WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch

New York's mayor uses his inaugural address to insist he won't back away from socialism, including freezing rent and providing free buses, as he's sworn into office by Bernie Sanders. But will Mamdani be able to deliver, and at what cost? And will other Democrats follow his lead in shifting the party further to the left? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ford takes a huge charge on its EV business, as the Trump Administration rewrites the CAFE standards and the European Union moves to water down its 2035 clean-car mandate. Will politicians ever learn? Apparently not, as California regulators keep subsidizing the uneconomical Ivanpah solar thermal electric plant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump says he struck a facility in Venezuela that was being used to load drug boats, as the U.S. also seizes another oil tanker. What's the latest on the effort to force dictator Nicolás Maduro from power? How much have the regime's oil revenues fallen? And is this a standoff that either Trump or Maduro will win? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky meet to work out an agreement to end Ukraine’s war with Russia, but what kind of security guarantees is Zelensky looking for from the United States? Plus, Benjamin Netanyahu comes to Mar-a-Lago to discuss the next phase of the Gaza cease-fire plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before leaving town for the holidays, the House votes 221-196 to pass the SPEED Act, which would accelerate construction projects that need federal permits under the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA.  How much difference could the legislation make, and does it have a shot at 60 votes in the Senate? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices