What You Missed (4/4)
Most Important Headlines from March 28 - April 4, 2025
“They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house?
Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?
…..The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.
….Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?
Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me,
Give me liberty or Give me death!”
- Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death, Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775.
This week brought major wins for democracy—Cory Booker’s record-breaking Senate speech and the Wisconsin Supreme Court victory! Let’s keep the momentum going.
🚨 On Saturday, April 5th, we’re taking to the streets nationwide with a clear message: Hands off! Donald Trump and Elon Musk act like this country belongs to them, grabbing all they can and daring anyone to stop them.
💪 Be a Part of History!
With 1,200+ protests nationwide—this could be the largest nationwide protest in U.S. history.
Tomorrow is our chance to gather strength, build resistance, and make our voices heard.
🔎 Find an event near you here: HandsOff2025.com
We’re going to get through this.
Here’s what happened this week…
This Week’s Headlines 📰
Headlines you might have missed this week…
🗞️ Trump’s Third-Term Fantasy
On Sunday, Trump told NBC News’ Kristen Welker that “there are methods” that would allow him to serve a third presidential term, despite the Constitution’s two-term limit. Insisting he was “not joking” about the idea, he claimed to have seen “plans” for making it happen, though he initially avoided specifics. When pressed, he floated the idea of running as JD Vance’s vice president and assuming the presidency if Vance resigned. While Trump’s legal team may argue this exploits a loophole, the 12th Amendment states that anyone ineligible for the presidency is also ineligible for the vice presidency, making the scheme legally dubious. Constitutional experts overwhelmingly reject the idea, viewing it as a clear violation of term limits. Ultimately, Trump’s suggestion seems more like political trolling than a viable path back to power.
Sources/Read more here:
A Third Trump Term?
Trump says he’s considering ways to serve a third term as president
🗞️ Iran Rejects Direct Talks as Trump Threatens Military Action
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has rejected direct negotiations with the U.S. over its nuclear program, though he remains open to indirect talks. His response follows a letter from Donald Trump, who warned of possible military action if Iran does not agree to a deal. Tensions have escalated since the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement, with Iran citing broken promises as a key reason for distrust. Meanwhile, a UN report confirming Iran’s increased uranium production has heightened global concerns, adding pressure to the already fragile situation.
Sources/Read more here:
Iran has rejected direct negotiations with the US in response to Trump’s letter
Trump says "there will be bombing" if Iran does not make nuclear deal
🗞️ Major Wins for Democracy in One Day: Cory Booker’s Historic Speech & Wisconsin Victory
Senator Cory Booker made history this week by delivering a 25-hour speech on the Senate floor, breaking the record for the longest speech in Senate history previously held by Senator Strom Thurmond. His passionate address, which garnered a stunning 400 million likes on TikTok, called out the Trump administration for its destructive actions against democracy. Booker declared, “This is a moral moment. It’s not left or right, it's right or wrong,” as he highlighted the need for Americans to take action. He also reminded the nation, “The power of people is greater than the people in power.”
On the same day, Wisconsin saw a significant Supreme Court victory, with Judge Susan Crawford defeating a candidate backed by Elon Musk by 10 points. In her victory speech, Crawford, who took on Musk’s millions in campaign funds, said, “As a little girl growing up in Chippewa Falls, I never could have imagined that I’d be taking on the richest man in the world for justice in Wisconsin. And we won.”
Meanwhile, in Florida, Democrats over-performed in two special elections, narrowing the margin of Republican victories, which had previously been much larger.
Sources/Read more here:
April 1, 2025
🗞️ Trump’s Tariff Rollout Sparks Economic Turmoil
This week, President Trump implemented a 10% global tariff and 25% auto tariff on foreign-made vehicles, triggering widespread market turmoil. The tariffs, which also include reciprocal levies on 60 countries, have raised concerns about higher costs for consumers and businesses, with builders facing up to $25,000 in additional costs for homes and car prices potentially rising by $8,000. In response, the stock market lost $2 trillion in value in just one day, marking its worst day since the early days of the pandemic. As retaliation from other countries looms, the global trade war is set to intensify.
Sources/Read more here:
Trump Imposes 10% Global Tariff, Massive Reciprocal Tariffs On 60 Countries & 25% Auto Tariff
Trump Predicts Stock Market "Boom" Despite Major Tariff Wall Street Selloff
🗞️ U.S. Accidentally Deports Salvadoran Migrant Despite Court Orders, White House Refuses to Bring Him Back"
The U.S. mistakenly deported Salvadoran migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia despite court orders barring his removal. The Trump administration labeled the deportation a "clerical error," claiming Garcia was a gang leader involved in human trafficking, although no evidence was provided. Despite acknowledging the mistake, the White House insists Garcia will not be allowed to return, citing national security concerns and invoking the Alien Enemies Act.
Sources/Read more here:
Trump Admin Admits 'Error' Led To Accidental Deportation To Mega-Prison
* All of my sources are assessed for bias and factuality with Ad Fontes Media, All Sides, or Ground News.
What Else I’m Watching 📰
Two more law firms targeted by Trump sue to block punishing executive order (POLITICO)
ICE detains University of Minnesota international student (Ground News)
Trump administration gives states 10 days to certify they've ended DEI in schools (USA TODAY)
900 employees, including workers at Warren and Sterling Heights plants, temporarily laid off by Stellantis (WXYZ)
Prosecutors to seek death penalty for Luigi Mangione in CEO murder case (MO NEWS)
HHS begins laying off 10,000 employees (AP)
“I would not have you descend into your own dream. I would have you be a conscious citizen of this terrible and beautiful world.” - Ta-Nehisi Coates
Essential Reads 📖
Important opinion pieces to read for understanding the context of our times…
📌 Six small morsels of hope
📌 Why collective action is the only way
History shows how democracy wins.
📌 Choosing lawlessness
📌 A War is Coming … Where Will the Blow Fall First?
Either Iran or Greenland are going to be hit by the Trump regime in the next months but which is first?
📌A Very Special Election Night
And a very sad Elon Musk.
Save these to read later.
Actions To Take 🚨
Feeling hopeless? This section is here to help turn your anxiety into action. No one else is coming to save us—it’s up to us. Our collective action is the only way to change course and make a difference.
Attend a Hands Off Protest Tomorrow! Find an Event Here
Ask Schumer to Step Down:
Petitions to Sign
Demand the Immediate Release of Palestinian Student Activist Mahmoud Khalil from DHS detention
Hands Off Our Passports: Stop Attacking Transgender Americans
Demand Republicans Take a Stand Against Trump’s Attack on Public Education
Demand Democrats Take Immediate Action Against Trump’s Education Cuts
File Bar Complaints Against Corrupt Attorneys
Some government lawyers are arguing that courts can’t restrain the president. That’s a direct attack on the rule of law. Lawyers who push this are violating their oath and legal ethics rules.
🔹 What you can do: File Bar complaints against them.
🔹 Who? Any attorney making these arguments—Pam Bondi and others.
🔹 How?
Find their full name & Bar number (search online).
Identify a specific statement (from TV, court transcripts, etc.).
Go to their State/Federal Bar Association website and file a complaint.
Every complaint must be reviewed, and even if no action is taken, it puts pressure on them. In serious cases, they can even be disbarred (like Rudy Giuliani).
Protect the rule of law. Start filing complaints.
Download the 5 Calls App
5 Calls makes it easy for you to reach your members of Congress and make your voice heard. They research issues, write scripts that clearly articulate a progressive position, figure out the most influential decision-makers, and collect phone numbers for their offices. All you have to do is call.
☑️ Download the 5 Calls App - Apple Store | Android
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🗂️ Resource: EVERYTHING you need to know about CALLING YOUR REPS
Protests & Strikes 🪧
Visit: General Strike US to sign the strike card & learn more.
Follow: General Strike US on Instagram
“There is no end
To what a living world
Will demand of you.”
― Octavia E. Butler