The Political Markup for May 17, 2026
Politics
Printed volumes of the Epstein files are on display at a New York City gallery called The Donald J. Trump and Jeffrey Epstein Memorial Reading Room. Members of Congress have been invited to view the exhibit, which is expected to also be displayed in other cities.
Trump encourages a primary challenger to Lauren Boebert after she campaigns for Tom Massie.
Trump is bypassing protocol and getting started with construction of his arch.
DHS is moving forward with its plans for immigration detention facilities across the country.
Larry Hogan is creating a leadership institute at Washington College to focus on depolarizing politics.
The America’s Presidents exhibit has reopened at the National Portrait Gallery.
Economy
China is buying $17 billion annually in U.S. agricultural products over the next three years.
High diesel prices are increasing the cost of food.
Global oil inventories are decreasing.
Chevron has been selling off oil and gas facilities throughout Asia.
International
Israel secretly operated two bases in Iraq for its attacks against Iran. The Trump Administration knew of the bases but didn’t tell Iraq nor ask Israel to leave. Israeli soldiers at the bases killed Iraqi civilians and soldiers who discovered them.
The Trump Administration canceled a troop deployment to Poland without notifying Congress.
Iran is suspected of launching a drone which caused a fire near a United Arab Emirates nuclear power plant.
The Boards of Trade and Investment that Trump set up with China involve the same officials who would already be working on these topics. The last time the U.S. had a similar entity was in the ‘80s with Japan, and it caused more harm for American consumers than good.
Australia’s richest person has invested $100 million in four major U.S. defense contractors.
Mercedes-Benz is prepared to move into defense manufacturing as global turmoil continues and European countries seek to strengthen their positions.
The Ebola outbreak in two African countries is considered an international health emergency, though not a pandemic. There is no cure for this strain of the virus. Six Americans were exposed and the government is trying to evacuate them.
Trump’s envoy for Greenland, which he still wants to acquire, is visiting the country. JD Vance and Don Trump Jr. have previously done trips there.