Trump pulls back from the brink... but for how long?

Trump pulls back from the brink... but for how long?

From Americast by BBC News

April 8, 2026 · 31 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the division within Trump's MAGA base and the Republican party regarding his recent threats and the implications for the ongoing conflict.

Donald Trump’s MAGA base - and the Republican party - are divided over his threats to wipe out an entire civilisation. In this episode, Justin, Anthony and Sarah unpack how we got from Trump’s annihilistic threats to the start of a two week ceasefire and new claims from the US president, that Iran will stop enriching uranium. With both sides claiming victory, what are Donald Trump’s options now for ending the war, and how big a factor is keeping the support of his MAGA Republican base? With several prominent influencers and MAGA supporters speaking out against Trump, and the war, the Americast team look at who Trump is listening to in the Republican party, and what influences him. We also look at the bigger issues around what happens now with the Strait of Hormuz and reports that Trump has also suggested the US could impose its own tolls on vessels in transit through the channel. HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America 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 Americast@bbc.co.uk • Or use…

People in this episode

Hosts: Sarah Smith, Justin

Topics covered

  • Donald Trump
  • MAGA base
  • Republican party
  • Iran
  • Strait of Hormuz

Keywords

  • ceasefire
  • uranium enrichment
  • war
  • influencers
  • support

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Americast

Books & works: Americast, The Global Story

Places: US, Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, North America

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