National Journal
@nationaljournal.com
The Constitution puts the authority to oversee and conduct elections under the states. Trump’s suggestions range from illegal to logistically unlikely, while the power over elections remains with the states.
@efilter.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730891/tru...
@efilter.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730891/tru...
Trump threatened to intervene in elections. Here’s why he can’t.
The Constitution sets limits on President Trump’s worst impulses.
www.nationaljournal.com
February 6, 2026 at 1:52 AM
The Constitution puts the authority to oversee and conduct elections under the states. Trump’s suggestions range from illegal to logistically unlikely, while the power over elections remains with the states.
@efilter.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730891/tru...
@efilter.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730891/tru...
Floundering negotiations, disagreements between parties on the tenets of a possible deal, and fractures within the GOP on how to approach the politically lethal issue of the ACA ultimately doomed negotiations.
Nancy Vu reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730894/get...
Nancy Vu reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730894/get...
‘Get over it’: Tensions ran high during fallout over failed ACA deal
Ultimately, abortion became the intractable sticking point that sunk a possible compromise and forced premiums to skyrocket.
www.nationaljournal.com
February 6, 2026 at 1:45 AM
Floundering negotiations, disagreements between parties on the tenets of a possible deal, and fractures within the GOP on how to approach the politically lethal issue of the ACA ultimately doomed negotiations.
Nancy Vu reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730894/get...
Nancy Vu reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730894/get...
It’s another instance of the president pushing the envelope in an area where the executive branch (theoretically) has no authority in which to meddle.
@ledyardking.bsky.social with the latest Point of the Order (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730892/tru...
@ledyardking.bsky.social with the latest Point of the Order (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730892/tru...
Trump’s latest litmus test for Republicans gets a tepid reception
The president's push to 'nationalize' elections is landing with a thud on Capitol Hill.
www.nationaljournal.com
February 6, 2026 at 1:16 AM
It’s another instance of the president pushing the envelope in an area where the executive branch (theoretically) has no authority in which to meddle.
@ledyardking.bsky.social with the latest Point of the Order (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730892/tru...
@ledyardking.bsky.social with the latest Point of the Order (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730892/tru...
As the election-year legislative sessions kick off, Democratic and Republican governors are asking their state’s legislative bodies to pass their proposals to lower the cost burden on their states’ residents.
@abby-turner.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730877/iho...
@abby-turner.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730877/iho...
Hotline's State of the States tracker
What the governors are prioritizing during their election-year legislative sessions.
www.nationaljournal.com
February 5, 2026 at 1:01 AM
As the election-year legislative sessions kick off, Democratic and Republican governors are asking their state’s legislative bodies to pass their proposals to lower the cost burden on their states’ residents.
@abby-turner.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730877/iho...
@abby-turner.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730877/iho...
Neither The New Yorker’slisting of the money rolling in to the Trump family, nor the Journal’s disclosure about Trump’s cryptocurrency venture made much of an impact.
George E. Condon Jr with the latest White House File (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730868/if-...
George E. Condon Jr with the latest White House File (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730868/if-...
If the president makes $4 billion in office, why doesn't it make a sound?
'All the brakes are gone, and he’s got his foot on the pedal going a hundred miles an hour on money, money, money.'
www.nationaljournal.com
February 5, 2026 at 12:50 AM
Neither The New Yorker’slisting of the money rolling in to the Trump family, nor the Journal’s disclosure about Trump’s cryptocurrency venture made much of an impact.
George E. Condon Jr with the latest White House File (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730868/if-...
George E. Condon Jr with the latest White House File (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730868/if-...
Even those who know what their ideology is may struggle to place themselves on a liberal-to-conservative scale because our language is changing.
Natalie Jackson with the latest Leading Indicators (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730861/our...
Natalie Jackson with the latest Leading Indicators (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730861/our...
Our understanding of partisanship and ideology is outdated
Twenty percent of Democratic-leaning independents say they are “far left.”
www.nationaljournal.com
February 4, 2026 at 1:07 AM
Even those who know what their ideology is may struggle to place themselves on a liberal-to-conservative scale because our language is changing.
Natalie Jackson with the latest Leading Indicators (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730861/our...
Natalie Jackson with the latest Leading Indicators (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730861/our...
