Executive Branch

President Donald Trump giving his State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on February 24, 2026.

Trump Speaks Like a Thug Because He Wants to Rule Like One Trump Speaks Like a Thug Because He Wants to Rule Like One

The president’s violent language reveals his authoritarian urge to rule through intimidation.

Jul 31, 2026 / Column / Sasha Abramsky

An anti-Trump billboard in downtown Tehran.

Trump’s Lethal Ad-Libbing in Iran Enters Its Most Dangerous Phase Trump’s Lethal Ad-Libbing in Iran Enters Its Most Dangerous Phase

A new round of US bombing will only reinforce the dynamics pointing to an American loss—but that wouldn't prevent the president from adopting still more destructive measures.

Jul 31, 2026 / David Faris

Trump’s Costly Vanity Projects

Trump’s Costly Vanity Projects Trump’s Costly Vanity Projects

Reflecting on taxpayers’ stolen money.

Jul 29, 2026 / OppArt / Leonard Stokes

President Donald Trump speaks at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner at the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, Friday, July 24, 2026

Trump Humiliated a Submissive Mainstream Media at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner Trump Humiliated a Submissive Mainstream Media at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner

His speech was racist, homophobic, vindictive, and soul-crushingly unfunny—and the journalists in the crowd didn’t seem to care.

Jul 27, 2026 / Jeet Heer

President Donald Trump meets with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office, on November 18, 2025.

The Saudi Nuclear Deal Is a Typical Trump Fiasco The Saudi Nuclear Deal Is a Typical Trump Fiasco

Yet again, the president trumpets a foreign-policy agreement steeped in recklessness, lies, and corruption.

Jul 24, 2026 / Jeet Heer

Rising Temperatures and a Planet on Life Support

Rising Temperatures and a Planet on Life Support Rising Temperatures and a Planet on Life Support

Trump undoes climate action as warning bell sound.

Jul 24, 2026 / OppArt / Peter Kuper

President Donald Trump at an April press conference about the war in Iran.

For Trump, Every Accusation Is a Confession For Trump, Every Accusation Is a Confession

Like authoritarian regimes elsewhere, the White House is denouncing its opponents for the very abuses it is carrying out.

Jul 24, 2026 / Column / Sasha Abramsky

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) discusses his proposal for an AI sovereign wealth fund during a June appearance at Washington’s National Press Club.

How Public Equity Can Promote a Revived American Democracy How Public Equity Can Promote a Revived American Democracy

Critics are assailing deals to give the government stakes in major companies—but they’re overlooking their civic dividends.

Jul 24, 2026 / Elizabeth Wilkins and Todd N. Tucker

War House

War House War House

When monuments to democracy become monuments to war.

Jul 23, 2026 / OppArt / Michel Moro Gómez

President Donald Trump mimics gunfire during an April press conference on the Iran War.

The Politics of Cruelty Starts With the Vulnerable The Politics of Cruelty Starts With the Vulnerable

Trump’s attacks on Somali kindergarteners, immigrants, and the rule of law form a coherent authoritarian project. But voters and the courts are pushing back.

Jul 17, 2026 / Column / Sasha Abramsky

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