Trump’s statements on racial violence vs. previous presidents

Trump's initial statement about the protests said there was hate "on many sides," which prompted critics and opponents to dismiss his statement as not being strong enough in condemning the extremist groups that initiated the protest. The statement was in contrast to several other Republican leaders such as Vice President Mike Pence, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, speaker of the House Paul Ryan, Sen. Orrin Hatch , Sen. John McCain , Sen. Ted Cruz and Sen. Marco Rubio all of whom explicitly condemned the demonstrations and white supremacy saying there was no place for hatred in America.

With His Back Against The Wall, Trump Again Turns To Grievance Politics

No single issue has been a greater animating force for the Republican base over the past decade than immigration - except maybe the Affordable Care Act . And with the failure of GOP health care efforts in Congress and sliding poll numbers this summer, the Trump White House seems to be making a concerted effort to elevate cultural wedge issues, from immigration and a announcing a ban on transgender people in the military to affirmative action and police conduct.

George Will on Alabama and GOP Politics

George Will's latest WaPo column looks to Alabama to discuss the contemporary Republican Party, The GOP has become the party of the grotesque : Southern Gothic is a literary genre and, occasionally, a political style that, like the genre, blends strangeness and irony. Consider the current primary campaign to pick the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Jeff Sessions.

Collins, Murkowski-and McCain

The rushed, secretive, reckless effort to get a "win," any win, by undoing the Obama health care plan is at an end-for now. It is over because the 48 Democratic and independent senators led by Chuck Schumer refused to be peeled off or to support a measure that was opposed by most of the public and by all professional groups involved in health care.

U.S. Announces Sanctions Against 13 Venezuelan Officials

The Trump administration announced sanctions on 13 senior Venezuelan officials on Wednesday as it tries to deter the nation's president, Nicolas Maduro, from proceeding with a plan to rewrite the nation's constitution. The move against the officials -- the third round of sanctions against Venezuelans under the Trump administration -- is one offshoot of a broader U.S. probe into corruption allegations that began several years ago and has resulted in some criminal charges.

The Latest: US slaps Venezuela with new sanctions

The latest on Venezuela, where a two-day national strike has been called beginning Wednesday to protest President Nicolas Maduro's plans to rewrite the country's constitution : The Trump administration has hit Venezuela with new sanctions targeting 13 current or former top officials in President Nicolas Maduro's government. It is also threatening more penalties if he goes through with a controversial plan to rewrite the beleaguered country's constitution, with an election scheduled Sunday to elect delegates to a special assembly charged with drafting a new charter.

Threat of U.S. oil sanctions on Venezuela sparks fears of economic a collapsea

People line up to cast their ballots at poll station during a symbolic referendum in Caracas, Venezuela, on Sunday. Venezuela's opposition called for a massive turnout Sunday in a symbolic rejection of President Nicolas Maduro's plan to rewrite the constitution, a proposal that's escalating tensions in a nation stricken by widespread shortages and more than 100 days of anti-government protests.

An ‘unmitigated disaster for Trump’: President’s agenda in…

President Donald Trump's ambitious agenda appeared to take a severe hit Monday night when the Senate healthcare bill hit a wall and threw into doubt Republican efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Trump was caught off guard by the move from Sens. Mike Lee and Jerry Moran to oppose the Better Care Reconciliation Act , which ultimately doomed "I was very surprised when the two folks came out last night because we thought they were in fairly good shape but they did," Trump told reporters Tuesday .

Talk of Bipartisan Health Care Bill Emerges Amid Floundering GOP Effort

The Republican effort to overhaul the U.S. health insurance system appears to be floundering, as GOP senators await additional details on a new draft of the legislation. While the initiative remains in limbo, more lawmakers are openly exploring the possibility of a bipartisan health care bill.

Much to discuss’: Trump and Putin’s first handshake at G20 summit

The two men are to hold a formal meeting later today, when their body language is likely to be closely analysed US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, a veteran businessman and a former spy, shook hands on Friday ahead of the most highly anticipated face-to-face meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit . Trump has said he wants to find ways to work with Putin, a goal made more difficult by sharp differences over Russia's actions in Syria and Ukraine, and allegations Moscow meddled in the 2016 US presidential election.

What’s at stake when Trump finally meets Putin

President Donald Trump finally sits down with Russian President Vladimir Putin Friday, and though the square knot-shaped logos decorating this German port city say this is the G-20, the U.S.-Russian summit on the sidelines is the meeting that has the world holding its breath. Syria, Ukraine and the war on terror will no doubt come out when the two presidents hold their first face-to-face encounter, a 35-minute chat set for Friday afternoon against the backdrop of antiglobalist protests.

All eyes on Donald Trump-Vladimir Putin dynamics as they meet for first time at G20

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to size each other up in person for the first time on Friday in what promises to be the most highly anticipated meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit. Trump has said he wants to find ways to work with Putin, a goal made more difficult by sharp differences over Russia's actions in Syria and Ukraine, and allegations Moscow meddled in the 2016 US presidential election.