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Semafor politics

More Democratic incumbents face rising younger challengers

In the post-Biden era, it’s all about age as elderly m face emboldened opponents.
Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill.Keith Mellnick/Creative Commons

Schatz starts seeking support to become next Senate Democratic No. 2

The Hawaii Democrat is seen as the favorite to succeed current whip Dick Durbin, who announced his retirement on Wednesday.
Sen. Brian Schatz, D-HawaiiRachel Larue/US Army/Creative Commons

Democrats press Hegseth on Signal chats, firings

In a letter to Hegseth, Democrats wrote that recent controversies indicate a “lack of judgment [that] is dangerous and has already put American lives at risk.”
Pete HegsethKen Cedeno/Reuters

Choppy waters for GOP’s Medicaid cuts

Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., floated shrinking the federal government’s 90% share of Medicaid expansion for states that opted to expand it.
Austin ScottAnnabelle Gordon / CNP/ Sipa USA

Shari Redstone kept tabs on ‘60 Minutes’ segments on Trump

Tensions between CBS and parent company Paramount culminated in the resignation of a longtime producer this week.
Shari Redstone in 2019Brendan McDermid/Reuters

Elon Musk says he will reduce his time at the White House

The Tesla CEO said his time working with the Department of Government Efficiency will drop starting next month.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk.Nathan Howard/File Photo/Reuters

House Democrats head to El Salvador on Maryland man’s behalf

The trip comes after a visit from Sen. Chris Van Hollen last week.

While fighting Trump deportations, Democrats still avoid ‘abolish ICE’

A powerful progressive slogan in 2018 has all but vanished from the party’s messaging, even as it takes on the president’s aggressive migration agenda.

Hegseth looks safe at the Pentagon — for now

As damaging reports and firings pile up, the president is sticking by his defense secretary. There’s still some doubt he can hang on.

Tariffs add a new twist to the tax fight for blue-state Republicans

GOP lawmakers in battleground seats may have to wrestle with upended local economies as they seek a state and local tax deal.

Debatable: Trump’s ‘Wall Street vs. Main Street’ argument for tariffs

Two experts debate whether the Trump administration’s dichotomy is a useful way of understanding his levies.

Reported US State cuts spark concern in Washington

A purported draft executive order proposes various cuts at the department, including eliminating a bureau devoted to sub-Saharan Africa.

Trump’s showdown with the courts escalates as he blames a judge for creating tensions

The White House accused a federal judge of escalating tensions, heightening a showdown between Trump and the courts.

Conor Lamb: CECOT is a ‘gulag’

The Pennsylvania Democrat, who is not running for anything, talks about marshalling resistance to the Trump administration.

The GOP’s Harvard alumni side with Trump

Meanwhile, a Democratic alumnus says the president’s escalations against Harvard are unlawful.

Bernie-backed El-Sayed runs for Senate in Michigan

The physician and progressive activist is jumping into Democrats’ first seriously contested primary in the state in a generation.

White House plans to target university investments

White House officials plan to examine university endowment efforts as part of a multi-front pressure campaign on elite colleges.

Trump advisers ‘bullish’ on a TikTok solution — even as China trade war heats up

The administration’s professed optimism came as the White House pushed Beijing harder.