Democracy vs. Monarchy: The Fight for America

 🪧The Spirit of 1776🪧

📌Former Rep. George Santos Released From Prison After Trump Commutes His Sentence

What Happened: The seven-year prison sentence disgraced former Representative George Santos was serving for fraud has been commuted by Trump. Republicans, including Majorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert, claimed Santos was mistreated by being placed in solitary confinement. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies called out Trump for focusing on Santos instead of the government shutdown and healthcare.

Why It Matters: In the United States, no one is above the law, but Trump has thrown this principle right out the window. By pardoning Santos, Trump signaled to Republicans that they can escape accountability if they kiss his ring. Narratives around the arrest of Santos that argue it was cruel and politically-motivated are hiding the truth—an elected official abused his power for personal gain. Instead of facing justice, Santos has been let free to continue lying and deceiving the American people. Republicans are covering their blind loyalty to Trump’s decisions with blatant manipulation, and their actions set a dangerous precedent where party now comes before the law.

📌Trump Posts AI Video Showing Him Dumping on No Kings Protesters

What Happened: In response to the No Kings protests, Trump posted an AI video on Truth Social of himself (wearing a crown) flying a fighter jet and dropping feces on protestors. One of the protesters is Harry Sisson, a left-wing influence who frequently calls out the Trump administration. Over the last nine months, Trump has posted dozens of AI videos attacking his opposition and proclaiming himself a dictator.

Why It Matters: Trump’s post is as disgusting as it is telling. Instead of listening to the seven million Americans who protested against his policies, Trump decided to drop feces on them. It is clear that Trump has no respect for the right to free speech or the office of the presidency. His post proved the exact point of the No Kings protests—Trump is a wannabe dictator whose goal is to ensue authoritarian rule over Americans. The inclusion of Harry Sisson heightens tensions between parties at a time when political violence is rising. Actions like his used to be major scandals, but with Republicans set on obeying Trump’s every order, it is certain no true consequences will be felt.

📌Jeffries Having 'Conversations' With Mamdani, But No Endorsement

What Happened: The New York City mayoral race is happening in just a few weeks where Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani is set to take on disgraced former Governor Andrew Cuomo. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies has not endorsed Mamdani, claiming more conversations are needed about his policies. 

Why It Matters: Democrats must stand strong behind Mamdani and the civic engagement he is cultivating in New York City. With early voting starting soon, it is critical that leaders like Jefferies offer public support for Mamdani and his agenda. While Mamdani has credible and applicable plans to make New York City more affordable, Cuomo is stepping into the race as a sexual harasser who will only pull the city backwards. The choice is clear, but Jefferies, and other Democrats who follow him, are still holding back their support. A new era of Democratic leaders is coming—the party must rise to the occasion instead of refusing to allow the party to evolve.

📌North Carolina Legislature Passes New Congressional Map in Latest GOP Redistricting Push

What Happened: The North Carolina Republican legislature has redrawn its congressional map to prevent Democratic Representative Don Davis from being re-elected. State law prevents Democratic Governor Josh Stein from vetoing congressional maps, so the redistricting was passed without challenge. Because Democrats only need to gain three seats to flip House control, Republicans nationwide are determined to stop the voice of voters from being heard.

Why It Matters: Republicans are not even trying to hide their scheming since every map proposed by state legislatures is a blatant attempt to rig elections in Trump’s favor. By retaking the House, Democrats would be able to stop all legislation Trump is attempting to pass. This deadlock is needed to save our democracy from authoritarian overreach and prevent further cuts to welfare programs like Medicare, food stamps, and veteran services. Davis is one of only three Black representatives for North Carolina and he serves predominantly Black populations, making this redistricting an example of racial gerrymandering. If Republicans are allowed to redistrict without more pushback from the courts or states like California, then the integrity of our once free and fair elections will be ruined.

📌Historic Preservation Group Asks Trump Admin. to Pause White House East Wing Demolition Where Ballroom Will Be

What Happened: Trump is currently demolishing the East Wing of the White House to build a larger ballroom without approval from Congress, the Supreme Court, or the American people. The National Trust for Historic Preservation—a nonprofit chartered by Congress—has written a letter urging the Trump administration to pause the demolition until the construction plans have been reviewed. Though possessing no statutory authority to stop Trump, the nonprofit’s concerns about the historical artifacts and structures being lost should not be ignored.

Why It Matters: The pictures of Trump demolishing the White House are the perfect metaphor for his administration and what it has done to America. Without a care for history or the American people, Trump has decided to fuel his own ego by making the ballroom larger to impress fellow leaders. The White House belongs to the American people—it is a key piece of our history and a reminder of our long-lasting democracy. By prioritizing a ballroom over honoring this tradition, Trump is telling everyone exactly where his loyalties lie—not with his fellow citizens, but himself.

📌Vance Expresses Optimism and Preaches Patience in Israel as Ceasefire Worries Grow

What Happened: Despite recent Israeli strikes on the Palestinian people and efforts by Hamas to reassert control, Vance is optimistic the already broken ceasefire between the two forces will stand. Trump is set on ending Hamas and granting his unwavering support to Israel. Recent public appearances by Vance about the ceasefire indicate a potential presidential run in the 2028 election.

Why It Matters: The Palestinian people, according to a United Nations Commission, are facing a genocide at the hands of the Israeli government. This finding that has been apparent for years has not caused the Trump administration to pull back military support or focus on humanitarian efforts. Vance using the broken ceasefire as political points shows how little care he has for the real people suffering, starving, and dying everyday in Palestine. It is important political leaders call the Israeli occupation what it is—a genocide—and stop sending bombs that target civilians. The United States should be a proponent of peace, not a blind supporter of a colonizer.

🎭 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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