Wertheimer Political Report, April 30, 2026
DEMOCRACY 21
The Roberts Supreme Court majority is systematically destroying the rules of our democracy.
Republican-appointed Justices have been issuing radical decisions, starting in 2010 with Citizens United, that have attacked the integrity of our political system, voting rights, fair representation, the rule of law and presidential accountability, among other fundamental rules that protect our constitutional system of representative government.
Yesterday the Roberts majority issued a decision in the Callais case gutting the remaining critical section of the Voting Rights Act after having gutted the other key section in the Shelby County decision in 2013. In these voting rights decisions, the Roberts majority has destroyed landmark civil rights legislation enacted in 1965 to address the impact of slavery and discrimination on the right of every eligible citizen to vote.
When the Supreme Court is fundamentally reformed, as it must be, the irresponsible, indefensible anti-democracy decisions of the Roberts majority will be a prime catalyst for the historic reforms.
Also, in mentioning presidential accountability, I would like to note one of the most unhinged, alternative universe lies President Trump has ever told:
“[E]very President for the last 150 years, have been DEMANDING that a large, safe, and secure Ballroom be built ON THE GROUNDS OF THE WHITE HOUSE. ”
[Americans Oppose the Trump Ballroom by 2 to1]
For your information, linked below is a link to the latest False Fact-checks on Trump.
https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/list/?category&ruling=false&speaker=donald-trump
TRUMPWATCH 2.0
Supreme Court Updates: Justices Further Weaken Voting Rights Act, Igniting Political Scramble.
“The court’s conservative majority said it had upheld the landmark law, as liberal justices accused the court of gutting the act. In striking down a Louisiana voting map as a racial gerrymander, the court opened the door for other states to redraw maps.” – New York Times
Chief Justice Roberts Played the Long Game on Voting Rights.
“Since his early days as a lawyer and in his first years on the bench, the chief justice has worked to limit the force of the Voting Rights Act.” – New York Times
Trump Tests the Limits of His Most Faithful Supporters.
“The president’s rhetoric on religion, along with hard-line immigration policies and the U.S. war in Iran, has splintered a coalition of Christian voters who returned him to the White House.” – New York Times
‘When did it come out?’ Trump remains disengaged as events unfold around him.
“Too often, the president sounds like someone who just wandered into the Oval Office, blissfully unaware of current events.” – MS Now
Trump’s call to reduce US troops in Germany shocks Pentagon.
“‘The Defense Department “was not expecting it,’ a congressional aide said.” – Politico
Oil Hits Wartime High Above $120 a Barrel as Standoff Shows No End in Sight.
“The longer the disruption to Middle East fuel supplies lasts, the risk grows that higher energy costs will feed into broader inflation that could dent economic growth.” – New York Times
Americans oppose Trump ballroom 2-to-1; even more oppose his signature on money: ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll.
“There wasn’t a shift in support for the ballroom after the attempted shooting.” – ABC News
Appeals court rules against ICE’s mandatory detention policy.
“The decision marks a split at the appeals court level, setting up the possibility for the issue to reach the Supreme Court.” – Politico
The Comey indictment could be upended by this 2015 Supreme Court precedent.
“The high court a decade ago explicitly overturned the legal standard that prosecutors are now citing to charge Comey with threatening President Trump.” – Washington Post
Maurene Comey’s lawsuit against DOJ over her firing can proceed, judge rules.
“The Justice Department had tried to move the proceedings to an executive-branch panel.” – Politico
Trump administration appeals ruling that blocked RFK Jr.’s vaccine overhaul.
“The March 16 ruling stemmed from a lawsuit brought by major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics.” – NBC News
F.B.I. Knew Civil Rights Group Informants Helped Bring Down Extremists, Lawyers Say.
“The Southern Poverty Law Center is planning to challenge the larger story of deceit and hypocrisy the Trump administration has been telling about its use of paid informants, court papers suggest.” – New York Times
A new poll shows a record number of Americans worry about Trump’s economy.
“Fifty-five percent of Americans said ‘their financial situation is getting worse,’ according to a Gallup survey.” – MS Now
MEANWHILE, ON CAPITOL HILL
The House acted after weeks of delay to fund most Homeland Security agencies, which have gone unfunded for 76 days. – Politico
Hegseth takes heat in Senate. – The Hill
Budget resolution for immigration funds adopted in House. Lawmakers can now move forward with a filibuster-proof reconciliation bill. – Roll Call
MONEY IN POLITICS, VOTING, ELECTION & OTHER RELATED INFO
The Supreme Court’s redistricting ruling creates a dangerous choice for Democrats.
Democrats could spread out minority voters who are reliable supporters to help capture more seats. But doing so would reduce minority representation in the House. – MS Now
Republicans brace for brutal midterms as Trump’s popularity slips. The elections are still six months off, and some within the G.O.P. say there is still time to right the ship. – New York Times
Virginia Supreme Court hears oral arguments on redistricting. Justices focus mostly on use of a special session in October to kickstart the process. – Roll Call
Florida Republicans approve new congressional map pushed by DeSantis. GOP would be favored in 24 of state’s 28 House seats under new lines. – Roll Call
Democrats spar over which candidate can best flip pivotal Nebraska district. Primary for Rep. Don Bacon’s seat is latest test for party’s progressive wing. – Roll Call
Maine Gov. Janet Mills drops out of Senate race. Graham Platner set to be Democratic nominee to take on Sen. Susan Collins. – Roll Call
