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Sep 16, 2026 House of Representatives passed war powers resolution directing Trump to end Iran hostilities Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
The House voted a third time to direct the president to withdraw forces from Iran absent explicit authorization, reasserting Congress's constitutional war powers.
Supporting reports
- House passed war powers resolution directing Trump to end Iran hostilities — The House of Representatives passed a war powers resolution for the third time, directing Trump to remove U.S. military personnel from hostilities against Iran unless Congress explicitly authorizes continued military action. Seven Republicans joined Democrats to pass the measure by a vote of 220 to 204.
Sep 11, 2026 Missouri Supreme Court rejected a last-minute attempt to block a ballot referendum on redistricting Corroborated Institutions and Governance
The court preserved voter access to a direct-democracy check on gerrymandering by rejecting an official's delay tactic on primary election day.
Supporting reports
- Missouri Supreme Court rejected Secretary of State's attempt to block ballot measure on primary election day — The Missouri Supreme Court rejected Secretary of State Hoskins' argument for blocking a ballot measure on redistricting on the day of the primary election. Hoskins had delayed his decision for months, apparently betting that if he waited until primary day, the court would not disrupt the election process. The seven justices, five of whom are GOP appointees, stood firm and allowed the ballot measure to proceed.
Sep 11, 2026 U.S. Supreme Court blocked a federal judge's ruling that had revived the Trump-backed gerrymandered Missouri map Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
The Court's intervention prevented a lower federal court from overriding a state supreme court decision and voter-approved redistricting safeguards.
Supporting reports
- U.S. Supreme Court blocked federal judge's ruling reviving gerrymandered districts — The U.S. Supreme Court blocked a ruling by U.S. District Judge Stephen Clark (a Trump appointee) that had revived a gerrymandered congressional map in Missouri. The Supreme Court's intervention prevented the federal courts from overriding state law and a state supreme court decision protecting voter-approved redistricting protections. The Court referred the matter back to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Sep 11, 2026 Missouri Republican legislators threatened impeachment of state supreme court justices over the redistricting contempt ruling Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
Lawmakers attempted to coerce the judiciary into abandoning enforcement of voter-approved redistricting protections, an unrealized but serious threat to judicial independence.
Supporting reports
- Missouri Republican legislators threatened impeachment of state Supreme Court justices over redistricting ruling — Missouri Republican lawmakers sent a letter threatening impeachment of state Supreme Court justices if they held Secretary of State Hoskins in contempt for defying a court order on redistricting. The letter, sent before the U.S. Supreme Court intervened, insisted that Hoskins comply with the federal judge's order and questioned whether the state Supreme Court understood that federal law is "supreme." The impeachment threat was ultimately not carried out.
Sep 11, 2026 Utah Republicans threatened impeachment of a judge enforcing a constitutional gerrymandering ban, then packed the state supreme court Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
When impeachment threats failed to alter a judge's redistricting rulings, lawmakers restructured the court itself to overturn constitutional protections against gerrymandering.
Supporting reports
- Utah Republicans threatened to impeach judge over gerrymandering enforcement — Utah Republicans threatened to impeach a state judge for enforcing a constitutional ban on gerrymandering. When the impeachment threat did not succeed in stopping the judge's rulings, Republicans subsequently packed the state Supreme Court to overturn the judge's decisions and allow gerrymandered districts.
- Utah Republicans packed state Supreme Court to overturn redistricting protections — After their impeachment threat against a judge enforcing a constitutional ban on gerrymandering failed, Utah Republicans packed the state Supreme Court. This court-packing effort was designed to overturn judicial protections against gerrymandered districts and allow partisan redistricting to proceed.
Aug 25, 2026 US District Judge Indira Talwani lifted then re-imposed a temporary block on USPS mail-ballot rules within the same week Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
Rapid judicial reversals on ballot-rule enforcement created legal uncertainty for states preparing to mail ballots for the midterm elections.
Supporting reports
- Preliminary injunction ruling — League of Women Voters of Massachusetts v. Trump (D. Mass.) 1:26-cv-11549 — Judge Talwani found that USPS Defendants violated the court's preliminary injunction related to “initiating or completing rulemaking to promulgate” specific regulations outlined in Section 3 of EO 14399 by sending a corresponding Final Rule to the Federal Register on Aug. 22, 2026. However, the court declined to impose a remedy “other than identifying the violation,” finding that the relief requested by Plaintiffs would not remedy the past violation but noting that Plaintiffs could choose to file an amended complaint.
- Democratic attorneys general from 23 states filed lawsuit challenging the USPS mail-in ballot rule — Democratic attorneys general from 23 states filed a new lawsuit Wednesday challenging the now-final USPS rule that allows the Postal Service to police mail-in ballot eligibility. The AGs sought an emergency block on the rule, with the first mail-in ballots set to go out the following week.
- Federal judge lifted the last remaining block on Trump's plan to give the Postal Service a new role in policing mail-in ballots — Judge Talwani granted Defendants' motion to reconsider and vacated the court's Aug. 11 preliminary injunction blocking Section 3 of EO 14399 following the Supreme Court's intervening stay of a separate preliminary injunction to Sections 2 and 3 of the same EO in a different but related case, Trump v. California . The vacatur is without prejudice to Plaintiffs amending their complaint. That same day, Plaintiffs filed a Supplemental Complaint adding claims directly challenging the USPS Aug. 21, 2026 Final Rule implementing Section 3 of EO 14399 as a separation-of-powers violation and as unlawful agency action exceeding USPS statutory authority under Title 39. Plaintiffs seek declaratory relief that the EO and Final Rules are unlawful and enjoinment of Defendants from continuing implementation of the Final Rule.
- Preliminary injunction ruling — State of California v. United States Postal Service (D. Mass.) 1:26-cv-13917 — A U.S. district judge reluctantly lifted the final injunction blocking Trump's plan to reshape how mail-in ballots are handled. The judge stated the Supreme Court ruling earlier in the week left her little choice. The new Postal Service rules could result in ballots being rejected from voters who do not appear on newly compiled federal eligibility lists. Democratic attorneys general from 23 states filed a new lawsuit Wednesday challenging the now-final USPS rule and seeking an emergency block before mail-in ballots begin going out the following week.
- USPS implements Trump executive order restricting mail-in ballot delivery — Judge Talwani granted in part Plaintiffs' emergency motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO), staying implementation or enforcement of certain provisions of the USPS Final Rule for 14 days as to elections occurring on or before Nov. 3, 2026. The court found Plaintiffs likely to succeed on their claims that USPS lacked statutory authority to issue the Final Rule and that it is unconstitutional. The Court also found Plaintiff Organizations' members to be at risk of irreparable harm, facing a significant risk of disenfranchisement and interference with their rights under state laws. The Court is yet to rule on the Plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction.
- Twenty-four states and DC file lawsuit challenging Trump mail-voting executive order — Judge Talwani granted in part Plaintiffs' emergency motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO), staying implementation or enforcement of certain provisions of the USPS Final Rule for 14 days as to elections occurring on or before Nov. 3, 2026. The court found Plaintiffs likely to succeed on their claims that USPS lacked statutory authority to issue the Final Rule and that it is unconstitutional. The Court also found Plaintiff States face irreparable harm as “compliance [with the Final Rule's requirements] is practically impossible as to the 2026 midterm elections.” The Court is yet to rule on the Plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction.
- U.S. District Judge Talwani temporarily blocked mail-voting restrictions — The US Postal Service announced implementation of new rules requiring the post office to withhold ballots for mail-in voting to voters deemed ineligible by Department of Homeland Security and other federal records. The rules stem from a Trump executive order issued earlier in 2026 and apply immediately to November's midterm elections. The US Supreme Court lifted a lower court injunction on Monday; US District Judge Indira Talwani lifted a nationwide block on Wednesday. Twenty-four states and DC filed a lawsuit Wednesday challenging the order as usurping state and congressional authority over elections.
- US District Judge Talwani lifts nationwide block on USPS mail ballot rule — Twenty-four states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit on Wednesday to block the Trump executive order restricting mail-in voting in the 2026 midterm elections. The states argue the USPS policy is part of a broader effort by the administration to "rewrite federal election law and usurp the authority of the states and Congress."
- — Late Thursday, U.S. District Judge Talwani temporarily blocked the Postal Service from enforcing Trump's new mail-voting rule, one day after USPS announced the requirements took effect. The temporary block lasts 14 days while the court considers a longer preliminary injunction, with a hearing scheduled for September 3. The case could quickly return to the Supreme Court. As of Friday morning, Trump's new mail-ballot restrictions are currently blocked.
- — US District Judge Indira Talwani lifted her nationwide injunction blocking implementation of the USPS mail ballot delivery rule, citing the Supreme Court's decision to lift the lower court injunction. The ruling clears the way for the rule to take effect for November's midterm elections.
Aug 24, 2026 House Speaker Mike Johnson warned Jared Kushner not to bet against House Republicans following a Jeffries-Kushner meeting Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
A public warning to a presidential family member over informal negotiations with the opposition leader reveals anxiety over party control ahead of a possible power shift.
Supporting reports
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries met with Jared Kushner to discuss "potential areas of common ground" — House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) met with Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner in recent weeks to discuss "potential areas of common ground," according to reporting by Maggie Haberman and Annie Karni in the New York Times. Jeffries emphasized that he wants "to get rid of toxic Trump cabinet secretaries," including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The meeting sparked significant controversy among Trump opponents and led to the public warning from Speaker Johnson.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson warned Jared Kushner not to "bet against the House Republicans" following meeting with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries — Following a report in the New York Times about a meeting between House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner regarding "potential areas of common ground," House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) publicly warned Kushner: "You better not bet against the House Republicans." The warning signals Republican leadership's concern about potential Democratic-Trump administration coordination and reflects internal party tensions over loyalty to Trump.
Jul 13, 2026 House Republicans used procedural obstruction to pressure the Senate on voting-restriction legislation Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
Blocking routine House business to coerce Senate action on partisan voting measures reflects weaponization of legislative procedure over institutional norms.
Supporting reports
- House Republicans block procedural motions to pressure Senate on voting restrictions — Republican congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna and her allies ground the House to a halt in late June by opposing procedural motions that would have allowed consideration of unrelated bills. The tactic was designed to pressure GOP leadership over Trump's priority voting restrictions bill (Save America Act). Luna has signaled no shift in strategy since the recess and has publicly criticized Senate Republican leader John Thune for not backing filibuster changes to enable passage of the voting measure.
Jul 11, 2026 Trump held a secret Camp David meeting with select House Republicans to build a budget package bypassing Democrats Tier 1 · Primary Power and Authority
Excluding moderate members and confiscating phones during closed-door budget talks weakened transparent, inclusive legislative process.
Supporting reports
- Trump held secret Camp David meeting with select House Republicans — On Friday, July 11, Trump called a select group of Republicans on the House Budget Committee to Camp David to develop a funding package for military spending that could pass through budget reconciliation without Democratic votes. Trump extended invitations only to far-right Freedom Caucus members, excluding more moderate Republicans on the committee. Attendees' phones were confiscated, and the meeting was kept secret. Budget Committee member Erin Houchin (R-IN) subsequently stated she was urging committee members to vote against the package.
Jun 11, 2026 US House of Representatives failed to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act before its expiration Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
Congress allowed a major surveillance law to lapse amid disputes over a controversial intelligence nominee, leaving warrantless surveillance authority in legal limbo.
Supporting reports
- US House blocks extension of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) section 702 — The US House of Representatives failed to pass a short-term extension of FISA section 702 in a 198-218 vote on June 11, 2026. Democrats blocked the renewal in protest of Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte, a major Republican donor with no national security experience, as acting director of national intelligence. The law will lapse on June 12, though a FISA court certification allows collection to continue under existing orders through approximately March 2027.
- House rejected FISA renewal measure — Nineteen Republicans joined all but seven Democrats to reject a measure to extend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which expires on June 12, 2026. Under the fast-track procedure used by House Speaker Mike Johnson, the measure required a two-thirds majority but failed 218 to 198, not reaching even a simple majority. The rejection reflected concerns about Pulte's potential oversight of the program.
- Congress fails to reauthorize Section 702 of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act before deadline — Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which permits warrantless collection of communications involving foreigners outside the US and incidentally sweeps up American communications, was set to expire on June 12, 2026. Congress failed to reauthorize it by the deadline. House Speaker Mike Johnson blocked votes on reform amendments, particularly a warrant requirement for surveilling Americans' communications, refusing to allow longer extensions that included such reforms. The program continues operating under existing court certifications through March 2027, but the statutory authorization lapsed.
- Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act lapses — The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which grants the executive branch broad surveillance powers, lapsed on June 12 after Congress failed to pass a short-term extension. The lapse occurred amid Senate outrage over Pulte's potential appointment as acting DNI. Some Republicans attempted to pass a two-week extension, but their efforts failed.
Jun 11, 2026 Trump withdrew the Pulte nomination and nominated Jay Clayton, who lacks intelligence experience, as permanent DNI Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
After bipartisan resistance, the administration replaced one unqualified nominee with another for a top intelligence post, with an unusually rushed confirmation schedule.
Supporting reports
- Trump nominates Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence — Donald Trump nominated Jay Clayton, former SEC chair and current US attorney for the Southern District of New York, to serve as Director of National Intelligence. The nomination follows widespread criticism of Trump's earlier decision to install Bill Pulte as acting DNI. Clayton has no significant operational intelligence experience but has bipartisan early support. The nomination comes amid controversy over Pulte's tenure and a lapsed Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act reauthorization deadline.
- Trump nominates Jay Clayton as permanent director of national intelligence — Trump announced on June 11 that he was nominating Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney for the southern district of New York, as permanent DNI. Clayton has no experience in any of the 18 intelligence agencies under DNI purview. The Senate Intelligence Committee immediately scheduled Clayton's confirmation hearing for June 17—an extraordinarily rushed timeline—with the apparent goal of confirming him before June 19, thus preventing Pulte from ever serving as acting director.
- Trump nominated Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence — Trump announced his nomination of Walter Joseph "Jay" Clayton, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, to become the next director of national intelligence. Like Pulte, Clayton lacks national security experience. Clayton has been involved in the slow-walking of the release of the Epstein files.
- Trump withdrew nomination of Bill Pulte for DNI after Senate opposition — After a bipartisan group of senators indicated they would not vote to extend FISA surveillance authority if Bill Pulte remained Trump's nominee for Director of National Intelligence, Trump withdrew the Pulte nomination. Trump announced instead the nomination of Jay Clayton, former SEC Chairman and current U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, to the DNI position.
- White House sent nomination and withdrawal to Senate for Walter Clayton — The White House sent to the Senate a nomination of Walter Clayton of New York to be Director of National Intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard. Simultaneously, the White House withdrew Clayton's pending nomination to be United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. The dual action redirects Clayton's candidacy from a four-year SDNY post to the intelligence directorship.
Jun 4, 2026 House passed a bipartisan Ukraine Support Act over Republican leadership objections Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
Congress asserted independent foreign-policy judgment on aid to an ally despite opposition from the Speaker and expected presidential veto.
Supporting reports
- House passes Ukraine aid and Russia sanctions package over Republican leadership objection — The House passed a Ukraine aid and Russia sanctions package 226 to 195, forcing it to the floor over Republican leaders' objections through a discharge petition. Eighteen Republicans joined nearly all Democrats in support. The bill provides more than $1 billion in security and reconstruction aid, makes up to $8 billion available in defense loans, and imposes new sanctions on Russia's energy and financial sectors. The bill now moves to the Senate, where its odds are steep.
- House passes bipartisan Ukraine Support Act with Republican defections — The House passed the bipartisan Ukraine Support Act 226-195, providing $8 billion in military financing loans, an additional $1 billion in security assistance, and major new sanctions on Russia. Eighteen Republicans broke with Speaker Mike Johnson, who had privately urged his conference to vote no, to support the measure. Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister called it an important step forward. However, the Senate is not expected to take it up and Trump would likely veto it.
Jun 3, 2026 House of Representatives passed a war powers resolution directing an end to hostilities with Iran Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
The House reasserted its constitutional war-powers authority in a rare bipartisan rebuke of unilateral executive military action.
Supporting reports
- House passes war powers resolution directing end to Iran hostilities — The House passed a war powers resolution directing the president to end U.S. hostilities with Iran absent congressional authorization. The vote was 215 to 208, with four Republicans—Thomas Massie, Brian Fitzpatrick, Tom Barrett, and Warren Davidson—joining every Democrat. The measure is a concurrent resolution, so its legal force is disputed, and it now moves to the Senate, but it puts the chamber on record after months in which similar efforts had been blocked or failed on tie votes.
- House advances Ukraine aid measure — Shortly after passing the Iran war powers resolution, the House advanced a measure to aid Ukraine in its war to repel Russia's invasion by a vote of 218 to 204. If the measure passes the House and Senate, it will provide $8 billion in loans and $300 million in security aid to Ukraine.
- House passes war powers resolution on Iran — The House of Representatives passed a resolution, introduced by Democrats, directing President Trump either to stop further strikes against Iran or to obtain congressional approval for military action. The resolution passed 215 to 208, despite Speaker Mike Johnson's warning that it was "very dangerous" and would "weaken" Trump's ability to resolve the conflict. The vote occurred after Johnson had sent House members home early before Memorial Day to prevent the measure from passing. According to a New York Times–Siena College poll, 64% of registered voters believe Trump's decision to go to war was wrong, while only 30% approve of it.
- US House passes war powers resolution to curb Trump's Iran authority — The US House of Representatives voted 215–208 to pass a war powers resolution requiring President Trump to seek congressional approval to continue military operations in Iran or withdraw US forces. Four Republicans voted with Democrats: Thomas Massie (Kentucky), Brian Fitzpatrick (Pennsylvania), Warren Davidson (Ohio), and Tom Barrett (Michigan). The resolution advances to the Senate, where a similar measure previously gained bipartisan support. The vote marks the fourth House attempt to enforce the 1973 War Powers Resolution's 90-day threshold, which Trump's administration has rejected by citing a ceasefire in place since April 8.
