The top political stories shaping the nation today, August 11, 2026.

1. 1
   Supreme Court

   Trump Pushes Boundaries on Supreme Court Rulings

   President Trump is aggressively testing the limits of recent Supreme Court decisions by moving forward with executive orders on birthright citizenship, tariffs, and the firing of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. Legal experts note that while not outright defiance, the administration is heavily challenging the bounds of the high court's authority.

2. 2
   Foreign Policy

   Administration Pivots Strategy in Iran Conflict

   As the military conflict with Iran persists, the Trump administration is shifting its strategy back to economic pressure. The President is betting that months of bombings combined with a renewed financial squeeze will force Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions, even as Iran demands war reparations.

3. 3
   Elections

   Key Primaries Underway in Five States

   Voters are heading to the polls today for primary and special elections in Connecticut, Minnesota, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Alabama. Marquee races include a high-stakes gubernatorial primary in Connecticut, where Governor Ned Lamont faces a progressive challenge that is testing the influence of the Democratic Party's left flank.

4. 4
   White House

   Will Scharf Named Top White House Counsel

   President Trump has announced that Will Scharf will take over as the new White House counsel on September 1, replacing David Warrington. Scharf currently serves as the White House staff secretary and frequently advises the President on executive orders in the Oval Office.

5. 5
   Military

   National Guard Presence Surges in D.C.

   A National Guard deployment in Washington, D.C., has grown from 800 soldiers a year ago to more than 4,600 troops from 15 states and territories. The expanded presence has made military personnel and vehicles a normal sight across the city, prompting concerns from critics about the militarization of the capital.

6. 6
   Health Policy

   Executive Order Recommends Spacing Out Vaccines

   President Trump has signed a new executive order calling for the spacing out of childhood vaccines. The policy change aligns with skepticism regarding traditional immunization schedules that has been expressed by some administration figures, and is expected to face swift pushback from the medical community.