GOP insiders fretting about Texas Senate primary
GOP operatives tell Axios they're worried that their worst possible scenario is unfolding in the Texas Senate primaries . Why it matters: Sen. John Cornyn 's seat has long been a…
It's AOC or bust for far-left Democrats in 2028
For many far-left Democrats, it's AOC or bust in 2028. Left-wing Democrats are quietly escalating efforts to persuade New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to run for president.…
Centrist Dems launch '28 mission: Stop AOC
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Moderate Democrats are on a mission to stop the next Bernie Sanders , starting with New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez . Third Way , an influential…
FBI investigating Austin mass shooting as potential terrorism
The gunman in an early Sunday mass shooting in Austin wore a sweatshirt that said "Property of Allah" and another shirt with an Iranian flag design, a law enforcement official…
Republican revolt derails ICE detention facility plans
ICE is on a multi-billion-dollar quest for new immigration detention facilities, but they're increasingly facing pushback from an unlikely foe: Republicans. Why it matters: The…
Scoop: Noem burning deportation cash on luxury jets
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's plan to use border funds for an almost $300 million luxury jet fleet has horrified top Trump officials, Axios has learned. Why it matters…
U.S. and Israel delayed original Iran strike by a week, officials say
The U.S. and Israel originally planned to attack Iran a week earlier than they did, but the opening strike was delayed for operational and intelligence reasons, according to…
Wiles "in shock" over FBI phone-record subpoena
FBI Director Kash Patel says the FBI under President Biden subpoenaed his phone records and those of Susie Wiles, who ran President Trump's campaign and is now White House chief…
Trump admin cites fraud in freezing Minnesota Medicaid funds
The Trump administration is halting $259 million in Medicaid funding to Minnesota until the state takes steps to root out fraud in the program, Vice President JD Vance and Centers…
Republicans hesitant to censure Rep. Al Green again
Rep. Al Green's (D-Texas) latest protest during President Trump's State of the Union has triggered a fresh Republican push to censure him. But not every Republican thinks it's…
Al Green escorted out of State of the Union after physical confrontations with Republicans
The State of the Union quickly got physical on Tuesday, when Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) mounted yet another protest from inside the House chamber that prompted multiple Republicans…
Democrats are demanding $1,700 in tariff refunds for Americans
Following the Supreme Court 's blow to President Trump's sweeping tariffs agenda, the prospect of compensation for Americans remains an open question. The big picture: A growing…
Mamdani charms Trump, pushes housing and gets ICE detainee released
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani had what he called a "productive" meeting with President Trump on Thursday, charming the president with a mocked-up tabloid newspaper featuring…
Scoop: US citizens were on stolen boat in deadly shooting with Cuba's coast guard
The 24-foot boat involved in a deadly clash with Cuba's coast guard was stolen in the Florida Keys and had American citizens aboard, U.S. officials tell Axios. Why it matters:…
U.S. launches investigation after Cuba kills 4 on Florida boat
U.S. officials are looking into an announcement by Cuba's government that it killed four people aboard a Florida-tagged boat near the Villa Clara coast on Wednesday, Secretary of…
Jeffries defends Democratic outbursts at State of the Union
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) on Wednesday went to bat for his members who protested and heckled President Trump from inside the House chamber during the State of…
Winters are getting shorter across most U.S. cities
Data: Climate Central ; Note: Winter temperature threshold based on the coldest 90-day window; Map: Jacque Schrag/Axios This winter has been brutally cold, snowy and icy for…
Exclusive: U.S. must overhaul military readiness and tech metrics, report urges
