The following briefing synthesizes critical developments in domestic politics, foreign policy, and legislative governance as of late May 2026. A pivotal Senate runoff in Texas between Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton serves as a bellwether for Republican party identity and the potential for a Democratic shift in the chamber. Simultaneously, the administration is pivoting toward a more restrictive immigration posture, requiring legal residents to leave the country to apply for green cards. Internationally, the United States faces a strained relationship with NATO and the E.U. as European allies move toward defense autonomy. High-stakes foreign policy maneuvers regarding Iran and potential military action in Cuba further complicate the administration's global standing. Domestically, the Epstein scandal has expanded following Hous ...