Wertheimer Political Report, January 29, 2026

TRUMPWATCH 2.0

Minnesota’s chief district judge exposed ICE’s lawlessness — and brought a long receipt
“The GOP appointee wrote that the agency’s lawbreaking “should give pause to anyone — no matter his or her political beliefs — who cares about the rule of law.” – MS Now

Justice Department investigating a growing number of Trump political foes
“The office of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was among the latest to be added to the lengthy list of Trump critics who are under investigation.” – NBC News

Handling of Pretti investigation has some prosecutors on verge of quitting
“Federal prosecutors in Minneapolis, frustrated by the response to the shootings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti, have suggested they could resign en masse.” – Washington Post

FBI’s Search of Georgia Election Center Is “Dangerous,” Experts Warn
“The search warrant, which sought 2020 election ballots, tabulator tapes, digital data and voter rolls from Fulton County, marked what experts described as a significant escalation in President Donald Trump’s breaking of democratic norms.” – ProPublica

The Trump Administration Has Been Sued 600 Times. Track These Cases.
“The Trump administration’s sweeping policy changes face a number of lawsuits — more than 600.” – New York Times

Trump didn’t de-escalate in Minneapolis on his own. He was forced to retreat.
“Minneapolis activists taught us why refusing to comply matters so much.” – MS Now

Donald Trump’s support from Independents hits a new low
“Donald Trump remains broadly unpopular, with record low job approval among Independents and a record high 49% of Americans who say they strongly disapprove of Trump’s job handling.” – YouGov

Complaint Accuses Trump’s Criminal Attorney of “Blatant” Crypto Conflict in His Role at DOJ
“A watchdog group is seeking an inspector general investigation into Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche after ProPublica reported that he had ordered changes to crypto prosecutions while owning more than $150,000 in digital assets.” – ProPublica

Trump Makes Wild Accusation Against Obama In Unhinged Evening Posting Spree
“The president pushed conspiracy theories in a series of Truth Social posts.” – HuffPost

MEANWHILE, ON CAPITOL HILL

[House Democratic Leader] Jeffries threatens quick Noem impeachment push, says Stephen Miller also ‘needs to go’.  – The Hill

Plan would require the Senate to send the amended version to the House, which doesn’t return until Monday.  – Roll Call

1 big thing: What Dems want, Thune’s hard choices. – Axios

MONEY IN POLITICS, VOTING, ELECTION & OTHER RELATED INFO

Virginia judge rules against Democrats’ redistricting push. The order, which likely will be appealed, says legislature failed to comply with rules and election law.  – Roll Call

Elon Musk is flexing his political muscle again — and the GOP is responding. – Politico

Crypto super PAC group expands war chest to more than $190M. The PAC network, known as Fairshake, reeled in new contributions from the crypto company Ripple and the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. – Politico

Fight over ICE takes center stage in contested Senate primaries. Democratic candidates have pushed for abolishing or overhauling agency. – Roll Call

Klobuchar announces campaign for Minnesota governor. – Roll Call