The Political Markup for April 15, 2026
Politics
Trump is on shaky ground with Catholic voters.
After the scandals of Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzalez, and Trump portraying himself as Jesus after attacking Pope Leo, Karl Rove writes that “voters are desperate for leaders…to act with integrity and build up trust.”
States are starting to regulate AI political ads.
Trump Administration
Trump insulted Catholics by posting an image of himself portraying Jesus and issuing a statement critical of Pope Leo. JD Vance, a Catholic who had an upcoming book on his conversion, gave a weak answer on the matter.
Trump’s lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal for publishing his drawing of a naked woman for his friend Jeffrey Epstein was dismissed.
Trump has pushed for his arch to be bigger, and there’s concern it’ll overshadow Arlington National Cemetery.
Economics
The average tax refund has been $350, less than the $1,000 Trump had said.
Homebuilder confidence dropped further this month.
Many factors have increased costs for businesses in recent years. But they’ve continued to raise prices and make profits, despite consumers facing financial challenges.
The Trump Administration is asking manufacturers to make military weapons and supplies.
Iran War
Trump is sending over 10,000 more troops to the Middle East.
U.S. House Republicans continue to provide cover for Trump and stall on a hearing with Pentagon officials about the Trump-Israel war with Iran.
U.S. Senate Republicans again blocked an effort to limit Trump’s war with Iran.
The IMF is warning countries about accumulating debt due to the Trump-Israel war. Nonetheless, Japan is providing $10 billion to nearby Asian countries to assist them with energy costs.
International
Viktor Orban is voted out of office in Hungary.
Mark Carney now leads a majority-government in Canada.
Minnesota
Radical-right, do-nothing state legislators failed in an attempt to impeach Tim Walz and Keith Ellison over fraud matters.
Tyler Kistner is ending his third run for CD2 and deploying to the Middle East.
Bishop Robert Barron joins other Catholic leaders in condemning Trump’s attacks against Pope Leo.