Political Figures

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

Rahm Emanuel at Chicago’s City Hall in October 2011.

Rahm Emanuel’s Losing Record Rahm Emanuel’s Losing Record

The Democratic establishment’s golden boy has shifted the party to the right and lost ground in crucial elections.

Jul 30, 2026 / Chris Lehmann

Gen. Francisco Franco with his handpicked successor, Prince Juan Carlos of Spain, in 1975.

How Franco Ruled Spain How Franco Ruled Spain

Two new books examine these dark decades in Spanish history.

Jul 30, 2026 / Books & the Arts / Sebastiaan Faber and Bécquer Seguín

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

Grave Injustice

Grave Injustice Grave Injustice

Stolen honor.

Jul 24, 2026 / Steve Brodner

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

Then-candidate Zohran Mamdani with Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), left, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), right, during an election rally on October 26, 2025, in New York City.

Here Comes the Inevitable Backlash to DSA’s Rise Here Comes the Inevitable Backlash to DSA’s Rise

The Democratic elites are wary of the insurgency.

Jul 24, 2026 / Ross Barkan

The King's Speech

The King's Speech The King's Speech

Foreign malign intelligence.

Jul 17, 2026 / Steve Brodner

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