Joe Smith
@jenglishsmithii.bsky.social
The occasionally annoying Democratic truth-teller you hate to love.
Reposted by Joe Smith
Unemployment is at a 4-year high, costs are rising, and Republicans failed to stop healthcare prices from skyrocketing.
Democrats now have enough bipartisan support to force a vote to extend ACA tax credits for 3 years.
Republican leadership must bring this bill to the floor NOW.
Democrats now have enough bipartisan support to force a vote to extend ACA tax credits for 3 years.
Republican leadership must bring this bill to the floor NOW.
December 17, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Unemployment is at a 4-year high, costs are rising, and Republicans failed to stop healthcare prices from skyrocketing.
Democrats now have enough bipartisan support to force a vote to extend ACA tax credits for 3 years.
Republican leadership must bring this bill to the floor NOW.
Democrats now have enough bipartisan support to force a vote to extend ACA tax credits for 3 years.
Republican leadership must bring this bill to the floor NOW.
Reposted by Joe Smith
NPR is tracking the record number of congressional lawmakers – now more than one in ten current members – who have announced plans to retire or run for a different office in 2026. n.pr/48IgpTr
More than 10% of Congress won't return to their seats after 2026
NPR is tracking the record number of congressional lawmakers – now more than one in ten current members – who have announced plans to retire or run for a different office in 2026.
n.pr
December 17, 2025 at 5:11 PM
NPR is tracking the record number of congressional lawmakers – now more than one in ten current members – who have announced plans to retire or run for a different office in 2026. n.pr/48IgpTr
Reposted by Joe Smith
8/9
The federal government is legally required to lead on disability inclusion.
Instead, CDC employees are being forced into leave, risk, or silence -- while public health capacity and institutional expertise are lost.
This isn’t just telework. It’s disability rights.
The federal government is legally required to lead on disability inclusion.
Instead, CDC employees are being forced into leave, risk, or silence -- while public health capacity and institutional expertise are lost.
This isn’t just telework. It’s disability rights.
December 17, 2025 at 5:12 PM
8/9
The federal government is legally required to lead on disability inclusion.
Instead, CDC employees are being forced into leave, risk, or silence -- while public health capacity and institutional expertise are lost.
This isn’t just telework. It’s disability rights.
The federal government is legally required to lead on disability inclusion.
Instead, CDC employees are being forced into leave, risk, or silence -- while public health capacity and institutional expertise are lost.
This isn’t just telework. It’s disability rights.
Reposted by Joe Smith
RFK Jr. has awarded $1.6 million to a group in Denmark to conduct a randomized, single-blind study of the birth dose of Hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) to be conducted in Guinea-Bissau.
In my opinion, this is, quite simply, completely unethical, unacceptable, and predatory.
Here’s why.
1/7
In my opinion, this is, quite simply, completely unethical, unacceptable, and predatory.
Here’s why.
1/7
December 17, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Reposted by Joe Smith
@warren.senate.gov and I released a new report showing Trump diverted $2 B from the DoD for his immigration agenda—hurting readiness, morale, and military families.
Using troops for political stunts and raiding funds for barracks & training is dangerous. Congress must act.
Using troops for political stunts and raiding funds for barracks & training is dangerous. Congress must act.
Pentagon Diverted $2 Billion of Military Spending to Immigration Enforcement, Democrats Say | KQED
A new investigation, led by Bay Area Rep. John Garamendi and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, says the President’s immigration agenda may come at the cost of military readiness and morale.
www.kqed.org
December 12, 2025 at 8:41 PM
@warren.senate.gov and I released a new report showing Trump diverted $2 B from the DoD for his immigration agenda—hurting readiness, morale, and military families.
Using troops for political stunts and raiding funds for barracks & training is dangerous. Congress must act.
Using troops for political stunts and raiding funds for barracks & training is dangerous. Congress must act.
Reposted by Joe Smith
Corruption out in the open. How can the White House have the power to approve a merger or block a competing one where Trump’s own son-in-law stands to make millions? This is why the FTC should remain independent—and why Trump wants to control it.
December 9, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Corruption out in the open. How can the White House have the power to approve a merger or block a competing one where Trump’s own son-in-law stands to make millions? This is why the FTC should remain independent—and why Trump wants to control it.
