Deadline Poet / February 20, 2024

The Border Bill, Republican Congressmen, and Trump

Calvin Trillin
A US border patrol agent on patrol near La Joya, Tex., 2013.
A US border patrol agent on patrol near La Joya, Tex., 2013. (Photo by John Moore / Getty Images)

Securing the border was key to the bill.
They liked that—until they got orders to kill.
They still say “How high?” when he tells them to jump.
They’ve still not applied for asylum from Trump.

Hold the powerful to account by supporting The Nation

The chaos and cruelty of the Trump administration reaches new lows each week.

Trump’s catastrophic “Liberation Day” has wreaked havoc on the world economy and set up yet another constitutional crisis at home. Plainclothes officers continue to abduct university students off the streets. So-called “enemy aliens” are flown abroad to a mega prison against the orders of the courts. And Signalgate promises to be the first of many incompetence scandals that expose the brutal violence at the core of the American empire.

At a time when elite universities, powerful law firms, and influential media outlets are capitulating to Trump’s intimidation, The Nation is more determined than ever before to hold the powerful to account.

In just the last month, we’ve published reporting on how Trump outsources his mass deportation agenda to other countries, exposed the administration’s appeal to obscure laws to carry out its repressive agenda, and amplified the voices of brave student activists targeted by universities.

We also continue to tell the stories of those who fight back against Trump and Musk, whether on the streets in growing protest movements, in town halls across the country, or in critical state elections—like Wisconsin’s recent state Supreme Court race—that provide a model for resisting Trumpism and prove that Musk can’t buy our democracy.

This is the journalism that matters in 2025. But we can’t do this without you. As a reader-supported publication, we rely on the support of generous donors. Please, help make our essential independent journalism possible with a donation today.

In solidarity,

The Editors

The Nation

Calvin Trillin

Calvin Trillin is The Nation’s “deadline poet.”

More from The Nation

Good Night and Good Luck

Good Night and Good Luck Good Night and Good Luck

Warning label.

Steve Brodner

Snow White

Snow White Snow White

Remake.

OppArt / Steve Brodner

Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez speaks during a town hall event at Centralia College, on April 22, 2025, in Centralia, Washington.

Reclaiming the Democratic Party for Working Families Reclaiming the Democratic Party for Working Families

A call to action.

Bruce Raynor and Andy Stern

Protesters hold signs as they march toward the White House during a “Hands Off!” protest of President Donald Trump’s policies and executive actions in Washington, DC, on April 19, 2025.

Trump Shreds the Constitution to Better Hound Immigrants and Eviscerate Universities Trump Shreds the Constitution to Better Hound Immigrants and Eviscerate Universities

In his first three months in office, Trump’s ire has been particularly ferocious on two policy areas: immigration and higher education.

Sasha Abramsky

A “60 Minutes” Resignation Highlights the Corporate Media’s Surrender to Trump

A “60 Minutes” Resignation Highlights the Corporate Media’s Surrender to Trump A “60 Minutes” Resignation Highlights the Corporate Media’s Surrender to Trump

The latest press scandal shows how plutocracy props up authoritarianism.

Jeet Heer

Tourists in front of the main gate to Harvard Yard in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

In a Normal World, Harvard’s Lawsuit Against Trump Would Be a Slam Dunk In a Normal World, Harvard’s Lawsuit Against Trump Would Be a Slam Dunk

The university’s case against the administration is incredibly strong. The question is whether normal rules still apply.

Elie Mystal