•President and Vice President: Donald J. Trump is the 47th U.S. president (since Jan. 20, 2025); the vice president is JD Vance.[1]
•Congress (119th, 2025–2027): Republicans control both chambers. Mike Johnson is Speaker of the House; Hakeem Jeffries is House Minority Leader. In the Senate, Republicans hold the majority and John Thune is Majority Leader; Chuck Schumer leads Senate Democrats.[2]
What’s next on the calendar
•Midterms: Nationwide elections are on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, deciding control of the next (120th) Congress and many state offices/ballot measures. Nonpartisan and major outlets flag a competitive environment with Republicans defending both chambers.[3]
Big policy and political storylines
•Immigration and border policy: The administration has emphasized interior enforcement and limits on asylum; the Supreme Court this summer cleared the way for reviving a restrictive asylum policy. Public opinion is divided but leans toward tougher enforcement in some areas.[4]
•Abortion policy: After Dobbs (2022), abortion remains a top mobilizing issue. In 2026, voters in several states (e.g., Nevada, Virginia, and Missouri) will decide abortion-related ballot measures.[5]
•Courts: The Supreme Court (June 30, 2026) struck down the administration’s attempt to restrict birthright citizenship, reaffirming that nearly all born in the U.S. are citizens—one of the term’s most consequential rulings.[6]
•Trade and the economy: The administration has layered broad tariffs (generally 10–12.5%) on imports from many partners under a forced‑labor policy frame; these moves—and earlier reciprocal tariff actions—are a major midterm flashpoint. Energy prices, especially diesel, are elevated versus a year ago.[7]
•Foreign policy: The U.S. has been engaged in a months‑long conflict with Iran (intermittent strikes, naval blockade, and Strait of Hormuz disruptions). The war’s costs and risks—plus effects on energy—are a central political issue heading into November.[8]
•Government funding fights: 2026 saw a record‑long partial shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security (Feb. 14–Apr. 30), resolved by late‑April legislation and later funding for immigration agencies on a separate track.[9]
Mood of the electorate
•Surveys show broad dissatisfaction with national leadership and institutions, with voters prioritizing the economy, energy costs, immigration, and the Iran war. Confidence in major U.S. institutions remains near historic lows.[10]
If you want, I can zoom in on any of this—e.g., who’s favored to win specific Senate/House races, what’s on your state’s ballot, or how the latest court rulings could affect policy in 2027.
Backs: “The Supreme Court (June 30, 2026) struck down the administration’s attempt to restrict birthright citizenship, reaffirming that nearly all born in the U.S. are citizens—one of the term’s most consequential rulings.”