Trump’s sideshow state visit

President Donald Trump is in the U.K. today for his second state visit, but the spotlight today will be pointed squarely back home in Washington. Attorney General Pam Bondi is attempting to define the debate over free speech one week after Charlie Kirk’s death. Susan Monarez, who was dismissed as head of the CDC, is set to appear before the Senate to detail the break with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that led to her ouster. And Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will announce the central bank’s highly anticipated decision on interest rates. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and White House reporter Megan Messerly break down how it’s all playing out while Trump is abroad.

As President Donald Trump travels to the U.K. this morning, the conversation in the U.S. remains focused on the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s death. FBI Director Kash Patel is set to appear for a Senate hearing this morning, where he’ll likely face questions over his credibility in light of his response to the investigation. Meanwhile, Kirk’s death is spurring Republicans to go after what they have deemed the “radical left” over the response to Kirk’s death. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Adam Wren unpack the stakes and what to expect next. Plus, the Federal Reserve's highly anticipated meeting begins this morning.

In the days since the public killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the country has seen an unprecedented level of eulogizing from Washington. Vice President JD Vance escorted Kirk’s body back to Arizona in Air Force Two and is set to host Kirk's podcast Monday afternoon. A number of senior Trump officials spoke at a memorial for Kirk at the Kennedy Center on Sunday night. But how will Kirk’s killing influence the next stage of policymaking from the administration? Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns walk through what may come next.

Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10. Kirk founded Turning Point USA, which became one of the most influential conservative grassroots organizations in the country. He was a larger-than-life figure in Republican politics who was controversial, provocative, and intrinsically tied to the movement of youth toward voting for Donald Trump in the 2024 election. In the first episode of the newest season of The Conversation, host Dasha Burns, POLITICO’s White House Bureau Chief, speaks with Global Editor-in-Chief John F. Harris about Kirk's death, what it says about the state of free speech in America, and the country's history of political violence.

The FBI and top law enforcement officials continue to piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk in Utah on Wednesday. In Washington, President Donald Trump and others are cementing the MAGA leader’s legacy, posthumously awarding him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. And though Trump praised what he said was Kirk’s advocacy for nonviolence, he also told reporters “we have to beat the hell” out of “radical left lunatics.” Tempers are high among his closest confidants and millions of followers. So, where does that energy go now, and can any figure unite a grieving and angry America? Playbook’s Adam Wren and White House reporter Megan Messerly break it down.

Charlie Kirk, the right-wing political influencer and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot dead in an apparent act of political violence during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Scores of politicians from both sides of the aisle quickly condemned the killing. Trump — who counted Kirk among his close allies — promised action in an address from the Oval Office, stating that his administration “will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity and to other political violence, including the organizations that fund it and support it.” Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns walk through how we got to this moment and where things go from here.

It has been one month since President Donald Trump federalized Washington, D.C. His control over the police department expires today, and it appears unlikely Congress will act to extend his power. But the National Guard troops and other federal agents are set to stay for now, so Trump’s influence will likely still be felt throughout the city. The question on everyone’s mind: Where will he direct troops next? Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns explore some possibilities. Plus, the aftershocks from Israel’s shocking bombing of Qatar are being felt in Washington.

The Jeffrey Epstein files are dominating the conversation in Washington today, following the release yesterday of a birthday greeting reportedly sent to Epstein by Donald Trump. Democrats are taking some glee over the release, but Republicans are ignoring the issue altogether, opting instead to focus on immigration and crime. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and POLITICO White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns walk through the situation. Plus, the immigration crackdown in Chicago ramps up, and it’s special election day in northern Virginia.

This morning, President Donald Trump will head to the Museum of the Bible to speak at the second meeting of his Religious Liberty Commission. But as his words aim to shore up support from a key constituency, his actions — ranging from deploying the National Guard in major cities to favorably comparing his efforts to “Apocalypse Now” — risk opening new fissures in American life. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns break it all down. Plus, the inside scoop about the latest public clash within Trump’s inner circle.

The Conversation with Dasha Burns is back! In Season 1, Burns sat down with some of the most powerful players in Washington to get their perspectives on what’s really going on inside The White House. Join The Conversation again as Burns continues to explore how President Trump and his team are fundamentally reshaping the country, and how Democrats are tackling this new era of American politics. Full episodes will now air every Friday, starting Sept. 12.