Jun 2, 2026 Speaker Mike Johnson sent House members home early to prevent a war powers vote on Iran Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
Delaying a floor vote to avoid a likely passage of a war-powers measure blocked congressional exercise of its constitutional check on military action.
Supporting reports
- House Speaker Johnson sent members home early to prevent war powers vote — House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) sent House members home a day early before the Memorial Day holiday out of concern that lawmakers would pass a war powers resolution requiring Trump to withdraw American forces from the Middle East region. Congress was scheduled to return to work on June 2, raising the possibility that such a measure could be introduced.
Jun 2, 2026 House Republicans blocked $1 billion in security funding for the White House ballroom project Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
Congressional Republicans exercised budgetary control to reject a presidential spending priority tied to his private renovation project.
Supporting reports
- House Republicans blocked Trump's $1 billion White House ballroom security project — GOP lawmakers are bucking Trump by shelving plans to spend $1 billion to secure a new White House ballroom facility and other areas of the presidential compound. The "Trump battleships" proposal is facing skepticism at the House Armed Services Committee as lawmakers prepare to mark up the FY2027 defense authorization bill.
- Senate Republicans remove $1bn White House ballroom security funding from reconciliation bill — Senate Republicans formally dropped a $1 billion allocation for security improvements at Donald Trump's proposed White House ballroom from the Secure America Act reconciliation bill on Wednesday. The funding had been included in broader legislation authorizing $70 billion for immigration enforcement agencies through Trump's term. The Senate parliamentarian determined the ballroom money violated budget reconciliation rules, and Democratic opposition threatened to complicate passage. Republicans removed the provision and advanced the revised bill on a 53-46 party-line vote, preserving the $70 billion immigration enforcement funding.
Jun 2, 2026 House Republicans moved to kill Trump's $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund Corroborated Institutions and Governance
A direct rebuke to the president reflected congressional resistance to a discretionary fund seen as rewarding political allies.
Supporting reports
- House Republicans moved to kill Trump's $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund — House Republicans are in the process of killing Trump's $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund, a direct rebuke to the president. Senate Majority Leader John Thune confirmed that the weaponization fund is "off the table" after speaking with the acting Attorney General. However, Acting AG Todd Blanche refused to put the commitment in writing when asked by Rep. Grace Meng, stating only "We're not moving forward with the fund. Period" but declining to commit to writing.
May 23, 2026 Cassidy supported a Democratic war powers resolution to end the Iran war Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
A senator recently defeated in his primary broke from the President to help pass a war powers resolution, illustrating how electoral purges can unexpectedly liberate legislative independence.
Supporting reports
- Bill Cassidy supports Democratic war powers resolution to end Iran war — Less than 72 hours after losing his Louisiana primary, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy threw his support behind a Democratic war powers resolution to force Trump to end the Iran war. The resolution passed the Senate after seven previously failed attempts. Cassidy's action demonstrates how Trump's purge of dissenters can backfire by liberating defeated lawmakers to vote their conscience without electoral consequences.
May 22, 2026 Trump attacked Senator Thom Tillis publicly and pressured him out of his re-election race after policy disagreements Corroborated Power and Authority
The president's public pressure campaign against a dissenting senator further demonstrates use of executive influence to enforce party discipline.
Supporting reports
- Sen. Thom Tillis responded to Trump's criticism — Sen. Thom Tillis responded to Trump's attack by listing specific policy disagreements, including Trump's advisors' proposals to compensate convicted felons who attacked police, push 50-year mortgages, transform publicly traded companies into state-owned enterprises, fire generals, and avoid holding Putin accountable for crimes in Ukraine. Tillis stated that opposing these policies makes him a "RINO" by Trump's definition and argued that "stupid stuff" is killing Republican chances in November.
- Trump attacked Sen. Thom Tillis over disagreements — Trump posted criticism of Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), calling him "weak and ineffective" and a "Nitpicker" for fighting against Republican Party positions and Trump personally. Trump stated he refused to endorse Tillis for another run due to "too much work and drama," after which Tillis immediately quit the race and announced his retirement. Trump characterized Tillis as screwing the Republican Party with "RINO friends."
