AGP Executive Report

Anti-Weaponization Fund Fight: A coalition of Trump critics—including a fired prosecutor and Jan. 6 Capitol defenders—sued to block payouts from the administration’s $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” arguing there’s no legal basis or accountability, after Acting AG Todd Blanche wouldn’t rule out eligibility for rioters. Courts vs. Voter Data: Federal judges in Maine and Wisconsin dismissed DOJ attempts to force states to hand over detailed voter rolls, another setback in the push for sensitive voter information. Search Monopoly: Google appealed a ruling finding it illegally maintained search monopolies, including default deals with device makers, and the DOJ is expected to respond. Red Snapper Chaos: A federal court paused expanded South Atlantic recreational red snapper permits, shutting down seasons just as they were set to start; Florida rescinded its own expansion order to keep state-water fishing possible. D.C. Teen Curfew: Mayor Bowser signed an emergency order reinstating a 15-day teen curfew until a longer-term council bill takes effect.

Courts vs. DOJ on voter data: Federal judges in Maine and Wisconsin tossed out the Justice Department’s push to force states to hand over detailed voter rolls, dealing the administration its seventh and eighth straight losses and underscoring limits on federal overreach into voter privacy. Statehouse shakeups: Illinois Senate advanced 40 bills, including a “junk fee” ban and a measure letting minors consent to birth control without parental approval. Fishing fight: A federal court paused Florida’s (and other South Atlantic states’) red snapper recreational season just a day before it was set to start. Antitrust pressure: Thirty-three states and D.C. asked a federal court to order remedies—including possible breakup—for Ticketmaster and Live Nation after a jury found monopoly overcharging. D.C. teen-takeover crackdown: Prosecutors are weighing parent accountability as officials brace for more summer incidents without an emergency juvenile curfew.

Voter-Rolls Setback: Federal judges in Maine and Wisconsin tossed out DOJ efforts to force states to hand over detailed voter registration data, dealing the Trump administration its seventh and eighth court losses and underscoring the fight over whether Washington can build a national database from sensitive state records. Aviation Policy: TSA says medical marijuana can now be carried on and checked in flights, though screening officers still have discretion if marijuana is found. Washington Landmarks: The Commission of Fine Arts gave final approval to Trump’s 250-foot arch plan, clearing another federal hurdle despite heavy public pushback. Jan. 6 Fallout: Police officers sued to block DOJ’s $1.8B “anti-weaponization” fund, arguing it’s illegal and could bankroll groups tied to the Capitol attack. Healthcare Rules: CMS imposed nationwide six-month Medicare enrollment moratoria on new home health agencies and hospices. Tech & Work: A new study finds bulk broadband deals for apartments and condos cut prices by more than 50% versus retail plans. Business Watch: Trader Joe’s announced 25 new store openings across 14 states.

Student Loans in Court: Michigan AG Dana Nessel and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined a coalition suing the U.S. Department of Education over a new rule narrowing what counts as a “professional degree,” arguing it unlawfully cuts off federal aid for healthcare and other critical workforce programs. Education Tech Pushback: The U.S. Surgeon General urged schools to curb screen time and cellphones, recommending “bell-to-bell” bans and more paper-and-textbook learning. Media & Mergers: Nexstar asked an appeals court to fast-track its fight against a judge’s injunction pausing its $6.2B Tegna merger, calling the freeze “unrecoverable harm.” Presidential Records: A federal judge ordered White House staff to comply with the Presidential Records Act, blocking efforts to destroy or ignore records. Politics & Health Policy: Illinois advanced a “junk fee” ban and a bill letting minors consent to birth control without parental approval. Capitol Hill Fight: Two Capitol Police officers sued over Trump’s $1.8B “anti-weaponization” compensation fund. Business & Daily Life: Trader Joe’s announced 25 new stores across 14 states; DC’s snow-removal payment dispute still leaves many subcontractors unpaid.

Capitol Courtroom Clash: A federal judge used an Orwell quote to block the White House from destroying or hiding records, as preservation groups push back on document handling. Election Data Fight: The Ninth Circuit heard the Trump administration’s bid to access California’s voter data, with states arguing privacy and state law bar handing over sensitive rolls. Student Loan Lawsuits: A new wave of state lawsuits targets the Education Department’s rule narrowing “professional degree” loans, with attorneys general warning it will worsen healthcare workforce shortages. D.C. Crime Crackdown: Authorities are still hunting suspects in the viral Navy Yard Chipotle “teen takeover,” releasing photos and offering rewards as prosecutors threaten parents. Jan. 6 Legal Fallout: Two officers sued to freeze Trump’s $1.7B “anti-weaponization” fund, arguing it could empower groups they say threatened law enforcement. Politics on the Move: NOW PAC endorsed Tim Alexander for NJ-2, citing equality and reproductive freedom.

