Harvard professor offers a grim assessment of American democracy under Trump Steven Levitsky studies how healthy democracies can slip into authoritarianism. He says the Trump administration has already done grave damage: "We are no longer living in a democratic regime." Dave Davies
Trump wants a Golden Dome over America. Here's what it would take Experts are divided whether a new missile defense system for the U.S., inspired by Israel's Iron Dome, would be worth the cost. Geoff Brumfiel
Senate Democrats press Hegseth for answers on Trump order to ban transgender troops Lawmakers are asking the Defense Secretary to explain how the Pentagon is complying with court rulings blocking President Trump's executive order attempting to ban transgender troops from service. Elena Moore
Hundreds of scholars say U.S. is swiftly heading toward authoritarianism Most — but not all — political scientists are deeply troubled by the president's attempts to expand executive power, according to a national survey. Frank Langfitt
'I'm praying to him today': Nancy Pelosi remembers Pope Francis NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with Speaker of the House Emerita Nancy Pelosi about her experiences meeting Pope Francis and his legacy. Alejandra Marquez Janse
White House looks replace Pete Hegseth as defense secretary amid second Signal leak The White House has begun the process of looking for a new secretary of defense, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to speak publicly. Tom Bowman
A brief history of Trump's feud with Pope Francis Trump praised the pope at the start of Francis's papacy, in 2013. But relations soured during the 2016 election, when Francis criticized Trump's proposal to build a wall on the U.S.-Canada border. Rachel Treisman
House Democrats land in El Salvador, demand Abrego Garcia's return Unsanctioned congressional trip comes days after Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., met with Kilmar Abrego Garcia Luke Garrett
Politics chat: Trump's strategy with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell The Trump administration is pushing the boundaries of executive power, often by claiming emergencies. Domenico Montanaro
Trump administration and the courts continue to clash over immigration Courts and the Trump administration have clashed repeatedly in two high profile immigration cases this week, with another Supreme Court showdown looming. Ximena Bustillo
