Planet America

S2026 · E1 · Feb 2, 2026

Minnesota Shootings: Will the federal agents be charged with murder? | Monday 2/2/2026 Episode 1

Chas and John are back to look at the issues from a busy holiday period including ICE protests and what's happening in Minnesota plus Trump's one year anniversary of his second term and looking ahead to the midterms.

S2026 · E2 · Feb 9, 2026

Who has been implicated in the latest Epstein Files release? | Monday 9/2/2026 Episode 2

Trump calls for Americans to "move on" as Democrats pledge to fight an Epstein files "cover-up". Also the Trump family crypto scandal the world has hardly noticed, plus the President's rare backdown on his racist Obama post.

S2026 · E3 · Feb 16, 2026

Epstein Files: Allegations Trump committed "serious crimes" says Congressman | Monday 16/2/2026 Episode 3

Attorney General Pam Bondi's fiery Epstein files hearing descends into chaos and prompts more claims of a cover-up. Does Trump have reason to worry? We ask Democratic Congressman Ted Lieu. Meanwhile, border czar Tom Homan announces an end to Minnesota's ICE surge, while Trump's approval slumps to an all-time low.

S2026 · E4 · Feb 23, 2026

Epstein files fallout continues as Trump's tariffs are thrown into turmoil Episode 4

As Epstein’s billionaire backer denies knowing anything about the convicted sex trafficker’s crimes, more allegations surface about President Trump himself. Meanwhile, America’s highest court throws out Trump’s tariffs, and the immigration crackdown becomes a liability heading into the midterms.

S2026 · E5 · Mar 2, 2026

Trump attacks Iran while Clintons face Epstein questions Episode 5

Operation Epic Fury: America’s “president of peace” goes to war with Iran. Meanwhile the Clintons face awkward questions over Jeffrey Epstein, and an explosive Senate race in Texas could reshape Congress for the midterms.

S2026 · E6 · Mar 9, 2026

Trump demands regime change, backtracks on Iran 'war' Episode 6

America continues its attack on Iran, while Trump continues his ever-shifting rationale for war. Did Iran pose an “imminent threat”? We ask former Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, the chief US negotiator for the 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal. Meanwhile Trump fires disgraced Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and replaces her with a former wrestler.

S2026 · E7 · Mar 16, 2026

Gas prices, democracy and the Iran war crisis Episode 7

How and when will America's war with Iran end? We ask former US Navy Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery. Meanwhile on the home front, President Trump wants to save American democracy - by making it much harder to vote.

S2026 · E8 · Mar 23, 2026

What's Iran's next move after Trump threatens critical infrastructure? Episode 8

Iran warns of retaliatory strikes if Trump follows through on his threat to attack Iranian power plants. So, what’s Iran’s next move? We ask former National Security Council Director for Iran, Nate Swanson. Also, former MMA fighter Markwayne Mullin spars with senators at his confirmation hearing to be the new Homeland Security boss.

S2026 · E9 · Mar 30, 2026

Who's cashing in on Trump's Iran war strategy? Episode 9

As more American troops head to the Middle East, is a ground war next? We ask Ambassador Dan Shapiro, former Deputy Asst Secretary of Defense for the Middle East. Meanwhile, is Trump using the war with Iran to manipulate the stock market? And who is cashing in?

S2026 · E10 · Apr 6, 2026

Trump's F-bomb threat to Iran over the Strait of Hormuz Episode 10

President Trump unleashes a social media F-bomb as he threatens Iran with yet more bombs. Is the US committing war crimes by targeting Iran's civilian infrastructure? Meanwhile, how is the war in the Middle East impacting the forgotten war in Ukraine?

S2026 · E11 · Apr 13, 2026

Trump orders naval blockade on Iran while Melania reignites Epstein scandal Episode 11

President Trump threatens Hormuz blockade after US-Iran peace talks collapse without a deal. Meanwhile, Trump’s favourite European, Viktor Orban, is swept from power and the mystery over why Melania wanted to talk about Epstein.

