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USRESIST SHARE: August 2025 #1

We are pleased to send you the current issue of USRESIST SHARE—our bi-weekly magazine of the latest news Briefs by our Reporters. USRESIST SHARE is intended to deepen your understanding of today’s leading public policy and political issues. We hope you’ll enjoy and welcome your feedback.

Law and Order or Overreach? When Soldiers Become Police (Immigration Policy Brief #191)

As summer draws to an end, President Trump is once again utilizing federal military forces for law enforcement, this time in the nation’s capital. In California, Trump cited immigration protests for the use of the National Guard & ultimately the deployment of U.S. Marines. Now we see the President citing crime & the inability of D.C. Democrats to stop it. President Trump’s coast-to-coast use of federal military force in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. during 2025 highlights the growing tensions between public safety, constitutional boundaries, and presidential power, raising critical questions about the future of American democracy and civil-military relations.

Immigration Report

USRESIST NEWS presents a special report on Immigration Policy. This report entails the immigration policy briefs by our news team over the last 6 months.

The Downsizing of Student Learning Assessments (Education Policy Brief #208)

As the Trump Administration carries out its crusade to reduce the size of government, one of the targets has been the Department of Education (DOE). The DOE is made up of a number of agencies and offices that have been severely impacted by these actions, one of which is the Institute of Education Sciences (IES).

The U.S. Government Turns the Other Cheek to Resolving the Israel–Palestinian Conflict (Foreign Policy Brief #215)

Under the Trump administration, U.S. policy has shifted in tone, language, and substance: Washington has openly embraced Israeli priorities while sidelining Palestinian rights and claims. What had long been presented as a balancing act—security guarantees for Israel paired with a rhetorical commitment to Palestinian statehood—has become a policy that favors one side almost exclusively.

Suggestions for the Democratic 2026 Mid-Term Platform

 The 2026 mid-term elections offer the Democratic party an opportunity to regain control of the House and Senate.  However, Democrats face an uphill battle challenged by Trump policies, anti-Democratic rhetoric, internal divisions, and political maneuvers such as re-districting. To address these challenges the Democratics need to articulate a political platform with issues that resonate with voters.  While the need in every race is to prioritize concerns of local communities, a set of party-wide policy priorities that can be adapted to fit local needs would be helpful.  

The Texas and California Re – Districting Fight Explained

At the end of July 2025 President Trump suggested that Texas should re – district (or, redraw) their state congressional map prior to the 2026 general election. Trump’s purpose in suggesting a redraw of the map was to add five more reliably Republican districts in Texas. This would likely give the Texas congressional delegation five additional members of the House of Representatives in Washington. Texas Governor Greg Abbott then called a special session of the Texas State Legislature to consider the issue and issue a new map ahead of the 2026 elections.

Duped by Putin for months on end, Trump must now hold the line on Russia (Foreign Policy Brief #212)

Trump’s egregious pre-election claim that he could “end the war in a day” between Russia and Ukraine has instead resulted in Russia’s huge surge of attacks on Ukraine and an increasing number of civilian deaths. While Trump often tries to deflect his responsibility for handling this war onto past U.S. presidents, he is now in fact the commander in chief and must take action to support an ally in Ukraine, help prevent further carnage, and demonstrate American democratic mettle vis-a-vis a ruthless dictator in Putin.   

USRESIST SHARE: August 2025 #1

We are pleased to send you the current issue of USRESIST SHARE—our bi-weekly magazine of the latest news Briefs by our Reporters. USRESIST SHARE is intended to deepen your understanding of today’s leading public policy and political issues. We hope you’ll enjoy and welcome your feedback.

Immigration Report

USRESIST NEWS presents a special report on Immigration Policy. This report entails the immigration policy briefs by our news team over the last 6 months.

The Downsizing of Student Learning Assessments (Education Policy Brief #208)

Education Policy Brief #208 | Steve Piazza | August 17. 2025 As the Trump Administration carries...

The U.S. Government Turns the Other Cheek to Resolving the Israel–Palestinian Conflict (Foreign Policy Brief #215)

Foreign Policy Brief #215 | Inijah Quadri | August 15, 2025 Under the Trump administration, U.S....
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Keeping Democracy Alive

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Making Democracy Great Again

By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Rodney Maggay
Aug 20 2025

The Texas and California Re – Districting Fight Explained

At the end of July 2025 President Trump suggested that Texas should re – district (or, redraw) their state congressional map prior to the 2026 general election....
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Rodney A. Maggay
Jul 12 2025

Why The Birthright Citizenship Rule Is Still Valid Today And What Comes Next (Civil Rights Brief #245)

On the first day of his second presidential term, President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order No. 14160. This executive order is popularly known as the birthright...
By c25b20b4bf935be4bec0b8fb91937323ea51988682699fb8738acdcaeb2b01a4?s=96&d=mm&r=g david
Jun 10 2025

The Role of the Judiciary Against The Other Branches of Government – A Historical Background (Civil Rights Policy Brief #244)

Just this week a number of reports have surfaced that detailed President Trump’s frustration with the Supreme Court and both the federal and state level judiciary...
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Rodney Maggay
Jun 05 2025

The Distinction Between Law and Policy And The Role of The Courts

he beginning of President Trump’s second term saw a slew of executive orders on a number of policies and also saw numerous responses to those orders. More than...
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Rodney Maggay
May 12 2025

The Department of Justice Voting Section’s Shift In Priorities

A number of news outlets have recently reported that the United States Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Civil Rights Division Voting Section has changed their...
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Nicholas Gordon
Apr 30 2025

Resistance is Not Futile: Upholding Civil Rights and Constitutional Norms to withstand Trump’s Autocratic Aims

In his first 100 days in office, President Trump has pursued a sinister goal of autocracy by relentlessly attacking any and all forms of opposition and repressing civil...
By c25b20b4bf935be4bec0b8fb91937323ea51988682699fb8738acdcaeb2b01a4?s=96&d=mm&r=g david
Apr 23 2025

The Administration Efforts to Avoid a Judicial Ruling

On April 9, 2025 the House of Representatives voted on the No Rogue Rulings Act bill. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA). H.R. 1526 would prohibit a...
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Rodney Maggay
Apr 01 2025

A Court’s Options To Enforce Compliance With Court Orders

Under Rule 3.3 of the American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct, titled “Candor Toward the Tribunal,” a lawyer has a number of...
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Rodney Maggay
Mar 12 2025

The Pettiness of President Trump Targeting Law Firms For Revenge

On February 25, 2025 President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending the security clearances of lawyers and staff at the Washington, D.C. law office of the...
By 304b85304860ad8c372309473fc2261337d3cc4f4b3e773dfbd236a31c2fd149?s=96&d=mm&r=g adminusres
Feb 09 2025

A Comparison of Biden and Trump’s January 20th Pardons

Article II, Section 2, Clause 2 of the United States Constitution provides: The President…shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for Offenses against the...
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Elections & Politics

By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Nate Iglehart
Aug 12 2025

Third Party Possibilities

The United States is currently in the throes of a political transformation, one being driven mostly by President Donald Trump and his allies in the Republican Party....
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Nate Iglehart
Aug 05 2025

The New Wave of Progressive Politicians is Growing (Elections & Politics Brief #189)

It has been just over six months since Donald Trump ascended to the presidency, and he and his GOP allies have wasted no time or effort in pushing the United States as...
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Naja Barnes
Aug 04 2025

The Democratic Push for the Release of the Epstein Files (Elections & Politics Brief #190)

There has been deep curiosity, unsettling truths, and controversies surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and the Epstein files. The public has been pushing for and putting...
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Nate Iglehart
Jul 16 2025

Zohran Mamdani’s Campaign Has Been A Wake-Up Call. Who Is Following His Lead? (Elections & Politics Brief #188)

