United States Politics and Government

• The Smithsonian Faces New Pressure to Submit to Trump’s Will - The institution, long regarded as independent, is facing a White House deadline to hand over records about its content and will see turnover that could reshape its governing board.
• U.S. Trade Deficit Fell to Lowest Level Since 2009 in October, Data Show - The monthly trade deficit continued to shrink after President Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on foreign imports.
• The Latest on the ICE Killing in Minneapolis, and a Shadow Fleet of Oil Tankers - Plus, President Trump sits down with The Times.
• Trump Says U.S. Oversight of Venezuela Could Last For Years - In a wide-ranging interview with The New York Times on Wednesday, President Trump said “only time will tell” when it comes to how long the United States aims to control the country.
• When It Comes to Russia, Trump Navigates Conflicting Goals - President Trump’s efforts to court President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia are rife with contradictions about stability and displays of American power.
• Steny Hoyer, Longest-Serving House Democrat, to Retire From Congress - The Maryland congressman, who served as one of his party’s top leaders, plans to depart after nearly half a century in Congress, as his party looks toward generational change.
• Trump Withdraws the U.S. From More International Organizations - The executive order the president signed Wednesday follows a broader vision of American foreign policy that shuns coalition building and the consensus of nations.
• Buy Greenland? Take It? Why? An Old Pact Already Gives Trump a Free Hand. - Analysts say the Cold War agreement allows the president to increase the American military presence almost at will.
• FEMA Staff Bracing for Dismissal of 1,000 Disaster Workers - The job cuts expected this month are part of a plan by the Homeland Security secretary, Kristi Noem, to remake the agency.
• Stephen Miller Offers a Strongman’s View of the World - President Trump’s trusted adviser is casting his hard-right gaze abroad, saying the world must be governed by “force.”