Donald Trump became the second oldest president in US history on Sunday, at 80 years old. And to celebrate the milestone he hosted a UFC cage fight on the White House lawn. Justin, Anthony and Marianna join Matt Chorley on 5 Live to discuss how the UFC Freedom 250 event was received in the US. Was it a money trap or a celebration of all things America? Did Trump really fall asleep for part of the event and does that say anything about his ability to do the job? Also, what does Trump’s deal over Iran actually mean - and is it any different from the situation pre-war? The president called the New York Times on Sunday, criticising Netanyahu as a “very difficult guy”. Do the US public think the negotiation process has been worth it? Plus, who is Jon Ossoff, and could he be a presidential underdog for 2028? The team answer your questions about the Democrat ahead of the Georgia primaries.And with the World Cup kick-off and the New York Knicks winning the NBA title for the first time in over a century, the team unpack what’s got sports fans talking.HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use #Americast This episode was made by Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Ricardo McCarthy. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app. You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155 Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

The world’s largest data centre (62sq miles) has been approved in Utah, but there is growing opposition towards the project. At twice the size of Manhattan with promises to create thousands of jobs, we look at the bi partisan opposition against it. In this episode, Justin and Anthony discuss the enormous buildings being built across rural America, to house the huge amounts of data that A.I companies work with. Tech bosses say the centres are essential to the growth of Artificial Intelligence. Also, for many of these companies, now valued at billions of dollars, their stock price is based on data centres which need to be approved and built. But there are growing bi partisan which range from the environmental impact, water pollution, electricity usage, sound pollution, falling property prices and their impact on the landscape of rural America. We hear from the journalist and author Robert Bryce, who is an energy specialist and Substack columnist. He has been geographically tracking the development and opposition to data centres across the United States and has interesting observations on how this compares with the development of wind and solar energy. HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGUEST: • Robert Bryce, Energy journalist, author and Substack columnistGET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use #Americast This episode was made by Tom Gillett, Ellie House, Alix Pickles and Purvee Pattni. The technical producer was Stephen Bailey. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app. You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155 Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

There are new allegations against Graham Platner, the confirmed Democratic senate candidate in Maine. The small north eastern state which borders Canada is at the centre of a fierce debate within the Democratic party. Have they picked the right candidate for a profoundly important election in Maine, which will be integral to Democrats’ chances of winning back control of the US Senate?Graham Platner, the Democrat’s new candidate, is facing multiple allegations and scandals around his conduct and behaviour, particularly around women. He says he’s been unfairly targeted, and that everyone has behaviours in their past which they regret. But will that be enough to convince voters? In this episode, Anthony Zurcher - who is just back from reporting in Maine - joins Justin to give us his take after hearing from voters and Graham Platner himself. Also, we hear from insiders on exactly how Platner was selected and vetted before he became a Democrat candidate. He’ll be facing incumbent Susan Collins, the longest serving female Republican in the senate, who is also a longstanding Trump critic. Plus, with accusations from the US president about election fraud in California - where ballots are still being counted for the governor race to replace Democrat Gavin Newsom - we look at the preliminary results. It looks like British-born Republican Steve Hilton has been chosen to stand against Democrat Xavier Baccera in November. Why is it taking so long to count ballots and come up with a result? And, we discuss whether Trump’s claims about election fraud part of a bigger playbook for November’s midterm elections. HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use #Americast This episode was made by Tom Gillett, Alix Pickles and Ellie House. The technical producer was Jonny Baker. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app. You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155 Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

The US president was being questioned in Wisconsin when he walked out - what happened and why has the clip gone viral? In this episode, Anthony, Marianna and Sumi answer your questions with Matt Chorley on 5 Live. We also look at whether the president has lost control of the Iran War. Last week, some Republicans joined Democrats to pass a measure in Congress seeking to halt Trump from taking further military action amid growing opposition to the war. Meanwhile, with renewed tit-for-tat strikes from both Iran and Israel, Donald Trump is insisting that he’s close to a deal to end the conflict. Plus, why is Vice President JD Vance posting about Henry Nowak on social media, and what impact does It have? And, is one of America‘s most iconic news programmes - 60 Minutes - being killed off by its new editor in chief Bari Weiss? That’s the accusation after its long-time anchor Scott Pelley was fired. We ask what’s going on with all the layoffs at CBS. HOSTS: • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent • Matt Chorley, 5 Live Presenter GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use #AmericastThis episode was made by Alix Pickles and Ellie House. The technical producer was Jonny Hall. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001mssm

