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Verena Harfst @letsgetitright2024.bsky.social · 16h

Trump sees the government not as a steward for all Americans, but as a tool to protect his hold on power.If his assault on the principle of executive neutrality takes root, we will lose far more than control of the House or Senate;we will lose the possibility that the will of the people can prevail.

theatlantic.com

Using the Power of the Government to Win Elections

The Trump administration is breaking a fundamental promise of political impartiality.

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Verena Harfst @letsgetitright2024.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

When a picture speaks a thousand words

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Verena Harfst @letsgetitright2024.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

In violation of federal statutes and bar any ethical inhibitions, Trump has begun to air campaign propaganda ads funded with taxpayer dollars on TV and streaming services. Even some Republicans in Congress are demanding that the government stop funding his autocrat-style propaganda with our money.

apnews.com

Taxpayers have funded nearly $1.5M in pro-Trump ads. Criticism is mounting, including from the GOP

AdImpact says three taxpayer-funded ads promoting President Donald Trump are nearing a cost of at least $1.5 million.

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Timothy Snyder @timothysnyder.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

We are ruining our own institutions, which is sad for us and great for our enemies.

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Verena Harfst @letsgetitright2024.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Given Trump’s daily lies, the manipulated photo he published on Truth Social showing him with Chinese President Xi might seem trivial. But portraying himself as composed when he visibly grimaced during the flyover is another example of who is manufacturing “fake news.” In fact, it’s propaganda.

origin-zh9p7m-www.afp.com

Trump's photo of Xi greeting carries signs of AI

Donald Trump shared an image Thursday of Xi Jinping's red-carpet arrival to Washington that appears to have been altered using artificial intelligence, with an unflattering expression captured in live...

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Brennan Center @brennancenter.org · 25/09/2026

Here’s what to know about voting in the midterms: ✅You can vote by mail. ✅You don’t need to bring a passport or birth certificate to vote. ✅It is illegal for ICE or federal troops to be at the polls. Make a plan to vote, and vote early if you can. bit.ly/3UjBBrc

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NPR @npr.org · 25/09/2026

A free press doesn’t just happen. It’s something we must protect. Today, people are stepping up to ensure that the independent journalism that millions rely on continues. Take a minute to see why supporters are taking action – and join them with a gift today. Donate now >> n.pr/4yerbLt

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Verena Harfst @letsgetitright2024.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Chilling: MAGA pressures on Trump to declare martial law on or around Nov 3. “The Midterms will be canceled or temporarily suspended, or the results or certification of winners will be in limbo for an undetermined period of time.” In case of riots: “Our armed forces are a lot bigger than they are.”

theatlantic.com

The Supporters Urging Trump to Declare Martial Law for the Midterms

Trump’s advisers have been working for months to move his focus away from baseless theories of election fraud. A group of outsiders is making that difficult.

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Verena Harfst @letsgetitright2024.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Bravo. Five major TV networks and the WP are restricting their coverage of Trump events following his ban on CNN, Politico, and MS NOW. This is precisely the moment when the press must stand together. Freedom of the press is not a favor granted by the president—it is a constitutional right.

theguardian.com

US TV networks suspend White House pool coverage over Trump media ban

ABC, CBS, Fox News and NBC decline to participate after presidential ban that prompted widespread condemnation

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ProPublica @propublica.org · 21/09/2026

“The secretive, close relationship between the son of a sitting U.S. President and a member of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s inner circle raises serious national security and public corruption concerns,” Rep. Robert Garcia wrote.

propublica.org

Top Oversight Dem Opens Investigation of Donald Trump Jr.’s Russian Oligarch-Funded Wedding

Rep. Robert Garcia said the revelations that Umar Kremlev had bankrolled the wedding raise “serious national security and public corruption concerns” and requested the president’s son provide financia...

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Verena Harfst @letsgetitright2024.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Talarico for US Senate: “I wish our government would go after pedophiles like they go after brown men headed to work at 7 am. I wish they would close billionaire tax loopholes like they close our public schools. I wish they would fund healthcare like they fund forever wars in the Middle East.”

substack.com

James Talarico (@jamestalarico)

I wish our government would go after pedophiles like they go after brown men headed to work at 7 am. I wish they would close billionaire tax loopholes like they close our public schools. I wish they...

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Brennan Center @brennancenter.org · 18/09/2026

The Trump administration is pursuing a multipronged strategy to quash those it perceives as its ideological opponents. Part of it involves using expansive authorities meant to combat foreign terrorist groups against U.S. civil society. bit.ly/4Ak6MWP

brennancenter.org

Trump Administration Linking Its Domestic Enemies to Foreign Terrorists

Falsely claiming that U.S. citizens and groups have ties to international terrorism could let the government turn tools intended to combat the likes of ISIS against its perceived foes at home.

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Rep. Jamie Raskin @raskin.house.gov · 18/09/2026

After illegally bulldozing half of the White House, Trump bans media that won’t lie for him from the other half. Every self-respecting media entity in America should boycott what’s left of the White House if he keeps violating press freedom.

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Verena Harfst @letsgetitright2024.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Timothy Snyder: Celebrate democracy by helping us get your eligible friends and neighbors registered for their next trip to the ballot box! Go to www.vote.org and visit handsoffourvote.net to learn more about how to make sure the will of the people prevails in November. #handsoffourvote

vote.org

Everything You Need to Vote - Vote.org

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Verena Harfst @letsgetitright2024.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

In yet another flagrant violation of the First Amendment, Trump again attacks the free press, now banning key media outlets from the White House and Air Force One. This is the behavior of a strong man, a dictator, unacceptable in our democracy. This ban needs to fall in the courts, quickly!

theguardian.com

Trump bans CNN, MS Now and Politico from the White House

US president has overseen an unprecedented restriction of access for major traditional news media since start of second term

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Verena Harfst @letsgetitright2024.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

A government general counsel wrote: “The founding fathers were wrong that all men are created equal, we should reject that part of our heritage.”Trump’s 2024 victory opened the government to neo-Nazi sympathizers.The demise of traditional Republicans left the party unable to police its boundaries.

nytimes.com

Opinion | The G.O.P. Has Gone Off the Deep End (Gift Article)

The Republican fringe is becoming the Republican mainstream.

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Verena Harfst @letsgetitright2024.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Meanwhile, Eric’s brother-in-law, Jared Kushner, is saying peace with Ukraine needs to “help Putin achieve his aspirations.” He is Trump’s personal envoy to Putin, bypassing US diplomats to hold secret talks. They are all in Putin’s pocket, all of them, starting with Donald Trump.

ukrainetoday.org

Jared Kushner says peace should be a “win-win” deal that helps Putin achieve his “aspirations.” – Commentary

Trump’s Envoys Spark Fury As They Advocate For Putin While In Ukraine Kate Nicholson Mon, 7 September 2026 Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, talks to U.S. President Donald…

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Verena Harfst @letsgetitright2024.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

This is the man who paid for Eric Trump’s wedding in May 2026: Kremlev awarded Putin a diamond boxing glove, and Putin gave Kremlev a prestigious state honor known as the Order of Merit to the Fatherland. In April 2026, Putin awarded Kremlev another honor, the Order of Friendship. (source: WP)

nytimes.com

Russian Businessman With Putin Ties Paid for Donald Trump Jr.’s Wedding Party

The payments, totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars, represented an extraordinary flouting of ethical norms for an American president’s family member.

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Verena Harfst @letsgetitright2024.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

This Supreme Court decision is good news for the Midterms. But make no mistake: Justice Kavanaugh already signals he will find Trump’s order to the Postal Service legal if given more time for the 2028 elections. And Alito and Thomas today rubber stamped Trump’s present attempt to disrupt voting.

theguardian.com

Supreme court rejects Trump’s mail ballot restrictions for midterm elections

Decision allows states to send ballots under process followed for years even as president tried to limit system

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Verena Harfst @letsgetitright2024.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

October 17, is the next step. This is not a protest, it is a coordinated day of nonpartisan voter participation. #NoKings share.indvs.org/s/2J9yGZbF

share.indvs.org

No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.

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Verena Harfst @letsgetitright2024.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

In a chilling oath to him personally, Trump asked his voters to „CHEAT LIKE HELL,” adding they should VOTE EVEN IF THEY WERE NOT REGISTERED. His baseless claim that Democrats are doing the same is further proof of this man‘s utter disregard for our democracy and its lawful election process.

youtube.com

Trump leads Republican convention crowd in pledge to 'cheat like hell' in the midterms

YouTube video by The Independent

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Verena Harfst @letsgetitright2024.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Jimmy Kimmel said the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), under Chairman Brendan Carr, threatened him, ABC, and its local affiliates over editorial decisions and guest bookings. Because of that pressure, Kimmel moved the Talarico interview to YouTube rather than broadcast television.

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Verena Harfst @letsgetitright2024.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

The NYT Editorial Board on Trump’s illegal order to the Postal Service: “Nothing is more important to democracy than free and fair elections. The country has built a system in which Americans can have confidence. Mr. Trump is trying to wreck it. The Supreme Court should protect it.”

nytimes.com

Opinion | Trump Is Sabotaging the Midterms. The Supreme Court Must Stop Him.

The country has built a system in which Americans can have confidence. President Trump is trying to wreck it.

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Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Don't let this fly under the radar: Trump has reportedly made between $1.5M to $4.4M from his oil stockholdings since the start of his Iran War. As gas prices skyrocket, he is personally profiting from your pain at the pump. www.cnbc.com/2026/09/09/trump-oil-g…

cnbc.com

Trump's oil investments have gained millions during Iran war as his accounts keep trading

Donald Trump retained major oil and gas investments as the Iran war has moved energy markets. CNBC analyzed his holdings

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Verena Harfst @letsgetitright2024.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

A moving tribute to the victims of 9/11 that should unite all Americans. Instead, at the same time, at the Convention in Dallas, JD Vance calls the Democrats “the party of hatred” that “despises America” — an accusation in a mirror, projecting his party’s own conduct onto his political opponents.

youtube.com

Drone show recreates Twin Towers in NYC ahead of 9/11 anniversary

YouTube video by The Hill

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Verena Harfst @letsgetitright2024.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Midterm elections: Some good news at last.

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Verena Harfst @letsgetitright2024.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Spread the word: VOTE EARLY! By spreading voting across multiple days, early voting reduces the consequences of localized attacks or disruptions on Election Day, provides a buffer against misinformation or intimidation on Nov. 3, and makes election administration less dependent on a single day.

portal.ct.gov

Early Voting Location - 2025

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Center for American Progress @americanprogress.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

The Trump administration may be planning to send ICE agents or troops into polling places, a well-known tactic of authoritarian-minded leaders around the world. But do NOT give in to fear: Members of the military and federal personnel take an oath to defend the Constitution, not any one president.

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Ezra Levin ❌👑 @ezralevin.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

If you're looking for how to crush the regime in battleground states and take back Congress, here's the messaging that works. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

theguardian.com

Democrats need to win. Here’s the message our research says works

Candidates must focus on two issues: affordability and accountability. They are not competing priorities

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50501: The People’s Movement ❌👑 @50501movement.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

🚨 No Kings is kicking off the early vote activation & election protection campaign on 9/10. We need everyone there. Register at bit.ly/nokingscall & let’s get started together! 🗳️✨ #NoKings #KickoffCall #VoteEarly

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Verena Harfst @letsgetitright2024.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Bill Gates: “AI will either be the greatest equalizer ever invented, or the worst source of injustice.” Very thoughtful remarks about the comprehensive new order we need as a nation and world-wide as a consequence of the new era.

gatesnotes.com

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The Washington Post @washingtonpost.com · 05/09/2026

Aiming to exploit Ukraine’s badly weakened air defenses, Russian President Vladimir Putin is intensifying a bombing campaign that he believes will force Kyiv to capitulate on some of his key territorial demands, perhaps by this winter.

washingtonpost.com

After CIA director’s visit to Moscow, Putin escalates Ukraine strikes

The rare trip by CIA chief John Ratcliff failed to persuade Putin to stop the war and may have hardened the Russian's leaders resolve to seek military victory.

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Andrew O'Neill ❌👑 @andrew-oneill.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Our poll found similar numbers. And battleground voters *especially* want politicians to take on corruption. It’s the key to credibility for a Democratic Party that sorely needs it. So let’s make it happen. indivisible.org/news/new-pol...

indivisible.org

NEW POLLING: Battleground Voters Want Democrats to Fight for Affordability and Accountability, Take on Rigged System

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CNN @cnn.com · 05/09/2026

A federal judge has ruled that the Pentagon can fire three Stars and Stripes journalists, the latest in a series of blows to press freedoms within the US military as the agency has sought to undo the newspaper's editorial independence. cnn.it/4zYvhsl

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Verena Harfst @letsgetitright2024.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

The dystopian surveillance system Flock is training law enforcement officers to use the product for the surveillance of peaceful No Kings protesters und other demonstrators protected by the First Amendment, marking them as targets for Trump’s police state.

newrepublic.com

Leaked Video Shows Flock Taught Cops How to Hunt No Kings Protesters

Flock hosted a webinar on how to use its license plate–tracking cameras.

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Brennan Center @brennancenter.org · 03/09/2026

The job of a federal judge has become more dangerous. Threats of violence against them and their families have surged since 2021. Our latest report shows why judicial security is vital for protecting the rule of law. bit.ly/4gIHoAU

brennancenter.org

Protecting Judges from Rising Threats

Federal judges and their families are facing extraordinary pressures. Improved security can ensure that they remain safe and that judicial independence remains uncompromised.

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PBS News @pbsnews.org · 02/09/2026

With just days until the first ballots are set to be mailed to voters, a whistleblower inside the U.S. Postal Service is warning that a new delivery system could disrupt the handling of election mail and potentially put the midterm elections at risk. to.pbs.org/465UXFM

to.pbs.org

Whistleblower warns USPS rushing new system that could jeopardize mail-in ballots

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Richard Blumenthal @blumenthal.senate.gov · 01/09/2026

This brave whistleblower has disclosed dramatic details about USPS’ seemingly illegal plot to undermine November’s midterms. The system is purposefully designed to fail—& risk voting rights for millions of Americans who cast ballots by mail.

votebeat.org

USPS whistleblower says rushed new mail ballot systems could disenfranchise voters

The new systems were developed quickly and haven’t been tested enough, complaint alleges

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Richard Blumenthal @blumenthal.senate.gov · 01/09/2026

This new information shows clearly how USPS sloppiness & incompetence are intended to create chaos—& sabotage mail in voting. I am demanding answers & accountability & thank @wbaidlaw.bsky.social for helping to bring forward the whistleblower’s account.

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MeidasTouch @meidastouch.com · 31/08/2026

Spotted outside The Penthouse Nightclub in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. REUTERS/Chris Helgren.

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Verena Harfst @letsgetitright2024.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

With taxpayers’ money, Hegseth secretly funds far-right influencers to post flattering comments about him on the internet:

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Verena Harfst @letsgetitright2024.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Once again, Trump defies the First Amendment, demanding that a journalist be “punished” for stating a truth he doesn’t like. Disregarding constitutional protections, he again weaponizes the supposedly independent FCC to stifle free speech and intimidate the press.

kq2.com

Trump calls for NBC’s Kristen Welker to face ‘rebuke or punishment’ from the FCC

By Brian Stelter, Logan Schiciano, CNN (CNN) — Treating the Federal Communications Commission like his own personal enforcer, President Donald Trump said on social media Sunday that NBC’s Kristen Welk...

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Verena Harfst @letsgetitright2024.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Another brazen case of government censorship of the press—this time targeting the media outlet most trusted by U.S. service members. Purging media outlets that dare to resist becoming Trump and Hegseth’s propaganda machines.

theguardian.com

Pentagon fires publisher and editor of US military news outlet Stars and Stripes

Max Lederer and Erik Slavin receive termination notices after publication reported on crew conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln

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