Morgan Chalfant

Deputy Washington bureau chief, Semafor

Morgan is a reporter in Semafor’s Washington bureau, where she contributes to the Principals newsletter and covers national security with a focus on China. Before joining Semafor, Morgan covered the White House for The Hill.

Uncommon bonds: Tracking abductions of Ukrainian children

A Yale-led initiative tracking children sent to Russia is about to run out of federal funding. Bipartisan lawmakers want the Trump administration to change that.

An apartment building damaged during Russian drone and missile strikes this month.

US strikes Iranian nuclear facilities

The decision comes amid growing global concern of the Israel-Iran conflict expanding to engulf the entire Middle East.

Russia sanctions on pause as Iran conflict heats up

The penalties are taking a back seat to another foreign policy crisis — and Republicans’ massive tax package.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.

Debatable: Biden’s clean energy tax credits

Some Republicans think the cuts to Inflation Reduction Act benefits in the House-passed megabill are too aggressive.

Wind turbines are shown in Palm Springs, California, last year.

Dems struggle with economy messaging, poll finds

A new memo from Third Way argues that Democrats need to lean into the fight over fiscal responsibility.

Uncommon bonds: ‘Right to repair’ in the military

Warren and Sheehy are teaming up to reform contracting at the Pentagon.

Debatable: US government control of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

Trump’s idea to take the mortgage giants public has triggered a debate about the risks and potential benefits.

Uncommon bonds: Tougher Russia sanctions

Bipartisan senators want to increase pressure on Moscow for the Ukraine war.

Senate Russia hawks sick of waiting on sanctions

The Trump administration wants to give talks with Vladimir Putin’s government a chance. Yet some Republicans are leery.

Debatable: Is removing sanctions on Syria a good idea?

A former Sanders adviser backs Trump.

Trump administration prepares to ‘incentivize’ expanded migrant repatriations

The nearly $3 billion proposed “America First Opportunity Fund” at the State Department is under the purview of Amaryllis Fox Kennedy, the health secretary’s daughter-in-law.

Tariffs hurt US alliances, Dems tell Trump

A trio of Senate Democrats argue tariffs undermine efforts to boost defense spending, counter China.

Trump’s Qatari plane parks itself in his way

The president is forging ahead with plans to accept a gifted jet that is clearly dividing his party and emboldening Democrats.

New York court hears challenge to Trump tariffs

A three-judge panel on an obscure court in Manhattan on Tuesday heard a challenge from small businesses to the sweeping levies announced in April.

Uncommon bonds: Lowering drug prices

GOP Sen. Josh Hawley has a new bipartisan bill that he’s trying to convince other Republicans to join.

Rivals, buddies, or future running mates? Trump stokes a Vance-Rubio competition

The vice president and secretary of state are allies in the administration, and even friends. They’re also early 2028 frontrunners.

Time to push Putin ‘to the corner,’ Estonian foreign minister says

The Russian leader “understands only the strong position,” Margus Tsahkna tells Semafor.

Debatable: Can the Trump administration cut off Harvard’s funding?

Legal minds differ over the suspension of federal funds to the prestigious university.