Reposted by Joe Smith
I was pleased to again partner with virologist @jimalwine.bsky.social on this piece about the continued, insidious assault on public health by RFK Jr.
We are truly on a bullet train back to the dark ages; prisoners to Kennedy’s bizarre whims.
He is contemptible.
We are truly on a bullet train back to the dark ages; prisoners to Kennedy’s bizarre whims.
He is contemptible.
RFK Jr.’s Deepening Threat to Public Health
The current HHS Secretary is the most dangerous in U.S. history.
progressive.org
December 9, 2025 at 9:32 PM
I was pleased to again partner with virologist @jimalwine.bsky.social on this piece about the continued, insidious assault on public health by RFK Jr.
We are truly on a bullet train back to the dark ages; prisoners to Kennedy’s bizarre whims.
He is contemptible.
We are truly on a bullet train back to the dark ages; prisoners to Kennedy’s bizarre whims.
He is contemptible.
Reposted by Joe Smith
JUST IN: DOJ confirms Trump asserted executive privilege to shield more than 4,100 documents form police and lawmakers suing him over the Jan. 6 riot.
Our earlier story on the privilege claim: www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
Our earlier story on the privilege claim: www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
December 8, 2025 at 10:57 PM
JUST IN: DOJ confirms Trump asserted executive privilege to shield more than 4,100 documents form police and lawmakers suing him over the Jan. 6 riot.
Our earlier story on the privilege claim: www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
Our earlier story on the privilege claim: www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
Reposted by Joe Smith
The U.S. is mirroring a pattern that has happened in authoritarian regimes around the world. When a government erects barriers to reproductive care, it doesn’t just cause death and suffering for women and their families. Such policies are often a first step in the gradual decline of democracies.
Opinion | Banning Abortion a Hallmark of Authoritarian Regimes
Seda Saluk writes about how U.S. policy on abortion rights has started to mirror patterns seen in authoritarian regimes around the world.
www.mississippifreepress.org
December 8, 2025 at 9:41 PM
The U.S. is mirroring a pattern that has happened in authoritarian regimes around the world. When a government erects barriers to reproductive care, it doesn’t just cause death and suffering for women and their families. Such policies are often a first step in the gradual decline of democracies.
Reposted by Joe Smith
First, it was members of his Cabinet, then members of Bill Pulte's family and now the President himself.
The breathtaking hypocrisy of this adminstration's weapon-of-choice shows the real basis for these investigations: political retribution.
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
The breathtaking hypocrisy of this adminstration's weapon-of-choice shows the real basis for these investigations: political retribution.
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
Trump’s Own Mortgages Match His Description of Mortgage Fraud, Records Reveal
The Trump administration has argued that Fed board member Lisa Cook may have committed mortgage fraud by declaring more than one primary residence on her loans. We found Trump once did the very thing ...
www.propublica.org
December 9, 2025 at 12:40 AM
First, it was members of his Cabinet, then members of Bill Pulte's family and now the President himself.
The breathtaking hypocrisy of this adminstration's weapon-of-choice shows the real basis for these investigations: political retribution.
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
The breathtaking hypocrisy of this adminstration's weapon-of-choice shows the real basis for these investigations: political retribution.
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
Reposted by Joe Smith
"Now that I've hit everyone with ruinous taxes, I'll dole some of it back out to my political supporters as welfare payments."
Trump: "I'm delighted to announce this afternoon that the US will be taking a small portion of the hundreds of billions of dollars we receive in tariffs ... and we're going to be giving and providing it to the farmers in economic assistance. We love our farmers. The farmers like me ... $12 billion"
December 8, 2025 at 8:03 PM
"Now that I've hit everyone with ruinous taxes, I'll dole some of it back out to my political supporters as welfare payments."
Reposted by Joe Smith
Rep. Jasmine Crockett launches U.S. Senate bid www.ms.now/news/rep-jas...
Rep. Jasmine Crockett launches U.S. Senate bid
The progressive rising star from Texas is entering a closely watched race.
www.ms.now
December 9, 2025 at 1:03 AM
Rep. Jasmine Crockett launches U.S. Senate bid www.ms.now/news/rep-jas...
