What to Know About the State of the Union and Democrats’ Response

February 25, 2026

President Donald Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address in American history last night—1 hour and 48 minutes of economic triumphalism, partisan attacks, and vague threats of war with Iran. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger countered with a message Democr…

Read more

The Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. died peacefully on the morning of February 17, 2026, surrounded by his family, hymns filling the room as one of America’s most consequential voices breathed his last. He was 84.

For many Americans, Jesse Jackson was a fixture — a near-permanent presence on the front lines of history. He was at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma just weeks before his death, commemorating the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, still showing up where justice demanded a witness.  That was Jesse Jackson. He never stopped showing up.

A Baptist minister and two-time presidential candidate, Jackson’s booming oratory and populist message propelled the Civil Rights Movement in the decades after the assassination of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.  He was with King in Memphis the night before he was killed in 1968. He carried that weight — and that fire — for the rest of his life.

He founded what became the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, an organization focused on civil rights, voter registration, and economic empowerment. Over decades of activism, he received dozens of honorary degrees and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000 by President Bill Clinton. 

Barack Obama wrote that he was “deeply saddened to hear about the passing of a true giant,” noting that Jackson “laid the foundation” for his own campaign for the presidency — and that Michelle Obama got her first glimpse of political organizing at the Jacksons’ kitchen table as a teenager. 

In his final months, as he received 24-hour care, Jackson lost his ability to speak — communicating with family and visitors by holding their hands and squeezing.  The man whose voice once shook convention halls and courtrooms and the halls of foreign governments, reduced to a gentle grip. There is something both devastating and deeply human about that.

His family said it best: “We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family.” 

He is survived by his wife Jacqueline, five children, and grandchildren — and by every person who ever heard him say you are somebody and believed it, maybe for the first time.

Rest well, Reverend. The fight continues.

— USDailyLetter.com Staff

Weekend Briefing from Washington

February 13-16, 2026

As Congress flees town for a 10-day recess, the Department of Homeland Security slides into its third shutdown in five months. Behind the parliamentary maneuvering and partisan finger-pointing lies a fundamental question: Can federal law enforcement operate without Congressional oversight? Here’s what’s happening in the capital this weekend.

DHS SHUTDOWN: The Third Time in Five Months

The Department of Homeland Security shut down at 12:01 a.m. Saturday after Senate Democrats blocked two Republican attempts to keep it funded—first a full-year bill, then a two-week stopgap extension.

How we got here:

On January 26, federal immigration agents shot and killed two American citizens—Alex Pretti and Renee Good—during enforcement operations in Minneapolis. Both were bystanders with no immigration violations. The shootings sparked nationwide outrage and put Democratic leadership in a position they haven’t occupied in years: genuine leverage.

Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer and Chris Murphy, refused to fund DHS without restrictions on immigration enforcement. House Democrats, led by Hakeem Jeffries, backed them. The resulting standoff left DHS as the only federal department without full-year funding when Congress passed a spending package on February 3.

That package included a two-week continuing resolution for DHS, funded through February 13, explicitly to allow time for negotiations on immigration enforcement reforms.

Those negotiations collapsed Thursday. Congress left town. The shutdown began.

What Democrats demanded:

In a February 5 letter to Republican leadership, Schumer and Jeffries outlined ten “guardrails” for DHS operations:

1. End “roving patrols” and “indiscriminate arrests”

2. Require judicial warrants (not just administrative warrants) for arrests and property searches

3. Ban DHS officers from entering private property without judicial authorization

4. Prohibit enforcement at “sensitive locations” (schools, churches, hospitals)

5. Mandate body-worn cameras for all enforcement officers

6. Ban agents from wearing masks during operations

7. Require agents to identify themselves and their agency

8. Adopt a standardized, universal use-of-force policy

9. Expand training requirements for all DHS law enforcement

10. Remove DHS Secretary Kristi Noem from her position

Democrats also demanded Trump “fully ramp down the surge in Minnesota” as a show of good faith.

What the White House offered:

Not much. The administration has agreed to deploy body cameras (already underway) and sent Border Czar Tom Homan to replace the Minneapolis Border Patrol commander.

On the core issues—judicial warrants, restricting roving patrols, prohibiting masked enforcement—the White House has refused to budge. A senior administration official called judicial warrant requirements “a particularly challenging aspect” that would fundamentally hamstring enforcement operations.

Trump told reporters Thursday that some Democratic demands would be “very, very hard to approve.”

The standoff:

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) characterized negotiations as “not close” but insisted “a deal space is there.” Senate Democrats countered that they “had plenty of time to get a deal in the last two weeks.”

Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), who chairs the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, blocked the two-week stopgap after the full-year bill failed, saying: “We want to fund the Department of Homeland Security, but only a department that is obeying the law.”

Congress is now on recess until February 23—meaning the shutdown will last at least 10 days.

WHAT THE SHUTDOWN ACTUALLY MEANS

The paradox: This is a shutdown that barely shuts anything down—but could have devastating long-term consequences.

Immigration enforcement (ICE/CBP): Fully operational, fully funded

Thanks to Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” passed last summer, Immigration and Customs Enforcement received $75 billion and Customs and Border Protection got $64 billion in dedicated funding outside the normal appropriations process.

ICE and CBP officers will continue working, continue getting paid, and continue conducting enforcement operations exactly as they have been. The shutdown does not affect immigration operations at all.

As House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) put it bluntly: “The things they want to shut down aren’t going to shut down.”

The agencies that DO get hit:

Transportation Security Administration (TSA):

∙ 60,000+ screeners deemed “essential” and required to work without pay

∙ Won’t miss first paycheck until early March, but unscheduled absences historically spike during shutdowns

∙ TSA Administrator Ha McNeill testified that the 43-day shutdown last fall caused “late fees from missed bill payments, eviction notices, loss of child care” for agents

∙ Twelve weeks later, “some are just recovering from the financial impact”

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):

∙ Has sufficient disaster relief funds for immediate emergencies

∙ But Associate Administrator Gregg Phillips warned response would become “seriously strained in the event of a catastrophic disaster”

∙ Recovery-related work and long-term planning will be “crippled”

∙ Still working through delayed payments to states from the 43-day shutdown last fall

U.S. Coast Guard:

∙ 56,000 active duty, reserve, and civilian personnel working without pay

∙ All missions unrelated to “national security or the protection of life and property” suspended

∙ Training for pilots, air crews, boat crews curtailed

∙ Aircraft and boats degrading as scheduled maintenance deferred

∙ Vice Commandant Adm. Thomas Allan: “These jobs require dedication, focus and attention to detail. Any distraction puts the member mission, crew and unit at risk.”

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA):

∙ Two-thirds of workforce furloughed (unusual—most DHS employees stay on the job)

∙ Diminished capability in cyber response, security assessments, stakeholder engagement

∙ Training exercises and special event planning halted

Secret Service:

∙ Essential operations continue but without pay initially

∙ May tap into funding from last summer’s bill (as they did during the 43-day shutdown)

By the numbers:

∙ 272,000 total DHS employees

∙ 90%+ will continue working during the shutdown

∙ Only ~44,500 will be paid through alternative appropriations

∙ 22,862 non-ICE/CBP workers could be furloughed

THE POLITICS: Who’s Playing What Game

Democrats’ calculation:

This is the strongest leverage Democrats have had against the Trump administration on any issue. They’re using it.

The Minneapolis shootings gave them a politically defensible position: “We’re not obstructing border security, we’re demanding accountability for law enforcement that killed American citizens.”

But there’s a trap: If the shutdown drags on and TSA lines get longer, or if a major disaster hits and FEMA response is hampered, Republicans will blame Democrats for “defunding border security” and “putting Coast Guard families in financial distress.”

Democrats are betting public outrage over the Minneapolis killings outweighs shutdown backlash. It’s not clear they’re right.

Republicans’ calculation:

Republicans have the easier message: “Democrats are shutting down the government to handcuff ICE.”

But some GOP senators—Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Thom Tillis (R-NC)—are amenable to reforms, particularly on body cameras and use-of-force standards. That creates potential for a bipartisan deal.

The problem: Trump and hardliners like Ted Cruz (R-TX) won’t accept restrictions they view as undermining enforcement. As long as ICE and CBP stay funded and operational, they have no incentive to compromise.

The White House calculation:

The administration’s position is clear: We’ll negotiate on cosmetics (body cameras, training), but nothing that restricts operational authority.

DHS Secretary Noem has “wide-ranging power to move money around” under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The administration has $165 billion in DHS funding from that legislation to draw on.

From Trump’s perspective, this shutdown is nearly consequence-free for his priorities while Democrats take political heat for furloughing Coast Guard members and TSA agents.

OTHER CAPITAL DEVELOPMENTS THIS WEEK

Budget deficit balloons $1.4 trillion over decade:

The Congressional Budget Office released projections Wednesday showing Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” and other policy changes are driving cumulative deficits from 2026-2035 to $23.1 trillion—up 6% ($1.4 trillion) from January 2025 projections.

The nonpartisan CBO analysis undercuts Republican claims that tax cuts and spending would be deficit-neutral.

Clinton contempt resolutions advance:

The House Rules Committee met Monday to advance contempt of Congress resolutions against former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for refusing to comply with subpoenas from the House Oversight Committee.

The resolutions are expected to reach the House floor next week, though their practical effect is unclear—Congress has no enforcement mechanism beyond referring contempt to the Justice Department, which under Trump appointees might or might not pursue charges.

