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Timeline of events impacting 2018 congressional elections
This page highlighted the noteworthy events which impacted the 2018 Congressional elections. This included major policy proposals considered by President Donald Trump or Congress, the results of significant special elections, and the reactions of prominent officials to major national events. This page chronicled these stories, along with links to find more detailed information.
Think an event should be included? Email us at editor@ballotpedia.org.
2018
July
USDA announces $12 billion aid package for farmers
On July 24, 2018, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced a $12 billion aid package for farmers affected by tariffs imposed by other nations in response to those imposed by the Trump administration. The aid would be distributed via the following programs:[1]
- Market Facilitation Program: Under this program, the United States Department of Agriculture would "provide payments incrementally to producers of soybeans, sorghum, corn, wheat, cotton, dairy, and hogs."
- Food Purchase and Distribution Program: Under this program, the agriculture department would "purchase unexpected surplus of affected commodities such as fruits, nuts, rice, legumes, beef, pork, and mil for distribution to food banks and other nutrition programs."
- Trade Promotion Program: Under this program, the agriculture department, in coordination with private sector entities, would "assist in developing new export markets" for farm products.
Trump meets with Putin in Helsinki
- See also: Federal policy on Russia, 2017-2020
On July 16, 2018, President Donald Trump (R) met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, Finland, for a formal one-on-one meeting, the first such meeting between the two. Prior to the meeting's start, as the two posed for photos before the press, Trump said, "I think we have great opportunities together as two countries that, frankly, we have not been getting along very well for the last number of years. But I think we will end up having an extraordinary relationship. I hope so." Putin said, "We have been in continual contact by telephone since the last time [we met], and obviously the time has come to have a business-like conversation because there is so much happening in the world that we need to talk about."[2][3][4]
At the conclusion of the one-on-one meeting and the working lunch, Trump and Putin fielded questions from reporters at a joint press conference. According to Trump, discussion topics during his private meeting with Putin included allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, nuclear proliferation, denuclearization of North Korea, and terrorism. Below is a selection of their remarks.
Trump's remarks
- Trump on the United States' relationship with Russia: "Our relationship has never been worse than it is now. However, that changed as of about four hours ago. I really believe that. ... Nothing would be easier than to refuse to meet, to refuse to engage. But that would not accomplish anything." He later said, "I hold both countries responsible. I think that the United States has been foolish. We've all been foolish. We should have frankly had this dialogue a long time ago. I think that we're all to blame. I think that the United States has now stepped forward with Russia."[5][6]
- Trump on alleged Russian interference in U.S. elections: "President Putin may very well want to address it and very strongly [because] he feels very strongly about it and he has an interesting idea."[7] Regarding Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in U.S. elections, Trump said, "I think that the probe is a disaster for our country. I think it's kept [the United States and Russia] apart. I think it's kept us separated."[8] Trump also said, referring to the Democratic National Committee's email server, "I have President Putin, he just said it's not Russia. I will say this: I don't see any reason why it would be, but I really do want to see the server. But I have — I have confidence in both parties. I really believe that this will probably go on for a while, but I don't think it can go on without finding out what happened to the server."[9]
Putin's remarks
- Putin on Russia's relationship with the United States: "It's clear to everyone that the bilateral relationship [is] going through a complicated stage. Yet those impediments, the current tension, the tense atmosphere essentially have no solid reason behind it."[10]
- Putin on alleged Russian interference in U.S. elections: "Once again, President Trump mentioned [the] issue of the so-called interference of Russia with the American elections. I had to reiterate things I said several times, including during our personal contacts, that the Russian state has never interfered and is not going to interfere in internal American affairs, including election process."[11] Putin later said that Trump had raised the possibility of extraditing 12 Russians indicted by a grand jury for hacking Democratic computer networks in an attempt to interfere with the 2016 presidential election: "I don't know the full extent of the situation. President Trump mentioned the issue. I will look into it."[12]
On July 17, 2018, in advance of a meeting with congressional Republicans at the White House, Trump said, "I accept our intelligence community's conclusion that Russia's meddling in the 2016 election took place. Could be other people also. A lot of people out there. ... I have full faith and support for America's great intelligence agencies, always have." Trump also said that he had misspoken at the Helsinki press conference when he said, "I have President Putin; he just said it's not Russia. I will say this: I don't see any reason why it would be." Trump noted that he instead meant to say, "I don't see any reason why it would not be."[13]
President Trump nominates Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court
- See also: Supreme Court vacancy, 2018: An overview
Brett Kavanaugh was confirmed as the 114th associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court by a vote of 50-48-1 on October 6, 2018.
President Donald Trump nominated Kavanaugh to succeed Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy on the U.S. Supreme Court on July 9, 2018.
On September 28, 2018, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 11-10 along party lines to report Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Senate floor for a vote.[14] The Judiciary Committee had held four days of confirmation hearings from September 4 to 7, 2018, and an additional fifth day of hearings on September 27, 2018, regarding allegations of past sexual misconduct by Kavanaugh which he denied.
Trump said the following regarding Kavanaugh's nomination:
| “ | Judge Kavanaugh has impeccable credentials, unsurpassed qualifications, and a proven commitment to equal justice under the law. A graduate of Yale College and Yale Law school, Judge Kavanaugh currently teaches at Harvard, Yale, and Georgetown. Throughout legal circles, he is considered a judge’s judge, a true thought leader among his peers. He is a brilliant jurist with a clear and effective writing style, universally regarded as one of the finest and sharpest legal minds of our time. And just like justice Gorsuch, he excelled as a clerk for Justice Kennedy.[15][16] | ” |
When Kavanaugh was nominated, he was serving as a federal judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals on the D.C. Circuit. He was appointed by President George W. Bush (R). Prior to his appointment, Kavanaugh served in the Bush administration.
