The Smile: 02/25/2025

 

Some well-earned wins to celebrate today! 💛 A judge just blocked Trump’s latest attack on immigrant rights, DoorDash workers in New York are getting the pay they deserve, and federal workers are standing up to Musk’s threats. Let’s dive into today’s newsletter and keep the momentum going!

Federal workers sue over Musk's threat to fire if they don't explain accomplishments After a monthlong honeymoon for the G.O.P. at the start of  President Trump’s term, lawmakers are confronting a groundswell of fear and disaffection in districts around the country.  By Robert Jimison Robert Jimison, who covers Congress, reported from Trinity County in the 17th Congressional District of Texas. Feb. 23, 2025 Some came with complaints about Elon Musk, President Trump’s billionaire ally who is carrying out an assault on the federal bureaucracy. Others demanded guarantees that Republicans in Congress would not raid the social safety net. Still others chided the G.O.P. to push back against Mr. Trump’s moves to trample the constitutional power of Congress. When Representative Pete Sessions, Republican of Texas, arrived at a crowded community center on Saturday in the small rural town of Trinity in East Texas, he came prepared to deliver a routine update on the administration’s first month in office. Instead, he fielded a barrage of frustration and anger from constituents questioning Mr. Trump’s agenda and his tactics — and pressing Mr. Sessions and his colleagues on Capitol Hill to do something about it. “The executive can only enforce laws passed by Congress; they cannot make laws,” said Debra Norris, a lawyer who lives in Huntsville, arguing that the mass layoffs and agency closures Mr. Musk has spearheaded were unconstitutional. “When are you going to wrest control back from the executive and stop hurting your constituents?” Image “When are you going to wrest control back from the executive?” Debra Norris, a lawyer who lives in Huntsville, asked Mr. Sessions.Credit...Mark Felix for The New York Times Louis Smith, a veteran who lives in East Texas, told Mr. Sessions that he agreed with the effort to root out excessive spending, but he criticized the way it was being handled and presented to the public. “I like what you’re saying, but you need to tell more people,” Mr. Smith said. “The guy in South Africa is not doing you any good — he’s hurting you more than he’s helping,” he added, referring to Mr. Musk and drawing nods and applause from many in the room. Republicans Face Angry Voters at Town Halls, Hinting at Broader Backlash Video shows rare Canada lynx sighting in northern Minnesotan's backyard How Trump's DOGE Cuts Could Backfire on GOP in Virginia Governor Race DoorDash to pay NY delivery workers $17 million for using their tips to cover wages Senate Democrats challenge transfer of migrants to Guantanamo Bay WHERE ARE THE COSTS FOR THIS LUNACY? TOM HOMAN CAN'T EVEN  MEET HIS QUOTA WITH THE DISGUISED AGENTS SENT TO BUSINESSES... TOM HOMAN & ICE ARE INEPT CLOWNS, AS IS TRUMP FOR HIS LIES  ABOUT MIGRANTS & HIS UNCONSTITUTIONAL LUNACY ABOUT BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP!  Nearly 200K sign petition to revoke Musk’s Canadian citizenship Fake video of Trump kissing Musk's feet displayed at HUD office in Washington Watch: Doorbell cam captures woman’s helpful gesture for her friend in labor Judge Blocks Trump Policy Allowing ICE Operations in Some Houses of Worship Thank you for reading, and we hope these articles shine a light on your day. In solidarity, Emily from The Smile