White House doubles down on Trump's Afghanistan comments

The White House has appeared to double down on President Trump’s comments that Nato troops avoided the front lines during the war in Afghanistan. The remarks have sparked outrage among veterans in several Nato countries.

Also in today’s programme: protests and strikes continue in Minneapolis against federal immigration crackdowns; and, we hear how a new album of Yiddish songs about Jewish experiences during the Second World War still resonates today.

Presenter Julian Worricker is joined by Cecilia Rikap, economist and Head of Research at University College London’s Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, and Nelson Abbey, writer and broadcaster based in London.

(Photo Credit: U.S. President Trump meets with NATO Secretary General Rutte in Washington. 22 October 2025/ Reuters)