Politics and views in the United States

Republicans prepare for showdown on the anti-weaponization fund. Americans feel frustrated by both parties ahead of the midterms and a federal judge orders President Trump's name be removed from the Kennedy Center.

Transcript

Welcome to 2026 Talks, where we're following on democracy in historic times.

How a nation enforces its laws is as important as the laws themselves.

And to see a federal agency running around in masks, that's not a police force that I want.

That's not an America I want.

That's not freedom.

That's oppression.

James Early with the Service Employees Union in California says Americans aren't happy with current immigration enforcement.

And a recent Fox poll confirms well more than half disapprove.

Congress is considering a Republican bill to give ICE and Border Patrol $70 billion more to carry out President Donald Trump's agenda until the end of his term.

The legislation could pass using budget reconciliation, making it immune to a filibuster.

As a result, it wouldn't include Democratic demands for agents to go without masks, wear ID and body cameras, and obtain judicial warrants before entering homes.

Even some Republican lawmakers are opposed to Trump's unpopular anti-weaponization fund, especially ahead of the midterms.

It's looking increasingly likely Congress will vote on the $1.8 billion the White House says could go to January 6th rioters and others.

For now, a federal judge has stalled the fund.

Possible Democratic presidential candidate and California Governor Gavin Newsom is bowing a 100% tax on all payouts to any resident of that state.

Former Vice President Mike Pence is calling on the federal government to be as good as average Americans are.

When a natural disaster happens, whether it be in Michigan, Indiana, or anywhere in America, the next day, the only thing you can't find in those neighborhoods is a parking spot.

Because the American people come from everywhere to help people they've never met and will never see again put their lives back together.

Generally, Cliff Young with poll firm Ipsos Public Affairs says a new survey finds voters are in a surly mood, frustrated with Republicans' actions, as well as Democrats' lack of action.

Americans are not happy.

They're having problems making ends meet.

I mean, obviously gas prices are high, but so is the price of eggs and butter as well.

And Americans feel that.

I would say overall, they have a large disbelief that the system is working for them.

Other polls show Trump's working class base is eroding and increasingly frustrated, especially about prices.

Kevin Roberts with the Conservative Heritage Foundation says Trump is stepping on his own successes by trying to do too much.

So many achievements in this administration, including confronting the great terror sponsor of the Iranian regime, which no president has done on this scale in 47 years.

But by the same token, they're feeling the economic consequences of that.

An estimate of the recent rush of mid-decade redistricting started at Trump's behest says it could net the GOP 14 House seats in Texas, Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Ohio.

Democrats could gain six seats from changes in California and Utah.

A federal judge is blocking most of Trump's actions at the Kennedy Center.

District Judge Christopher Cooper ordered the president's name be removed from the building and reversed the decision to close the center for a two-year renovation.

In response, Trump said he's relinquishing control of the Kennedy Center and turning it over to Congress, though it's not clear if he'll stay on as the chair of the Center's board.

I'm Edwin J. Viera for Pacifica Network and Public News Service.

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