May 17, 2026 Trump intervened in multiple Republican primaries to defeat or threaten incumbents who showed independence, including Cassidy, Massie, and Boebert Tier 1 · Primary Power and Authority
The president used endorsements and public attacks to punish lawmakers for constitutional votes and independent judgment, consolidating personal control over the legislative party.
Supporting reports
- Trump intervenes in Louisiana Senate primary; Cassidy loses to Letlow in first round — Donald Trump encouraged US Representative Julia Letlow to challenge incumbent Senator Bill Cassidy and endorsed her candidacy, attacking Cassidy on social media as "disloyal" and a "terrible guy." In the May 17 primary, Letlow received 45.2% of the vote, Cassidy came third with 24.4%, advancing Letlow and state treasurer John Fleming to a June 27 runoff. Cassidy's vulnerability stemmed from his 2021 vote to convict Trump after January 6 and subsequent breaks with Trump on policy, including his opposition to Trump's surgeon general nominee.
- Sen. Bill Cassidy lost primary runoff after Trump campaign against him — Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), one of seven Republican senators who voted to convict Trump in the 2021 impeachment trial, failed to advance to a runoff in his reelection bid after Trump called for his ouster. Cassidy had voted to confirm RFK Jr. despite personal concerns about vaccine criticism. Trump posted that Cassidy's "disloyalty" and impeachment vote were now "a part of legend" and his political career was "OVER." Cassidy stated in his concession speech that when participating in democracy, one should not "pout," "whine," or "claim the election was stolen."
- Trump posted attack on Rep. Lauren Boebert and threatened to withdraw endorsement — Trump posted on Truth Social attacking Rep. Lauren Boebert for supporting Thomas Massie and called her a "carpetbagger" who moved districts when she could not win in her original district. Trump stated he would consider withdrawing his endorsement of Boebert if "the right person came along" to run against her. Boebert responded that she was not offended and remained committed to supporting Massie and the "America First" agenda.
- Trump posted attack on Rep. Thomas Massie before Tuesday election — Trump posted on social media attacking Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) ahead of Massie's Tuesday election, calling him "The Worst Republican Congressman in History" and urging Kentucky voters to "vote the bum out." Trump criticized Massie for voting against tax cuts, the border wall, military funding, and law enforcement. Massie responded that Trump's attacks indicated he was ahead in polls and that outside billionaires and AIPAC had funneled millions into his race.
- Trump endorses Ken Paxton in Texas Senate primary runoff — After months of deliberation, Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a primary runoff against Senator John Cornyn for Cornyn's Senate seat, scheduled for the following week. Trump called Paxton "a true MAGA Warrior" and criticized Cornyn for not being "supportive of me when times were tough." Political analysts noted the endorsement could benefit the Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico.
- Trump endorses Ken Paxton over John Cornyn — President Donald Trump has endorsed Ken Paxton over John Cornyn, a move that has humiliated Cornyn. This endorsement reflects Trump's influence within the Republican Party and could impact political dynamics and upcoming elections. The endorsement may also signal shifts in party loyalty and internal power struggles.
- Bill Cassidy loses Louisiana Senate primary after Trump endorsement of challenger — Senator Bill Cassidy, who voted to convict Trump after the January 6 insurrection, lost his Louisiana primary race after Trump backed challenger Julia Letlow. The loss reflects Trump's continued purge of Republicans who broke with him on constitutional accountability, extending the pattern of primary defeats for Trump critics across multiple states.
- Brad Raffensperger locked out of Georgia gubernatorial runoff after Trump opposition — Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Trump critic, was eliminated from the Republican gubernatorial primary. Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and billionaire Rick Jackson advanced to a runoff, with the winner to face Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms. Raffensperger's defeat represents another primary victory for Trump over a state official who resisted pressure to overturn the 2020 election.
- Thomas Massie defeated in Kentucky Republican House primary by Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein — In Kentucky's fourth congressional district primary, seven-term congressman Thomas Massie, a Trump critic, lost to Ed Gallrein, a retired Navy SEAL recruited by Trump. The race became the most expensive House primary in history at $25.6 million in spending. Trump had campaigned aggressively against Massie, calling him a "moron" and "nut job," dispatching Super PAC operatives and holding a rally denouncing him as "disloyal." Massie had broken with Trump over military action, spending, and the Epstein Files release. Gallrein will face the general election as the overwhelming favorite in the conservative district.
- Trump endorses Ken Paxton in Texas Republican Senate primary runoff — US President Donald Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the state's Republican primary runoff against incumbent Senator John Cornyn, calling Paxton an "America First Patriot" and "MAGA Warrior" on Truth Social. The endorsement came ahead of the May 26 runoff election. Trump criticized Cornyn for insufficient support during difficult times and for being "very late" in backing his presidential run. Paxton, a hardliner aligned with Trump's Make America Great Again movement, faces Democrat James Talarico in the general election.
