Ceasefire offers pause, but doubts remain over what comes next with Iran
Former State Department official Joel Rubin said the ceasefire is a welcome pause in the fighting, but warned it does not mean the conflict is over. On The Final 5 with Jim Lokay, he argued President Trump’s rhetoric had crossed a dangerous line, especially with threats that critics said sounded like talk of war crimes, and said there is still deep mistrust between the U.S. and Iran. Rubin also said any new agreement would likely fall far short of the Obama-era nuclear deal, which President Trump said would have paved the way for nukes anyway.
Former State Department official Joel Rubin said the ceasefire is a welcome pause in the fighting, but warned it does not mean the conflict is over. On The Final 5 with Jim Lokay, he argued President Trump’s rhetoric had crossed a dangerous line, especially with threats that critics said sounded like talk of war crimes, and said there is still deep mistrust between the U.S. and Iran. Rubin also said any new agreement would likely fall far short of the Obama-era nuclear deal, which President Trump said would have paved the way for nukes anyway.
The Final 5: April 07, 2026
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
Veteran warns of ‘eroding trust’ as questions swirl around Iran war
On The Final 5, Marine Corps veteran and intelligence analyst Sarah Czech reacted to the successful rescue of a downed American airman with gratitude, while also raising serious concerns about the administration’s handling of the broader conflict. She said the rescue was welcome news for military families, but argued that the White House’s long silence during the operation, along with conflicting statements about the war’s progress, has deepened uncertainty and undermined trust.
On The Final 5, Marine Corps veteran and intelligence analyst Sarah Czech reacted to the successful rescue of a downed American airman with gratitude, while also raising serious concerns about the administration’s handling of the broader conflict. She said the rescue was welcome news for military families, but argued that the White House’s long silence during the operation, along with conflicting statements about the war’s progress, has deepened uncertainty and undermined trust.
The Final 5: April 06, 2026
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
Congress, still on recess, faces decisions on DHS & Iran
As President Trump’s self-imposed Tuesday 8 p.m. deadline on Iran approaches, Washington is facing a convergence of crises with little visible movement on Capitol Hill. Bloomberg Government’s Mica Soellner joins The Final 5 to report that the military operation in Iran, originally expected to wrap up this week, is now stretching into a sixth week, while the Department of Homeland Security remains partially shut down and Congress stays in recess.
As President Trump’s self-imposed Tuesday 8 p.m. deadline on Iran approaches, Washington is facing a convergence of crises with little visible movement on Capitol Hill. Bloomberg Government’s Mica Soellner joins The Final 5 to report that the military operation in Iran, originally expected to wrap up this week, is now stretching into a sixth week, while the Department of Homeland Security remains partially shut down and Congress stays in recess.
The Final 5: April 03, 2026
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
TMZ steps up Capitol Hill coverage
Congressional inaction on DHS funding is spurring TMZ to enter the political game. Jim Lokay discusses that plus the latest state of play on the funding battle with Violet Jira from NOTUS on The Final 5.
Congressional inaction on DHS funding is spurring TMZ to enter the political game. Jim Lokay discusses that plus the latest state of play on the funding battle with Violet Jira from NOTUS on The Final 5.
The latest on Iran, what's next, and "cabinet churn"
From funding requests from the White House to Congress to keep the War in Iran going, to the departure of Pam Bondi, it's been an eventful week on Capitol Hill. Jim Lokay discusses it all with Andrew Donaldson on The Final 5.
From funding requests from the White House to Congress to keep the War in Iran going, to the departure of Pam Bondi, it's been an eventful week on Capitol Hill. Jim Lokay discusses it all with Andrew Donaldson on The Final 5.
The Final 5: April 02, 2026
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
The Final 5: April 01, 2026
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
The Final 5: March 31, 2026
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
Pollster: Trump Loses Ground on Iran, Economy, and Midterm Standing
Ipsos’ Cliff Young told The Final 5 that President Trump’s political standing has slipped sharply 14 months into his second term, with polling showing weak support for U.S. military action in Iran, falling approval ratings, and growing concern over affordability. Young said only about 35% approve of the Iran strikes, while large majorities worry the conflict will worsen gas prices and inflation and remain unclear on the administration’s goals. He added that Trump’s overall approval has dropped from the low 50s to around 40%, a danger zone for advancing an agenda, with the biggest weakness now on the economy and cost of living.