June
Justice Kennedy announces retirement from Supreme Court
- See also: Supreme Court vacancy, 2018: An overview
On June 27, 2018, Justice Anthony Kennedy announced he was retiring from the Supreme Court of the United States effective July 31, 2018. In an official release, Kennedy cited a desire to spend more time with his family as the reason for his retirement.[17] Kennedy was considered by many to be the court's swing vote, often casting the deciding vote between the court's more conservative and liberal members. His retirement will allow President Donald Trump (R) an opportunity to make his second appointment to the nation's highest court. Trump said he would begin the search for a new Supreme Court Justice immediately and announce his choice on July 9, 2018.[18]
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez defeates House Democratic Caucus chair Crowley in Democratic primary
On June 26, 2018, first-time office-seeker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D) defeated long-time incumbent Rep. Joseph Crowley (D), who had not seen a primary challenge since 2004, in the Democratic primary for New York's 14th District.[19] Stark fundraising differences and notable endorsements on both sides fueled debate over which candidate had the most progressive credentials.
Crowley had been identified in 2017 as a possible successor to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). More than 20 unions, including the New York AFL-CIO and Communications Workers of America, endorsed him, as did NARAL and Planned Parenthood. [20] Ocasio-Cortez campaigned on universal Medicare coverage, the recognition of housing as a human right, and the abolition of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. She did not commit to supporting Pelosi as House Democratic leader.[21] Crowley won re-election with at least 70 percent support in the four elections between 2010 and 2016. This seat was rated as Safe/Solid Democratic by ratings outlets.[22]
Trump and Kim sign agreement on denuclearization
- See also: Federal policy on North Korea, 2017-2020
On June 12, 2018, President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un concluded their summit in Singapore by signing a document in which they committed to working “toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.” They agreed “to build a lasting and stable peace regime” on the Korean Peninsula, “establish new U.S.-DPRK relations in accordance with the desire of the peoples of the two countries for peace and prosperity,” and committed to recovering the remains of prisoners of war and those missing in action. In return, Trump committed to providing security guarantees to North Korea.[23]
Trump said of the document, “I think both sides are going to be impressed with the result. We’re going to take care of a very big and very dangerous problem for the world.” Trump also said that he would invite Kim to the White House to continue their talks.[24]
Speaking about the meeting and the document, Kim said, “We had a historic meeting and decided to leave the past behind. The world will see a major change.”[24]
Before signing the joint document, Trump and Kim spoke one-on-one with only their translators for 38 minutes before participating in an expanded bilateral meeting and a working lunch. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, chief of staff John Kelly, and national security advisor John Bolton participated in the expanded talks. They then participated in a working lunch. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders attended the lunch.[25]
The summit was the first between a sitting U.S. president and a North Korean leader.
Trump announces meeting with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un on June 12
- See also: Federal policy on North Korea, 2017-2020
On June 1, 2018, after meeting with North Korean General Kim Yong Chol in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump said that he and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would meet on June 12, 2018. He said, “They're incredible people. I think it's going to be a very great success. But we'll see what happens. We'll see you on June 12.”[26]
He added that he and Kim would likely meet more than once. He said, "I never said it goes in one meeting. I think it’s going to be a process. But the relationships are building, and that’s a very positive thing."[27]
May
Trump administration imposes steel and aluminum tariffs on EU, Canada, and Mexico
- See also: Federal policy on trade, 2017-2020
On May 31, 2018, President Donald Trump announced that his administration would impose tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum from the European Union (EU), Canada, and Mexico beginning June 1, 2018. The Trump administration initially announced the tariffs on March 8, 2018, but delayed their implementation in order to give negotiators time to work out agreements to permanently exempt the countries from the tariffs. The U.S. reached exemption agreements with Australia, Argentina, Brazil, and South Korea, but was unable to do so with Canada, Mexico, and the EU. In response, the EU, Canada, and Mexico said that they would impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods.[28][29][30]
Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission, said, “The U.S. leaves us no choice but to proceed with a [World Trade Organization] dispute settlement case and the imposition of additional duties on a number of U.S. imports. This is protectionism, pure and simple.” The EU released a list of possible goods that could be subject to $3.3 billion in tariffs, including Kentucky bourbon, jeans, and Harley-Davidson motorcycles.[30]
U.S. to place tariffs on China
- See also: Federal policy on China, 2017-2020
Trump cancels, and then appears to un-cancel, meeting with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un
- See also: Federal policy on North Korea, 2017-2020
On May 24, 2018, President Donald Trump wrote a letter to North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un informing him that the June 12, 2018, meeting in Singapore was canceled. "I feel it is inappropriate, at this time, to have this long-planned meeting," Trump wrote. Trump had previously announced on May 22, 2018, a possible delay in the meeting prior to his meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the White House. The full text of Trump's letter to Kim can be viewed below.[31]
On May 25, 2018, President Donald Trump said that the U.S. and North Korea were discussing holding the previously canceled June 12, 2018, summit in Singapore. He wrote on Twitter, “We are having very productive talks with North Korea about reinstating the Summit which, if it does happen, will likely remain in Singapore on the same date, June 12th., and, if necessary, will be extended beyond that date.”[32]
Progressive wins House primary in Nebraska
On May 15, 2018, moderates and progressives clashed in the Democratic primary for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, as nonprofit executive and Metropolitan Community College board member Kara Eastman defeated the district’s former congressman, Brad Ashford. Ashford, who held the seat for a single term before losing his re-election bid to current incumbent Rep. Don Bacon (R), had the backing of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), which added him to its “Red to Blue” list.[33] The Progressive Change Campaign Committee supported Eastman, who ran on a platform that included tuition-free college and universal health care. The day after the election, Sabato’s Crystal Ball managing editor Kyle Kondik tweeted that they were changing the rating on the general election race in this district from Toss-up to Leans R after Eastman’s victory. “Basically the NRCC got what it wanted and the DCCC didn't,” Kondik said.
