Brookings Updates Tracker of Second Trump Administration Regulatory Changes

• The Supreme Court decided on April 29, 2026, whether Louisiana's new congressional map constitutes an unconstitutional racial gerrymander, marking a significant ruling on voting rights and district boundaries. • The case, Louisiana v. Callais, examined Louisiana's 2022 redrawn congressional districts that were previously challenged in federal court under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. • This decision affects ongoing redistricting battles across the country as states prepare for the 2026 midterm elections, with implications for both Democratic and Republican seat counts.

• A suspect was charged on Monday with attempting to assassinate President Trump after storming the White House Correspondents' Association dinner with multiple weapons in April 2026. • The incident has intensified partisan disputes over political rhetoric and violence, with both parties blaming the other's language for contributing to the escalation. • The alleged assassination attempt has shocked Washington and drawn comparisons to historical political violence, prompting discussions about security and the current political climate.

• Gas prices have surged above $4 per gallon and flights skyrocketed as the Strait of Hormuz blockade impacts energy markets amid the US-Israel war with Iran, eroding Trump's key political advantage. • More than three-quarters of registered voters—including over half of Republicans and 82% of independents—now blame Trump for the cost-of-living crisis affecting fuel, groceries, housing, and healthcare. • Trump's second-term approval ratings have fallen far faster than previous presidents after a government shutdown, tariffs, and the joint US-Israel attack on Iran, with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warning the war is fueling inflation.

• 88-year-old DC congressional delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton responded defiantly to the most serious federal threat to the city's government in 30 years from Trump. • Norton, supported by Muriel Bowser allies, views Trump's actions as a political win for local control. • The standoff underscores ongoing power struggles between federal and DC governance.

• President Trump's Chief of Staff Susie Wiles regained her position following a short ouster amid internal White House tensions. • Her reinstatement stabilizes the administration's leadership as midterm strategies intensify. • Republicans view Wiles' return as crucial for maintaining party unity and House control.

• A federal judge dismissed a Justice Department lawsuit seeking access to Arizona voter registration data, ruling in favor of the state. • The case involved claims of inaccurate voter rolls, but the court found insufficient evidence to proceed with the Trump administration's demands. • This ruling protects state voter data privacy and may impact ongoing election integrity debates ahead of 2026 midterms.

• A politically ambitious Connecticut Democrat abandoned bipartisan negotiations on government funding amid party pressure for inclusion. • The walkout escalates tensions over federal budget priorities and spending cuts. • This could delay funding bills critical for upcoming fiscal deadlines.

• Senators Ron Johnson and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. labeled federal handling of COVID origins and vaccine deaths a 'major scandal' with alleged coverups. • They cited new evidence pointing to lab leaks and unreported adverse events. • The claims fuel demands for investigations as public trust in health agencies erodes.

• Florida Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled new congressional district maps that could eliminate additional Democratic seats in the House. • The redistricting proposal targets areas with Democratic incumbents, intensifying battles ahead of the 2026 midterms. • Republicans see this as key to maintaining House majority, while Democrats warn of voter suppression tactics.

• In New York City Council race, Zohran Mamdani's endorsement faces doubt as the incumbent struggles with low polls and a split base. • The defiant candidate refuses to step aside for a centrist challenger despite poor numbers. • This local race signals shifting Democratic dynamics in urban politics for national implications.

• Virginia voters narrowly approved a Democratic-backed congressional redistricting plan that endangers several Republican incumbents. • The measure redraws lines to favor Democrats in key districts, shifting the balance for 2026 midterm races. • This coastal redistricting battle highlights national tensions over fair maps and partisan advantage.

• Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted for a second time on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, over an Instagram post interpreted by the DOJ as a threat against President Donald Trump. • The Justice Department expanded its probe following renewed scrutiny of the post described as a coded message referencing the president. • Comey maintains his innocence, stating the charges stem from misinterpretation of his social media activity amid ongoing political tensions.