Jill Lawrence
@jilldlawrence.bsky.social
Opinion writer. Pvs: Editor at USA Today Opinion and National Journal, campaign reporter at USA Today and AP. Author, "The Art of the Political Deal: How Congress Beat the Odds and Broke Through Gridlock." My work: https://jilllawrence.com
Pinned
Words to live by in 2025 and beyond
The 'Secretary of Explaining Stuff' comes up with a winner for challenging times.
jilllawrence.substack.com
I had forgotten all about this piece I'd written for my substack, History Keeps Happening, as 2025 began. The advice from "the Secretary of Explaining Stuff" was good then and even more necessary now, as we all cope with exhaustion and burnout. jilllawrence.substack.com/p/words-to-l...
@andrewsullivan.bsky.social: "For this draft-dodging pig to erase the sacrifice of 1,160 men and women from America’s allies in the post-9/11 war on terror is a disgrace. And for what? NATO is all but destroyed for just the momentary, sick pleasure of mockery." open.substack.com/pub/andrewsu...
The Abyss
We're through the looking glass. Who we once were — what we once were — is over.
open.substack.com
January 23, 2026 at 8:02 PM
@andrewsullivan.bsky.social: "For this draft-dodging pig to erase the sacrifice of 1,160 men and women from America’s allies in the post-9/11 war on terror is a disgrace. And for what? NATO is all but destroyed for just the momentary, sick pleasure of mockery." open.substack.com/pub/andrewsu...
Philadelphia sues over "arbitrary and capricious" removal of displays about slavery" at Independence National Historical Park, with one official saying "History cannot be erased simply because it is uncomfortable." Good. Hope we see lots more lawsuits like this. www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
Philadelphia sues after slavery exhibits were taken down from President's House site
The lawsuit says the National Park Service removed the displays referring to slavery "presumably pursuant to the mandate” of an executive order from President Donald Trump.
www.nbcnews.com
January 23, 2026 at 7:25 PM
Philadelphia sues over "arbitrary and capricious" removal of displays about slavery" at Independence National Historical Park, with one official saying "History cannot be erased simply because it is uncomfortable." Good. Hope we see lots more lawsuits like this. www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
Reposted by Jill Lawrence
Members of the Texas House Democratic Caucus who broke quorum during the summer of 2025 to delay the vote on Republicans' gerrymandered congressional map were fined $9,354.25 each for 'absence-related costs'.
Members have until February 9 to dispute the fines.
Members have until February 9 to dispute the fines.
January 23, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Members of the Texas House Democratic Caucus who broke quorum during the summer of 2025 to delay the vote on Republicans' gerrymandered congressional map were fined $9,354.25 each for 'absence-related costs'.
Members have until February 9 to dispute the fines.
Members have until February 9 to dispute the fines.
Good @time.com piece on how America's withdrawal from the World Health Organization, at least for now, will affect U.S. and global health. It's not optimal. And it could be very bad. time.com/7357180/us-w...
The U.S. Has Pulled Out of the WHO. Here’s What That Means for Public Health
As the U.S.’s withdrawal from the WHO becomes official, the consequences for the world’s health could be serious.
time.com
January 23, 2026 at 3:19 PM
Good @time.com piece on how America's withdrawal from the World Health Organization, at least for now, will affect U.S. and global health. It's not optimal. And it could be very bad. time.com/7357180/us-w...
"The primary purpose of this occupation is the selective use of govt power to establish federal dominance over blue states or cities Trump dislikes. That's it. He thinks MN is the enemy, and so he unleashed an armed and masked paramilitary upon its people." donmoynihan.substack.com/p/past-the-b...
Past the breaking point
The violent occupation of an American city is more than a warning
donmoynihan.substack.com
January 23, 2026 at 1:53 PM
"The primary purpose of this occupation is the selective use of govt power to establish federal dominance over blue states or cities Trump dislikes. That's it. He thinks MN is the enemy, and so he unleashed an armed and masked paramilitary upon its people." donmoynihan.substack.com/p/past-the-b...
Reposted by Jill Lawrence
100 cosponsors and 30k letters sent to Congress for impeaching Noem in a week is something special.
But we aren’t even close to the finish line, so let’s keep pushing!
But we aren’t even close to the finish line, so let’s keep pushing!
Tell Congress: Impeach DHS Secretary Kristi Noem
Contact Congress today!
actionnetwork.org
January 23, 2026 at 1:53 AM
100 cosponsors and 30k letters sent to Congress for impeaching Noem in a week is something special.
But we aren’t even close to the finish line, so let’s keep pushing!
But we aren’t even close to the finish line, so let’s keep pushing!
Reposted by Jill Lawrence
Seriously, @people.com has been meeting the moment better than 90% of publications with direct reporting and crystal clear headlines.
This is a good way for the low-information voters who are usually detached from the news cycle to get turned around.
This is a good way for the low-information voters who are usually detached from the news cycle to get turned around.
What America will read this weekend while in line at the grocery checkout:
@peoplemag.bsky.social #ICE
people.com/ice-detains-...
@peoplemag.bsky.social #ICE
people.com/ice-detains-...
January 22, 2026 at 9:31 PM
Seriously, @people.com has been meeting the moment better than 90% of publications with direct reporting and crystal clear headlines.
This is a good way for the low-information voters who are usually detached from the news cycle to get turned around.
This is a good way for the low-information voters who are usually detached from the news cycle to get turned around.
Reposted by Jill Lawrence
I can't even keep up with the lies in Jim Jordan's opening statement, but I find it interesting that he's complaining about toll record warrants obtained by a judge, while this administration has determined judicial warrants aren't needed to enter our homes.
January 22, 2026 at 3:12 PM
I can't even keep up with the lies in Jim Jordan's opening statement, but I find it interesting that he's complaining about toll record warrants obtained by a judge, while this administration has determined judicial warrants aren't needed to enter our homes.
A classic of the early Never-Trump years by the great @radiofreetom.bsky.social.
For the record, this is my famous "waffle underpants" piece that was shepherded to publication by the great @jilldlawrence.bsky.social
www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...
www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...
January 23, 2026 at 12:34 PM
A classic of the early Never-Trump years by the great @radiofreetom.bsky.social.
Reposted by Jill Lawrence
Imagine starting a new enterprise comprised of world leaders called Board of Peace - invitation only - but two of your most prominent members cannot attend the inaugural event because they'd get arrested for war crimes.
January 22, 2026 at 10:56 PM
Imagine starting a new enterprise comprised of world leaders called Board of Peace - invitation only - but two of your most prominent members cannot attend the inaugural event because they'd get arrested for war crimes.
Kudos to the headline writer.
January 22, 2026 at 9:06 PM
Kudos to the headline writer.
Reposted by Jill Lawrence
There’s been multiple Super Bowl ads for Jesus with the slogan “He gets us.”
Are there really no PACs or foundations or concerned rich people to buy Super Bowl ads broadcasting footage of ICE brutality to the country?
Two 30-second spots, plus widespread promotion on socials, would run ~$20m.
Are there really no PACs or foundations or concerned rich people to buy Super Bowl ads broadcasting footage of ICE brutality to the country?
Two 30-second spots, plus widespread promotion on socials, would run ~$20m.
January 22, 2026 at 1:14 PM
There’s been multiple Super Bowl ads for Jesus with the slogan “He gets us.”
Are there really no PACs or foundations or concerned rich people to buy Super Bowl ads broadcasting footage of ICE brutality to the country?
Two 30-second spots, plus widespread promotion on socials, would run ~$20m.
Are there really no PACs or foundations or concerned rich people to buy Super Bowl ads broadcasting footage of ICE brutality to the country?
Two 30-second spots, plus widespread promotion on socials, would run ~$20m.
I had forgotten all about this piece I'd written for my substack, History Keeps Happening, as 2025 began. The advice from "the Secretary of Explaining Stuff" was good then and even more necessary now, as we all cope with exhaustion and burnout. jilllawrence.substack.com/p/words-to-l...
Words to live by in 2025 and beyond
The 'Secretary of Explaining Stuff' comes up with a winner for challenging times.
jilllawrence.substack.com
January 22, 2026 at 3:47 PM
I had forgotten all about this piece I'd written for my substack, History Keeps Happening, as 2025 began. The advice from "the Secretary of Explaining Stuff" was good then and even more necessary now, as we all cope with exhaustion and burnout. jilllawrence.substack.com/p/words-to-l...
So, You Want to Run for President? @jenrubin.bsky.social with excellent advice for any Democrat contemplating the 2028 race. If it sounds daunting, that's because it will be. An ambitious and detailed "vision thing" will be essential. open.substack.com/pub/contrari...
So, You Want to Run for President?
What 2028 aspirants should consider before running
open.substack.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:10 PM
So, You Want to Run for President? @jenrubin.bsky.social with excellent advice for any Democrat contemplating the 2028 race. If it sounds daunting, that's because it will be. An ambitious and detailed "vision thing" will be essential. open.substack.com/pub/contrari...
Just another day in the neighborhood, via @nytimes.com.
January 21, 2026 at 9:15 PM
Just another day in the neighborhood, via @nytimes.com.
There are so many horrors on an hourly basis, it is hard to keep up. But spare a moment to absorb this picture of the future. The end of science (and very possibly America) as we know it.
This is the most astonishing graph of what the Trump regime has done to US science. They have destroyed the federal science workforce across the board. The negative impacts on Americans will be felt for generations, and the US might never be the same again.
www.nature.com/immersive/d4...
www.nature.com/immersive/d4...
