367. Rory vs JD Vance, recording from Damascus, and Trump’s tariffs

  • Podcast

  • 5 February 2025

  • Posted by Alastair Campbell

  • 2

Why are Rory and Alastair in Damascus? What’s going on with JD Vance? Has there been a twist in the German election?


Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more.


The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. Fuse are giving away FREE TRIP+ membership for all of 2025 to new sign ups ? TRIP+ gets you ad-free listening, discounts, and early access to episodes and pre-sale tickets for live shows! To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit GetFuse.com/Politics


TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to receive early access to Question Time episodes to live show tickets, enjoy ad-free listening for both TRIP and Leading, receive our exclusive newsletter, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and join our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestispolitics.


Instagram: @restispolitics

Twitter: @RestIsPolitics

Email: restispolitics@gmail.com


Assistant Producers: Evan Green, India Dunkley

Video Editor: Joshua Smith

Social Producer: Jess Kidson

Producers: Nicole Maslen, Fiona Douglas

Senior Producer: Dom Johnson

Head of Content: Tom Whiter

Exec Producers: Tony Pastor, Jack Davenport

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2 responses to “367. Rory vs JD Vance, recording from Damascus, and Trump’s tariffs”

  1. Im Canadian. Canada did pull the trigger too fast to make Trump feel better. We should have let US see who he really is. Trump is slowly destroying US credibility. The people of Canada will never trust him again. Trudeau needs to realize we are done, we want change, and he is failing the grade

  2. Canadian here. As per your discussion of Trump’s tariff threats on Canada & Mexico, Trudeau handled it correctly and it seems even some Trudeau haters were on board with his response. This, in spite of the large bandwagon of Canadians that blames Trudeau for all ills.

    Particularly in the very intertwined auto sector, tariffs would have lead to a fairly immediate loss of jobs.

    Although I had rather hoped Trudeau might have placed a 15 – 20 % excise tax on energy. However why risk an invasion?

    We have a month reprieve but by then Trump will surely be planning a golf resort on the Gaza Riviera.

    I enjoy your podcast, BTW.

Leave a Reply to Karen McBride Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

484. War in Europe, Trump’s Destruction of Institutions, and Britain’s National Treasures (Question Time)

Will Europe go to war with Russia in 2026? Should National Service be introduced next year? How will AI continue to develop? Should the G20 be moved? And how else will politics change next ye... Continue

1 January 2026

483. The Future of British Politics, How The World Order Is Changing, and The Power of History

What does this year look like for the future of British politics? How is the global order going to be reshaped? And will the power of historical narratives become even stronger this year? L... Continue

31 December 2025

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: How we must fight the 3Cs in 2026

Crime, corruption and cruelty show how leaders like Trump and Bukele exploit power, and why they must be stopped... Continue

31 December 2025

Article

Posted by

168. A Climate Special: Populism, Security, and Leadership

Can the planet sustain infinite economic growth, or is GDP a flawed metric? Is the UK genuinely decarbonising, or is it simply outsourcing its pollution? How can politicians defeat the populi... Continue

29 December 2025

482. A Trumpian Year, the Politics of Hope and Highlights of 2025

What surprised Rory and Alastair most about 2025? Why does Trump's presidency feel even more chaotic than expected? And who gets their vote for campaigner of the year? Join Rory and Alastair... Continue

25 December 2025

481. Polanski, Macron & al-Sharaa: The Best & Worst Politicians of 2025

Who deserves the title of UK politician of the year - and who gets worst? What was the most consequential moment of Trump's presidency so far? And can Rory convince Alastair that Christmas is... Continue

24 December 2025

167. Faith, Depression, and Finding Calm in the Chaos (Professor Mark Williams)

From Parliament to Prison, how can people find calm in chaotic environments? How does one cope with grief during the festive period? What are some successful ways to combat depression? Rory... Continue

22 December 2025

Will AI Take Our Jobs? (Ep 2)

Is AI a genuine productivity revolution, or just another tech bubble? Are any jobs safe from the advent of AI? And, can the UK harness the innovation, or will it fall behind? Rory Stewart is... Continue

19 December 2025