Washington Times - Politics, Breaking News, US and World News

Trump, Vance defend U.S.-Iran pact as 60-day negotiation period starts

Vice President JD Vance speaks to reporters in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

By Vaughn Cockayne and Lindsey McPherson - The Washington Times 6 minutes ago

President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance staunchly defended the recently signed U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding on Thursday, insisting the deal will be better for regional security even as critics say it rewards Tehran.

D.C.’s democratic socialist mayor-to-be joins outsider candidates winning major elections

D.C. Council member Janeese Lewis George celebrates after winning the D.C. Mayor primary election during an election night party at the Howard Theatre, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

By Matt Delaney - The Washington Times

D.C. Council member Janeese Lewis George appears to have a clear path to winning the mayor’s race after her top primary opponent conceded Thursday, letting the democratic socialist continue a trend in both major parties where anti-establishment candidates are sweeping into office.

D.C. Council member Janeese Lewis George celebrates after winning the D.C. Mayor primary election during an election night party at the Howard Theatre, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

D.C.’s democratic socialist mayor-to-be joins outsider candidates winning major elections

By Matt Delaney - The Washington Times

President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, UFC President and CEO Dana White and other guests pose inside the octagon after UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House, Monday, June 15, 2026, in Washington. (Evan Vucci/Pool Photo via AP)

Alleged mastermind behind foiled UFC terror plot is an Obama-era ‘Dreamer’ in U.S. illegally

By Matt Delaney - The Washington Times

‘Fantastic’ hosts are wowing World Cup travelers, dispelling anti-U.S. buzz that preceded tournament

By Liam Griffin - The Washington Times

Vice President JD Vance speaks to reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

White House postpones sending J.D. Vance to Switzerland for talks with Iran negotiators 0 minutes ago

By Will Weissert, Seung Min Kin and Michelle L. Price and Mary Clare Jalonick - Associated Press

A document that was included in the U.S. Department of Justice release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, photographed Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, shows a Metropolitan Correctional Center report with photos of Epstein after a suicide attempt on July 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)

Democrats wield Epstein files as weapon in battle for the U.S. Senate

By Seth McLaughlin - The Washington Times

Happening Now

Vice President JD Vance speaks to reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

White House postpones sending J.D. Vance to Switzerland for talks with Iran negotiators

By Will Weissert, Seung Min Kin and Michelle L. Price and Mary Clare Jalonick - Associated Press 0 minutes ago

A document that was included in the U.S. Department of Justice release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, photographed Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, shows a Metropolitan Correctional Center report with photos of Epstein after a suicide attempt on July 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)

Democrats wield Epstein files as weapon in battle for the U.S. Senate

By Seth McLaughlin - The Washington Times

United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, right, speaks during a meeting of the North Atlantic Council in defense ministers format at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

Senators threaten Hegseth’s travel budget to get disclosures about military strikes

By Mary McCue Bell - The Washington Times

U.S. Senator Chris Coons is interviewed by the Associated Press in Taipei, Taiwan, Thursday, April 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

Senate panel advances bill to protect against unauthorized AI copies of voice or likeness

By Lindsey McPherson - The Washington Times

Commentary View all

Illustration on the effects of Britain's early release policy by Alexander Hunter/The Washington Times

The British gang rape scandal

By Kelly Sadler

Hiring sign for sales professionals is displayed at a store in Vernon Hills, Ill., Wednesday, April 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, file)

Welfare has sapped the Midwestern work ethic

By Jonathan Ingram

FILE - In this photo provided by the U.S. Navy, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) conducts routine underway operations while transiting through the Taiwan Strait, May 8, 2024. (Mass Communication Specialist 3rd class Ismael Martinez/U.S. Navy via AP, File)

Reject China’s latest territorial claim

By Carl O. Schuster

The front and back of a commemorative ornament released by America250 as part of events leading up to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, is photographed Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

The Declaration is our ‘why’; the Constitution is our ‘what’

By Scott Walker

U.S. Senate candidate Mike Collins celebrates during an election-night watch party after winning the Republican nomination, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Jackson, Ga. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Midterms shape up to favor Republicans on the issues

By Tim Murtaugh

Culture View all

Actor and comedian Carlos Mencia arrives at the 23rd Annual Imagen Awards, Aug. 21, 2008, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas, File)

Comedian Carlos Mencia faces 12 felony charges for failing to report more than $8M in earnings

By Andrew Dalton - Associated Press

Jeff Probst attends the premiere of "Survivor" season 50 on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Paramount Animation to make animal comedy based on CBS reality show ‘Survivor’

