Wertheimer Political Report, June 4, 2026
DEMOCRACY 21
On April 25, 2025, I published a piece called, “Where Is Today’s Margaret Chase Smith?”
The piece dealt with the “Declaration of Conscience” speech that Senator Chase Smith (R-ME) gave on June 1, 1950, about Senator Joe McCarthy (R-WI). That speech is just as relevant today and is linked here.
This comment from Senator Chase Smith, referring to her Senate colleagues, could not be more relevant today. “Moral cowardice that keeps us from speaking our minds is as dangerous to this country as irresponsible talk.”
TRUMPWATCH 2.0
White House Seeks to Impose Political Test on Billions in Federal Grants
“A new proposal would allow the administration to block grants if they do not satisfy President Trump’s agenda or support what it calls ‘anti-American’ values.” — New York Times
Why Trump’s cratering poll numbers are so remarkable
“His approval rating is lower than it has been since immediately after leaving office — but you need to look beneath the hood for the real story.” — MS Now
Kennedy Center orders staff to begin removing Trump’s name after ruling
“The Kennedy Center’s general counsel instructed staff members in a memo to strip all uses of President Donald Trump’s name from signs, brochures, the website and other materials.” — Washington Post
Hegseth Blocked Nine Air Force Senior Officer Promotions, Delayed Dozens More
“Defense secretary has given unusual scrutiny to the promotions, which only the president can lawfully block.” – The Wall Street Journal
Losing Trust in Justice Dept., Judges Call Out Its Lawyers’ Behavior
“The federal courts have long assumed that the government’s lawyers are trustworthy. Now judges across the country are criticizing their lack of candor.” — New York Times
Markwayne Mullin’s answer about following court orders should alarm every American
“The Department of Homeland Security is not exempt from the rule of law.” — MS Now
A new White House proposal would more than triple certain cuts to Medicaid
“A proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services would go well beyond Congress’ draconian directives.” — MS Now
Albanian authorities probe seaside resort project linked to Jared Kushner
“Affinity Partners wants to turn the coastal wetland area — home to flamingos, seals and sea turtle nesting sites — into a huge resort.” — Politico
Poll: Voters Want Solutions for Government Corruption
“Overwhelming majorities across parties see corruption as a major problem and back measures to limit self-dealing by officials and the influence of money in politics.” — Brennan Center for Justice
Americans’ national parks passes will pay for Trump’s July 4 plans, documents show
“Entry fees are going toward a $1.6 million fireworks display and D.C. beautification, while donations will fund a $5 million helipad at the White House.” — Washington Post
Granted Clemency by Trump, Scores of Jan. 6 Rioters Have Been Accused of New Crimes
“At least 97 of those who were charged in connection with the Capitol riot have reoffended in the years since the attack, the nonprofit publication Lawfare has found.” – New York Times
MEANWHILE, ON CAPITOL HILL
Senate Republicans ignore Trump’s pleas, strip ballroom funding from key bill. The president said the White House “won’t be a very secure place” unless Congress approved public funds related to the ballroom. GOP senators didn’t care. — MS Now
Blanche faces uncertain path through Senate. “Nothing’s a safe or sure bet these days,” warned Senate Majority Leader John Thune. — Politico
Republicans who lost primaries to Trump-backed challengers may no longer be constrained by party loyalty. — Roll Call
The four Republicans who broke with Trump on Iran and now face his wrath. There are still hurdles before Congress could force the president to end hostilities, but the House resolution reflects lawmakers’ growing impatience, including within Trump’s own party. — Washington Post
MONEY IN POLITICS, VOTING, ELECTION & OTHER RELATED INFO
The Supreme Court Just Transformed Its Horrible Voting Rights Ruling Into Something More Calamitous. — Slate
Nine takeaways from a big primary night in Iowa, California and more. — Washington Post
Tech ‘got spanked’ in this week’s primaries. It could be a preview of more to come. Tech is poised to suffer more electoral defeats this summer in New York, Florida and elsewhere, where industry detractors are frontrunners in their upcoming primaries. — Politico
New York Democrats push redistricting amendment, joining national battle. The proposed amendment won’t change the Empire State’s House lines in 2026 as local Democrats take a longer-term approach. — Politico
Group Pledges $2 Million to Fight AIPAC in House Races. A super PAC created to counter spending from powerful pro-Israel groups will try to help Democrats critical of Israel’s wars and military actions. — New York Times
Koch-aligned PAC launches first big Senate ad buy — and includes Montana. The ads come a few weeks after Americans for Prosperity Action warned the GOP’s Senate majority is “at risk.” — Politico
