WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth argues that Trump's foreign policy mirrors Reagan's 'peace through strength.' The new national security strategy reveals a focus on China and Russia but lacks a cohesive threat framework. There's a fascinating discussion on the Trump corollary to the Monroe Doctrine regarding the Western Hemisphere. Polls show rising public support for NATO and the military, and a strong interest in defending Taiwan, highlighting a shift in America's foreign policy perspective. Overall, the vibe points to a renewed confidence in U.S. leadership.

The Supreme Court tackles whether the President can fire FTC commissioners, challenging a long-standing precedent. Justices debate the balance of power between branches of government and the historical role of independent agencies. There's a discussion on how these agencies blur the lines between legislative and judicial functions. Additionally, a case about campaign finance limits raises questions about First Amendment rights and party accountability. The implications for future independent agency dynamics and presidential control are explored with great scrutiny.

Matt Continetti, a conservative commentator, and Kim Strassel, an opinion columnist, dissect Minnesota's staggering welfare fraud cases. They explore how lax oversight and political pressures allowed these scams to flourish, particularly within the Somali community. The duo discusses systemic weaknesses that invite abuse, advocating for reform in welfare programs to combat dependency. They also highlight how Republicans could leverage this issue in political debates, linking it to broader enforcement and immigration discussions.

In this insightful discussion, Andy Kessler, a renowned columnist and former hedge-fund manager, delves into the complexities of today's economy. He examines whether the stock market is bubble-prone, particularly in the context of AI's remarkable yet risky valuations. Kessler highlights the cautious adoption of AI in companies, attributing it to productivity concerns and supply limitations. The conversation also tackles potential candidates to succeed Jerome Powell at the Fed and the influence of foreign capital flows on market dynamics.

Republican Matt Van Epps secures a narrow victory in a special election, raising questions about GOP strategies as voter sentiments shift left. High Democratic turnout and independents leaning toward Democrats signal potential challenges for the Republicans ahead of 2026. Discussion includes the need for a solid affordability agenda, especially in healthcare and taxes, as well as the implications of a new US-UK deal to prevent pharma tariffs, which highlights differing trade philosophies of free-market versus managed approaches.

Kim Strassel and Alicia Finley, both Wall Street Journal columnists skilled in legal and political analysis, dive into the significant Cox vs. Sony case regarding whether internet providers can be held responsible for subscriber copyright violations. They explore the complexities of peer-to-peer file sharing and discuss the implications for ISPs, including the challenges they face when policing user behavior. The conversation also covers a pro-life center's legal battle against a demanding subpoena from New Jersey’s AG, addressing First Amendment concerns and donor privacy.

Tensions rise as Donald Trump pressures Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro to resign, coinciding with a naval buildup around Venezuela. Discussion centers on whether the U.S. is on the brink of conflict and the implications of quick military interventions. The legality of a proposed second missile strike against survivors of an initial attack raises eyebrows, prompting congressional scrutiny. The panel debates the risks of intervention, the need for a clear presidential explanation, and the credibility of U.S. military strategies.

Join Seth Jones, a senior analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and author of The American Edge, as he dives into U.S. military preparedness. He discusses alarming shortages in missiles and ships and the strategic implications of recent conflicts. Jones emphasizes the importance of combining unmanned systems with traditional forces and calls for presidential leadership to bolster defense capabilities. He also explores the role of private capital in innovation and contrasts U.S. defense with China’s growing shipbuilding advantage.

Bill McGurn, a noted columnist at The Wall Street Journal, and Barton Swaim, a keen political analyst, dive into the dismissal of charges against Comey and James. They discuss the implications of the judge's ruling on appointment validity and whether it could signal a shift in legal accountability. The duo debates the ongoing cycle of political prosecutions and how partisan tensions fuel it. With compelling insights on the procedural issues affecting justice, they highlight the need for Senate oversight and the potential chaos of retaliatory lawfare.

Join Kate O'Dell and Jillian Melcher, both editorial board members at The Wall Street Journal, as they dive into the evolving peace plan for Ukraine. They discuss Ukraine's willingness to concede territory in exchange for security guarantees and how the backlash to a 28-point proposal has shifted the conversation. Kate reveals Russia's hardline stance, while Jillian emphasizes the implications of slow advances in the conflict. The duo also explores the impact of U.S. support amidst scandals and Ukraine's progress on anti-corruption reforms.