North Korea releases three U.S. prisoners
- See also: Federal policy on North Korea, 2017-2020
On May 9, 2018, President Donald Trump announced that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo secured the release of three Americans held as prisoners in North Korea. Trump wrote on Twitter, "I am pleased to inform you that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is in the air and on his way back from North Korea with the 3 wonderful gentlemen that everyone is looking so forward to meeting. They seem to be in good health. Also, good meeting with Kim Jong Un. Date & Place set. Secretary Pompeo and his 'guests' will be landing at Andrews Air Force Base at 2:00 A.M. in the morning. I will be there to greet them. Very exciting!"[34]
Rep. Pittenger (R-N.C.) loses House primary; Senate primaries held in WV, IN
- See also: North Carolina's 9th Congressional District election (May 8, 2018 Republican primary), United States Senate election in West Virginia (May 8, 2018 Republican primary), and United States Senate election in Indiana (May 8, 2018 Republican primary)
On May 8, 2018, Challenger Mark Harris defeated incumbent Robert Pittenger (R) in the Republican primary in North Carolina's 9th Congressional District. The defeat made Pittenger the first U.S. House incumbent in 2018 to lose his party’s primary. Both candidates portrayed themselves as being more supportive of President Trump in the district, which backed Trump by just under 12 points in 2016. Harris faced the Democratic nominee, businessman and Marine Corps veteran Dan McCready, in the general election.[35][36][37][38]
On that same date, State Attorney General Patrick Morrisey (R) defeated coal mining executive Don Blankenship (R) and Rep. Evan Jenkins (R) in the three-way battle for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in West Virginia. The primary was one of the most expensive Senate races in 2018.[39] Republicans considered the Senate race in West Virginia to be one of the party’s best opportunities to change a seat from Democratic to Republican control. Donald Trump (R) defeated Hillary Clinton (D) in the 2016 presidential election by 42 points—the largest margin of victory in any state.[40][41] Jenkins faced incumbent Sen. Joe Manchin (D) in November.
Also, former state Rep. Mike Braun (R) defeated U.S. Reps. Luke Messer (R-Ind.) and Todd Rokita (R-Ind.) in the Indiana Senate primary. Braun saturated the airwaves, spending more than $4 million on his campaign to increase his name recognition and paint Messer and Rokita as interchangeable carbon copies. Braun presented himself as a businessman and outsider. The three candidates accused one another of disloyalty to President Donald Trump (R) and the Republican Party, as well as exchanging charges of ethics violations and state residency issues. Braun faced incumbent Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) in the general election.
Trump announces that U.S. will withdraw from nuclear deal
On May 8, 2018, President Donald Trump issued a memorandum stating that the U.S. would withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. He said that he would not renew sanctions waivers that are part of the deal, effectively ending U.S. involvement in the accord. He also said that he would impose new sanctions on Iran.[42][43]
The memorandum stated, "I do not believe that continuing to provide JCPOA-related sanctions relief to Iran is in the national interest of the United States, and I will not affirm what I know to be false. Further, I have determined that it is in the national interest of the United States to re-impose sanctions lifted or waived in connection with the JCPOA as expeditiously as possible."[42]
Trump had asked Congress and the other nations in the deal to improve it by giving inspectors greater access to Iranian military sites, allowing inspectors access to Iran’s long-range missile program, eliminating some of the sunset provisions in the deal that would allow Iran to resume some of its nuclear-related activities, and addressing Iran’s support for terrorists. Because none of these issues were addressed, Trump determined that it was in the U.S.' best interest to leave the deal.[43]
April
Trump postpones steel and aluminum tariffs on EU, Canada, Mexico, and others
- See also: Federal policy on trade, 2017-2020
On April 30, 2018, President Donald Trump issued two presidential proclamations that delayed the implementation of steel and aluminum tariffs on imports from the European Union (EU), Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, and South Korea in order to give negotiators more time to work out agreements to permanently exempt the countries from the tariffs. Tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum were scheduled to take effect for these countries on May 1, 2018. The administration extended negotiations on permanent exemptions with Canada, Mexico, and the EU until June 1, 2018. The administration said that it completed a deal with South Korea for a permanent exemption and also said that it had agreements in principle with Argentina, Brazil, and Australia.[44][45]
In a press release, the Trump administration said, “In all of these negotiations, the Administration is focused on quotas that will restrain imports, prevent transshipment, and protect the national security. These agreements underscore the Trump Administration’s successful strategy to reach fair outcomes with allies to protect our national security and address global challenges to the steel and aluminum industries.”[46]
Trump orders precision strikes against Syria
- See also: Federal policy on Syria, 2017-2020
On April 13, 2018, President Donald Trump, along with France and the United Kingdom, ordered precision strikes against Syria in response to a suspected chemical weapons attack in Douma, Syria, that left more than 40 dead. More than 100 missiles were fired at three chemical weapons facilities in Syria.[47][48][49]
In a speech from the White House, Trump said that the strikes would continue until Syria decided to end “its use of prohibited chemical agents.” He added that the U.S. did not plan to stay in the region for an extended period of time. He said, “America does not seek an indefinite presence in Syria. It’s a troubled place. We will try to make it better. But it’s a troubled place.”[47][48]
Trump administration places sanctions on Putin’s allies
- See also: Federal policy on Russia, 2017-2020
On April 6, 2018, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control placed sanctions on seven Russian oligarchs and 12 companies they own or control; 17 senior Russian government officials; and a state-owned Russian weapons trading company and its subsidiary. Some of Putin’s closest allies, including Kirill Shamalov, his son-in-law, and Suleiman Kerimov, a top Putin adviser, were on the sanctions list.[50]
