Foreign Policy Live Looking Ahead to 2026
Jan 1, 2026
Peter Baker, Chief White House correspondent for The New York Times, shares his insights on the pivotal year of 2026. He discusses how Trump will likely leverage the 250th anniversary of the U.S. to enhance his public image while navigating the politics of immigration and travel bans tied to the World Cup. Baker highlights the impact of midterm elections on governmental oversight, the dynamics of Republican leadership post-Trump, and the evolving global approach to U.S. foreign policy under a potentially renewed Trump administration.
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Immigration: Fewer Arrivals, Harsher Enforcement
- The administration has sharply reduced migrant flows by creating a de facto 'do not come here' message at the border.
- That success is paired with controversial public roundups and tougher rules on legal immigration, provoking domestic backlash.
Tariffs As A Rapid-Action Foreign-Policy Tool
- Trump values the IEPA tariff authority because it lets him act quickly without congressional approval or procedural hurdles.
- If the Supreme Court limits that power, he can still pursue tariffs but through slower, more cumbersome legal routes.
Midterms Will Shift Oversight More Than Legislation
- Midterms will shape how much institutional pushback Trump faces but may not stop his executive-driven agenda.
- A Democratic House would gain oversight tools and subpoena power to spotlight administration actions even if legislation stalls.