Wertheimer Political Report, October 1, 2026
TRUMPWATCH 2.0
Decades After Watergate, Justice Department Reviews Whether Nixon Got a Raw Deal.
“Revisionist historian went to DOJ headquarters to present his case that former president, his associates weren’t treated fairly.” — Wall Street Journal
Renee Good’s Family Sues ICE Agent and Top Officials Over Minnesota Killing.
“The fatal shooting of Ms. Good set off protests during the Trump administration’s immigration operation early this year in Minnesota.” — New York Times
Supreme Court to scrutinize ICE’s mandatory detention policy for immigrants.
“Under President Donald Trump, some immigrants have been denied bond hearings and spent months in detention while awaiting removal proceedings.” — Washington Post
The Supreme Court’s Summer Break Vanishes, Erased by Emergencies.
“‘Our summers used to actually be summers,’ one justice lamented.” — New York Times
Trump’s Taxpayer-Funded Ads Draw Bipartisan Criticism.
“President Donald Trump declares that ‘this is the final battle’ in one of several taxpayer-funded television ads airing ahead of November’s midterm elections, prompting bipartisan scrutiny over whether the spots violate federal law.” — Time
The Untold Origins of Trump’s Plan to Sharply Restrict Mail-In Voting.
“ProPublica’s reporting reveals for the first time the extent of the White House’s role in trying to dictate how mail-in ballots are processed, spurring behind-the-scenes drama that played out for nearly a year.” – ProPublica
Trump says he regrets nominating Gorsuch, Kavanaugh and Barrett.
“President Trump revealed in an interview published Thursday that he regrets nominating conservative Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. ” — The Hill
“A Massive Power Grab”: White House Proposal Threatens Funding That Helps Disabled Americans Vote.
“A new rule from the Office of Management and Budget would prohibit anyone from using federal grant money for voter registration drives. It’s part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to restrict voting access.” — ProPublica
“Beneath the dignity” of the office: Veteran Democrats torch Hegseth’s speech.
“Reps. Pat Ryan and Chris Deluzio said Hegseth’s State of the Force address showed he’s more focused on “culture war BS” than the strength of the U.S. military.” — MS NOW
Trump loses favor with crypto fans who call him out for cashing in.
“The president’s 2024 campaign leaned into crypto to attract young men, a demographic that is deserting Republicans in the midterms.” — Washington Post
This Case Has Flown Under the Radar. It Won’t Stay There.
“Chief Justice John Roberts has accomplished so much of his agenda that it’s not easy, as he begins his 22nd Supreme Court term, to think of what unfinished business might remain.” — New York Times
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson criticizes Supreme Court’s use of emergency docket.
“In a public appearance, Jackson said the high court’s use of the emergency docket was “problematic” and called for more restraint from her colleagues when using it.” — Washington Post
Trump Brought Venezuelan Gold to the U.S., but Refiners Won’t Touch It.
“The administration is brokering deals in a notoriously corrupt industry, including one with a company that the United States deems a security threat.” — New York Times
Who’s the Shadow President?
“Under the second Trump administration, the White House has often ignored Congress to carry out its agenda. Entire agencies, like USAID, have been gutted. ICE has grown explosively. Behind it all is one man you may not have heard of: Russell Vought.” — ProPublica
MEANWHILE, ON CAPITOL HILL
I lead House Oversight Democrats. Corruption is making the cost-of-living crisis worse. Some of the most powerful people in this country are profiting from the decisions they’re supposed to be making for us. — MS NOW
Senators of both parties blast rescissions as “illegal,” “wrong.” — Roll Call
Some Republican members who want more agency oversight could be tough to convince. — Roll Call
MONEY IN POLITICS, VOTING, ELECTION & OTHER RELATED INFO
Democrats rethink their mail-voting strategy as voters grow wary. Voting groups and election officials continue to work to quell voters’ fears after Trump’s push to restrict the practice. — Politico
House Dems’ super PAC smashes record with $230M quarter. — Punchbowl
Election Dispatches: Red-state visits by Trump and Vance underline G.O.P.’s midterm worries. — New York Times
Three Republican incumbents make their debuts as races tighten. — Roll Call
Republicans occupy most spots while redistricting continues to influence list. — Roll Call
Ken Paxton heard saying Trump’s GOP midterm convention hurt him: Report says Paxton has aligned himself with Trump, earning his primary endorsement. — ABC News