TrumpRx drug platform launches:

The White House officially launched TrumpRx on Thursday—the administration’s direct-to-consumer prescription drug platform connecting patients with drugmakers selling products at discounted cash prices outside insurance.

Blockbuster obesity drugs Zepbound and Wegovy are available through the platform. Trump called it “one of the most transformative health care initiatives of all time.”

Critics note the platform primarily benefits people who can afford to pay cash upfront and may undermine insurance-based coverage.

SAVE America Act push:

Trump called on congressional Republicans Thursday to pass the SAVE America Act, which would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections and add voter ID requirements.

It’s already illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections. The bill passed the House last year but stalled in the Senate.

Grand jury declines to indict Democratic lawmakers:

A federal grand jury declined Tuesday to indict six Democratic lawmakers—all veterans or former intelligence officials—who released a video in November urging service members and intelligence officials to disobey illegal orders from the Trump administration.

The Justice Department had investigated whether the video constituted incitement. After the grand jury declined charges, Rep. Jason Crow’s (D-CO) attorney sent a cease-and-desist letter warning of potential legal action for civil rights violations if prosecutors continue pursuing the case.

LOOKING AHEAD: The Next 10 Days

Congress returns February 23. Until then, the capital is quiet—but the pressure is building.

Key questions:

1. Will Republicans crack first?

Some GOP senators want a deal. If TSA wait times spike, Coast Guard families face eviction, or—worst case—a major disaster tests FEMA’s degraded capacity, pressure on Republicans to compromise will mount.

2. Will Democrats overplay their hand?

If the shutdown drags into March and public opinion turns against Democrats for affecting non-immigration agencies, their leverage evaporates.

3. Will something break through?

The White House and Democratic leadership continued trading offers through Thursday night. Talks haven’t collapsed—they’ve stalled. Both sides are consulting their caucuses. A deal could materialize over the recess if either side decides the political cost of continued shutdown exceeds the cost of compromise.

4. What’s the Trump calculation?

Does he see this shutdown as politically beneficial—“Democrats defunding security”—or does he want a deal to move on to other priorities? His public statements suggest he’s in no rush, but backroom dynamics could differ.

The Munich factor:

Many lawmakers, including key appropriators, are in Munich this weekend for the Security Conference. Informal conversations there could lay groundwork for a deal when Congress reconvenes.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

This is the third government shutdown in five months. The 43-day shutdown last fall set records. Now we’re back.

Behind the immediate dispute over immigration enforcement lies a deeper constitutional question: What happens when an administration claims essentially unlimited law enforcement authority and Congress tries to impose restrictions through its spending power?

Democrats argue they’re defending Fourth Amendment protections and basic oversight. Republicans argue Democrats are politicizing law enforcement funding.

The truth is both are wielding the only weapons they have: Democrats their appropriations votes, Republicans their Senate majority and White House control.

What’s novel is how little the shutdown affects the policy dispute at its center. ICE and CBP keep operating regardless. The people who pay the price—TSA screeners, Coast Guard members, FEMA workers, cybersecurity analysts—have nothing to do with the Minneapolis shootings or immigration enforcement.

They’re collateral damage in a fight about whether Congress can still impose meaningful constraints on executive power.

For now, the capital is empty. The shutdown clock is running. And nobody’s quite sure who blinks first.

Congress returns February 23. Until then, the standoff continues.

— US Daily Letter

By US Daily Letter Political Desk

Late Thursday night, February 5, 2026, President Donald Trump posted a video on Truth Social that would spark one of the most significant controversies of his second term. The clip depicted former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama with their faces superimposed onto the bodies of apes—a racist trope with centuries of use to dehumanize Black Americans. The timing made it worse: the first week of Black History Month, targeting America’s first Black president and first lady.

Here’s what happened, how both parties reacted, and what it means.

What Was in the Video

The roughly one-minute video primarily promoted debunked conspiracy theories about the 2020 election and voting machines. But in the final seconds, the Obamas suddenly appeared—their faces placed on primate bodies, mouths wide open, bouncing to “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” from The Lion King.

The video was part of a longer internet meme portraying Trump as a lion (“King of the Jungle”) and various Democrats as other animals. Hillary Clinton appeared as a warthog, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker as an elephant. But only the Obamas were depicted as apes—and Trump’s repost included only that imagery, not the broader “Lion King” context the White House would later cite.

The post went live at 11:44 PM Thursday night. It stayed up for approximately 12 hours before being deleted Friday afternoon.

The White House’s Shifting Story

The White House’s response evolved throughout Friday as pressure mounted:

Friday Morning: Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the controversy as “fake outrage,” claiming it was “an internet meme video depicting President Trump as the King of the Jungle and Democrats as characters from the Lion King.” She told reporters to “stop this fake outrage and talk about something that really matters to the American public.”

Friday Afternoon: After bipartisan condemnation, the post was deleted. A White House official said “a staffer erroneously made the post” and blamed the removal on a staff error rather than acknowledging the content.

Friday Evening: Speaking to reporters on Air Force One en route to Mar-a-Lago, Trump claimed he only watched the beginning of the video, which focused on election fraud claims, and then “gave it to the people” (his staff) to post. “I guess somebody didn’t [watch the whole thing], and they posted,” Trump said. “We took it down as soon as we found out about it.”

When asked if he would apologize, Trump was blunt: “No, I didn’t make a mistake.”

When asked if he condemned the racist imagery, Trump said, “Of course I do.”

Republican Reactions: Rare Public Criticism

What made this controversy unusual was the swift condemnation from Republicans who rarely criticize Trump publicly:

Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), the Senate’s only Black Republican and head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, delivered the sharpest rebuke: “Praying it was fake because it’s the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House.” Scott called for Trump to remove the post.

Trump later told reporters he spoke with Scott on Friday, though he didn’t specify what was said.

Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) called the post “totally unacceptable” and said “the president should take it down and apologize.”

Rep. Michael Lawler (R-NY) said the imagery was inappropriate and should be removed.

Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) expressed concern about the post’s content.

Mark Burns, a South Carolina preacher and longtime Trump spiritual adviser, said he spoke to the president Friday and recommended: “That staffer should be fired immediately, and the President should publicly condemn this action.”

According to Axios, the post “roiled” the White House, with staffers receiving calls from fellow Republicans “begging” them to take it down.

Democratic Reactions: Outrage and Condemnation

Democrats were unified and fierce in their condemnation:

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called Trump “vile, unhinged and malignant” and urged Republicans to “immediately denounce Donald Trump’s disgusting bigotry.” Notably, Jeffries himself has been targeted by Trump’s racist AI-generated content, including a video depicting him wearing a sombrero and fake mustache.

California Governor Gavin Newsom called the video “disgusting” and noted that posting it during Black History Month “says everything about where some in the Republican Party are willing to go.” He urged GOP leaders to “show some basic decency and condemn it.”

NAACP President Derrick Johnson said in a statement: “Donald Trump’s video is blatantly racist, disgusting, and utterly despicable.”

Sen. Chuck Schumer and other Democratic leaders highlighted the historical context, noting that depictions of Black people as apes or monkeys were used to justify slavery, lynching, and Jim Crow laws.

Multiple House Democrats called it “a textbook example of dehumanization” and said it “leans on the oldest, ugliest tropes in American politics.”

The Obamas’ Response

As of publication, neither Barack nor Michelle Obama has publicly commented on the video. Representatives for the Obamas did not immediately respond to media requests for comment.

The silence is notable given the severity of the attack, but also consistent with the Obamas’ general approach of not engaging directly with Trump’s provocations.

Historical Context: Trump vs. Obama

This incident is part of a long pattern:

∙ The “Birther” Movement: Trump was the driving force behind false claims that Obama was born in Kenya and had a forged birth certificate, therefore disqualifying him from the presidency.

∙ Policy Attacks: As president, Trump systematically dismantled Obama’s legacy—exiting the Iran nuclear deal, attempting to repeal Obamacare, and repeatedly blaming Obama for various policy failures.

∙ Previous AI Attacks: In 2025, Trump posted an AI-generated video showing Obama being arrested in the Oval Office and appearing behind bars in an orange jumpsuit.

∙ Pattern of Racist Content: Trump has also shared AI-manipulated videos of other Black political figures, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wearing a cartoon sombrero and mustache with mariachi music playing.

The Broader Pattern

This is not an isolated incident but part of Trump’s established pattern of sharing inflammatory, often racist AI-generated content on social media:

∙ Immigrants described as “poisoning the blood” of America (echoing white supremacist rhetoric)

∙ Claims that Vice President Kamala Harris “became” Black

∙ Somali immigrants described as “garbage”

∙ Repeated attacks on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs

Since returning to the White House, Trump has issued executive orders eliminating DEI programs across the federal government and ramped up deportations and restrictive immigration policies.

Public Opinion and Accountability

According to sources, public polls show Americans are deeply divided on Trump’s rhetoric, but this particular incident drew unusually broad condemnation, including from Trump allies.

The fact that Trump refused to apologize—and even claimed “I didn’t make a mistake”—reflects his longstanding approach: never admit error, never back down, deflect blame to staff when necessary.

Before Trump entered politics in 2015, it was common for elected officials to face consequences for racist or bigoted comments. Trump has fundamentally changed that dynamic, normalizing language and imagery that would have ended political careers a decade ago.