The Democratic primary for the New York mayoral race was seen as a “perfect storm”, “clearly a rebuke”, and a surprise to many onlookers. In it, self-proclaimed...
By c25b20b4bf935be4bec0b8fb91937323ea51988682699fb8738acdcaeb2b01a4?s=96&d=mm&r=g david
Jul 12 2025

A Hick-Lib’s Rebellion: Kyle Rable, No Kings!, & the Fight for West Texas (Elections and Politics Brief #187)

I sat down with Kyle Rable to learn more about the No Kings! protests. Kyle is a new father, a Ph.D. candidate in History at Texas Tech, a U.S. Army Reserves Captain, a...
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Nate Iglehart
Jul 12 2025

Ranked Choice Voting is On the Rise. How does it work and why is it popular? (Elections & Politics Brief #186)

Elections & Politics Brief #186 | Nate Iglehart | July 5, 2025 The most important aspect of democracy is being able to vote for who represents you in government....
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Nate Iglehart
May 22 2025

Habeas corpus: What is it, and can it be suspended? (Elections & Politics Brief #185)

One of the most fundamental aspects of a fair and just legal system is the ability to challenge one’s detention, often referred to as “habeas corpus”. Habeas corpus is...
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Morgan Davidson
May 12 2025

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

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...
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Inijah Quadri
May 05 2025

A Primer on Political Interest Groups

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...
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Nate Iglehart
Apr 10 2025

Where Democrats can aim for the 2026 midterms: House Edition

After two months into Donald Trump’s second presidency, many voters and Congresspeople are already eyeing the 2026 Congressional elections. The November 3rd elections...
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Foreign Policy

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Foreign Policy

Going to War for Human Rights? (Foreign Policy Brief #206)

With Israel and Iran now having engaged in a direct war, trading attacks on each other’s cities, and the US carrying out attacks inside Iran, there’s a high chance that the US could be dragged into a full on war. It’s a prospect that is causing fear in many in the United States, but also being pushed for by others. Regime change has come up as one of the goals of the war and there are those in the US who are in favor of going to war and overthrowing the Iranian government.

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The Week That Was: Global News in Review (Foreign Policy Brief #205)

For over 12 days Israel and Iran exchange strikes after their long-time conflict hit a flashpoint following Israel’s surprise attack on Iran’s nuclear program and assassination of Iranian leadership. The attack kicked off a sequence of events that has left hundreds reported killed and put the United States at risk of being dragged further into the war. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently stated that Iran has been enriching higher amounts of uranium and in breach of the non-proliferation treaty. While also confirming that the agency had not found “any proof” of an effort to develop a nuclear weapon by Iran.

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2026 World Cup and President Trump’s Policies (Foreign Policy Brief #203)

The United States and its neighbors have long had a successful, and peaceful (mostly) existence. The United States, Canada, and Mexico have had free-trade agreements; entered into military alliances together; fought in wars together. However, since the inauguration of President Trump, these relationships have been tested – dramatically. The White House has called for Canada to become the “51st State”; the United States has changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America”. Publicly, President Sheibaum and Prime Minister Carney, of Mexico and Canada, respectively, have criticized President Trump and his policies both from afar and in-person.

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Technology

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Technology

AI Wars Are Escalating: The US vs. China, Elon Musk vs. Sam Altman, and JD Vance vs. the World.

JD Vance’s appalling speech at the Paris Artificial Intelligence Summit announcing that the US will not agree to minimal international safety standards or consumer protections was not surprising given the Trump administration’s deregulatory fervor and fervent billionaire support.   But with lucrative government contracts hanging in the balance, two of those billionaires are feuding.  Sam Altman, CEO of Open AI, recently said no to Elon Musk’s offer of $97.4 billion to purchase his company.  Musk also heard no from 21 technology workers at DOGE, formerly the US Digital Service, who quit their jobs saying they refused to use their skills to “dismantle critical public services.”

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TikTok CEO Is Trump’s Latest Billionaire Buddy

TikTok CEO Is Trump’s Latest Billionaire Buddy Technology Policy Brief #125 | By: Mindy Spatt | January 24, 2025 __________________________________ Summary Predictably, a law banning TikTok was in effect for only a few hours on January 19.  The Biden administration’s...

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Environment

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Environment

Don’t Expect Trump 2.0 to be Climate Friendly

Don’t Expect Trump 2.0 to be Climate Friendly Environment Policy #177 | By: Todd J. Broadman | January 10, 2025 Photo by Documerica on Unsplash __________________________________ POLICY SUMMARY President-elect Trump is set to take office on January 6, 2025 and has...

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What Happened to Climate Change as a Political Priority?

In the midst of escalating environmental crises, climate change has surprisingly taken a backseat in political discourse. Despite initial commitments from the Biden administration to combat climate change through initiatives like the Paris Agreement and the Inflation Reduction Act, significant challenges remain. As fossil fuel production reaches unprecedented levels and partisan divides deepen, the urgency to prioritize climate policy faces increasing obstacles, leaving many to question the future of our environmental commitments.

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The Politics of Funding Climate Disasters

Back in the 80s, the United States on average faced what would now total a billion-dollars in natural disaster relief about every four months. The latest estimates from The Fifth National Climate Assessment find that our country is hit with a billion-dollar disaster every three weeks.

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By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Steve Piazza
Aug 28 2025

The Downsizing of Student Learning Assessments (Education Policy Brief #208)

As the Trump Administration carries out its crusade to reduce the size of government, one of the targets has been the Department of Education (DOE). The DOE is made up...
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Yelena Korshunov
Aug 04 2025

New Trump Rule Targets The Head Start Program (Education Policy Brief #206)

Earlier this month, on Thursday, July 10, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that children of undocumented immigrants will no longer be...
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Steve Piazza
Jul 16 2025

Current Efforts to Change State Education Curricula (Education Policy Brief #205)

Recent changes to state laws and policies reflect conservative efforts to remove what they consider “divisive concepts” regarding race and gender. South Carolina,...
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Steve Piazza
Jun 18 2025

Project 2025 and Federal Influence Over K-12 Curricula (Education Policy Brief #204)

Although President Trump campaigned by keeping distance between himself and Project 2025, it is clear that his agenda since his inauguration has run parallel to the...
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Naja Barnes
Jun 10 2025

The Future of Student Loans in Trump’s Presidency (Education Policy Brief #203)

Since Trump’s attack on the Department of Education, there has been some confusion surrounding the future of student loans. During the Biden Administration, there were...
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Valerie Henderson
May 05 2025

The Trump Administration and the University Communities: Part 1, Funding Suspension

In April 2025, the Trump administration escalated its efforts to reshape American higher education by suspending billions in federal grants to elite universities —...
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Valerie Henderson
May 05 2025

The Trump Administration and University Communities: Part II

Following the initial wave of federal funding suspensions, the Trump administration has intensified its campaign to reshape American higher education. The effort has...
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Valerie Henderson
Apr 23 2025

Understanding What the U.S. Department of Education Did

The U.S. Department of Education (DOE), established in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter, promotes student achievement, ensures equal access to education, and enforces...
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Damian DeSola
Apr 10 2025

MAGA Against College: A Fight for America’s Minds

It is no secret that the past two months of Trump’s second term have rattled both American and international societies to their core. Racing out of the gates, the...
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Valerie Henderson
Apr 06 2025

The Reasons We’ve Had a Department of Education

The U.S. Department of Education (DOE), established in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter, operates to promote student achievement, ensure equal access to education, and...
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Evan Wechman
Feb 12 2025

The Dangers for Schools Amid the Trump Gender War

The Trump administration has recently begun redefining its view on what it sees as the appropriate options for gender in the education system. The newly released Trump...
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Evan Wechman
Jan 28 2025

The Uncertainty of the Student Loan Crisis in the Age of Trump

The student loan crisis, a pressing issue under former President Biden, has entered a phase of uncertainty with President Trump back in office. Biden’s...
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Evan Wechman
Colorful Direction Signs on a Metal Pole
Jan 17 2025

The Fallacy of School Choice

Though touted as a way to empower families, school choice policies often widen the gap between wealthy and disadvantaged communities, leaving public schools underfunded...
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Evan Wechman
Yellow school bus in front of banner reading "imagine a future free of gun violence"
Jan 06 2025

Trump and Vance Fail to Offer Solutions to School Violence

Trump and Vance Fail to Offer Solutions to School Violence Education Policy Brief #196 | By: Evan Wechman | December 28, 2024 Photo by Jose Alonso on Unsplash...
By ?s=96&d=mm&r=g Evan Wechman
Dec 23 2024

Transgender Students Need Protection from Trump’s Assault on Title IX

Transgender Students Need Protection from Trump’s Assault on Title IX Education Policy Brief #196 | By: Evan Wechman | December 21, 2024 Photo by Katie Rainbow 🏳️‍🌈...
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Health & Gender

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Health & Gender

Checking in on 14 Years of Obamacare: Part 3

Policy Brief #174 – Health and Gender
by: Geoffrey Small

Fourteen years after the enactment of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), its impact on innovative medical care and cost-saving measures remains mixed. While Obamacare has expanded access and encouraged preventative care, the anticipated financial savings have not fully materialized, highlighting the ongoing complexity of achieving affordable healthcare in the U.S.

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Checking in on 14 Years of Obamacare: Part 2

Policy Brief #172 – Health and Gender
by: Geoffrey Small

This article examines the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on Medicaid expansion across states. Despite the ACA’s goal to make health insurance more accessible and to encourage Medicaid expansion, some states have resisted, leading to ongoing debates and policy changes regarding healthcare coverage and access.

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Immigration

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Immigration

An Update on Trump’s Mass Deportation Efforts (Immigration Policy Brief #141)

As we enter the second month of Donald Trump’s return to office, his stance on immigration remains as hardline as ever—if not more extreme. He has ramped up his rhetoric against so-called “criminals,” but communities across the country are feeling the tangible effects of his deportation policies. Friends, neighbors, workers, and community members are being forcibly removed, leaving behind fractured families and economic instability.

Exploring Different Types of Immigrants & Immigration Realities (Immigration Policy Brief #140)

The Trump administration has recently begun redefining its view on what it sees as the appropriate options for gender in the education system. The newly released Trump executive order on “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling” released on January 29 seeks to prohibit federal funding for schools that are teaching gender ideology and critical race theory in the classroom.

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Economic Policy

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Economic Policy

Navigating Inflation: A Comprehensive Analysis

Brief #61 – Economic Policy Brief
by: Arvind Salem

As inflation rates surge, consumers face mounting pressure on their wallets, with prices soaring in key sectors like housing and groceries. Amidst political debates and policy clashes, understanding the root causes and potential solutions becomes critical for navigating the economic landscape.

Cryptocurrencies: Economic Implications and Challenges

Brief #60 – Economic Policy Brief
by: Inijah Quadri

The rise of cryptocurrencies heralds a new era in the global financial landscape, offering decentralized alternatives to traditional fiat currencies. With the potential for enhanced financial inclusion and transactional efficiency, cryptocurrencies present both opportunities and challenges in reshaping the future of finance.

A Primer on Our Housing Crisis

Brief #59 – Economic Policy Brief
by Devyne Byrd

Although the United States is a global economic force, its economic prosperity has not extended to those citizens who are suffering from a dire housing crisis. As wages have not risen to align with these issues, many Americans have been priced out of both the homebuying and rental process, leading to mass evictions, foreclosures, and homelessness.

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