The Times and The Sunday Times to launch new weekly US politics podcast, The State of It: USA

The Times and The Sunday Times today announce the launch of The State of It: USA, a new weekly US politics podcast hosted by Katy Balls and Gerry Baker. 

With Katy in Washington and Gerry in New York, listeners will get a rigorous, insightful and essential guide to what is really shaping American politics. It will unpack the forces shaping the US political landscape and explain why they matter beyond America’s borders. Each episode will combine sharp insight and lively conversation.

Katy Balls is Washington editor of The Times and The Sunday Times, and leads day-to-day US political coverage. Her Washington Insider column for The Sunday Times tells readers what those closest to power are saying and thinking. Since landing in DC in April last year, her reporting has already made waves at the highest level. One of Katy’s articles about the President’s UN visit prompted a post on Trump’s Truth Social platform. Previously Katy was political editor at The Spectator, and is a respected commentator on both UK and US politics. 

Gerry Baker has reported, written and broadcast on US politics and global affairs for nearly three decades. His career includes senior roles at the Financial Times, The Times and the BBC. In 2023 he published his first book, “American Breakdown”, a look at the causes of the crisis of US democracy in the last decade. He is currently editor‑at‑large of the Wall Street Journal, and previously was editor-in-chief. He brings deep experience of the White House, Congress and America’s shifting political coalitions. 

Katy Balls said: “We want to cut through the noise and bring listeners the stories and conversations that matter. In his first year back at the White House, Donald Trump has done more than many presidents do in a full term but the coming years could be the most pivotal yet as the US president tries to redraw the map of America, Republicans look to life after Trump and the Democrats regroup. 

Having moved to Washington DC last year after ten years covering British politics, I’m looking forward to lifting the veil on what’s really going on in the power capital of the world. I’m delighted to be working with Gerry - who brings deep knowledge of American politics and wit."

Gerry Baker said: "America has never loomed larger and with greater consequences for the world in the last half century than it does today.  Under Donald Trump the US is going through a period of revolutionary change, and understanding what is happening and what it means has never been more important.  But too much of the commentary in the media is trite, clichéd and willfully biased.  

The State of It: USA will offer something different: informed, measured analysis of what’s happening delivered, with lively commentary from our front row seats at  the unfolding drama.  I’m incredibly excited to work with Katy Balls in bringing the whole vivid story to a wide audience " 

Dan Box, Head of Podcasts for The Times and The Sunday Times, said: “Building on the success of our weekly UK politics podcast, The State of It, this new US edition reflects our commitment to authoritative, engaging audio journalism. This podcast will be the real truth about US politics and power. No fake news, no flag waving and no Trump Derangement Syndrome. Just honest, in-depth discussion of what’s really being said inside the White House.”