Today, Explained

Donald Trump famously came to Washington, DC to “drain the swamp,” but he may have inadvertently created one.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and algae this morning. Photo by Sean Rameswaram/Vox.

Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ten ways Elon Musk could use his money to make the world a better place... and why he probably won’t.

This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

A poster critical of Elon Musk's wealth from the "Everyone Hates Elon" activist group in England. Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images.

Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump's ongoing efforts to become a mobile mogul and to run a bank suggest Trump grift is alive and well.

This episode was produced by Dustin DeSoto, edited by Amina Al-Sadi and Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Trump Mobile offers both a cellular plan and a smartphone that will provide the same coverage as the three nationwide phone service carriers. Photo illustration by Joe Raedle/Getty Images.

Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

North Korea has been led by a string of vicious dictators — all men. But Kim Jong Un seems to be auditioning his daughter for the job.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

A TV screenshot of North Korea leader Kim Jong Un's daughter attending a parade for North Korea's 75th anniversary. Photo by ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP via Getty Images.

Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

They’re the deadliest animal on the planet. Now even Google is getting into the extermination business.

This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Michelle Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.

A tiger mosquito is crushed in the hand of a man after being bitten. Photo by MATTHIEU DELATY/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images.

If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices