Trump's second term marks a significant departure from his first term, analysts say President Trump's first year of foreign policy in his second term surprised many — for a lot of different reasons. Franco Ordoñez
'Congress is in a coma': Former members sound alarm on health of the House Congress ends the year with a thin list of legislative accomplishments and a growing number of retirements. Former lawmakers say the problems now plaguing Capitol Hill have been years in the making. Barbara Sprunt
Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., on the Trump's seizures of Venezuela-linked oil tankers NPR's Leila Fadel talks to Rep. Adam Smith, the Democratic leader of the House Armed Services Committee, about Trump administration's seizures of Venezuela-linked oil tankers. Leila Fadel
The DOGE mindset is still central to the Trump administration's agenda as 2025 ends The Department of Government Efficiency effort was one of the most consequential and controversial – if not entirely successful – changes the Trump administration made in 2025. Stephen Fowler
How President Trump reshaped capitalism in 2025 His policies are picking winners and losers — and blurring the lines between business and government. Maria Aspan
NPR analysis shows skyrocketing number of 'no-shows' in immigration court More immigrants are not showing up for their mandatory immigration court hearings compared to prior years, an NPR analysis shows, allowing the government to order their immediate deportation. Rahul Mukherjee
Turning Point USA's conference exposes underlying rifts in the Republican Party Division over the future of the Republican Party were on display this weekend as conservatives gathered for Turning Point USA's "AmericaFest" conference in Phoenix, Arizona. Elena Moore
Vance refuses to set red lines over bigotry at Turning Point USA's convention Vice President JD Vance acknowledged the controversies that dominated the Turning Point conference, but he did not define any boundaries for the conservative movement besides patriotism. The Associated Press
Lawmakers threaten Attorney General Bondi with contempt over incomplete Epstein files The Justice Department is defending its initial release of documents related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, saying lawyers are still going through them to ensure victims are protected. Andrea Hsu
Politics chat: Redacted Epstein files released; Trump under pressure about economy Extensive redactions of the Epstein files add to the political pressure President Trump is already under for his handling of the economy. Ayesha Rascoe
