What is it really like to cover Donald Trump up close, and what are political reporters seeing as the 2026 midterms approach?

In this episode of Liberty + Leadership, Roger Ream sits down with Audrey Fahlberg, Washington correspondent for The Free Press and a 2024 TFAS Robert Novak Journalism Fellow. Audrey shares stories from the campaign trail, Capitol Hill and Air Force One, including the moment President Trump yelled at her after she asked him a question about China and tariffs.

Roger and Audrey also examine the forces reshaping American politics ahead of the midterms. They discuss the growing influence of Democratic Socialists, divisions inside the Democratic Party, questions surrounding corruption and self-dealing, immigration enforcement, tensions within the MAHA movement and whether Republicans can maintain control of Congress.

Audrey also reflects on breaking major political stories, what it takes to develop sources in Washington and how journalism is changing as reporters increasingly compete for audiences through video, social media and personality-driven news. She explains why persistence, sometimes to the point of being “a little annoying,” remains one of the most important skills a young reporter can develop.

The Liberty + Leadership Podcast is hosted by TFAS president Roger Ream and produced by Podville Media. If you have a comment or question for the show, please email us at podcast@TFAS.org. To support TFAS and its mission, please visit TFAS.org/support.

Support the show