We’ve got together with Americast/Newscast and Football Daily for three special episodes on what could be the most political World Cup ever.How much will Donald Trump make it about him? Will the US-Iran war affect the tournament? And why are tickets so expensive?We tell you everything you need to know about what’s going on off the pitch.Adam Fleming joins from Newscast and 5 Live football commentary legend John Murray is on from Football Daily.In this episode we look at what the US-Iran war means for Iran’s team and what strict Visa laws mean for players and fans.Listen to Newscast here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nlListen to Football Daily here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p02nrslnHOSTS: • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent • Adam Fleming, Newscast Host • John Murray, 5 Live CommentatorGET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use #AmericastThis episode was made by Ellie House. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producers were Chris Flynn and Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

We’ve got together with Americast/Newscast and Football Daily for three special episodes on what could be the most political World Cup ever.How much will Donald Trump make it about him? Will the US-Iran war affect the tournament? And why are tickets so expensive?We tell you everything you need to know about what’s going on off the pitch.Adam Fleming joins from Newscast and 5 Live football commentary legend John Murray is on from Football Daily.In this episode we look at what the US-Iran war means for Iran’s team and what strict Visa laws mean for players and fans.Listen to Newscast here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nlListen to Football Daily here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p02nrslnHOSTS: • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent • Adam Fleming, Newscast Host • John Murray, 5 Live CommentatorGET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use #AmericastThis episode was made by Miranda Slade. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producers were Chris Flynn and Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001mssm

We’ve got together with Americast/Newscast and Football Daily for three special episodes on what could be the most political World Cup ever.How much will Donald Trump make it about him? Will the US-Iran war affect the tournament? And why are tickets so expensive?We tell you everything you need to know about what’s going on off the pitch.Adam Fleming joins from Newscast and 5 Live football commentary legend John Murray is on from Football Daily.In this episode we look at why the US, Canada, and Mexico were picked as hosts, and who’s benefiting from the Trump-Infantino bromance.Listen to Newscast here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nlListen to Football Daily here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p02nrslnHOSTS: • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent • Adam Fleming, Newscast Host • John Murray, 5 Live CommentatorGET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use #AmericastThis episode was made by Anna Harris. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producers were Chris Flynn and Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001mssm

Could Democrats flip Iowa from the Republicans? It’s a state Trump has won three times and Republicans have dominated for more than a decade. The last senate race the Democrats won there was Barack Obama’s victory in 2008, before he went on to win the presidential nomination. But now, overnight primary results from Iowa are leaving Democrats feeling optimistic. Justin, Sarah and Anthony break down the key races, including a well-funded, gun-owning Democratic gubernatorial candidate who is appealing to voters across party lines, versus a Republican outsider who won without Trump’s endorsement. Does this signal an end to Trump’s winning streak when it comes to picking Republican candidates? Democrats are also hoping to flip the senate, with a paralympian gold medallist who was backed by Chuck Schumer and the party establishment. We analyse how important Iowa is for the Democrats to win, and for Republicans to keep hold of. HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use #Americast This episode was made by Alix Pickles and Purvee Pattni. The technical producer was Stephen Bailey. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app. You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155 Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001mssm

Why have artists pulled out of a festival celebrating America's 250th birthday in Washington DC ? The Great American State Fair is planned on the National Mall between 25th June and 10th July but artists such as Young MC, the Commodores and country singer Martina McBride expressed concern at the political nature of the event and cancelled their appearances. President Trump has subsequently said that he might give a headline speech instead so what hope now for a celebration of national unity?In this episode, Justin, Sarah and Marianna answer your questions with Matt Chorley on 5 Live. They talk about whether Trump or Netanyahu are calling the shots on Iran, the upcoming UFC fight within the White House grounds and ask whether Europeans are becoming less inclined to visit the United States? HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, BBC North America Editor • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use #AmericastThis episode was made by Purvee Pattni and Ellie House. The technical producer was David Evans. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm

US presidents have always told lies. Richard Nixon famously lied to Congress over his knowledge of the Watergate scandal while Bill Clinton was impeached by the House of Representatives after declaring that he did not have “sexual relations” with Monica Lewinsky. How much does the American public care about politicians lying and could a new law stop it from happening?In today’s Americast, Justin and Sarah speak to a former federal prosecutor who wants to hold politicians accountable if their lies damage democracy. Andrew Weissman played a major role in former FBI director Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, and now believes the US should bring in laws to protect elections from lies.HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Justin Webb, Radio 4 PresenterGET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email [email protected] • Or use #AmericastThis episode was made by George Dabby with Tom Gillett, Grace Reeve and Oscar Pearson. The technical producer was Rohan Madison. The series producer is George Dabby. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd