The New Fight Over Masks

Over the weekend, California became the first state to officially ban law enforcement officers from wearing face masks while conducting operations. By signing this law, California Governor Gavin Newsom is resisting some of President Trump’s federal actions in his state, as the law applies to federal immigration agents. According to the Department of Homeland Security, assaults on federal agents have risen by 1000% over the last few months. Some Americans fear this will worsen when California’s new law takes effect in January 2026. Texas Republican Rep. Pat Fallon joins the Rundown to discuss the dangers of unmasking federal agents, the Trump administration’s federal crime crackdown, and whether it has been effective in Washington, D.C.
There are only six weeks left until Americans head back to the polls to vote in some high-profile state and local elections. Early voting has already kicked off in Virginia’s gubernatorial election, and the candidates hoping to be New Jersey’s next governor recently clashed in their first debate. Lee Carter, pollster, and president of Maslansky and Partners, joins the Rundown to discuss this November’s key races, what their outcomes could reveal about the 2026 midterms, and whether Charlie Kirk’s legacy could ultimately impact future elections.

Plus, commentary from “Ruthless” Co-Host John Ashebrook