WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch

Australia's new law mandates social media platforms to verify users are over 16, leading to significant deactivations. Parents and educators support such restrictions, citing concerns over kids' mental health. The discussion highlights the challenges of age verification and the potential for U.S. legislation mirroring Australia's. Political figures see bipartisan appeal for these measures, viewing them as necessary to regulate the tech landscape. The conversation also touches on school policies and the complexities of enforcing such laws in the U.S.

Mary Anastasia O'Grady, an expert on Latin American politics, dives into the U.S. seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker bound for export and its implications for the Maduro regime. She discusses how economic pressure can weaken Maduro without military actions, highlighting the role of U.S. naval forces in enforcing sanctions. The conversation also covers María Corina Machado's secret escape to accept a Nobel Prize, the legitimacy of the 2024 opposition, and the risks surrounding U.S. escalation in the region.

Analyzing Trump's rally in Pennsylvania, hosts discuss his claim that prices are falling despite ongoing inflation at 3%. They explore how wage stagnation affects households and the potential political risks for the GOP in the 2026 midterms. There's a focus on policy tools like permitting reform and tax changes to address affordability. The impact of tariffs on consumer prices and small businesses is debated, alongside the shifting dynamics among Hispanic voters due to immigration policies, hinting at critical political consequences.

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.