Oversight

The Senate's No-Drama Russia Investigation

Senators Richard Burr and Mark Warner promised a long, slow, even dull inquiry into election interference—an implicit rebuke to the House’s ever-more-chaotic process.

Oversight

Why the CBO Scares Donald Trump

The president and his aides may prefer “alternative facts” to the real thing, but they also have little use for anyone else’s conclusions.

Management

Analysis: Why Trump's Dismissal of Preet Bharara Matters

The move revives questions about the independence of federal prosecutors from political interference.

Oversight

Even Trump's Staunchest Defenders Won't Back His Wiretap Claim

Vice President Mike Pence declined to say whether he thought the president’s allegation is true, while the White House press secretary has insisted he won’t discuss the matter at all.

Management

Alexander Acosta is Trump's New Pick for Secretary of Labor

The Bush administration veteran, who served on the National Labor Relations Board and the Justice Department, is a conservative choice who would give the Trump cabinet its first Hispanic member.

Defense

Did Trump Aides Speak With Russian Intelligence Before the Election?

According to The New York Times, the FBI found that several associates of the president had been in contact with Kremlin intelligence officials, despite months of official denials.

Oversight

Trump's Performative Presidency

The decision to handle the minor crisis of a North Korean missile launch in full view of Mar-a-Lago members makes little sense—except as an opportunity to act out leadership in public.

Management

Trump Reportedly Considering Prominent Neoconservative for No. 2 State Dept. Job

Appointment would be somewhat surprising for both Abrams and the president.

Oversight

The Obama-Trump Truce Is Already Over

Previous presidents—including Barack Obama and George W. Bush—tried to avoid publicly criticizing each other. That tradition is coming to an end.

Defense

Are Trump's Generals Mounting a Defense of Democratic Institutions?

Progressives were worried about the heavy concentration of retired brass in the new administration, but James Mattis and John Kelly could prove to be the most effective checks on the president.

Oversight

How Many of His 'Day One' Promises Did Trump Fulfill?

The president laid out 18 promises in a “Contract With the American Voter,” but he only managed to check off a handful by Monday.

Management

Why Trump Is Keeping Some Obama Appointees Around

Without any of his key appointees confirmed by the Senate, the incoming president has turned to existing officials to help smooth the transition.

Management

Barack Obama's Enduring Faith in America

In his farewell address, the president warned of threats to the nation’s tradition of democracy—none more than from inside—and rebuked Donald Trump, but sought to rally the country around shared ideals.

Management

Kushner Appointment Would Spark Showdown Over Federal Nepotism Laws

The president-elect reportedly will name his son-in-law as a senior White House adviser.

Management

When America Last Had Two Presidents at One Time

In 1968, Richard Nixon torpedoed LBJ’s peace negotiations in Vietnam, newly revealed documents show—presaging today’s tension between President Obama and President-elect Trump.

Oversight

Donald Trump Learns to Love the Swamp

Although he spent the final weeks of the campaign complaining about cronyism in Washington, the president-elect keeps getting tripped up in influence-peddling controversies.

Management

All the President-Elect's Generals

Why has Trump shown such eagerness to select former military brass for his Cabinet? The reasons may be both pragmatic and political.

Oversight

Everyone Is Angry at James Comey Now

The FBI director finds himself targeted not only by the Clinton campaign but also by former Republican officials for his handling of the Hillary Clinton email case.

Oversight

Could the World Series Help Clinton (or Trump) Win Ohio?

Probably not—but in a close race, a Cleveland Indians defeat could help Donald Trump, while a Tribe triumph might buoy Hillary Clinton.

Oversight

Almost 6,000 Americans Have Already Voted for President

The election is 46 days away, but thanks to early voting, some citizens have already made their choice—and millions more have requested absentee ballots.