As President Trump ponders involving the United States in Israel’s attacks on Iran, the G.O.P. faces a thorny question: What does “America first” really mean?
As President Trump ponders involving the United States in Israel’s attacks on Iran, the G.O.P. faces a thorny question: What does “America first” really mean?
A clash between Tucker Carlson and Ted Cruz embodies the rupture on the right over whether the United States should get involved in Israel’s attacks on Iran.
The decision to uphold the Tennessee law will most likely mean a patchwork of laws throughout the country, a map that traces current political polarization.
The decision to uphold the Tennessee law will most likely mean a patchwork of laws throughout the country, a map that traces current political polarization.
Sarah Stogner had never tried a criminal case before getting elected D.A. in an oil-rich area half the size of New Jersey. So far, it’s been a struggle.
Sarah Stogner had never tried a criminal case before getting elected D.A. in an oil-rich area half the size of New Jersey. So far, it’s been a struggle.
Sarah Stogner, an oil-and-gas lawyer in Louisiana, moved to the Ward County during the pandemic.
Sarah Stogner had never tried a criminal case before getting elected D.A. in an oil-rich area half the size of New Jersey. So far, it’s been a struggle.
Sarah Stogner had never tried a criminal case before getting elected D.A. in an oil-rich area half the size of New Jersey. So far, it’s been a struggle.
Sarah Stogner, an oil-and-gas lawyer in Louisiana, moved to the Ward County during the pandemic.
The Democratic candidate for governor, Abigail Spanberger, is raising far more cash than her Republican rival, Winsome Earle-Sears, in a state where federal work force cuts are being acutely felt.
The Democratic candidate for governor, Abigail Spanberger, is raising far more cash than her Republican rival, Winsome Earle-Sears, in a state where federal work force cuts are being acutely felt.
Former Representative Abigail Spanberger, left, a Democrat, is facing off against Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, a Republican, for governor of Virginia.
The president is still the attention-loving, payback-obsessed main character that he was in 2015. But his four years out of office drove him to turn grievance into vengeance.
The president is still the attention-loving, payback-obsessed main character that he was in 2015. But his four years out of office drove him to turn grievance into vengeance.
President Trump, with the backing of a Supreme Court decision last year that granted him broad immunity for official acts, is doing some of the things he wanted to during his first term.
Before Representative Melissa Hortman’s death, the state’s House was evenly divided. The governor has until next February to fill her seat before the next legislative session.
Before Representative Melissa Hortman’s death, the state’s House was evenly divided. The governor has until next February to fill her seat before the next legislative session.
Low turnout and fears over democratic backsliding marked Mexico’s shift to electing judges, which opens the way for the Morena party to dominate courts.
Low turnout and fears over democratic backsliding marked Mexico’s shift to electing judges, which opens the way for the Morena party to dominate courts.
Mexico’s Supreme Court building in Mexico City. Mexico’s shift away from an appointment-based system to the election of judges has, at least for now, amounted to a crucial step in Morena’s consolidation of power.
A special primary election this week for seats on the state’s utility board will be a rare referendum on residential electric bills, at a time when they have risen sharply across the country.
A special primary election this week for seats on the state’s utility board will be a rare referendum on residential electric bills, at a time when they have risen sharply across the country.
Some Georgians are limiting their power usage after seeing the cost of their electric bills surge.
A protest held in Bucharest, Romania, in support of the European Union on May 9, a little more than a week before the country held a hotly contested presidential election.
A youth movement in Iowa is aiming to appeal to voters who have abandoned Democrats in the Trump era. There are pitfalls for people who grew up sharing everything online.
A youth movement in Iowa is aiming to appeal to voters who have abandoned Democrats in the Trump era. There are pitfalls for people who grew up sharing everything online.
“I don’t care if they push around old Reddit posts from college,” said Zach Wahls, a 33-year-old Iowa state senator who is planning a Senate campaign next year.
Less than a third of eligible voters turned out for a poll that would have made it easier for foreigners to become citizens, and strengthened labor rights.
Less than a third of eligible voters turned out for a poll that would have made it easier for foreigners to become citizens, and strengthened labor rights.
Ms. Jones, a former under secretary of the Air Force under the Biden administration, prevailed over Rolando Pablos, a conservative with ties with to Gov. Greg Abbott.
Ms. Jones, a former under secretary of the Air Force under the Biden administration, prevailed over Rolando Pablos, a conservative with ties with to Gov. Greg Abbott.
Before they can run in 2028, numerous top Democrats will first face re-election in 2026. And for everyone, the midterms will serve as a new political proving ground.
Before they can run in 2028, numerous top Democrats will first face re-election in 2026. And for everyone, the midterms will serve as a new political proving ground.
After six months of turmoil, citizens hope for better times. But political polarization and international tensions over trade mean many worries remain.
After six months of turmoil, citizens hope for better times. But political polarization and international tensions over trade mean many worries remain.
Mr. Lungu, who was recently barred by a court ruling from running for president again, left a checkered legacy, with allegations that he eroded freedoms while in office.
Mr. Lungu, who was recently barred by a court ruling from running for president again, left a checkered legacy, with allegations that he eroded freedoms while in office.
David Jolly argued that there was an opportunity for Democrats to capitalize on voter displeasure with the high cost of living and with Republican policies.
David Jolly argued that there was an opportunity for Democrats to capitalize on voter displeasure with the high cost of living and with Republican policies.
Lee Jae-myung’s inauguration speech was a sign of the diplomatic maneuvering he will need to pull off to navigate relations with China and the United States.
Lee Jae-myung’s inauguration speech was a sign of the diplomatic maneuvering he will need to pull off to navigate relations with China and the United States.
President Lee Jae-myung giving his inauguration speech at the National Assembly in Seoul on Wednesday, hours after he clinched a comfortable election victory.
After months of political turmoil in South Korea, Lee Jae-myung has won the presidential election by a wide margin. Mr. Lee’s campaign has ridden a wave of anger against former President Yoon Suk Yeol after he tried to impose martial law in December.
After months of political turmoil in South Korea, Lee Jae-myung has won the presidential election by a wide margin. Mr. Lee’s campaign has ridden a wave of anger against former President Yoon Suk Yeol after he tried to impose martial law in December.
Some of the same young people who demonstrated after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law said they were disappointed by their choices in Tuesday’s election.
Some of the same young people who demonstrated after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law said they were disappointed by their choices in Tuesday’s election.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered congratulations to Poland’s newly elected president Karol Nawrocki, despite the incoming leader’s previous statements questioning Ukraine’s path to NATO and EU membership over unresolved historical grievances.
Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, Poland was Ukraine’s most important ally, providing military aid, humanitarian support, and refuge for over a million Ukrainians. Over time, however, economic strains (like disputes over Ukrainian grain imp
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered congratulations to Poland’s newly elected president Karol Nawrocki, despite the incoming leader’s previous statements questioning Ukraine’s path to NATO and EU membership over unresolved historical grievances.
Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, Poland was Ukraine’s most important ally, providing military aid, humanitarian support, and refuge for over a million Ukrainians. Over time, however, economic strains (like disputes over Ukrainian grain imports) and the prolonged presence of refugees led to growing public fatigue and resentment in Poland. The far-right leveraged these issues, turning them into wedge topics in Polish politics and claiming the ongoing support for Ukraine as a threat to Polish interests, sovereignty, and resources.
Nawrocki secured victory in Poland’s presidential runoff with 50.89% of the vote, narrowly defeating opponent Rafał Trzaskowski who received 49.11% support.
Zelenskyy described Poland as “a pillar of regional and European security and a strong voice defending freedom and dignity for every nation” in a message posted on social media platform X.
The Ukrainian leader expressed expectations for continued cooperation, stating that mutual strengthening between the countries would “give more power to Europe in global competition.”
Congratulations to @NawrockiKn on winning the presidential election.
Poland, which preserves the strength of its national spirit and its faith in justice, has been and remains a pillar of regional and European security, and a strong voice defending freedom and dignity for every…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 2, 2025
Who is new Poland’s president?
Nawrocki is a first-time politician who has led two influential cultural bodies in Poland – the Museum of the Second World War in Gdansk, and then the Institute of National Remembrance, where he has overseen the removal of Soviet-era monuments and conducted extensive research into the Volhynian tragedy of the 1940s. Nawrocki also controversially referred to Ukraine’s Eastern Galicia region as “Lesser Poland.”
During his campaign, Nawrocki argued that Ukraine should not join NATO or the European Union until it addresses what he characterized as crimes committed in Volhynia during World War II. The region saw mass killings of Polish civilians by Ukrainian nationalist forces between 1943-1944, an event that remains a sensitive diplomatic issue between the two countries.
President Donald Trump invited Nawrocki to the Oval Office last month, while Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had urged Poles to elect Nawrocki, saying he would work together with Trump.
Nawrocki is backed by Polish nationalist-conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party and endorsed by prominent right-wing figures such as US President Donald Trump and Hungary’s Viktor Orban.
Despite these positions, Nawrocki has pledged to maintain Polish support for Ukraine while pursuing what he described as policies “based on the principle of reciprocity.” According to his statements, Poland would prioritize representing its own national interests in the relationship.
He has also tapped into growing antagonism towards the million or so Ukrainian refugees in Poland, accusing them of “taking advantage of Polish generosity”, and promising to prioritise Poles for social services such as healthcare and schooling.
