WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch

Donald Trump says he struck a facility in Venezuela that was being used to load drug boats, as the U.S. also seizes another oil tanker. What's the latest on the effort to force dictator Nicolás Maduro from power? How much have the regime's oil revenues fallen? And is this a standoff that either Trump or Maduro will win? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky meet to work out an agreement to end Ukraine’s war with Russia, but what kind of security guarantees is Zelensky looking for from the United States? Plus, Benjamin Netanyahu comes to Mar-a-Lago to discuss the next phase of the Gaza cease-fire plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before leaving town for the holidays, the House votes 221-196 to pass the SPEED Act, which would accelerate construction projects that need federal permits under the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA.  How much difference could the legislation make, and does it have a shot at 60 votes in the Senate? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Republicans avoid a costly primary in the race for New York Governor, after Rep. Elise Stefanik drops out and President Trump gets behind Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. While the polling favorite is still incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul, could Zohran Mamdani shake up the state's politics once he's sworn in? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump announces the construction of new U.S. battleships that the Pentagon says will be armed with nuclear cruise missiles, railguns, and lasers. Is this a smart use of naval resources? How does it fit into Trump's security strategy? And can such ships be launched fast enough to fill America's deterrence gap? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices