The latest U.S. political developments for Monday, May 18, 2026.

1. 1
   Foreign Policy

   Trump Calls Off Scheduled Strike on Iran Amid Peace Talks

   President Donald Trump has called off a scheduled military strike against Iran as the two nations engage in serious peace negotiations [1.2.3]. The president cautioned that the clock is ticking for an acceptable deal to end the conflict that escalated earlier this year.

2. 2
   Justice Department

   DOJ Settles Trump's IRS Lawsuit as Democrats Object

   The Justice Department announced a settlement with President Trump and his family over their ten billion dollar lawsuit against the IRS regarding leaked tax returns. The agreement includes a formal apology and the creation of an Anti-Weaponization Fund, prompting House Democrats to file a motion to block the deal.

3. 3
   International Relations

   Trump Concludes Beijing Summit with Modest Agricultural Deals

   President Trump has returned from a two-day summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. While the talks yielded commitments for China to purchase seventeen billion dollars annually in U.S. agricultural products, no major breakthroughs were reached regarding the broader strategic standoff.

4. 4
   Health & Human Services

   HHS Restores Conscience and Religious Freedom Division

   Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a reorganization of the department's Office for Civil Rights. The move restores the Conscience and Religious Freedom Division, originally established during President Trump's first term.

5. 5
   Infrastructure

   Transportation Secretary Duffy Unveils Freight Modernization Plan

   U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy released the 2026 National Freight Strategic Plan. The initiative aims to modernize America's nearly seven-million-mile freight network to enhance safety, bolster supply chains, and secure domestic energy distribution.

6. 6
   Congress

   House Oversight Committee Interviews Former Epstein Prison Guard

   Former federal prison guard Tova Noel testified before the House Oversight Committee in a closed-door interview today. The hearing is part of an ongoing congressional inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Jeffrey Epstein.