The Political Markup for April 18, 2026
Politics
The DOJ has an extra 90 days to respond to Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit where he claims the government didn’t do enough to stop the leak of his tax returns.
Trump is having the DOJ review and consolidate into one case all the previous federal investigations into him as a “grand conspiracy,” and appointing loyalists to lead the effort, which would be tried in a judicial district run by a judge Trump appointed.
Regarding Trump’s attacks on the Pope and how it’s created conflicts for Republican candidates and voters, the White House implies that Catholic Republicans should stick with Trump because he leads the Republican Party.
Following the week of attacking the Pope and insulting Catholics, Trump and other administration officials are participating in an event where the entire Bible is read.
Meanwhile, the Pope’s brother who lives near Chicago received a bomb threat at his home.
JD Vance has been actively fundraising for the Republican Party, which helps position him to run for president in 2028.
U.S. House Democrats requested that Stephen Miller and Tom Homan testify about Trump’s immigration policies.
U.S. House Republicans have lost control of their agenda, putting the body into a stalemate on several policies.
Turning Point USA has been facing membership and organizational issues since Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
International
Iran and the U.S. continue to battle over the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran attacking two Indian ships.
The U.S. began actively negotiating with Cuba in an effort to change its government and economy.
Viktor Orban was funneling Hungarian tax dollars to Matt Schlapp’s Conservative Political Action Conference.
Mark Carney is hosting an investors summit in September, hoping to attract nearly $750 billion in new investments for Canada.
The Trump Administration continues to destroy boats it says are trafficking drugs, though no evidence is provided and there are legal questions around the attacks.
Minnesota
Tim Walz has created the Minnesota Truth Council to investigate ICE’s controversial work in the state earlier this year.