All Politics
- Behind shock of Cohen raid, signs of a meticulous process
In many ways, Monday's seizure by federal law enforcement of piles of documents from Michael Cohen seems an extraordinary event, an inflection point for the legal problems gradually creeping up on current and former Trump campaign and administration officials.
- In Syria, changing tack to match new realities
A US military response could come as early as Monday evening after this weekend's chemical attack on civilians in Syria. That represents something of a turnaround: Last week, President Trump was publicly insisting it was time for US forces in Syria to come home.
- Is Trump draining the swamp – or is the water rising?
So far, the president's efforts to 'drain the swamp' seem more focused on deregulation and shrinking the federal workforce than making sure his team adheres to the norms and rules of ethical behavior for government officials.
- First LookRecord number of women running for US House seats
A total of 309 women have filed candidacy papers to run for the House. With many House seats up for grabs, this election may present one of the best opportunities for women to make real representational gains, experts say.
- If Mueller finds evidence of wrongdoing, can he indict Trump?
A 45-year-old Justice Department policy states that a sitting president cannot be indicted or prosecuted. But some legal experts argue that puts the president above the law – and undermines the whole reason for having a special counsel.
- First LookTrump orders National Guard to the US-Mexico border
Governors of the four US states bordering Mexico largely expressed support for the decision to deploy troops to combat illegal immigration and drug smuggling. In the past decade, presidents have twice before sent troops to the border to bolster security.
- First LookTrump pushes to send military to US-Mexico border
President Trump said he wants to deploy troops along the country's southern border. He has experienced pushback from conservative backers who have accused him of betraying his base for not delivering on the wall.
- The perennial presidential urge to bring FBI 'under control'
The modern FBI is a maddeningly independent entity, as numerous presidents before Donald Trump have discovered.
- Can a Michigan doctor become America's first Muslim governor?
Abdulrahman El-Sayed, Detroit's former top health official, has gone from a longshot campaign to a serious contender for the Democratic nomination in Michigan.
- Political rivals join forces to protect America’s elections
Election officials from 38 states participated in a simulated cyberattack organized by Harvard University this week – and learned how to create such an exercise for their teams back home ahead of the 2018 midterms.
- First LookRising tide of women in politics emphasize gender in campaigns
As record numbers of women are expected to run for office in this year's midterm elections, many prominent candidates are embracing their gender, and the unique perspectives it gives them, in their appeal to voters.
- First LookTrump selects personal physician Ronny Jackson to head Veteran Affairs
The Navy doctor Ronny Jackson has treated the last three presidents and is now taking on a new responsibility: leading the Department of Veteran Affairs. White House insiders say the promotion was born out of the president's strong trust of Dr. Jackson.
- First LookDecision to reinstate citizenship question on 2020 Census ignites debate
The Commerce Department announced that the 2020 national census will ask participants if they are US citizens. The move has drawn criticism from Democrats who worry the question will intimidate immigrants and discourage them from joining the process.
- Federal courts ask: What is the meaning of 'sex'?
Existing prohibitions against discrimination 'because of sex,' already provide a civil rights umbrella wide enough to cover discrimination based on sexual orientation and transgender identity, some judges are beginning to say.
- First LookMcConnell leads Congress in reconsidering hemp's agricultural potential
Despite lacking psychoactive effects, hemp has been listed as a controlled substance next to its relative, marijuana. Now, Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell is advocating removing the plant from the list and allowing farms to produce it commercially.
- New players in D.C. scandals: Women who refuse to be shamed
While Stormy Daniels rejects the #MeToo label for herself, the rise of the female empowerment movement embodied in that hashtag has come to the fore in the presidential arena. Both she and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, both of whom claim affairs with Mr. Trump in 2006, refuse to be silenced.
- First LookTrump administration reprimands Russia, expels 60 Russian diplomats
The United States ordered the closing of Russia's consulate in Seattle and expelled 60 Russian diplomats, citing national security concerns following Russia's alleged poisoning of an ex-spy in Britain.
- First LookBolton set to replace McMaster as Trump's national security adviser
Former US Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton will take over the key advising role from National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster. Mr. Bolton is likely to bring a more hawkish approach to talks with North Korea and debate over the Iran nuclear deal.
- In Trump emoluments case, questions of ethics and constitutional intent
Lawsuits have been filed in federal court in New York, Maryland, and the District of Columbia seeking a declaration that President Trump is violating the US Constitution because his hotels and other companies continue to do business with foreign governments and foreign officials.
- Yes, a trade war could hurt everyone. But we're not there yet.
President Trump announced sizable trade sanctions against China Thursday, and retaliatory moves by Beijing are expected. But it may lead toward negotiation and some resetting of rules, not a full-blown trade war that imposes severe hardship on the world economy.