Monday, March 16, 2026
Good morning, and welcome to RedState's "Morning Minute" — a brief glimpse at which stories are trending at the moment and a look ahead at what the day may bring. Consider this your one-stop shop for news to kickstart your day.
TOP O' THE MORNIN'
Red-Hot at RedState
Ric Grenell Serves Up a Savage Schooling to Sheldon Whitehouse About Trump Kennedy Center
But the bottom line, as Grenell laid out, the Democrats, when they were in control, let the Center go to disrepair, and didn't give a darn. They only care now because they want to attack Trump - it's always their motivation for everything they do, even something that should be non-political, like the Center.
It’s clear the mainstream media’s effort to discredit this president is alive and well, and if they get a few facts along the way wrong, they don’t really care.
President Trump Made a Courageous and Correct Call on Hormuz and Iran's Actions Prove It
here was always some risk, but the solid bet was that they would threaten to block the waterway and find some way not to carry out the threat. Trump knew that, in fact, truth be known, that was probably the JCS assessment. He made the right call in the right way.
Trending Across Townhall Media
Bearing Arms — Man Who Sold Old Dominion Shooter His Gun Has a History
Now, I'm not blaming the gun. I'm also pretty sure that if this jackwagon hadn't gotten a gun for the killer, the ISIS simp would have probably gotten one another way. Most criminals have options for getting guns illegally, so I don't see why terrorists would be any different.
Hot Air — Worry About Islamism, Not 'Islamophobia'
Where are the calls for Muslims to be loyal Americans? Catholics were singled out by the Biden administration as potential terrorists because they oppose alphabet ideology and abortion, but people shouting "Death to America" are warmly embraced.
PJ Media — Reports Claim Mojtaba Khamenei in 'Low Condition,' Said to Be Dull-Witted
When leadership stability becomes uncertain inside a regime built on centralized authority, the entire system feels the strain.
Townhall — Dirty Words Trump Dirty Deeds for the Next SCOTUS Pick
But with a simple four-letter word, he has thrown a spotlight on this disgraceful legal abomination. And you can tell he’s drawn blood by his opponents’ howling about him using a dirty word to describe the dirty concept they fully support.
Twitchy — Kentucky Showdown Brewing: Beshear Blasts Vance's 'Lazy' Label, Gets Hit with Privilege Backlash
Just another Democrat who doesn't care about their constituents, but only about advancing Leftist politics.
WHAT'S ON TAP?
Today on Capitol Hill...
Both houses are back in session this week, but the House has canceled votes scheduled for Monday due to weather/travel issues.
Both the House/Senate back in session today. But House votes cancelled due to major flight disruptions around the country and a big storm threat in DC as many Members were expected to be flying in
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) March 16, 2026
There are a handful of hearings set for Monday, though:
- Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission) — To receive a briefing on nuclear power and nuclear powers, focusing on lessons from Ukraine
- House Rules — H.R. 1958 – Deporting Fraudsters Act of 2026; H.R. 4638 – BOWOW Act of 2025; H.R. 556 – Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act
- Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry — Business meeting to consider the nomination of Glen Smith, of Iowa, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development
The biggest news is that the Senate is slated to start debate on the SAVE America Act.
White House What's Up
President Trump is back at the White House, and he's got another busy day on tap:
- 8:00 AM — THE PRESIDENT participates in Executive Time — The White House
- 11:00 AM — THE PRESIDENT participates in a Policy Meeting — Oval Office
- 11:45 AM — THE PRESIDENT participates in a Lunch with the Trump Kennedy Center Board Members — East Room
- 2:30 PM — THE PRESIDENT participates in an Interview — Oval Office
- 3:30 PM — THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT participate in Signing Time — Oval Office
- 4:00 PM — THE PRESIDENT participates in a Meeting with the United States Ambassador to Japan — Oval Office
Keeping Up With the Cabinet
U.S. Trade Rep. - Jamieson Greer — Greer's office recently highlighted the fact that U.S. exports hit a record high in January.
🚨U.S. goods and services exports hit a record high in January, totaling over $302 billion!
— United States Trade Representative (@USTradeRep) March 12, 2026
Americans are exporting more than ever thanks to @POTUS continuing to unlock markets for U.S. exports. pic.twitter.com/ULVvqnKEHr
Full Court Press...
I've still got some catching up to do on the court front, but in case you missed this doozy from Friday...have fun:
OH MY: 9th Circuit Judge Comes Out Swinging (Ahem)...in Spicy Dissent Over Women-Only Nude Spa
COMING ATTRACTIONS
The Supreme Court resumes oral argument next week. We may start seeing more decisions rolling out soon, as well.
MORNING MUSING
You might see today's headline and assume it's about college hoops. No, my friends, it's about March weather. We've gotten to that time of year when I find myself hopping back and forth between the AC and the heater, and I'm sorry, but it's necessary.
On Saturday, I had the lovely occasion of traveling to mid-Missouri and celebrating my kiddo's birthday (a day early) with her and some friends. It wasn't hot by any stretch, but it was in the 60s, and it was sunny, and being outside was pleasant.
As it turns out, it's fortunate we did the celebrating on Saturday rather than saving it for Sunday because we went from upper 60s and sunny to snownadoes. Alright, technically not snownadoes, but that front blasted through with high winds, thunder, lightning — and tornadoes in some locations — and now we've got 22 degrees, 40 mph winds, and snow.
I know it's Winter's last gasp. We'll be back flirting with 80 degrees by late in the week, so that's helping me grit my teeth and hang on through Mother Nature's rudeness. But I just want to register my formal objection.
LIGHTER FARE
Happy cat!
bro is in heaven pic.twitter.com/PA33f4Pg0v
— Posts Of Cats (@PostsOfCats) March 16, 2026
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