The Economist’s “US in Brief” items indicate continued political friction in the United States, reflecting a lack of broad, unchecked political support. Across the two brief entries—described respectively as “Not quite carte blanche” and “An uncomfortable chair”—the reporting characterizes the current political environment as constrained and contested rather than fully permissive. While the provided text does not include specific policy details or named events, the framing suggests that key political decisions or negotiations are proceeding under pressure and with limits, rather than through straightforward consensus. The two titles imply that actors face resistance or trade-offs, and that progress is not guaranteed. In both cases, the focus remains on the political significance of the moment, with the brief format pointing readers to the stories that matter most in Washington. Overall, the sources agree that the political situation is fluid and constrained, with outcomes shaped by competing interests and ongoing disputes.