S2026 · E12 · Apr 20, 2026

Is Trump mentally fit? Mary Trump answers Episode 12

Psychologist Dr Mary Trump talks about her uncle’s erratic behaviour and extreme comments. Meanwhile, new tensions threaten the Iran ceasefire, and a disgraced former presidential candidate resigns over a sex scandal.

S2026 · E13 · Apr 27, 2026

Trump escapes would-be assassin as Iran talks stall Episode 13

Donald Trump escapes another would-be assassin; we ask The Independent’s Washington Bureau Chief Eric Garcia what it was like to be in the room where it happened. Also, the Iran ceasefire holds while peace talks stall, Trump gets sucked in by AI and is FBI Director Kash Patel the next big exit?

S2026 · E14 · May 4, 2026

‘STAGED’: false flag conspiracies and seashell ‘threats’ Episode 14

Conspiracies swirl as Trump’s alleged would-be-assassin faces court and former FBI Director James Comey is indicted over a seashell “threat” to Trump. And as the Supreme Court destroys the Voting Rights Act; will this affect the midterms?

S2026 · E15 · May 11, 2026

Are Trump’s UFO files a weapon of mass distraction from Epstein? Episode 15

Operation Epic Distraction? Trump’s UFO file release sparks backlash over Epstein distraction. And as war and gas prices weigh down Trump’s approval rating, will Democrats have a chance to take the Senate? We ask The Cook Political Report’s Dave Wasserman.

S2026 · E16 · May 18, 2026

What did the Trump-Xi summit actually achieve? Episode 16

Trump bows to Xi, but what did the China summit achieve? We ask former US Ambassador to China, Nick Burns. Also, more economic uncertainty, Trump’s DOJ lawsuit, and the MAGA backlash over ‘Trump Mobile’. Are voters losing their patience?

S2026 · E17 · May 25, 2026

Republicans revolt over Trump’s taxpayer-funded 'slush fund' Episode 17

Is this Trump’s most brazen act? Meanwhile, hopes for a lasting peace rise and fall as Trump says “no rush” on a deal with Iran. Meanwhile, Congressman Thomas Massie loses the most expensive primary in US history and Tulsi Gabbard heads for the exit.

S2026 · E18 · Jun 1, 2026

Is Trump planning to attack Cuba? Episode 18

As tensions escalate, we ask exiled Assembly of the Cuban Resistance leader Orlando Gutierrez Boronat why he is pushing for regime change. Also, the ugly senate race in Texas which could decide the balance of power in November’s midterms. Could Republicans lose the Lone Star State?

S2026 · E19 · Jun 8, 2026

Will a scandal-plagued political newcomer cost Democrats the Senate? Episode 19

We ask strategist Julie Roginsky whether Graham Platner can save his campaign. Also, a rare Republican revolt sees Trump walk away from his slush fund but claim victory in his long-running feud over tax.

S2026 · E20 · Jun 15, 2026

Trump claims Iran war victory. But is there a catch? Episode 20

Trump claims victory after a long-awaited peace deal is agreed with Iran. Meanwhile, as Congress advances US-Israel military integration, we ask former national security official Josh Paul why the plan has sparked a backlash.

S2026 · E21 · Jun 22, 2026

Trump threatens to resume war as Vance holds talks with Iran Episode 21

The Republican backlash intensifies after Trump makes a deal with Iran, then threatens a return to war. Meanwhile, JD Vance lashes out at Israel and Trump blames vandals after his reflecting pool woes take a turn for the worse.

S2026 · E22 · Jun 29, 2026

The Supreme Court clears the way for mass deportations Episode 22

Trump’s White House declares America is closed, and the ‘Green-Watergate’ disaster continues as Americans prepare to celebrate their 250th birthday.

S2026 · E23 · Aug 17, 2026

Will the populist left hurt Democrats in the midterms? Episode 23

Planet America returns with the midterm elections on the horizon and the populist left seeing a big surge in momentum. Will this cost Democrats when voters head to the polls? We ask influential and controversial political commentator Hasan Piker.

