Vinay Prasad Is Leaving the FDA / Anthropic Sues the Pentagon

The Trump Administration's counterterrorism director resigns, saying Iran didn't pose an imminent threat to the United States and accusing Israel of dragging America into wars. What does the episode suggest about the politics of the war, and will more exits follow? Plus, the fight over funding the Department of Homeland Security continues as Sen. Markwayne Mullin appears on Capitol Hill for his confirmation hearing to run the agency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S. military action against Iran continues and the question is how soon American forces can open up the Strait of Hormuz. On this episode of Potomac Watch, Kate Odell talks with war scholar John Spencer about the next phases of the conflict and how the war is testing Beijing's strategic bet on Iran.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump calls on allies to assist in patrolling the Strait of Hormuz to keep the vital oil chokepoint open and keep gas prices down. Plus, how will the Federal Reserve react this week to the economic impact of the war and higher energy prices? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump presses to pass the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote, meaning many driver's licenses wouldn't be enough. As some Republicans demand a talking filibuster to enact the bill, Sen. John Thune says that isn't so easy in practice, and the GOP lacks the votes for it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While the U.S. and Israel joint operation destroys drones and nuclear missiles in Iran, the regime counters the only way it can, by threatening the world energy market. Plus, Donald Trump gives mixed messages about not leaving the region too soon, while still declaring the United States has 'already won.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Voters are frustrated by home prices, and the Senate will soon take up the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. But the bill is a 300-page melange of federal grants and pilot programs, plus a progressive ban on home purchases by big investors. Plus, 22 states sue over Donald Trump's tariffs under Section 122. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Food and Drug Administration's controversial regulator is set to exit, amid more criticisms that the agency is stifling promising treatments. Meantime, the AI company Anthropic sues the Pentagon, after the Trump administration labels it a "supply chain risk" after a dispute over surveillance and autonomous weapons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S. and Israeli war with Iran begins its second week with worry about rising oil prices and volatile financial markets. Plus, signs point to Russia providing intelligence to Iran, and Iran chooses the son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to be its new leader.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is out, after a damaging appearance before the Senate, as Donald Trump names Markwayne Mullin to replace her. Will the DHS personnel change also affect ICE policy? Plus, does the U.S. have enough air-defense interceptors to maintain deterrence while finishing the job in Iran? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Gigot interviews Hudson Institute Middle East expert Michael Doran, who says the military campaign is going well for the U.S. and Israel. But the aftermath is far from certain as Donald Trump aims for 'regime transformation' rather than a revolution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices