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Elections & Politics

The Growing 2025 Anti-Trump Protests: Hands Off, No Kings Day, and More

The Growing 2025 Anti-Trump Protests: Hands Off, No Kings Day, and More

by | May 12, 2025 |

In just over 100 days of Trump 2.0, a reinvigorated Democratic opposition has taken shape. AOC and Bernie have been headlining rallies across the country. Cory Booker broke the record for the longest filibuster in Senate history. Beto O’Rourke is back on the road, holding town halls across Texas. Together, along with others, they’re making it clear: the fight is on. These examples all show how Democrats are fighting against the actions of the Trump administration, raising awareness around the authoritarian tendencies of the administration, & importantly testing the waters for potential runs.

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A Primer on Political Interest Groups

A Primer on Political Interest Groups

by | May 5, 2025 |

Political interest groups play a central role in shaping policy in the United States. From corporate-funded lobbying arms to grassroots-driven caucuses, these groups influence electoral outcomes, legislative priorities, and public discourse. Their power lies in their ability to mobilize voters, fund campaigns, and set political agendas, often behind closed doors. The disproportionate influence of wealthy donors and elite organizations has made representative democracy more vulnerable to manipulation, with policies reflecting corporate interests rather than the public good. Understanding these interest groups is essential not just to map where power lies, but to challenge it.

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Trump Administration Changes to the Civil Service

Trump Administration Changes to the Civil Service

by | Apr 1, 2025 |

The United States federal civil service stands as the backbone of our nation’s governance, ensuring the implementation of public policies and the delivery of essential services. In recent years, however, this institution has faced unprecedented challenges, with political maneuvers threatening its foundational principles. Understanding the intricacies of civil service employment—including hiring and firing procedures, reporting hierarchies, rights, responsibilities, benefits, and the distinction between civil servants and political appointees—is crucial, especially as these issues have come to the forefront in today’s political climate.

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Legal Battles: The Quiet Yet Powerful Resistance of the State Attorneys General

Legal Battles: The Quiet Yet Powerful Resistance of the State Attorneys General

by | Mar 25, 2025 |

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), established under the Trump administration and led by Elon Musk, has embarked on an ambitious mission to streamline federal operations by significantly reducing the workforce across various agencies. This initiative aims to cut $1 trillion from the federal budget during the 2025-2026 fiscal year, primarily through substantial layoffs and restructuring efforts. While proponents argue that these measures are necessary to eliminate inefficiencies and reduce government spending, critics warn of potential disruptions to essential public services and the erosion of institutional knowledge within federal agencies.

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Musk’s Outrageous Conflicts of Interest

Musk’s Outrageous Conflicts of Interest

by | Mar 25, 2025 |

Distaste for Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is fueling protests at Tesla showrooms, a boycott of the company’s cars, and a rapidly deteriorating stock price.  But Musk can easily make up the losses from the federal government he is gleefully gutting.  Musk is poised to continue making billions from federal subsidies and contracts despite the obvious ethical problems.

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The Ripple Effect: DOGE’s Workforce Reduction and Its Impact on Federal Agencies

The Ripple Effect: DOGE’s Workforce Reduction and Its Impact on Federal Agencies

by | Mar 25, 2025 |

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), established under the Trump administration and led by Elon Musk, has embarked on an ambitious mission to streamline federal operations by significantly reducing the workforce across various agencies. This initiative aims to cut $1 trillion from the federal budget during the 2025-2026 fiscal year, primarily through substantial layoffs and restructuring efforts. While proponents argue that these measures are necessary to eliminate inefficiencies and reduce government spending, critics warn of potential disruptions to essential public services and the erosion of institutional knowledge within federal agencies.

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The Impact on Public Safety When Trump Tries to Downsize the Government

The Impact on Public Safety When Trump Tries to Downsize the Government

by | Mar 20, 2025 |

On February 11th, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the federal workforce and to reduce the size of the government and federal spending. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is executing that mission, echoing the need to regulate government spending and amplify government efficiency. Recently Musks’s actions to summarily layoff federal workers have been successfully challenged in the courts. In all probability the Trump administration will appeal some of the court decisions; so it remains to be seen whether or not Trump’s downsizing of the federal workforce will succeed.

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Elon Musk’s Government Influence and Political Dynamics

Elon Musk’s Government Influence and Political Dynamics

by | Mar 11, 2025 |

This is the second of two briefs examining Elon Musk’s extensive role in government and politics, including his actions under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and his close ties to the Trump administration. Recent reports indicate that Musk had used his personal wealth to finance President Donald Trump’s campaigns while also threatening to fund challengers against those who fail to support Trump’s platform. Critics question whether this practice makes politicians indebted to Musk, an arrangement some regard as an extreme extension of the Citizens United ruling on campaign contributions.

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