Potomac Perspective with Brian Gardner

The federal government is headed toward a second shutdown in four months, with no funding deal in sight. In the latest episode of Potomac Perspective, Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro examine what’s behind the latest stalemate.

This material is prepared by the Washington Policy Strategy Group of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“Stifel”). This mater...

The feud between President Trump and Fed Chairman Jerome Powell reaches a fever pitch. In the Season Five premier episode of Potomac Perspective, Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro examine what’s behind the growing war of words and what’s at stake for the markets.

Also discussed:

• Could the President cap credit card rates?
• How can housing be made more affordable?
• Are we ...

2026 is shaping up as a pivotal year for policy, with potential actions on healthcare and housing plus we'll get a new head at the Fed. In the latest episode of Potomac Perspective, Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro preview what to expect.

This material is prepared by the Washington Policy Strategy Group of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“Stifel”). This ...

December is shaping up as a busy month in Washington, as Congress races to enact “must pass” legislation before year end. Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro examine what’s at stake. Also discussed: President Trump closes in on a new Fed Chairman and all eyes on Tennessee, where a special election could signal implications for the 2026 midterms.

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Now that the government has reopened, Congress will begin to address numerous policy matters that were shelved during the recent shutdown. Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro examine how lawmakers are leaning into “affordability” issues. Also discussed: possible traction on deposit insurance reform and a mega antitrust win for META.

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Democrats win big on election night, the Supreme Court tackles the Trump tariffs, and the latest government shutdown becomes the longest in American history. Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro have a recap in this edition of Potomac Perspective.

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The latest government shutdown stretches into a second week, with no clear resolution in sight. In the new episode of Potomac Perspective, Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro have the latest on efforts to break the stalemate.  

Also discussed:

• Banks get the urge to merge, as the Trump administration’s regulatory reforms kick in
• Key state & local races take the sp...

It looks like there’s a deal to control the scroll. In the latest episode of Potomac Perspective, Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro discuss Tik Tok’s likely fate in the United States. 

Also covered:

• New H-1B visa fees leave many in state of confusion
• Crypto “market structure” bill faces new roadblock
• Government shutdown looms
• Former VP Harris recounts ...

The Trump administration is building a case for a national housing emergency. In the latest episode of Potomac Perspective, Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro discuss what that could mean for the real estate market.

Also discussed:

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics under fire again
• Comings and goings at the Fed ahead of a crucial meeting on interest rates
• Tough negotiations around a n...

Deals and ideals take center stage in Washington. In the latest episode of Potomac Perspective, Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro dive into President Trump’s evolving approach to antitrust at home and peacemaking abroad.

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Investors digest a whirlwind out of the White House, as President Trump faces a vacancy at the Federal Reserve and a legal challenge to his trade agenda. Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro discuss the latest developments.

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President Trump turns up the pressure on Fed Chair Powell. Plus, crypto’s big week short circuits on Capitol Hill. Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro have the latest in this episode of Potomac Perspective.

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The Fed’s under more fire from President Trump, the Senate unveils its own “big, beautiful bill” and tensions mount over possible U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict. In the latest episode of Potomac Perspective, Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro wade through a pivotal week in politics and policy.

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Is President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” losing momentum in Congress? In the latest episode of Potomac Perspective, Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro have the latest on taxes, tariffs, and a possible tamp down of regulatory policy.

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President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” takes shape, as Congress prepares to consider proposed tax breaks and spending cuts. In the latest episode of Potomac Perspective, Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro discuss the latest from Capitol Hill, including a possible crack in the Senate’s bipartisan crypto coalition.

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First tariffs, next taxes? In the latest episode of Potomac Perspective, Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro discuss what's shaping up to be the next great debate in Washington.

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President Trump declares “Liberation Day” in America, imposing sweeping tariffs on the nation’s top trading partners. In a special edition of Potomac Perspective, Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner welcomes Summit Global Strategies President and former Congressional and Treasury Department staffer Christopher Smith to the podcast for a discussion on President Trump’s plan to restructure ...

President Trump has fired both Democratic Commissioners of the Federal Trade Commission as he attempts to exert more influence over independent federal agencies. In the latest episode of Potomac Perspective, Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro discuss the motives behind this move, and whether similar action could be taken at the Federal Reserve. 

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President Trump faces Congress in his first major address since returning to the White House. In the latest edition of the Potomac Perspective podcast, Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro review some of the economic and tax proposals highlighted in the President’s speech and handicap the chances these ideas will eventually become law.

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