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Democracy Defenders Action

@democracydefendersaction.org
19K followers 43 following 548 posts

Democracy Defenders Action brings together a bipartisan, all-star team of experts to fight autocracy, protect the constitution and safeguard American democracy. linktr.ee/DemocracyDefendersAction

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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 13h
Trump said he’d “pay for” the ads. Now the WH says that does NOT mean reimbursing taxpayers for the money already spent. MAGA Inc. will cover future ads—but taxpayers are still stuck with the $20M+ bill for political propaganda Trump & should have paid for in the first place.
washingtonexaminer.com
Trump won't reimburse government for public service announcements
Trump's super PAC, MAGA, Inc., has confirmed it is paying for the forthcoming ads.
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 16h
If Trump’s super PAC can pay for these ads now, why were taxpayers paying for them in the first place? More than $10 million in taxpayer-funded ads have already aired. Now MAGA Inc. will pick up the tab. So who decided taxpayers should foot the bill to begin with? www.nytimes.com/2026/10/05/u...
nytimes.com
Facing Backlash, Trump Says His Super PAC Will Pay for Taxpayer-Funded Ads
The president said that his PAC, MAGA, Inc., would pay for TV ads promoting him that had been paid for with taxpayer money.
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 05/10/2026
A dubious promise of $5k checks for all $500 payments to healthcare enrollees-in red states $90 payments to seniors This is a red herring on steroids and raises serious legal questions about buying votes. ...and none of it will fix the bad WH policies driving the affordability crisis.
cnn.com
Trump is clearly trying to buy votes with taxpayer money | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump is ramping up his efforts to use taxpayer money and resources to help Republicans win the 2026 mi
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 02/10/2026
32 days til Election Day. Voting by mail, early, or on Election Day? Pick what works for you, then invite family, friends, neighbors or co-workers to join you. #LetsGetVoteReady #WeAreAmericaAndWeVote www.andwevote.org/p/ddf
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 02/10/2026
If an administration can bend rules, intimidate opponents, or meddle with elections, the answer cannot be to sit out. Voter registration deadlines are approaching in states across the country. Check your registration. Register if you need to. Be ready to make your voice heard. #LetsGetVoteReady
vote.org
Everything You Need to Vote - Vote.org
Register to vote. Check your registration status. Get your absentee ballot. Fast, free, easy, secure, nonpartisan.
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 02/10/2026
Trump’s memecoin investors lost a collective $4.7B. Trump made at least $635M. Now he’s selling access to the White House once again, offering his biggest investors dinner with the president. The jig is up—or it would be if Congress did its duty and demanded answers.
washingtonsun.com
Want Dinner With the President? Buy His Meme Coin.
The $Trump meme coin is offering buyers a new "exclusive" opportunity to meet the president.
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 02/10/2026
Georgia’s GOP-controlled election board is escalating its push to advance Trump’s election-interference agenda—a desperate attempt to change the rules weeks before voting begins.
democracydocket.com
GOP-controlled Georgia election board asks DOJ to declare state’s voting machines illegal
The request represents a major assault on the state's voting system by unelected state officials.
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 01/10/2026
Trump took a 2024 campaign ad, put “Paid for by the U.S. Government” at the end, and ran it on taxpayers’ dime. More than $1.7 million from DHS went into ads during football and prime time. The White House calls that a PSA🙄 We aren’t fooled. #PayToPlayPresident
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 01/10/2026
The White House calls Trump’s taxpayer-funded TV ad “education.” Education about what? That a president can use government money to put himself on TV while people are trying to cover rent, groceries, and gas? That arrogance costs all of us. #PayToPlayPresident
democracydefendersaction.org
A Congress Doing Its Duty Would Halt Trump’s Taxpayer-Funded Propaganda Ads | Democracy Defenders Action
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 01/10/2026
The Kennedy Center was financially stable before Trump took over. Since then, Trump and his handpicked board have driven away donors and audiences, gutted staff, drained reserves, and piled on debt—while claiming they inherited a failing institution. The record says otherwise.
washingtonpost.com
The Kennedy Center was solvent when Trump took over. Then its finances collapsed.
The Post examined 15 years of the institution’s financial records to see why it went south after the president took over
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 01/10/2026
Trump and the GOP gutted health care last year. So now Americans are paying more for health care, not to mention gas, groceries, and housing. A one-time $500 check for a few is propaganda—not policy. www.cnbc.com/amp/2026/09/30/obamaca…
cnbc.com
Trump administration starts sending $500 Obamacare refund checks — who stands to benefit
The refunds come after millions of people lost premium subsidies for their health insurance and right before the midterm
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 30/09/2026
GAO reaffirmed that Trump’s use of pocket rescissions to bypass Congress is illegal & undermines a basic check on presidential power—while withholding funding for healthcare, housing, education, etc. at a time when many Americans are struggling with basic costs. thehill.com/business/bud...
thehill.com
GAO reasserts pocket rescissions’ illegality after Trump uses tactic to cancel nearly $1B
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) reasserted Tuesday that President Trump’s use of a “pocket rescission” to cancel $810 million in federal funding was unlawful.  The letter by the gov…
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 30/09/2026
MAGA Inc.’s biggest donors aren’t just funding political ads—they’re also benefiting from government contracts, regulatory decisions, appointments, and more. @americanprogress.bsky.social examines what that means for our democracy. Check it out:
americanprogressaction.org
How President Trump and His Administration Are Benefiting MAGA Inc. Super PAC Donors
While American families pay more under Trump, MAGA Inc. donors are collecting contracts, pardons, and favorable regulato
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Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
VICTORY: a unanimous 11th Circuit just REFUSED to stay sanctions on Trump & Co. over his $1.8B slush fund He sued his own govt & his own DOJ agreed to the payout. The court wasn't buying it! @democracydefendersaction.org & partners are proud to rep the 35 frm fed judges who blew the whistle 👇 -TN
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 29/09/2026
No love here 👇 Artist JMSN is demanding the Trump administration immediately cease and desist use of his song “Love Me” in political ads broadcast by the White House. We are proud to represent JMSN with Ballard Spahr LLP.
democracydefendersaction.org
JMSN, "Love Me" Artist, Demands White House Stop Using His Music in Its Political Ads
Attorneys for Christian Berishaj, who performs as JMSN, last night sent a cease-and-desist letter to White House Chief o
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 28/09/2026
Taxpayers are footing the bill for Trump ads while Americans face rising costs and cuts to public services—and Trump’s wealth has surged by billions during his presidency. Public money doubling as political branding is a corruption problem. Taxpayers deserve better than propaganda.
cnn.com
White House airs another government-funded ad, this time with Trump warning of ‘final battle’ | CNN Politics
The Trump administration is set to launch another overtly political campaign ad funded by taxpayer dollars, attacking th
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 26/09/2026
The Trump administration has increasingly used the threat of political violence to justify investigations into and scrutiny of its critics. Make no mistake: the Constitution is on the people’s side. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/22/u...
nytimes.com
How Trump Has Cracked Down on Dissent Since the Killing of Charlie Kirk
The White House has labeled critics terrorists, attributed violence to a left-wing conspiracy and investigated unions, nonprofits and other groups in a battle over free speech.
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 25/09/2026
2 things you need to know about the SCOTUS ruling 1) It does not allow states to conduct mass voter roll purges before the midterms. 2) “Noncitizen voting” is a ruse to interfere in our elections. State audits keep confirming it. We & partners are fighting all attempts to silence eligible voters.
nytimes.com
Supreme Court Allows Use of Trump Administration’s Expansive Database for Voter Screening (Gift Article)
Critics of a citizenship database built by the Trump administration have raised alarms about privacy and improper voter purges.
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Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Please don't overreact to the SCOTUS SAVE database decision today Page 6 of the decision makes clear that we are in the 90 day statutory window when mass changes cannot be made to voter lists! Yeah it's a shit decision for the reasons the 3 dissenters say but we can deal with it. More to come...
nytimes.com
Supreme Court Allows Expansive Voter Screening Tool Ahead of Midterms (Gift Article)
Critics of the Trump administration system to monitor the citizenship status of voters had raised alarms about privacy and improper voter purges.
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 23/09/2026
40 days until the midterms. Before Election Day, take a look at what your members of Congress have actually done on corruption, government accountability, and pro-democracy measures. Explore our Stop Corruption Now Scorecard: democracydefendersaction.org/resource/stop-corruption-now-scorecard/
democracydefendersaction.org
Stop Corruption Now Scorecard
The Stop Corruption Now scorecard identifies key pieces of legislation that address public corruption, preserve the rule
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 22/09/2026
The public will remember what happened at the Kennedy Center. Trump seized control of a revered national institution, tried to put his name on it despite repeated court rulings, and now threatens its future rather than accept one simple fact: The Kennedy Center does not belong to Donald Trump.
contrariannews.org
Trump Broke the Kennedy Center...
Now He Claims Only He Can Fix It
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 21/09/2026
Trump broke the Kennedy Center. Now he claims only he can fix it. Undermine the institution. Create the crisis. Then insist only the leader who caused it can save it. Our team explains why this fight is bigger than one building. www.contrariannews.org/p/trump-brok…
contrariannews.org
Trump Broke the Kennedy Center...
Now He Claims Only He Can Fix It
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 21/09/2026
State media right after he bans CNN smh #No1stAmendmentBan www.the-independent.com/news/world/…
the-independent.com
White House shredded for promoting its own news app after Trump’s media ban
The White House promoted its official app as a way to receive ‘the news that matters most’
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 21/09/2026
The fight over the Ellison takeover may be entering a new chapter, but the fight against media consolidation isn’t over. Hundreds of thousands spoke out against this deal. That momentum matters—and the work to protect a diverse, independent media landscape continues.
democracydefendersaction.org
Block the Merger Coalition Statement on Ellison’s Sweetheart Deal
The Block the Merger Coalition released the following statement following news that state Attorneys General reached a se
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 21/09/2026
A bipartisan Congress passed the law that named the nation's cultural center for President John F. Kennedy. No other president has taken control of the board. No other president has demanded his name be immortalized on another president's memorial.
nytimes.com
How President Trump Broke the Kennedy Center
Internal emails and documents demonstrate the political capture of the institution, including how officials once pursued a plan to unload much of the art collection.
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 21/09/2026
It's not surprising 70% of us say Trump is doing badly on the economy. People can't afford groceries, gas, or housing—but Trump is so weirdly obsessed w/ monuments to himself that he has threatened to tear down the Kennedy Center because his name isn't on it.
newsweek.com
Donald Trump's approval rating hits all time low
The new poll showed Trump struggling to win voters over on the economy, with over 70 percent believing it was getting wo
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Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Great story about how the opposition to a settlement of the Paramount Warner's merger case has exploded Kudos @megjames.bsky.social and thanks for quoting our Contrarian analysis of the Ellison bluff to leave LA
latimes.com
Opposition grows to Paramount-Warner Bros. merger settlement as deal enters critical week
Critics of the $111-billion Paramount acquisition of Warner Bros. urged California Atty. Gen. Bonta and other state atto
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 19/09/2026
With gas prices high, approval ratings down, and repeated court setbacks over the Kennedy Center, Trump’s latest move is banning the press. Another headline to pull attention from what Americans are actually dealing with—and another affront to the 1st Amendment.
npr.org
CNN, MS NOW, Politico reporters denied access to White House following Trump ban
Three reporters were blocked from the White House grounds Saturday morning, a day after President Trump said CNN, Politi
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 19/09/2026
A Paramount-WBD merger means fewer independent newsrooms checking power, right as Trump is banning journalists from the White House. The Ellisons already gutted 60 Minutes & installed a MAGA loyalist to run CBS News. Now they want to take over CNN. Any concession is a threat to a free press.
status.news
Ellison's Settlement Squeeze
Paramount may be closing in on a settlement with California AG Rob Bonta, but at least two states are pushing back, Status has learned, raising new questions about how far regulators are willing to be...
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 18/09/2026
Trumps says he's banning CNN, MS NOW, and Politico over their coverage of his administration. The 1st Amendment protects a free press—including the right to scrutinize those in power without government retaliation for what they report. That principle matters regardless of who is in office.
nytimes.com
Trump Says He Has Banned CNN, MS NOW and Politico From White House
The president cited reporting from the outlets that he deemed “fake news.” It was unclear how such a ban would be enforced or defended in court.
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 18/09/2026
The Kennedy Center doesn’t need Trump’s name to survive. Since he took over the institution, artists canceled, donors fled, and ticket sales plummeted. Now the financial fallout from his takeover is being used to justify putting his name on the building.
cnn.com
Trump’s reason for holding the Kennedy Center hostage doesn’t even make sense | CNN Politics
There is plenty that’s bizarre about President Donald Trump’s attempt to take the Kennedy Center hostage over a judge’s
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Joshua Kolb @joshuakolb.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
As soon as Trump started to move to shut down the Kennedy Center, we went straight to court yet again And we won. Accountability, judicial oversight, and -- importantly -- discovery into what Trump is trying to do & his demolition threat I explained w/ @kaitlancollins.bsky.social
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 17/09/2026
BREAKING: Rep. Beatty & Counsel Applaud Ruling Blocking Kennedy Center Demolition Judge Cooper issued a ruling in the ongoing Kennedy Center case that effectively prevents Trump from demolishing the Center without notice. Judge Cooper also ordered discovery into the Board’s actions. More here 👇
democracydefendersaction.org
Judge Blocks Unlawful Attempt to Demolish Kennedy Center
Congresswoman Beatty and counsel applaud Judge Cooper’s ruling blocking Kennedy Center demolition.
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 17/09/2026
Last year, Trump accepted a $400M Qatari jet. Members of Congress did nothing about it. Taxpayers ended up footing the bill to retrofit. We need a Congress that serves as a check on Trump's vast conflicts of interests and abuses of power, or we'll all pay the price. #StopTrumpCorruption
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 17/09/2026
Trump says if he can't put his name on the Kennedy Center, he'll demolish it. Since he + his handpicked board seem intent on breaking the law, @repbeatty.bsky.social filed an emergency request to make clear the court order blocking the Center's unlawful closure means they can't demolish it either.
democracydefendersaction.org
Rep. Beatty Asks Court to Make Crystal Clear Kennedy Center Cannot Be Demolished, Requests Emergency Hearing
Judge Cooper has made clear that the renaming is unlawful and permanent closure would require court approval. Yet, Presi
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 16/09/2026
Judge Cooper made it clear: Any efforts to shut down the Kennedy Center would violate a court order. Trump’s handpicked board is trying it anyway. @repbeatty.bsky.social is demanding answers on the unexplained and unlawful closure. We are proud to stand w/ Rep. Beatty & Washington Litigation Group.
democracydefendersaction.org
Rep. Beatty Requests Emergency Hearing Regarding Violation Of Court Order
Rep. Joyce Beatty filed a motion requesting an emergency hearing before a federal district court to enforce compliance w
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Joshua Kolb @joshuakolb.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Trump wants to shut down the Kennedy Center out of ego & spite But his attempts to create a monument to himself are illegal That's why we @democracydefendersaction.org & co-counsel WLG, on behalf of @repbeatty.bsky.social, have taken him to court & won I explained this morning @cnn.com
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Joshua Kolb @joshuakolb.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
The Tate Brothers evaded justice for years while building relationships w/ Trump's family & closest advisers I explain @slate.com how they reportedly took advantage of those connections It's an Epstein-style scandal that must be exposed slate.com/news-and-pol...
slate.com
Trumpworld Has Found Its New Jeffrey Epstein
The ties with the Tate brothers are deep.
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 16/09/2026
Congress has a critical role in checking executive power. But what are members actually doing to fight corruption and protect democracy? Our new Stop Corruption Now Scorecard tracks their votes and cosponsorships on key anti-corruption and democracy measures in the 119th Congress.
democracydefendersaction.org
Stop Corruption Now Scorecard
The Stop Corruption Now scorecard identifies key pieces of legislation that address public corruption, preserve the rule
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 15/09/2026
The unlawful renaming of the Kennedy Center drove away artists and audiences. Now, after driving the Center into a financial crisis, Trump's handpicked board has voted to shut it down yet again—rather than take responsibility for its own mismanagement. We’re fighting back in court.
democracydefendersaction.org
Congresswoman Beatty, Counsel Condemn Vote to Shutter Kennedy Center
Donald Trump’s handpicked board of trustees voted to immediately close the Kennedy Center, just minutes after a federal
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 15/09/2026
National Voter Registration Day is a reminder that democracy belongs to all of us. Your vote is your voice. Registering and checking your registration is your first step toward making that voice heard. Today, make sure you’re registered. #GetReadyToVote www.vote411.org
vote411.org
VOTE411
Election information you need. Brought to you by The League of Women Voters Education Fund.
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 15/09/2026
A fed judge has permanently blocked Trump’s handpicked Kennedy Center board from installing memorials for Trump without Congress’s approval & held the administration to the law. Co-counsel Norm Eisen from DDA: “Two times the court has told President Trump the same thing: You are not above the law.”
democracydefendersaction.org
STATEMENT: Rep. Beatty and Counsel Respond After Judge Cooper Holds Trump Violated Injunction Barring His Name From Appearing On The Kennedy Center
Judge Cooper issued a permanent injunction blocking Trump’s handpicked Kennedy Center Board from installing “memorials for President Trump or anyone or anything else at the Kennedy Center without Cong...
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 15/09/2026
BIG VICTORY: A federal judge has permanently blocked Trump’s handpicked Kennedy Center board from putting his name on the building. Again, the courts have rejected this effort. Again, the message is the same: the president is not above the law. The rule of law prevails.
nytimes.com
Trump’s Name Must Stay Off Kennedy Center, Judge Rules (Gift Article)
A federal judge told center officials at a hearing that he would not approve a plan to inscribe President Trump’s name on the building.
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 15/09/2026
Democracy Defenders Fund and partners fought Trump's USPS mail voting rule at every level & today SCOTUS rejected it for the midterms. The Constitution gives the power to set election rules to Congress and the states, not Donald Trump. DDF Legal Director Tianna Mays on what this means for voters 👇
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 14/09/2026
The Senate will vote again on the CLARITY Act, this time with new "ethics" language intended to address presidential conflicts of interests. Except it doesn't. Instead it leaves wide loopholes for Trump to continue to profit at the expense of the people. The Senate must vote no.
democracydefendersaction.org
White House’s Newest CLARITY Act ‘Ethics’ Language Misses the Mark — Again
Ahead of Tuesday’s Senate vote on the CLARITY Act, the White House released new ethics language intended to address concerns raised about presidential conflicts of interest.
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 14/09/2026
Trump forced his way into control of a national cultural institution, remade its leadership and programming, and audiences and donors fled. Now they’re saying the answer to the crisis that followed is… more Trump.
nytimes.com
Kennedy Center Warns of Bankruptcy Unless Trump’s Name Is Added
The caution, contained in a draft resolution to the center’s board, comes as a federal judge decides whether President Trump’s name should remain off the building.
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 11/09/2026
Karen Attiah was fired for social media posts that challenged questionable narratives, but she fought back—and won. Today, with the right to vote and other fundamental rights under attack, her case is a reminder that we all have the power to refuse to bend and protect our democracy and our rights.
contrariannews.org
Karen Attiah’s Victory over the ‘Washington Post’ Matters for All of Us
Journalist Karen Attiah refused to be silent, and eventually found vindication through the court of law. Guardrails remain.
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 11/09/2026
The anti-democratic project to rewrite our history and redefine who belongs was laid bare last year after online mobs, emboldened by powerful politicos, rebranded a conservative firebrand and attempted to silence anyone who dared say anything different.
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 11/09/2026
The peaceful transfer of power is not a partisan principle. It is a foundation of American democracy. Read Judge Luttig’s full warning on what could happen after November 3—and why Congress needs to make its commitment to the voters clear now. newrepublic.com/article/2151...
newrepublic.com
The Final Battle for America’s Democracy
Forget November 3. It’s January 3 when Donald Trump and his MAGA Republicans might bury our democracy once and for all. Here’s how.
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Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 11/09/2026
His warning comes with a clear call: Members of Congress in both parties should make clear before Election Day that they will respect the results and the will of voters. That’s how we prevent a constitutional crisis before it starts.
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