Congress voted to end the short federal shutdown Tuesday—but the real work begins now, with lawmakers chasing down an elusive immigration deal after the killings of two Minneapolis residents by federal agents ignited a national outcry.
By Nancy Vu (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730865/sen...
By Nancy Vu (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730865/sen...
Senators skeptical of any immigration deal before formal conversations start
Lawmakers only have a little over a week to make a deal on an issue that's divided Congress for decades.
www.nationaljournal.com
February 4, 2026 at 1:01 AM
Congress voted to end the short federal shutdown Tuesday—but the real work begins now, with lawmakers chasing down an elusive immigration deal after the killings of two Minneapolis residents by federal agents ignited a national outcry.
By Nancy Vu (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730865/sen...
By Nancy Vu (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730865/sen...
If at least three of these incumbents lose, it will be one of two elections this century—the other being 2010—when four sitting senators or governors lost renomination.
Charlie Cook with the latest Off to the Races:
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730848/sta...
Charlie Cook with the latest Off to the Races:
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730848/sta...
Statewide officeholders find themselves in primary peril this year
Two senators and two governors could lose renomination.
www.nationaljournal.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:00 AM
If at least three of these incumbents lose, it will be one of two elections this century—the other being 2010—when four sitting senators or governors lost renomination.
Charlie Cook with the latest Off to the Races:
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730848/sta...
Charlie Cook with the latest Off to the Races:
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730848/sta...
As the GOP braces to defend a narrow House majority, Republicans at the committee, PAC, and incumbent level held a significant monetary advantage over their Democratic counterparts.
James Downs reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730838/iho...
James Downs reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730838/iho...
Hotline's Q4 House fundraising chart
Republicans entered the election year with a financial edge.
www.nationaljournal.com
February 3, 2026 at 1:30 AM
As the GOP braces to defend a narrow House majority, Republicans at the committee, PAC, and incumbent level held a significant monetary advantage over their Democratic counterparts.
James Downs reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730838/iho...
James Downs reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730838/iho...
Kevin Warsh's confirmation process could have implications for whether the Fed retains its independence.
David Lightman with the latest Following the Money (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730847/can...
David Lightman with the latest Following the Money (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730847/can...
Can Trump’s Fed pick win Senate confirmation?
Kevin Warsh's confirmation process will not only determine whether he becomes arguably the government’s most important financial player, but could also have implications for whether the Fed retains…
www.nationaljournal.com
February 3, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Kevin Warsh's confirmation process could have implications for whether the Fed retains its independence.
David Lightman with the latest Following the Money (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730847/can...
David Lightman with the latest Following the Money (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730847/can...
Democratic Senate candidates finished 2025 off in dominant fundraising fashion, according to quarterly campaign finance reports filed on Saturday.
@nenonicolosio.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730837/iho...
@nenonicolosio.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730837/iho...
Hotline's Q4 Senate fundraising chart
Battleground Democrats dominate fundraising as GOP groups stockpile their cash.
www.nationaljournal.com
February 3, 2026 at 12:50 AM
Democratic Senate candidates finished 2025 off in dominant fundraising fashion, according to quarterly campaign finance reports filed on Saturday.
@nenonicolosio.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730837/iho...
@nenonicolosio.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730837/iho...
Negotiations over any extension of the enhanced Affordable Care Act premium subsidies are seemingly dead.
By Nancy Vu (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730825/oba...
By Nancy Vu (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730825/oba...
Obamacare subsidy negotiations spiraling downward as Senate reaches deadline
Some Democrats were privately caught off-guard by Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno’s proposal, claiming the draft went beyond what senators had discussed.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 30, 2026 at 1:21 AM
Negotiations over any extension of the enhanced Affordable Care Act premium subsidies are seemingly dead.
By Nancy Vu (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730825/oba...
By Nancy Vu (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730825/oba...
As Congress hurtles towards another spending crisis, consider this: Donald Trump already has lost the battle over federal belt-tightening.
@ledyardking.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730823/the...
@ledyardking.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730823/the...
The spending lesson Congress is teaching Trump
The president marched into office vowing to slash spending at multiple agencies, but both Republicans and Democrats have opted to ignore much of his proposed budget.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 30, 2026 at 12:06 AM
As Congress hurtles towards another spending crisis, consider this: Donald Trump already has lost the battle over federal belt-tightening.
