Blue Wave, Red Tide

🌊A Sea of Corruption 🌊

📌Trump Says He is Committed to Ongoing ICE Raids: 'They Haven't Gone Far Enough'

What Happened: In an interview, Trump says his immigration raids “haven’t gone far enough” with targeting and deporting illegal immigrants. ICE agents have been filmed using violent tactics to detain supposed immigrants, and Trump supports this violence as necessary to “get the people out.” Though Trump claims ICE is only after violent criminals, data from recent months found that only 17% of those detained had been convicted of murder or sexual assault. 

Why It Matters: Trump’s words are not just your basic political talk—they’re calculated lies meant to manipulate fear. By framing ICE raids as a crackdown on violent criminals, Trump hides the reality that most of those being detained are ordinary workers, parents, and long-time residents who help keep this country running. With the Supreme Court giving the greenlight for ICE agents to racially profile, this wish for escalation puts all minorities at risk. Trump’s endorsement of these raids normalizes brutality, turning state power against the very people who contribute to our economy and communities. If this continues, America risks becoming a nation where fear replaces freedom and cruelty is mistaken for strength. 

📌The GOP Claimed Biden Didn’t Know Whom He Was Pardoning. Trump Now Says He Doesn’t Know Whom He’s Pardoning

What Happened: Last week, House Republicans published a report stating (without evidence) that Biden did not know who he was pardoning, yet Trump just admitted to doing this very thing. After pardoning Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance convicted of enabling money laundering, Trump couldn’t seem to remember who he even was. This pardon is controversial since Binance hosts the Trump family’s crypto firm, meaning Trump will financially profit from the release of Zhao.

Why It Matters: Trump’s pardon exposes a double standard and blatant corruption. Republicans spent years accusing Biden of mental lapses, but Trump is seemingly free to be clueless without consequence. Spending time during a government shutdown to finish a report about someone not even in office, House Republicans tried to turn attention away from Trump. While Republicans attempt to diminish the validity of Biden’s pardons, they are turning a blind eye to Trump—hypocrisy at its finest. Putting profit over the law, Trump undermines trust in justice and accountability. It’s a clear example of how power can be abused, and it signals to Americans that the rules don’t apply equally. 

📌Some Head Start Preschools Shutter as Government Shutdown Continues

What Happened: With the government shutdown, dozens of Head Start centers are missing out on federal grant payments and must close indefinitely. These centers provide child care, education, and meals to low-income households and children in foster care. 8,000 families have been affected so far, and pauses to SNAP benefits are only making the situation worse.

Why It Matters: Republicans are holding the government hostage because they refuse to fund healthcare coverage for millions of Americans, and the most vulnerable amongst us are paying the price. Head Start is a necessity for low-income families who cannot survive if a parent must stay home to watch their children. Without the centers, those who are already struggling will be forced into an even worse economic position. While Democrats are fighting for these Americans, Republicans are pushing them aside in favor of tax cuts for the wealthy and Trump’s wish that the Epstein files remain unreleased. From SNAP to Head Start, the negligence of Republicans is starting to pile up, suffocating Americans who have no way out.

📌Hegseth Restricts Military Officials From Talking to Congress Without Prior Approval

What Happened: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is restricting military officials from talking to lawmakers about major issues, namely strikes in the Caribbean and how the Pentagon buys weapons, without prior approval. Though Congress is responsible for overseeing the Pentagon’s $1 trillion budget and annual defense policy, the body is not allowed to hear exactly what is going on. Congressional staffers are worried needed information will not reach Congress in time to make crucial decisions.

Why It Matters: Hegseth is not concerned about security—he simply wants the unconstitutional maneuvers of the Defense Department and Trump to remain unchecked. Striking supposed drug boats in the Caribbean without permission and hiding how weapons are bought should warrant investigations, but Hegseth is avoiding this by forcing his employees to keep their mouths shut. The Trump administration is crafting a new image of our government, not one of accountability and democracy, but one that is full of secrecy, lies, and corruption. When Hegseth and Trump continually place the United States in international danger, Congress, the voice of the people, should have a say. Avoiding the system of checks and balances is the move of a dictatorship—-one set on destroying the foundational values of our country.

📌Trump Hosted 'Great Gatsby' Halloween Party Hours Before SNAP Funding Lapsed

What Happened: In the final hours before millions of Americans lost their SNAP benefits, Trump decided to host a Great Gatsby themed Halloween Party instead of doing his job. Democratic leaders are criticizing Trump for prioritizing his wealthy friends over the people he was elected to serve. 

Why It Matters: The Great Gatsby is known for its critiques on the class divisions that took over America in the 1920s, and Trump’s party during the longest government shutdown in history fits this theme perfectly. Ready to negotiate a budget that secures affordable healthcare, Democrats on Capitol Hill have been trying to work with Republicans for weeks. Trump, in the face of this debate, chose to flee to Mar-a-lago and party while families prepared to go hungry. It is clear now more than ever how inconsiderate, vile, and inhumane the man holding the office of the presidency is. Republicans continue trying to blame the shutdown on Democrats, but it is their leader who is purposely stalling the process. 

📌CNN Exit Polls: Voters’ Dissatisfaction with Trump Helped Fuel Democratic Wins in Key Races

What Happened: Across exit polls taken in Virginia, Rhode Island, New York, and California elections where Democrats won big, CNN determined a majority of voters were dissatisfied with Trump and used their ballot to send a message. The Democratic candidates campaigned on platforms of affordability, reaching voters at a personal level. 

Why It Matters: The blue wave is here, and Democrats preparing for the midterms must catch the surf quickly. These election victories prove that Democrats can run on platforms of affordability and win, countering the dire economy Trump is currently running. New, young leaders like Mamdani should be supported as that is the kind of politician voters are looking for—not an out-of-touch elitist but a person who actually loves the jurisdiction they are fighting to represent. The upcoming midterms are crucial for stopping Trump and Republicans in Congress from passing any more authoritarian and cruel legislation, so Democrats must work off this messaging and strategy to start winning again. 

🎭 Meme of the Week

See you next week—stay informed, stay engaged, and don’t let the BS fool you.

✨Your movement bestie – Shae

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