Donald Trump

How the FBI knew what to search for at Mar-a-Lago – and why the Presidential Records Act is an essential tool for future historians.

— A presidential scholar sets the history and context for the battle over President Trump’s official records – and says it isn’t the first records battle between the government and a former president.

Donald Trump

New photos suggest how Trump, flush with power, may have sent official documents down the toilet.

— Photos showing what appear to be torn-up documents in two different toilets may provide more evidence of the former president’s habit of destroying his presidential documents.

OPINION

I believe her. Mostly.

— I don’t believe Cassidy Hutchinson intentionally lied on the stand, at all. I believe she testified honestly to what she knows first-hand and to what she heard second-hand.

COMMENT

In Iran, one man exercises complete control for his lifetime. In the US, it’s now six people.

— Political gridlock across the US federal government has made the country’s supreme court uniquely powerful.

COMMENT

A peaceful transfer of power in America? Yes, but...

— I don’t know about you but the Colombian election has been a rare bright spot in the news from the Americas.

Open Letter

An open letter to Tucker Carlson.

— On the man who Fox News’ lawyers admit he doesn’t know what he is talking about, doesn’t tell the truth – and anyway, his employers don’t even expect him to.

OPINION

Are Trump’s followers standing back and ready again?

— His followers who do take every word the former President speaks to heart, likely would follow his direction and take to the streets if he’s accused of a crime, real or imagined.

OPINION

President Biden. A ‘meh’ first year?

— Last week marked President Biden’s first year in office. How’s it going so far?

Analysis

Capitol assault: The real reason Trump and the crowd almost killed US democracy.

— The moment that could have brought US democracy to its knees on January 6, 2021 was a genuine co-production between Trump and his supporters.

OPINION

Thoughts on a dreadful year.

— Some thoughts on US politics as we wind down 2021.

COMMENT

Trump-lite is flavour of the month.

— Can Trump-lite lead the Republican Party to a big win in the US 2022 midterms?

OPINION

A Democratic wake-up call.

— Some Democrats are giving those who oppose Joe Biden reasons to keep opposing him.

Analysis

How Germany is managing its coronavirus epidemic, and reacting with disdain to Trump’s policies.

— Germans are struggling like the rest of the world with the coronavirus. And while Germans have a strong safety net and medical system, one thing may fall victim to the virus: relations with the US.

Analysis

Pathological power: The danger of governments led by narcissists and psychopaths.

— The mind is a powerful thing – it can generate both symptoms of illness and symptoms of healing. Here’s what this could tell us about consciousness.