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement, “The Russian government operates for the disproportionate benefit of oligarchs and government elites. The Russian government engages in a range of malign activity around the globe, including continuing to occupy Crimea and instigate violence in eastern Ukraine, supplying the Assad regime with material and weaponry as they bomb their own civilians, attempting to subvert Western democracies, and malicious cyber activities. Russian oligarchs and elites who profit from this corrupt system will no longer be insulated from the consequences of their government’s destabilizing activities.”[50]
According to a press release from the Treasury Department, “All assets subject to U.S. jurisdiction of the designated individuals and entities, and of any other entities blocked by operation of law as a result of their ownership by a sanctioned party, are frozen, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from dealings with them. Additionally, non-U.S. persons could face sanctions for knowingly facilitating significant transactions for or on behalf of the individuals or entities blocked today.”[50]
Trump signs memorandum to deploy troops to U.S.-Mexico border
- See also: Federal policy on immigration, 2017-2020
On April 4, 2018, President Donald Trump signed a memorandum to deploy National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border to combat "a drastic surge of illegal activity on the southern border." The memorandum stated, "The combination of illegal drugs, dangerous gang activity, and extensive illegal immigration not only threatens our safety but also undermines the rule of law. ... The situation at the border has now reached a point of crisis. The lawlessness that continues at our southern border is fundamentally incompatible with the safety, security, and sovereignty of the American people. My Administration has no choice but to act."[51]
The day before issuing the memorandum, Trump said, “Until we can have a wall and proper security, we are going to be guarding our border with the military. That's a big step. We really haven't done that before, or certainly not very much before.”[52]
Trump administration releases list of Chinese imports that could be subject to a 25 percent tariff
On April 3, 2018, the Trump administration released a list of Chinese imports that the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) was considering subjecting to a 25 percent tariff. The list targeted $50 billion in Chinese imports across 1,300 categories of products, including medicines, medical equipment, machine tools, chemicals, dishwashers, televisions, automobile parts, aircraft engines, industrial robots, some semiconductor production equipment, and electric vehicles, among other goods. The list did not include shoes, clothing, mobile phones, personal computers, laptops, or furniture.[53][54]
The list was published “[a]s part of the U.S. response to China’s unfair trade practices related to the forced transfer of U.S. technology and intellectual property. … Following USTR’s Section 301 investigation, President Trump announced in March that the United States will impose tariffs on approximately $50 billion worth of Chinese imports and take other actions in response to China’s policies that coerce American companies into transferring their technology and intellectual property to domestic Chinese enterprises,” according to the USTR.[54]
Iowa Sens. Joni Ernst (R) and Chuck Grassley (R), who represents one of the largest soybean-producing states, expressed concern about the Trump administration's long-term trade plan with China. Ernst said, “Every town hall I go to, trade or tariffs is one of the big questions. That’s what’s on their mind. They are starting to question the president and where we’re going with this. I need for him [Trump] to understand that we’re hurting in the Midwest and this is not helping.”[55]
On April 4, 2018, China’s State Council responded to the U.S.’ list of proposed tariffs saying that it would impose tariffs on 106 types of U.S. goods, including soybeans, beef, sorghum, some commercial passenger planes, and sport-utility vehicles, among other goods.[56]
March
Trump signs $1.3 trillion spending bill
- See also: Federal policy on the budget, 2017-2020
On March 23, 2018, President Donald Trump signed a $1.3 trillion spending bill into law. The bill included $695 billion in defense funding and $591 billion in non-defense funding. It also included $78 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) spending. The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 65-32 on March 23, 2018. Thirty-nine Democrats, 25 Republicans, and Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) voted for the bill. Twenty-three Republicans, eight Democrats, and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) voted against the bill. The House passed the bill by a vote of 256-167 on March 22, 2018. One hundred and forty-five Republicans and 111 Democrats voted for the bill. Ninety Republicans and 77 Democrats voted against the bill.[57][58][59][60]
Republican leadership praised the bill for increasing military funding. House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) said, “We have the greatest fighting force in the world but we have asked them to do so much more with so much less for so long. Today we begin to reverse that damage.” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said, “First and foremost, in my view, this bill will mark the end of disproportionate and harmful cuts to Department of Defense funding. It delivers the largest year-on-year increase in defense spending in fifteen years.”[59][61]
Conservative members of the House Freedom Caucus criticized the bill for adding to the national debt and not providing funding for the border wall. Liberal members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus opposed the bill because it did not provide a pathway to citizenship for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, sometimes referred to as Dreamers.[62][59]
Some members of Congress criticized congressional leadership for not giving members enough time to read the 2,232-page bill. It was released in the evening on March 21, 2018, and the House held its first vote on the bill the following day. According to The Hill, "A large numbers of [House] conservative Republicans were among those voting no over the measure’s massive price tag and the lack of transparency in the bill-writing process."[59]
Democrat Lamb wins Pennsylvania Congressional special election
Democrat Conor Lamb won the special election for Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional District against Republican Rick Saccone on March 13, 2018, by less than half a point.[63] The race was too close to call immediately following the election, and Saccone conceded to Lamb on March 21.[64]
The special election was held to fill the vacancy created by the departure of incumbent Tim Murphy (R). Murphy announced his resignation in October 2017 following reports that he encouraged a woman with whom he had an extramarital affair to have an abortion.[65] Lamb, Saccone, and Libertarian candidate Drew Miller competed for the seat.