Today's metrics don't give the U.S. military an accurate sense of its own readiness, as the Pentagon battles outdated procurement procedures and other countries quickly up-gun…
Trump's night of heroes: Takeaways from the 2026 State of the Union
President Trump staged a rose-colored spectacle at Tuesday night's State of the Union — the longest-ever address to Congress, from a president facing his lowest-ever approval…
Democrats defy their leaders by relentlessly disrupting and heckling Trump SOTU speech
Almost from the moment Trump entered the House chamber Tuesday night to deliver his State of the Union address, Democrats began to disrupt. It only deteriorated from there. Why it…
Trump announces new retirement plan at State of the Union
President Trump announced during his State of the Union address Tuesday night plans to offer Americans access to a retirement account similar to those available to federal…
Trump sets new record for SOTU speech length
President Trump 's State of the Union speech set a new record Tuesday for the longest address to Congress, at 108 minutes — eight longer than his 100 minute speech in 2025. The…
Trump touts drug price cuts most Americans may not feel
President Trump used his State of the Union address to prod Congress to codify his "most favored nation" plan to bring U.S. drug prices in line with what other developed nations…
Around half of Democrats skip Trump State of the Union
Roughly half of House and Senate Democrats skipped President Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday, an Axios headcount found. Why it matters: The massive boycott…
The biggest takeaways from Trump's record-breaking State of the Union address
President Trump 's remarks during Tuesday's State of the Union address focused on the stark contrast between the GOP and Democratic opposition , underscoring culture-war…
Exclusive: Trump floats "off ramps" after attacking Iran
President Trump told Axios on Saturday that he has several "off ramps" from Operation Epic Fury , the extraordinary U.S. military campaign against Iran that he launched early…
Trump moves to blacklist Anthropic AI from all government work
President Trump said Friday the U.S. government would blacklist Anthropic, and the Pentagon declared the company a "supply chain risk," in the most consequential and controversial…
Pentagon approves OpenAI safety red lines after dumping Anthropic
Sam Altman said late Friday night that his company reached an agreement with the Pentagon to use its AI models, after the Defense Department agreed to its safety red lines that…
Anthropic to take Trump's Pentagon to court over AI dispute
Anthropic vowed to challenge the Pentagon in court over its blacklisting of the company for refusing to lift all safeguards on the military's use of its model, Claude — adding…
These federal agencies may have a Claude problem now
Federal agencies may now have a Claude problem after President Trump's order to blacklist Anthropic from all government work amid a dispute over how the Pentagon can deploy its…
Amazon strikes $50B OpenAI deal
A deal with OpenAI could put Amazon first to market with a new type of AI service for developers — but the two companies will have to tread carefully to avoid running afoul of…
Scoop: Top Senate defense leaders intervene in Pentagon-Anthropic AI dispute
Key Senate defense leaders on Friday are privately pressing Anthropic and the Pentagon to resolve their dispute, a source familiar with the matter told Axios. Why it matters:…
Sam Altman says OpenAI shares Anthropic's red lines in Pentagon fight
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman wrote in a memo to staff that he will draw the same red lines that sparked a high-stakes fight between rival Anthropic and the Pentagon : no AI for mass…
America's slipping sympathy for Israel
Data: Gallup World Affairs surveys; Chart: Axios Visuals For the first time in 25 years of Gallup polling, more Americans say they sympathize with Palestinians than with Israelis…
The AI influence network's power players
Data: Axios research; Table: Kavya Beheraj/Axios Millions of dollars are pouring into state and federal races specifically around AI, targeting and supporting lawmakers in both…
Trump-MAHA split complicates midterm agenda