By Brad Matthews - The Washington Times

This image released by Netflix shows characters, from left, Mira, Rumi, Zoey in a scene from "KPop Demon Hunters." (Netflix via AP)

Minority, female representation in Hollywood streaming films falls sharply, UCLA report finds

By The Washington Times AI News Desk

In this undated image released by MGM, actor Omar Sharif appears in a scene from the film, "Doctor Zhivago." (AP Photo/MGM, File)

America’s first anti-communist film festival to counter modern movies’ leftist advocacy

By Kerry Picket - The Washington Times

View all

MQ-9 Reaper. Author: USAF Senior Airman Haley Stevens. Source: DVIDS 2019 **FILE**

U.S. lacks plan to replace lost Reaper drones

Thursday, June 18 2026

The Harry S. Truman Building, headquarters for the State Department, is seen in Washington, March 9, 2009. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

GAO faults State, USAID for poor oversight of $1.2 billion China counter-influence effort

By Bill Gertz - The Washington Times

United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a press statement on arrival for a meeting of NATO defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

Video
Hegseth orders review of U.S. forces in Europe, pushes allies to lead their own defense

By Mike Glenn - The Washington Times

U.S. President Donald Trump talkas to the media after disembarking Air Force One at Paris Orly Airport, Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in Orly, France. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Trump signs Iran deal, says it will stave off economic crisis, prevent nuclear program

By Tom Howell Jr. - The Washington Times

Trump Central View all

President Donald Trump, right, awards retired Marine Maj. James Capers the Medal of Honor in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Trump awards medals of honor to Vietnam and Afghanistan war heroes

By Kerry Picket - The Washington Times

Construction continues on the new White House ballroom, as seen from the Washington Monument, Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Democrats say money from Trump’s tax cuts bill is paying for White House ballroom project

By Lisa Mascaro - Associated Press

Mary Trump discussing her book "Who Could Ever Love You: A Family Memoir" at The 92nd Street Y in New York on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP) **FILE**

Trump settles $100 million lawsuit against niece over financial leaks to New York Times

By Mary McCue Bell - The Washington Times

U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he leaves the stage after a media conference at the end of the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Trump invokes Defense Production Act as U.S. munitions stockpiles dwindle

By Ben Wolfgang - The Washington Times

Politics View all

Federal agents look on as protesters gather outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minn. (AP Photo/Tom Baker, File)

Justice Department sues Philadelphia over anti-ICE mask law

By Stephen Dinan - The Washington Times

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama on stage during the dedication ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Obama Presidential Center opens — with millions owed to those who built it

By Susan Ferrechio - The Washington Times

U.S. Senator Chris Coons is interviewed by the Associated Press in Taipei, Taiwan, Thursday, April 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

Senate panel advances bill to protect against unauthorized AI copies of voice or likeness

By Lindsey McPherson - The Washington Times

A document that was included in the U.S. Department of Justice release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, photographed Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, shows a Metropolitan Correctional Center report with photos of Epstein after a suicide attempt on July 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)

Democrats wield Epstein files as weapon in battle for the U.S. Senate

By Seth McLaughlin - The Washington Times

Dive Deeper View all

This Friday, March 22, 2019, fie photo shows the Department of Justice Building in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) ** FILE **

DOJ seeks to block reparations to Black people whose ancestors suffered housing discrimination

By Susan Ferrechio - The Washington Times

This photo, provided by the Virginia State Police, shows the scene of a fatal accident involving a passenger bus on Interstate 95 in near Quantico, Va., on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Virginia State Police via AP)

Video
WATCH: Feds move to close commercial driver’s license loophole after deadly Virginia bus crash

President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, UFC President and CEO Dana White and other guests pose inside the octagon after UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House, Monday, June 15, 2026, in Washington. (Evan Vucci/Pool Photo via AP)

Foiled plot targeting UFC event at White House meant to set off revolution by killing Trump

By Matt Delaney, Mary McCue Bell and Jeff Mordock - The Washington Times

A sign for the Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Prisons is displayed at the Metropolitan Detention Center in the Brooklyn borough of New York on July 6, 2020. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

Posting from prison: Jailbirds get their say from behind bars on social media

By Susan Ferrechio - The Washington Times

National View all

This booking photo released by the Chicago Police Department on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, shows Merlin Lu, who has been charged with a hate crime and other offenses in the burning of a cross in Chicago's Grant Park. (Chicago Police Department via AP)

Suspect charged in cross-burning says it was anti-Trump protest, not hate crime

By Valerie Richardson - The Washington Times

President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, UFC President and CEO Dana White and other guests pose inside the octagon after UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House, Monday, June 15, 2026, in Washington. (Evan Vucci/Pool Photo via AP)

