Trump's Controversial Moves Amidst Shutdown and Global Tensions
A statue installation, a contentious bill, and international conflicts dominate the week's news
Read latest briefing →🏛️ Desk
Politico Wire
US Politics, Government, Elections, Policy developments
Back to Politics & Government 1018 published briefings
Desk archive
Every published briefing in Politico Wire.
Mar 22, 2026
Trump Threatens Iran as US Conflict Strategy Faces Criticism
President's warning comes as Democrats and Republicans struggle to reach a deal on DHS funding
Mar 15, 2026
Hassett says US has ‘got what we need’ on funding for Iran conflict
The US-Iran conflict has sparked debate over funding, war powers, and media coverage, with the Trump administration facing criticism from lawmakers and experts.
Mar 15, 2026
Zelensky: Russia providing Iran with Shahed drones used against US bases
President Trump claims US victory, while Ukraine's Zelensky accuses Russia of providing drones to Iran
Mar 15, 2026
US News Roundup: Politics, Conflict, and Controversy
The United States is witnessing a flurry of significant events, from the world of politics to international conflicts and public health concerns.
Mar 15, 2026
Trump snarls GOP’s midterm message
President's actions on Iran, school vouchers, and White House decor spark controversy
Mar 15, 2026
Trump Administration Offers $10M Reward Amid Rising Tensions with Iran
Jet fuel prices surge as conflict disrupts global oil supplies, impacting summer travel
Mar 8, 2026
Mixed Signals on Politics and Policy
Contrasting views on Trump administration, international relations, and domestic issues
Mar 1, 2026
Austin Shooting May be Linked to US Attack on Iran
A man who killed two people and wounded 14 others at an Austin bar may have been motivated by the US attack on Iran, officials say, as they investigate the possible link.
Mar 1, 2026
Trump Strikes on Iran Spark War Powers Debate
Senator Tim Kaine has denounced the Trump administration's strikes on Iran as an "illegal war," sparking a heated debate over war powers and the role of Congress in authorizing military action.
Mar 1, 2026
US Diplomacy with Iran Falters Amid Calls for Independent Justice
Recent military action and congressional testimony raise concerns about diplomatic effectiveness and impartiality
Mar 1, 2026
US Strikes Iran with Stealth Bombers, Eyes Broader Regional Shifts
Operation targets ballistic missile facilities, Senator Graham hints at new Saudi-Israeli ties
Mar 1, 2026
Trump Agrees to Talk to Iran's New Leadership
President Trump has agreed to speak with Iran's interim leadership after US and Israeli strikes killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the region's future hangs in the balance.
Mar 1, 2026
Kelly Unlikely to Back War Powers Resolution
Senator Mark Kelly says he's unlikely to vote for a War Powers Resolution after strikes on Iran, pending a review of the White House's strategy.
Mar 1, 2026
Iran Names Interim Leader After Khamenei's Death, as US Residents' Net Worth Revealed
Iran establishes new leadership after Supreme Leader's killing, while a new report sheds light on the vast disparity in US residents' net worth across states.
Mar 1, 2026
US-Iran Conflict Escalates with No End in Sight
Military strikes, casualties, and rising tensions between Washington and Tehran
Mar 1, 2026
Will the US and Iran Escalate into All-Out War?
Tensions rise as Trump threatens 'force never seen before' and Israel launches new strikes
Mar 1, 2026
Weekend of Violence and Escalation
Mass shooting in Austin, US-Iran tensions rise, and Trump probes take shape
Mar 1, 2026
Democrats' Identity Crisis: Race, Gender, and War
As the Texas Senate primary heats up, Democrats are grappling with internal conflicts over race and gender, while Trump's comments on racial progress and military action in Iran threaten to alienate supporters.
Mar 1, 2026
US-Iran Tensions Escalate After Trump's Airstrikes
International leaders call for calm, Democrats push for war powers vote
Mar 1, 2026
Trump Launches Iran Strikes After Saudi and Israeli Lobbying
The US has launched a bombing campaign in Iran, which President Trump says could last a week or longer, after weeks of lobbying from Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Mar 1, 2026
Khamenei Killed in US-Israeli Strikes on Iran
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader for 36 years, was killed in joint US-Israeli strikes on Saturday, sparking a mix of praise and condemnation from world leaders and lawmakers.
Jun 21, 2026
Trump Faces Criticism From Both Sides on Iran Deal and More
The Trump administration is facing criticism from both sides of the aisle on its handling of the Iran deal, with some lawmakers and former officials expressing concerns about the concessions made and the advice
Jun 21, 2026
Tensions Rise as Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Amid US-Iran Deal Criticism
Iran's move to close the Strait of Hormuz follows Israeli strikes on Lebanon and criticism of the US-Iran MOU