Wertheimer Political Report, September 18, 2025
TRUMPWATCH 2.0
Slavery Disappeared by Trump Administration
“The Trump administration has ordered the removal of signs and exhibits related to slavery at multiple national parks, according to four people familiar with the matter, including a historic photograph of a formerly enslaved man showing scars on his back.” – Washington Post
Anatomy of Two Giant Deals: The U.A.E. Got Chips. The Trump Team Got Crypto Riches
“A lucrative transaction involving the Trump family’s cryptocurrency firm and an agreement giving the Emiratis access to A.I. chips were connected in ways that have not been previously reported.” – The New York Times
Trump sues New York Times for $15 billion for alleged “defamation and libel”
“President Trump is suing The New York Times for $15 billion for what he says in a post on his Truth Social platform is a yearslong pattern of “defamation and libel” by the paper against him.” – CBS News
Trump asks Supreme Court to let him fire Lisa Cook from Federal Reserve
“The Trump administration on Sept. 18 asked the Supreme Court to let the president remove Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve board in a major test of the central bank’s longstanding independence.” – USA Today
White House plans to take action targeting left-wing groups as soon as this month
“The administration is putting together plans to take action against left-wing groups that President Donald Trump and his allies accuse of fomenting political violence, according to three people familiar with discussions about the federal response to the Sept. 10 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah. One of the sources said the moves could come as early as the end of the month.” – NBC News
Obama denounces White House after Kimmel’s suspension
“Barack Obama on Thursday condemned the Trump administration for its actions in the lead-up to Disney’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night comedy show, furthering the former president’s foray into the charged political climate in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s killing.” – Politico
President Trump calls for Jimmy Fallon and Seth Myers to be fired next
– Chief Nerd via X (Twitter)
Quote of the Week
New York Times statement on Trump lawsuit claiming Times defamed and libeled him:
“This lawsuit has no merit. It lacks any legitimate legal claims and instead is an attempt to stifle and discourage independent reporting. The New York Times will not be deterred by intimidation tactics. We will continue to pursue the facts without fear or favor and stand up for journalists’ First Amendment right to ask questions on behalf of the American people.”
MEANWHILE, ON CAPITOL HILL
What ousted CDC director Monarez revealed about RFK Jr. during a Senate hearing – PBS News
A record number of congressional lawmakers aren’t running for reelection in 2026. Here’s the list – NPR
Democrats on Senate Armed Services Committee call for hearing on use of military in American cities – NBC News
Congress moves to counter Hegseth on base names that evoke Confederacy – Washington Post
VOTER SUPPRESSION, MONEY, & OTHER ELECTION THREATS
Right Wing Groups Press Election Agency on Proof Citizenship Rule for Voter Registration – Democracy Docket
The big-money Democrats with a different Yes on 50 strategy (California Redistricting Ballot Measure) – Politico
Tejano music star launches Democratic campaign for Texas House district – Politico
Quote of the Week, part 2
Former CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez gave her first detailed account of her high-profile firing during a Senate hearing.
“I could have kept the office, the title, but I would have lost the one thing that cannot be replaced, my integrity.”
