Ben Suarato
@ben-suarato.bsky.social
Protecting Democracy from bigotry at the JCPA. Former comms & spox at USAID, Rep. Judy Chu, CAPAC, USGLC, & Dream.Org. Ask me about the Gin Blossoms.
Reposted by Ben Suarato
President Trump’s dehumanization and targeting of our Somali neighbors is racist and it is dangerous. When any community is singled out, none of us is safe. Labeling a community “garbage” gives license to further bigotry and violence — threatening all of us, the rule of law, and our democracy.
Most Somali immigrants in Minnesota are U.S. citizens, yet residents have been pulled over, asked for their passports and detained by ICE this week after President Trump called them “garbage.”
In Minneapolis, Somalis say they’ve been targeted since Trump called them ‘garbage’
Minnesota has been a magnet for Somali immigrants for decades and now has America’s largest population of people of Somali descent.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 4, 2025 at 8:00 PM
President Trump’s dehumanization and targeting of our Somali neighbors is racist and it is dangerous. When any community is singled out, none of us is safe. Labeling a community “garbage” gives license to further bigotry and violence — threatening all of us, the rule of law, and our democracy.
Unless that choice is clean air.
Sean Duffy on slashing fuel economy standards: "This rule will actually allow you to bring back the 1970s station wagon. Maybe a little wood paneling on the side. We can bring back choice to consumers."
December 4, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Unless that choice is clean air.
This settlement also forced Northwestern to abandon gender affirming care for trans youth. Using the need for Jewish safety as an excuse to take it away from others actually increases antisemitism and leaves us all less safe.
Jewish leaders with ties to Northwestern University are cautiously celebrating a $75 million settlement reached on Friday with the Trump administration to restore federal funding that was frozen earlier this year over allegations that administrators failed to address campus antisemitism.
Jewish leaders cautiously optimistic over Northwestern deal with Trump administration
The deal reached last week ends the agreement made between the university and anti-Israel student protesters in the spring of 2024
jewishinsider.com
December 1, 2025 at 9:30 PM
This settlement also forced Northwestern to abandon gender affirming care for trans youth. Using the need for Jewish safety as an excuse to take it away from others actually increases antisemitism and leaves us all less safe.
Reposted by Ben Suarato
This is the scandal. Trump isn’t targeting dangerous people. He’s targeting peaceful immigrants. Almost exclusively.
November 26, 2025 at 2:10 PM
This is the scandal. Trump isn’t targeting dangerous people. He’s targeting peaceful immigrants. Almost exclusively.
Reposted by Ben Suarato
Wild to think that just a few months ago this administration was cracking down on universities for not doing enough to root out antisemitism www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify swastikas, nooses as hate symbols
The military service, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security, has drafted a new policy that classifies such items “potentially divisive.”
www.washingtonpost.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Wild to think that just a few months ago this administration was cracking down on universities for not doing enough to root out antisemitism www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Reposted by Ben Suarato
It’s not accidental that this happened the same day the president threatened members of Congress with arrest and hanging. Extremism is being normalized on a daily basis, at a pace intended to make it seem overwhelming and insurmountable — and we need our leaders to continue calling this out.
November 20, 2025 at 6:59 PM
It’s not accidental that this happened the same day the president threatened members of Congress with arrest and hanging. Extremism is being normalized on a daily basis, at a pace intended to make it seem overwhelming and insurmountable — and we need our leaders to continue calling this out.
Reposted by Ben Suarato
The Trump admin just can’t quit Paul Ingrassia of “Nazi streak” fame. The far-right extremist was appointed to yet another role, at the GSA: jewishinsider.com/2025/11/paul...
Because in this admin, hate is definitely not a dealbreaker: www.nytimes.com/2025/10/21/u... @katierogersnyt.bsky.social
Because in this admin, hate is definitely not a dealbreaker: www.nytimes.com/2025/10/21/u... @katierogersnyt.bsky.social
U.S. Special Counsel nominee Paul Ingrassia says he has a “Nazi streak” and has promoted antisemitic & white nationalist extremism like the “Great Replacement.” This hate should have no place in our federal government.
Our full statement: jewishpublicaffairs.org/press-releas...
Our full statement: jewishpublicaffairs.org/press-releas...
November 14, 2025 at 12:55 PM
The Trump admin just can’t quit Paul Ingrassia of “Nazi streak” fame. The far-right extremist was appointed to yet another role, at the GSA: jewishinsider.com/2025/11/paul...