The Trump administration's 2026 health care agenda is shaping up to look pretty different from last year's — and that's not going over very well with some of the "Make America…
Texas airspace shut after Pentagon shoots down border patrol drone
The Federal Aviation Administration prohibited flights in a Texas region near the border with Mexico after the Defense Department accidentally shot down a border patrol drone on…
Hollywood's mega-merger battle ends with Warner Bros. as the real winner
Data: Financial Modeling Prep ; Chart: Axios Visuals In repeatedly rebuffing takeover offers from Paramount Skydance, Warner Bros. Discovery's board managed to create one of…
"Absolutely infuriating": House Democrats' campaign arm faces revolt from candidates
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is coming under fire from an unlikely adversary: Outsider Democratic congressional candidates. Why it matters: It's a rare moment…
Anthropic says Pentagon's "final offer" is unacceptable
Anthropic on Thursday said there has been "virtually no progress" on negotiations with the Pentagon, as CEO Dario Amodei said it could not accept what defense officials had…
AI "hot takes" are becoming a market risk
Companies across sectors are confronting an increasingly unavoidable narrative: AI can replicate your business. Why it matters: Narrative volatility is a new risk category that…
Tech ratepayer pledge may be more bark than bite — but still matters
Big Tech's coming vow to pay for its own power amid the data center boom may be light on policy specifics. But it could still pack a political punch. Why it matters : Electricity…
Economists are questioning the K-shaped economy narrative
The K-shaped economy — wealthy Americans propping up consumer spending while poorer consumers increasingly pull back — has become the economic consensus. One big problem: Some…
Mortgage rate dips below 6% for the first time since 2022
Data: Freddie Mac via Fred ; Chart: Axios Visuals The average rate on the 30-year mortgage dipped below 6% for the first time since 2022, per closely watched Freddie Mac data…
House Democrats warned against "unforced errors" at Trump's State of the Union
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) is making one final push to shut down any flashy displays of protest inside the chamber during President Trump's State of the Union…
Trump didn't endorse them, but they're acting like he did
Republican candidates snubbed by President Trump for primary endorsements have found a workaround: Act like he endorsed them anyway. Why it matters: Trump's approval numbers are…
How Claude conquered Washington, Wall Street and Silicon Valley
Supremacy can be fleeting in the highly competitive AI race. But two months into 2026, Anthropic's Claude is upending U.S. national security, roiling financial markets and…
Trump teases AI electricity pledge. Here's when tech giants will sign it
Tech giants are expected to join President Trump at the White House next week to sign a pledge that they will build or buy their own electricity supplies for data centers. Why it…
Surgeon general nominee won't say she urges vaccination
Surgeon general nominee Casey Means said during a confirmation hearing Wednesday that she believes vaccines save lives but did not unequivocally urge people to get vaccinated. Why…
Scoop: Pentagon takes first step toward blacklisting Anthropic
The Pentagon asked two major defense contractors on Wednesday to provide an assessment of their reliance on Anthropic's AI model, Claude — a first step toward a potential…
Why Trump has a "designated survivor" for his State of the Union address
One of President Trump 's Cabinet members will skip Tuesday's State of the Union address, sitting out as the designated survivor who would become president in the case of a…
Canada, like Europe, seeks to break U.S. defense dependency
Canada's first-ever defense-industrial strategy, published this month, suggests it, like Europe , can no longer count on the U.S. to be a security backstop, economically or…
Waymo robotaxis now available in 10 cities
Data: Waymo ; Map: Jacque Schrag/Axios Waymo is accelerating its rollout of robotaxis in the U.S., adding four new cities in Texas and Florida this week as self-driving technology…
Charles Kushner is the latest ambassador stirring trouble. Here's a list.
