Month: January 2026

On November 12, 2025, federal prosecutors unsealed a 23-count indictment charging Dana Williamson, a former chief of staff to California Governor Gavin Newsom, with conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, tax fraud, obstruction and related offenses. (washingtonpost.com) Prosecutors allege Williamson helped siphon $225,000 from a dormant campaign account tied to former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, funneled money through shell companies for a no‑show job, and claimed more than $1 million in improper business deductions on tax returns. (abcnews.go.com) Williamson pleaded not guilty; authorities say the charges do not involve Newsom’s official work and his office has said she no longer serves. (kabc.com)

After the House passed a partisan funding bill, Senate Democrats warned of another potential “Schumer Shutdown” as the upper chamber prepares votes that could fail to reach 60‑vote cloture. Senator Richard Blumenthal publicly criticized ICE’s tactics and urged investigations, joining other Democrats enraged over immigration enforcement and provisions in the bill. House Democrats blocked or opposed ICE funding in separate actions and staged protests in several cities, but leaders argued demonstrations were unlikely to alter floor math. With tight margins in the Senate and deep intraparty divisions, a shutdown fight now appears likely unless negotiators rapidly strike a compromise soon. (bangordailynews.com)

Luigi Mangione returned to federal court on January 23, 2026, for a suppression hearing over the seizure and search of his backpack following his December 9, 2024, arrest at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Judge Margaret Garnett will hear arguments about whether officers lawfully searched the bag before obtaining a warrant. Prosecutors say Altoona police protocols allowed a prompt safety search and later an inventory that uncovered a gun, silencer and a notebook with alleged plans; the defense says the preliminary search tainted the affidavit for a subsequent warrant. The ruling could affect evidence in the federal murder case significantly. (apnews.com)

President Trump startled the country by publicly asking whether he should run for a fourth term, saying “so many people” urged him to run again and calling the 2020 election “totally rigged.” He told NBC he was “not joking” about pursuing a third term and later told reporters aboard Air Force One there were “methods” to extend his tenure. The 22nd Amendment limits presidents to two elected terms, yet allies including Rep. Andy Ogles have proposed amendments, while legal scholars call such routes impractical. Trump posed “Should I run again? You tell me” at a recent White House event recently. (time.com)

On January 22, 2026, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social — “RECORD NUMBERS ALL OVER THE PLACE! SHOULD I TRY FOR A FOURTH TERM?” — provoking widespread reaction. The suggestion contradicts the 22nd Amendment, which bars anyone from being elected president more than twice, though Trump and allies have mused about workarounds while his campaign markets “Trump 2028” merchandise. His post came amid slipping approval ratings and fresh polls he denounced as “fake,” which he said he might include in legal action. Critics warned the idea is unconstitutional and inflammatory; supporters cheered, fueling a polarizing national debate and a media firestorm. (time.com)

The House passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act on April 10, 2025, requiring documentary proof of citizenship to register in federal elections. It cleared the House 220–208, with four Democrats joining all Republicans. Supporters say the SAVE Act prevents noncitizen voting and strengthens election security; critics warn it would disenfranchise millions, disproportionately affecting elderly, rural and transgender voters and communities of color. The bill would amend National Voter Registration Act, obligate states to collect passports or birth certificates, create procedures to remove noncitizens, expand access to federal immigration data, and impose federal penalties, raising implementation and legal concerns. (cbsnews.com)

On January 22, 2026, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, “RECORD NUMBERS ALL OVER THE PLACE! SHOULD I TRY FOR A FOURTH TERM?” (time.com) He floated the idea after returning from World Economic Forum in Davos. (thedailybeast.com) The suggestion conflicts with the 22nd Amendment, which bars anyone from being elected president more than twice. (time.com) The post followed polls showing under 40 percent approval and Times/Siena finding 56 percent disapproval. (time.com) Trump called such polls “fake,” has promoted 2028 merchandise and threatened legal action against media, energizing parts of his base despite widespread skepticism. (time.com)

President Trump demanded investigations into Representative Ilhan Omar’s finances, accusing her on Truth Social of being “worth over $30 million” and saying such wealth could not be amassed on a $174,000 congressional salary. (foxnews.com) Her 2024 disclosure reports household assets largely tied to her husband’s winery and venture firm, producing reported net‑worth range up to $30 million. (mediaite.com) That jump drew scrutiny because Omar’s early filings around her 2018 campaign showed liabilities and an estimated negative net worth between −$25,000 and −$65,000. (factually.co) House Republicans have opened reviews of the filings; Omar has defended her disclosures and denied illicit enrichment. (mediaite.com)

On January 22, 2026, the House passed a Homeland Security spending bill (220–207) that includes $64.4 billion for DHS and $10 billion for ICE; seven Democrats — Jared Golden, Henry Cuellar, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Tom Suozzi, Don Davis, Laura Gillen and Vicente Gonzalez — joined Republicans.(washingtonpost.com) Democrats opposed the vote amid nationwide outrage over ICE operations, including the Jan. 7 Minneapolis shooting that killed Renée Good.(theguardian.com) Viral videos of agents dragging a U.S. citizen from her car during raids fueled protests and lawsuits.(ctpost.com) Supporters said the package funds FEMA and the Coast Guard and averts a shutdown; critics called the vote a betrayal.