WSJ What’s News What to Expect From President Trump’s Domestic Agenda This Year
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Jan 11, 2026 
Natalie Andrews, a White House correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, and Damian Paletta, the Washington coverage chief, share insights on President Trump's ambitious agenda for 2026. They discuss the upbeat White House sentiment regarding affordability and the risks Trump faces in the 2026 midterms. Tariffs remain a pressing issue, with concerns over rising consumer prices. The duo explores the administration's engagement in corporate affairs and immigration tactics, as well as the potential impact of Venezuela's political changes on migration.
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Trump's First Year Was Highly Consequential
- President Trump had an exceptionally consequential first year, reshaping trade, taxes and immigration policy.
- The key test in 2026 is whether voters will reward or punish Republicans for those actions in the midterms.
Tariffs Stay Central But Could Backfire
- Tariffs remain a signature tool and Trump is likely to keep using them for leverage even if legal tools narrow.
- Rising consumer prices could force him to recalibrate if affordability becomes a political liability.
Affordability Is The Political Pressure Point
- Affordability is emerging as the dominant political vulnerability for the administration heading into the midterms.
- Trump links lower prices to lower Fed rates but faces limits in directly reducing broad costs for voters.