January 21, 2026 at 6:27 PM
There are so many horrors on an hourly basis, it is hard to keep up. But spare a moment to absorb this picture of the future. The end of science (and very possibly America) as we know it.
Reposted by Jill Lawrence
Hakeem Jeffries comes out against the bill funding ICE and DHS. This seems like quite a big deal.
Scoop: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries opposes bill funding DHS and ICE
Democrats are lining up against the bill.
www.axios.com
January 21, 2026 at 4:55 PM
Hakeem Jeffries comes out against the bill funding ICE and DHS. This seems like quite a big deal.
Reposted by Jill Lawrence
#SCOTUS is likely to do the right thing in the Lisa Cook case.
But it's worth bearing in mind that this idea that the Fed is some bespoke exception to the unitary executive theory is utterly incoherent as a matter of both law and history—and is really just proof that the UET is itself bollocks:
But it's worth bearing in mind that this idea that the Fed is some bespoke exception to the unitary executive theory is utterly incoherent as a matter of both law and history—and is really just proof that the UET is itself bollocks:
153. Living by the Ipse Dixit
A constitutional principle like the "unitary executive theory" isn't worth all that much if the Supreme Court can conjure new, unprincipled exceptions to it by simply asserting that they exist.
www.stevevladeck.com
January 21, 2026 at 5:24 PM
#SCOTUS is likely to do the right thing in the Lisa Cook case.
But it's worth bearing in mind that this idea that the Fed is some bespoke exception to the unitary executive theory is utterly incoherent as a matter of both law and history—and is really just proof that the UET is itself bollocks:
But it's worth bearing in mind that this idea that the Fed is some bespoke exception to the unitary executive theory is utterly incoherent as a matter of both law and history—and is really just proof that the UET is itself bollocks:
Reposted by Jill Lawrence
Concur.
🚨 U.S. SUPREME COURT APPEARS LIKELY TO DENY TRUMP'S REQUEST TO IMMEDIATELY FIRE FEDERAL RESERVE GOVERNOR LISA COOK
January 21, 2026 at 4:54 PM
Concur.
WTAF? "Iceland"? "Daddy"?
Trump on NATO: "Until the last few days when I told them about Iceland, they loved me. They called me daddy."
(He means Greenland.)
(He means Greenland.)
January 21, 2026 at 3:47 PM
WTAF? "Iceland"? "Daddy"?
Gov. Gavin is having a busy week. www.gov.ca.gov/2026/01/21/t...
FRAUD ALERT: Newsom adds new list of Trump’s pardoned fraudster friends to Trump Criminals tracker | Governor of California
www.gov.ca.gov
January 21, 2026 at 3:40 PM
Gov. Gavin is having a busy week. www.gov.ca.gov/2026/01/21/t...
Reposted by Jill Lawrence
I saw an elderly woman with a walker out patrolling with a whistle the other day in 3 degrees. They dramatically underestimated Minneapolis.
January 20, 2026 at 3:43 PM
I saw an elderly woman with a walker out patrolling with a whistle the other day in 3 degrees. They dramatically underestimated Minneapolis.
Reposted by Jill Lawrence
👇👇👇
For MLK Day, re-upping this longish-read in which I went back a half century to delve into why my white suburban high school hosted two Black "exchange students" from the Deep South. Revelatory history through my eyes and theirs, and why this history must be taught. www.usatoday.com/in-depth/opi...
Pam's experience at my 1960s white school is the history we need to teach. Not ignore.
A Black 'exchange' student's experience at my high school shows how systemic racism is a part of all of our histories. So why aren't we teaching it?
www.usatoday.com
January 21, 2026 at 1:35 AM
👇👇👇
Reposted by Jill Lawrence
NEW: Michelle Obama will be accepting your apologies now.
www.thebulwark.com/p/michelle-o...
www.thebulwark.com/p/michelle-o...
Michelle Obama Will Be Accepting Your Apologies Now
Evidently now it’s okay to push for healthy eating, so long as you are RFK Jr. and you bring the beef tallow.
www.thebulwark.com
January 21, 2026 at 1:08 AM
NEW: Michelle Obama will be accepting your apologies now.
www.thebulwark.com/p/michelle-o...
www.thebulwark.com/p/michelle-o...
Dammit. These people were not trustworthy, from the top on down, and we knew it. ➡️ Trump administration concedes DOGE team may have misused Social Security data. (Data privacy breaches, plus a dash of "overturn an election" assistance). www.politico.com/news/2026/01...
Trump administration concedes DOGE team may have misused Social Security data
Some DOGE personnel had more access to data than previously acknowledged, according to a court filing.
www.politico.com
January 20, 2026 at 10:17 PM
Dammit. These people were not trustworthy, from the top on down, and we knew it. ➡️ Trump administration concedes DOGE team may have misused Social Security data. (Data privacy breaches, plus a dash of "overturn an election" assistance). www.politico.com/news/2026/01...