Contenders to Lead the Democratic Party Scramble to Show Momentum
As two Midwesterners battle for control of the Democratic National Committee, they are making loud yet unverifiable claims about their levels of support.
United States Politics and Government
Senate to Vote on Pete Hegseth’s Confirmation, With Outcome Uncertain
With two G.O.P. senators opposed, Pete Hegseth, President Trump’s pick for defense secretary, can afford to lose only one more. If he is confirmed, it is likely to be by the smallest margin for that post in modern times.
Trump Pauses Disbursements to Program Supplying H.I.V. Treatment Worldwide
Pepfar, which is estimated to have delivered lifesaving treatment as many as 25 million people in 54 countries, faces a funding delay of as long as 180 days.
Independent Watchdog, in Trump’s Cross Hairs, Scrutinizes Terrorism Watch List
The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, which the White House has threatened to purge, called for new limits on the list in a report issued on Friday.
Pence Wages Lonely Crusade Against Kennedy as Abortion Opponents Avoid Fight
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has taken different positions on the issue, has pledged to promote President Trump’s anti-abortion agenda in a bid to get confirmed as health secretary.
Samantha Hegseth Is Bound by a Nondisparagement Clause
Samantha Hegseth is contractually obligated not to speak ill of him, according to the terms of their divorce. A former sister-in-law has said Pete Hegseth was threatening and abusive toward Samantha Hegseth.
Hegseth Could Be Confirmed With Smallest Margin of Any Defense Secretary
For the last 50 years, almost every nominee to lead the Pentagon has been a consensus pick who drew lopsided margins of support in the Senate. Pete Hegseth’s nomination has been a notable exception.
Trump Suggests Shutting Down FEMA, Saying States Should Manage Disasters
“I’d rather see the states take care of their own problems,” the president said. Federal emergency managers from both parties have made the same argument.
Adam Schiff, Trump’s Favorite Foil, Tries to Insulate California From His Wrath
As a congressman who led the first impeachment of President Trump, Mr. Schiff relished his role in the resistance. Now a senator, he must protect his state’s interests at a perilous time.
Putin Dismisses Trump’s Sanctions Threat and Repeats His Stolen Election Claim
Russia’s president flattered his American counterpart as “smart” and “pragmatic,” and repeated Mr. Trump’s baseless claim that the 2020 election was stolen.