Politics

The State Department has frozen new funding for almost all U.S. aid programs worldwide, making exceptions to allow humanitarian food programs and military aid to Israel and Egypt to continue.

The Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as the nation’s defense secretary Friday in a dramatic late-night vote, swatting back questions about his qualifications to lead the Pentagon amid allegations of heavy drinking and aggressive behavior toward women.

His attorney, Timothy Parlatore, declined to comment Thursday on the dollar figure, which was previously unknown.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents appear to have stepped up their detention of unauthorized immigrants.

The president has had harsh words for state and local leaders in California amid the deadly blazes. He recently suggested that any federal aid could come with strings.

NBC talked to voters who find both parties, Democratic and Republican, lacking and who are looking for change. Here are their thoughts about the state of American politics as Trump begins his second term.

Forty-nine House Republicans and a dozen senators have never voted for a law to raise the debt limit, highlighting issues the small GOP majorities could face enacting their agenda.

The Massachusetts House of Representatives’ budget chief told the Healey administration Wednesday that the branch needs more information before it can act on Gov. Maura Healey’s family shelter funding and reform plans. House Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz asked for answers to more than two pages of questions by Monday, Jan. 27...

A quick setback for one of the Trump administration’s immigration directives came Thursday, with a federal judge blocking the executive order to end birthright citizenship for children of non-citizens and non-permanent residents. Communities in Massachusetts and across the country have been on edge over President Donald Trump’s move to ...

The situation could be particularly complicated for asylum-seekers from countries like Venezuela, which doesn’t have diplomatic ties with the U.S.

President Donald Trump could be moving forward with one of his key campaign promises. On Monday, Trump announced he will introduce 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada, as soon as Feb. 1. Tariffs are imposed on goods that are imported from another country. Experts warn the move could raise prices for consumers. “There is so much uncert...

Many who work in the federal government knew that an incoming Trump administration would take aim at diversity, equity and inclusion jobs within their ranks.

The Massachusetts Democrat says he will work to protect federal employees from potential cuts advised by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.