WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch

The federal government tells the high court in U.S. v. Skrmetti that the 14th Amendment means Tennessee can't ban doctors from providing hormones or puberty blockers to transgender adolescents. But if the justices agree that this is what "equal protection of the laws" means, would their ruling have consequences for other controversies, including about women's sports?

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Trump says he wants an "'America First' fighter" as the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. But given Patel's lack of experience with the FBI, will the Senate see him as the right the man to lead reform, or else an effort at MAGA retribution? Plus, more trouble for Pete Hegseth, as the press digs into the defense secretary nominee's background running veteran nonprofits.

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As the two parties pore over the results of this election, one thing is clear: Democrats are losing their grip on working-class and non-white voters, creating huge openings for Republicans. What's behind such a dramatic shift? On this episode of All Things, Kim Strassel talks with political analyst Mike Madrid about the growing political heft of Latino voters, how that diverse ethnic bloc is defying traditional voter stereotypes, and what both parties continue to get wrong in courting those votes.  

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President Biden issues a pardon for his son Hunter that is so sweeping it applies to illegal acts for which Hunter hasn't been charged. Why did the President renege on his vow not to pardon his son, how will it affect his presidential legacy, and what lessons will Donald Trump take from pardon?

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Donald Trump says the pair will lead a new Department of Government Efficiency, which will provide an external review of federal regulations and bureaucracy. What do Musk and Ramaswamy have in mind, and what are the limitations that this DOGE will face, given that they intend to work through executive action alone, rather than proposing legislative changes to Congress?

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After Israeli strikes and spycraft decimate Hezbollah's commanders, the Iranian proxy agrees to a halt in fighting, abandoning its pledge to keep going in support of Hamas. But if it tries again to rearm in southern Lebanon, will Israel act? Plus, more pushback on the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, as France suggests he isn't subject to the ICC.

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The president-elect says that one of his first actions on Jan. 20 will be to impose steep across-the-board tariffs on imports from America's two neighbors, "until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!" Is this a serious proposal or a negotiating tactic, and what does it mean for the USMCA trade deal that Trump himself signed?

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In what is turning out to be a Trumpian mix of loyalists, campaign allies, and unorthodox choices, the President-elect is putting the finishing touches on who will be serving in his administration. So who are some of the best and worst members of the team taking over the White House in January? 

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The Justice Department files its proposal to remake internet search engines, after a federal judge ruled that Google maintained an illegal monopoly. But would it really help consumers to force Google to divest its Chrome browser? Or to require the company to share data with its rivals? Plus, Spirit Airlines goes bankrupt as antitrust enforcers halted its proposed merger with JetBlue.

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Donald Trump will need a new AG, after Gaetz drops out amid skepticism from Senate Republicans. Gaetz's resignation from the House prevented, at least for now, the release of an ethics report on his alleged conduct, but liabilities were piling up. Plus, GOP absences help confirm more of Joe Biden’s judicial nominees, as Sen. Dick Durbin pushes a bill to regulate credit cards.

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