Because in this admin, hate is definitely not a dealbreaker: www.nytimes.com/2025/10/21/u... @katierogersnyt.bsky.social
Because in this admin, hate is definitely not a dealbreaker: www.nytimes.com/2025/10/21/u... @katierogersnyt.bsky.social
✋
So I have a question. Are there any people out there who actually have a strong RELIGIOUS objection to all the stuff ICE is doing now? Not a philosophical one or a moral one, but something akin to the "deeply held religious beliefs" cited to avoid making cakes or websites.
October 31, 2025 at 6:43 PM
✋
Reposted by Ben Suarato
Kevin Roberts' defense of Nick Fuentes is a watershed moment: the right has officially declared open, unabashed Hitlerism to be an acceptable position in their coalition
www.vox.com/politics/466...
www.vox.com/politics/466...
The GOP’s top think tank just defended an open Nazi
Reasonable people can disagree about whether Hitler was good, says the Heritage Foundation.
www.vox.com
October 31, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Kevin Roberts' defense of Nick Fuentes is a watershed moment: the right has officially declared open, unabashed Hitlerism to be an acceptable position in their coalition
www.vox.com/politics/466...
www.vox.com/politics/466...
Reposted by Ben Suarato
If you’re shocked by the Heritage Foundation defending Tucker Carlson — who’s done more to normalize antisemitism & white nationalism than almost anyone — you haven’t been paying attention. That same extremism is at the core of Project 2025, from mass deportations to gutting core democratic rights.
1. A watershed moment.
The President of the Heritage Foundation and Heritage Action, Kevin Roberts , has announced that the organization is standing by Tucker Carlson in the aftermath of Tucker’s interview with neo-Nazi Nick Fuentes.
This isn’t Kevin bending his knee to Trump…this is something new
The President of the Heritage Foundation and Heritage Action, Kevin Roberts , has announced that the organization is standing by Tucker Carlson in the aftermath of Tucker’s interview with neo-Nazi Nick Fuentes.
This isn’t Kevin bending his knee to Trump…this is something new
October 31, 2025 at 12:45 PM
If you’re shocked by the Heritage Foundation defending Tucker Carlson — who’s done more to normalize antisemitism & white nationalism than almost anyone — you haven’t been paying attention. That same extremism is at the core of Project 2025, from mass deportations to gutting core democratic rights.
Reposted by Ben Suarato
The new refugee cap—just 7,500 people—is the lowest in decades. Even more alarming: it explicitly prioritizes white refugees while closing our doors to others fleeing persecution. A policy rooted in white supremacy betrays our most basic values. www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
Trump administration slashes number of refugees, prioritizes Afrikaners
The State Department will also no longer manage the resettlement of refugees.
www.politico.com
October 30, 2025 at 6:58 PM
The new refugee cap—just 7,500 people—is the lowest in decades. Even more alarming: it explicitly prioritizes white refugees while closing our doors to others fleeing persecution. A policy rooted in white supremacy betrays our most basic values. www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
Reposted by Ben Suarato
As synagogues and other institutions apply for vital nonprofit security funding - and they should - they need assurance that they will not be forced to choose between their safety and core religious values. Read our letter to the Administration asking them to waive vague conditions on ICE and DEIA:
JCPA Urges DHS to Waive Confusing and Concerning Language for Nonprofit Security Grant Program - Jewish Council for Public Affairs
In a new letter sent to the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) urges these agencies to issue new guidance that waives vague and concerning language ...
jewishpublicaffairs.org
October 6, 2025 at 1:12 PM
As synagogues and other institutions apply for vital nonprofit security funding - and they should - they need assurance that they will not be forced to choose between their safety and core religious values. Read our letter to the Administration asking them to waive vague conditions on ICE and DEIA:
Reposted by Ben Suarato
Has anyone kept tabs on how many lawmakers/elected officials/candidates have been arrested, detained or physically confronted by ICE and other federal agents this year?
Ald. Jessie Fuentes below, and gonna link to some more in a non-exhaustive thread:
Ald. Jessie Fuentes below, and gonna link to some more in a non-exhaustive thread:
ICE just blatantly violated the law and arrested sitting Chicago Alderperson Jessie Fuentes while seeking to illegally arrest a patient in a hospital. Fuck these fascists.