Nawrocki’s victory delivers a major blow to the centrist government’s efforts to cement Warsaw’s pro-European orientation and presages more political gridlock as he is likely to use his presidential veto to thwart Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s liberal policy agenda.
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After being stabbed last year, the leading presidential contender, Lee Jae-myung, is taking no chances. His main rival says he doesn’t need such protection.
After being stabbed last year, the leading presidential contender, Lee Jae-myung, is taking no chances. His main rival says he doesn’t need such protection.
The victory of Karol Nawrocki, who is backed by the previous right-wing governing party, will complicate Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s efforts to advance his liberal agenda.
The victory of Karol Nawrocki, who is backed by the previous right-wing governing party, will complicate Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s efforts to advance his liberal agenda.
Editor's Note: This story has been updated with the latest election results and President Volodymyr Zelensky's reaction.Karol Nawrocki, a right-wing nationalist supported by the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, has won Poland's presidential election. Nawrocki garnered 50.89% of the vote in the run-off election on June 1, narrowly defeating his liberal rival, Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, according to Poland's National Election Commission. Trzaskowski earned 49.11% of the votes. The clos
Editor's Note: This story has been updated with the latest election results and President Volodymyr Zelensky's reaction.
Karol Nawrocki, a right-wing nationalist supported by the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, has won Poland's presidential election.
Nawrocki garnered 50.89% of the vote in the run-off election on June 1, narrowly defeating his liberal rival, Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, according to Poland's National Election Commission. Trzaskowski earned 49.11% of the votes.
The closely-watched election has been widely seen as an inflection point in Poland's political trajectory, including its approach to Polish-Ukrainian relations. Nawrocki, known for adopting a "Trumpian" style of politics, has been criticized for parroting pro-Russian narratives due to his opposition to Ukraine's NATO membership.
Earlier in the night, Poland's elections were deemed too close to call, with exit polls showing showing Trzaskowski and Nawrocki virtually tied. Early polls showed Trzaskowski with a narrow lead, while more recent polls flipped the results in Nawrocki's favor.
Trzaskowski, whose campaign hinged on supporting Prime Minister Donald Tusk's democratic reforms, was the first to declare victory after an initial exit poll suggested he would secure a narrow win.
An exit poll by Ipsos for the broadcaster Polsat showed Trzaskowski, of the ruling centrist Civic Coalition (KO) party, winning by a slim margin of 50.3%.
"We won," Trzaskowski told party members after the first exit poll results came out. "I will bring people together, I will be constructive, I will be a president for all Poles. I will be your president."
However, a later poll flipped the results, showing Nawrocki narrowly ahead with 50.7%. Speaking to his supporters, Nawrocki also declared victory.
"Congratulations to (Karol Nawrocki) on winning the presidential election," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on June 2 after full results were announced.
"Poland, which preserves the strength of its national spirit and its faith in justice, has been and remains a pillar of regional and European security, and a strong voice defending freedom and dignity for every nation."
While Poland has a parliamentary system in which the president's authority is largely ceremonial, the Polish president is still able to veto legislation proposed by the parliament.
Moreover, the president plays a key role in foreign affairs and serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Polish presidents have historically been particularly active in shaping eastern policy.
While both candidates agreed on certain issues — such as increasing defense spending and supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia's full-scale invasion — they diverged on Ukraine's potential NATO accession.
Although Trzaskowski has been seen as more "pro-Ukrainian," both presidential candidates have taken positions targeting Ukrainian refugees. Russian disinformation campaigns also targeted the election, particularly amplifying anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Poland.
The candidates also disagreed on several key social issues, highlighting deep divides in Polish politics and society more broadly.
On June 1, Mexico will become the only country in the world to elect all of its judges and magistrates. Emiliano Rodriguez Mega, a New York Times reporter based in Mexico City, breaks down why this new approach is so controversial.
On June 1, Mexico will become the only country in the world to elect all of its judges and magistrates. Emiliano Rodriguez Mega, a New York Times reporter based in Mexico City, breaks down why this new approach is so controversial.
Both of the main candidates support the alliance with the United States, but the front-runner favors diplomacy with North Korea and China to improve strained relations.
Both of the main candidates support the alliance with the United States, but the front-runner favors diplomacy with North Korea and China to improve strained relations.
Banners showing South Korea’s two main presidential candidates Lee Jae-myung, left, and Kim Moon-soo, right. The June 3 election outcome will have an impact on the country’s foreign policy.
Russia-aligned influence campaigns have intensified efforts to spread disinformation targeting Ukrainian refugees in Poland ahead of the country’s presidential runoff election on June 1, according to a new investigation by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD).ISD found that Russia-aligned actors are amplifying anti-Ukrainian sentiment through coordinated campaigns across platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Bluesky, Facebook, and Telegram. These efforts include operations like "Operatio
Russia-aligned influence campaigns have intensified efforts to spread disinformation targeting Ukrainian refugees in Poland ahead of the country’s presidential runoff election on June 1, according to a new investigation by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD).
