Wertheimer Political Report, January 8, 2026
TRUMPWATCH 2.0
Trump Lays Out a Vision of Power Restrained Only by ‘My Own Morality.’
“On topic after topic, President Trump made clear that he would be the arbiter of any limits to his authorities, not international law or treaties.” – New York Times
Senate advances bill to block further military action in Venezuela
“Though largely symbolic, the measure would be a rare assertion of Congress’s role in using lethal force after the stunning raid to capture Nicolás Maduro.” – Washington Post
Videos Contradict Trump Administration Account of ICE Shooting in Minneapolis.
“An analysis of footage from three camera angles show that the vehicle appears to be turning away from a federal officer as he opened fire.” – New York Times
Jack Smith’s Closing Argument
“The former special prosecutor has no regrets about pursuing a case against Donald Trump.” – The New Yorker
7 takeaways from Jack Smith’s congressional testimony
“The New Year’s Eve transcript release buries details from the former special counsel’s investigation into Donald Trump.” – Politico
Judge rules that a fifth federal prosecutor appointed by Pam Bondi is serving unlawfully
“The judge said that the DOJ tried to use impermissible work-arounds to keep acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone in office in upstate New York.” – NBC News
Judge orders Lindsey Halligan to explain why she’s still serving as U.S. attorney after previous ruling against her
“A separate judge had ruled that Halligan, who brought cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, was unlawfully appointed.” – NBC News
White House publishes website that rewrites history of Jan. 6 attack
“Five years after a mob of Trump supporters violently stormed the Capitol to stop certification of Joe Biden’s victory, the Trump administration is still fixated on a false narrative.” – Washington Post
Stephen Miller Asserts U.S. Has Right to Take Greenland
“In a CNN interview, the Trump aide also echoed the president’s intent to run Venezuela as he laid out a case for the United States to control weaker states by flexing its military might.” – New York Times
Trump May Have Accidentally Pardoned the Jan. 6 Pipe Bomber
“The Justice Department has touted the arrest, but he might still walk free.” – Politico
MEANWHILE, ON CAPITOL HILL
Trump Administration Live Updates: House Republicans Expected to Override Two Trump Vetoes – New York Times
The Republican leaders of the House and Senate dismissed the idea of using the U.S. military to take over Greenland, even as the White House has insisted it is on the table. – NBC News
The Supreme Court may leave alone the Voting Rights Act just long enough to keep the GOP from House control in 2026. Republicans’ hopes that a Supreme Court redistricting ruling will boost them in 2026 are fading as election deadlines close in. – Politico
The law isn’t on Pete Hegseth’s side as he tries to demote Mark Kelly. – MS Now
VOTER SUPPRESSION, MONEY, & OTHER ELECTION THREATS
Trump’s super PAC enters the midterms with $300 million in the bank – Politico
DOJ sent requests to 40 states, went to court seeking the information – Roll Call
DeSantis calls April special legislative session on Florida congressional redistricting – Politico
Republicans start 2026 on the defensive, according to the national congressional ballot tests and multiple recent surveys – Roll Call