October 3, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Has anyone kept tabs on how many lawmakers/elected officials/candidates have been arrested, detained or physically confronted by ICE and other federal agents this year?
Ald. Jessie Fuentes below, and gonna link to some more in a non-exhaustive thread:
Ald. Jessie Fuentes below, and gonna link to some more in a non-exhaustive thread:
Reposted by Ben Suarato
Antisemitism is “thriving in plain sight” on Elon Musk’s social media platform X, according to a new study by the Center for Countering Digital Hate and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs.
Study: Antisemitism ‘thriving in plain sight’ on X
An analysis by the JCPA found that antisemitic influencers are flourishing on the platform, and using it to make money while promoting hate
jewishinsider.com
September 29, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Antisemitism is “thriving in plain sight” on Elon Musk’s social media platform X, according to a new study by the Center for Countering Digital Hate and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs.
Reposted by Ben Suarato
As many of you probably know, X is a hotbed for antisemitism.
Bravo to our friends @thejcpa.bsky.social and @counterhate.com on their important new report on antisemitism on X, which finds that the platform is failing to adequately address the spread of antisemitism.
Bravo to our friends @thejcpa.bsky.social and @counterhate.com on their important new report on antisemitism on X, which finds that the platform is failing to adequately address the spread of antisemitism.
Our CEO @amyspitalnick.bsky.social in @cnn.com on our new joint report with @counterhate.com documenting how X, formerly Twitter, has become one of the most effective tools for spreading antisemitism in history.
September 29, 2025 at 7:19 PM
As many of you probably know, X is a hotbed for antisemitism.
Bravo to our friends @thejcpa.bsky.social and @counterhate.com on their important new report on antisemitism on X, which finds that the platform is failing to adequately address the spread of antisemitism.
Bravo to our friends @thejcpa.bsky.social and @counterhate.com on their important new report on antisemitism on X, which finds that the platform is failing to adequately address the spread of antisemitism.
Reposted by Ben Suarato
Our new joint report in CNN: Musk’s X is ‘go-to platform’ for antisemitism, study finds www.cnn.com/2025/09/29/b...
Join me and @imranahmed.bsky.social of @counterhate.com today at noon ET to discuss: thejcpa-org.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Join me and @imranahmed.bsky.social of @counterhate.com today at noon ET to discuss: thejcpa-org.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Musk’s X is ‘go-to platform’ for antisemitism, study finds | CNN Business
The new year-long study found that X’s content restrictions are not having much effect on antisemitic content.
www.cnn.com
September 29, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Our new joint report in CNN: Musk’s X is ‘go-to platform’ for antisemitism, study finds www.cnn.com/2025/09/29/b...
Join me and @imranahmed.bsky.social of @counterhate.com today at noon ET to discuss: thejcpa-org.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Join me and @imranahmed.bsky.social of @counterhate.com today at noon ET to discuss: thejcpa-org.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Reposted by Ben Suarato
Our CEO @amyspitalnick.bsky.social in @cnn.com on our new joint report with @counterhate.com documenting how X, formerly Twitter, has become one of the most effective tools for spreading antisemitism in history.
September 29, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Our CEO @amyspitalnick.bsky.social in @cnn.com on our new joint report with @counterhate.com documenting how X, formerly Twitter, has become one of the most effective tools for spreading antisemitism in history.
Trump's own DHS in 2019 said "White supremacist violent extremism…is one of the most potent forces driving domestic terrorism." But this FBI has intentionally shifted focus away from this work, closing offices and cutting staff. Literally out of sight, out of mind.
KAMLAGER-DOVE: Dylan Roof, who followed white supremacist propaganda, murdered 9 Black parishioners in 2015. Do you deny this?
PATEL: I'm sorry. Dylan Roof? Can you give me more information?
KAMLAGER-DOVE: You're head of the FBI
PATEL: I'm sorry. Dylan Roof? Can you give me more information?
KAMLAGER-DOVE: You're head of the FBI
September 17, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Trump's own DHS in 2019 said "White supremacist violent extremism…is one of the most potent forces driving domestic terrorism." But this FBI has intentionally shifted focus away from this work, closing offices and cutting staff. Literally out of sight, out of mind.
The January 6 insurrectionists all received a pardon for their political violence on the very first day of this administration.
Vance: “People on the left are much likelier to defend and celebrate political violence. This is not a both sides problem. If both sides have a problem, then one side has a much bigger and malignant problem and that is the truth.”
