Missouri supreme court blocks congressional maps backed by Trump for midterms – US politics live

Missouri Supreme Court Rules New Congressional Map Requires Voter Approval for Midterms

The Missouri Supreme Court on Thursday blocked a new congressional district map approved by the state legislature from taking effect for the November 2026 midterm elections. The ruling keeps in place the boundaries established after the 2020 census.

The court determined that a referendum petition challenging the map was “legal, sufficient, and timely” and that the secretary of state had incorrectly rejected it. As a result, the legislation containing the new districts “did not go into effect and will not go into effect unless and until approved by the voters,” the opinion stated. The post-2020 map therefore “remains in full force and effect for the November 2026 general election.”

The decision preserves the Kansas City-area district currently held by Democratic Representative Emanuel Cleaver. Cleaver stated on social media that “the people fought back and won.” Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, a Republican, said she would appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court and described the decision as placing the state in a “full-fledged constitutional crisis.” Governor Mike Kehoe, also a Republican, said the court showed “a lack of respect for the legislative process.”

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the ruling was “a Dark Day for ’Justice’ in Missouri!” Richard von Glahn, executive director of People Not Politicians, an organization that supported the referendum effort, said the Missouri constitution “says what it says, and those words matter” and that “people, not politicians, will have the final say.”

The map had been advanced through the regular legislative process in a state where Republicans hold majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly. Supporters of the referendum argued that the petition met all procedural requirements under state law; opponents maintained that the secretary of state had properly determined the petition fell short.

Additional Developments

The Trump administration filed an emergency application with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to lift a lower-court order that prevents the U.S. Postal Service from enforcing new restrictions on mail-in ballots. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the request amounted to an attempt to alter election procedures.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that excavation work on a proposed triumphal arch project in Washington is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks. Representative Don Beyer, whose district includes Arlington National Cemetery, said the project would increase traffic congestion and questioned its placement.

Maryland’s highest court ruled that a redistricting-related constitutional amendment backed by Democratic legislators will appear on the November ballot.

President Trump named an interim replacement for Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, who resigned earlier in the week. Reports indicated differences between Driscoll and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has been invited to appear before a House subcommittee examining the allocation of federal funds by the region’s Homeless Services Authority. Representative Robert Garcia described the inquiry as focused on potential misallocation of resources.

Russian state media reported that U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner plan to visit Russia and Ukraine over the weekend. The Kremlin said it would provide information on any contacts when appropriate. The envoys last met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in January.

In Missouri, Republican congressional candidate Thomas Ross was arrested and charged with attempting to plant cocaine and Adderall in the vehicle or purse of his primary opponent, Louise Secker. Court documents describe text messages and a recorded conversation in which a former campaign manager discussed the plan with Ross. The FBI became involved after local police referred the matter in July.

President Trump wrote on Truth Social that he intends to seek repayment from European countries for U.S. assistance provided to Ukraine during the prior administration, stating that “hundreds of billions of dollars” had been extended without corresponding European contributions.

These items reflect separate proceedings and statements issued on the same day as the Missouri court ruling.