Wertheimer Political Report, December 4, 2025
TRUMPWATCH 2.0
Trump’s campaign of retribution: At least 470 targets and counting
“Reuters documented at least 470 targets of retribution under Trump’s leadership – from federal employees and prosecutors to universities and media outlets. The list illuminates the sweeping effort by the president and his administration to punish dissent and reshape the government.” – Reuters
The shifting responses of Hegseth, Trump and others on the lethal boat strikes
“The Trump administration is facing increased scrutiny about its Sept. 2 military strikes on a boat it says was smuggling drugs to the U.S.” – Washington Post
Lawmakers See Video of Strike That Killed Boat Survivors
“Top military officers showed senior members of Congress a video of a Sept. 2 attack on a boat suspected of carrying drugs, including a follow-up strike that has been at the center of a growing debate over the Trump administration’s campaign.” – New York Times
Trump wields pardons as purest form of power
“As Trump has granted pardons to dozens of white-collar criminals, he’s ordered the Justice Department to investigate his political enemies for less serious allegations, such as mortgage.” – Axios
Trump administration says it will withhold SNAP from states led by Democrats if they don’t provide recipient data
“President Donald Trump’s administration said Tuesday that it will move to withhold SNAP food aid from recipients in most Democratic-controlled states starting next week unless those states provide information about those receiving the assistance.” – PBS News
FBI sources criticize Kash Patel in leaked report: What to know
“The 115-page report includes criticism of Patel from active-duty and retired FBI agents and analysts, with one source describing the bureau as a “rudderless ship” under the first-year director.” – The Hill
White House renames building the ‘Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace’
“The change comes as Trump officials tout his peace deals and prepare to host leaders from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo to sign an accord.” – Washington Post
Kennedy’s Methodical 2-Decade Quest to Dismantle Vaccine Policy
“The health secretary has walled himself off from government scientists and empowered fellow activists to pursue his vaccine agenda.” – New York Times
New Report Exposes the Trump Family’s Multi-Billion-Dollar Crypto Empire, Fueled by Self-Dealing and Corrupt Foreign Interests
“Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, released a new staff report revealing how President Donald Trump and his family have transformed the presidency into a personal money-making operation, adding billions of dollars to his net worth through cryptocurrency schemes entangled with foreign governments, corporate allies, and criminal actors.” – House Committee on the Judiciary
How a Man Convicted of Running a Latin American Narco State Landed a Pardon
“Juan Orlando Hernández’s unusual network of Trump allies and MAGA influencers helped deliver an extraordinary pardon.” – Wall Street Journal
MEANWHILE, ON CAPITOL HILL
Trump wants a health care deal. He’s leaving the details to Congress. Several GOP lawmakers have proposals to address the year-end expiration of enhanced ACA subsidies. – Politico
Senate Democrats eye vote on 3-year Obamacare subsidy extension. The plan is likely to fail; Republicans are mulling a counterproposal. – Politico
Sen. Bill Cassidy, a physician and Republican health care leader in Congress, on Wednesday offered his harshest criticism yet of the Health and Human Services Department under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s advisory panel considers the childhood vaccine schedule. – Roll Call
Senators Launch Inquiry After a White House Official Intervened on Behalf of Andrew Tate During a Federal Investigation – ProPublica
VOTER SUPPRESSION, MONEY, & OTHER ELECTION THREATS
A case that lets billionaires spend big on elections never reached Supreme Court. While Citizens United became shorthand for unlimited political spending, a less-recognized campaign finance case made super PACs a reality. – Washington Post
‘Constitutional hardball’: National gerrymander battle turns the heat up in Missouri. Allies of both parties are pouring money into the fight over a referendum to bring the state’s new congressional maps in front of voters. – Politico
Democrats see Tennessee special election as sign of expanding 2026 map. Republicans counter that the party still has time to reshape its midterm messaging. – Roll Call
