The Trump Administration Wants Access to Voter Rolls — Can They Get It?

Politics

The Trump Administration Wants Access to Voter Rolls — Can They Get It?

What's going on: With tensions high after deadly federal shootings in Minnesota, a letter Attorney General Pam Bondi sent Gov. Tim Walz (D) has raised new questions. Dated the same day federal officials shot and killed Alex Pretti, it outlines three steps Minnesota can take to cooperate with the federal government to “bring back law and order.” One of those steps has nothing to do with immigration — it targets voting. Bondi called on the state to give the Department of Justice access to unredacted voter rolls, which contain identifying information like driver’s license numbers and partial Social Security numbers. According to Politico, lawyers for Minnesota described Bondi’s letter as a “shakedown” and a “ransom note.” The state is just one of many facing federal pressure to hand over voter data. So far, only 14 states (all Republican-led) have handed over their voter rolls or said they will. The administration says its goal is to stop non-citizens from voting in federal elections, which is illegal and widely acknowledged as rare.

What it means: The midterm elections are about nine months away, and control of Congress is on the line (hence new electoral maps). The GOP is already worried that the affordability crisis and immigration will cost them seats. Many legal and voting rights experts are concerned that those who spread false claims that Democrats stole the 2020 election (claims that haven’t stopped) now lead federal agencies, including the presidency. Some have tied the push to Project 2025, which focuses on ways to reshape voting access. For now, the battle over access to unredacted voter rolls is still playing out in court in some states. Some lawyers argue that the Constitution clearly lays out that elections can only be governed by the states and Congress, leaving little room for federal overreach.

Related: How To Register To Vote in Your State (Vote.gov)

The News in 5

🗞️ President Donald Trump’s attempts to quell public anger and refocus his party’s message on immigration lasted less than 48 hours. Meanwhile, the two federal agents involved in the deadly shooting of Alex Pretti are now on administrative leave. 

🗞️ The Federal Reserve’s latest interest rate decision will likely lead to a phone call (or at the very least, a Truth Social post) from President Trump, who has narrowed his shortlist for the next Fed chair to four finalists.

🗞️ More than a month after missing its deadline, the Department of Justice said it expects to complete its review of the Epstein files “in the near term.”

🗞️ Amazon announced it’s cutting 16,000 jobs, but it’s not the only company slashing its workforce by the tens of thousands. 

🗞️ No, not the chocolate… eight different varieties of this brand are being recalled due to salmonella risk. At least we found out before Valentine’s Day.

Money

It's Everyone's Favorite Time of the Year (Said No One)

What’s going on: Tax season kicked off this week, which means it’s time to dig up receipts and hype up your accountant like your refund depends on it (we heard it helps and are not above superstitions). According to CNBC, the IRS enters the 2026 filing season after a 27% workforce cut, leadership turnover, and sweeping tax law changes under President Donald Trump. Still, the agency insists the process should feel “seamless” — which is a brave word choice for any tax year. Especially since the Big Beautiful Bill Act reshaped familiar rules, touching everything from senior deductions to overtime and tips, SALT limits, and the standard deduction. The filing deadline is April 15 for most taxpayers, and the IRS expects about 164 million returns. So, if your stress level just spiked, you’re in very good company.

What it means: Brace yourself for delays. Experts warn that those staffing cuts and the recent federal shutdown — let alone another — could slow everything down, and reaching a real person at the IRS may take patience. If you hit a wall, call your accountant or a financially savvy friend. If you file electronically, refund updates usually show up within about 24 hours on this IRS tool. Mail your return, and you’re likely waiting closer to four weeks, according to Axios. That is, so long as your return has no red flags. H&R Block warns that claiming certain credits or missing details can delay your refund, so stack the deck in your favor: File online, choose direct deposit, and double-check every line before you hit submit.

Related: The President Claims “People That Truly Hate Me” Are Signing Up for Trump Accounts (Quartz)

Money

Speculation Nation

What’s going on: Taylor Swift is getting married in Rhode Island — at least if you trust the odds. That bet sits inside the booming world of prediction markets, which now cover everything from elections and Trump administration policies to pop culture. These markets have existed for years, but they’ve surged since 2024 as platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket made it easy to jump in for less than a dollar — with payouts that can run into the millions. You can wager on something light, like who wins The Traitors, or something darker, like how high unemployment might climb this year. The space keeps expanding: Truth Social is planning to launch its own prediction market, and the Golden Globes broadcast even flashed Polymarket’s live odds on the nominees. Apparently, suspense alone no longer cuts it.

What it means: Some see prediction markets as the next decade-defining hustle — today’s version of ’80s Wall Street trading or 2010s influencing. But experts urge caution, especially when bets are tied to politicians or government decisions. They warn about insider trading, manipulation, and incentives that reward bad behavior. This also isn’t sports betting as you know it. According to The New York Times, many of these platforms allow users as young as 18, operate with federal approval, and still leave most users — who skew heavily male — losing money. And if you start treating these odds as a roadmap for what happens next, The Washington Post warns that mixing news, speculation, and cash can warp judgment fast.

Related: Who’s the Only Other Person Whose Behavior Might Fuel Prediction Markets More Than Trump’s? (NBC)

On Our Calendar

A few things to jot down today…

🗓️ President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are expected to attend the premiere of the documentary Melania. How well are ticket sales really going?

🗓️ USPS releases its 49th Black Heritage Stamp honoring Phillis Wheatley and her story.

🗓️ Time to throw your computer out of the window. It’s National Puzzle Day.

Psst…For more dates worth knowing this week, check out the Skimm+ calendar.

Not-So-Blue Winter Sales

If your winter blues are in full effect, it might be time for a little pick-me-up. We’ve worked with some of our favorite brands to bring you exclusive promo codes (click here to grab the codes before you shop), so you can feel good about treating yourself, even if it’s just a practical buy. Check out:

• A super-plush towel bundle to make getting out of the shower bearable 

• Laundry detergent that smells like a luxury perfume

• A breakfast tea that’ll make every day feel like Sunday

Know It All

There is a new beer in town, and the secret ingredient is…

Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Mallory Simon, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Marina Carver. Fact-checked by Sara Tardiff.