Trump Fires Attorney General Pam Bondi, Appoints Todd Blanche as Acting AG

• 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 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.