- Trump-backed Ed Gallrein defeats Thomas Massie in Kentucky House primary — Republican congressman Thomas Massie lost his House seat in Kentucky's fourth district primary on Tuesday to Ed Gallrein, a farmer and former Navy SEAL backed by Donald Trump. Trump personally attacked Massie as a "moron," "nut job," and "major sleazebag," and dispatched strategists Chris LaCivita and Tony Fabrizio to lead a PAC supporting Gallrein. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also campaigned for Gallrein. Massie, a 14-year incumbent and Trump critic who led efforts to release the Epstein files and voted against Israel aid, was also targeted by pro-Israel groups spending millions against him.
- Trump intervenes in Republican primaries against incumbent senators — Trump has intervened in Republican primary elections to oppose Republican incumbents he views as insufficiently loyal to him. This pattern of intervention has exacerbated Republican frustration with the White House and contributed to the broader congressional rebellion against the slush fund and immunity agreement.
- Trump-backed candidate defeats Representative Massie in House primary — Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY), who led efforts to release the Epstein files, lost his House primary to Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein in what was the most expensive House primary ever, with outside spending reaching $35 million. Gallrein pledged to do whatever Trump tells him to do. The race occurred in a district Trump won by 35 points in 2024, but Gallrein won by only 10 points.
- Trump-backed candidates win primaries in Georgia and Alabama — Trump-backed primary candidates won House primaries in Georgia and Alabama, continuing a pattern of Trump-endorsed challengers defeating or replacing Republican incumbents and candidates who did not demonstrate absolute loyalty to Trump.
- Trump attacked Sen. Thom Tillis over disagreements — Trump posted criticism of Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), calling him "weak and ineffective" and a "Nitpicker" for fighting against Republican Party positions and Trump personally. Trump stated he refused to endorse Tillis for another run due to "too much work and drama," after which Tillis immediately quit the race and announced his retirement. Trump characterized Tillis as screwing the Republican Party with "RINO friends."
May 15, 2026 Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger vetoed a bill restoring collective bargaining rights to 500,000 public sector workers Corroborated Institutions and Governance
The veto reverses a campaign commitment and blocks restoration of labor organizing rights for state workers.
Supporting reports
- Virginia Governor Spanberger vetoes collective bargaining restoration bill — Virginia Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger vetoed legislation on Thursday that would have restored collective bargaining rights to approximately 500,000 public sector workers. The bill had passed both chambers of the state assembly. Spanberger had previously introduced an amended version that weakened protections, which the assembly rejected. Union leaders, including SEIU and AFSCME officials, condemned the veto as a betrayal of campaign promises made during her election. The governor stated she believes additional amendments are needed.
May 14, 2026 Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves canceled a redistricting session but pledged to redraw congressional maps to target the state's only Democratic congressional seat Corroborated Institutions and Governance
The governor explicitly named eliminating a Black Democratic incumbent's district as a coordinated goal with the federal administration.
Supporting reports
- Mississippi governor cancels special session on supreme court redistricting, pledges future congressional map redraw targeting Democratic seat — Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves canceled a special legislative session scheduled to redraw state supreme court districts, citing difficulty in completing the work before the November 2026 midterms. However, Reeves stated he expects the state to redraw its four congressional districts between now and 2027, with explicit focus on eliminating the seat of Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson, Mississippi's only Democratic representative and longest-serving Black elected official. Reeves indicated coordination with the Trump administration on timing and method.
- Mississippi and Southern Republican officials threaten redistricting to eliminate Black congressional districts — Following the Louisiana v Callais decision, Republican officials in Mississippi, Tennessee, Florida, and Alabama announced plans to redraw congressional districts to eliminate or dilute Black representation. Mississippi Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson and State Auditor Shad White publicly called for redrawing Representative Bennie Thompson's district. Governor Tate Reeves stated it was "not a question of if, it's a question of when" regarding redistricting, referring to Thompson's tenure as a "reign of terror." Tennessee Republicans eliminated the state's sole Black congressional district; Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new map; Alabama prepared maps for use.
May 14, 2026 South Carolina House / Senate advanced then blocked a proposal to redraw Rep. Jim Clyburn's district Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
The state Senate temporarily halted an effort to target a senior Black congressman's district following the weakened voting-rights standard.
