2018 in American politics

2018 in American politics
Year	2018
Country	United States
Key events	"2018 United States elections", "Confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh", "#MeToo movement", "US–North Korea summit"

2018 in American politics The year 2018 saw intensive partisan contestation in the United States marked by high-profile United States elections turnout, contentious United States Senate and United States House of Representatives battles, and major judicial and foreign policy flashpoints. Prominent figures such as Donald Trump, Nancy Pelosi, Mitch McConnell, Brett Kavanaugh, and Robert Mueller defined headlines alongside movements including #MeToo movement, March for Our Lives, and Tea Party movement remnants. Policy arenas from immigration to trade prompted clashes involving institutions like the Supreme Court of the United States, the Department of Justice (United States), the Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Reserve System.

Federal government

The Trump administration dominated executive branch attention as Donald Trump confronted disputes with Congress of the United States, including standoffs with Nancy Pelosi and Paul Ryan over funding for United States-Mexico border. The White House faced investigations led by Robert Mueller into alleged ties between the 2016 United States presidential election campaign and actors such as Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections contacts linked to figures like Paul Manafort and Michael Flynn. Cabinet dynamics involved Jeff Sessions' recusal controversies and the elevation of William Barr’s confirmation process. The Department of Homeland Security implemented the Family separation policy at United States–Mexico border facilities, prompting litigation against agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services (United States) and advocacy from groups such as American Civil Liberties Union.

Elections

The 2018 United States elections included the 2018 United States House of Representatives elections and the 2018 United States Senate elections, with the Democratic Party (United States) gaining control of the United States House of Representatives while the Republican Party (United States) retained the United States Senate. High-profile races featured candidates like Beto O'Rourke, Ted Cruz, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Stacey Abrams, Brian Kemp, and Kyrsten Sinema. The election cycle saw record turnout influenced by events such as the Parkland high school shooting and the subsequent March for Our Lives activism. Ballot measures in states including Florida, Arizona, and California addressed issues from felon voting rights to transportation funding as candidates engaged with organizations like National Rifle Association and Emily's List.

Legislative activity

Congress passed legislation such as the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act affecting institutions like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Reserve System. Funding negotiations produced a partial shutdown precipitated by disputes over border wall appropriations, pitting Mitch McConnell and Senate Majority Leader strategies against House demands. Oversight battles included subpoenas for figures tied to Mueller investigation and hearings led by committees such as the House Judiciary Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee. Bipartisan efforts addressed opioid crises with bills backed by members like Chris Murphy and Rob Portman.

Judicial developments

The Supreme Court of the United States confirmed Brett Kavanaugh to replace Anthony Kennedy after contentious hearings involving allegations led by individuals associated with #MeToo movement and testimony from public figures including Christine Blasey Ford. Federal courts handled challenges to executive actions such as travel restrictions tied to Presidential Proclamations and enforcement of DACA policies, involving litigants represented by organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union and judges appointed by presidents including Barack Obama and George W. Bush. Lower courts issued rulings on gerrymandering disputes in states like North Carolina and Wisconsin, engaging legal theories advanced by scholars from institutions such as Harvard Law School and Yale Law School.

Political parties and movements

The Democratic Party (United States) saw a surge in grassroots organizing via groups such as Indivisible (organization) and candidates backed by Justice Democrats, while the Republican Party (United States) mobilized through organizations like Club for Growth and Heritage Foundation-aligned networks. Activism from movements including #MeToo movement, Black Lives Matter, March for Our Lives, and pro- and anti-immigration demonstrations shaped candidate messaging. Factional contests within parties involved figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez emerging after primary victories against incumbents tied to Ocasio-Cortez's race and groups such as Democratic Socialists of America gaining attention. Third-party efforts by organizations like the Green Party (United States) and Libertarian Party (United States) continued localized campaigning.

State and local politics

State-level battles included the highly contested Georgia governor race between Stacey Abrams and Brian Kemp, controversies over voter registration and election administration involving state officials. State legislatures in California, Texas, and Florida debated policies on gun control, criminal justice reform, and minimum wage proposals, with ballot initiatives such as California gun laws-related efforts resurfacing in advocacy campaigns. City administrations in places like San Francisco, Chicago, and New York City confronted housing and policing debates involving mayors such as Bill de Blasio and Lori Lightfoot-era discussions.

Foreign policy and national security

The Trump administration pursued summits including the 2018 North Korea–United States Summit between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un in Singapore, affecting negotiations involving officials like Mike Pompeo and advisers from the United States National Security Council. Trade policy actions included tariffs under the United States–China trade war with responses from leaders such as Xi Jinping and retaliatory measures involving entities like the United States Trade Representative. National security developments encompassed indictments from the Mueller investigation alleging foreign agent activities by individuals tied to Russia and sanctions policies enforced by the United States Department of the Treasury against actors in countries including Iran and Venezuela.

Category:2018 in the United States