September 15, 2025 at 9:14 PM
The January 6 insurrectionists all received a pardon for their political violence on the very first day of this administration.
Reposted by Ben Suarato
This is permission. This is *encouragement.*
EARHARDT: We have radicals on the right as well. How do we fix this country?
TRUMP: I'll tell you something that's gonna get me in trouble but I couldn't care less. The radicals on the right oftentimes are radical because they don't want to see crime. The radicals on the left are the problem.
TRUMP: I'll tell you something that's gonna get me in trouble but I couldn't care less. The radicals on the right oftentimes are radical because they don't want to see crime. The radicals on the left are the problem.
September 12, 2025 at 1:56 PM
This is permission. This is *encouragement.*
Reposted by Ben Suarato
Antisemitism is real - including in our schools. That makes it even more important not to exploit our fears to irresponsibly & inaccurately attack leaders and institutions in pursuit of a broader political agenda.
Here are a few things @rweingarten.bsky.social & I have done on antisemitism:
Here are a few things @rweingarten.bsky.social & I have done on antisemitism:
September 10, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Antisemitism is real - including in our schools. That makes it even more important not to exploit our fears to irresponsibly & inaccurately attack leaders and institutions in pursuit of a broader political agenda.
Here are a few things @rweingarten.bsky.social & I have done on antisemitism:
Here are a few things @rweingarten.bsky.social & I have done on antisemitism:
Couldn't we have hired some people locally to do this? Say with the $1b Congress cut from our budget?
Latest update from National Guard on Washington, DC deployment and beautification effort
"Guardsmen have cleared 906 bags of trash, spread 744 cubic yards of mulch, removed five truckloads of plant waste, cleared 3.2 miles of roadway, and painted 270 feet of fencing"
"Guardsmen have cleared 906 bags of trash, spread 744 cubic yards of mulch, removed five truckloads of plant waste, cleared 3.2 miles of roadway, and painted 270 feet of fencing"
September 8, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Couldn't we have hired some people locally to do this? Say with the $1b Congress cut from our budget?
Reposted by Ben Suarato
To be clear: bigoted attacks and sweeping bans to do not make Jews, Israel, or Americans safer. They only weaponize fear as a way to pit communities against one another and further erode our democratic norms and safety at a time when they're already under dire threat. 4/
September 2, 2025 at 1:53 PM
To be clear: bigoted attacks and sweeping bans to do not make Jews, Israel, or Americans safer. They only weaponize fear as a way to pit communities against one another and further erode our democratic norms and safety at a time when they're already under dire threat. 4/
Reposted by Ben Suarato
DHS is forcing synagogues & other institutions to choose between vital nonprofit security $ and their core religious values & beliefs, with grant conditions potentially requiring cooperation with ICE & banning DEIA
@thejcpa.bsky.social is urging these terms be waived now www.jta.org/2025/08/26/p...
@thejcpa.bsky.social is urging these terms be waived now www.jta.org/2025/08/26/p...
Will federal security grants require synagogues to cooperate with ICE? Concerns are running high. - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
The Jewish Council for Public Affairs says concerns are valid but urges synagogues to apply anyway because objections may be settled before recipients must formally agree to the conditions.
www.jta.org
August 27, 2025 at 12:24 PM
DHS is forcing synagogues & other institutions to choose between vital nonprofit security $ and their core religious values & beliefs, with grant conditions potentially requiring cooperation with ICE & banning DEIA
@thejcpa.bsky.social is urging these terms be waived now www.jta.org/2025/08/26/p...
@thejcpa.bsky.social is urging these terms be waived now www.jta.org/2025/08/26/p...
Reposted by Ben Suarato
We are calling on DHS & FEMA to waive vague and concerning language on immigration enforcement and “illegal DEIA” that could force synagogues & other institutions to choose between vital nonprofit security grants and their religious values & beliefs.
📄 jewishpublicaffairs.org/press-releas...
📄 jewishpublicaffairs.org/press-releas...
August 26, 2025 at 6:23 PM
We are calling on DHS & FEMA to waive vague and concerning language on immigration enforcement and “illegal DEIA” that could force synagogues & other institutions to choose between vital nonprofit security grants and their religious values & beliefs.
📄 jewishpublicaffairs.org/press-releas...
📄 jewishpublicaffairs.org/press-releas...