US Daily Letter Analysis: What This Reveals

This incident is significant for several reasons:

1. The Guardrails Are Gone

The fact that this video stayed up for 12 hours—posted by the President of the United States during Black History Month—shows how thoroughly Trump has normalized content that would have been unthinkable from any previous president. Even Trump’s own staff initially defended it before Republican pressure forced them to backtrack.

2. Republican Complicity vs. Rare Pushback

While some Republicans condemned the post, the vast majority stayed silent. The few who spoke up—Scott, Wicker, Lawler—are notable precisely because they’re exceptions. The Republican Party has largely accepted Trump’s racially inflammatory rhetoric as the price of his political dominance.

3. The “Staffer Did It” Defense

Trump’s explanation—that he only saw part of the video and a staffer posted it—strains credibility. Trump is notoriously hands-on with his social media, often posting late at night himself. The idea that he “gave it to the people” to post without watching the full video suggests either incompetence or plausible deniability.

4. Targeting America’s Symbols

The Obamas aren’t just political opponents—they’re historic figures who represented a milestone in American progress. Attacking them with centuries-old racist imagery during Black History Month isn’t just political combat; it’s a deliberate assault on the idea that America has moved beyond its racist past.

5. The Normalization Continues

Perhaps most troubling: within 24 hours, this story will likely fade from headlines. Trump will post something new. The outrage cycle will move on. And the baseline for acceptable behavior from a sitting president will have shifted once again.

What Happens Next

As of now:

∙ The video has been deleted

∙ No staffer has been publicly identified or fired (despite Burns’s recommendation)

∙ Trump has not apologized and says he won’t

∙ The Obamas have not commented

∙ Congressional Republicans remain largely silent

∙ Democrats have condemned the post but have limited recourse

This is unlikely to result in meaningful consequences for Trump. His approval ratings may dip temporarily, but his base has shown remarkable tolerance for controversial statements and actions.

The real question isn’t whether Trump will face accountability—history suggests he won’t. The real question is what precedent this sets. If a sitting president can post overtly racist imagery targeting a former president during Black History Month, claim ignorance, refuse to apologize, and face no real consequences, what exactly are the limits?

We’re still finding out.

Note to Readers: US Daily Letter aims to provide factual reporting and measured analysis. We recognize this is an emotionally charged topic. We’ve presented the facts as they occurred, the reactions from both parties, and our analysis of what it means for American political discourse. We welcome your thoughts and perspectives.

🏛️ The Shutdown Clock: January 30 Deadline Looms

Washington is digging out from last weekend’s blizzard, but Congress is digging through months of unfinished business. Schools reopened today after three days closed, and the capital remains blanketed in snow. Yet, the machinery of government grinds on—inefficient, unglamorous, and relentless.

This week, the story is not in grand speeches but in appropriations markups, procedural votes, and the quiet exits of institutional figures who held the line for decades.

The stakes:

Congress has nine days to pass six remaining appropriations bills or face another government shutdown. The fiscal year began on October 1, 2025, but only six of the twelve required funding bills have passed. The remaining six—Defense, Labor-Health-Education, and Homeland Security—are the most contentious and politically charged.

Today’s action:

The Senate convened at 10 AM to resume debate on H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act. A cloture vote on the motion to proceed is scheduled for 11:30 AM. The House passed a $215 billion package last week covering Energy-Water, Interior-Environment, and Commerce-Justice-Science. The Senate is expected to vote on this package early this week.

The problem:

The remaining bills fund agencies at the heart of political battles—Defense (foreign policy), Labor-Health-Education (abortion, DEI, pandemic preparedness), and Homeland Security (immigration).

Likely outcome:

Congress will likely pass a continuing resolution at the 11th hour, kicking the deadline further down the road. Shutdowns are bad politics in an election year, but Washington has a habit of cutting it close.

💰 Trump Accounts: The $15 Billion Experiment

On Wednesday, President Trump launched “Trump Accounts,” a federal savings program depositing $1,000 into investment accounts for every American child born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028.

Key details:

• Initial deposit: $1,000 per eligible newborn

• Annual contributions: Up to $5,000 from family/friends, $2,500 from employers

• Investment: Low-cost index funds (expense ratio capped at 0.10%)

• Withdrawal: Locked until age 18 (with narrow exceptions)

• Projected growth: Up to $1.9 million by age 28 (with max contributions and high yields)

The cost:

With ~4 million births annually, the program covers 16 million children at a federal cost of $15 billion (including administrative expenses).

Corporate buy-in:

JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Steak ‘n Shake will match the $1,000 contribution for employees’ children. Billionaires like Michael Dell ($6.25B pledge) and Nicki Minaj have also committed funds.

👋 Eleanor Holmes Norton: The End of an Era

On Sunday, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Washington D.C.’s 18-term Delegate and civil rights icon, announced she will not seek reelection.

Her legacy:

• 35 years as D.C.’s non-voting representative

• Secured in-state tuition for D.C. residents at public universities

• Brokered deals to transfer pension liabilities to the federal government

• Championed D.C. statehood and autonomy

🌎 Venezuela: The Question Congress Won’t Answer

Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the administration’s military operation in Venezuela before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last week.

What we know:

• U.S. forces captured President Nicolás Maduro; he now faces narco-terrorism charges in New York.

• Maduro’s vice president is interim leader.

• The U.S. is “running Venezuela in the short term,” per Trump.

Congressional pushback:

Senator Tim Kaine introduced a resolution requiring authorization for continued military action. The Senate voted 52-47 to advance it—a rare rebuke of the administration’s unilateral approach.

📅 What to Watch This Week

• Mon-Tue: Senate votes on H.R. 7148 (shutdown fears ease if advanced)

• Wed: Health insurance CEO hearings (soundbites, not solutions)

• Thu: House markups on veterans, chemical safety, and transportation bills

• Fri: Deadline for public comments on Trump Accounts regulations

• Next Week: January 30 appropriations deadline

From the capital,

Where the frost on the windowpanes is the only thing certain.

— US Daily Letter, Washington Bureau

Presidents don’t break forty-year traditions by accident. They break them by choice.

On Monday, January 19, 2026—Martin Luther King Jr. Day—President Donald Trump became the first president since Ronald Reagan established the federal holiday in 1983 to go silent. For most of the day, there was no proclamation. No wreath-laying. No speech. No acknowledgme…

Read more

Your guide to the week ahead in politics, policy, and markets

January 17-19, 2026

As Washington observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, the nation’s capital finds itself at a critical juncture where policy tensions, economic uncertainty, and political realignment converge. Here’s what you need to know heading into the shortened work week.

Immigration Enforcement Dominates National Conversation

The Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement posture continues generating political turbulence following protests in Washington on Sunday over the killing of Renée Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, in Minneapolis by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. More than a thousand people marched through downtown D.C. to the ICE headquarters.

President Trump has indicated he could invoke a centuries-old law that would give him sweeping powers to deploy the military in U.S. cities as protests grow over violent ICE enforcement actions. The possibility of invoking the Insurrection Act represents a significant escalation in executive power that would reshape federal-local dynamics across multiple jurisdictions.

The political ramifications extend beyond immediate enforcement concerns. Democrats are calculating how immigration messaging will play in the 2026 midterm elections, while Republicans face pressure to demonstrate results on a signature campaign promise even as implementation generates controversy.

Economic Anxiety Persists Despite Technical Indicators

A majority in the recent NPR/PBS News/Marist poll said that the country is already in a recession, even though technically it’s not. Gallup found that two-thirds think that the economy is getting worse and that Trump’s economic approval rating was only at 36%.

The disconnect between official economic metrics and public perception creates political vulnerability for the administration. Trump’s economic approval stands well below his first-term levels, when economic management represented a relative strength. The challenge facing the White House is that presidential messaging alone cannot shift entrenched voter perceptions about affordability and economic trajectory.

As we approach key economic data releases next week, markets will scrutinize retail sales figures for insights into holiday consumer spending and housing data to assess whether residential real estate can maintain momentum. These indicators matter not just economically but politically, as they will influence the scope and sequencing of potential fiscal policy adjustments.

Federal Funding Volatility Creates Uncertainty

The Trump administration sent hundreds of letters Tuesday terminating federal grants supporting mental health and drug addiction services. The cuts could total as much as $2 billion. While funding to programs including those at the American Academy of Pediatrics was initially terminated then restored after a federal judge’s order, the episode illustrates the administrative turbulence affecting organizations dependent on federal support.

The broader pattern of grant terminations and reversals creates operational challenges for nonprofits, state agencies, and local governments that rely on predictable federal funding streams. It also signals potential fiscal priorities as the administration approaches budget negotiations for the remainder of the fiscal year.

DC Political Landscape in Transition

On the local front, Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced she will not seek a fourth term, leading to shifts in the political landscape. The decision ends more than a decade of Bowser’s leadership and opens a competitive field for the 2026 mayoral race.

The political climate in D.C. is heavily influenced by the Trump administration’s rhetoric and policies, particularly concerning crime and federal intervention, highlighting the tension between local autonomy and federal influence. The next mayor will inherit ongoing negotiations over the balance between home rule and congressional oversight — a perennial tension in District governance that has intensified during periods of one-party federal control.

Congressional Positioning for 2026

Republicans’ control of the House is hanging on by just a very thin thread. 2025 electorally was really not good for the GOP, creating strategic challenges for the party heading into the midterm cycle.