Student Loans in Court: A coalition of 25 Democratic-led states plus D.C. sued the Education Department over new federal loan caps that, they say, unlawfully narrow which healthcare degrees count as “professional,” threatening access for nurses, physician assistants, therapists, and other workers—rules set to take effect July 1. D.C. Teen-Takeover Crackdown: In the wake of the Navy Yard Chipotle brawl, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro says the FBI is now involved and her office is pushing D.C. Public Schools for attendance records, warning parents they could face consequences. Gas Prices: Memorial Day travel is colliding with higher fuel costs, with prices hitting the highest levels in four years and shifting rankings in Pennsylvania. Parks & Politics: Trust for Public Land named Washington, D.C. the top big-city park system again, while residents keep an eye on “safe and beautiful” plans that could reshape historic spaces. Sports Business: NFL owners approved the Commanders’ D.C. stadium deal terms, moving the project forward.

Pentagon Press Fight: The New York Times sued the Pentagon again over its reporter escort requirement, arguing the policy is “unreasonable” and a First Amendment burden after a judge blocked the earlier ban and an appeals court let escorts continue. Student Loan Lawsuits: Democratic-led states and governors sued the Education Department over new federal loan caps for “professional” healthcare and other advanced degrees, saying the department unlawfully narrowed who qualifies—sparking multiple state AG actions in federal court. D.C. Teen Takeover Crackdown: D.C. mayoral candidates traded barbs in a second debate as prosecutors press to hold parents accountable after a viral Navy Yard Chipotle brawl. Virginia Cannabis Standoff: Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed Virginia’s adult-use retail bill, pushing negotiations to 2027. NFL Draft: Minneapolis won the 2028 NFL Draft bid, while Washington, D.C. is set for 2027 on the National Mall.

White-Nationalist Banner Fallout: The Washington Nationals say they’ve identified at least one person to ban after a Sunday game featured a banner pushing a white nationalist website plus “SAVE AMERICA” and “DEPORT 100+ MILLION,” and they’re coordinating with DC police. DC “Teen Takeovers” Crackdown: U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro is pressing parents with threats of fines and jail after a viral Navy Yard Chipotle brawl, while the FBI says it’s looking into possible federal violations. DOJ “Slush Fund” Questions: Trump’s administration can’t answer reporters about a $1.7B fund tied to Jan. 6 cases, and Pirro reportedly said she “doesn’t know anything” about it when pressed. Prison Healthcare Overhaul: A federal judge in Arizona is moving to appoint a receiver for a prison healthcare system covering 25,000+ inmates. Environment & Health: EPA plans to roll back some “forever chemicals” limits in drinking water, and CMS issued a nationwide pause on new Medicare hospice and home-health enrollments. Courts: Washington swore in Theo Angelis as a new state Supreme Court justice.

Teen Takeover Crackdown: U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro is escalating pressure on parents after a viral Navy Yard Chipotle brawl—teens throwing punches and chairs—prompting prosecutors to target adults under D.C. curfew and “contributing to delinquency” laws, with Pirro warning jail and court-ordered classes. Gun Law Fight: Virginia’s new assault firearm ban is already headed to court, with NRA and allies seeking to block enforcement before it takes effect July 1. Prison Healthcare Overhaul: A federal judge in Arizona is pushing to quickly appoint a receiver to run the state’s prison healthcare system for more than 25,000 inmates, aiming to shape next fiscal year’s budget. Environmental Legal Battle: Conservation groups filed an amicus brief opposing expanded South Atlantic red snapper seasons, arguing the change could break federal limits and worsen overfishing. Education Watch: New reporting flags a national “reading recession,” even as D.C. shows the fastest improvement in recent test-score trends.

Voter Verification Clash: The Trump administration’s SAVE program has run at least 67 million voter registrations through DHS databases, flagging tens of thousands as possible noncitizens or deceased—while critics warn it could wrongly purge eligible voters before November. Freedom 250 Security: Thousands packed the National Mall for Freedom 250, with a visible surge of National Guard, Park Police, DEA, and MPD after DC’s U.S. attorney promised expanded operations. Healthcare Costs Backfire: New reporting argues hospital mergers and consolidation have driven up prices instead of lowering them, with ultrasound and doctor-visit costs higher in hospital settings. Housing Affordability: A new NAHB analysis says 65% of U.S. households can’t afford a newly built home. Other Watchpoints: Courts are also weighing whether an “energy emergency” justified keeping the J.H. Campbell coal plant open, and the FBI is offering $200,000 for Monica Witt, accused of spying for Iran.

Pentagon Free-Speech Clash: A retired lieutenant colonel says Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s push to silence Sen. Mark Kelly is part of a broader effort to “muzzle” military retirees, even as a judge temporarily blocked attempts to cut Kelly’s rank and pension. Election Integrity Fight: The Trump administration is running millions of voter registrations through DHS databases to check eligibility, critics warn it could wrongly flag and purge valid voters before November. Healthcare Costs: New reporting argues hospital consolidation is driving up prices, with ultrasound and doctor-visit costs higher in hospitals than in independent offices. Housing Pressure: A new analysis finds 65% of U.S. households can’t afford a newly built home at current prices and mortgage rates. Energy Court Battle: Appeals court weighs whether an “energy emergency” justified keeping the J.H. Campbell coal plant open past its planned closure. D.C. Public Safety: Ahead of America 250, officials plan a major surge of National Guard and Park Police patrols.

