Trump’s Approval Sinks Amid Unpopular War, Darkening G.O.P. Prospects

With the midterms nearing, President Trump’s approval rating has hit a second-term low, according to the latest New York Times/Siena poll.

A Crack in the Polling Floor Puts Trump in New Territory

Trump’s Taiwan Gambit is Already a Gift to China

President Trump’s open willingness to hold up a $14 billion Taiwan arms package is a win for Beijing. Now China could be weighing how to keep the weapons on ice for as long as it can.

Painful Commute Hits New York as Long Island Rail Road Strikes

More than a quarter-million people commute on the nation’s busiest passenger rail service. Workers, who have not received a raise since 2022, went on strike on Saturday.

Stranded L.I.R.R. Riders Have Few Alternatives. Here’s What to Know.

Trump Withdraws $10 Billion Suit Against I.R.S.

President Trump dismissed his lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service, in an apparent effort to effectively settle the case.

Soaring Prices Test Voters’ Finances and Patience With Trump

Just months before another election that may hinge on the economy, the war in Iran has sent the price of gas and other goods soaring.

U.S. Debt Is Now Bigger Than the Economy. That’s Not the Real Problem.

Trump Tightens Grasp on G.O.P. as Cassidy Loss Shows Cost of Defiance

The defeat of Senator Bill Cassidy showed President Trump’s party dominance, but Republicans are bracing for a potential backlash to his presidency in November.

How a Secretive Firm Tried (and Failed) to Fix an Epstein Friend’s Tattered Image

Terakeet, a reputation management firm, attempted to downplay the friendship of the Goldman Sachs general counsel, Kathryn Ruemmler, with Jeffrey Epstein.

The Big Questions About Epstein: What The Times Has Learned

Want to See the Epstein Files in Print? Here Are the 3,437 Volumes.

Wave of Ukrainian Strikes Kills at Least 4, Russia Says

More than 550 drones were intercepted or shot down in over a dozen regions, including Moscow, in one of largest attacks of the war.

The Secretive Conglomerate That Controls Cuba’s Economy

A shadowy state enterprise run by the military is a focal point of Washington’s pressure campaign against Cuba.

Pressuring Cuba to Submit to Demands, U.S. Eyes a Castro Indictment

Rubio, Once a China Hawk, Strikes a Softer Tone to Align With Trump

As a senator, Marco Rubio even hinted at the need for regime change in China. Now he talks about cooperation.

Trump Turns Taiwan Arms Sales Into Bargaining Chip With China

China Will Host Putin, Days After Trump’s Visit

How a Nature Cruise Turned Into a Nightmare

The hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius set off alarms for a world still traumatized by Covid. For those on board, the danger was much closer.

Trump and Xi Play Up Stability Without Announcing Major Breakthroughs

As President Trump left Beijing, there was no indication that he and Xi Jinping had resolved any big points of contention on trade, Iran or other issues.

Trump Announces a Boeing Jet Order From China. Beijing Stays Silent.

As Powell Steps Down, the Fed Confronts ‘Regime Change’

Jerome Powell is passing the baton to Kevin Warsh, President Trump’s pick, who says the Federal Reserve needs an overhaul.

How Iran’s Energy Exports Are Still Headed Toward China

The U.S. blockade has intercepted dozens of vessels since mid-April. But a small number of ships with Iranian cargo are still sailing.

Oil Prices Climb on Fears of Broader Energy Crunch

C.I.A. Director Visits Cuba as Island Runs Out of Oil

John Ratcliffe, the C.I.A. director, is the highest-ranking official in the Trump administration to visit the country.

China’s Xi Warns Trump on Taiwan at Beijing Summit

• Xi Jinping told President Trump that the issue of Taiwan, if handled poorly, could lead to a clash with the U.S. They are also expected to discuss trade and the Iran war.
• Both leaders attended a state banquet in Beijing, where they emphasized cooperation and Mr. Trump invited Mr. Xi to visit the White House.

Why Xi Doesn’t Need a Deal With Trump

China’s leader is buying time for Beijing and may see an opening with a U.S. president weakened by the war in the Middle East.

Elon Musk Returns to Trump’s Side in Beijing

Mr. Musk is part of a delegation of business leaders to China, where his interests include Tesla’s electric vehicle factory and solar panels.

Gen. Caine’s Silence on Iran War Leaves Questions About Military Strategy

President Trump’s top military adviser is walking a tightrope as he leads the military through a divisive and unpopular war.

Senate Again Rejects Bid to End Iran War, but G.O.P. Opposition Grows

Trump Arrives in China for High-Stakes Summit

President Trump landed in Beijing for a two-day summit with China’s leader, Xi Jinping. The war in Iran has complicated the issues they hope to address.

The Lecturer and Philosopher King: Xi Jinping Behind Closed Doors

How China Could Wield Its Control of Rare Earths Against Trump

Iran’s Military Is Stronger Than Trump Claims, Reports Show

Secret U.S. intelligence assessments say Iran has access to 30 of its 33 missile sites and could threaten American warships and tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.

What You Need to Know About the Federal Gas Tax