Today's Essential Political News: 4‑Minute Read
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Monday, April 13, 2026 · 8:00 a.m. ET
Federal Level
Trump Attacks Pope Leo; Pope Fires Back: ‘No Fear’
President Trump attacked Pope Leo XIV Sunday night, calling the first American-born pope “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy” after Leo condemned U.S. military actions in Iran. Trump posted on Truth Social that he was “not a fan” of the pope and suggested Leo “likes crime.” Pope Leo responded Monday aboard the papal plane, telling reporters he has “no fear of the Trump administration” and will continue his appeals for peace.1, 2, 3
U.S. Navy Blockade of Iran Begins, Oil Tops $104
The U.S. military began enforcing a naval blockade of all Iranian ports Monday at 10:00 a.m. EDT after weekend peace talks in Islamabad collapsed. Vice President Vance, who led the U.S. delegation, said Iran refused to abandon its nuclear weapons program. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned of a “forceful response” to any military vessels near the strait. Oil surged above $104 per barrel, deepening domestic political pressure on Republicans ahead of November.4, 5, 6
Trump Admits Gas Prices May Stay High Through Midterms
President Trump said Sunday on Fox News that gasoline prices could remain elevated “or maybe a little bit higher” through November’s midterm elections. The statement alarmed Republican strategists who had hoped to reassure voters on energy costs, which have risen sharply since the Iran conflict began in late February. Political advisers from both parties said the admission could complicate GOP efforts to retain control of the House and Senate.7, 8, 9
Congress Returns: DHS Vote Due as Shutdown Hits Day 58
The Senate reconvened Monday at 3:00 p.m. ET after a two-week recess, with the House returning Tuesday and the 58-day DHS shutdown the first order of business. DHS Secretary Mullin last week ordered all furloughed staff back to work, but TSA officer attrition remains elevated. Speaker Mike Johnson must rely on Democratic votes to pass the Senate-crafted bipartisan funding bill, which covers all of DHS except Immigration and Customs Enforcement.10, 11, 12
Trump Mail-In Voting Order Faces Key Court Hearing Today
A federal judge in Washington, D.C., is scheduled Monday to hear arguments on whether to block President Trump’s March 31 executive order restricting mail-in ballot distribution. The DNC, ACLU, and Democratic campaign committees filed separate suits arguing the order is unconstitutional because election authority rests with the states and Congress, not the executive branch. The order directs the Postal Service to deliver mail-in ballots only to voters on a federally verified citizenship list.13, 14, 15
State Level
Virginia Governor Faces Midnight Deadline on Hundreds of Bills
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has until 11:59 p.m. tonight to sign, veto, or propose amendments to hundreds of bills passed by the General Assembly, including contested gun control measures. Gun rights groups are pressing her to veto the remaining firearms bills, while Democratic allies urge her to complete the full package. Any bills on which she takes no action by midnight automatically become law. The General Assembly reconvenes April 22 to consider her vetoes.16, 17
Swalwell Suspends California Governor’s Race Amid Assault Allegations
Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell suspended his California gubernatorial campaign Sunday after a former staffer accused him of sexually assaulting her. Nancy Pelosi and other senior Democrats publicly called on Swalwell to exit the race, saying the allegations “must be investigated with full transparency.” Swalwell denied the accusations but ended his campaign later that day. His departure reshuffles the crowded Democratic primary in the nation’s largest state, where no frontrunner had yet emerged.18, 19, 20
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Article Sources
1. NPR, https://www.npr org/2026/04/13/nx-s1-5783008/trump-pope-leo
2. New York Times, https://www.nytimes com/live/2026/04/13/us/trump-news
3. National Catholic Reporter, https://www.ncronline org/pope-leo-says-he-has-no-fear-trump-administration-after-attack-president
4. Reuters, https://www.reuters com/world/middle-east/us-blockade-iran-after-talks-fail-yield-a-deal-2026-04-13/
5. AP News, https://apnews com/article/iran-us-israel-trump-lebanon-blockade-hormuz-april-13-2026-ed7a6cd4bc61dc47f317a2c82afcc1c9
6. CNBC, https://www.cnbc com/2026/04/13/trump-hormuz-blockade-oil-shock-china-iran-india-vessels-peace-talks.html
7. USA Today, https://www.usatoday com/story/news/politics/2026/04/12/trump-oil-prices-higher-before-midterms/89579303007/
8. New York Times, https://www.nytimes com/2026/04/12/us/politics/trump-gas-prices-high-midterms-republicans.html
9. Asia One / Reuters, https://www.asiaone com/money/trump-says-gas-prices-may-remain-high-through-november-midterm-election
10. HS Today, https://www.hstoday us/featured/dhs-partial-shutdown-continues/
11. Politico, https://www.politico com/news/2026/04/02/senate-dhs-funding-redo-00855096
12. CBS News, https://www.cbsnews com/live-updates/dhs-shutdown-2026-senate-funding-day-42/
13. CNN, https://www.cnn com/2026/03/31/politics/mail-in-voting-trump-executive-order
14. Center Voter / AP News, https://centervoter com/p/todays-essential-political-news-4minute-cea
15. Politico, https://www.politico com/news/2026/03/31/trump-executive-order-limiting-mail-in-voting-00853296
16. Center Voter, https://centervoter com/p/todays-essential-political-news-4
17. NRA-ILA, https://www.nraila org/articles/20260410/virginia-governor-spanberger-signing-away-your-rights
18. Politico, https://www.politico com/politics (April 12, 2026 feed)
19. CBS News, https://www.cbsnews com/us/ (April 12, 2026)
20. Yahoo News / AP, https://www.yahoo com/news/articles/trump-attacks-pope-leo-012724369.html