The Political Markup for May 6, 2026
Politics
A federal judge is allowing Trump’s DOJ to keep 600 boxes of 2020 election ballots from a Georgia county that it had obtained through an FBI search.
The FBI raided the office of a Virginia Democrat who helped lead the state’s redistricting effort which would benefit Democrats in the upcoming midterm election.
Howard Lutnick was questioned by a congressional oversight committee over inconsistent statements on his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.
The U.S. Air Force is hoping to have the Qatari-donated 747 ready to serve as Air Force One by Independence Day.
Economy
Andy Beshear is reducing the Kentucky gas tax by 10 centers to counter high gas prices caused by the misguided Trump-Israel war with Iran.
Alaska Air is seeking to raise $500 million to counter high jet fuel prices due to the Trump-Israel war. U.S. jet fuel costs more than doubled from February to March.
International
France is positioning an aircraft carrier group in the Mideast, hoping to help securely open the Strait of Hormuz. Italian and Dutch warships are also with the group.
Israel is striking Beirut again, allegedly killing a Hezbollah commander.
Trump has U.S. troops in Panama training for jungle combat.
Germany is investigating two far-right groups for instigating political violence.
A Trump-aligned populist political party in Australia is getting support from the country’s wealthy donors, who have become frustrated with the coalition government.