Accessibility links
Franco Ordoñez Franco Ordoñez is an NPR White House correspondent.
franco
Stories By

Franco Ordoñez

franco
Enlarge this image
Wanyu Zhang/NPR
franco
Wanyu Zhang/NPR

Franco Ordoñez

White House Correspondent

Franco Ordoñez is a White House Correspondent for NPR's Washington Desk. Before he came to NPR in 2019, Ordoñez covered the White House for McClatchy. He has also written about diplomatic affairs, foreign policy and immigration, and has been a correspondent in Cuba, Colombia, Mexico and Haiti.

Ordoñez has received several state and national awards for his work, including the Casey Medal, the Gerald Loeb Award and the Robert F. Kennedy Award for Excellence in Journalism. He is a two-time reporting fellow with the International Center for Journalists, and is a graduate of Columbia Journalism School and the University of Georgia.

Story Archive

Wednesday

Tired of the Republican primary, GOP frontrunner Donald Trump shifts focus to Biden

In this file image, then-President Donald Trump and then-former Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden speak during the first presidential debate on Sept. 29, 2020, in Cleveland. Morry Gash/Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
Morry Gash/Getty Images

Elections

Tired of the Republican primary, GOP frontrunner Donald Trump shifts focus to Biden

Former President Donald Trump is escalating his attacks on President Biden in another sign his campaign is looking past the Republican primaries — and focusing more on the general election ahead.

Tired of the Republican primary, GOP frontrunner Donald Trump shifts focus to Biden

Listen · 3:58
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1200351416/1200528654" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Tuesday

Sunday

Biden is meeting with leaders from Israel, Brazil, Ukraine and the 'Stans' this week

The U.N. logo on a door at the United Nations headquarters in New York. President Biden and other world leaders will meet there next week for the annual general assembly. Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

World

Biden is meeting with leaders from Israel, Brazil, Ukraine and the 'Stans' this week

President Biden will hold a series of talks with world leaders this week around U.N. meetings — including a first-ever summit with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Tuesday

McCarthy Calls For Impeachment Inquiry Into Biden

US Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) speaks to reporters outside of his office at the US Capitol Building on September 12, 2023 in Washington, DC. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced Tuesday that he endorsed launching a formal impeachment inquiry into US President Joe Biden. ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images

The NPR Politics Podcast

McCarthy Calls For Impeachment Inquiry Into Biden

The speaker of the House cited "allegations of abuse of power, obstruction, and corruption" in his reasoning to direct House committees to begin the proceedings, which will start at a date to be determined. The White House called it a "political stunt" in a statement, and not all Republican lawmakers are on board with the idea just yet.

McCarthy Calls For Impeachment Inquiry Into Biden

Listen · 14:57
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1197953098/1199075330" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
These tech giants are at the White House today to talk about the risks of AI

The West Wing of the White House on July 5, 2023. Tech executives are meeting with top Biden administration officials on Tuesday to agree to voluntary measures to reduce risks posed by AI. Susan Walsh/AP hide caption

toggle caption
Susan Walsh/AP

Technology

These tech giants are at the White House today to talk about the risks of AI

The White House is working with big tech companies to agree to testing and reporting measures to reduce AI risks. These voluntary measures are a precursor to regulation.

Tuesday

Biden picks Jack Lew as ambassador to Israel at a tense time in the relationship

Jack Lew (left) with former Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta at a White House event on Sept. 7, 2022. Andrew Harnik/AP hide caption

toggle caption
Andrew Harnik/AP

Politics

Biden picks Jack Lew as ambassador to Israel at a tense time in the relationship

Lew is a seasoned veteran at the highest levels of U.S. public service. His nomination underscores the importance that Biden is putting on the relationship with Israel.

Sunday

In a state where elections can be close, Wisconsin Latinos learn their political power

Jennifer Nuno checks her 11-year-old son's back-to-school haircut in the Lincoln Village neighborhood of Milwaukee on August 21. Franco Ordoñez/NPR hide caption

toggle caption
Franco Ordoñez/NPR

Analysis

Politics

In a state where elections can be close, Wisconsin Latinos learn their political power

Wisconsin is not known for the power of the Latino vote, but in a state with such tiny margins even a small shift can have a big impact on national politics.

In a state where elections can be close, Wisconsin Latinos learn their political power

Listen · 5:27
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1196895107/1197097591" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Wednesday

National

Battleground Wisconsin suburbs historically voted Republican, but that's shifting

The suburbs outside Milwaukee have been a reliably Republican voting bloc for decades. Now, those counties are swing districts in a swing state that could decide the presidential election in 2024.

Battleground Wisconsin suburbs historically voted Republican, but that's shifting

Listen · 3:54
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1196875254/1196875255" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Monday

Biden Administration, NYC Spar Over Immigration Policy

Migrants wait outside the Roosevelt Hotel in midtown Manhattan, New York City, on July 31, 2023. Many newly arrived migrants have been waiting outside the Roosevelt Hotel, which has been turned into a migrant reception center, to try to secure temporary housing. KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images

The NPR Politics Podcast

Biden Administration, NYC Spar Over Immigration Policy

In New York City, more than 90,000 migrants or people seeking asylum have sought refuge since spring 2022. The city's Democratic mayor, Eric Adams, has asked for more federal assistance, and in the meantime, has cut back on services for those coming to his city. The Biden administration blames Congressional inaction.

Biden Administration, NYC Spar Over Immigration Policy

Listen · 16:25
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1196381815/1198985970" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Friday

Elections

Republicans see an opportunity in Wisconsin with Latino voters

In 2020, Latino voters shifted slightly more Republican. Ahead of 2024, these voters could be the deciders in an election that might come down to just thousands of votes in states like Wisconsin.

Republicans see an opportunity in Wisconsin with Latino voters

Listen · 5:27
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1196049417/1196064456" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Politics

Former President Donald Trump's legal and political calendars are filling up

Trump dominated recent headlines: avoiding the GOP debate, having a high-profile interview on social media site X — then was booked for charges related to the 2020 election, complete with mug shot.

Former President Donald Trump's legal and political calendars are filling up

Listen · 3:42
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1195858196/1195858197" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Thursday

What Happened At The First 2024 Republican Primary Debate

The stage is pictured ahead of the first Republican Presidential primary debate at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on August 23, 2023. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

The NPR Politics Podcast

What Happened At The First 2024 Republican Primary Debate

All the candidates except former New Jersey governor Chris Christie and former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson said they would support Donald Trump if he secures the nomination — even if he is criminally convicted on any of the charges he is facing.

What Happened At The First 2024 Republican Primary Debate

Listen · 21:27
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1195568495/1198985982" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Wednesday

Politics

The view from the GOP debate venue in Milwaukee

The first GOP debate will take place Wednesday night in Milwaukee, Wis. Eight candidates will be on stage for the two hour debate, hosted by FOX News with the Young America's Foundation and Rumble.

The view from the GOP debate venue in Milwaukee

Listen · 3:56
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1195499028/1195505983" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Politics

Most GOP presidential candidates will be in Milwaukee for the party's primary debate

Wednesday's debate will give many voters the first chance to hear from the candidates, but front-runner Donald Trump won't be there. An interview he did with Tucker Carlson will air at the same time.

Most GOP presidential candidates will be in Milwaukee for the party's primary debate

Listen · 3:42
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1195387831/1195387832" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Tuesday

Trump's Opponents Debate Tomorrow — He Says He Won't Show Up

A candidate's podium is seen on the stage at Hofstra University on September 26, 2016 in Hempstead, New York. Joe Raedle/Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

The NPR Politics Podcast

Trump's Opponents Debate Tomorrow — He Says He Won't Show Up

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson, former vice president Mike Pence, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina will participate in the first Republican primary debate tomorrow in Milwaukee. Trump, in lieu of participating, sat for an interview with broadcaster Tucker Carlson.

