.S. Sen. Tina Smith about the Trump blitz.

In Minnesota, the state House is no longer frozen. A deal between Republicans and DFLers will set the terms for the session in the closely divided body leaving the Republicans in charge — for now. 

How did it finally come together and how will it work? Two key negotiators explain the process.

Guests:  

  • U.S. Sen. Tina Smith

  • Rep. Paul Torkelson, R-Hanska

  • Rep. Zack Stephenson, DFL-Coon Rapids

Subscribe to the Politics Friday podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or RSS.