WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch

Jillian Melcher, a London-based WSJ editorial board member covering European affairs, and Joe Sternberg, a London-based WSJ columnist on European politics, discuss J.D. Vance campaigning in Budapest and his ties to Viktor Orbán. They explore Hungary's fragile polls, Orban's EU posturing, family subsidies, his hold on an EU loan to Ukraine, and why U.S. interventions abroad can backfire.

Tense talk about a possible U.S. pullback from NATO after disputes over allied support in a Middle East conflict. Discussion of European leaders' reactions and rising defense spending. Debates over shifting U.S. forces in Europe and gaps in European military capabilities. Examination of the fragile Iran ceasefire and who really holds power in Tehran.

Kim Strassel, WSJ columnist who analyzes politics and national security, and Kate Batchelder-Odell, WSJ editorial board member focused on U.S. foreign policy, discuss Trump’s two-week ceasefire with Iran. They debate what military objectives were achieved. They weigh disputes over uranium enrichment and control of the Strait of Hormuz. They consider how the pause might affect Iranian politics and global navigation.

Kate Batchelder-Odell, a Wall Street Journal editorial board member focused on national security and defense budgets, and Kim Strassel, WSJ columnist known for Washington policy analysis, discuss the 2027 budget's proposed 10% cut to domestic programs. They contrast deep defense spending increases, including a $1.5 trillion Pentagon plan, with avoidance of entitlement reform. Political prospects and fiscal assumptions are debated.

A daring special-forces rescue from Iranian territory and the risky tactics that made it possible. Heated debate over a presidential ultimatum to strike power plants and bridges. Discussions about intelligence, survival training, misinformation and the propaganda risks if capture had occurred. Analysis of regional fallout, humanitarian harms, and options like hitting oil infrastructure or seizing islands.

Bill McGurn, WSJ opinion columnist on politics and policy, and Kim Strassel, WSJ editorial board member focused on law and regulation. They discuss Trump’s removal of Pam Bondi and who might lead the Justice Department next. They also cover NASA’s Artemis II lunar launch, early mission visuals, private-sector roles, and geopolitical stakes around returning to the moon.

A sharp take on the president's primetime address about Iran and whether it convincingly justified action. A look at debates over escalation, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and how allies can — or cannot — help. Political fallout from Republicans funding DHS while excluding ICE and what that means for airports, party unity, and future reconciliation moves.

Matt Continetti, opinion columnist known for constitutional and political analysis, breaks down the Supreme Court arguments over redefining birthright citizenship. He examines questions from justices about birth tourism, originalist history, and the meaning of "subject to jurisdiction." They also weigh domicile tests, Wong Kim Ark precedent, and whether a narrow statutory ruling could avoid broader constitutional change.

Colin Levy, Wall Street Journal editorial board member who explains legal and constitutional angles. Alicia Finley, WSJ columnist who analyzes IRS migration and state fiscal trends. They discuss IRS data showing income fleeing high-tax states to Florida, Texas and Tennessee. They debate millionaire taxes, legal challenges in Washington and how fiscal choices reshape where money and people move.

Discussion of U.S. military progress and unclear strategic aims in the Iran conflict. Debate over possible limited ground missions and their risks. Analysis of whether indirect negotiations with Iranian factions are real. Assessment of oil-market fallout from disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz and why European allies are hesitant to intervene.