Cartel Violence, Supreme Court Tariffs, and Trump’s State of the Union

This week on Party Politics, hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina unpack a fast-moving political landscape that spans international security, presidential power, and the high-stakes road to the midterms.The episode opens with escalating cartel violence in Mexico, tied to recent unrest in Puerto Vallarta following the capture—and death—of a major cartel leader from the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The discussion explores why the arrest initially appeared to be a win for the Mexican government and President Donald Trump, but how cartel fragmentation could fuel even more violence. The hosts also examine the role of U.S. intelligence, the capacity of the Mexican state to restore order, and whether instability could spill over into Texas and the United States.From there, attention shifts to Washington, where the Supreme Court of the United States strikes down President Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose sweeping tariffs. The ruling raises major questions about executive authority, refunds for businesses that paid the tariffs, and the political fallout as most Americans oppose the policy. Brandon and Jeronimo discuss how the administration may pivot to other legal tools—and how tariffs could shape inflation narratives heading into the midterms.The conversation then turns to President Trump’s State of the Union address. While the speech featured moments of rare bipartisanship it was light on actionable policy and heavy on rhetoric that may energize the base while alienating independents. They also debate whether the State of the Union, increasingly resembling a campaign rally, has outlived its usefulness in its current form.Back in Texas, Trump’s upcoming visit signals growing Republican concern about turnout and competitiveness in what has become a nationally watched battleground state. That concern is amplified by the ongoing scandal surrounding Rep. Tony Gonzales, where internal GOP divisions, razor-thin House margins, and the possibility of an extreme primary challenger could put the seat—and Republican control—at risk.The episode closes with a lighter but revealing political moment: President Trump’s pardon of former Dallas Cowboys lineman Nate Newton. The move could be part of a broader pattern of celebrity clemency, raising questions about justice, politics, and the message such pardons send to the public.NATIONAL TOPICS: Cartel violence in Mexico. United States Supreme Court rules against Trump Tariffs. State of the Union. Should the State of the Union format be revamped? TEXAS TOPICS: President Donald Trump to visit Texas ahead of the midterm election. Tony Gonzalez scandal continues. Voter turnout spikes in Democratic midterm primary election. President Donald Trump pardons former Dallas Cowboy football player Nate Newton. In addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts).

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Cartel Violence, Supreme Court Tariffs, and Trump’s State of the Union is an episode from Party Politics by Houston Public Media.

This episode is 26:57 long.

This episode was published on Feb 27, 2026.

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