Reposted by Joe Smith
Even the legal justification for drone strikes on senior members of al Qaeda and associated forces (ostensibly covered under the 2001 AUMF) states that strikes are justified only “when capture is infeasible”
This is contemptible. Not only do we now have confirmation Hegseth has been lying from the jump, but it seems neither he nor his team understand that killing everyone on a target list *becomes* an illegal No Quarter Order if targets try to surrender or are neutralized. Their semantic games are vile.
Admiral told lawmakers everyone on alleged drug boat was on a list of military targets
Adm. Frank Bradley said U.S. intelligence had identified the 11 people on the boat and determined the military was authorized to kill them as part of Trump’s campaign against alleged drug-smuggling ve...
www.nbcnews.com
December 7, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Even the legal justification for drone strikes on senior members of al Qaeda and associated forces (ostensibly covered under the 2001 AUMF) states that strikes are justified only “when capture is infeasible”
Reposted by Joe Smith
You don’t just shoot up the enemy if they’re defenseless and not capable of doing anything.
We need a full investigation for war crimes.
We need a full investigation for war crimes.
December 7, 2025 at 5:31 PM
You don’t just shoot up the enemy if they’re defenseless and not capable of doing anything.
We need a full investigation for war crimes.
We need a full investigation for war crimes.
Reposted by Joe Smith
Vibecession's not so fun when you're in office!
BRENNAN: When Trump says "affordability is a con job," his approval on the economy is down to 36%. Don't you need to show you feel the pain?
BESSENT: HE's frustrated by the media coverage
BRENNAN: The polling is of average Americans
BESSENT: Average Americans hear a lot of it from media coverage
BESSENT: HE's frustrated by the media coverage
BRENNAN: The polling is of average Americans
BESSENT: Average Americans hear a lot of it from media coverage
December 7, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Vibecession's not so fun when you're in office!
Reposted by Joe Smith
“No human being is garbage, Mr. President, and shame on you for saying so,” said the Lutheran pastor.“In the name of Jesus, I rebuke those hateful words.The Somali community in Minnesota are our neighbors, brothers and sisters, children of God, fellow Americans.”
www.startribune.com/twin-cities-...
www.startribune.com/twin-cities-...
Twin Cities religious leaders unite to support Somali community and condemn Trump attacks
Religious leaders from churches, Jewish temples and mosques from across the state opposed remarks from President Donald Trump that included calling Somalis “garbage.”
www.startribune.com
December 7, 2025 at 7:39 PM
“No human being is garbage, Mr. President, and shame on you for saying so,” said the Lutheran pastor.“In the name of Jesus, I rebuke those hateful words.The Somali community in Minnesota are our neighbors, brothers and sisters, children of God, fellow Americans.”
www.startribune.com/twin-cities-...
www.startribune.com/twin-cities-...
Reposted by Joe Smith
In a speech on Saturday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the strikes, saying: "President Trump can and will take decisive military action as he sees fit to defend our nation's interests." n.pr/48opqRr
Defense Department is reviewing boat strike video for possible release, Hegseth says
In a speech on Saturday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the strikes, saying: "President Trump can and will take decisive military action as he sees fit to defend our nation's interests."
n.pr
December 7, 2025 at 7:41 PM
In a speech on Saturday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the strikes, saying: "President Trump can and will take decisive military action as he sees fit to defend our nation's interests." n.pr/48opqRr
Reposted by Joe Smith
"The group rallied amid frigid conditions at the Target store on East Lake Street, alleging it allowed agents to stage raids in the parking lot.
'You cannot celebrate our communities on your commercials while letting ICE stalk them in your parking lot'...”
www.startribune.com/twin-cities-...
'You cannot celebrate our communities on your commercials while letting ICE stalk them in your parking lot'...”
www.startribune.com/twin-cities-...
December 7, 2025 at 7:42 PM
"The group rallied amid frigid conditions at the Target store on East Lake Street, alleging it allowed agents to stage raids in the parking lot.
'You cannot celebrate our communities on your commercials while letting ICE stalk them in your parking lot'...”
www.startribune.com/twin-cities-...
'You cannot celebrate our communities on your commercials while letting ICE stalk them in your parking lot'...”
www.startribune.com/twin-cities-...
Reposted by Joe Smith
"As masked agents dragged the woman from her car, wrestled her to the ground and forced handcuffs on her, she yelled, 'I’m a US citizen. Please help me! This is unfair. Why are you doing this to me?'