@ledyardking.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730823/the...
@ledyardking.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730823/the...
With a partial government shutdown looking inevitable following the deadly shooting by federal agents in Minnesota, the question now is how many of the government’s agencies will go unfunded at the end starting Saturday.
By Nancy Vu (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730810/we-...
By Nancy Vu (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730810/we-...
‘We cannot ignore what happened’: Shutdown chances soar following Minnesota shootings
The threat of another stoppage could prove politically painful to Democrats because shuttering DHS also affects FEMA—just as the nation digs out of a massive winter storm.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 29, 2026 at 12:41 AM
With a partial government shutdown looking inevitable following the deadly shooting by federal agents in Minnesota, the question now is how many of the government’s agencies will go unfunded at the end starting Saturday.
By Nancy Vu (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730810/we-...
By Nancy Vu (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730810/we-...
From the first hours of his first term right up to as recently as this week, President Trump has challenged reality, as represented by video taken by news organizations and amateurs armed with their cell-phones.
George E. Condon Jr. reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730808/who...
George E. Condon Jr. reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730808/who...
Who are you going to believe? The president, or that lying video?
Cataloging Trump's penchant for denying video evidence.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 28, 2026 at 11:00 PM
From the first hours of his first term right up to as recently as this week, President Trump has challenged reality, as represented by video taken by news organizations and amateurs armed with their cell-phones.
George E. Condon Jr. reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730808/who...
George E. Condon Jr. reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730808/who...
The way to bridge the urban-rural divide is to require all young Americans to participate in 6 months of national service, presidential hopeful Rahm Emanuel said.
Jerry Hagstrom with the latest Outside Influences (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730794/ema...
Jerry Hagstrom with the latest Outside Influences (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730794/ema...
Emanuel says education, national service can heal urban-rural divide
Speaking to a trade group, presidential hopeful Rahm Emanuel warned that it may take a generation to bridge the country’s partisan fault lines.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 27, 2026 at 11:21 PM
The way to bridge the urban-rural divide is to require all young Americans to participate in 6 months of national service, presidential hopeful Rahm Emanuel said.
Jerry Hagstrom with the latest Outside Influences (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730794/ema...
Jerry Hagstrom with the latest Outside Influences (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730794/ema...
As much of the 2026 cycle centers on lowering the cost of living, the challenge for three vulnerable governors is navigating treacherous legislative landscapes.
@abby-turner.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730796/not...
@abby-turner.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730796/not...
Not in my statehouse: How legislatures are complicating reelection paths for three at-risk governors
The chief executives of Arizona, Rhode Island, and South Dakota meet potential roadblocks in state legislative chambers.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 27, 2026 at 11:11 PM
As much of the 2026 cycle centers on lowering the cost of living, the challenge for three vulnerable governors is navigating treacherous legislative landscapes.
@abby-turner.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730796/not...
@abby-turner.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730796/not...
Democrats fantasize about winning a majority in the Senate, though a study of the seats up for grabs and the voting patterns in some of these "reach" states suggests that this is something of a fool’s errand.
Charlie Cook with the latest Off to the Races:
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730785/dem...
Charlie Cook with the latest Off to the Races:
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730785/dem...
Democrats' list of priorities for the fall
Winning the House comes first, followed by Senate races in swing states. But the party could be better served by targeting state legislatures than long-shot Senate seats.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 27, 2026 at 12:56 AM
Democrats fantasize about winning a majority in the Senate, though a study of the seats up for grabs and the voting patterns in some of these "reach" states suggests that this is something of a fool’s errand.
Charlie Cook with the latest Off to the Races:
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730785/dem...
Charlie Cook with the latest Off to the Races:
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730785/dem...
On this episode, @kirk-bado.bsky.social @efilter.bsky.social @nenonicolosio.bsky.social @abby-turner.bsky.social and James A. Downs lay out predictions for another pivotal election year.
Listen on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/episode/4Jg8...
Listen on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/episode/4Jg8...