Alleged mastermind behind foiled UFC terror plot is an Obama-era ‘Dreamer’ in U.S. illegally

By Matt Delaney - The Washington Times

A police officer ties police tape to a handrail. (Associated Press) ** FILE **

Mississippi cop put on leave after involvement in a shooting that killed a baby boy

By Brad Matthews - The Washington Times

D.C. Council member Janeese Lewis George celebrates after winning the D.C. Mayor primary election during an election night party at the Howard Theatre, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

D.C.’s democratic socialist mayor-to-be joins outsider candidates winning major elections

By Matt Delaney - The Washington Times

World View all

The symbol of the United Nations is displayed outside the Secretariat Building, Feb. 28, 2022, at United Nations Headquarters. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

U.N. reports record violations of children in conflict, with government forces the main perpetrators

By Edith M. Lederer - Associated Press

A ballistic missile is displayed by Iran's Revolutionary Guard during a pro-government demonstration at Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) Square in downtown Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, April 21, 2026. (Alireza Masoumi/ISNA via AP)

Iran says its missiles not part of peace talks

By Bill Gertz - The Washington Times

In this photo provided by Ukraine's 65th Mechanized Brigade press service, a soldier practices military skills at a training ground near the frontline in the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine, Thursday, June 11, 2026. (Andriy Andriyenko/Ukraine's 65th Mechanized Brigade via AP)

Former Army generals say Ukraine making headway in war with Russia

By Mike Glenn - The Washington Times

A 1,200-year-old Major Oak tree, which Robin Hood allegedly used as a hideout, stands in Sherwood Forest near Nottinghamshire, England, on Oct. 19, 2007. (AP Photo/Simon Dawson) **FILE**

Ancient oak tree in Britain’s Sherwood Forest, featured in legend of Robin Hood, declared dead

By Brad Matthews - The Washington Times

Sports View all

Fans celebrate during the New York Knicks' NBA championship parade Thursday, June 18, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Ryan Murphy)

Knicks revel in their NBA victory parade as joyous fans, celebs fill the streets

By Anthony Izaguirre, Jake Offenhartz and Stephen Whyno - Associated Press

Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery stands behind his bench during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Capitals sign coach Carbery to a multiyear contract extension

Associated Press

‘Fantastic’ hosts are wowing World Cup travelers, dispelling anti-U.S. buzz that preceded tournament

By Liam Griffin - The Washington Times

FILE - Commissioner of Major League Baseball Rob Manfred answers questions during a news conference at the MLB winter meetings, Dec. 8, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux, file)

Major League Baseball team owners propose banning high school signings, adding international draft

By Ronald Blum - Associated Press

Higher Ground View all

An LGBTQ+ pride flag flies beneath a U.S. flag at the Stonewall National Monument in New York on Oct. 11, 2017. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan) **FILE**

Some colleges pull back from Pride Month amid Trump pressure

By Sean Salai - The Washington Times

Sweden's Yasin Ayari (18) celebrates after scoring their opening goal during the World Cup Group F soccer match between Sweden and Tunisia in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, Sunday, June 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa, File)

Faith and unity on display at World Cup even amid deep social divisions at home

By David Crary - Associated Press

Sarah Mullally speaks to the public after the Enthronement Ceremony installing her as archbishop of Canterbury in Canterbury, England, March 25, 2026, the first woman ever to lead the Church of England. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)

Church of England apologizes for role in forced adoptions as recent as the mid-1970s

By Danica Kirka - Associated Press

Father's Day and raising families with religion illustration by Alexander Hunter/The Washington Times

Commentary
As Father’s Day approaches, how to parent with faith

By Jentezen Franklin

Podcasts View all

Front Page Podcast

Get today’s top stories in under five minutes

Listen to the Front Page Podcast

Bold & Blunt Podcast

LISTEN: The war is over — or is it?

Simcha Brodsky joins Bold and Blunt

Threat Status Podcast

LISTEN: What if China beats the U.S. in a war?

Threat Status podcast

God, Country and the American Story

WATCH: How America lost its way

God, Country & the American Story

Sponsored Content View all

From the Special Sections Department

Secure from Coast to Coast: Advancing American Transportation

Secure from Coast to Coast: Advancing American Transportation

From the Special Sections Department

American energy unleashed

American energy unleashed

From the Special Sections Department

Pathways to American progress: The next phase of U.S. infrastructure

Pathways to American progress: The next phase of U.S. infrastructure

From the Special Sections Department

Building the health care Americans deserve

Building the health care Americans deserve

More Stories

United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, right, speaks during a meeting of the North Atlantic Council in defense ministers format at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

Senators threaten Hegseth’s travel budget to get disclosures about military strikes