France has moved to cut off Charles Kushner , the U.S. ambassador and the father of President Trump's son-in-law, from meeting government officials after he failed to appear when…
How states are testing ICE resistance strategies
While Congress is at a virtual stand-still on ICE reforms, state governments are working to put guardrails on federal immigration enforcement. Why it matters: State lawmakers…
Hegseth gives Anthropic CEO until Friday to back down in AI safeguards fight
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei until Friday evening to give the military unfettered access to its AI model or face harsh penalties, Axios has…
Iran conflict escalates: 4 U.S. service members killed as death toll climbs
Three U.S. fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses Sunday night, U.S. Central Command said in a Monday statement. All six aircrew ejected safely and are in…
Iran attack on giant Saudi refinery pushes up oil prices
Data: Financial Modeling Prep ; Chart: Axios Visuals A Saudi oil refinery — one of the world's largest — suffered "limited" damage overnight from an Iranian attack, per the…
Leaked photo briefly derails Hillary Clinton deposition
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton 's deposition before the House Oversight Committee was paused Thursday afternoon after Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) took an unauthorized…
Behind the Curtain: AI's biggest threats
If AI were a politician, it'd be headed for a landslide defeat . Defeated by Democrats ... Republicans ... and independents. Why it matters: In the Trump administration, Silicon…
The biggest challenge to Trump's drug price claims? Reality
As the White House gears up its election-year pitch taking credit for lowering prescription drug prices, it faces a key unknown: Will voters notice any difference? Why it matters:…
Hillary Clinton testifies she never met Epstein, accuses GOP of "cover-up"
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton testified that she has no new information regarding Jeffrey Epstein's criminal activities during a deposition before the House Oversight…
Scoop: Trump's Iran strikes inject new chaos into 2026 Democratic primaries
President Trump's strikes on Iran have emerged as a potent issue in Democratic congressional primaries just days after the start of military operations in the region. Why it…
House Republican join Democrats in Epstein protest at State of the Union
A House Republican who has been at the forefront of transparency efforts around the Jeffrey Epstein files ia planning to display her support for the late convicted sex offender's…
Iran conflict spurs early oil price surge
Crude oil prices are up by more than $4 per barrel to their highest level in slightly over a year in trading in Asian markets Sunday night. Why it matters: The surge from the Asia…
Hezbollah launches missiles at Israel from Lebanon, Israeli military says
Hezbollah fired several missiles from Lebanon towards Israel on Sunday, two days after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran , the Tehran-backed militant group and the IDF…
The U.S. is destroying Iran's navy after it tried to shut down global oil flows
President Trump said Sunday the U.S. military destroyed nine Iranian warships and is in the process of destroying the rest of Iran's navy. Why it matters: The U.S. strikes target…
U.S. cities step up security measures amid Iran tensions
U.S. counterterrorism and intelligence teams are on high alert and law enforcement in major cities has bolstered security in the wake of this weekend's strikes on Iran . The big…
Iranian state media confirms Supreme Leader Khamenei is dead
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in an Israeli strike Saturday as part of a massive joint military operation between the U.S. and Israel , Iranian state media…
Iran retaliates after U.S.–Israel strikes, triggering regional fallout across Middle East
Data: Media reports and government statements; Map: Axios Visuals The U.S.–Israel military operation against Iran Saturday shook the wider Middle East, driving Iranian retaliation…
Reluctant MAGA demands swift results from Trump in Iran
The America First wing of the MAGA coalition wants swift results from Saturday's Iran strikes , often invoking the late Charlie Kirk's opposition to foreign wars. The big picture:…
Pope Leo condemns "spiral of violence" in U.S., Israel strikes on Iran
Pope Leo XIV condemned the escalating violence in the Middle East and Iran Sunday, warning that the "spiral of violence" risks becoming "an unbridgeable chasm." The big picture:…
U.S and Israel begin "major combat operations" in Iran
The U.S. and Israel began "major combat operations" in Iran overnight with the aim of destroying the country's military capabilities and fostering regime change, President Trump…
How Trump's Iran gamble is different than past regime overthrows
President Trump's bid to topple Iran's regime marks a sharp break from two decades of U.S. intervention playbooks across multiple presidencies. The big picture: Trump's weekend…
3 U.S. service members killed in Iran conflict
Three U.S. service members were killed in action and five more seriously wounded as part of the American and Israeli strikes on Iran, U.S. Central Command announced Sunday…
Trump promised to replace taxes with tariffs. Here's what it would cost
President Trump said on Tuesday he believes tariff revenues could one day "replace" U.S. income tax, the government's primary revenue source. Why it matters: Customs duties fall…
