Trump Administration Expands Russian Oil Sanctions Waivers to All Buyers to Curb Gas Prices

• The White House touted a robust March 2026 jobs report on April 3, signaling accelerating economic momentum under President Trump. • Specific figures highlight gains in employment and wage growth amid policy implementations. • The data bolsters Trump's economic narrative ahead of midterm elections.

• President Trump fired U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on April 3, 2026, amid frustration over her failure to prosecute his political enemies. • Trump named his former criminal defense lawyer, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, as acting attorney general, marking the second Cabinet firing since retaking the White House after former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in March. • Bondi, a Trump loyalist, oversaw the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files; Lee Zeldin, current EPA head, is a top contender to replace her permanently.

• President Donald Trump announced on April 2, 2026, that Pam Bondi is out as Attorney General, ending her role marked by Justice Department upheaval. • Bondi, a Trump loyalist, oversaw large-scale firings of career employees and pushed investigations into the president's political rivals, many rejected by judges or grand juries. • The move follows months of conservative backlash over her handling of Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking files and failure to prosecute Trump's enemies effectively.

• President Trump announced in a White House speech that U.S. involvement in the Iran war will extend two to three more weeks, with objectives nearly met. • Trump vowed continued strikes on Iran, threatening energy and water sites, while claiming Iran's offensive capabilities are 'essentially decimated.' • Oil prices surged 6% to $108 per barrel for Brent crude, pushing U.S. gas prices over $4 a gallon and impacting motorists and food costs.

• Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the state's version of the SAVE America Act on April 1, 2026, requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration. • The law mandates in-person submission of documents like passports or birth certificates, drawing criticism from voting rights groups. • Civil liberties organizations filed a federal lawsuit within hours, arguing it imposes undue burdens and risks disenfranchising eligible voters.

• The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 on April 1, 2026, that state bans on conversion therapy for minors violate counselors' First Amendment rights. • The decision overturns California's pioneering 2012 law and similar measures in over 20 states prohibiting practices aimed at changing sexual orientation. • Chief Justice Roberts wrote the majority opinion, emphasizing licensed professionals' speech protections in private counseling.

• The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Trump v. Barbara, a case challenging the constitutionality of birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment. • President Donald Trump attended the arguments in person, making him the first sitting president to observe Supreme Court oral arguments, according to historians cited by Politico. • The case centers on Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship, with the Court expected to issue a ruling later in the term that could fundamentally alter citizenship eligibility in the United States.

• In late March 2026, the South Carolina Senate passed heavily amended H. 3924, regulating rather than banning hemp-derived THC products like drinks and gummies. • The bill restricts sales to those 21 and older, tightening safety standards to close 2018 Farm Bill loopholes on high-potency THC. • Legislation now returns to the House for concurrence before the May 7, 2026, deadline.

• On March 31, 2026, the New York Legislature passed and Governor Hochul signed the first budget extender bill, funding government operations through April 8 amid stalled budget talks. • The extender ensures state workers remain paid as negotiations continue over policy differences, pushing past the April 1 deadline for the SFY 2026-27 budget. • This signals ongoing delays in finalizing New York's $239 billion state budget, with key disputes on spending priorities and reforms.

• West Virginia lawmakers completed 306 bills (153 House, 153 Senate) out of 2,777 introduced in the 2026 session, with Senate Bill 1 launching the First Small Business Growth Act via Commerce Department incentives. • Senate Bill 104 grants $5,000 salary increases to all state mine inspectors effective July 1, 2026, covering electrical, underground, and surface specialists. • Additional measures include Senate Bill 44 regulating cottage foods and Senate Bill 137 raising second-degree murder sentences to 15-60 years with 15-year parole minimum.

• Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV) introduced HR 8167, the Diplomatic Reserve Corps Act of 2026, on March 31, authorizing a 1,000-member ready reserve for U.S. diplomatic efforts. • Co-led by Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-WA) and endorsed by the American Academy of Diplomacy, the bill addresses heightened demand periods for diplomacy. • The reserve would enable rapid deployment of experienced personnel to support State Department operations globally.

• Republican-sponsored Alabama Senate Bill 376 was introduced on March 31, 2026, reaching 25% progression in the regular session. • The partisan bill awaits further action after pending third reading, details focus on state policy adjustments. • Tracks with ongoing 2026 legislative efforts across Southern states.