By Mary McCue Bell - The Washington Times

U.S. Senator Chris Coons is interviewed by the Associated Press in Taipei, Taiwan, Thursday, April 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

Senate panel advances bill to protect against unauthorized AI copies of voice or likeness

By Lindsey McPherson - The Washington Times

Federal agents look on as protesters gather outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minn. (AP Photo/Tom Baker, File)

Justice Department sues Philadelphia over anti-ICE mask law

By Stephen Dinan - The Washington Times

President Donald Trump, right, awards retired Marine Maj. James Capers the Medal of Honor in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Trump awards medals of honor to Vietnam and Afghanistan war heroes

By Kerry Picket - The Washington Times

This booking photo released by the Chicago Police Department on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, shows Merlin Lu, who has been charged with a hate crime and other offenses in the burning of a cross in Chicago's Grant Park. (Chicago Police Department via AP)

Suspect charged in cross-burning says it was anti-Trump protest, not hate crime

By Valerie Richardson - The Washington Times

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama on stage during the dedication ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Obama Presidential Center opens — with millions owed to those who built it

By Susan Ferrechio - The Washington Times

The Supreme Court is seen in Washington, Monday, May 18, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Supreme Court undercuts law barring occasional drug users from owning guns

By Stephen Dinan and Alex Swoyer - The Washington Times

U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he leaves the stage after a media conference at the end of the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Trump invokes Defense Production Act as U.S. munitions stockpiles dwindle

By Ben Wolfgang - The Washington Times

A reporter raises a hand to ask a question as Vice President JD Vance speaks in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Vance praises Iran deal, says Tehran gets no rewards without action

By Vaughn Cockayne - The Washington Times

Police car against city street background. (File photo credit: Daniel Tadevosyan via Shutterstock)

Florida man arrested with 34 open cans of White Claw alcohol on passenger seat

By Brad Matthews - The Washington Times

D.C. Council member Janeese Lewis George celebrates after winning the D.C. Mayor primary election during an election night party at the Howard Theatre, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

D.C.’s democratic socialist mayor-to-be joins outsider candidates winning major elections

By Matt Delaney - The Washington Times

Customer checks gas price before she fills up her vehicle's tank at a gas station in Lincolnshire, Ill., Monday, June 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) **FILE**

Gas prices fall below $4 a gallon

By Mary McCue Bell - The Washington Times

Lights shine at the UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House, Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Mastermind behind foiled UFC terror plot is illegal immigrant

By Matt Delaney - The Washington Times

President Donald Trump watches Game 3 of the NBA Finals basketball series between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden in New York, Monday, June 8, 2026, with Knicks owner James Dolan and Kai Trump. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Yes, the Knicks are going to the White House — ending the NBA’s Trump-era freeze

By The Washington Times AI News Desk

Construction workers lower part of the LVH sign Tuesday, July 1, 2014 in Las Vegas. Florida-based timeshare company Westgate Resorts announced it purchased the LVH hotel from Goldman Sachs and Gramercy Capital and would rename it Westgate Las Vegas Resort &amp; Casino. Some of the nearly 3,000 rooms and suites will be converted to timeshare villas, while others will remain open to regular hotel guests. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Atlanta visitor hits $10.3 million Megabucks jackpot on $5 slot at Westgate Las Vegas

By The Washington Times AI News Desk

United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a press statement on arrival for a meeting of NATO defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

Video
Hegseth orders review of U.S. forces in Europe, pushes allies to lead their own defense

By Mike Glenn - The Washington Times

Kathy Fain, from Longview, Texas, holds an American flag while singing the National Anthem during Rededicate 250, a mostly conservative Christian prayer gathering in honor of the United States' 250th anniversary, on the National Mall, Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) ** FILE **

Can America still celebrate together? The 250th birthday is about to find out

By Valerie Richardson - The Washington Times

This image provided by Anduril Industries shows a rendering of a manufacturing facility Anduril Industries is preparing to build in central Ohio, state officials announced Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (Anduril Industries via AP) ** FILE **

Investment in defense tech is soaring as Pentagon encourages venture capitalists to participate

By John T. Seward - The Washington Times

Andy Burnham walks during a campaign visit to the town of Ashton-in-Makerfield before the forthcoming Makerfield by-election, in Greater Manchester, England, Tuesday, June 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Starmer’s Waterloo? Andy Burnham emerges as Labor’s answer to Reform Party surge

By Joseph Hammond - Special to The Washington Times

Advertisements by the American company Polymarket predict a victory for Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral election on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Olga Fedorova) **FILE**

Exclusive
Kentucky breaks with Trump administration to rein in prediction markets

By Seth McLaughlin - The Washington Times