Wildfire Funding Friction: A conservation group says a $9M federal wildfire grant is stalled, leaving it short on controlled burns as hotter, drier conditions raise the stakes. Education: A new national analysis warns the U.S. is in a “reading recession,” with most states showing little progress since 2022 and students still far behind pre-pandemic levels. D.C. Politics & Public Safety: U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro says she’ll push tougher enforcement against “teen takeovers,” including holding parents accountable. Courts & Power: An appeals court heard arguments over whether Trump can revive orders punishing major law firms—judges previously struck them down as unlawful. D.C. Infrastructure: After years offline, the Meridian Hill Park fountain is back on, with more work still planned. Justice: Prosecutors say they’ll seek the death penalty in the case of a man accused of killing two Israeli embassy staffers.

Taiwan Tensions: In a China trip interview, President Trump signaled limits on U.S. backing, saying he’s “not looking” to have anyone “travel 9,500 miles to fight a war” if Taiwan moves toward independence—while insisting Washington’s policy hasn’t changed. D.C. Public Safety Crackdown: Ahead of America 250, the Justice Department says it’s surging federal help in the capital, including up to 1,500 more National Guard members and more Park Police, and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro says parents could face fines, classes, or even jail for “teen takeover” participation. Justice Department Push for Death Penalty: Prosecutors filed to seek capital punishment for Elias Rodriguez, accused of killing two Israeli Embassy staffers and shouting “Free Palestine.” EPA Fight Over Cancer Risks: Maryland AG Anthony Brown joined a coalition opposing a proposed rollback of ethylene oxide limits, arguing it would undo health protections for communities near sterilization facilities. Fed Politics: Fox Business host Larry Kudlow blasted Fed Chair Jay Powell for staying on the board after Kevin Warsh took over.

Markets Jolt: Stocks slid worldwide as higher oil prices rattled the bond market, dragging the S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq off fresh highs—AI leaders like Nvidia and Micron led the drop. D.C. Public Safety Crackdown: U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro says DOJ will aggressively prosecute parents under D.C.’s curfew law tied to “teen takeovers,” with fines, classes, and possible jail. Espionage Hunt: The FBI is offering a $200,000 reward for Monica Witt, a former Air Force counterintelligence agent accused of spying for Iran. Death Penalty Pursuit: Prosecutors filed to seek capital punishment for Elias Rodriguez in the killing of two Israeli Embassy staffers. Education Policy Reality Check: A major national study of phone lock pouches finds fewer distractions, but little quick payoff in grades or behavior. Energy & Data Centers: Virginia Gov. Spanberger signed bills shifting electricity costs toward data centers and expanding Dominion’s undergrounding authority. Health Care Rules: CMS imposed a nationwide six-month moratorium on new Medicare hospice and home health enrollments.

National Security Crackdown: The DOJ says it will seek the death penalty for Elias Rodriguez, accused of killing two Israeli Embassy staffers outside a Jewish museum in May 2025, with prosecutors pointing to hate-motivated planning and his “Free Palestine…for Gaza” statements. Counterintelligence Dragnet: The FBI also put a $200,000 price on Monica Witt, a former Air Force counterintelligence specialist accused of defecting to Iran and leaking sensitive U.S. defense information. D.C. Politics and Culture: Trump announced a National Garden of American Heroes at West Potomac Park, a tightly controlled federal area that could raise congressional-approval questions. Local Enforcement Push: U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro says DOJ will start prosecuting parents under D.C.’s curfew “teen takeover” law, warning “do your job, or we’ll do yours.” Public Safety Commemoration: Ohio ordered flags at half-staff for Peace Officer Memorial Day and Police Week.

Election Court Fight: A federal judge is weighing whether to pause Trump’s late-March plan for a nationwide citizenship list and tighter mail voting, as Democrats warn the clock is too short and election officials face “maximum confusion.” DOJ vs. D.C. Bar: The Justice Department is also pressing appeals courts and federal judges in a widening feud over discipline of Trump-era lawyers, arguing ethics rules can’t be used to punish federal attorneys for doing their jobs. Coal Cost Crunch: The D.C. Circuit is set to hear a challenge to Trump’s emergency orders keeping aging coal plants open—orders that have already cost ratepayers hundreds of millions. Gun Control Standoff (Minnesota): Minnesota’s Senate passed an assault-weapons package, but GOP leaders say the House won’t move it. Education: New national test-score reporting points to a “reading recession,” with only a handful of states showing meaningful gains. Immigration Deaths: A Haitian asylum seeker in Arizona died from an untreated tooth infection while in ICE-linked detention.