The second week of the new Donald Trump administration brought more pain, fear, and confusion.
President Trump’s executive actions obstructing federal funding fueled more chaos, with far-reaching consequences for millions across the country and the globe.
These actions have impacted critical government programs including health care and food assistance for seniors, children, and low-income families. The freeze has also halted almost all foreign assistance programs that save lives, promote peace, and make both the U.S. and the world safer and more secure.
These senseless, draconian orders are serious threats to the balance of power that underpins our democracy.
While the administration rescinded its order halting work across the government, funding obstructions and confusion continue. As legal challenges play out, we are preparing to defend the social safety net as it continues to come under threat in the Congressional appropriations process.
Meanwhile, Trump’s mass detention and deportation campaign continues to stoke fear and rip families and our communities apart.
The administration continues to attack the rights of other vulnerable people, including our transgender neighbors. Trump is also scapegoating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including for the recent tragic plane crash in Washington, D.C.
Each day we see deeply painful injustices. But we also see countless inspiring stories of resistance, solidarity, and hope happening each day too.
We are proud that Quakers are leading the way to stop immigration raids in houses of worship, suing the administration and putting faith into action to defend religious freedom and human dignity.
Click the image above to read more on our Instagram page.
We are also moved to see so many people raising their voices in solidarity with immigrants – from faith leaders to local officials, community organizers, and rights groups.
As we confront the difficult days ahead, we urge you to share and celebrate these stories of persistent, courageous advocacy, and to join us as we lovingly defend each other and the world we seek.
Two actions you can take now:
Tell Congress: Mass Deportation is Not the Answer
Tell Congress: Speak Out Against Aid Pause
Elsewhere
We are Welcoming Congress with Action!
This week, hundreds of advocates joined a call to learn how to effectively engage the new Congress. FCNL’s lobbyists laid out the landscape for increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza, building justice into a cruel migration system, and countering threats to health care and food assistance. You can watch the conversation and access the resources we offered here.
Doomsday Clock Ticks Closer to Midnight
The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists moved the “doomsday clock” to 89 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been to human-caused catastrophe. They cited renewed threats posed by nuclear weapons and climate disasters, as well as novel biological threats and AI.
It is not too late to turn back the clock. Every second counts. As people of faith, we are also people of hope. Despair only raises the risks of failure.
Steps to Peace in Gaza
As the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel holds, prisoner and hostage exchanges are continuing. Palestinians are returning to northern Gaza, which is in ruins, showing resilience and perseverance in their commitment to their homeland.
Humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain extremely dire. On January 30, a new Israeli law went into effect which severely limits the ability of UNRWA, the chief aid organization in the region, to help those in need.
The United States needs to support the UNRWA’s life-saving work by restoring funding. Urge your members of Congress to support the UNRWA Emergency Funding Restoration Act when it is re-introduced!
We also had some important, positive news in the U.S. Congress this week: a bill failed in the Senate which would have punished the International Criminal Court for its work to hold Israeli and Hamas officials accountable for war crimes. Without truth and accountability, we cannot bring lasting peace and justice to the region.
