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From the Capitol to the Commanders: A Wild Week in Politics

Beg Your Pardon? Trump Did What Now?!  

In 2021 Fulton County’s District Attorney Fani Williams indicted Donald Trump and 18 other individuals on the count of ‘Sweep Racketeering Indictment’ during the 2020 election. Allegedly, Donald Trump told “Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to "find" the votes needed to win the state”. The defendants were accused of “casting fake electoral votes, convincing state officials to falsify results and pressuring Fulton County election worker Ruby Freeman to falsely state that she witnessed ballot fraud”. Although some of the defendants pleaded guilty, the rest of the proceedings, including Trump’s, were paused in June 2024 due to alleged misconduct by District Attorney Fani Williams. Most defendants have not yet entered a plea.

In November 2025, Donald Trump issued presidential pardons to all 18 of his co-defendants in the Georgia election interference case. Notably, one of the defendants connected to the case is Georgia’s Republican Lieutenant Governor and current gubernatorial candidate, Burt Jones, who served as one of the alternate electors during the 2020 election. According to the AJC, “A state prosecutor declined to pursue charges against Lt. Gov. Burt Jones”. Trump’s decision to pardon all 18 of his co-defendants reveals a blatant abuse of power and a deep conflict of interest that undermines the very foundation of justice. The act effectively shields his allies from facing consequences, further eroding public trust in fair governance and the rule of law. These pardons send a clear message that political loyalty outweighs accountability. 

Shutdown Averted — But at What Cost for Democrats?

Eight Democrats in the Senate and six in the House joined Republicans in voting to reopen the federal government. Still, many within the Democratic Party have made no secret of their frustration with the outcome—especially given the message voters sent this November: they want representatives willing to fight, not fold, in the face of Republican agendas.

The bill itself, however, covers only a fraction of what is needed.

It provides long-term funding for veterans’ programs, SNAP benefits, farming assistance, and the operations of Congress. Everything else is funded only on a temporary basis through January 30—and at levels first set by Congress in March 2024. As lawmakers attempt to look ahead, House and Senate leaders remain at odds over overall spending totals for fiscal year 2026, leaving the future of the federal budget uncertain.

If lawmakers fail to reach a resolution by the January deadline, Congress risks tumbling into yet another partial shutdown or continuing to run much of the government on outdated funding plans.

Concerningly, the core issue that triggered the shutdown in the first place is not mentioned in the bill.

Instead of addressing the fate of the Affordable Care Act directly, the deal merely promises another vote. Tentatively set for mid-December, Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota agreed to bring the matter back to the floor.

It’s hard to overstate the disappointment that comes with this outcome.

After six weeks of disruption, furloughs, and uncertainty for millions of Americans, the government is reopening with little to show for the struggle. The agreement neither advances Democratic priorities nor resolves the healthcare question at the heart of the impasse. Instead, it has deepened fractures within the Democratic Party. And although Republicans are facing backlash for the economic harm caused by the shutdown, it is unlikely to change how these lawmakers will vote when the next bill hits the floor.

Below is a video explaining the effects of the government’s reopening.

SCOTUS Lets Marriage Equality Stand

On Monday, November 10, the United States Supreme Court declined a request to review Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark 2015 case that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. The petition stemmed from former Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis, who defied court orders by refusing to issue a marriage license to a same-sex couple. For the case to be reconsidered, at least four justices would have needed to agree to hear it; that threshold was not met.

It goes without saying that many Americans felt threatened and fearful in anticipation of the Court’s decision—especially given recent moves to overturn precedents that expanded, rather than restricted, civil liberties. Still, some argue that the current political climate exaggerated the likelihood that Obergefell would be reviewed or overturned.

Regardless of how likely the challenge was to succeed, the Court’s refusal to revisit the ruling is a significant victory for the American people. Coming on the heels of major Democratic wins in local elections, the decision provides an added boost of morale for Democratic politicians and supporters across the country.

As we celebrate this moment of hope, we must remain committed to supporting democracy and electing officials who advance positive, inclusive change. Upholding one of our nation’s core democratic pillars—freedom for everyone—must remain a priority across all segments of society.

Trump Met with Boos at NFL Game — A Light Moment in a Heavy Week

Nothing says “I’m focused on the nation’s biggest crisis” quite like attending an NFL game during the longest government shutdown in American history. That’s exactly what Donald Trump did. The reaction was immediate and unmistakable: loud, sustained boos echoed through the stadium as thousands of Americans voiced their frustration.

While millions of Americans faced potential starvation and increased healthcare costs, Trump used taxpayer resources to attend the game, as part of his campaign to plaster his name on the next Commanders stadium. 

The fans made their response very clear, “Stay out of our football!” 

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