S2026 · E24 · Aug 24, 2026

How a series of scandals is shaping the 2026 US midterm election campaigns Episode 24

What scandals are influencing the 2026 US midterm elections, what role does Trump adviser Natalie Harp play in Donald Trump's inner circle, and is the United States facing a growing weapons and munitions shortage? Planet America examines the latest developments.

S2026 · E27 · Sep 14, 2026

Will Trump's cash promise be enough to save Republicans in the midterms? Episode 27

Trump promises Americans $5000 if Republicans win November’s midterms, but will it be enough to save them? And is the president already undermining the elections? We ask election law expert Professor Rick Hasen.

S2026 · E28 · Sep 21, 2026

Trump announces ‘AI Force’ but continues to call AI apocalypse fears a “hoax” Episode 28

We ask an expert why creating an AI kill switch is harder than it sounds. Meanwhile, Trump bans major media outlets from the White House and declares victory in Greenland, but is it just a Danish masterclass?

S2026 · E29 · Sep 28, 2026

Trump’s approval crisis: Will the GOP lose control? Episode 29

As Trump’s approval ratings sink to historic lows, Republicans distance themselves from the president ahead of the midterm elections. Meanwhile, Trump avoids Saudi Arabia’s war with the Houthis and Americans pay the price at the pump. John and Chas also discuss Trump’s media ban and why the plan backfired, big-time. With guest Steven Cook, Director of the Middle East program at the Council on Foreign Relations. We ask an expert why creating an AI kill switch is harder than it sounds. Meanwhile, Trump bans major media outlets from the White House and declares victory in Greenland, but is it just a Danish masterclass? For more than a decade, Planet America has been the ABC's trusted guide to United States politics and society. Hosted by journalist John Barron and satirist Chas Licciardello, the program examines US elections, government, Congress, public policy and cultural trends through analysis, commentary and conversations with expert guests from across the political spectrum.

S2026 · E30 · Oct 5, 2026

Is Trump’s Republican party headed for a midterm’s disaster? Episode 30

And can Republicans do anything to turn things around before November? We ask polling expert Rich Baris and Trump loyalist John Fredericks. Also, we take a trip to Ohio, the state which may decide which party wins the senate….and it’s getting nasty. For more than a decade, Planet America has been the ABC's trusted guide to United States politics and society. Hosted by journalist John Barron and satirist Chas Licciardello, the program examines US elections, government, Congress, public policy and cultural trends through analysis, commentary and conversations with expert guests from across the political spectrum.

S2026 · E31 · Oct 12, 2026

Republicans turn on Trump over shock diesel deal with Putin Episode 31

As the midterms draw closer, Kansas emerges as a battleground state, and a corruption scandal complicates the Republican campaign in Maine. Also, are rural voters turning on MAGA? We ask journalist Natalie Fertig, author of ‘Out of State’. For more than a decade, Planet America has been the ABC's trusted guide to United States politics and society. Hosted by journalist John Barron and satirist Chas Licciardello, the program examines US elections, government, Congress, public policy and cultural trends through analysis, commentary and conversations with expert guests from across the political spectrum.

S2026 · E32 · Oct 19, 2026

The Mooch on White House press secretaries and how his old boss Trump is doing Episode 32

Anthony Scaramucci joins Chas and John to discuss Katie Zacharia's doomed stint as Trump's press secretary and how he thinks his old boss is doing. Plus Trump pulls out all the stops to try and save the midterms.

S2026 · E33 · Oct 26, 2026

Is this the new low in American Politics? Episode 33

As backlash against Trump MAGA clones Vivek Ramaswamy continues, Republicans scramble to shore up red seats ahead of the midterms. Will Teas turn blue? And what will Democrats change if they win both the House and Senate?

S2026 · E35 · Nov 2, 2026

TBA Episode 35

S2026 · E99 · Feb 25, 2026

Bonus Episode - State of the Union Special Episode 99

Join Chas Licciardello and John Barron for a special bonus episode of Planet America covering President Donald Trump's 2026 State of the Union. With special guest Republican Strategist Lanhee Chen.