Series
The world in a time of Trump … explained
We examine the impacts of the US President’s second administration.
- Explainer
- Trump's White House
‘We will hunt you down’: Is Pete Hegseth for real?
It’s been a busy year for Donald Trump’s unconventional pick for secretary of war. Now, with the war in Iran, he’s firmly in the spotlight. Where did he come from? How is he performing so far?
- Angus Holland and Madeleine Heffernan
- Explainer
- Canada
‘Elbows up!’ How Canada stopped playing nice with Trump
Donald Trump has suggested making Canada the 51st US state. Could he? And how are (usually polite) Canadians fighting back?
- Angus Holland
- Explainer
- Donald Trump
How Gavin Newsom got under Trump’s skin – with jokes
Hollywood looks, a sense of humour and pushback against the president have put the California governor in the spotlight. Could he end up in the top job? One test is coming up next month.
- Angus Holland
- Explainer
‘Very hard to watch’: Why Trump sent the National Guard into LA
Donald Trump has ordered more forces into LA even as California’s governor calls the moves illegal and immoral. Are they?
- Angus Holland and Jackson Graham
- Explainer
‘The Kennedy dream’: Inside the world of Robert F. Kennedy Jr
Vaccine critic RFK Jr has gone from ‘troubled life’ to candidate for a top job in Trump’s administration. Here’s how.
- Angus Holland and Jackson Graham
- Explainer
‘Home alone’: How Trump is changing security in Europe
Trump’s return as US president has left Europe’s main military pact looking less assured. Here’s how defence is being reshaped on the continent.
- Jackson Graham and Angus Holland
- Explainer
‘They’re very powerful’: Why Trump loves tariffs
The US president is famously a fan of tariffs. Here’s how they work – and what his latest ones could mean for the world.
- Jackson Graham and Angus Holland
- Explainer
‘A desperate situation’: What does Trump want with Ukraine?
A minerals deal. No security guarantee. A tongue-lashing in the White House. What does Trump’s return mean for peace?
- Jackson Graham and Angus Holland
- Explainer
‘They cheat like hell’: The fallout from the attack on the Capitol
Hare-brained schemes and legal loopholes helped cause havoc after the last presidential election. But there are many ways to contest a result. How?
- Angus Holland
- Explainer
‘Your head will spin’: What Trump will do on ‘Day One’
Most US presidents are judged on their first 100 days. Donald Trump plans to get plenty done on “Day One”. But how much can he actually pull off?
- Angus Holland
- Explainer
Trump joked he would be dictator for a day. But could it happen?
They can pardon a turkey and order a nuclear strike – but can a sitting US president sweep away all checks and balances on power?
- Jackson Graham and Angus Holland
- Explainer
A ‘prickly Switzerland’: Inside the intriguing world of Qatar
When Trump visited Qatar in 2025, the talk was about a fancy jet from the Qataris. But he also dropped into Al Udeid Air Base. Here’s why.
- Angus Holland and Jackson Graham
Other series
Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2026
This year’s laugh fest has kicked off, with more than 2000 performers stepping up to the mic. Here, our writers take a closer look
- 10 stories
Hate of origin: Inside football’s most intense rivalry
Essendon and Hawthorn have hated each other for more than 40 years, from some old-fashioned thuggery and a fake drug scandal in the mid-80s to last year’s failed bid by the Hawks to poach the Bombers’ captain.
- 5 stories