She was wearing scrubs and appeared to be on her way to work."
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/i...
She was wearing scrubs and appeared to be on her way to work."
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/i...
Woman forcefully detained in Keys was driving ‘illegal’ boyfriend’s car, feds say
The woman in medical scrubs, who was a U.S. citizen, was yanked from her car and wrestled to the ground by federal immigration agents in a Key Largo traffic stop Wednesday before she was released.
www.miamiherald.com
December 7, 2025 at 7:48 PM
"As masked agents dragged the woman from her car, wrestled her to the ground and forced handcuffs on her, she yelled, 'I’m a US citizen. Please help me! This is unfair. Why are you doing this to me?'
She was wearing scrubs and appeared to be on her way to work."
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/i...
She was wearing scrubs and appeared to be on her way to work."
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/i...
Reposted by Joe Smith
"The small figures huddled together at Miami's airport carried backpacks, stuffed animals and suitcases. One wore a silver cross necklace. Families of the travelers – ages 3 to 15 – have been torn apart this year by Trump's deportation campaign..."
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/i...
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/i...
‘A sad, cruel moment’: 58 Florida children leaving US amid parent deportations
“The only losers are the children.”
www.miamiherald.com
December 7, 2025 at 7:51 PM
"The small figures huddled together at Miami's airport carried backpacks, stuffed animals and suitcases. One wore a silver cross necklace. Families of the travelers – ages 3 to 15 – have been torn apart this year by Trump's deportation campaign..."
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/i...
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/i...
Reposted by Joe Smith
Nelson Mandela said "There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children".
Stand up and reveal your soul.
Stand up and reveal your soul.
December 7, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Nelson Mandela said "There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children".
Stand up and reveal your soul.
Stand up and reveal your soul.
Reposted by Joe Smith
Follow up: it doesn’t say it’s illegal to fire on incapacitated shipwrecked. It just says it’s illegal to fire on the shipwrecked. Where’d you get “incapacitated” and why are you such an asshole?
Q: "The Pentagon's Law of War manual…says 'Orders to fire upon the shipwrecked would be clearly illegal.' Given that, how was that follow up strike on the two survivors legal?"
Tom Cotton: "They were not incapacitated… They were sitting or standing on top of a capsized boat."
Tom Cotton: "They were not incapacitated… They were sitting or standing on top of a capsized boat."
December 8, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Follow up: it doesn’t say it’s illegal to fire on incapacitated shipwrecked. It just says it’s illegal to fire on the shipwrecked. Where’d you get “incapacitated” and why are you such an asshole?
Reposted by Joe Smith
Trump claims he wants to lower housing costs, but his allies in the House just axed a bipartisan bill that UNANIMOUSLY passed the Senate to do just that.
If Republicans keep blocking legislation to cut housing costs, Democrats will pass it ourselves when we take back Congress.
If Republicans keep blocking legislation to cut housing costs, Democrats will pass it ourselves when we take back Congress.
December 8, 2025 at 12:04 AM
Trump claims he wants to lower housing costs, but his allies in the House just axed a bipartisan bill that UNANIMOUSLY passed the Senate to do just that.
If Republicans keep blocking legislation to cut housing costs, Democrats will pass it ourselves when we take back Congress.
If Republicans keep blocking legislation to cut housing costs, Democrats will pass it ourselves when we take back Congress.
Reposted by Joe Smith
The UN's top humanitarian and emergency relief official has told NPR that the lack of attention from world leaders to the war in Sudan is the "billion dollar question". n.pr/44cy5nv
UN humanitarian chief: world needs to 'wake up' and help stop violence in Sudan
The UN's top humanitarian and emergency relief official has told NPR that the lack of attention from world leaders to the war in Sudan is the "billion dollar question".
n.pr
December 8, 2025 at 12:19 AM
The UN's top humanitarian and emergency relief official has told NPR that the lack of attention from world leaders to the war in Sudan is the "billion dollar question". n.pr/44cy5nv
Reposted by Joe Smith
Democrats are focused on demanding the extension of ACA tax credits AND calling out unlawful actions.
We can do both things at once.
We can do both things at once.
December 8, 2025 at 1:08 AM
Democrats are focused on demanding the extension of ACA tax credits AND calling out unlawful actions.
We can do both things at once.
We can do both things at once.