Daily Recap: Politics — 22 September 2026

The day in politics centers on President Donald Trump’s expanding use of executive power and political stagecraft, from foreign policy threats at the UN to a new White House media operation at home. Alongside that, allies and critics alike press questions about accountability, he...

Donald Trump uses his UN General Assembly appearance to threaten overwhelming military action against Iran, saying the United States could “annihilate” the Islamic Republic if no deal is reached. He also says U.S. and Iranian officials have held talks, pairing a public show of force with an indication that diplomacy is still active.

The Trump administration says it plans to remove about 760,000 people from Affordable Care Act exchange coverage, arguing the enrollments are fraudulent or tied to people who do not exist. The move could affect a large number of policyholders and puts federal oversight of ACA enrollment at the center of a major political fight.

The White House launches a 24-hour YouTube livestream branded as “Trump TV” after barring CNN, MSNBC and Politico from White House press access. The administration says the channel will carry past highlights, announcements and real-time updates, creating a direct communications platform as it restricts access for some mainstream outlets.

Republican Senator John Curtis calls for a Senate Judiciary Committee investigation into Donald Trump Jr. over reporting that a Russian oligarch helped fund part of his wedding. Curtis says the committee should examine Trump Jr.’s foreign relationships, gifts, business dealings and whether his family connection to the president carried value.

G7 foreign ministers call on Iran to stop arming the Houthis and demand an immediate halt to Houthi strikes. Their statement focuses on attacks that threaten Saudi Arabia and civilian shipping, underscoring wider international concern that regional violence could intensify as pressure on Iran increases.

Trump clashes with CNN correspondent Kaitlan Collins on arrival in New York for the UN session, telling her she “shouldn’t be” there as she tries to question him. The exchange adds to the administration’s confrontation with selected news outlets after the White House moved to restrict their access.

Trump meets UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham at the UN and describes him as a strong business-minded partner, saying ties are improving compared with the previous British leadership. Their talks cover trade, energy and immigration, while Trump also criticizes the Chagos Islands deal during the meeting.

In Nigeria, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal joins the Nigeria Democratic Congress after leaving the African Democratic Congress. He uses the move to back a possible Peter Obi–Rabiu Kwankwaso ticket for the 2027 election, signaling another shift in opposition positioning.