Politics
Saigon Sentinel · Section
Policy reporting — elections, legislation, executive actions, and political analysis with a diaspora-impact lens.
- Politics
Newly Elected Texas Lawmaker Faces Immediate Re-election After Just Months in Office
Christian Menefee won a special runoff election for Texas’s 18th Congressional District, defeating Amanda Edwards by a 2-to-1 margin to fill a seat that has remained vacant for a year.…
- Politics
Xi Jinping purges top military brass to consolidate absolute grip on power
TAIPEI — Chinese leader Xi Jinping has moved to cement absolute control over the military following a sweeping purge of top officials that has left a significant void in the country’s defense command.…
- Politics
Thai political parties vow to protect sex workers ahead of national election
BANGKOK – Several major political parties in Thailand are pledging to decriminalize sex work and grant legal protections to workers ahead of the country’s Feb. 8 general election.…
- Politics
Thai prime minister candidate vows 'war on drugs' during visit to Chiang Mai
CHIANG MAI, Thailand — Pheu Thai Party prime ministerial candidate Yodchanan Wongsawat pledged to eradicate illegal drugs within six months and fast-track major infrastructure projects during a campaign rally in his home…
- Politics
From red beanies to nail art, US creatives turn crafts into anti-ICE protests
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — Knitting needles and nail polish have become the latest tools of political protest as a creative movement targeting U.S.…
- Politics
Trump orders federal agencies not to intervene in protests in Democrat-led cities
President Donald Trump has instructed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to keep federal forces out of protests in Democratic-led cities unless local officials formally request assistance.…
- Politics
The Republican Party: From Lincoln’s anti-slavery roots to the populism of Trump
The Republican Party has undergone a significant shift toward right-wing populism since 2016, driven by the rise of Donald Trump.…
- Politics
US Senate passes budget seeking to curb Trump's immigration policies
The U.S. Senate passed a government funding package in a 71-29 vote, clearing the way for Congress and the White House to renegotiate the full-year budget for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).…
- Politics
UK PM Says US Intelligence Backs Chagos Deal Despite Trump Criticism
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said U.S. intelligence agencies do not share President Donald Trump’s opposition to the Chagos Islands agreement, asserting that the deal remains secure.…
- Politics
Minnesota Governor accuses Trump administration of distorting facts on immigration crackdown
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz expressed deep skepticism toward Trump administration claims that it would ease immigration enforcement measures in his state, telling NPR he does not trust federal officials to keep their promise…
- Politics
Councilmember Marni von Wilpert leads San Diego Democratic primary race
SAN DIEGO — San Diego City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert has emerged as the frontrunner in the Democratic primary race to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa in California’s 48th Congressional District.…
- Politics
Corporate America opts for silence over confrontation with Trump
Top American CEOs are largely remaining silent as the Trump administration intensifies immigration enforcement during its second term, a sharp departure from the corporate activism seen in previous years.…
- Politics
Trump keeps Kristi Noem on VP shortlist in new test of public pressure
Governor Kristi Noem remained in office through the weekend despite mounting speculation that she would be fired following the fatal shooting of two protesters in Minnesota by federal immigration agents.…
- Politics
US government enters partial shutdown over immigration agency budget standoff
WASHINGTON — The federal government entered a partial shutdown after the House of Representatives failed to ratify a spending agreement passed by the Senate before the midnight deadline.…
- Politics
Former CNN host Don Lemon released after arrest in Los Angeles
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon released without bail following Los Angeles arrest LOS ANGELES — Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was released from federal custody Friday, one day after he was arrested in Los Angeles for allegedl…
- Politics
San Diego rental tax proposal fails amid allegations of paid protesters
SAN DIEGO — A San Diego City Council committee narrowly rejected a proposal to tax second homes and short-term rentals, voting 3-2 against a measure intended to generate revenue and return housing units to the local mark…
- Politics
ASEAN nations divided over Myanmar military junta’s plan for new elections
CEBU, Philippines — Southeast Asian nations have declined to recognize recent elections held by Myanmar’s military junta, citing a lack of consensus within the regional bloc.…
- Politics
Japan’s PM Takaichi calls snap election, faces highly unpredictable race
TOKYO – Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has called for an early snap election for the lower house on Feb. 8, setting the stage for what analysts describe as the country's most unpredictable political contest in ye…
- Politics
Federal judge slams ICE for violating nearly 100 court orders in Minnesota
A federal judge in Minnesota has issued a scathing rebuke of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), accusing the agency of violating nearly 100 court orders.…
- Politics
US faces partial government shutdown risk amid budget standoff
WASHINGTON — The U.S. government faces a looming partial shutdown this weekend as lawmakers remain deadlocked over a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security.…