President Donald Trump’s surprise move to pause federal aid spending has sparked a constitutional battle that may end up at the Supreme Court, according to the NBC News Politics team. The Trump administration’s attempt to withhold federal funding has triggered a legal battle over the constitutional principle that Congress decides how taxpayer money is spent. The administration’s move to freeze spending on federal aid and programs has led to confusion and chaos across government agencies, Congress, state programs, and non-profit organizations. The White House clarified that funding for programs providing direct assistance to people would be exempt from the pause.
On the issue of immigration, Americans have shifted right since Trump’s first term, with increased support for deporting immigrants who have committed crimes, and decreased support for policies that would separate families. The country is now almost evenly split on whether undocumented immigrants should be subject to deportation, a significant shift from previous years. Additionally, support for a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants has decreased, while support for an expanded border wall has increased.
Democratic Senator Gary Peters’ decision not to run for re-election in Michigan has shaken up the fight for the Senate, making Michigan a top GOP target and adding pressure on Democrats to hold onto the state. Peters’ retirement puts even more significance on the Michigan Senate race, which will impact Senate control as Democrats need to gain four seats to flip the chamber. The newsletter also covers confirmation battles in the Senate, Trump’s recent firing of 18 inspectors general, and the mysterious drones flying over New Jersey.
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