Washington Week with The Atlantic

News and Public Affairs Series / 23 Seasons

Washington Week with The Atlantic is the longest-running primetime news and public affairs program on television. The show features a group of journalists participating in a roundtable discussion of major news events and can be found at 8pm ET on most local PBS stations.

Watch Latest: S2025 E8

26m 46s

Will Biden's move to hold back weapons from Israel open a permanent rift

6m 8s

President Biden's move to hold back a shipment of weapons to Israel was a significant change in the way he has been handling the war in Gaza. The panel discusses if this is a permanent rupture between the administration and the Israeli government.

Where Trump's veepstakes stands after Noem reveals she killed a dog

4m 34s

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem abruptly ended her book tour following a series of bruising interviews surrounding questions about the killing of her 14-month-old dog and her claim that she met North Korean Dictator Kim Jong Un. The fallout has also opened the race for Republicans hoping to be Trump's running mate.

Biden, Trump look to turn campus unrest to their advantage

8m 40s

It is a confirmable truth that most presidents want to pivot to Asia. And it’s a confirmable truth that the Middle East won’t let them. It’s President Biden's turn now. The panel discusses how he’s navigating the overlapping domestic and global challenges created by the Israel-Hamas war and how it is affecting his campaign to keep the presidency.

Gaza war impacts Israel's normalization with Saudi Arabia

7m 25s

President Biden has been forced to address the fallout from the war in Gaza on two fronts. In the United States, pro-Palestinian protests spread across college campuses this week. And abroad, the war remains central to the conversations surrounding what could be a historic security pact involving Saudi Arabia.

How protests against Israel and war in Gaza could hurt Biden in November

11m 45s

College campuses across the country have erupted in demonstrations against the war in Gaza. The panel discusses how President Bidens's Israel policy could hurt his standing among young voters this November.

Johnson risks speakership to get Ukraine aid bill approved

11m 43s

Speaker Mike Johnson put his job on the line by putting Ukraine aid on the House floor for a vote. It earned him a legislative victory over Marjorie Taylor Freene and the isolationist wing of the Republican Party.

Attacks in Israel and Iran bring more uncertainty to Mideast

4m 31s

Israel and Iran are trading threats and attacks, bringing more uncertainty to the Middle East. The panel explores how President Biden and other world leaders may be influencing Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to show restraint.

Will Democrats rescue Johnson to protect aid for Ukraine?

17m 34s

It seems that Mike Johnson, the unlikeliest speaker in recent memory, might not be falling off the tightrope quite yet. The far-right of his party has, predictably, turned on him, but Donald Trump hasn’t and neither have the Democrats. Johnson found his voice on Ukraine, and instead of subverting his speakership, the Democrats seem to be riding to his rescue.

Democrats seize opportunity to make gains in Arizona

15m 57s

Following Alabama’s ruling on IVF and Florida’s restriction of abortions after 6 weeks of pregnancy, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled in favor of reviving a Civil War-era law that prohibits nearly all abortions. Republicans are running to distance themselves from the surprise decision, while Democrats seized the opportunity to make gains in the battleground state.

Israel’s war in Gaza becomes a major U.S. election issue

11m 2s

Israel’s handling of the war in Gaza has become a major U.S. election issue. Both President Biden and former President Trump have expressed concern with the humanitarian situation and Israel’s international standing after an airstrike killed seven aid workers. The panel discusses the current state of the 2024 presidential election.

Israel draws Biden’s frustration for the situation in Gaza

12m 11s

It’s been six months since Hamas militants invaded Israel, and President Biden has been the country’s staunchest ally on the global stage. But this week, his public support for Israel’s campaign against Hamas is wavering, and his frustration boiled over in a tense call with Netanyahu. The panel discusses this potential turning point for the U.S.-Israel alliance.

The powerful role money plays in politics

16m 24s

At a Radio City Music Hall event that featured former Presidents Clinton and Obama, President Biden raised $25 million for his campaign. Meanwhile, Donald Trump is selling “God Bless the USA Bibles” for $60 a pop, part of an effort to fund his cash-strapped campaign and pay his legal bills, which are becoming biblical in scale.

Why Democrats are starting to publicly criticize Netanyahu

12m 12s

U.S. support for Israel and its controversial prime minister has long been a source of domestic political tension, but never like this past month. Sen. Chuck Schumer, the most senior Jewish official on Capitol Hill. broke with Netanyahu publicly and bitterly last week. Now, House Speaker Mike Johnson is weighing the idea of inviting Netanyahu to address a joint session of Congress.

Will Speaker Johnson survive the threat to oust him?

11m 53s

House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing the first direct threat to his speakership. GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene filed a motion to vacate against him for working with Democrats to fund the government. The panel discusses whether Johnson can survive or if he will need a deal with Democrats to help him keep the job.

Schumer slams Netanyahu while Johnson pushes for Ukraine aid

14m 13s

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer issued a stinging rebuke of Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu this week. Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson insists he’s looking for a way to pass aid to Ukraine, even if it risks angering far-right members. The panel discusses these notable moves that could have far-reaching implications for U.S. allies and America’s standing.

Trump suffers legal setbacks as general election kicks off

9m 26s

With the clock ticking down to the November election, former President Donald Trump is facing four criminal trials. This week, more than one judge turned down his attempts to dismiss his cases outright. But a number of delays in these trials is also playing to Trump’s favor.

Biden’s State of the Union performance and his 2024 campaign

12m 16s

Thursday night’s State of the Union proved that President Joe Biden, despite his advanced age, can still deliver an impassioned speech. But it’s not yet clear that voters — including many who think he’s simply too old to run — will get on board.

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