About The Dirtpile

The Dirtpile is a short podcast about Donald Trump, his administrations, and the exercise of power. Each episode opens one file and goes back to the record: what the documents establish, what's alleged, what's disputed, and what remains unanswered.

Not every accusation holds up. Not every denial settles the question. That's why we go back to the record.

How each episode is made

• Primary sources first. Court opinions, government records, official transcripts and recordings. Every episode page lists its sources.
• Independent fact-check. Starting with File 4, a reviewer who didn't write the script checks each claim against the primary source before narration is recorded: quotes word for word, dates, numbers, votes, names, and the status of any pending case.
• Each side in its own words. Episodes separate what's established from what's alleged, disputed or unanswered, and give the strongest version of each side's position.
• Plain language. Legal and budget terms are explained the first time they come up.
• Cleared sound only. Archival tape comes from official U.S. government recordings, such as White House video and federal court audio.
• Synthesized narration. The narrator's voice is synthesized with ElevenLabs.
• Dated status. Anything still pending is dated, and rechecked before release.

Season One: Fifty Days

In the lead-up to the new Congress, the show examines dozens of scandals, one file at a time, about five minutes an episode. The season ends by bringing it together: the findings, the unanswered questions, and the accountability still owed.