Activism

Cecile Richards Saved the Day for Us

Cecile Richards Saved the Day for Us Cecile Richards Saved the Day for Us

The crusader for women’s and workers’ rights died Monday after a cruel illness. She inspires us to do the work ahead.

Jan 20, 2025 / Joan Walsh

President-elect Donald Trump takes the oath of office during the 60th Presidential Inauguration, in the Rotunda of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025.

Trump’s Supposed Unity Message Is a Gloating Threat of MAGA Triumphant Trump’s Supposed Unity Message Is a Gloating Threat of MAGA Triumphant

The new president uses shock and awe to claim a mandate over demoralized Democrats.

Jan 20, 2025 / Jeet Heer

Leadership and Resistance, Now More Than Ever

Leadership and Resistance, Now More Than Ever Leadership and Resistance, Now More Than Ever

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Jan 20, 2025 / OppArt / Andrea Arroyo

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the steps of the State Capitol in Montgomery, Alabama, on March 25, 1965.

In 2025, Martin Luther King Jr.’s Economic Populism Is More Relevant Than Ever In 2025, Martin Luther King Jr.’s Economic Populism Is More Relevant Than Ever

The political media calls Trump a “populist.” But as Dr. King made clear in a 1965 speech, American populism was a movement against everything Trump stands for.

Jan 20, 2025 / Malaika Jabali

Hundreds of trans men and women, activists and supporters rally outside the Supreme Court Building in Washington, DC, on December 4, 2024.

Trans Healthcare Is Under Siege. These People Are Fighting Back. Trans Healthcare Is Under Siege. These People Are Fighting Back.

A nonprofit is trying to get the FDA to approve crucial methods of gender-affirming care. Its battle will be even more important in Trump’s second term.

Jan 17, 2025 / William Elisabeth Cuthbert

The Brown Berets, who newly declassified documents reveal were the target of illegal CIA surveillance in the 1960s and ’70s, are still active, as seen here in this 2017 protest against white supremacist activists in San Diego. What we don’t know is whether the CIA has ever really backed off.

The CIA Illegally Spied on Puerto Rican and Mexican American Activists for Decades The CIA Illegally Spied on Puerto Rican and Mexican American Activists for Decades

And is probably still at it. As newly released classified documents confirm activists’ long-held suspicions, the disclosures should also alert us to current dangers.

Jan 16, 2025 / Roberto Lovato

Hundred-dollar bills fly off into a sunny blue sky.

Left Organizing Is in Crisis. Philanthropy Is a Major Reason Why. Left Organizing Is in Crisis. Philanthropy Is a Major Reason Why.

Progressive philanthropy lacks good strategy, so too many of our organizations are hollow—and that left us unable to prevent a second Trump term.

Jan 16, 2025 / Nina Luo

Jimmy Carter addresses the nation.

A Tale of Two Presidents A Tale of Two Presidents

Remembering Carter as we steel ourselves for Trump’s second inauguration.

Jan 14, 2025 / D.D. Guttenplan

Donald Trump appears remotely for a sentencing hearing with his attorney Todd Blanche on January 10, 2025.

Despite Trump’s Felony Conviction, Prosecutorial Liberalism Has Failed Despite Trump’s Felony Conviction, Prosecutorial Liberalism Has Failed

When voters are consumed with anti-system rage, a criminal rap sheet is no barrier to high office.

Jan 13, 2025 / Jeet Heer

Shredding while Gazans burn: Secretary of State Antony Blinken performs “Rockin’ in the Free World” in Kyiv on May 14, 2024.

Antony Blinken’s Legacy Is Buried Under the Rubble of Gaza Antony Blinken’s Legacy Is Buried Under the Rubble of Gaza

Despite valedictory speeches, the secretary of state will be remembered not for his successes—or his guitar playing—but for the humanitarian catastrophe he aided and abetted.

Jan 13, 2025 / Jonathan Guyer

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