From tariff threats and deals to controversial immigration policies and rising global tensions, Donald Trump’s first six months back in the White House have been anything but quiet. Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann Jr. explore the highs and lows of the first months of Trump’s second term and try to predict what lies ahead. Every Friday, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at: [email protected] Producer: Stefano Fasano Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas

In Epping, just outside London, protests have taken place near a hotel housing asylum seekers. While mainstream news outlets reported the story, a video filmed by YouTuber Wesley Winter attracted hundreds of thousands of views online. His presence - and the reaction to other journalists on the ground - has reignited debate over who the public trusts to shape stories like these. Wesley Winter reflects on how he works and what drives his audience.

Agence France-Presse says its journalists in Gaza are now facing starvation. The agency is working to evacuate remaining freelancers and their families as conditions continue to deteriorate. Phil Chetwynd, AFP’s Global News Director, describes what his reporters are telling him from the ground - and what might be lost if they are forced to stop.

In Rome, the Vatican is hosting a global gathering of Catholic influencers - from priests and nuns to lay creators with large digital followings. The Church’s media strategy dates back a century, but the rise of online evangelisation presents new opportunities and risks. Dr Justin Tackett, a philosopher at North Carolina State University, and Mary-Aoife Ong, co-director of Carlo Acutis Youth Ireland, discuss.

Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Assistant Producers: Martha Owen and Emily Channon Production Coordinator: Ruth Waites Technical Coordinator: Samuel Iyiola Sound: Robin Schroder

Under mounting pressure from his own base, US President Donald Trump says he has ordered the Justice Department to release additional documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Pro-MAGA supporters and media outlets are now divided, torn between a grassroots push for transparency and a party leader eager to move on. Trump has even turned on his own allies, declaring that “some stupid Republicans, some foolish Republicans, have fallen into the net.”

On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda, and Bernd Debusmann Jr explore what it means to be MAGA today and how the Epstein files have unexpectedly exposed deep fractures within Trump’s political base.

Every Friday, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at: [email protected]

Producer: Stefano Fasano

Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas

A legal order known as a superinjunction prevented UK media from reporting a government data breach that exposed nearly 19,000 Afghans who had applied to relocate after the Taliban takeover. Larisa Brown, Defence Editor at The Times, recounts the legal constraints she faced and the broader implications for press freedom. A new ITV format blends natural history with reality TV by placing celebrities in shark-infested waters. Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters was produced by Plimsoll Productions. Creative Director Andrea Jackson outlines the development process. This year’s Tour de France marks the final edition available on free-to-air television in the UK before coverage moves behind a paywall. Rouleur journalist Rachel Jary reports from Toulouse on life inside the media zone, while Chris Boardman - Olympic gold medallist, commentator and now England’s Active Travel Commissioner - reflects on how cycling is covered and the visibility challenges it faces.

In regard to the story on the Tour de France we need to point out that the viewing figures quoted by Chris Boardman cannot be verified with TNT.

Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lucy Wai Assistant Producers: Martha Owen and Emily Channon