Pushback 75
Hi folks! I know it's been a few days longer than usual between posts but I was traveling and finding it hard to find the time to sift through all the links I had gathered.
At the risk of sounding like I am stuck in last week's drama, I wanted to make a quick observation about the Qatar plane debacle that I haven't seen anywhere else. I heard pundits asking why there was a pretense about this plane being Air Force One, given the security issues and delivery delay that would cause. Realistically, it would need to be dismantled and rebuilt looking for security breaches and wouldn't be ready until the end of Trump's presidency, at which point it reverts to his "foundation." I think the pretense is necessary to Trump because he understands the Supreme Court immunity ruling to mean that as long as he can tie any unlawful or corrupt practice to his "official acts" as the President, he is immune.
Given that Thomas got an Air Force One of RVs from one of his benefactors, it's safe to assume that this plane would pass muster with a majority of the Court. The bigger question is, how will Trump tie all his other grifts and bribes and corrupt business practices to allegedly Presidential acts. Nearly everything he does should be viewed through a lens that he is trying to avoid prosecution while also enriching himself. The fact that he even couches this shit in vaguely presidential terms means that he knows he is vulnerable and that he might one day be held accountable for his actions. Or if he isn't, his family will be. And they should.
Finally, please consider supporting vulnerable Dem House members now. With contributions at this point in the cycle, they can pay campaign staff, which is a high value cost because it supports grassroots organizing. There is a fundraiser for Rep. Josh Harder (CA-9) on May 31 in Berkeley. Please consider attending or donating!
Blueprint for Saving Democracy
"Democrats" are elected officials, government agencies, unions, and non-profits. "Grassroots" are individuals, political organizing groups, and informal groups. "Disloyal Opposition" are Republicans, conservatives, business interests, and other interests more typically aligned with the GOP agenda.
The Democrats
Messaging
Statement on Recent Executive Actions Threatening the Availability of Legal Counsel and the Rule of Law (California State Bar statement)
Democrats plan to fly ‘Qatar-a-Lago’ banner at Trump’s home
Pete Buttigieg rips Trump’s Veterans Affairs cuts & defends trans troops in Iowa town hall
Rachel Levine says Trump's HHS is jeopardizing public health
US health department to reverse federal layoffs of coal safety workers, senator says
NJ Mayor Makes Startling Claim About His Warrantless Arrest
Legislative Action
Dem Senator Alsobrooks explains to RFK Jr. his own aunt's legacy during Senate hearing
Senate Rejects Democrats’ Bid to Force State Dept. to Report on Rights in El Salvador
Judicial Action
‘There Is No Rational Basis Behind What the President Is Trying to Accomplish’
Legal Victory Against the New Trump Administration
Trump can't strip Foreign Service workers of their collective bargaining rights, judge says
Direct Action and Escalation
Hundreds of educators rally in San Francisco against Trump's cuts to federal funding
Library of Congress Staff Turn Away New MAGA Bosses
Kennedy Center employees announce plans to unionize
Provision of Services
Over 200 Organizations: House Tax Bill Threatens Tax Status for Charities, Churches, and Nonprofits
The Grassroots
Messaging and Media
Poll: American Jews overwhelmingly reject Trump and his antisemitism policies
2nd-Place Runner in High School Race Rips Maine GOP Lawmaker for Attacking Trans Winner
Legislative and Judicial Action
Trump administration acknowledges another error in a high-profile deportation
The Fight's Not Over: One Family's Battle to Keep Birthright Citizenship in the U.S.
Wong Kim Ark’s descendants fight to uphold birthright citizenship Supreme Court victory
2 officials fired by Trump return to court to challenge his power
Direct Action and Escalation
Nationwide protest against the Trump administration planned for next month
Protest Erupts Outside Supreme Court and More Great News That's Bad For Trump
Ben & Jerry's co-founder arrested protesting Senate hearing: 'RFK kills people'
Ben & Jerry's co-founder among those arrested at RFK Jr.'s testimony
Company returns entire Tesla vehicle fleet because of Elon Musk | Electrek
Retirees protest against Trump administration policies in downtown Canton
People gather in Greenwood to protest Trump administration
Provision of Services
EPA Employees Declined to Report Colleagues Working on DEI Initiatives
If We Stand Up For Each Other, We Can Protect Each Other
The Disloyal Opposition
Trump's critics and supporters unite against Qatar plane deal
Conservatives block Trump agenda bill from advancing in major setback for GOP leaders
GOP leaders draw the line at Trump’s Library of Congress takeover
The Republican Trainwreck of the 2026 Election Cycle
Senate Republicans put House on notice: We won't accept your Trump agenda bill without changes
Trump’s tariffs may mean Walmart shoppers pay more, his Treasury chief acknowledges
