A not totally serious forecast for the year 2026 and beyond

Carl P. Leubsdorf, Tribune News Service

Last year’s not totally serious predictions were as forgettable as President Donald Trump’s second inaugural address. Undaunted, we look ahead to 2026:

January — In State of the Union speech, Trump says “tremendous” tariff revenues will permit federal income tax cuts for all.

February — In a surprise, Trump names Elon Musk as new Federal Reserve chair. With government shut, House Speaker Mike Johnson announces House members can go home and return after Easter. San Francisco 49ers defeat New England Patriots in Super Bowl. Kansas City’s Travis Kelce announces retirement.

March — Government reports inflation rate remains at three per cent. Meeting with its new chair, Federal Reserve Board rejects cutting interest rates. Trump denounces Musk as “no better than the last guy.” Democrats restore New Hampshire’s primary as first 2028 nominating test, followed by South Carolina and Michigan. Republicans keep Iowa caucuses first. Democratic Govs. Gavin Newsom, Andy Beshear and JB Pritzker all schedule New Hampshire visits.

April —Trump announces he is firing all 12 regional Federal Reserve presidents. But Musk reminds him former chair Jerome Powell extended their terms in December. Supreme Court rules Trump’s tariffs unconstitutional, increasing projected deficit by 20%. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is convicted of corruption and forced to resign; Trump pardons him, but Israeli officials reject his action. Benny Gantz becomes prime minister. Supreme Court rejects Trump challenge to birthright citizenship.

May — Republicans return to town and reach spending compromise with Democrats, ending government closure. Paxton edges Cornyn in Texas GOP Senate runoff, raising Democratic hopes for November. Federal Reserve, citing potential impact of increased deficit and persistent inflation, votes to increase interest rates. Trump calls for ousting Fed chair Musk. Supreme Court upholds birthright citizenship, denying Trump challenge. Trump rejects criticism of ballroom, vows to speed up construction. Ivanka Trump Jr. makes three-city visit to Iowa, denies political ambitions.

June — White House says new health plan is “nearing final stages.” Washington Capitals win Stanley Cup over Dallas Stars. Alex Ovechkin scores winning goal; then announces retirement. Putin says it is too soon for Ukraine peace talks. Oklahoma City defends NBA title, beating New York Knicks in finals. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito announces his retirement. Usha Vance denies reports that she doesn’t enjoy public life, notes husband’s vice presidency enabled family to take “official” trips to England and India.

July — June inflation rate hits 4%. Trump blames former President Joe Biden. Trump makes first campaign appearance — in Minnesota for GOP gubernatorial hopeful Mike Lindell, CEO of My Pillow. Trump names Attorney General Pam Bondi to Supreme Court, nominating FBI Director Kash Patel to succeed her. White House visitor notes half-finished ballroom appears to be sinking into ground. Construction is halted.

August — Trump job approval hits 35%. Lindell finishes fourth in Minnesota primary with 8%, claims fraud. Speaker Johnson tells White House Republicans won’t need president’s help in campaign. Pop superstar Taylor Swift marries football star Travis Kelce at her Newport, R.I., mansion. Iowa Democrats vote non-binding straw poll at their 2028 caucuses, eight days before New Hampshire primary. Newsom, Beshear and Pritzker all schedule Iowa visits.

September — Speaker Johnson denies published report GOP House members don’t want Trump campaign appearances. By 51-49, Senate rejects Bondi nomination. Trump names Texas Sen. Ted Cruz to court. Trump blames Biden maintenance crew for condition of White House grounds, orders pared-down construction plan for 600-person ballroom. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky loses first Ukraine election in seven years.

October — Campaigning in Idaho, the only state whose Republicans still want him, Trump promises “comprehensive health plan” in 2027. Dodgers win third straight World Series over Detroit Tigers, prompting renewed salary cap demands. Trump announces new Washington, DC, football stadium will be named the Donald J. Trump Stadium. Cruz confirmed unanimously by senators eager to get rid of him. Vice President JD Vance announces he will take 2027 sabbatical in India, raising questions about his 2028 intentions. Trump names Secretary of State Marco Rubio “acting” vice president. Ivanka Trump campaigns for GOP in New Hampshire; Don Jr. in Iowa. Trump, Putin and new Ukraine president agree on peace treaty.

November — Democrats capture both houses of Congress. In the House, they gain 23 seats; GOP wins only two of five redistricted Texas seats. In Senate, the Democrats win GOP seats in Maine, North Carolina, Iowa and Texas, where Talarico edges Paxton by 3,400 votes for first Democratic statewide win in 32 years. Democrats win most Midwest governorships except Minnesota, where Gov. Tim Walz loses third-term bid to Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth. New estimates say White House ballroom won’t be finished until 2030. Washington Commanders, rejecting Trump, name new stadium for three-time Super Bowl winning coach Joe Gibbs.

December — House Democrats pick Rep. Hakeem Jeffries as first Black speaker. GOP chooses Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan as Minority Leader. Senate Democrats oust Sen. Chuck Schumer and pick Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz as Majority Leader and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar as Majority Whip. Senate GOP Leader John Thune of South Dakota survives conservative challenge. Trump appoints outgoing Speaker Johnson as ambassador to Somalia. Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump both say they are considering presidential bids. Major League Baseball averts strike as players accept a salary cap.