Wertheimer Political Report, November 13, 2026
TRUMPWATCH 2.0
Will the Supreme Court Thwart Congressional Investigations?
“Lawmakers must dodge rulings on immunity, standing and ‘valid legislative purpose.’” — The New York Times
Trump says no deal needed with Iran, closes down Vance negotiations.
“The president said the vice president should instead focus on combating domestic corruption.” — The Washington Post
Democrats Eye Strict New Limits on White House Budget Powers.
“The incoming majority is also planning aggressive oversight of the White House budget director, who appears to be working to install an ally to monitor the budget office’s handling of federal spending.” — The New York Times
Stephen Miller is putting himself at the center of everything in Trump’s White House.
“From parking spots to press statements, the new chief of staff is routing decisions through himself. The catch: Trump does not like a gatekeeper.” — MS NOW
How Trump maneuvered to the brink of building his 250-foot triumphal arch.
“The president’s proposal for the massive monument won final approval from review panels, but it faces a lawsuit that may head to the Supreme Court.” — The Washington Post
Kennedys sue over Trump’s ‘Triumphal Arch,’ alleging it would cast shadows on family gravesites.
“A judge last week blocked the administration from beginning construction.” — ABC News
Firm Linked to Trump’s Sons Got Nearly $40 Million in Federal Contracts to Screen for Ebola and Other Diseases.
“XpresTest has years of experience conducting disease screening in U.S. airports but has never worked with Ebola or provided biosecurity services abroad. It’s ‘a new thing for us,’ the company’s CEO said.” — ProPublica
Democrats investigate RFK Jr, donor over expensive gifts. — The Hill
Republicans tiptoe around Trump as they process defeat in the 2026 elections.
“GOP lawmakers are hesitant to blame Trump’s policies, like the Iran war, which drove up costs and sparked a voter backlash, showing his enduring clout inside the party despite the results.” — NBC News
Republican Sen. Ron Johnson accuses Trump administration of corruption.
“On Joe Rogan’s podcast, the senator from Wisconsin cited claims by a former White House adviser and accused Trump aides of catering to special interests.” — The Washington Post
Appeals court says VOA director was fired illegally by former head Kari Lake.
“The decision marks the latest effort by the Trump administration to dismantle the international broadcaster.” — The Washington Post
MEANWHILE, ON CAPITOL HILL
Republicans Begin Aggressive Lame-Duck Push to Install Trump Judges. The G.O.P. intends to win confirmation of about two dozen federal judges before the party loses power. But Democrats promise to do what they can to stop them. — The New York Times
Van Hollen announces challenge to Schumer to lead the Senate. The Maryland Democrat said the country’s election called for change but acknowledged he is an underdog for the role. — The Washington Post
OSU abuse survivors blast Jim Jordan’s election as House minority leader. Jordan was an assistant wrestling coach at the university from 1986 to 1994 and has been accused in lawsuits of turning a blind eye to a university doctor’s sexual abuse of players. — NBC News
Another bill to release Epstein files headed to House floor. Discharge petition from GOP Rep. Thomas Massie has enough signatures to move to a vote. — Roll Call
US attorney threatens Blumenthal with ‘significant legal consequences’ over ballroom probe. — The Hill
How redrawn House districts voted in the midterms. Republicans’ redistricting edge largely failed to materialize. — Roll Call
MONEY IN POLITICS, VOTING, ELECTION & OTHER RELATED INFO
Democratic sweep opens the door for major policy changes at state level. Democrats gained trifectas in six new states, flipped 12 state legislative chambers and are poised to flip six governorships. — The Washington Post
Democratic group illegally hid its donors, watchdog alleges in FEC complaint. United Futures Inc. is accused of being a shell organization set up to illegally conceal donors’ identities by funneling money to donate to Democratic super PACs. — The Washington Post
Erratic, Distracted, Extravagant: How Elon Musk’s Huge Midterm Bet Flopped. Behind the scenes, the world’s richest person spent a record amount over two years to bend the country’s politics to his will. He couldn’t. — The New York Times
Who funded the midterms? Inside US elections’ historic bipartisan spending. Major changes in US law and industry have shifted the sources of large contributions to political campaigns – and how much they spend. — The Guardian
SCOTUS Justices Said They Knew How Much Money They Were Letting Into Politics. They Were Wrong. As acting chair of the FEC, let me tell you how I know. — Slate
