Hello,

Washington Democrats continue to chart a way forward while Trump’s forces in Washington, D.C. take a sledgehammer to the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law. The nomination of known conspiracy theorist and white supremacist Joe Kent to lead the National Counterterrorism Center is another example of Trump 2.0’s disregard for the rule of law. Washington voters rejected Kent’s brand of extremism twice in a row because they understood how dangerously unfit he is to have a position in our government. 

Senator Patty Murray has been working to identify the real world impacts of Trump’s chaos and demand answers about how Elon Musk and his so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” may be breaking U.S. law. Senator Maria Cantwell voted against Trump’s nominee for Commerce Secretary in committee. Attorney General Nick Brown secured a nationwide halt of Trump’s illegal attempt to end birthright citizenship, launched a lawsuit to stop Trump’s Executive Order attacking gender-affirming healthcare for children, and on Monday sued the Trump administration over its funding cuts to medical research. Governor Bob Ferguson has been supporting those lawsuits and having his staff make preparations to square off with the Trump administration. OSPI Superintendent Reykdal blasted Trump’s order on transgender athletes and vowed to uphold state law. At Washington State Democrats, we are banking stories from those impacted by Trump’s disastrous policies and urging our supporters in Eastern Washington to demand that GOP Representatives join our efforts to perform the duties of the legislative branch and provide actual oversight over the Trump administration’s unconstitutional overreach. 

How You Can Take Action on Feb 11, 2025:

1. Republicans in the Washington State Legislature are up to their old voter suppression tricks. Last week, they introduced legislation that would attempt to end vote by mail in our state. Unsurprisingly, ZERO Democratic lawmakers have signed on. Still, I urge everyone to take a moment to protect the democratic norms that have increased civic engagement by registering your opposition to this legislation here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/bill/1584

2. Print and distribute “Know Your Rights” cards available HERE as a pdf in 15 different languages.

3. Share the resources we’ve collected below to provide support for those bearing the brunt of Trump’s inhumane policies.

4. Follow our social media accounts for rapid responses to the Trump 2.0 unconstitutional power grab.

5. DONATE to The Real Washington Fund – our rapid response account to counter MAGA’s chaos with real organizing, real solutions, and real results.

Resources for Resistance

Trans Lifeline: Trans Lifeline is dedicated to the wellbeing of transgender people. Their hotline is staffed by transgender people for transgender people to respond to whatever needs members of the trans community may have. The hotline number is 1-877-565-8860

Gender Justice League: Gender Justice League provides direct support and advocacy for the trans community and assists transgender people in obtaining government documentation that matches their gender identity. You can contact them through the website or call 206-538-0423.

Our Lawmakers Making A Difference

Last week, Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and Northwest Immigrant Rights Project presented arguments challenging the Trump Executive Order that seeks to eliminate birthright citizenship. As developments arise, we will keep you informed on how that case is progressing. On Wednesday the 5th, a federal judge in Maryland issued a national preliminary injunction against the Executive Order. 

Challenging Fascism In The Courts, Legislature, & Congress

FBI agents are suing the DOJ out of fear Trump’s allies will put their lives at risk, NOTUS

Families and doctors sue over Trump’s order to halt funding for gender-affirming care, AP

Doctors for America v. Office of Personnel Management, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration, and Department of Health & Human Services, United States District Court for the District of Columbia – Doctors are suing to regain access to critical health-related data that advances public health. 

In the Washington Legislature, Majority Leader Pedersen and Speaker Jinkins pointed to Washington’s strong protections for transgender youth while vowing to continue their work to ensure Washington stays a state where everyone can live in safety and with dignity.  

In the other Washington, Democratic Senators staged an overnight protest of Russell Vought’s nomination to lead the Office of Management and Budget. U.S. Representative Adam Smith joined his fellow ranking members in formally demanding answers from President Trump about the legality and procedures of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) headed by Elon Musk.

In the News
KNKX: Seattle organization calls for CDC data to be restored, citing treaty rights

The Seattle Times: Sen. Murray blasts Trump administration over funding freezes that affect WA

The Seattle Times: Judge in Seattle continues block on Trump birthright citizenship order

The Seattle Times: WA superintendent blasts Trump order on transgender athletes, won’t ‘back down’

Washington State Standard: Trump names Washington’s Joe Kent to lead counterterrorism agency

KIRO Radio: WA Senate Democrats propose stricter regulations for ballot measure initiatives

The Spokesman-Review: Republicans, Democrats debate wording on schools notifying parents of abuse

Statescoop: Washington governor creates data center workgroup to explore economy, energy, environment impacts

For more information or to get involved, please contact Shasti Conrad at [email protected].