WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch

As Donald Trump watches from the public seats, the Justices consider his order to reinterpret the 14th Amendment and deny citizenship to babies whose parents are in the U.S. illegally or temporarily. While he argues that birth tourism and illegal migration make this necessary, Solicitor General John Sauer faces tough questioning. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for in...

The IRS releases new figures on income migration between 2022 and 2023, which show taxpayers continuing to flee high-tax states for more welcoming ones, including Florida, Texas, and Tennessee. But Democratic leaders aren't getting the message, as Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signs a new millionaire's tax. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our coll...

The U.S. continues to make military progress but its strategic goals remain elusive. President Trump contemplates sending ground troops for discrete missions in Iran, and financial markets try to assess the economic impact of the Iran oil shock.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

During the wee hours, the Senate approves a bill to reopen most of the Department of Homeland Security, but the House rejects the idea of partial DHS funding. While this puts a spotlight on Republican disagreements, Democrats are keeping the shutdown going by refusing policy concessions on immigration enforcement. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about...

A jury finds Meta and Google’s YouTube responsible for contributing to a young plaintiff’s internet addiction and causing harm to her mental health. But was the lawsuit more a victory for trial lawyers, and could legislation from Congress assist parents in navigating social media for their children? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection...

The U.S. holds off striking Iran's power infrastructure, as President Trump cites "productive conversations" with the regime, but Tehran denies any talks are taking place. Meantime, Iran fires missiles at Diego Garcia, a base in the Indian Ocean that's about 4,000 kilometers away, which should be a threat warning to Europe. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for informat...

Many states count absentee ballots that are mailed on time, even if they don't arrive until days or weeks later. But the Justices seem prepared to rule that this policy is contrary to federal laws setting a uniform Election Day. How could this affect the November midterms and the GOP debate over the SAVE America Act? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information abo...

Chaos continues to grow at airports across the United States as the partial government shutdown leaves DHS unable to pay workers. At the same time, the Trump administration looks for upwards of $200 billion to supplement military action against Iran. So how will Congress respond?   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of persona...

The Trump administration gets more serious about California's oil and gas vulnerability and how it might impact national security, ordering the resumption of a project in federal waters off California's coast. Will the state's security weakness play a role in Governor Gavin Newsom's quest for the White House and commander-in-chief role? Plus, social media sites like TikTok highlight the problem of...

Paul Gigot and Barton Swaim discuss the Republican debate about the Senate's 60-vote rule, dissent on the MAGA right over the Iran war, and the Texas Senate primary that could cost the GOP a seat.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Trump Administration's counterterrorism director resigns, saying Iran didn't pose an imminent threat to the United States and accusing Israel of dragging America into wars. What does the episode suggest about the politics of the war, and will more exits follow? Plus, the fight over funding the Department of Homeland Security continues as Sen. Markwayne Mullin appears on Capitol Hill for his co...

The U.S. military action against Iran continues and the question is how soon American forces can open up the Strait of Hormuz. On this episode of Potomac Watch, Kate Odell talks with war scholar John Spencer about the next phases of the conflict and how the war is testing Beijing's strategic bet on Iran.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our colle...

Donald Trump calls on allies to assist in patrolling the Strait of Hormuz to keep the vital oil chokepoint open and keep gas prices down. Plus, how will the Federal Reserve react this week to the economic impact of the war and higher energy prices? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Donald Trump presses to pass the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote, meaning many driver's licenses wouldn't be enough. As some Republicans demand a talking filibuster to enact the bill, Sen. John Thune says that isn't so easy in practice, and the GOP lacks the votes for it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information ab...

While the U.S. and Israel joint operation destroys drones and nuclear missiles in Iran, the regime counters the only way it can, by threatening the world energy market. Plus, Donald Trump gives mixed messages about not leaving the region too soon, while still declaring the United States has 'already won.' Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our colle...

Voters are frustrated by home prices, and the Senate will soon take up the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. But the bill is a 300-page melange of federal grants and pilot programs, plus a progressive ban on home purchases by big investors. Plus, 22 states sue over Donald Trump's tariffs under Section 122. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information abo...

The Food and Drug Administration's controversial regulator is set to exit, amid more criticisms that the agency is stifling promising treatments. Meantime, the AI company Anthropic sues the Pentagon, after the Trump administration labels it a "supply chain risk" after a dispute over surveillance and autonomous weapons. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information a...

The U.S. and Israeli war with Iran begins its second week with worry about rising oil prices and volatile financial markets. Plus, signs point to Russia providing intelligence to Iran, and Iran chooses the son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to be its new leader.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is out, after a damaging appearance before the Senate, as Donald Trump names Markwayne Mullin to replace her. Will the DHS personnel change also affect ICE policy? Plus, does the U.S. have enough air-defense interceptors to maintain deterrence while finishing the job in Iran? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about...

 Paul Gigot interviews Hudson Institute Middle East expert Michael Doran, who says the military campaign is going well for the U.S. and Israel. But the aftermath is far from certain as Donald Trump aims for 'regime transformation' rather than a revolution. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Federal law prohibits users of illegal drugs from owning guns, but does this violate the Second Amendment? The Justices debate that question, with a focus on how the Founders handled "drunkards." Plus, James Talarico wins the Democratic Senate nod in Texas, as John Cornyn and Ken Paxton head to a GOP runoff. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our co...

Democrats hope surging voter enthusiasm will turn Texas blue this fall, but candidate quality matters. On the Republican side, Sen. John Cornyn faces a stiff challenge from Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is loud but has liabilities. Democrats also have contrast of personalities in Jasmine Crockett vs. James Talarico. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information a...

A joint operation by the United States and Israel on Iran leads to the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with Donald Trump promising more strikes over the next four to five weeks. Will this lead to regime change in the region, and what will it take for the President to declare a strategic victory? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collec...

Federal workers with TSA airport security and the Coast Guard are receiving partial paychecks, after Democrats again refuse to fund the Department of Homeland Security without major reforms to ICE. Plus tech firms prepare to visit the White House, as Donald Trump tells them to generate their own electricity. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our co...

Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner begin a round of indirect talks with Iranian officials over the country’s nuclear program and ballistic missiles. President Trump says he wants a diplomatic solution, but has he effectively made his case to the American people if he decides to launch a possible strike on Iran? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our co...