Donald Trump wants his opponents to be afraid.
Don’t.
That was the message presented Thursday by former CD-7 congressman Tom Malinowski, who joined current CD-11 Rep. Mikie Sherrill, for a sort of Facebook-live resistance chat.
Malinowski, who now chairs the Hunterdon County Democratic Committee, said he understands the anxiety among Trump critics. But he warned against feeling helpless or “paralyzed.”
Democrats have to fight back.
Sherrill and Malinowski said that, generally speaking, the fight will be on two fronts – in the House and in the courts.
With a handful of GOP House members either resigning (Matt Gaetz) or joining the Trump Administration, the Republicans’ margin in the House will soon be 217 to 215.
That’s going to make it extremely difficult for House Republicans, who are not always together, to get things done, they said.
But how about Trump’s executive orders?
That’s where the courts come in.
Sherrill said opponents have had some successes, mentioning court decisions blocking a funding freeze and supporting birthright citizenship.
A few hours after the event, a court also blocked the administration’s buyout plan.
The problem was easy for the Dems to illustrate.
“You have now a billionaire going after the most vulnerable communities,” Sherrill said, referring to Elon Musk led attacks on Head Start, Meals on Wheels and federal health centers.
This means, they said, that there are going to be more court challengers.
Sherrill and Malinowski were linked together in 2018 when they both won traditionally-held Republican seats.
Since then, Sherrill has easily won reelection. Malinowski won again in 2020, but lost to Republican Thomas H. Kean Jr. in 2022.
Now that Trump is back and the Republicans control the House, Malinowski said he hears from people depressed about how things have turned.
He tries to combat that.
“We won (in 2018). We stopped the first Trump Administration dead in its tracks,” Malinowski said.
Talk about wanting the past to be prologue.
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As the United States enters a new era under President Donald Trump, many are left wondering how to navigate the uncertain political landscape. In a recent discussion, political analysts Sherrill and Malinowski shared their insights on strategies for effectively navigating the challenges of the Trump era.
One key theme that emerged from the discussion was the importance of courage in standing up for one’s beliefs in the face of adversity. Sherrill emphasized the need for individuals to speak out against policies and actions that they believe are harmful or unjust, even if it means facing backlash or criticism. Malinowski echoed this sentiment, noting that courage is essential for maintaining a strong and principled stance in the face of political pressure.
In addition to courage, both analysts stressed the importance of vigilance in monitoring and responding to developments in the Trump administration. With a president known for his unpredictable behavior and controversial policies, it is crucial for individuals to stay informed and engaged in order to protect their rights and values. Sherrill and Malinowski recommended staying informed through reliable news sources, participating in grassroots activism, and holding elected officials accountable for their actions.
Overall, Sherrill and Malinowski’s discussion highlighted the need for individuals to approach the Trump era with a combination of courage and vigilance. By standing up for their beliefs and remaining vigilant in the face of political challenges, Americans can navigate the uncertainties of the new administration with integrity and resilience.