The race received attention from national figures on both sides of the aisle. President Donald Trump (R) visited the state twice during the campaign, previewing his first trip with a tweet voicing support for Saccone and headlining a rally for the candidate during the second.[66][67][68][69] Vice President Mike Pence (R), counselor to the president Kellyanne Conway, and the president's son Donald Trump Jr. also visited the state on Saccone's behalf.[70][71][72] U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III (D-Mass.) traveled to Pennsylvania in February to support Lamb, and former Vice President Joe Biden (D) campaigned for Lamb in March.[73][74]
Trump administration releases four-pillar plan to improve safety in schools
On March 12, 2018, President Donald Trump released a four-pillar plan to improve safety in schools in response to the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on February 14, 2018, that left 17 dead. The four pillars appear below.[75]
- Improving school security: The Trump administration said that it would assist states in training school personnel to use firearms on a voluntary basis and encourage military veterans and retired law enforcement officers to pursue careers in education.
- Strengthening background checks: The Trump administration called on states to adopt Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs).
- Improving mental healthcare: The administration proposed “increased integration of mental health, primary care, and family services, as well as support for programs that utilize court-ordered treatment.”
- Establishing the Federal Commission on School Safety: Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos was tasked with leading an investigation into school safety measures and school violence.
Trump agrees to meet with Kim
- See also: Federal policy on North Korea, 2017-2020
On March 8, 2018, South Korea's national security adviser Chung Eui-yong announced that President Donald Trump accepted an invitation to meet directly with the North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. The announcement followed talks earlier in the week between South Korea and North Korea. North Korea “also signaled that it would not test missiles anymore and would be willing to negotiate ending its nuclear weapons program,” according to Politico.[76]
Chung said that Kim "stressed his eagerness to meet President Trump as soon as possible. President Trump appreciated the greeting and said he would meet Kim Jong Un by May to achieve permanent denuclearization."[76]
Trump tweeted about the announcement, writing, "Kim Jong Un talked about denuclearization with the South Korean Representatives, not just a freeze. Also, no missile testing by North Korea during this period of time. Great progress being made but sanctions will remain until an agreement is reached. Meeting being planned!"[77]
Trump announces a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and a 10 percent tariff on aluminum imports
- See also: Federal policy on trade, 2017-2020
On March 8, 2018, President Donald Trump signed paperwork to put in place a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and a 10 percent tariff on aluminum imports. According to a White House fact sheet, Trump has the authority to do so because “Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, provides the President with authority to adjust imports being brought into the United States in quantities or under circumstances that threaten to impair national security.” Based on reports from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the administration concluded that foreign imports of aluminum and steel were weakening the domestic production of these materials and could result in the U.S. not being able to support infrastructure projects or produce weapons, tanks, and aircraft that ensure national security.[78]
DOJ files lawsuit against California's immigration laws
On March 6, 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit against the State of California, Governor of California Jerry Brown, and Attorney General of California Xavier Becerra for passing three state laws—Assembly Bill 450, Senate Bill 54, and Assembly Bill 103—that the DOJ said prevent officials from enforcing federal immigration law. The DOJ asked a federal judge to block the implementation of the laws.[79]
According to a DOJ press release, "The complaint contends that the laws in question are preempted by federal law and impermissibly target the Federal Government, and therefore violate the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution. As a result, the Justice Department is seeking to permanently enjoin these state statutes, which are contrary to federal law and interfere with federal immigration authorities’ ability to carry out their lawful duties."[79]
February
Senate rejects four immigration reform proposals
On February 15, 2018, the Senate voted on a series of immigration bills aimed at finding a legislative fix for the expiring Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and border security measures. All of the measures failed to earn enough support for passage.
Among other proposals, the Senate rejected by a vote of 54-45 a proposal that proposed a path to citizenship for 1.8 million individuals brought into the U.S. without legal permission as children, $25 billion for border security, and limitations on family-based immigration. President Donald Trump threatened to veto the legislation because it did not include all of his immigration reform priorities. [80][81]
Congress' response to the February 14, 2018, school shooting in Parkland, Florida
In response to the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on February 14, 2018, that left 17 dead, members of Congress discussed a variety of gun-related, mental health, and school safety measures to prevent future school shootings. Some congressional Democrats called for bans on certain types of rifles that they described as military-style weapons or assault weapons. Republicans focused on improving the procedures of law enforcement officials and school safety measures rather than gun-related measures in response to the school shooting. [82][83]
Trump considers steel and aluminum tariffs
- See also: Federal policy on trade, 2017-2020
On February 13, 2018, President Donald Trump said that he was considering imposing tariffs on imported steel and aluminum. He said, “They are dumping and destroying our industries. We can’t let that happen.” Trump added that although the tariffs could result in higher prices, it would mean keeping more jobs in the steel and aluminum industries. He said, “I want to keep prices down, but I also want to make sure that we have a steel industry and an aluminum industry, and we do need that for national defense.”[84]
January
January government shutdown
On January 22, 2018, President Donald Trump signed a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government until February 8, 2018, to end a three-day government shutdown. It was the fourth short-term funding bill passed since the beginning of the fiscal year on October 1, 2017.
According to a POLITICO/Morning Consult poll conducted January 20 to January 21, 35 percent blamed congressional Democrats for the shutdown, 34 percent blamed President Donald Trump, and 15 percent blamed congressional Republicans. A combined 48 percent of respondents blamed Trump and Republicans.[85]
According to a new NBC News SurveyMonkey poll conducted from January 20 to January 22, 39 percent blamed congressional Democrats for the shutdown, 38 percent blamed Trump, and 18 percent blamed congressional Republicans. NBC News noted that when Trump’s numbers and congressional Republicans’ numbers were taken together, “the poll shows that a slight majority of Americans — 56 percent — blame the president and his party.”[86]
It is unclear what impact, if any, the shutdown will have on the 2018 elections. Washington Post reporter Paul Kane offered some historical context, writing, “Just because one side gets most of the blame when agencies go into partial shutdown and furlough hundreds of thousands of federal workers is no guarantee that side will pay a political price in the next set of elections. House Republicans, after all, retained their majority after they drove the unpopular 1996 shutdown and increased their majority in 2014.”[87]
Bannon vs. Trump
- See also: Endorsements by Steve Bannon and Endorsements by Donald Trump
In October 2017, former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon pledged to further President Donald Trump's agenda outside of Washington, D.C., by challenging establishment Republicans through competitive primaries. "We’re going after these guys tooth and nail. We are declaring war on the Republican establishment that does not back the agenda that Donald Trump ran on. This agenda works. The American people voted for it," Bannon said.[88]
The belief that a Bannon endorsement came with implicit support from Trump was challenged on January 3, 2018, when excerpts from a book by journalist Michael Wolff, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, featured quotes from Bannon critical of Trump's inner circle, including Donald Trump Jr., who met with Russian nationals during the 2016 presidential campaign.[89][90]
"Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind. ... Steve doesn’t represent my base—he’s only in it for himself,” Trump responded in a statement.[91]
Despite Trump's disapproval, Bannon continued to offer support for the president and his agenda in a radio interview: "The president of the United States is a great man. You know I support him day in and day out."[92] He released a statement on January 7, 2018, reiterating his support for Trump and clarifying that his criticism of the meeting with Russians was directed at campaign chair Paul Manafort, rather than Trump Jr.[93]
2017
Major tax legislation passes
- See also: Federal policy on taxes, 2017-2018
On December 22, 2017, President Donald Trump signed HR 1—the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act—into law. The law lowers tax rates for individuals and corporations, among other things. According to The Wall Street Journal, it is "the biggest transformation of the U.S. tax code in more than 30 years."[94]
Jones wins Alabama Senate special election
Former U.S. attorney Doug Jones (D) defeated former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore (R) in the Alabama Senate special election on December 12, 2017, 50 percent to 48.3 percent.[95] Jones became the first Democrat to win a Senate seat in Alabama since Richard Shelby in 1992. It was the only congressional special election in 2017 to result in a flipped seat.
Sexual misconduct allegations
Starting in October 2017, reports of sexual misconduct across the federal and state levels of American government emerged following the firing of film producer Harvey Weinstein over allegations of sexual harassment. A Glamour Magazine article tracking sexual harassment allegations that were brought to light following the Weinstein allegations described it as having "sparked an avalanche of accusations against high-profile men in media, politics, Silicon Valley, and Hollywood, all with varying degrees of repercussions."[96]
By the end of 2017, six members of Congress had announced their retirement or resignation following allegations of sexual misconduct.
Handel wins Georgia 6th's special election
Republican Karen Handel defeated Democrat Jon Ossoff in the June 20, 2017, special election runoff to represent the 6th Congressional District of Georgia. It was the most expensive U.S. House race in history. The two campaigns, along with outside organizations, spent more than $50 million.[97]
Tom Perez, the chair of the Democratic National Committee, said that his party's investment in the race was part of a larger effort to improve party infrastructure across the country. "We're investing heavily here in the Georgia six race, but I'm traveling across the country. We're building strong parties everywhere. That's what we have to do because that's where we fell short in the past. We allowed our basic infrastructure to, you know, to atrophy and we have to build strong parties," he said.[98]
When asked about the importance of the race, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (R), who represented the district for two decades, told Ballotpedia, "I do think Republicans have to pay attention, and I think it would be a big mistake to allow this district to go to Ossoff, partly because of the psychology nationally, and partly because once a relatively talented person gets in office, it’s really hard to get rid of them."
