By Haddon Libby
If politics is showbiz for ugly people, then 2026 has turned Capitol Hill into a full-blown carnival of the absurd. With primaries heating up and midterms looming, the usual policy debates have taken a backseat to a parade of the bizarre, the mystical, and the downright unhinged. Here’s your official dispatch from the freak show – no scandals, no sermons, just the pure nonsense that makes you wonder how anyone could vote for any of them.
President Trump showed no signs of slowing down his AI-art phase. He posted an image of himself draped in flowing white robes with a glowing hand outstretched to heal a sick man lying in a hospital bed. At the very same time, he was busy blasting Pope Leo XIV as “soft on crime” and too lenient with border crossers. The situation grew so awkward that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had to fly to the Vatican for damage-control meetings. Critics pounced, calling Trump’s posts and fiery rants “messianic” and borderline blasphemous. Trump shrugged it off, insisting he was “simply portraying himself as a doctor.” Days later, he doubled down by reposting more AI-generated art showing Jesus Christ embracing him warmly from behind.
Not to be outdone in the strange department, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), the acting chair of the powerful House Oversight Committee, has pinned a lengthy thread on her social media urging Americans to “Read the Book of Enoch.” She passionately described its ancient tale of 200 “Watcher” angels descending to Earth, mating with human women, producing a race of giants, and teaching forbidden knowledge and technology. Luna presented the text not as religious allegory, but as clear historical evidence of ancient alien contact and government cover-ups. She even shared a Renaissance painting that appears to depict a glowing UFO beaming rays down at the baby Jesus in the manger.
On the policy side, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. publicly dismissed a major Danish study that found no link between acetaminophen (Tylenol) and autism. He stated the study was “garbage” and suggested the research was likely fraudulent or influenced by Big Pharma. In resurfaced clips from years earlier, Kennedy had controversially discussed the need for “re-parenting” Black children in communities where they do not have screens and suggested many should be placed on psychiatric medications.
The Democratic side of the aisle offered its own gallery of oddities. Texas Senate hopeful and Presbyterian minister James Talarico made waves by declaring “God is non-binary” during a campaign stop. He went further, insisting there are six sexes and emphasizing how deeply he “loves trans kids as much as his own family.” Talarico also called for establishing abortion clinics inside federal buildings as a matter of constitutional right. Fellow Texas hopeful, Grammy-winning Tejano musician Bobby Pulido, drew attention for a music video in which he portrayed a self-described pervert. At least he is honest?
Out in the heartland, Iowa candidate Sarah Trone Garriott found herself defending her decision to officiate a Satanist wedding ceremony, arguing it was simply about religious freedom and tolerance. Meanwhile, Maine hopeful Graham Platner, had to address old photos of his Nazi skull tattoo and past social media posts declaring that police are “bastards.”
California Assembly candidate and self-proclaimed “witch” Elena Voss ran a campaign ad featuring her performing a “protection spell” over a map of the state while promising to use “magical thinking” to solve the housing crisis. She argued that traditional politics had failed and that “manifestation and ritual” were the future of progressive governance.
In short, the bar for normal in Washington D.C. keeps dropping lower with every news cycle. In 2026, voters aren’t just choosing platforms—they’re picking their favorite characters in what has become American politics’ greatest reality show.
Haddon Libby is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Winslow Drake Investment Management, a locally-based Fiduciary RIA firm. For more information on our services or to request a meeting, please visit www.WinslowDrake.com.
