The Explanation

Davos 2026 discussions underscore strains in US-Europe relations, as trade and security differences resurface and Donald Trump’s influence shapes debate over the future of transatlantic cooperation.

On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann examine whether President Trump is driving a breakup with Europe.

Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us a [email protected]

Senior producer: Oksana Kundirenko
Editor: Gareth Bebb
Executive producer: Anna Holford

Caroline Hawley, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks back at the first year of Donald Trump’s second term, analyses the repercussions of the uprising against the clerical establishment in Iran, and explores whether a new blood test could transform the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

A public statement by Brooklyn Beckham has prompted extensive media coverage and online debate about how celebrity families manage press narratives. Katie Razzall is joined by Simon Boyle, former executive showbiz editor at The Sun, and Alexandra Shulman, former editor of British Vogue.
Donald Trump’s demands about Greenland have triggered an international crisis, with journalists tracking his statements made through official channels and on social media. Elisabet Svane, political analyst at Politiken, and Michael Birnbaum, White House reporter for The Washington Post, discuss their approach to the story.
As the UK considers restrictions on children using social media, Australia’s recent ban on accounts for children under 16 has become a reference point in media coverage. The Australian experience is explained by Bronte Gossling, reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald.
Presenter: Katie Razzall
Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Content producer: Lucy Wai
Researcher: Phil Hawkins
Technical Coordinator: Mark Dickins
Sound: Robin Schroder

Trump orders fresh sanctions targeting senior Iranian officials accused of directing the violent suppression of protests, while European allies deploy troops to Greenland amid rising tensions over renewed US territorial claims.

Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann look at Trump’s fresh sanctions on Iran and European troops deploying to Greenland.

Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics - in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at [email protected]

Senior producer: Oksana Kundirenko
Editor: Gareth Bebb
Executive producer: Anna Holford

Ongoing protests in Iran have prompted scrutiny of how international media organisations report events in a highly restricted environment, with criticism focused on prominence and framing of coverage. Behrang Tajdin of BBC Persian and Lyse Doucet, the BBC’s chief international correspondent, set out the editorial constraints and considerations involved.
The film Hamnet has opened in UK cinemas following major awards recognition, drawing attention to how producers identify and secure projects at an early stage. Liza Marshall of Hera Pictures describes how she acquired the rights to a story that’s now the toast of Hollywood.
Presenter: Katie Razzall
Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Content producer: Lucy Wai