President Trump’s unilateral renaming of the Strait of Hormuz and Senator Sanders’ proposed ban on superintelligence highlight a growing tension between executive action and legislative oversight.
The traditional boundaries of executive power are facing significant tests as the White House and Congress grapple with geopolitical shifts and emerging technologies. In a move bypassing international maritime conventions, President Trump directed the renaming of the Strait of Hormuz to the “Trump Strait.” While the administration asserts this reflects U.S. control, the move created a digital schism. Google and Apple rapidly updated mapping software, while MapQuest refused, turning its stance into a marketing gambit. This divergence prompted House Democrats to threaten hearings on platform compliance with unilateral executive decrees.
Within the Pentagon, friction between political appointees and career leadership reached a breaking point. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned effective September 3 following a protracted conflict with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The departure occurred as Hegseth removed six Army officers from a two-star general promotion list, a move critics argue politicizes the non-partisan promotion process. These decisions prompted Senator Thom Tillis to call for Hegseth’s dismissal, citing inept management. Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed anxiety that Republican control of the chamber is at risk due to high energy prices and the President’s approval ratings.
On the legislative front, Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Greg Casar are drafting a bill representing the most aggressive federal intervention in technology to date. Citing reports of AI models allegedly “conspiring among themselves” to launch cyberattacks, the proposal seeks to ban the development of “superintelligence.” The draft includes a 20-year prison sentence for violators and proposes a new federal agency to monitor algorithmic risks. This follows Sanders’ efforts in Vermont to place a moratorium on AI data centers through 2030, signaling a constitutional debate over authority to preemptively restrict technology based on emergent behavior.
Economic concerns remain the primary driver of political anxiety. During a Dallas convention, the President accused Iran of escalating conflict to harm Republicans at the polls. While the President promised energy prices will collapse “immediately after” the elections, AAA data shows diesel averaging nearly $6 a gallon and regular gasoline at $4.22. This price pressure creates a pass-through effect on grocery and supply chain costs that remains insulated from political rhetoric, leading analysts to believe the “Trump Strait” narrative is a tactical distraction from the logistics crisis.
Finally, the Labor Department is grappling with a 40-page Inspector General report regarding former Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. The document details administrative lapses including drinking on duty, misuse of travel funds, and an “inappropriately close” relationship with a security aide involving a visit to a strip club. The report highlights that the department lacked a clear policy on supervisor-subordinate relationships. This regulatory gap is now under scrutiny as Democrats push for broader ethics reforms, arguing that the lack of oversight has allowed for a degradation of professional conduct that undermines public trust in federal institutions.
Miles Harrington serves as the Senior Correspondent for Federal Systems & Executive Power at Just Right News, where he brings a disciplined, constitutionalist lens to the inner workings of the American government. With a focus on the mechanics of the federal bureaucracy and the limits of executive authority, Harrington has established himself as a vital voice for readers who value transparency, accountability, and the preservation of the separation of powers.
A native of Richmond, Virginia, Harrington’s perspective is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Old Dominion. Growing up in a city defined by its historical significance and its role as a center of American jurisprudence, he developed an early appreciation for the foundational principles of the Republic. His upbringing in Richmond—a place where the legacy of the Founding Fathers is woven into the landscape—instilled in him a belief that the federal government should remain within its constitutional bounds. This background informs his skepticism of centralized overreach and his commitment to reporting on the ways in which the administrative state impacts the lives of everyday citizens.
In his current role, Harrington specializes in the complexities of federal systems. He doesn’t just report on the headlines of the day; he digs into the structural shifts within the executive branch that often go unnoticed by the mainstream press. Whether he is analyzing the implications of a new federal regulation or investigating the expansion of agency jurisdiction, his work is characterized by a rigorous adherence to the facts and a dedication to the rule of law.
Harrington is perhaps best known for his signature feature series, “How Washington Works.” Through this ongoing project, he demystifies the often-opaque processes of the nation’s capital, pulling back the curtain on the “Deep State” and the unelected officials who wield significant influence over national policy. By breaking down complex legislative maneuvers and executive orders, he empowers Just Right News readers to understand the true levers of power in Washington. His reporting serves as a necessary check on the federal government, ensuring that the actions of those in power are held up to the light of public scrutiny.
Now based in Washington, D.C., Harrington operates at the epicenter of the political world, yet he remains intentionally distanced from the “Beltway bubble.” His proximity to the halls of power allows him to maintain a robust network of sources across the federal landscape, but his heart remains in the principled conservatism of his Virginia roots. He views his role not merely as a reporter, but as a steward of the public trust, dedicated to providing the clarity and context that conservative voters need to navigate an increasingly complex political environment.
Through his sharp analysis and unwavering commitment to the truth, Miles Harrington continues to be a cornerstone of the Just Right News team. His work ensures that the principles of limited government and executive restraint remain at the forefront of the national conversation, providing a crucial service to those who believe in a government that is truly of, by, and for the people.