President Trump navigates a high-stakes summit with China while implementing sweeping new Russia sanctions as his domestic approval hits a record low.
The executive branch is currently navigating a period of intense constitutional and diplomatic friction. President Trump, whose approval rating recently dipped to a record low of 32 percent according to Reuters/Ipsos polling, is now tasked with implementing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. Signed into law on September 18, the act mandates executive action within 30 days, including the potential for 100 percent tariffs on the five largest purchasers of Russian energy and up to 500 percent tariffs on Russian-origin goods. This legislative mandate, which passed the House with a bipartisan 262–159 vote, moves the issue from congressional debate to a potential executive decision on tariffs affecting major U.S. trading partners.
This implementation window coincides with the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping for a three-day state visit beginning September 23. The summit places the administration in a delicate position. As China remains one of the largest purchasers of Russian crude oil and natural gas, the new sanctions law provides the White House with significant leverage but also risks further destabilizing a global economy already strained by high energy costs. The official agenda for the Trump-Xi meeting on September 24 includes trade, technology, and national security, yet the shadow of the new Russia law looms large, as Beijing’s energy purchases are now a primary target for statutory penalties.
Domestically, the economic climate remains a central concern for the electorate. Diesel prices have surged past $6 per gallon in 49 states, with California averaging a staggering $8.42 per gallon. In response, President Trump indicated on September 22 that he is considering a ban on diesel exports to address these prices. However, public sentiment remains skeptical; a recent NBC News poll indicates that 55 percent of voters believe the administration’s policies have worsened economic conditions. This dissatisfaction is reflected in the 2026 midterm outlook, where a majority of Americans believe the country is on the wrong track and currently favor Democrats over Republicans in upcoming contests, including a notable Iowa Senate race where Rep. Ashley Hinson trails her challenger by 8 points.
Simultaneously, the administration’s use of executive discretion is being challenged in the judiciary. U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly held a hearing today, September 23, regarding a lawsuit filed by CNN, MS NOW, and Politico. The outlets are seeking an emergency order to restore White House access after their journalists were barred from the grounds. The Justice Department has filed to dismiss the request, arguing that White House access is a “privilege—not a right” and asserting that the President acted partly due to the alleged publication of classified or sensitive national-security information. The DOJ’s filing gives the news organizations until September 25 to respond to these claims.
Judge Kelly’s eventual ruling will serve as a significant marker for the limits of executive control over the press corps. The court previously ruled against the White House in a similar 2018 credentialing dispute involving Jim Acosta, emphasizing the necessity of due process under the Fifth Amendment. The current plaintiffs argue that the White House revoked credentials because officials objected to specific reporting, which they contend is a blatant violation of First Amendment protections. As the legal battle unfolds, it highlights the ongoing tension between the administrative state’s desire for information control and the constitutional requirement for transparency.
Beyond the Beltway, other regulatory and legal developments continue to shape the national landscape. The Ontario Superior Court of Justice recently created an opt-in claims process for individuals who suffered hazing or abuse in Major Junior Hockey, while the Financial Conduct Authority issued warnings regarding fraudulent clone websites. Even in the healthcare sector, Hedia secured regulatory approval to expand digital diabetes care to pediatric patients. While these developments occur outside the immediate political fray, they underscore a broader period of institutional realignment and regulatory expansion that defines the current administrative era.
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.