Wertheimer Political Report, March 12, 2026
DEMOCRACY 21
The Save American Act is Trump’s “No 1 priority.”
Trump has made clear why it’s his top priority. He believes the Act “will guarantee the midterms” for Republicans. He has threatened to shut down Congress until this is enacted.
This Act, however, is not the Save America Act, it’s the Save Trump and the Republicans Act.
Trump is appropriately scared that if the Democrats take control of the House in November, “I’ll get impeached.” He also understands that under a Democratic-controlled House or Senate, Trump and his administration will face innumerable congressional investigations and subpoenas.
To justify the Save America Act, Trump continues his nonstop blatant lies that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him and that the elections are rigged. (Except, of course, for the 2024 presidential election that he won.)
The Save America Act, however, is actually a voter suppression measure designed to greatly reduce the number of votes for Democrats and to “guarantee” Republicans win the midterms, in the words of Trump. It is one of the most anti-democracy measures ever proposed.
Fortunately, after passing the House, Senate Republican leaders have, so far, refused to break the filibuster rules to pass the Act, despite intense pressure being applied to them by Trump.
Instead of this voter suppression law, Congress at the next opportunity needs to enact the voting rights reforms found in the For the People Act. These reforms make it easier, not harder, for eligible citizens to vote and have their votes properly counted.
Trump has been desperately trying to rig the 2026 congressional elections to ensure that Republicans keep control of Congress. He keeps proposing various ways for the federal government and the Republicans to take control of administering the 2026 elections. They are almost certainly unconstitutional.
Despite his efforts, Trump will fail to rig the 2026 congressional elections. The American people will see to that.
TRUMPWATCH 2.0
How Trump and His Advisers Miscalculated Iran’s Response to War
“In the lead-up to the U.S.-Israeli attack, President Trump downplayed the risks to the energy markets as a short-term concern that should not overshadow the mission to decapitate the Iranian regime.” – New York Times
The Iran war is serious. The way Pete Hegseth talks about it is not.
“The former Fox News host’s briefings have amounted to Fox News ‘performances,’ replete with braggadocio and empty phrases like ‘we’re playing for keeps’ and ‘death and destruction from the sky all day.'” – MS Now
Democratic state attorneys general sue Trump over tariffs
“The lawsuit accuses the president of trying to ‘sidestep’ a Supreme Court ruling that overturned many of his previous levies.” – Washington Post
Iran war is the largest oil supply disruption in history, report finds
“President Donald Trump on Thursday seemingly dismissed the market disruptions having a dramatic impact on the U.S. economy.” – Politico
Iran’s Islamic Republic 2.0 is coming — and it won’t be pretty
“How Trump’s tactical victory could turn into a forever war.” – Washington Post
Federal judge appears skeptical of Pentagon’s restrictions on press access
“Defense Department policy instituted last year prohibits gathering or publishing any information that isn’t authorized by the government.” – NBC News
Oil Shock Sends Tremors Through World Economy: ‘This Really Is the Big One’
“Countries already walloped by a breakdown of the international trading order, war in Ukraine and chaotic U.S. policymaking are facing potentially lasting economic damage.” – New York Times
Ukraine sent drone experts to protect US bases in Jordan, says Zelenskyy
“Interceptor drones and operators deployed to Middle East after ‘requests for help from 11 countries neighbouring Iran.’” – The Guardian
Why the Pentagon Wants to Destroy Anthropic
“Right now, as everyone is thinking about Iran, there is a story happening around the conflict that we need to not lose sight of. It’s about not only how we are fighting this war, but also about how we’re going to be fighting all wars going forward.” – New York Times
Whistleblower claims ex-DOGE member says he took Social Security data to new job
“The Social Security inspector general’s office is investigating allegations that the former DOGE engineer took sensitive data on a thumb drive in a major potential security breach, said people familiar with the process.” – Washington Post
Democrats ask what happened to millions earmarked for Trump’s library
“ABC, Meta, Paramount and X reportedly agreed to pay at least $63 million in settlements with the president. The original fund was dissolved last year.” – Washington Post
MEANWHILE, ON CAPITOL HILL
John Thune says he’s ready to take the filibuster heat. The battle over the SAVE America Act, Trump’s No.1 priority, is pitting Republicans against each other. The majority leader is determined to bring it to an end. – Politico
Trump Steps Up Effort to Oust Rep. Thomas Massie. In Kentucky speech, president bashes GOP nemesis who drove release of Epstein files. – Wall Street Journal
Ukraine supporters oppose easing of Russia sanctions. “We want more sanctions on Russia, not less,” says one House Republican. – Roll Call
Democrats block bill to reopen Homeland Security amid 27-day shutdown. – The Hill
MONEY IN POLITICS, VOTING, ELECTION & OTHER RELATED INFO
Democrats, groups sound alarm on Trump actions on elections. Administration says they are protecting voting integrity, but getting challenged in courts. – Roll Call
The Scale of Billionaires’ Campaign Donations is Overwhelming U.S. Politics. Billionaires made 19 percent of all reported federal campaign contributions in 2024, a Times analysis shows, and even more in some local elections. Wealthy donors are reaping the rewards. – New York Times
LBJ, Trump, and the Freedom to Vote. The president should use his authority to expand democracy, not restrict it. – Brennan Center