Supporting reports
- South Carolina House advances proposal targeting Rep. Jim Clyburn's district — The South Carolina House advanced a proposal that could have allowed lawmakers to target and redraw the congressional district held by Rep. Jim Clyburn, a senior Black member of Congress. The state Senate blocked the effort on May 13 in a 29–17 vote, though organizers noted the fight may not be fully resolved if lawmakers are called back into session.
May 14, 2026 Tennessee governor and legislature signed a new congressional map eliminating the state's only majority-Black district Corroborated Institutions and Governance
The map divides Memphis's Black voters across three majority-white districts, positioning Republicans to hold all nine congressional seats.
Supporting reports
- Tennessee governor redraws congressional map eliminating majority-Black district — Tennessee's governor called a special legislative session and signed a new congressional map that divides Memphis and eliminates the state's only majority-Black congressional district. The action was taken in response to the Louisiana v. Callais decision, which weakened Section 2 protections against racially discriminatory redistricting.
- Tennessee Republican lawmakers approved congressional map dismantling majority-Black district — Tennessee Republican lawmakers approved a new congressional map that breaks apart Memphis and Shelby County, eliminating Tennessee's only majority-Black congressional district. The map splits Black voters across three majority-white districts, positioning Republicans to hold all nine of Tennessee's congressional seats after the midterms. This action follows the Supreme Court's April 29 decision in Louisiana v. Callais, which weakened Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act as a tool for challenging racially discriminatory maps.
- Tennessee House speaker removes all Democrats from committees — On May 12, 2026, Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton removed all House Democrats from standing committees, citing their protests against the mid-decade redistricting as disruptive to legislative processes. This action effectively stripped representation from nearly 2 million Tennesseans, including all Black elected officials in the state legislature.
May 12, 2026 Cameron Sexton stripped all Tennessee House Democrats of committee assignments after they protested the redistricting vote Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
Retaliating against dissenting lawmakers removed representation for nearly 2 million constituents, including all Black elected officials in the chamber.
Supporting reports
- Tennessee House Speaker stripped Democrats from committee assignments — On May 12, Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton removed all House Democrats from their standing committee and subcommittee assignments, citing disruption during the special session redistricting vote. Sexton's letter accused Democratic lawmakers of interlocking arms, blocking aisles, and using prohibited props or noisemakers. Rep. Justin Pearson stated the removal affected "me and every Democrat, and therefore every Black elected official in the state legislature." Reps. Justin Jones, Gabby Salinas, and Gloria Johnson confirmed removal. Lt. Governor McNally's office indicated additional actions against participants may be under review.
- Tennessee House speaker removed all House Democrats from standing committees — Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton removed all House Democrats from standing committees, claiming they had behaved in a way "aimed at disrupting the democratic and legislative processes" as they protested the mid-decade redistricting that eliminated Tennessee's only majority-Black, Democratic district. State Representative Justin J. Pearson noted the removal stripped "every Black elected official in the state legislature from any committee we served on" and removed representation for "nearly 2 million Tennesseans."
- Tennessee House Speaker stripped Democratic lawmakers of committee assignments in retaliation for protest — Tennessee House speaker Cameron Sexton removed all House Democrats from standing committees, stating they had behaved in a way "aimed at disrupting the democratic and legislative processes" as they protested mid-decade redistricting that eliminated Tennessee's only majority-Black, Democratic district. State representative Justin J. Pearson noted that this action removed "every Black elected official in the state legislature from any committee we served on" and stripped "nearly 2 million Tennesseans from the representation they deserve."
- Tennessee House speaker removes all Democrats from committees — Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton removed House Democrats from their standing committee and subcommittee assignments following their protests during a special legislative session. This action occurred after Republican lawmakers approved a new congressional map that dismantles Tennessee's only majority-Black congressional district by splitting Black voters across three majority-white districts. Committee removal reduces the legislative voice of both the affected lawmakers and their constituents.
- — On May 12, 2026, Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton removed all House Democrats from standing committees, citing their protests against the mid-decade redistricting as disruptive to legislative processes. This action effectively stripped representation from nearly 2 million Tennesseans, including all Black elected officials in the state legislature.
Apr 20, 2026 Judge David O. Carter denied a DOJ motion for production of California voter records Corroborated Institutions and Governance
The court's terse denial marked another judicial rejection of the federal government's voter data demands.
Supporting reports
- Judge Carter denies DOJ motion for production of voter records in California — In the California voter roll case, Judge David O. Carter, a Bill Clinton appointee, denied the DOJ's motion for an order to produce records in a short order that did not elaborate on his reasoning. The DOJ had filed the motion days before a scheduled hearing, and California responded with an emergency ex parte application arguing the demand was both rushed and improper.