Trump's Counterterrorism Chief Resigns, Urges Reversal of Iran Policy

• A federal judge on Friday ruled against the Pentagon's press access overhaul that had withdrawn accreditations from prominent media outlets, ordering the restoration of media access. • The decision represents a significant legal victory for press freedom advocates challenging the Defense Department's restrictions on journalist credentials and Pentagon facility access. • The ruling underscores ongoing tensions between the Trump administration's approach to media access and constitutional protections for a free press.

• Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard reported to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence that January 2026 monthly border encounters declined 83.8% compared to January 2025, and 79% compared to 2024. • Gabbard credited President Trump's strict enforcement of U.S. border policies and aggressive efforts targeting transnational criminal organizations for the reduction in illegal immigration. • The data reflects the administration's prioritization of border security and fentanyl precursor interdiction as part of the National Security Strategy.

• Nearly three weeks after the first strikes on Iran, GOP lawmakers are resisting the idea of calling top officials to testify before Congress, according to reporting from the New York Times. • The resistance reflects Republican Party divisions over the administration's Iran military operations and broader foreign policy strategy. • Democratic efforts to investigate the strikes face obstacles as the Republican-controlled Congress shows reluctance to pursue official inquiries into the military action.

• The State Department announced a new Bureau of Disaster and Humanitarian Response with 12 regional hubs to coordinate emergency aid, replacing functions of the dismantled USAID. • Hubs will be located in Miami, Bogota, Guatemala City, Santo Domingo, Kyiv, Amman, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Dakar, Bangkok, Dhaka, and Manila, with 200 staffers based in Washington. • The move follows Trump administration cuts to foreign aid, especially climate and social justice programs, amid criticism from aid organizations, though a $2 billion UN contribution was made last year.

• The Trump White House issued a March 20, 2026, AI policy framework calling on Congress to preempt state laws regulating AI model development and avoid new federal agencies. • It recommends codifying Trump's ratepayer protection pledge by Amazon, Google, and OpenAI for data center electricity, plus age-gating for child-accessible models and skills training legislation. • The blueprint seeks to balance innovation with child protections but faces bipartisan hurdles, as Senate Majority Leader John Thune eyes bundling with KOSA by April end.

• Indiana enacted a March 5, 2026, law allowing tax deductions for tipped and overtime pay aligning with federal rules, with similar bills in New Mexico, West Virginia, Arizona, Illinois, and New York. • Multiple states push E-Verify mandates for employment verification, building on 2025 immigration-focused proposals. • Virginia HB 923 passed the House on March 18, banning certain stay-or-pay contracts with $10,000 penalties, offering exemptions and private rights of action.

• The U.S. Senate unanimously passed Sen. John Cornyn's (R-TX) End Special Treatment for Congress at Airports Act on March 20, 2026, requiring members of Congress to undergo standard TSA screening like other passengers. • The bill prohibits federal funds for expedited access at checkpoints, addressing perks that allow lawmakers to bypass lines amid a DHS funding shutdown affecting 120,000 employees without paychecks. • Cornyn stated, 'Members of Congress are getting an unfair perk... trust in Congress is at an all-time low,' emphasizing restoration of public trust as key impact.

• The U.S. House passed the Deporting Fraudsters Act on March 20, 2026, by a 231-186 vote, designating document fraud as a deportable offense for noncitizens. • The bill adds a new removal trigger for convicted noncitizens, enhancing immigration enforcement on fraud cases. • Passage strengthens federal tools amid ongoing immigration debates, impacting deportation priorities.

• A Congressional Budget Office report released March 19, 2026, estimates laws from the 119th Congress's first session (Jan 2025-Jan 2026) will boost the 2025-2034 deficit by $3.5 trillion. • The net effect stems from $1.1 trillion reduced outlays and $4.6 trillion decreased revenues, excluding interest costs on added borrowing. • Findings highlight fiscal impacts of authorizing and appropriations legislation, informing ongoing budget debates.

• Online prediction markets like Kalshi now slightly favor Democrats to gain control of the Senate in November 2026 midterms amid favorable political trends. • Key races include Texas with Democrat James Talarico challenging scandal-plagued Ken Paxton or John Cornyn, and openings in Montana after Sen. Steve Daines' retirement. • Senate control will impact judicial confirmations, potentially allowing Trump to fill a fourth Supreme Court vacancy if one arises in 2027-2028.

• Governor Gavin Newsom announced California is suing the Trump administration for unlawfully repealing the EPA's Endangerment Finding on climate change, prioritizing polluter profits over public health. • Attorney General Rob Bonta stated the rescission breaks the law, with California joining prior coalitions of 24 states representing 55% of U.S. population to oppose the move. • California Air Resources Board Chair Lorne Piexot criticized the repeal as anti-science abandonment of protections, vowing vigorous court defense to safeguard communities and resources.