See also
Footnotes
- ↑ United States Department of Agriculture, "USDA Assists Farmers Impacted by Unjustified Retaliation," July 24, 2018
- ↑ CNN, "Trump and Putin meet in Helsinki: Live Updates: What Putin said when he met Trump," July 16, 2018
- ↑ Politico, "Trump meets Putin against backdrop of tense U.S.-Russia relations," July 16, 2018
- ↑ The Hill, "Trump meets Putin after blaming US for bad relations," July 16, 2018
- ↑ CNN, "Trump and Putin meet in Helsinki: Live Updates: Trump: 'Relationship has never been worse ... that changed as of about 4 hours ago,'" July 16, 2018
- ↑ CNN, "Trump and Putin meet in Helsinki: Live Updates: Trump says he holds US and Russia responsible for breakdown in relationship,'" July 16, 2018
- ↑ CNN, "Trump and Putin meet in Helsinki: Live Updates: Trump raises election meddling with Putin, says he has an 'interesting idea,'" July 16, 2018
- ↑ CNN, "Trump and Putin meet in Helsinki: Live Updates: Trump: 'There was no collusion at all,'" July 16, 2018
- ↑ CNN, "Trump and Putin meet in Helsinki: Live Updates: President Trump declines to side with US intelligence,'" July 16, 2018
- ↑ CNN, "Trump and Putin meet in Helsinki: Live Updates: Putin: No reason for US-Russian relations to be complicated," July 16, 2018
- ↑ CNN, "Trump and Putin meet in Helsinki: Live Updates: Putin: Russia has never interfered in US elections," July 16, 2018
- ↑ CNN, "Trump and Putin meet in Helsinki: Live Updates: Putin says Trump raised indictments of 12 Russian agents, and he'll look into it," July 16, 2018
- ↑ The Hill, "Trump seeks to quell Russia furor," July 17, 2018
- ↑ The Hill, "Judiciary panel approves Kavanaugh, sending nomination to full Senate," September 28, 2018
- ↑ C-SPAN, "Judge Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court Nomination Announcement," July 9, 2018
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Supreme Court of the United States, "Press Releases," June 27, 2018
- ↑ Twitter, "Donald Trump on Twitter," June 27, 2018
- ↑ The New York Times, "New York Primary Election Results," June 27, 2018, 10:26AM ET
- ↑ Roll Call, "Six Who Could Succeed Pelosi — Someday," June 28, 2017
- ↑ The Washington Post, "The Daily 202: Crowley going down spotlights the looming Democratic identity crisis," June 27, 2018
- ↑ Ratings are based on projections found in Larry Sabato, The Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report, and The Cook Political Report. These ratings are updated periodically throughout the election season.
- ↑ Associated Press, "The Latest: US commits to ‘security guarantees’ for NKorea," June 12, 2018
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 The Hill, "Trump and Kim sign 'comprehensive' document to end summit," June 12, 2018
- ↑ Politico, "Trump, Kim sign 'comprehensive' document," June 11, 2018
- ↑ Politico, "Trump says summit with Kim is back on after meeting with North Korea's No. 2," June 1, 2018
- ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "Remarks by President Trump after Meeting with Vice Chairman Kim Yong Chol of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea," June 1, 2018
- ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "Presidential Proclamation Adjusting Imports of Aluminum into the United States," May 31, 2018
- ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "Presidential Proclamation Adjusting Imports of Steel into the United States," May 31, 2018
- ↑ 30.0 30.1 The Hill, "Trump pours kerosene on the global trade wars," May 31, 2018
- ↑ The Hill, "Trump scraps summit with North Korea," May 24, 2018
- ↑ Twitter, "Donald J. Trump," May 25, 2018
- ↑ The Hill, "House Democrats add seven candidates to 'Red-to-Blue' program," January 10, 2018
- ↑ Twitter, "Donald J. Trump," May 9, 2018
- ↑ Miami Herald "Inside the North Carolina scramble to be the most Trump-like candidate of them all," April 26, 2018
- ↑ The Hill "GOP rep faces old foe in N.C. primary," May 2, 2018
- ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' statewide election results by congressional and legislative districts," accessed March 29, 2018
- ↑ Federal Election Commission, "North Carolina - House District 9," accessed May 8, 2018
- ↑ OpenSecrets, "Most Expensive Races," accessed May 8, 2018
- ↑ The Hill, "West Virginia Senate primary off to raucous start," August 3, 2017
- ↑ CNN, "The 10 Senate seats most likely to flip in 2018," January 3, 2018
- ↑ 42.0 42.1 WhiteHouse.gov, "Ceasing U.S. Participation in the JCPOA and Taking Additional Action to Counter Iran’s Malign Influence and Deny Iran All Paths to a Nuclear Weapon," May 8, 2018
- ↑ 43.0 43.1 The Hill, "Trump pulls US out of Iran nuke deal," May 8, 2018
- ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "Presidential Proclamation Adjusting Imports of Aluminum into the United States," April 30, 2018
- ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "Presidential Proclamation Adjusting Imports of Steel into the United States," April 30, 2018
- ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "President Donald J. Trump Approves Section 232 Tariff Modifications," April 30, 2018
- ↑ 47.0 47.1 The Hill, "Trump authorizes military strikes in Syria," April 13, 2018
- ↑ 48.0 48.1 Politico, "Trump announces 'precision strikes' on Syria, decries 'monster' Assad," April 13, 2018
- ↑ The Hill, "US targets Syrian chemical weapons facilities with strikes," April 14, 2018
