This week marked a low pointfor Republicans as they prepare for the 2024 elections: Former President Trump is once again the dominant force in the party, which is showing little indication of trying to appeal to swing voters.
Why it matters: By aligning with Trump's grievances and promoting tougher abortion restrictions, it's increasingly difficult for the GOP to win outside of deep-red strongholds.
President Biden's not-yet-official bid for re-election will lean on hundreds of social media "influencers" who will tout Biden's record — and soon may have their own briefing room at the White House, Axios has learned.
Why it matters: The move aims to boost Biden's standing among young voters who are crucial to Democrats' success in elections — and to potentially counter former President Trump's massive social media following, if he's the GOP nominee in 2024.
Democrats are digging in their heels on debt ceiling and budget talks amid reports that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is struggling to wrangle his unwieldy conference.
Why it matters: Time is running out for Congress and the White House to agree on a budget and increase the government's debt ceiling to avert a potentially catastrophic default this summer.
Some angry GOP lawmakers warn that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's position could be on rocky ground after a report he blamed members of his leadership team for Republicans' chaos over the budget.
Why it matters: Multiple House Republicans argued McCarthy’s criticism of Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Budget Chair Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) undermines their messaging and opens the floodgates for public infighting earlier than necessary.
A documentary following CNN commentator Van Jones' journey to see prison reform passed under President Trump (and the backlash he faced) is now streaming on Amazon Prime.
Why it matters: "The First Step" has been screening at film festivals and organized events surrounding prison reform but hasn't been available to the broader public until now.
The Supreme Court will likely need to decide soon whether abortion pills can remain legal in the United States.
Why it matters: Less than a year after the conservative court struck down Roe v. Wade, the next phase of the fight over abortion rights is already at its doorstep. The case would affect women all over the country, making abortions harder to access even in states where it’s legal.
Over a dozen Senate Democrats are backing a proposal to compel the Supreme Court to create or adopt an ethics code for justices by attaching language to next year's funding bill.
Why it matters: The Supreme Court is the only court in the federal judiciary that does not have a formal code of ethics for its nine members. Longstanding calls for the court to adopt one escalated this week after ProPublica reported on Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas' alleged ties to a GOP megadonor.
Nearly two dozen House and Senate Democrats on Friday asked Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts to launch an investigation into Associate Justice Clarence Thomas.
Why it matters: It's Democratic lawmakers' first unified response to a ProPublica report about Thomas receiving lavish gifts, including trips, from billionaire Republican donor Harlan Crow.
