Washington

Washington D.C., the capital of the United States, is at the center of several significant international and domestic issues in early 2026. A partial government shutdown is impacting federal agencies, including FEMA. President Donald Trump, serving another term, is a key figure in these events. The expiration of the New START treaty with Russia, the last nuclear arms treaty, is raising concerns about nuclear weapon deployment. Tensions with Iran are escalating, with the US deploying naval forces in the Gulf and Iran accusing Washington of fueling tensions. Iraq's Shia bloc supports al-Maliki despite Trump's threats. The WTO has ruled against the US in a dispute brought by China over green energy subsidies introduced under the Inflation Reduction Act. Domestically, Trump swiftly cut a funding deal, a contrast to past shutdown fights. The premiere of a documentary, 'Melania,' took place at the Kennedy Center. These events highlight Washington's central role in global politics and domestic policy.