- ↑ 50.0 50.1 50.2 Treasury.gov, "Treasury Designates Russian Oligarchs, Officials, and Entities in Response to Worldwide Malign Activity," April 6, 2018
- ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "Presidential Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Homeland Security," April 4, 2018
- ↑ The Hill, "Trump says he will deploy U.S. military to southern border," April 3, 2018
- ↑ The Wall Street Journal, "U.S. Announces Tariffs on $50 Billion of China Imports," April 3, 2018
- ↑ 54.0 54.1 USTR.gov, "Under Section 301 Action, USTR Releases Proposed Tariff List on Chinese Products," April 3, 2018
- ↑ The Wall Street Journal, "Tariff Showdown Shifts to Intense Negotiation Period," April 5, 2018
- ↑ The Wall Street Journal, "China Tariffs Threaten U.S. Cars, Planes and Soy in Response to Trump," April 4, 2018
- ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 127," March 22, 2018
- ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.1625 - TARGET Act," accessed March 22, 2018
- ↑ 59.0 59.1 59.2 59.3 The Hill, "House easily passes $1.3 trillion spending bill," March 22, 2018
- ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1625 )," March 23, 2018
- ↑ The Hill, "Senate approves $1.3 trillion spending bill, sending to Trump," March 23, 2018
- ↑ Politico, "Massive spending deal clinched despite Trump’s misgivings," March 21, 2018
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of State, "Official Returns," accessed May 24, 2018
- ↑ The Hill, "Saccone concedes Pennsylvania House special election to Lamb," March 21, 2018
- ↑ The New York Times, "Conservative Pennsylvania congressman resigns amid abortion scandal," October 5, 2017
- ↑ Politico, "Trump races to head off another special election debacle," January 11, 2018
- ↑ The Washington Post, "At Pennsylvania rally, Trump again calls for the death penalty for drug dealers," March 10, 2018
- ↑ Twitter, "Donald J. Trump on January 18, 2018," accessed January 18, 2018
- ↑ Pittsburgh Patch, "Trump endorses Saccone in 18th Congressional District race," January 23, 2018
- ↑ The Hill, "Pence to appear at fundraiser for Pennsylvania GOP candidate," January 26, 2018
- ↑ The Washington Post, "The Daily 202: Trump launches a rescue mission to save GOP seat in Pennsylvania special election," March 9, 2018
- ↑ The Washington Post, "Donald Trump Jr., Rick Saccone and plenty of chocolate: The final day of campaigning in Pennsylvania's special election," March 12, 2018
- ↑ Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "Joe Kennedy campaigns quietly for Conor Lamb," February 2, 2018
- ↑ The Times, "Joe Biden to campaign with Conor Lamb next week, including RMU rally," March 1, 2018
- ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "President Donald J. Trump is Taking Immediate Actions to Secure Our Schools," March 12, 2018
- ↑ 76.0 76.1 Politico, "Trump agrees to meet Kim Jong Un, South Korean official says," March 8, 2018
- ↑ Twitter, "Donald J. Trump," March 8, 2018
- ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "President Donald J. Trump is Addressing Unfair Trade Practices That Threaten to Harm Our National Security," March 8, 2018
- ↑ 79.0 79.1 Justice.gov, "Justice Department Files Preemption Lawsuit Against the State of California to Stop Interference with Federal Immigration Authorities," March 7, 2018
- ↑ Politico, "Senate immigration deal on life support," February 14, 2018
- ↑ The Hill, "Senate rejects centrist immigration bill after Trump veto threat," February 15, 2018
- ↑ The Hill, "Dems fear overreach as left presses assault weapon ban," February 27, 2018
- ↑ The Hill, "GOP focuses on law enforcement mistakes — not new gun laws," February 27, 2018
- ↑ The Hill, "Trump spars with GOP lawmakers on steel tariffs," February 13, 2018
- ↑ Politico, "Poll: More voters blamed Trump and GOP for shutdown than Democrats," January 22, 2018
- ↑ NBC News, "Poll: Democrats, Trump to blame for government shutdown," January 23, 2018
- ↑ The Washington Post, "House Republicans are unusually united that the shutdown is Democrats’ fault," January 20, 2018
- ↑ Newsweek, "Steve Bannon Declares War on Republicans, Calls for Trump Critic Bob Corker to Resign," October 10, 2017
- ↑ Politico, "Bannon endorsement a sudden handicap for GOP candidates," January 3, 2018
- ↑ New York Magazine, "Donald Trump Didn’t Want to Be President," January 3, 2018
- ↑ Bloomberg, "Trump Says Bannon ‘Lost His Mind’ After Leaving White House," January 3, 2018
- ↑ CNN, "Despite blast by Trump, Bannon reiterates support for President," January 4, 2018
- ↑ CNN, "Steve Bannon's full statement on comments attributed to him in 'Fire and Fury,'" January 7, 2018
- ↑ The Wall Street Journal, "Trump Signs Sweeping Tax Overhaul Into Law," December 22, 2017
- ↑ AL.com, "Doug Jones certified as winner of Alabama U.S. Senate race," December 28, 2017
- ↑ Glamour Magazine, "Post-Weinstein, These Are the Powerful Men Facing Sexual Harassment Allegations," November 30, 2017
- ↑ Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "Spending in Georgia Sixth race pushes past $50 million," June 19, 2017
- ↑ CNN, "Democrat Narrowly Loses in Georgia; Interview with DNC Chair Tom Perez; Republican Wake-Up Call in Georgia; Hernandez Commits Suicide in Prison; Boxer Finds New Fight; Georgia Special Election," April 19, 2017