The narrow House majority constrains legislative options and elevates individual member leverage on key votes. Leadership faces the delicate task of advancing agenda items while maintaining caucus unity in an environment where every vote counts. Democrats, sensing opportunity, are calibrating their opposition strategy to maximize pickup potential in November.

The Senate map presents different dynamics, with several competitive races likely to determine chamber control. Early positioning is already underway as candidates assess the political environment and potential matchups take shape.

What MLK Weekend Means for Washington

While the three-day weekend provides respite from typical political combat, several MLK-related events carry policy significance. The 21st Annual MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade takes place Monday with the theme “The Struggle is Real. THE FIGHT IS STILL!”, drawing thousands to Southeast Washington.

Beyond commemorative events, the holiday traditionally serves as an organizing moment for civil rights and social justice organizations to mobilize supporters and frame policy priorities for the year ahead. In an environment of heightened tensions around immigration enforcement and federal-local relations, these gatherings take on additional resonance.

The Week Ahead

Tuesday brings the return of federal workers after the long weekend, with several policy developments poised to advance. Committee hearings resume, agency regulatory processes continue, and the machinery of government returns to full operation after the holiday pause.

The condensed work week will test Washington’s ability to make progress on pressing agenda items before attention inevitably shifts to the approaching 2026 campaign season. For those tracking the intersection of policy and politics, the coming days offer crucial indicators of how both parties are positioning for the battles ahead.

As the capital reflects on Dr. King’s legacy this weekend, the contemporary political challenges facing Washington underscore the ongoing relevance of his vision for justice, equality, and democratic participation. The distance between that vision and current reality remains a defining feature of American political life.

US DAILY LETTER

TRUTH & TRADITION

Saturday, January 10, 2026

As we mark the first full week of 2026, the pulse of the nation’s capital is beating with a renewed sense of American assertiveness. From the West Wing to the halls of the Treasury, the administration is moving with a speed that has left its detractors in constant reaction mode.

Here’s the Saturday dispatch from the District.

1. The Venezuela Doctrine: Open for Business

Following the military operation that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro, President Trump hosted nearly two dozen oil and gas executives at the White House on Friday. His message was clear: Venezuela is “open for business.” The administration has vowed that the country’s vast energy resources will now be extracted to secure lower energy prices for Americans while providing “total safety” for U.S. investors.

2. Taking on the “Credit Card Rip-off”

In a major move for domestic affordability, President Trump has called for a one-year cap on credit card interest rates at 10%, set to take effect on January 20—marking exactly one year since the start of his second term. The President stated he will no longer allow Americans to be “ripped off” by rates reaching 20% or 30%. This fulfillment of a key campaign promise aims to provide immediate financial relief to working families.

3. The Northern Frontier: Greenland in Focus

The White House has reaffirmed its determination to secure Greenland for U.S. national security interests. Citing the need to prevent Russian or Chinese influence from taking hold on our doorstep, the President indicated that the U.S. will move forward with a plan for the territory “either the nice way or the more difficult way.” Formal discussions have been postponed briefly, but the strategic intent remains a priority of the new “Trump Corollary” to the Monroe Doctrine.

4. Cleaning Up the Courts and Commissions

The administration’s push to “drain the swamp” continues within the federal bureaucracy. Reports confirm that nearly 100 immigration judges were removed over the past year as part of a broader effort to remake a system the White House argues has been politicized for too long. The Treasury Department has announced new initiatives aimed at combating fraud and protecting the American taxpayer.

CAPITAL NOTES

January 10, 2026

* AMERICA 250: Today marks the 250th anniversary of Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense,” sparking a new push for a memorial to the Founding Father on the National Mall.

* STATE OF THE UNION: Advisers indicate that “Affordability” will be the central theme of the President’s upcoming speech in late February.

* HOUSING INITIATIVE: New efforts are underway to limit private equity firms from buying up single-family homes, prioritizing American families over corporate interests.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Washington prepares for a pivotal Supreme Court ruling on the “Liberation Day” tariffs expected Wednesday. Expect further announcements from the Department of Justice regarding national fraud enforcement as the administration ramps up its domestic security agenda.

Stay vigilant. Stay informed.

US Daily Letter

Zohran Mamdani’s commanding victory in the New York City mayoral race—becoming the first Muslim, first South Asian, and youngest mayor in generations—is not merely an upset; it is an ideological earthquake whose tremors will shake the political foundations of Washington, D.C. His win is a seismic confirmation that an unapologetically progressive, class-struggle platform can still galvanize a powerful, diverse coalition and chart a path for a Democratic Party desperately seeking a new national direction.

