Donald Trump has pledged to end birthright citizenship, a policy he believes is based on a misinterpretation of the 14th Amendment, by issuing an executive order on his first day back in office. This plan, which would require at least one parent to be a citizen or legal resident for a child to be considered a U.S. citizen, is likely to face legal challenges as it directly contradicts the amendment’s text. While the Supreme Court has never directly ruled on the issue, most legal experts believe the amendment’s language clearly grants citizenship to anyone born in the U.S., regardless of their parents’ immigration status. The proposal’s implementation would also be complex, requiring federal agencies to verify the immigration status of both parents, which may not always be readily available.
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Following the 2024 presidential election, The New Abnormal co-hosts Danielle Moodie and Andy Levy analyze potential areas for improvement in Vice President Harris’ campaign. Levy argues that a stronger focus on messaging, particularly regarding the issue of corporate price-gouging, could have resonated more effectively with voters. He suggests highlighting the role of wealthy individuals and corporations in driving up prices, explicitly connecting the issue to the political and economic interests of those who support Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Dean Obeidallah discusses his article challenging the characterization of questioning Trump’s electoral integrity as “election denial,” and shares insights gleaned from his radio show audience.
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Democrats’ calls for unity and civility in the wake of Trump’s victory are misguided and ultimately futile. This approach ignores the reality that Republicans, especially under Trump’s leadership, are driven by fear and paranoia, fueled by a constant stream of manufactured enemies. Their notion of “unity” is simply conformity, demanding that those deemed different silence themselves or disappear. This approach not only fails to understand the nature of fascism but also inadvertently enables it by falsely suggesting that Trump and his supporters can be reasoned with. The only solution is for people to recognize the inherent danger of this hate-mongering and refuse to reward it with power.
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Today, I am pleased to announce my nomination of Tali Farhadian Weinstein and Chief Judge Frances Marie Tydingco-Gatewood to the United States District Courts for the Southern District of New York and Guam, respectively. Both nominees are highly qualified individuals with extensive legal experience, demonstrating a deep commitment to the rule of law and our Constitution. These nominations continue my administration’s commitment to building a judiciary that reflects the diversity of our nation, highlighting the rich tapestry of backgrounds and expertise that strengthens our nation’s legal system. These nominations mark the fifty-sixth round of judicial nominations, bringing the total number of announced nominees to 261.
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With President-elect Trump’s return, a chilling effect has settled over the federal workforce, many fearing a repeat of his first term’s attacks on civil servants. Trump has promised to reinstate Schedule F, a 2020 executive order that would allow for mass firings of nonpartisan employees, replacing them with loyalists. This could fundamentally alter the federal workforce by returning to the “spoils system” of the late 1800s, where political affiliation dictates employment. The potential impact extends beyond Washington D.C., threatening the livelihoods of federal employees across the country, and creating a chilling effect that discourages independent service. While unions are preparing legal challenges, the future of the federal workforce under a Trump presidency remains uncertain, with concerns about mass firings, relocation of agency offices, and a government efficiency commission headed by Elon Musk.
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Following Donald Trump’s election victory, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez used her Instagram platform to address her constituents, encouraging them to prepare for the future while emphasizing the importance of unity and intentional joy in the face of potential hardship. She cautioned against internal Democratic division and harmful finger-pointing, urging instead a focus on combating Trump’s policies, including potential mass deportations and economic instability. Ocasio-Cortez encouraged her followers to engage in real-world community involvement and prioritize authentic connection, advocating for a more proactive approach to tackling the challenges ahead.
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While Donald Trump won the 2016 election by appealing to working-class voters, often through anger and scapegoating, Bernie Sanders also resonates with these voters, especially those feeling disenfranchised by the political system. Both candidates have used anger and a focus on economic hardship to connect with voters, but Trump’s clear villains and narrative of fighting against “elites” proved more effective. This was further amplified by Biden’s failure to offer a compelling narrative or take decisive action on economic issues, allowing Trump to capitalize on the frustration of working-class Americans and paint himself as their champion against a broken system.
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The potential for vaccine bans, spurred by recent political rhetoric, presents a serious challenge to public health preparedness. With limited time and resources, it’s unlikely states and localities can mount robust vaccination campaigns to address potential vaccine shortages. However, emphasizing communication about vaccine importance and ensuring timely disbursement of federal funds to state and local health departments are crucial steps to mitigate potential disruptions to public health infrastructure. Furthermore, given potential federal funding cuts, state and local officials may need to shoulder the burden of supporting essential public health functions, a responsibility they have not traditionally carried.
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Democracy, the cornerstone of American identity, tragically died on November 6, 2024, succumbing to a lethal combination of partisan strife, authoritarianism, and widespread apathy among the electorate. The election of an insurrectionist as president, coupled with a Supreme Court enabling unchecked presidential power, marked a turning point. The rise of demagoguery, fueled by disinformation and unchecked vitriol, ultimately eroded the very fabric of democracy, leaving behind a legacy of disillusionment and a deeply divided nation. While survivors like the Constitution and the spirit of those who fought for equality remain, the demise of democracy signifies a profound loss for America and a cautionary tale for the world.
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John Q. Hosedrinker