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democracydefendersfund.org

@democracydefendersfund.org
8K followers 29 following 484 posts

Democracy Defenders Fund is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to stopping democratic backsliding and restoring American democracy. democracydefendersfund.org

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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 3h
“As illegal as it is heartless” Thousands of families are at risk of foreclosure following HUD’s illegal policy changes & sudden cuts to housing support. We & Jacobson Lawyers Group are fighting this injustice in a new lawsuit on behalf of National Urban League & 9 other nonprofits.
democracydefendersfund.org
HUD Hit with Lawsuit After Withholding Tens of Millions of Dollars in Housing Grants
Democracy Defenders Fund and Jacobson Lawyers Group filed a federal lawsuit against the Department of Housing and Urban Development on behalf of 10 non-profit organizations that provide housing suppor...
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Reposted by @democracydefendersfund.org
Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 4h
BREAKING: @democracydefendersfund.org & Jacobson Lawyers Group just sued HUD for 10 housing nonprofits Trump's HUD delayed their grants for months while they kept helping families facing foreclosure. Then it canceled $56M outright Unlawful & unkind in equal measure -- See you in court👇 -TN
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 28/09/2026
Trump goes full-Orwell—using our tax dollars to run partisan propaganda ads. Congress has strict anti-propaganda clauses for a reason: to prevent "a government sponsored propaganda machine aimed at discrediting and neutralizing political opposition." Our team & @rwpusa.bsky.social dive in:
contrariannews.org
Trump Goes Full-Orwell
The administration’s propaganda hype-ads are an abuse of power.
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 28/09/2026
In June, SCOTUS confirmed the Constitution puts "the question of citizenship ‘once and forever [to] rest.'" But Trump is still trying to rewrite the Constitution and the 14th Amendment by executive fiat. We & partners just filed a lawsuit to challenge his latest attack on birthright citizenship.
democracydefendersfund.org
Immigrants’ Rights Advocates File Federal Lawsuit Challenging New Trump Birthright Citizenship Executive Order
Immigrants’ rights advocates filed a federal lawsuit challenging President Trump’s new executive order targeting birthri
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 27/09/2026
The right to peacefully protest is a cornerstone of our democracy. Counterterrorism expert @tomjoscelyn.bsky.social and DDF’s Allison Rice examine how the Trump administration's war on "domestic terror" threatens free speech, civil society, and First Amendment protections.
democracydefendersfund.org
Standing Up for America’s Civil Society and the Right to Peacefully Protest
Through a series of official executive memoranda, the Trump administration has turned the machinery of federal law enfor
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 25/09/2026
The Trump administration tried to use a government shutdown to fire federal workers. Unions fought back—and won. Under the new settlement, federal agencies can’t include mass firings in their shutdown plans. Proud to have fought alongside partners to stop this unlawful scheme.
democracydefendersfund.org
Unions Win Withdrawal of Shutdown Mass Firing Orders
A settlement agreement in a case brought by labor unions challenging the unlawful mass firing of federal employees durin
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 22/09/2026
We’re taking on Trump Media’s scheme to sell wealthy traders early access to the president’s market-moving posts. Today at 1 PM PT, San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu will lay out the case against Truth API. Proud to fight alongside his office & WLG & Platkin LLP. Tune in live:
youtube.com
City Attorney Chiu Announces Major Legal Action
YouTube video by SFCityAttorney
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 22/09/2026
BREAKING: San Francisco is suing Trump Media over Truth Social’s scheme to sell wealthy trading firms early access to Trump’s market-moving posts. We’re proud to be fighting alongside the City Attorney & WLG & Platkin LLP to stop the monetization of public office—and protect a fair marketplace.
nytimes.com
San Francisco Sues to Stop Early Access to Trump’s Truth Social Posts
The city attorney argued that the service, available for up to $100,000 a month, could allow wealthy traders to manipulate the market, while leaving out everyday investors.
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 20/09/2026
When we show up together and refuse to be silenced, we have the power to shape what happens next. #WeAreAmericaAndWeVote Check your registration and make a plan to vote. Find resources @ vote411.org
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 18/09/2026
East Potomac Park was designated for “the recreation and pleasure of the people.” We’re back in court with @democracyforward.org & Abbe Lowell to challenge the administration’s ongoing actions at the historic park, including unlawful dumping of toxic debris.
democracydefendersfund.org
Legal Challenge Highlights New Claims in Effort to Preserve East Potomac Park From Ongoing Unlawful Trump-Vance Administration Assault
The DC Preservation League and two local residents are seeking permission to file an updated complaint in their legal ef
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 18/09/2026
Federal law enforcement has no place at the ballot box. We and partners bringing a lawsuit challenging the administration’s threatened deployment of ICE and other federal agents at or around polling locations. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/18/u...
nytimes.com
Civil Rights Groups Sue to Keep Armed Agents Away From Voting Sites
The lawsuit argues that the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement and suggestions that it could send agents to polling stations violate the Voting Rights Act.
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 18/09/2026
Today, civil rights groups filed a lawsuit challenging the threatened use of ICE and federal law enforcement at polling places, arguing it violates the Voting Rights Act. We and our partners are proud to represent those standing up for every voter’s right to cast a ballot free from intimidation.
democracydefendersfund.org
Civil Rights Coalition Files Federal Lawsuit Challenging Threatened Use of ICE and Federal Law Enforcement at Polling Locations
Nine organizations representing immigrants, communities of color, and workers filed a federal lawsuit today challenging
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 15/09/2026
ICYMI: SCOTUS rejected Trump’s effort to impose new USPS restrictions on mail voting ahead of the midterms. Voting by mail remains safe, secure, and reliable. Your vote is your voice. Make a plan to vote. #GetReadyToVote
democracydefendersfund.org
SCOTUS Upholds Block on USPS Rule That Would Have Impeded Mail Voting in the Midterms 
Today, in a victory for voters across the country, the United States Supreme Court declined to block an order issued by
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 15/09/2026
BREAKING: We’re suing the Department of Defense on behalf of The War Horse after the Pentagon refused to disclose how senior officials are using generative AI tools—including whether sensitive or classified information could be exposed. The American public deserves answers.
democracydefendersfund.org
DDF Sues Department of Defense Over Failure to Disclose Senior Leadership’s Records on AI Use
Democracy Defenders Fund filed a lawsuit on behalf of The War Horse News, an independent nonprofit news organization, ag
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 15/09/2026
BREAKING: SCOTUS Upholds Block on USPS Rule That Would Have Impeded Mail Voting in the Midterms The Constitution could not be clearer. The states and Congress run our elections. Not the president, and not the Postal Service. "Enough is enough. Let the people vote.” —Tianna Mays, DDF Legal Director
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 15/09/2026
VICTORY: The Supreme Court blocks USPS mail ballot rule and makes clear that the 2026 midterms must not be disrupted. Voting has already started in several states. www.politico.com/news/2026/09...
politico.com
Supreme Court blocks Trump mail-in ballot plan
Justices turn down administration’s bid to have Postal Service enforce new voting requirements before midterms.
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Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
OMG! Supreme Court rebuffs Trump's attempt to break mail-in voting 7-2 We @democracydefendersfund.org were proud to file a brief in support of this outstanding outcome for LULAC & working with CLC Also a VERY important signal of how Trump's other election sabotage efforts will be treated
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 14/09/2026
A big win for voters: A federal judge has blocked the USPS rule that would have injected chaos and confusion into mail voting and risked keeping eligible voters from having their ballots counted. We’re proud to have fought this EO alongside our partners @campaignlegal.org
democracydefendersfund.org
Federal Court Blocks USPS Rule That Would Have Hindered Mail Voting
In a victory for voters, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia blocked a new USPS rule that woul
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 11/09/2026
BREAKING: Bipartisan ethics experts are calling for an immediate investigation into $155,000 cash gifts Trump gave to four White House aides. These payments raise serious questions about whether federal law was broken.
democracydefendersfund.org
Bipartisan Ethics Experts: Cash Gifts to White House Aides Warrant Immediate Investigation
Former White House ethics officials and anti-corruption experts are calling for an immediate investigation into recent d
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 11/09/2026
Steve Witkoff made $250M+ in 2025. Nearly $107 million came from a holding company that invests in World Liberty Financial, the Trump family’s crypto business which received a major UAE investment last year. Our senior ethics counsel Chris Swartz weighs in on why this “defies the norms.”
nytimes.com
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Special Envoy, Made More Than $250 Million While in Government
A disclosure shows that Steve Witkoff collected nearly $107 million in 2025 from a holding company that includes a crypto business owned by his family and President Trump’s.
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 10/09/2026
FL’s SAVE Act is facing 3 lawsuits over its citizenship documentation requirements. Senior counsel Andrew Warren explains how those requirements could put voters at risk of being blocked from the ballot. www.wfla.com/video/lawsuit-targets-…
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 10/09/2026
New FBI records expose communications involving top Trump officials overseeing the Epstein files review that DOJ left out of its public release, along with inconsistent redactions. We’re demanding an investigation.
democracydefendersfund.org
New FBI Disclosures of Missing Trump Administration Communications Expose Noncompliance with Epstein Files Transparency Act
In response to DDF’s FOIA request, the FBI recently released dozens of records that reveal that high-level FBI officials
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 10/09/2026
Transportation Sec Sean Duffy used an official appearance at a MAGA Inc. event to promote Republican candidates while touting his agency’s work. We’re demanding an investigation. This is another instance of Trump officials using their positions to push partisan politics.
democracydefendersfund.org
DDF Files Hatch Act Complaint Against Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy
DDF filed a Hatch Act complaint against Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy following his remarks at a MAGA Inc. super P
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 09/09/2026
We & partners filed new motions to protect babies targeted by Trump’s latest attack on birthright citizenship. After losing at SCOTUS, the Trump administration is doubling down on its brazen attempt to override the Constitution. We’ll continue to fight back in court.
democracydefendersfund.org
Groups That Secured Supreme Court Birthright Victory File New Motions Responding to Latest Executive Order
Legal groups filed new motions in Trump v. Barbara. The latest filings aim to protect people subjected to Trump’s new ex
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 08/09/2026
ICYMI: In response to violent immigration enforcement, New Jersey’s governor issued an executive order restricting ICE’s use of state property. A federal court dismissed DOJ’s challenge to the order. People deserve to engage with government without fear of violence.
democracydefendersfund.org
DOJ Loses Challenge to Limit Use of State Property for Federal Civil Immigration Enforcement
The U.S. District Court for the D.N.J. dismissed the DOJ's lawsuit against New Jersey and Governor Sherrill challenging
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 08/09/2026
The fight to protect our democracy and right to vote transcends political party and ideology. We are fighting in court alongside voting rights advocates, former judges, state officials, and legal partners nationwide.
theguardian.com
Legal veterans lead fightback against Trump’s ‘full-out assault on democracy’
Advocacy groups expand legal challenges and condemn president’s ‘self-serving attempts to take over midterms’
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The Contrarian @contrariannews.org · 06/09/2026
If it's up to these young minds, our democracy is going to be alright. Take a second to read a few pieces written by young people who are showing us that democracy isn't just about preventing the worst, it's about making possible what comes next. @democracydefendersfund.org
democracydefendersfund.org
The Future of Democracy
Young Americans across the country were invited to share their vision for the future of U.S. democracy. 11 winners broug
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 07/09/2026
This Labor Day, we celebrate the workers who have organized and stood together to fight for a fairer future. Unions have helped secure better wages, safer workplaces, the eight-hour workday, weekends, and a stronger voice for working people. That is democracy in action.
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 05/09/2026
Joshua Kolb, DDF Senior Counsel, explains why the Davey Hearn case is bigger than the Reflecting Pool: "They were willing to threaten to put him in jail just to soothe the president's ego... that's very dangerous for our democracy."
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 05/09/2026
We are proud to be part of a coalition working to ensure that every eligible voter can cast a ballot and have it counted. #WeAreAmericaAndWeVote
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 04/09/2026
BREAKING: A federal judge blocked the USPS rule implementing Trump’s unlawful changes to mail voting. The president cannot unilaterally rewrite election rules. These last-minute changes would create confusion for voters and election officials and risk disenfranchising eligible voters.
democracydefendersfund.org
WIN: Federal Judge Blocks Unlawful New USPS Rule on Mail Voting
A federal judge issued a new order blocking the United States Postal Service rule that would have implemented last-minut
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 04/09/2026
At today's hearing, Davey Hearn's counsel from DDF, WLG and Steptoe asked the court to end this case for good. The government's own U.S. Attorney for D.C. admitted a botched, rushed remodel caused the peeling paint at the Reflecting Pool. Our statement here:
democracydefendersfund.org
Hearn’s Attorneys Demand Final Dismissal: “Government Has No Case and Never Did”
Statement from Davey Hearn’s counsel regarding the hearing on the motion to dismiss Hearn’s case with prejudice.
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 04/09/2026
A toxic mound sits between the 4th and 9th holes of DC's public golf course. "It's the toxic grave of the East Wing," DDF co-founder Norm Eisen walked the site with Ben Terris @nymag.com. We, @democracyforward.org & Abbe Lowell are suing to stop Trump's illegal takeover of the public space.
nymag.com
Inside Trump’s Ballroom Obsession
The president’s bid for architectural immortality is barreling toward completion.
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 03/09/2026
A new UMass Amherst Poll finds 97% of Americans believe there’s corruption in the federal government. And Trump’s unprecedented financial entanglements appear to be shaping that distrust: 66% don’t trust him to avoid using the presidency to benefit his family’s businesses.
umass.edu
Nearly All Americans Believe There is Corruption in the Federal Government : UMass Poll : UMass Amherst
National Public Opinion Poll - Corruption
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 02/09/2026
We asked young Americans across the country: What will it take to make democracy thrive? 11 winners brought their ideas to life. The Future of Democracy anthology is now live, featuring their visions for a stronger democracy. Read it: www.democracydefendersfund.org/futu…
democracydefendersfund.org
The Future of Democracy Prize, Anthology
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 02/09/2026
BREAKING: We & @splcenter.org suing to stop Florida’s SAVE Act, a new law that could make it harder for eligible Floridians to register, stay registered, and vote. The law creates unnecessary hurdles that could disproportionately affect Black and Latino voters and naturalized citizens.
democracydefendersfund.org
Voting Rights Groups Sue to Stop Florida ‘SAVE’ Act
SPLC and DDF filed a lawsuit on behalf of Black Voters Matter Fund and the League of United Latin American Citizens chal
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 01/09/2026
Democracy is built by people who show up: neighbors helping neighbors, workers organizing, poll workers serving, and communities making their voices heard. Together, we have the power to shape what comes next. We are America. And we vote. #WeAreAmericaAndWeVote
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 31/08/2026
The Supreme Court just gave Trump the green light to keep building his WH ballroom—even as the project faces a legal challenge and Chief Justice Roberts called it “likely unlawful.” Trump is racing ahead while the legal fight continues.
apnews.com
Supreme Court lets White House continue construction on Trump’s $400 million ballroom
The Supreme Court is allowing the White House to continue construction on President Donald Trump’s $400 million White Ho
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 31/08/2026
Last week, a federal judge blocked Trump’s new USPS restrictions on mail voting, finding they’re likely unconstitutional. With the midterms weeks away, Trump tried to rewrite the rules for millions of voters. The court said no.
cbsnews.com
Judge temporarily blocks new Postal Service rules for mail voting
A federal judge on Thursday temporarily blocked the U.S. Postal Service from enforcing its new requirements for mail vot
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 28/08/2026
We filed a bipartisan brief with more than 200 former judges defending Judge Boasberg’s authority to investigate the administration’s defiance of his order halting deportation flights to CECOT. A court order should be enforceable even if Trump disagrees with it.
democracydefendersfund.org
More Than 200 Former Judges Defend Federal Judge’s Probe into Trump Administration’s Defiance of Court Order to Halt Deportation Flights
A bipartisan coalition of more than 200 former judges has filed an amicus brief with the Court, defending Chief Judge Ja
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Joshua Kolb @joshuakolb.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
NEW: @democracydefendersfund.org filed on behalf of 204(!) fmr judges defending courts' power to investigate contempt Boasberg found probable cause the gov violated his order by continuing deportation flights to CECOT He must be able to get the facts www.democracydefendersfund.org/wp-content/u...
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 28/08/2026
In 1963, activists didn't wait for a more convenient moment to demand jobs and freedom. Today, we refuse systematic efforts to roll back progress. Our legal director Tianna mays and senior policy counsel Diamond Brown on the fight ahead:
contrariannews.org
We Marched for Freedom in 1963. In 2026, the Job Still Isn’t Finished.
Political freedom and economic freedom are inseparable.
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Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
BREAKING: We sued the Pentagon to STOP the firing of 3 Stars & Stripes journalists for defending their paper's independence The firings came a day after reporting on USS Abraham Lincoln @democracydefendersfund.org @lawyers4goodgov.bsky.social @govacctproj.bsky.social & MFIA clinic are on it👇 -TN
nytimes.com
Fired Journalists From Stars and Stripes Sue Pentagon
Three journalists dismissed from Stars and Stripes accused the government of violating their First Amendment rights, asking the courts to stop their termination.
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 27/08/2026
BREAKING: We and partners are suing the Pentagon to stop the retaliatory firing of three Stars and Stripes journalists. They reported on conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and spoke out against Pentagon interference in their newsroom. Now they’re being fired. We’re fighting back in court.
democracydefendersfund.org
Stars and Stripes Journalists Sue Pentagon to Halt Retaliatory Firings 
Democracy Defenders Fund, Lawyers For Good Government, Government Accountability Project and the Yale School Media Freed
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 26/08/2026
Canada is pushing back against Trump’s trade threats. And it’s not alone.
 As DDF’s Norm Eisen put it, “Trump has been his own worst enemy,” fueling a growing movement at home and abroad to stand up to his demands. We are proud to be part of that fight.
nytimes.com
In Canada and at Home, Deference to Trump Turns to Defiance on Tariffs and Other Issues
While the president remains the most dominant figure in the world, other leaders and institutions are pushing back more vigorously than at the beginning of his second term.
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Democracy Now! @democracynow.org · 26/08/2026
A private arbitrator has ordered The Washington Post to rehire opinion columnist Karen Attiah with back pay, after she was fired over tweets about Charlie Kirk. "This is a victory for journalism, for anyone who wants to stand up for just speaking the truth," says @karenattiah.bsky.social
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 25/08/2026
BREAKING: We & @campaignlegal.org just filed a new complaint challenging an illegal USPS rule that could delay mail ballots and create chaos for voters just weeks before the midterms. The Supreme Court ruled on timing—not whether Trump’s mail voting restrictions are lawful.
democracydefendersfund.org
Pro-Voter Coalition Files New Complaint Against Illegal USPS Rule on Mail Voting
Campaign Legal Center and Democracy Defenders Fund took another legal action to prevent the United States Postal Service from implementing new barriers to mail voting at the behest of an unlawful exec...
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Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
BREAKING: we just filed to STOP the new USPS rule on mail ballots The Court only held that the injunction came too early. Now we HAVE a final rule & we are litigating it @democracydefendersfund.org & @campaignlegal.org are proud to represent LULAC, Madison WI & Travis County TX
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 25/08/2026
“The right leader at the right time.” DDF’s Norm Eisen on Ryan Haygood's new role at the Southern Poverty Law Center @splcenter.org We’re excited to see a longtime civil rights leader take the helm, and we look forward to standing alongside him in the fight for justice and democracy.
splcenter.org
President & CEO Ryan Haygood Takes Helm of SPLC
The SPLC welcomes Ryan P. Haygood, a transformative new leader who will drive a bold, innovative vision for the organiza
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democracydefendersfund.org @democracydefendersfund.org · 25/08/2026
The Supreme Court sided with Trump’s attempt to overhaul mail-in voting rules weeks before ballots go out—but yesterday’s ruling does NOT change voters’ ability to vote by mail this November. Trump does not have the authority to rewrite state election systems.
democracydefendersfund.org
Supreme Court’s Procedural Ruling Doesn’t Change Voters’ Ability to Vote By Mail
Because a separate injunction remains in place, the ruling does not immediately change any voter’s ability to cast a mai
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