Wertheimer Political Report, June 11, 2026
DEMOCRACY 21
Money, Money, Money
Money and revenge appear to be the twin engines of Trump’s second presidency.
The unheard-of $1 million per person fundraiser for his MAGA Super PAC this weekend, which follows the PAC’s record-setting $305 million haul in 2025, is an unprecedented and obscene grift.
Courts have held that contributions to Super PACs cannot corrupt since their independent spending cannot corrupt. That is, of course, absurd.
As the late conservative Court of Appeals Judge, Richard Posner, explained, it is “difficult to see what practical difference there is between super PAC donations and direct campaign donations, from a corruption standpoint.”
In Buckley v Valeo (1976), the Supreme Court found “the reality or appearance of corruption [is] inherent in a system permitting unlimited financial contributions,” such as $1 million contributions.
In the case of Trump, he is 24/7 transactional. Million-dollar contributions are likely to buy government “favors” in return.
The apparent exchange of money for government policy, revealed this week by ProPublica, is just one more example of Trump and his sons’ abuse of the presidency.
According to the article’s headline:
An Indian Billionaire Was Targeted by Trump. Then He Poured Money Into a Startup Secretly Backed by Donald Trump Jr. An obscure Texas firm secretly connected to the president’s son said it received at least $100 million from Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries. At the same time, the Ambani family secured major policy wins from the Trump administration.
There has never been a president who incessantly engages in corrupt practices like Trump does and there never will be again.
TRUMPWATCH 2.0
Inside the White House Freakout Over the Epstein Files.
“The president’s top advisers gathered in a series of Situation Room meetings as they struggled to contain a scandal engulfing Donald Trump himself.” — New York Times
Trump says ‘I love the inflation’ after data shows fastest price hikes since 2023
“Trump says ‘I love the inflation’ after data shows fastest price hikes since 2023. Inflation rose for a third consecutive month, in line with expectations.” — ABC News
Trump Previews Fall Strategy With Baseless Claims of California Vote Fraud.
“The president is using the slow count of mail ballots in California to renew his effort to cast doubt on election outcomes he doesn’t like, despite a lack of evidence of any widespread fraud.” — New York Times
America’s doctors just voted for war with RFK Jr.
“The American Medical Association has sought a working relationship with the health secretary. Members saw moral compromise.” – Politico
Trump sees 22 medical specialists, appearing to set new bar for presidents.
“‘Trump saw about a dozen specialists for prior checkups, per past statements. The White House has declined to identify which physicians assessed him.” — Washington Post
Federal judge warns Justice Department not to revive payout fund.
“‘Don’t play possum with this court,’ U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon told the Justice Department.” — Washington Post
Trump’s arch construction to run 20 hours a day for 2 to 3 years, documents show.
“Plans show construction will require multiple cranes up to 320 feet tall.” — ABC News
MEANWHILE, ON CAPITOL HILL
With increasing frequency, GOP’s Thune and Trump are not on the same page. The president hasn’t thrown any recent tantrums about the South Dakotan, but with the way things are going, it’s easy to wonder if the dam might soon break. — MS Now
Senate GOP support erodes for Trump’s Iran war stance. — The Hill
Capitol agenda: Democrats’ H.R. 1 problem. House Democrats differ on what policies to prioritize if they win back a majority. — Politico
FISA 702 spy powers set to expire after House vote fails over Pulte backlash. — The Hill
How Trump skewed Presidential history. Eight historians evaluate Trump’s gold plaques for each president. They are peppered with falsehoods, misrepresentations, insults, praise, self-promotion and erratic capitalizations. — New York Times
GOP leaders frustrated by use of discharge petitions. Republicans fume at members circumventing leaders with discharge petitions. — The Hill
Four senior senators express alarm, push for ‘hard’ Social Security votes. — The Hill
Trump Administration Killed Criminal Investigation of GOP Senator’s Coal Companies. EPA and Justice Department officials were looking into potential criminal violations by the vast coal empire owned by Sen. Jim Justice. Then the Office of the Deputy Attorney General told them “pencils down.” — ProPublica
MONEY IN POLITICS, VOTING, ELECTION & OTHER RELATED INFO
Trump Administration Pushes Limits of Election Investigations. The Justice Department once tried to stay out of state elections, urging caution. It is now pressing forward with claims of fraud as President Trump revives his unfounded assertions that elections cannot be trusted. — New York Times
Democrats hold 10-point lead over GOP on congressional ballot: Poll. — The Hill
6 takeaways halfway through primary season. 26 states have cast ballots in primaries so far with control of Congress on the line. — Roll Call
Republicans Thought They Owned ‘Values.’ Not Anymore. — New York Times
More fall House matchups set in California Golden State is playing host to several crucial contests in battle for House. — Roll Call
Trump-backed super PAC to host a $1M-per-person fundraiser the day before the White House UFC fight. People familiar with the two events said they are independent of each other, although the timing will allow Trump’s well-heeled supporters to attend both. — NBC News
