Following the announcement of Donald Trump’s re-election, organizations like Aid Access, Plan C, and Wisp saw a surge in demand for their services. Aid Access, which provides abortion pills by mail, received five times the usual number of requests in a single day, while Wisp saw a 300% increase in emergency contraception requests. This surge in demand reflects a widespread fear among women and trans individuals that access to reproductive healthcare could be severely restricted under a second Trump administration. Organizations like Aid Access are determined to continue providing their services despite the uncertainty, emphasizing their commitment to protecting reproductive rights.
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Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, has been making moves to “Trump-proof” his state, and it’s infuriating the incoming president. Newsom has been working for the past two years to create contingency plans in case the federal government under Trump cuts funding to California. This includes establishing bilateral climate change agreements with other countries, recruiting states to continue the Clean Air Act, and striking deals with automakers to move towards electric vehicles regardless of federal policy.
Newsom has also taken steps to protect California’s residents from a potential federal abortion ban by stockpiling millions of doses of Mifepristone and Misoprostol. He has bolstered gun control restrictions and created a natural disaster relief fund in case FEMA resources are pulled.… Continue reading
The Pentagon is bracing for a potential overhaul under a Trump presidency, with officials discussing worst-case scenarios involving domestic troop deployments and mass firings of civilian employees. Trump’s past pronouncements on using active-duty forces for law enforcement and deportations, along with his desire to “clean out” the national security establishment, have raised concerns about potential abuses of power. The possibility of a Trump administration invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy troops domestically, as well as the reinstatement of Schedule F which could make it easier to fire federal employees, are major points of anxiety within the Department of Defense. While the Pentagon has limited means to preemptively prevent such actions, officials are preparing contingency plans and emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and resisting unlawful orders.
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A second Trump presidency poses a grave threat to American democracy, potentially mirroring Hungary’s descent into authoritarianism. Trump’s agenda, as outlined in his campaign and by allies, includes a “retribution” against his political opponents, a consolidation of executive power, and a weakening of democratic institutions. However, the United States possesses several safeguards against this threat, including a federal structure that limits the national government’s power, an independent judiciary, and a politically active citizenry. While the coming years will be a critical test for American democracy, the country’s resilience and the awareness of the threat offer reasons for cautious optimism. The fight to defend democracy will require vigilance and action from all sectors of American society.
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While inflation has been curbed somewhat by Biden’s policies, including regulatory oversight and investment programs aimed at stabilizing supply chains, the likely return of Trump’s policies will reverse these gains and trigger a surge in inflation. Trump’s proposed actions, such as deregulation, repealing Biden’s investment programs, and increased deportations, will exacerbate supply chain disruptions and labor shortages, leading to higher prices across various sectors. Additionally, his rejection of climate change policies and continuation of tax cuts will contribute to increased costs for consumers, while his tariff proposals hold the potential for massive inflationary pressure. Ultimately, a Trump presidency is poised to significantly increase inflation, a reality that the Democratic Party should actively communicate to the public.
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Jack Smith’s decision to pause the January 6th case after Trump’s election has sparked outrage and disappointment among many. It feels like a surrender to the corrupt system that allows wealthy and powerful individuals to escape consequences for their actions. The anger and frustration are palpable, with many feeling like the justice system is rigged against the common person.
People are questioning why it took four years to bring this to trial, highlighting the glacial pace of justice in this situation. The perception is that the Department of Justice has been cowardly and inactive, failing to hold Trump accountable for his actions.… Continue reading
Progressive governors and attorneys general are taking a proactive stance against President-elect Trump’s anticipated policies, mirroring the resistance seen during his first term. States like California, New York, Illinois, and Massachusetts are enacting legislation and mobilizing legal resources to protect vulnerable populations, safeguard environmental regulations, and uphold reproductive rights. This “Trump-proofing” strategy employs state-level laws, lawsuits, and executive actions to counter potential federal overreach. Despite Trump’s improved performance in key blue states and a conservative-leaning judiciary, progressive leaders remain resolute in their opposition, vowing to fight for their constituents and the principles they believe in.
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Following President-elect Donald Trump’s re-election victory, Democratic governors across the country are preparing to fight against his second-term agenda. Several governors have spoken of their intentions to safeguard their states’ values, including protecting civil rights, reproductive freedom, and immigrant families. These efforts will likely involve litigation, special sessions, and the creation of task forces to combat policies viewed as harmful. Democratic leaders are committed to using every tool at their disposal to protect their citizens and hold the Trump administration accountable to the rule of law.
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Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has stated he will not resign from his position, even if asked to do so by President-Elect Donald Trump. This declaration came during a press conference following a meeting of the Federal Reserve, where a reporter pointed out that some of Trump’s advisors have suggested Powell should step down. Powell’s firm “No” response to this question was followed by a clarification that he does not believe he is legally obligated to resign.
Further inquiries from journalists focused on the President’s authority to dismiss or demote Powell. The Fed Chair definitively stated that such actions are “not permitted under the law”.… Continue reading
The Houthi leader’s prediction that Trump would fail to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is, at the very least, questionable. It’s certainly not a novel statement, as generations of presidents have attempted to broker peace in the region only to be met with stalemate. The history of this conflict is deeply entrenched, and the Houthi leader’s proclamation is not necessarily a bold statement, given the intractable nature of the situation.
However, it’s worth considering the context of the Houthi leader’s statement. The Houthis, a Yemeni group, have a long history of antagonism towards Israel, even going so far as to have “Death to Israe*” and “Curse the J***” inscribed on their flag and weapons.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood