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Mar 25, 2026

Wednesday, March 25, 2026 · 8:00 a.m. ET

Federal Level

DHS Funding Proposal Stalls as Both Parties Raise Objections Before Recess

A Republican plan to end the Department of Homeland Security shutdown ran into resistance on Tuesday from Democrats, House conservatives, and President Trump himself. The proposal would fund the entire department except for ICE’s enforcement and removal operations, with Republicans intending to fund that piece separately through reconciliation. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats would offer a counterproposal with “significant reform,” while Trump told reporters, “Any deal they make, I’m pretty much not happy with it.” If Congress adjourns for recess later this week without an agreement, the shutdown will reach day 60 by the time lawmakers return on April 13.^1,2,3

Supreme Court Signals Support for Turning Back Asylum Seekers at the Border

The Supreme Court on Tuesday appeared likely to side with the Trump administration in Noem v. Al Otro Lado, a case asking whether asylum seekers stopped at the U.S.-Mexico border before physically entering the country have a right to apply for protection. During roughly 80 minutes of oral argument, a majority of justices seemed to agree that federal law allows noncitizens to seek asylum only after they “arrive in the United States.” A ruling in the government’s favor could give the administration a permanent legal tool to close the border to asylum seekers without relying on emergency executive orders.^4,5

Federal Judge Allows DOGE Lawsuit to Proceed, Citing Trump’s Own Statements

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan on Monday denied the Trump administration’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by 14 state attorneys general and several nonprofits challenging the authority of the Department of Government Efficiency. Chutkan found sufficient evidence that DOGE leaders exercised government power without Senate confirmation, in potential violation of the Constitution’s Appointments Clause. She pointed to public statements by Trump, Elon Musk, and other officials as proof that DOGE had claimed broad authority over federal operations. Although DOGE was officially disbanded last summer, Chutkan wrote that its principles remain active within the administration.^6,7

Twenty-One Attorneys General Sue Over USDA Funding Conditions

A coalition of 21 state attorneys general filed a lawsuit on Monday challenging new conditions the Trump administration has attached to billions of dollars in USDA funding. The suit alleges that states must certify compliance with vague policy directives on immigration, gender identity, and diversity that are unrelated to the purpose of the funding. Programs at risk include the school lunch program, SNAP, WIC, and the Emergency Food Assistance Program. The coalition argues that the conditions violate the Constitution’s Spending Clause and were imposed without required legal procedures.^8,9

Several Democratic States Move to Ban Federal Agents From Polling Places

At least seven Democratic-led states are considering legislation to prohibit federal immigration officers from operating near polling places ahead of the November midterms. New Mexico has already enacted such a law, which takes effect in May and allows fines of up to $50,000 per violation. Although senior ICE and DHS officials have stated the agency has no plans to deploy agents to voting sites, a coalition of eight secretaries of state is seeking written confirmation from newly confirmed DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin that ICE will not be present at election locations during the 2026 cycle.^10,11

State Level

Democrats Flip Two Florida Seats, Including Trump’s Own District

Democrat Emily Gregory won a special election on Tuesday for Florida House District 87, which includes Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, defeating his endorsed candidate by roughly 51 to 49 percent. The district had been held by a Republican who won by 19 points in 2024. In a separate Tampa-area contest, Democrat Brian Nathan narrowly defeated Republican Josie Tomkow for a state Senate seat by approximately 400 votes, though the margin may trigger a recount. Democrats have now flipped more than 25 state legislative seats since the 2024 presidential election, while Republicans have not recaptured any.^12,13,14

North Carolina Senate Leader Berger Concedes Primary After Recount

Phil Berger, the longest-serving Republican leader in the North Carolina Senate, conceded his primary race on Tuesday after a partial hand recount confirmed his 23-vote loss to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page. Berger has led Senate Republicans since 2005 and served as president pro tempore since 2011. Page cited local frustration with Berger’s push for casino development as a central factor, telling reporters the race showed “it’s not all about the money raised.” Berger’s departure marks the end of an era in North Carolina Republican politics.^15,16

DeSantis Calls April Special Session to Redraw Congressional Map

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has scheduled a special legislative session for April 20 through 24 to redraw the state’s congressional districts, a move that could give Republicans an opportunity to pick up three to five additional U.S. House seats before November. Republicans currently hold 20 of Florida’s 28 congressional seats. The effort has already drawn legal challenges from voting rights organizations, which argue that the governor cannot compel the legislature to redistrict mid-decade and that any partisan map would violate Florida’s voter-approved Fair Districts amendment.^17,18

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