WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch

The Virginia Supreme Court strikes down a Democratic map that voters approved last month. Meantime, Tennessee moves to oust its only congressional Democrat by splitting his Memphis seat, a majority-black district held by Rep. Steve Cohen, who is white. Which side is now winning the gerrymander wars? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Clarence Thomas becomes the second-longest-service Justice on the Supreme Court, and his impact on American law is growing. Paul Gigot speaks with law professor and former Thomas clerk John Yoo about the Justice's influence on the Court and the recent testy exchanges between Justices that have played out in public. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Potomac Watch, Paul Gigot sits down with former Senator Ben Sasse about his diagnosis with Stage IV pancreatic cancer and his experience with experimental drug trials to battle it. They also discuss the challenges of reforming higher education, why there is so much dysfunction in the Senate, and what are the keys to a strong American comeback during its 250th anniversary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Federal regulations permit the drug to be dispensed by mail without a doctor's visit, but after an appeals court rules against that policy, Justice Samuel Alito halts any change until the Supreme Court can consider it. Plus, does mifepristone by mail present concerns that women might be privately coerced into taking it?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Trump moves to escort ships trapped in the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran answers by firing on tankers and hits the U.A.E. What are the President's options as a showdown in the Strait of Hormuz looms? Plus, Spirit Airlines shuts down, leaving thousands out of a job and questions about what could have prevented the end of the low-cost airline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Justices say the Voting Rights Act requires an inference of "intentional discrimination" before states can be ordered to draw minority-majority districts. Does this "gut" the VRA, as Democrats claim? How many House seats might be affected? And why has Justice Clarence Thomas argued the result might be less racial polarization? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Outgoing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announces he will remain on the board as a governor as Kevin Warsh prepares to take over. What could be his reasons for staying and what does it mean for the Fed? Plus, the U.S. economy keeps growing modestly, but inflation is getting higher according to the new economic data from the first quarter of 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Justice Department releases a new indictment of the former FBI Director, claiming his Instagram post of seashells spelling out “86 47” was a threat to kill President Trump. Plus, Gov. Ron DeSantis's new House map could counter Virginia's Democratic gerrymandering, but is it a risk for the GOP if trends change? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Police caught Okello Chatrie using location data from Google, and now he wants the Justices to say this violated the Fourth Amendment, which protects against "unreasonable searches and seizures." Plus, the Court hears arguments on whether cancer lawsuits against the weed killer Roundup are preempted by federal law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After an assassin targets members of the Trump administration at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, questions about security protocols arise as the President vows for the event to be held again. Plus, Britain's King Charles visits the U.S. in a much anticipated state visit to Washington, bringing hopes of repairing a frayed relationship amid the pageantry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration shifts medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, opening up federal tax deductions that will be a boon to America's pot industry. Plus, President Trump suggests the federal government might step in to bail out or even buy Spirit Airlines, a precedent that progressives will love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump says the regime in Tehran is fractured, so the U.S. will hold off further strikes until its leaders "can come up with a unified proposal." What kind of a nuclear deal would be a U.S. victory that's worth accepting? Plus, as the White House ousts Navy Secretary John Phelan, who would be a worthy replacement? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump won 46% of the vote in Virginia in 2024, yet Republicans might soon control only 9% of the House seats. How can Democrats seriously argue this is a win for "fairness"? What else did the GOP expect, after it started this gerrymandering race to the bottom in Texas? And what can fed-up voters do about it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gov. Kathy Hochul wants to help New York City balance its budget with a new tax on second homes over $5 million, but what if wealthy owners simply leave? Plus, Mayor Zohran Mamdani offers new details about his proposed government-run grocery stores, including a $30 million plan to build one in East Harlem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peace talks between the United States and Iran are scheduled to resume this week, but will the Iranians show up and what will they have to offer? Plus, Iran says it'll keep the Strait of Hormuz closed until the U.S. lifts its blockade of Iranian ports as both sides try to work out an agreement over Iran's nuclear program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eric Swalwell quits the campaign and Congress after several women allege sexual misconduct going back years. While other Democrats deny that they knew about this behavior, why didn't they take the rumors more seriously? Plus, is there a chance that California's jungle primary could nominate two Republicans? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Speaking at WSJ Opinion Live in Washington, D.C., WSJ Editor at Large Gerard Baker and Texas Senator Ted Cruz discuss the war in Iran, the 2028 Republican primaries, and whether Mr. Cruz would accept a Supreme Court nomination. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Speaking at WSJ Opinion Live in Washington, D.C., WSJ Editorial Page Editor Paul Gigot and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discuss economic uncertainties amid the war with Iran, the AI competition between the U.S. and China and President Trump's postponed summit with Xi Jinping in May. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The success of Artemis II, including Friday's splashdown, brought new excitement to space exploration. Is this a good use of taxpayer money? Can the U.S. beat China's 2030 target for the next lunar landing? And how have private companies, including SpaceX and Blue Origin, changed the calculus? James B. Meigs joins to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After talks break down between the U.S. and Iran, Donald Trump imposes a naval blockade against oil and other products going to or from Iranian ports through the Strait of Hormuz. Will this economic pressure force Iran's leaders to make concessions? Plus, voters in Hungary depose Viktor Orban despite JD Vance's visit to support his campaign.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Vice President flies to Europe to speak at a rally with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who is trying to extend his 16 years in power amid elections this weekend. Why is JD Vance so invested in Orbán's re-election, and does the MAGA right have the wrong idea about the American interest in Hungary's politics?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Trump has signaled a potential U.S. withdrawal from NATO, citing a lack of support from allies during the Iran war. While NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described Wednesday's White House meeting as 'frank and open,' the alliance remains under pressure as Trump maintains that NATO 'failed' its testing ground in the Middle East.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S. halts its strikes on Iran, saying its military objectives have been achieved, shortly after President Trump threatened that "a whole civilization will die" if the regime refused to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Yet the terms of any deal, including on the strait and Iran's nuclear program, so far remain an open question.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The White House releases President Trump's 2027 budget request, which calls for reducing domestic spending while adding money for the Pentagon, including to fund a "Golden Dome" missile defense. Will Congress heed or ignore these ideas? And what does the plan say about America's growing entitlement programs?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Trump took a risk in ordering a high-risk rescue of a U.S. airman from Iranian territory. Now attention is focused on his threat to bomb Iran's electric power plants and bridges if the regime doesn't agree to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Trump removes AG Pam Bondi, shortly after ousting Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Could this be the beginning of a larger cabinet shakeup, and who might lead the Justice Department next? Plus, NASA sends astronauts toward the moon for the first time since the end of the Apollo program.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How effective was the President's primetime address on the U.S. military operation in Iran? Plus, Republicans agree to fund the Department of Homeland Security with the exception of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, bringing an end to the long lines and chaos at TSA checkpoints in U.S. airports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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?   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 adversaries spreading AI-generated video propaganda during wartime operations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 confirmation hearing to run the agency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 wil the Federal Reserve react this week to the economic impact of the war and higher energy prices? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices