Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Truth and Action Roundup 11.18.24

Welcome to the Truth and Action Roundup, a reliable source of information, inspiration, and action for the post-election period. Did a friend forward you this email? Sign up here to continue receiving it.

Today is Monday, Nov. 18, 63 days before Inauguration Day. We hope you were able to get some rest and spiritual sustenance this weekend. We know it’s a hard time and that there’s so much to take in. We’re all processing the election results differently, and we want to encourage you to take in what you can and find the rhythm of information intake and action that is best for you. Today, we look at how the Trump administration’s plans and nominations are taking shape, as well as developments in the war in Ukraine. We offer an opportunity to help defeat a dangerous bill that could impact the operations and freedom to dissent of nonprofit organizations. And as always, we offer some nourishment for your soul in these uncertain and anxious times. Remember, for the next 63 days, the Truth and Action Roundup is here to support you and help us all get ready for the marathon ahead.

– Rev. Adam Taylor and Rev. Moya Harris, Sojourners

In the News

Here’s what we know at the time of writing:

1) Donald Trump has signaled his intention to move ahead with increased deportations of migrant people as soon as he takes office. In a post on his Truth Social platform early this morning, Trump confirmed as “TRUE!!!” a rumor that he plans to declare a national emergency and “use military assets” to implement mass deportations. We are following this development closely and will continue to report as we learn more.

2) Trump’s nominee for secretary of defense, FOX News commentator Pete Hegseth, paid a woman who accused him of sexually assaulting her in 2017 as part of a nondisclosure agreement. The agreement was revealed in a statement from Hegseth’s attorney over the weekend. It is not yet clear whether this revelation will impact his confirmation. As we’ve previously noted, other serious concerns have been raised about his qualifications for the position.

3) Over the weekend, President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine, for the first time, to use U.S.-supplied long-range missiles for strikes inside Russia. This authorization represents a significant change in U.S. policy. Trump, for his part, has pledged to limit further support to Ukraine. Reporting suggests that the Biden administration is weighing the risks of this policy change provoking an aggressive response from Russia against the risk that failing to do so would put Ukraine in a weaker negotiating position in future peace talks.

Take Action

Tell your representatives: Oppose H.R. 9495, which could give the Trump administration more power to attack dissenting organizations. This bill would let the Treasury Department revoke the tax-exempt status of any organization they labeled a “terrorist supporting organization.” The lack of oversight, potential for abuse by the Trump administration, and provisions already in the law prohibiting material support for terrorism make this bill both alarming and unnecessary. While it failed to reach the two-thirds majority it needed last week to pass under special fast-track rules, it is now moving forward under regular rules that require a simple majority.
Make a difference in your local community. Think about how your family, church, and community can organize and act in 2025 and beyond. We Are Worth Fighting For has created helpful tools for organizing and joining community gatherings to plan for the road ahead.

Deep Breaths

The spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. – Job 33:4

Are you still breathing? Pause for a moment. Take a deep breath and relax your shoulders. These are challenging times, and many of us are feeling the physical and emotional toll of stress — headaches, irritability, and anxiety. In moments like these, it’s essential to prioritize self-care and recharging.

One way to recharge is by connecting with loved ones. Whether in person or virtually, these connections can significantly boost our well-being. Just recently, despite battling a migraine, I found that a FaceTime call with family members helped ease my symptoms. The warmth of connection brought relief when I needed it most.

Stress manifests differently for everyone, but if you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider reaching out to those close to you. Sharing time and space with others can be incredibly healing for your mental health. However, if stress persists or becomes too much to manage, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a doctor or therapist.

As we face these uncertain times, let’s remember the power of leaning on one another. For some inspiration this Monday, listen to Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me”— a timeless reminder that together, we can get through anything.

— Rev. Moya Harris, Director of Racial Justice, Sojourners

The Truth and Action Roundup is compiled by Sojourners staff:
President: Rev. Adam Russell Taylor
Director of Racial Justice: Rev. Moya Harris
Senior Research Associate: J.K. Granberg-Michaelson
Senior Adviser and Director to the President’s Office: Elizabeth Denlinger Reaves
Director of Campaigns and Mobilizing: Sandy Ovalle Martínez
Director of Congregational Outreach & Education: Rev. Andrea Saccoccio
Digital Communications Associate: Lexi Schnaser
Senior Director of Marketing: Sandra Sims