Trump's Opponents Debate Tomorrow — He Says He Won't Show Up

Listen · 14:25
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1195277777/1198975724" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Friday

How Biden used Camp David to elevate a summit with Japan and South Korea

South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol, left, President Joe Biden and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, right, meet on Fri, Aug. 18, 2023, at Camp David. Andrew Harnik/Associated Press hide caption

toggle caption
Andrew Harnik/Associated Press

Politics

How Biden used Camp David to elevate a summit with Japan and South Korea

For 80 years, presidents have brought foreign leaders to the rustic mountain retreat known as Camp David. President Biden worked to tap into that history for talks with Japan and South Korea.

How Biden used Camp David to elevate a summit with Japan and South Korea

Listen · 4:02
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1194220556/1194485137" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Tuesday

Law

What to know about the Trump indictment in Georgia

Former President Donald Trump faces his fourth indictment since April, this one in Georgia. We look at the sweeping racketeering case and what comes next.

What to know about the Trump indictment in Georgia

Listen · 6:22
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1193985725/1193990055" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Wednesday

Man accused of threatening Biden shot and killed in FBI raid in Utah

FBI officials unload the equipment as they process the home of Craig Robertson who was shot and killed by the FBI in a raid on his home this morning on August 9 in Provo, Utah. George Frey/Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
George Frey/Getty Images

Politics

Man accused of threatening Biden shot and killed in FBI raid in Utah

A Utah man who was accused of making threats to President Biden was shot and killed in an FBI raid. The man also threatened New York prosecutor Alvin Bragg.

Monday

Law

Trump attorneys near deadline to respond to prosecutors' request for protective order

Special counsel Jack Smith wants a protective order to limit what former President Donald Trump can disclose about the Jan. 6 case against him. Trump's team has until 5 p.m. ET on Monday to respond.

Trump attorneys near deadline to respond to prosecutors' request for protective order

Listen · 3:30
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1192432551/1192432552" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Sunday

Politics

Politics chat: Trump, Biden use indictment and economic recovery to win support

Former President Donald Trump is using his latest indictment as an appeal for more support, while current President Joe Biden seeks to sell the country's economic recovery to voters.

Politics chat: Trump, Biden use indictment and economic recovery to win support

Listen · 4:17
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1192388375/1192388376" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Friday

Raising money and poll numbers, Donald Trump stays 'Teflon Don' amid indictments

Then-President Donald Trump speaks during a rally protesting the certification of Joe Biden as the next president on Jan. 6, 2021. Evan Vucci/AP hide caption

toggle caption
Evan Vucci/AP

Politics

Raising money and poll numbers, Donald Trump stays 'Teflon Don' amid indictments

In 2016, then-candidate Donald Trump claimed he could shoot someone and not lose any voters. Now, he faces criminal charges in three separate indictments, and voters continue to support "Teflon Don."

Raising money and poll numbers, Donald Trump stays 'Teflon Don' amid indictments

Listen · 3:23
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1191279975/1191280031" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Thursday

Trump Enters Not Guilty Plea In 2020 Election Subversion Case

Former U.S. President Donald Trump arrives at the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. District Court House ahead of his arraignment on August 03, 2023 in Washington, DC. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

The NPR Politics Podcast

Trump Enters Not Guilty Plea In 2020 Election Subversion Case

Former President Donald Trump, appearing in federal court in Washington, D.C., said he was not guilty of federal charges alleging he conspired to overturn the 2020 election results. The judge has set Aug. 28 as the first hearing in the case and said that Trump does not need to appear. Trump has agreed not to discuss the case with any witness.

Trump Enters Not Guilty Plea In 2020 Election Subversion Case

Listen · 10:48
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1192002115/1198975795" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

National

Trump entered a plea of 'not guilty' on all counts in arraignment

Former President Donald Trump is arraigned on Thursday on four criminal charges for allegedly conspiring to remain in power after knowingly losing the 2020 presidential election.

Trump entered a plea of 'not guilty' on all counts in arraignment

Listen · 7:16
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1192015263/1192033184" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Politics

Trump to be arraigned on charges connected to attempts to overturn 2020 election

Former President Donald Trump will be arraigned Thursday in federal court in Washington, D.C. on charges that he participated in a conspiracy to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Trump to be arraigned on charges connected to attempts to overturn 2020 election

Listen · 3:26
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1191792945/1191792946" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
Browse archive or search npr.org