WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch

The U.S. seizes a tanker full of Venezuelan oil headed for export, but does the move show Donald Trump has the will to do what it takes to topple the Maduro regime? Plus, María Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader, escapes Venezuela in secret to accept the Nobel Peace Prize. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of pe...

At a rally in Pennsylvania, he suggests affordability concerns are a "hoax," insisting that the economy is strong and prices are coming down. But with inflation still running at 3%, and as consumers pay Trump's tariffs, is the White House too quickly dismissing this political vulnerability for the GOP in the 2026 midterms? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for informati...

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth uses a speech at the Reagan Library in California to argue that Donald Trump's foreign policy follows in the Gipper's footsteps. Plus, as the White House releases its new national security strategy, what does this document say about Trump's views on China, Russia, and the Western Hemisphere? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for informatio...

The High Court hears a major case on whether President Trump can fire members of the Federal Trade Commission, despite a 1935 precedent (Humphrey's Executor) that says otherwise. Plus, in a second case this week, Republicans challenge limits on coordinated campaign spending by candidates and political parties. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our...

Federal prosecutors have now charged dozens of people, many from the state's Somali community, for defrauding Minnesota's welfare programs. How did the government let this happen, and does the outrage suggest that Republicans can win a political debate over reforming America's systems for public assistance? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our col...

The economy is sending mixed signals, but is the stock market in a bubble? Paul Gigot and “Inside View” columnist Andy Kessler discuss the valuations of various technology and AI companies, and look at the list of possible replacements for Jerome Powell as chairman of the Federal Reserve. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of...

Republican Matt Van Epps wins a special election for a House seat in Nashville, but he defeats Aftyn Behn, the "AOC of Tennessee" by only nine points, in a district Donald Trump carried by 22. Is this a signal about the coming 2026 midterms? Plus, Britain will pay more for pharmaceuticals to avoid further Trump tariffs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information...

If an internet user pirates music files, can his broadband provider be liable? The Justices consider that in a case pitting Cox Communications against Sony Music Entertainment. Plus, the Court also hears from pro-life pregnancy centers trying to shield their donor details from New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for informatio...

Donald Trump ratchets up the pressure on Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro to resign and effectively closes Venezuelan airspace. Plus, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denies giving an order to fire a second missile to kill survivors of an initial attack on a boat supposedly carrying drugs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of...

America is struggling to build ships, missiles and drones, even as war rages in eastern Europe and tensions rise in Asia. What's the answer? Kate Odell speaks with analyst Seth Jones about his new book “The American Edge,” and how the U.S. can still meet the world's threats, with free enterprise and presidential leadership. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for informat...

A federal judge dismisses the criminal charges, ruling that Donald Trump didn't properly appoint Lindsey Halligan, the prosecutor who indicted them. Is the judge right that she sidestepped Senate confirmation? And as Attorney General Pam Bondi vows to appeal, does the country have a way to break the lawfare cycle? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about...

Ukraine reportedly agrees in principle and suggests a meeting soon between President Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky. But Russia declines to commit to anything, and there are important details yet to be worked out. How are the terms shifting from the 28-point proposal that received a cool reception last week? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our coll...

Marjorie Taylor Greene announces she will leave Congress in January after a public split with Donald Trump on a variety of GOP policy stances. What does her exit say about who will lead the Republican party in the future? Plus, a Republican redistricting plan to redraw the map in Texas backfires, leading the way for the Supreme Court to decide.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.ad...

His proposal to end Russia's war is actually an ultimatum to Ukraine, since it would ratify Vladimir Putin's territorial gains and cap the size of Kyiv's military, while offering only a vague U.S. security guarantee. Trump suggests he might end American support if Ukraine won't agree, but what might be the costs to the U.S. of a bad deal? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.c...

New York's Mayor-elect heads to the Oval Office, after convincing NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch to stay on the job next year, though how much Mamdani will interfere in policing the city remains to be seen. Plus, is this the opening that Rep. Elise Stefanik needs to defeat the state's incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about...

Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger urges UVA's board to hold off hiring a new president until she takes office, but Gov. Glenn Youngkin replies that he's still in charge until January. Plus, Pennsylvania backs away from a regional cap-and-trade system, as Massachusetts considers making its 2030 emissions goals nonbinding. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information abo...

Donald Trump welcomes Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House, touts promised investments in the U.S., and says he will sell F-35 stealth fighters to the Saudis. Is the U.S. driving a hard enough bargain, since the Saudis still haven't joined the Abraham Accords? And what about civilian nuclear energy? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about...

Donald Trump changes his mind on the Epstein files, saying all of them should be released. What does his new stance mean for the votes coming to Congress? Plus, cracks in the MAGA coalition begin to show as Trump intensifies a feud with Marjorie Taylor Greene and defends Tucker Carlson. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of pe...

Donald Trump this week offered support for the H-1B visa program because of a lack of skilled workers in the United States. His position provoked pushback from his base, and even Vice President JD Vance seems to have a different take. Who prevails in this internal dispute over immigration policy, and how key are immigrants to reviving the economy and GOP political fortunes?  Hosted by Simplecast,...

Chuck Schumer becomes the target of his own party’s anger after the end of the government shutdown. Is there a change in leadership on the horizon, and what will it mean for the direction of the Democrats? Plus, new emails about Donald Trump’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein are released, with Democrats claiming they are for the good of transparency, but Republicans say they had their chance dur...

President Ahmed al-Sharaa meets Donald Trump in Washington, the first White House visit for a Syrian president. Can Trump bring the war torn country into America's orbit? Plus, Russia makes gains in Ukraine's east. How will it affect Trump's negotiations to settle the war? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data fo...

Donald Trump is taking on "affordability" in the wake of Democratic wins last week in New Jersey and Virginia. The president is proposing $2,000 payments from tariff revenues and a new 50-year mortgage for homebuyers, while his Department of Justice opens an investigation into meatpacking companies in light of high beef prices. But are any of these proposals good for the economy? And will any calm...

Eight senators break with the Democratic Party to vote for a deal to reopen the federal government, after 40 days of a funding impasse in Washington. What produced the breakthrough deal? And what happens next for Obamacare subsidies? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After sweeping Tuesday's elections, Democrats decide to keep their government shutdown going, as Chuck Schumer again pushes the Senate to renew expiring ObamaCare subsidies. But the pain on the public is rising, as the FAA cuts 10% of flights at hubs. Plus, Donald Trump says the way out is to nuke the filibuster. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about o...

Oral arguments are presented about whether Donald Trump can hold on to his power to impose tariffs without the approval of Congress. The Justices question the nature of the 'emergency,' but will the eventual ruling hurt or help the President’s economic agenda, and how will investors react? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of...