Two Blocks from the White House

Two Blocks from the White House

https://www.cbc.ca/podcasting/includes/twoblocks.xml
400 Followers 31 Episodes Claim Ownership
American politics, Canadian context. Every Wednesday, CBC Washington correspondents Paul Hunter, Katie Simpson and Willy Lowry sit down to talk through the big stories in the U.S. — and to answer the question: what does this mean for Canada? It's unscripted, smart analysis from reporters with a foot in both countries, and a press pass to the White House.

Episode List

Why can’t Trump leave Canada alone?

Jul 29th, 2026 8:10 AM

Listening to U.S. President Donald Trump, Canada can’t do anything right these days. From the costs for the Gordie Howe bridge to wildfire smoke to a new round of tariffs, the relationship between the two countries is under renewed scrutiny from the president and U.S. lawmakers. Washington correspondents Willy Lowry, Katie Simpson and guest host Mike Crawley dig into what might be fuelling this ramped-up focus on Canada, and what it might take to turn the page.

Why is Trump threatening Canada with new 50% tariffs?

Jul 22nd, 2026 8:10 AM

The U.S. trade war with Canada escalated on Monday when President Donald Trump announced that his administration would be imposing new 50 per cent tariffs on a wide range of Canadian exports in 30 days' time. Washington correspondents Willy Lowry, Katie Simpson and guest host Mike Crawley explain everything we know about these new tariffs and ask what they mean for the strained U.S.-Canada relationship.

What’s going on with the U.S. Senate right now?

Jul 15th, 2026 8:10 AM

Three major news stories about the U.S. Senate are sparking questions about the upcoming fall midterms. Washington correspondents Paul Hunter, Katie Simpson and Willy Lowry discuss the death of Republican Lindsey Graham, the ongoing absence of Republican Mitch McConnell and the campaign collapse of Democratic senate candidate Graham Platner.

How Trump made $2.2B US in his 1st year back in office

Jul 8th, 2026 8:10 AM

U.S. President Donald Trump earned at least $2.2 billion US in his first year back in the White House in 2025. American historians say no previous sitting president has ever earned quite as much, so what ethical questions does this level of presidential profit raise? This week, Washington correspondents Paul Hunter, Willy Lowry and guest host Katie Nicholson explore how Trump made money in crypto, how it compares to past presidents’ earnings and how much it matters in the end to voters.

The CUSMA review deadline is here. What now?

Jul 1st, 2026 8:10 AM

Canada Day marks an important deadline for the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement. The trilateral trade deal is up for a mandatory review this year. While Canada and Mexico would like to extend it for 16 more years, it’s not clear what the Trump administration will do. With so much at stake economically, there’s no shortage of anxiety. Washington correspondents Willy Lowry, Paul Hunter and guest host Peter Armstrong ask: What happens after the July 1 deadline? Note: this episode was taped on June 30.

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