National Journal Radio Bonus Episode: Bold 2026 Predictions
National Journal Radio · Episode
open.spotify.com
January 26, 2026 at 11:45 PM
On this episode, @kirk-bado.bsky.social @efilter.bsky.social @nenonicolosio.bsky.social @abby-turner.bsky.social and James A. Downs lay out predictions for another pivotal election year.
Listen on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/episode/4Jg8...
Listen on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/episode/4Jg8...
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projects it will hit $1.7 trillion this fiscal year. So where is the outrage?
Read from David Lightman's Following the Money (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730780/the...
Read from David Lightman's Following the Money (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730780/the...
The federal deficit is a serious problem, but Congress isn’t saying much about it
The lack of appetite for tackling the issue is a sharp turnaround from the period of the 1980s through early 2010s, when few politicians wanted to be blamed for deficit spending.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 26, 2026 at 11:35 PM
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projects it will hit $1.7 trillion this fiscal year. So where is the outrage?
Read from David Lightman's Following the Money (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730780/the...
Read from David Lightman's Following the Money (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730780/the...
Bourbon production has been on the rocks since President Trump took office and began levying tariffs on scores of countries.
@jamesd0wns reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730781/don...
@jamesd0wns reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730781/don...
Crying over spilled bourbon
How Trump’s tariffs are upending a Kentucky industry and, potentially, the midterms.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 26, 2026 at 11:10 PM
Bourbon production has been on the rocks since President Trump took office and began levying tariffs on scores of countries.
@jamesd0wns reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730781/don...
@jamesd0wns reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730781/don...
SCOOP: Casey Means' noms hearing for Surgeon General is set for 2/25, per NJ's Nancy Vu. Trump's controversial pick to be the nation's top doctor has drawn scrutiny from Dems & former officials over her unconventional resume & views on issues such as raw milk & vaccines.
njour.nl/s/730784?unl...
njour.nl/s/730784?unl...
Surgeon-general nominee set to appear before HELP Committee after initial postponement
Casey Means, Trump’s controversial pick for the job, is scheduled to testify before the key Senate health panel on Feb. 25.
njour.nl
January 26, 2026 at 10:29 PM
SCOOP: Casey Means' noms hearing for Surgeon General is set for 2/25, per NJ's Nancy Vu. Trump's controversial pick to be the nation's top doctor has drawn scrutiny from Dems & former officials over her unconventional resume & views on issues such as raw milk & vaccines.
njour.nl/s/730784?unl...
njour.nl/s/730784?unl...
The new USPS guidance states that there is no guarantee that mail dropped into a mailbox will be postmarked on the same day.
@efilter.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730754/new...
@efilter.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730754/new...
New mail guidelines highlight challenges for GOTV
Get-out-the-vote groups have long told voters to vote early. New USPS guidance might strengthen those calls.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 23, 2026 at 12:00 AM
The new USPS guidance states that there is no guarantee that mail dropped into a mailbox will be postmarked on the same day.
@efilter.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730754/new...
@efilter.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730754/new...
As Democrats try to emphasize an affordability agenda—especially in swing districts—that may determine control of the lower chamber, lawmakers have seemingly settled on a half measure: Impeach Cabinet members.
@ledyardking.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730756/for...
@ledyardking.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730756/for...
Forget impeaching Trump—Democrats are going after his Cabinet
Articles already have been filed against Hegseth, Noem, and RFK Jr. despite concerns that it could muddle Democrats' messaging on affordability.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 22, 2026 at 11:51 PM
As Democrats try to emphasize an affordability agenda—especially in swing districts—that may determine control of the lower chamber, lawmakers have seemingly settled on a half measure: Impeach Cabinet members.
@ledyardking.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730756/for...
@ledyardking.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730756/for...
Trump’s measure of retribution against Cassidy might also cost the president precious leverage to enact his health care agenda.
By Nancy Vu (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730753/how...
By Nancy Vu (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730753/how...
How Trump's intervention in the Louisiana Senate race could complicate his agenda on the Hill
The president's retribution against Sen. Bill Cassidy could hobble enactment of his health care plan and other priorities as GOP lawmakers increasingly push back on the administration's policies.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 22, 2026 at 11:30 PM
Trump’s measure of retribution against Cassidy might also cost the president precious leverage to enact his health care agenda.
By Nancy Vu (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730753/how...
By Nancy Vu (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730753/how...