The Political Markup for June 17, 2026
Politics
The relationship between the Trump Administration and Senate Republicans is “less than optimal,” as Trump puts legislative and nomination demands upon the Republicans without their input.
Senate Democrats failed for the ninth time to pass a resolution on congressional authorization for Trump’s war with Iran.
Gavin Newsom, a likely frontrunner for president in 2028, says the Trump Administration is investigating him related to tax matters and the corruption charges his chief of staff faced.
Several people were arrested for planning to attack the White House UFC event with drones and guns. The Trump Administration is using the threat to argue that the ballroom project should move forward.
Economy
Gas prices are just under $4 a gallon for the first time in three months. In total, Americans have spent $46 billion more on gas since Trump and Israel started their war with Iran.
Ice cream prices have risen 35% since 2019.
Economic challenges are piling up for small business owners, and farmers are expected to face high fertilizer prices through 2028.
The EU approved a trade deal with the U.S., maintaining the 15 percent tariff it has faced under Trump.
The Trump Administration has paid wind farm companies $2.5 billion to stop their developments and instead do natural gas and geothermal energy projects.
Pizza Hut was sold to a private equity firm.
International
Trump said the Russia-Ukraine war has “no impact” on America.
A Pentagon report on the U.S. bombing of an Iranian school on the first day of the war is being reviewed by Trump officials. Most of the 175 victims were children. Trump originally claimed it was Iran’s own missiles that accidentally hit the school.
The number of Ebola cases in Africa has surpassed 800, though the actual amount is hard to track and expected to be much higher.
Finland ended its ban on nuclear weapons, allowing its NATO partners to bring the weapons into the country if necessary.
A Russian warship fired upon a British civilian sailboat in the English Channel.
China is training the Russian military on using drones against Ukraine.
Mexico can now void election results if it’s believed there was foreign interference.
Despite talks of Mideast peace and lowering oil prices, it is expected to take up to a year for energy prices to normalize in Asia.
South Korea invited Pope Leo to visit Seoul in August 2027 when it hosts the World Youth Day conference for young Catholics.