The essence of the Mamdani method was not political compromise but radical clarity. His campaign successfully centered on the kitchen-table reality of the affordability crisis, offering concrete, high-impact policies like a rent freeze on stabilized units, free public bus service, and a $30 minimum wage by 2030. This strategy stood in stark contrast to the centrist, top-down approach favored by his opponent, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who was backed by Wall Street billionaires and the Democratic establishment. By building a massive, volunteer-driven, grassroots organizing effort that engaged over 100,000 people, Mamdani proved that ideological clarity and deep organizing are superior to big-money endorsements and media campaigns. The astonishing surge in voter turnout—the highest for a mayoral race since 1969—is proof that boldness, not incrementalism, inspires the politically cynical.

For the national progressive movement, and specifically the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), this victory serves as the most important electoral validation since the rise of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. It provides a credible blueprint for capturing executive power in major American cities—the hubs of capital and culture. The lesson for Washington’s moderate Democrats, who often dismiss these policies as fringe, is inescapable: the voters, particularly young people and working-class families who are struggling with housing and economic insecurity, are demanding substantive change. After a period of national electoral disappointment, Mamdani’s success forces the national party to confront the fact that its political struggles are not due to progressivism being too far left, but rather its establishment leadership being perceived as too disconnected from material economic needs.

The win also establishes a direct, high-stakes ideological battleground with the White House. President Donald Trump’s direct threats to withhold federal funds from New York City if Mamdani won have already politicized the mayoralty into a national symbol of resistance. Mamdani, for his part, directly challenged the President in his victory speech, setting up a clash between a democratic socialist municipality and a hostile federal administration. This confrontation will force Washington to pay attention, making every policy success or failure in New York City a national news story, and potentially giving the progressive movement a powerful, high-profile champion to campaign against the President’s agenda ahead of the next midterms.

Mamdani’s victory is fundamentally a mandate for a working-class political realignment. It is a triumphant message from New York to the Democratic National Committee: the path back to power lies not in chasing elusive moderate voters, but in mobilizing the disaffected base with an economic agenda focused on solidarity and structural reform. Washington can either heed this resounding call for a new kind of politics or risk being swept aside by the unstoppable force that Mamdani has unleashed.

DC DAILY LETTER | October 14, 2025

By RL, Founder & Editor

If you feel like Washington is running on pure political adrenaline this week, you’re not wrong. The temperature has spiked to dangerous levels, as three distinct—but deeply interconnected—clashes hit the capital simultaneously. This isn’t just a political battle; it’s a collision of law, loyalty, and legislative will that will define the rest of the year.

This week, the high-stakes dance between the White House, Congress, and the Supreme Court is less a ballet and more a demolition derby. Here’s what’s dominating the pulse in D.C. right now:

I. The Tax Battle Begins: Reconciliation Roulette

Monday marked the opening shot in the war for the nation’s fiscal future. With the Administration officially rolling out its tax overhaul plan—including that controversial push for a 15% corporate rate—Congress is officially on the clock.

This isn’t about tax policy alone; it’s about legislative power. The proposed corporate cuts are tied up with a politically charged payroll tax overhaul that has drawn immediate fire, not just from the opposition, but from fiscal conservatives wary of its methods. Every lobbyist in the city is mobilizing, and every committee room is turning into a war room. The outcome of this reconciliation fight will determine not just how much money sits in corporate coffers, but the viability of the entire Administration agenda heading into 2026.

II. The Pyrrhic Peril of Jeanine Pirro

The nomination hearings for Jeanine Pirro as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia are hitting their fiercest stride this week. The tension is palpable, not just between senators and the nominee, but within the Justice Department itself.

This story transcends partisan loyalty. It’s about the soul of the justice system in the nation’s capital. Critics aren’t questioning her legal degree; they’re questioning whether a highly partisan media figure can possibly possess the impartiality required to prosecute sensitive cases in this uniquely political city. Every question in the Judiciary Committee, every leak from a former colleague, and every statement from the nominee is being scrutinized to see if she can separate the fervor of the television screen from the sobriety of the prosecutor’s office. The D.C. U.S. Attorney post is too vital to be a political reward, and that is the fundamental principle being tested this week.

III. The Supreme Court Puts the VRA on Trial

Perhaps the highest stakes of all are reserved for the Supreme Court. The justices are hearing oral arguments this week in Louisiana v. Callais, a case that could fundamentally gut Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

This is a civil rights earthquake. The case forces a profound, often uncomfortable, legal discussion on race, representation, and the very foundation of American democracy. Advocates fear a ruling that would dismantle the nation’s most powerful tool against discriminatory voting practices, while opponents argue for a colorblind interpretation of the Constitution. The arguments set for this week will reveal the internal fault lines of the Court and define the next decade of American elections. Washington is holding its breath.

The Pulse of the Week

These three events—the financial future, the integrity of federal justice, and the viability of democratic representation—are all happening right now. There are no slow days in Washington when the fundamental framework of power is being challenged from three different directions at once.

We’ll be following the money, the loyalty, and the legal arguments every step of the way. Stay tuned.