Israel targets Khamenei, top leaders in bid to bring down Iran's regime
Editor's note: Iranian Supreme Leader was killed in an Israeli strike as part of a joint military operation between the U.S. and Israel on Feb. 28, according to Israeli and…
U.S. evacuates Israel embassy staff as Trump's Iran decision looms
The U.S. State Department announced on Friday that it started evacuating "non-emergency" government personnel from the embassy in Israel and their family members, citing "safety…
Democratic divides erupt after Trump strikes Iran
Democratic divisions on Middle East policy roared back to the surface on Saturday after the U.S. and Israel launched what President Trump described as "major combat operations" in…
How world leaders are reacting to U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran
The joint U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran Saturday drew mixed reactions from around the globe. The big picture: European leaders largely called for restraint and diplomacy to avoid…
How the U.S. attack on Iran could shake oil prices
The overnight military strikes on Iran will likely push up oil prices by creating new risks to supplies from the region that's home to a large chunk of global output and transit.…
Trump strikes Iran again. Why presidents skip Congress to use military force
The U.S. struck Iran overnight in the latest example of a president bypassing Congress to order military action. Why it matters: The Constitution says only Congress can declare…
What to know about Reza Pahlavi, a potential successor to lead Iran
Reza Pahlavi , the exiled former crown prince of Iran , is positioning himself as the "transitional" leader if the Islamic Republic collapses. The big picture: Pahlavi has voiced…
Top U.S. commander in the Middle East briefs Trump on Iran options
The top U.S. military commander in the Middle East briefed President Trump on Thursday about the options for military action against Iran, according to a U.S. official and a…
Americans fear Iran but question Trump's judgment: poll
Data: AP-NORC; Chart: Kavya Beheraj/Axios Most U.S. adults are concerned about the threat Iran poses to the U.S., but a majority say they don't trust President Trump 's handling…
U.S.-Iran nuclear talks were "positive," senior U.S. official says
Thursday's nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in Geneva led to understandings on some issues and left gaps on others, with another round set for next week, Iran's…
Scoop: Witkoff says any Iran nuclear deal should last indefinitely
White House envoy Steve Witkoff told a private gathering on Tuesday that the Trump administration is demanding that Iran agree any future nuclear deal will remain in effect…
Top U.S. general says it will take time to achieve Iran war goals
The U.S. military operation against Iran , dubbed "Epic Fury," will not end "overnight," Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine said…
Trump told Zelensky he wants to end war ASAP in call
President Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky he wants to push for an end of the war with Russia as soon as possible, according to a Ukrainian official and two other…
Netflix says it won't raise bid for Warner Bros.
Netflix said Thursday that it won't raise its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming and studio assets, allowing Paramount Skydance to emerge as the winning bidder. Why it…
Bill Clinton plunges into historic Epstein deposition
Former President Bill Clinton testified under oath that he had no knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes and "did nothing wrong" during a deposition before the House Oversight…
Trump warns more U.S. troops will "likely" die in Iran attacks
President Trump presented on Sunday his case for going to war with Iran and toppling the current regime — and warned more U.S. soldiers will likely die before the operation ends.…
The Epstein files keep toppling the powerful. The latest: the man who runs Davos.
World Economic Forum leader Børge Brende announced his resignation Thursday, the latest casualty of the Epstein files fallout rocking business, politics and academia. The big…
Summers leaves Harvard as Epstein reckoning rocks academia
Former Harvard president Larry Summers announced Wednesday he will resign his positions at the university following backlash to his relationship with convicted sex offender…
Two months, two tracks: How Trump chose war with Iran
As Israeli bombs fell on the supreme leader's compound in Tehran on Saturday morning, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was meeting above ground with several of his top advisers. He never…
Trump says he prefers diplomacy, but lays the case for war with Iran
President Trump said in his State of the Union speech on Tuesday that he prefers a diplomatic solution to the crisis with Iran , but at the same time laid out a case for a…
Democrats demand war powers vote after U.S. strikes Iran
Democrats on Saturday urged Congress to quickly vote on war powers resolutions after the Trump administration launched overnight strikes on Iran . Why it matters: President Trump…
House Democratic leaders to force vote on reining in Trump's Iran war powers
House Democratic leadership on Thursday announced plans to force a vote next week on a resolution that would require President Trump to seek congressional authorization to use…