Is Putin laying a trap in Alaska, or is Trump?
ANCHORAGE — The first presidential summit in years between Russia and the United States is on, setting nerves in Europe and Ukraine on a knife’s edge. But…
Newsom’s clash with California’s thirst for gasoline
SACRAMENTO — Three years ago, a series of political advertisements in Florida kicked off a war between Gov. Gavin Newsom and oil companies over blame for California’s…
How would federal voting laws affect the redistricting frenzy?
California is in a standoff with Texas over redistricting that could decide the balance of power in Congress for the end of Donald Trump’s presidency…
As Harris drops out, a look at war chests in the Calif. governor race
Newsletter You're reading the L.A. Times Politics newsletter George Skelton and Michael Wilner cover the insights, legislation, players and politics you need to know in…
Trump is getting his way in his global trade war, like it or not
WASHINGTON — When President Trump rocked the economy with an unprecedented attack on global trade in April, the plan was dismissed as swaggering, capricious and unsustainable. Market…
Column: Newsom responds to Trump’s gutter politics
Newsletter You're reading the L.A. Times Politics newsletter George Skelton and Michael Wilner cover the insights, legislation, players and politics you need to know in…
Trump is undermining his own ‘action plan’ for AI, experts say
WASHINGTON — President Trump revealed an “action plan” for artificial intelligence on Wednesday ostensibly designed to bolster the United States in its race against China for AI…
Column: Newsom needs to stop kidding around. He’s running for president
Newsletter You're reading the L.A. Times Politics newsletter Anita Chabria and David Lauter bring insights into legislation, politics and policy from California and beyond. In…
An early field of Democratic hopefuls start positioning on immigration
WASHINGTON — Democrats may not agree on a solution to the country’s broken immigration system — but President Trump’s crackdown in Los Angeles has finally given them…
Column: Straight-shooting advisor George Steffes always had Reagan’s ear
Newsletter You're reading the L.A. Times Politics newsletter George Skelton and Michael Wilner cover the insights, legislation, players and politics you need to know in…
As L.A. reels, White House sees ‘grand success’ in novel crackdown tactics
WASHINGTON — National Guard troops and immigration agents on horseback, clad in green uniforms and tactical gear, trotted into MacArthur Park on Monday, surrounding the iconic square…
News Analysis: The healthcare cuts approved by Trump, Republicans go well beyond Medicaid
Newsletter You're reading the L.A. Times Politics newsletter Anita Chabria and David Lauter bring insights into legislation, politics and policy from California and beyond. In…
Trump has big plans for America’s next birthday. Historians have questions
WASHINGTON — As Americans mark the Fourth of July holiday this weekend, the Trump administration is planning ahead for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence…
Trump’s perilous 13 days: The attack on Iran, and the risks of failure
THE HAGUE — President Trump’s gamble in bombing Iran offers significant rewards if it succeeded in destroying Tehran’s nuclear program — and historic risks if it did…
Column: Big state budget questions linger about crime, Medi-Cal, Delta tunnel
SACRAMENTO — California really does still have a Legislature, even if you haven’t been reading or hearing much about it. In fact, it’s currently making a ton…
Republican fractures multiply over Trump’s megabill
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is pushing for Congress to pass its signature legislation within the next two weeks, before Independence Day, when lawmakers return home for…
Column: Padilla was right to challenge Noem’s right-wing lunacy
Newsletter You're reading the L.A. Times Politics newsletter Anita Chabria and David Lauter bring insights into legislation, politics and policy from California and beyond. In…
Trump, pushing bounds of his office with L.A. deployment, faces test in court
WASHINGTON — The mission of President Trump’s extraordinary deployment of U.S. Marines and National Guardsmen to Los Angeles depends on whom you ask — and that may…
Column: Newsom’s power play on the Delta tunnel
Newsletter You're reading the L.A. Times Politics newsletter Anita Chabria and David Lauter bring insights into legislation, politics and policy from California and beyond. In…
How Trump’s cuts to weather experts could imperil California
WASHINGTON — When a fire erupts in California, it is a lab across the country, at the University of Maryland, that works together with the National Oceanic…