NPR Topics: Politics

Minnesota is pulling troops early from D.C., as pressure grows on Michigan

Kat Lonsdorf — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is pulling his National Guard early from Washington, D.C. as the chorus against Democratic governors sending troops to the city amid President Trump's ongoing deployment grows louder.

(Image credit: Joe Raedle)

Graham Platner makes it official in Maine, submitting paperwork to leave Senate race

Saige Miller — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 17:22:01 -0400

In his withdrawal notice, Platner said "people are desperate for change" and that's why they made him the Democratic nominee. Now, Maine Democrats have to pick someone to replace him by July 27.

(Image credit: CJ Gunther)

Do scandals still matter in politics?

Barbara Sprunt — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:24:36 -0400

Scandals have always been a part of politics but the way politicians handle them has changed.

Largest housing affordability bill in decades becomes law without Trump's signature

Stephan Bisaha — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 10:55:21 -0400

President Trump refused to sign the bill without Congress first passing his sweeping voter ID bill.

(Image credit: Francisco Seco)

One U.S. visa program is growing rapidly. No one is happy with it

Ximena Bustillo — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Republicans on Capitol Hill are starting to talk about one facet of immigration reform: how to expand the popular H-2A visa program for farm laborers. They face obstacles.

(Image credit: Mario Tama)

Trump leans on 'communist' messaging as economic angst drives Democrats

Franco Ordoñez — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0400

During the last election, when struggling to find a memorable attack line against Kamala Harris, Trump eventually landed on "Comrade Kamala."

(Image credit: Chris McGrath)

For Mitch McConnell and Congress, health transparency is a choice, not a requirement

Sam Gringlas — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 04:48:50 -0400

It's been nearly four weeks since Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., was hospitalized. It's not the first time this year that a member of Congress has been absent for weeks with scant details.

(Image credit: Andrew Harnik)

President Trump cleans house at the bipartisan Election Assistance Commission

Benjamin Swasey — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 22:52:32 -0400

With just months until the midterms, President Trump relieved the remaining members of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, a move condemned by Democrats and voting rights advocates.

(Image credit: Andrew Harnik)

Trump's arch clears another hurdle, setting up a big debate: Do height limits apply?

Rachel Treisman — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 20:44:48 -0400

The Interior Department is arguing D.C. height limits don't apply to federal projects, bucking a century of precedent. If the panel reviewing Trump's arch agrees, experts say it could change the city.

(Image credit: Joe Raedle)

With Platner announcement he's out of Senate race, Maine Democrats weigh what to do now

Saige Miller — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 16:01:47 -0400

Graham Platner built a grassroots movement in Maine. As Maine Democrats weigh what's next now that he's exited the race, winning that support will be key.