Wertheimer Political Report, February 12, 2026

Democracy 21 President Fred Wertheimer comments in an interview,

“This is the worst example of big-money influence begetting policy that I have ever seen in 50-plus years working on the issues of money and politics,”

“All the brakes are gone and [Trump’s] got his foot on the pedal going a hundred miles an hour on money, money, money.”

In response to the National Journal’s question,

What do you think you can do right now if you’re a citizen? The polling shows that people do not like corruption. But Trump has unprecedented control of the Justice Department and the FBI. They’ve eliminated [in essence] the Public Integrity Section and the Foreign Corrupt Practices sections at the Justice Department. And Republicans in Congress are not going to do anything about it.”

TRUMPWATCH 2.0

5 takeaways from Pam Bondi’s fiery testimony
“Bondi came into the hearing with the administration and DOJ facing a series of problems, including their handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, the newly reported failed indictments of six Democratic lawmakers, and the killing of two protesters by federal officers in Minneapolis last month.” – CNN

Trump administration fails to indict Democrats involved in ‘illegal orders’ video
“President Donald Trump had accused six Democratic lawmakers of ‘seditious behavior’ after they urged members of the military and intelligence communities to refuse unlawful orders.” – NBC News

Grand jury’s refusal to indict Democrats joins a stunning pattern of DOJ rejections
“The decision to not approve charges against Democratic lawmakers was remarkable in its own right but is only the latest grand jury rejection in Trump’s second term.” – MS Now

Judge blocks Hegseth, Pentagon bid to punish Mark Kelly over ‘illegal orders’ video
“A federal judge on Thursday blocked the Pentagon’s efforts to censure Sen. Mark Kelly and lower his retirement rank in the wake of a video in which the Arizona senator and other Democrats called on service members to reject unlawful orders.” – The Hill

Judge Boasberg orders return of Venezuelans citing ‘flagrancy’ of due process violations
“U.S. District Judge James Boasberg has ordered the Trump administration to facilitate the return of the Venezuelan migrants who were deported to El Salvador’s CECOT prison last year in violation of a court order.” – ABC News

Trump faces growing GOP blowback on issues ranging from immigration to his social media posts
“Without Trump at the top of the ticket, Republicans are feeling emboldened to push back on policies that might cost them at the ballot box.” – NBC News

Is There a Remedy for Presidential Profiteering?
“Until now, Trump always seemed unembarrassed to crow about his side hustles. But, if the Emirati payment was kept secret, what else might be?” – The New Yorker

What’s happening with the FBI seizure of ballots in Georgia?
“Some election experts warn it could portend attempts to muddle future election results.” – Washington Post

Before Epstein’s arrest, Steve Bannon worked to rebuild his image, files show
“On his podcast, Bannon has alleged an Epstein “cover-up.” It turns out he had far more firsthand knowledge of Epstein than he told his followers.” – NBC News

Trump’s Director of Election Security Is an Election Denier
“Even in a government full of conspiracists, Kurt Olsen stands out. He made a key referral in the Fulton County, Ga., election case.” – New York Times

White House’s Leavitt contradicts Trump on Gateway tunnel project debacle
“The press secretary said the president ‘floated’ the idea of naming an airport and a train station after him. Her boss said the opposite days earlier.” – MS Now

MEANWHILE, ON CAPITOL HILL

Top Republicans throw cold water on ‘nationalizing’ elections. The SAVE Act has become a rallying cry, but some see larger issues — or warn of slippery slopes. – Roll Call

Senate GOP debates filibuster reform after Trump calls to ‘nationalize’ elections. – The Hill

GOP game-plans for a DHS shutdown, as skepticism grows over talks. – The Hill

Trump’s crypto ties pose growing obstacle on Capitol Hill. A long-standing policy priority for the cryptocurrency industry is on the brink of running into a Donald Trump problem. – Politico

To Win Back the House, Democrats Take the Fight to Deep-Red Areas. Democrats are tapping candidates with unusual résumés — a Tejano recording star, a smokejumper and a fourth-generation farmer — to compete in areas long seen as inhospitable. – New York Times

MONEY IN POLITICS, VOTING, ELECTION & OTHER RELATED INFO

Election officials from across the country pushed back on Thursday against the Trump administration’s increasingly combative tactics, following an FBI raid in Fulton County, Georgia, and a growing number of Justice Department demands for voter rolls. – NBC News

Steve Bannon calls for Trump to deploy ICE and military troops to polling sites. The Trump ally was one of few GOP voices to support the president’s push to nationalize voting.  – Politico

This Supreme Court decision could upend millions in political spending ahead of the midterms. Here’s how the parties are preparing. Democrats and Republicans are laying the groundwork to prepare for a Supreme Court ruling that could overhaul political fundraising forever. – Politico

Both parties see signs of optimism in fourth-quarter fundraising report. – Roll Call

Democrats post early fundraising edge in marquee 2026 Senate races. – Politico

Supreme Court refuses to block California’s Democratic-friendly map. – The Hill