ISD found that Russia-aligned actors are amplifying anti-Ukrainian sentiment through coordinated campaigns across platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Bluesky, Facebook, and Telegram. These efforts include operations like "Operation Overload" and the pro-Kremlin network "Pravda/Portal Kombat," which use impersonation, AI-generated content, and coordinated amplification to push false narratives.
One Operation Overload campaign claimed that Ukrainian refugees were preparing terrorist attacks targeting the Polish elections, garnering over 654,000 views and nearly 5,800 interactions on X. Another falsely accused Ukrainians of plotting attacks on politicians in neighboring countries.
The investigation, published on May 30, highlighted that ChatGPT replicated misleading claims from the Pravda network, including accusations that Ukrainians were responsible for a rise in violent crime in Poland. A satirical video about refugees was manipulated by a pro-Kremlin influencer to portray Ukrainians as exploiting Poland’s welfare system, sparking calls for deportations and online hate. The influencer’s post alone received 161,500 views, 900 shares, and 380 comments, many of which were derogatory.
ISD warns that immigration has become a key issue in the Polish election discourse, noting that both remaining presidential candidates have taken positions targeting Ukrainian refugees. Candidate Rafal Trzaskowski proposed halting child benefits for non-working refugees, while Karol Nawrocki suggested placing them last in line for public services. The investigation urges Polish authorities to remain vigilant against Russia-backed disinformation that fuels discrimination and societal division.
ISD also calls on platforms to meet their obligations under the EU’s Digital Services Act by clearly labeling AI-generated content and addressing systemic risks to electoral integrity. The European Commission is urged to expand enforcement of sanctions on Russian-linked aggregators and to coordinate with internet service providers to counter foreign information manipulation more effectively.
A woman distributing pamphlets on judicial candidates in Mexico City on Wednesday. The sprawling elections are the most far-reaching judicial overhaul ever attempted by a large democracy.
A runoff election on Sunday pits a centrist against a nationalist who represent mainstream parties. The outcome is unclear given that many under 30 prefer candidates on the political fringes.
A runoff election on Sunday pits a centrist against a nationalist who represent mainstream parties. The outcome is unclear given that many under 30 prefer candidates on the political fringes.
For the first time, Mexico will elect judges nationwide, from the highest to the lowest courts. Campaign restrictions pushed many candidates to campaign on social media, sometimes in divisive ways.
For the first time, Mexico will elect judges nationwide, from the highest to the lowest courts. Campaign restrictions pushed many candidates to campaign on social media, sometimes in divisive ways.
Calin Georgescu, a Moscow-friendly Romanian politician who ran for president in November 2024, announced on May 26 that he is retiring from politics.In a video address posted online, Georgescu said he had made a personal choice to become a mere "observer of public and social life" and devote more time and energy to his family.An ultranationalist and a staunch opponent of NATO, Georgescu came first in the initial round of the presidential election in November 2024 with 22.9% of the vote. Romania'
Calin Georgescu, a Moscow-friendly Romanian politician who ran for president in November 2024, announced on May 26 that he is retiring from politics.
In a video address posted online, Georgescu said he had made a personal choice to become a mere "observer of public and social life" and devote more time and energy to his family.
An ultranationalist and a staunch opponent of NATO, Georgescu came first in the initial round of the presidential election in November 2024 with 22.9% of the vote. Romania's Constitutional Court later annulled the vote due to credible evidence of foreign interference in Georgescu's favor, namely from Russia.
Georgescu was later barred from participating in a rerun in May as he faces multiple criminal charges over suspected promotion of fascist ideologies and Romania's World War II-era leader, Ion Antonescu, who oversaw the Holocaust in the country.
In his address, Georgescu said that after the presidential election, "this stage of the sovereignist movement has ended." He added he would not join any political party or seek to hold a political office.
After Georgescu was banned from running for president, far-right Eurosceptic George Simion became the leading nationalist candidate instead but was defeated in the runoff on May 18 by pro-EU centrist Nicusor Dan.
"The world is weary of conflict, war, haste, violence, and political excess," Georgescu said.
"When public attention is consumed by political infighting that has little to do with society's well-being, those in professions vital to the country's welfare are pushed to the margins."
Georgescu thanked all those who supported him, claiming they had been "harassed, humiliated, and marginalized," and extended his gratitude also to his opponents.
The largely unknown Georgescu surged in popularity shortly before the November vote thanks to what is suspected to be Russian interference and a hybrid campaign on the TikTok platform.
The former candidate has vowed to end Romania's assistance to Ukraine and once suggested that Bucharest could take part in the country's post-war partition, drawing a rebuke from Kyiv.
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