Ipsos’ Cliff Young told The Final 5 that President Trump’s political standing has slipped sharply 14 months into his second term, with polling showing weak support for U.S. military action in Iran, falling approval ratings, and growing concern over affordability. Young said only about 35% approve of the Iran strikes, while large majorities worry the conflict will worsen gas prices and inflation and remain unclear on the administration’s goals. He added that Trump’s overall approval has dropped from the low 50s to around 40%, a danger zone for advancing an agenda, with the biggest weakness now on the economy and cost of living.
Walkinshaw pushes worker protections as shutdown continues
Rep. James Walkinshaw (D-VA) joins The Final 5 as the DHS shutdown continues after House GOP leadership rejected a compromise last week, while defending Democrats against Republican claims they’re anti-law enforcement. He highlighted the toll on unpaid TSA workers, pushed his bill to guarantee federal pay during shutdowns, and warned that recent cuts and layoffs are hitting federal workers—especially in Northern Virginia—hard.
Rep. James Walkinshaw (D-VA) joins The Final 5 as the DHS shutdown continues after House GOP leadership rejected a compromise last week, while defending Democrats against Republican claims they’re anti-law enforcement. He highlighted the toll on unpaid TSA workers, pushed his bill to guarantee federal pay during shutdowns, and warned that recent cuts and layoffs are hitting federal workers—especially in Northern Virginia—hard.
The Final 5: March 30, 2026
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
Trump pushes AI education as part of race for U.S. leadership
On The Final 5, James Czerniawski of the Consumer Choice Center said the White House’s new AI framework reflects a belief that artificial intelligence is both a major economic opportunity and a strategic competition with China. He said the administration wants Congress to help shape policy while also promoting AI literacy for children, arguing schools should teach students how to use the technology responsibly rather than ban it. Czerniawski described AI as a potential personalized learning tool and said lawmakers in both parties are beginning to engage, though any national standards or legislation are still in the early stages.
On The Final 5, James Czerniawski of the Consumer Choice Center said the White House’s new AI framework reflects a belief that artificial intelligence is both a major economic opportunity and a strategic competition with China. He said the administration wants Congress to help shape policy while also promoting AI literacy for children, arguing schools should teach students how to use the technology responsibly rather than ban it. Czerniawski described AI as a potential personalized learning tool and said lawmakers in both parties are beginning to engage, though any national standards or legislation are still in the early stages.
Former Va. Gov. George Allen slams redistricting referendum as early voting begins
Former Va. Gov. George Allen criticizes the proposed redistricting changes, arguing they would undermine fair representation as early voting begins and Democrats push the measure statewide.
Former Va. Gov. George Allen criticizes the proposed redistricting changes, arguing they would undermine fair representation as early voting begins and Democrats push the measure statewide.
The Final 5: March 27, 2026
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
The Final 5: March 26, 2026
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
The Final 5: March 25, 2026
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
Former Va. Gov. Allen on redistricting referendum
Former Virginia Governor and U.S. Senator George Allen says the current redistricting maps in Virginia are already fair — pointing to a bipartisan system approved by voters. On The Final 5 with Jim Lokay, Allen argues the new referendum would undercut that process, claiming it would give Democrats a major advantage and disenfranchise rural voters. He calls the ballot language “deceptive” and warns the proposed maps would distort representation for political gain, urging Virginians to reject what he describes as a partisan power grab.
Former Virginia Governor and U.S. Senator George Allen says the current redistricting maps in Virginia are already fair — pointing to a bipartisan system approved by voters. On The Final 5 with Jim Lokay, Allen argues the new referendum would undercut that process, claiming it would give Democrats a major advantage and disenfranchise rural voters. He calls the ballot language “deceptive” and warns the proposed maps would distort representation for political gain, urging Virginians to reject what he describes as a partisan power grab.