Robert Downen
@robertdownen.bsky.social
Texas Monthly writer focused on the far right, Christian nationalism and the billionaires funding them. Helped expose the Southern Baptist abuse crisis. Fan of Hip Hop and loud guitars. Send me music.
INBOX: Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller Fully Supports President Trump Ordering Direct Military Strikes Against Terrorist Drug Cartels in Mexico
January 9, 2026 at 9:52 PM
INBOX: Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller Fully Supports President Trump Ordering Direct Military Strikes Against Terrorist Drug Cartels in Mexico
Texas officials have turned over the state’s voter roll to the U.S. Justice Department, complying with the Trump administration’s demands for access to data on millions of voters across the country.
Texas hands over complete list of registered voters to Trump administration
The Justice Department has asked states for their voter rolls with an eye toward purging ineligible voters. Democrats say sharing the data could violate federal election law.
www.keranews.org
January 9, 2026 at 8:42 PM
Texas officials have turned over the state’s voter roll to the U.S. Justice Department, complying with the Trump administration’s demands for access to data on millions of voters across the country.
Reposted by Robert Downen
There are several education and library-related bills I'll be monitoring when the state legislature starts up next week. One is a re-filed bill with a few amendments from Sen. Elliott, which changes how library boards operate. Gift link for @al.com - www.al.com/news/2026/01...
Library boards could face easier dismissal, new reporting requirements under Alabama bill
The current version of the bill includes three amendments from the 2024 legislative session, including an annual report to the state government on book placement decisions.
www.al.com
January 9, 2026 at 1:41 AM
There are several education and library-related bills I'll be monitoring when the state legislature starts up next week. One is a re-filed bill with a few amendments from Sen. Elliott, which changes how library boards operate. Gift link for @al.com - www.al.com/news/2026/01...
Texas Rep. Troy Nehls, a former sheriff who has spent much of the last five years defending Jan. 6, claims Ashli Babbitt was murdered and, on Tuesday, was named to a select committee aiming to “uncover the truth” about the Capitol riots, urges Americans to “comply with officers’ instructions.”
Nehls: I just recommend that people comply with officers' instructions.
Reporter: They did tell her to move her car and she moved her car..
Reporter: They did tell her to move her car and she moved her car..
January 9, 2026 at 2:09 AM
Texas Rep. Troy Nehls, a former sheriff who has spent much of the last five years defending Jan. 6, claims Ashli Babbitt was murdered and, on Tuesday, was named to a select committee aiming to “uncover the truth” about the Capitol riots, urges Americans to “comply with officers’ instructions.”
On ICE tactics:
-51% say too forceful
-27% say about right
-10% say not forceful enough
Poll was conducted yesterday. Will be interesting to see if/how much these fluctuate.
-51% say too forceful
-27% say about right
-10% say not forceful enough
Poll was conducted yesterday. Will be interesting to see if/how much these fluctuate.
January 9, 2026 at 1:05 AM
On ICE tactics:
-51% say too forceful
-27% say about right
-10% say not forceful enough
Poll was conducted yesterday. Will be interesting to see if/how much these fluctuate.
-51% say too forceful
-27% say about right
-10% say not forceful enough
Poll was conducted yesterday. Will be interesting to see if/how much these fluctuate.
Interesting: Per the poll, Midwesterners were by far the most supportive of "how ICE is handling its job," with 31% saying they “strongly approve.” Southerners were second at 25%.
The latest from YouGov (n ~ 2.7k). A majority of Americans say ICE tactics are "too forceful." Only 27 percent say they are appropriate as-is.
ICE approval: -13
Approval of recent protests against ICE: +2
today.yougov.com/topics/overv...
ICE approval: -13
Approval of recent protests against ICE: +2
today.yougov.com/topics/overv...
January 9, 2026 at 12:56 AM
Interesting: Per the poll, Midwesterners were by far the most supportive of "how ICE is handling its job," with 31% saying they “strongly approve.” Southerners were second at 25%.
Reposted by Robert Downen
The latest from YouGov (n ~ 2.7k). A majority of Americans say ICE tactics are "too forceful." Only 27 percent say they are appropriate as-is.
ICE approval: -13
Approval of recent protests against ICE: +2
today.yougov.com/topics/overv...
ICE approval: -13
Approval of recent protests against ICE: +2
today.yougov.com/topics/overv...
January 8, 2026 at 1:39 AM
The latest from YouGov (n ~ 2.7k). A majority of Americans say ICE tactics are "too forceful." Only 27 percent say they are appropriate as-is.
ICE approval: -13
Approval of recent protests against ICE: +2
today.yougov.com/topics/overv...
ICE approval: -13
Approval of recent protests against ICE: +2
today.yougov.com/topics/overv...
Reposted by Robert Downen
A Minneapolis pastor of an MCC church — a denomination rooted in LGBTQ equality — recounts being detained by ICE.
Says an ICE officer walked up to him as he was chanting “we are not afraid.”
The agent, he says, raised his gun and said “are you afraid now?”
m.youtube.com/watch?v=lcSO...
Says an ICE officer walked up to him as he was chanting “we are not afraid.”
The agent, he says, raised his gun and said “are you afraid now?”
m.youtube.com/watch?v=lcSO...
Minneapolis pastor: ICE 'pointed a gun at me' and 'put me in the back of an SUV'
YouTube video by MS NOW
m.youtube.com
January 9, 2026 at 12:30 AM
A Minneapolis pastor of an MCC church — a denomination rooted in LGBTQ equality — recounts being detained by ICE.
Says an ICE officer walked up to him as he was chanting “we are not afraid.”
The agent, he says, raised his gun and said “are you afraid now?”
m.youtube.com/watch?v=lcSO...
Says an ICE officer walked up to him as he was chanting “we are not afraid.”
The agent, he says, raised his gun and said “are you afraid now?”
m.youtube.com/watch?v=lcSO...
President Trump declared on Wednesday evening that his power as commander in chief is constrained only by his “own morality,” brushing aside international law and other checks on his ability to use military might to strike, invade or coerce nations around the world.
Trump Lays Out a Vision of Power Restrained Only by ‘My Own Morality’
www.nytimes.com
January 8, 2026 at 7:22 PM
President Trump declared on Wednesday evening that his power as commander in chief is constrained only by his “own morality,” brushing aside international law and other checks on his ability to use military might to strike, invade or coerce nations around the world.
Reposted by Robert Downen
Saxby Chambliss. Thad Cochran. Steny Hoyer.
They don't name 'em like they used to.
They don't name 'em like they used to.
The era of Congressman Steny Hoyer will end in January after 46 years. First elected in 1981, he's the House's longest-serving Democrat. Served stints as conference chair, whip and House majority/minority leader. www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...
Steny Hoyer, the longest-serving Democrat in the House, to retire
The Democratic congressman has represented Maryland in the House for more than four decades, including two stints as majority leader under then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
www.nbcnews.com
January 8, 2026 at 6:18 PM
Saxby Chambliss. Thad Cochran. Steny Hoyer.
They don't name 'em like they used to.
They don't name 'em like they used to.
Local news is vital in moments like this:
My very smart colleagues are doing excellent coverage of the ICE shooting in Minneapolis today. I would urge you to follow along with local sources familiar with the area and the residents here.
Live: Mayor Frey blasts ICE in fiery response to fatal shooting
The mayor called for calm after a fatal shooting by an immigration agent in south Minneapolis. ICE said the agent acted defensively.
www.startribune.com
January 7, 2026 at 7:43 PM
Local news is vital in moments like this:
Reposted by Robert Downen
"My conduct defied everything that I believe about marriage." Evangelical author Philip Yancey said he had an extramarital affair and is stepping down from public ministry. New from me: www.nytimes.com/2026/01/07/u...
Philip Yancey, Prominent Christian Author, Admits to Extramarital Affair
www.nytimes.com
January 7, 2026 at 7:15 PM
"My conduct defied everything that I believe about marriage." Evangelical author Philip Yancey said he had an extramarital affair and is stepping down from public ministry. New from me: www.nytimes.com/2026/01/07/u...
David Barton, the self-described "amateur historian" whose debunked work has been central to mainstreaming claims that the US was founded as a Christian nation, says he and his son have been directly involved in the Trump administration's efforts to stop "woke propaganda" at the Smithsonian.
January 7, 2026 at 6:59 PM
David Barton, the self-described "amateur historian" whose debunked work has been central to mainstreaming claims that the US was founded as a Christian nation, says he and his son have been directly involved in the Trump administration's efforts to stop "woke propaganda" at the Smithsonian.
Reposted by Robert Downen
The Trump administration sent out letters tonight to 5 blue states, freezing about $10 billion in funding for child care and social services programs pending a "thorough review," citing concerns over "systemic fraud."
5 Democratic-run states are told that their child care funds have been frozen
The suspension of the funds could hurt low-income families in those states, depending on how long it lasts, advocates say.
www.axios.com
January 7, 2026 at 2:38 AM
The Trump administration sent out letters tonight to 5 blue states, freezing about $10 billion in funding for child care and social services programs pending a "thorough review," citing concerns over "systemic fraud."
Following a meeting with South Texas builders who warned immigration arrests were hurting construction sites, Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz is suggesting a new special visa program for construction workers similar to the H2A program.
Texas congresswoman wants legal status for migrant builders
South Texas builders said a growing number of ICE arrests at construction sites have made it difficult for work to continue.
www.texastribune.org
January 6, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Following a meeting with South Texas builders who warned immigration arrests were hurting construction sites, Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz is suggesting a new special visa program for construction workers similar to the H2A program.
Reposted by Robert Downen
New: I looked into this. Mercy Culture Church seems to have paid $3,100,000 for this house across the street from SCOTUS. According to D.C. tax records, they own the house outright, although I've reached out to ask for clarification.
www.chron.com/culture/reli...
www.chron.com/culture/reli...
January 6, 2026 at 2:24 PM
New: I looked into this. Mercy Culture Church seems to have paid $3,100,000 for this house across the street from SCOTUS. According to D.C. tax records, they own the house outright, although I've reached out to ask for clarification.
www.chron.com/culture/reli...
www.chron.com/culture/reli...
Much has been made about a purported "revival" of Christianity led by Gen Z and Millennial Americans. There is no basis for it.
Perspective: Is a religious revival under way in America?
There are anecdotal reports of new Great Awakening, but a granular look at the data reveals something else.
www.deseret.com
January 6, 2026 at 2:46 PM
Much has been made about a purported "revival" of Christianity led by Gen Z and Millennial Americans. There is no basis for it.
Reposted by Robert Downen
JUST IN: DOJ says it has finished reviewing *less than 1%* of the Epstein Files for potential release.
Only 12,285 documents have been released while more than 2 million remain under review.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Only 12,285 documents have been released while more than 2 million remain under review.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
January 6, 2026 at 3:14 AM
JUST IN: DOJ says it has finished reviewing *less than 1%* of the Epstein Files for potential release.
Only 12,285 documents have been released while more than 2 million remain under review.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Only 12,285 documents have been released while more than 2 million remain under review.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Bari Weiss announces Rod Dreher is joining The Free Press.
Bari Weiss: Our Expanding Newsroom
Two million Free Pressers. New columnists and editors. And a special sale to celebrate.
www.thefp.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:38 PM
Bari Weiss announces Rod Dreher is joining The Free Press.
It is really hard to overstate the effects of COVID-related church restrictions and closures, both in terms of politicizing once-political churches and pushing countless Americans into the depths of a radical, conspiracy theory rabbit hole.
Exhibit ♾️:
Exhibit ♾️:
January 5, 2026 at 6:46 PM
It is really hard to overstate the effects of COVID-related church restrictions and closures, both in terms of politicizing once-political churches and pushing countless Americans into the depths of a radical, conspiracy theory rabbit hole.
Exhibit ♾️:
Exhibit ♾️:
Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale on blowing up “commies” and their gravesites: “Exactly. What do you think founding Palantir was supposed to be about?”
January 5, 2026 at 5:35 PM
Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale on blowing up “commies” and their gravesites: “Exactly. What do you think founding Palantir was supposed to be about?”
Reposted by Robert Downen
The "revival + reformation" trope came out of dissatisfaction with results of Pentecostal/charismatic revivals during the 1990s, which didn't create social/political change. People like Peter Wagner, Che Ahn, and Cindy Jacobs pushed the idea that sociopolitical "reformation" was the missing element.
January 5, 2026 at 3:51 PM
The "revival + reformation" trope came out of dissatisfaction with results of Pentecostal/charismatic revivals during the 1990s, which didn't create social/political change. People like Peter Wagner, Che Ahn, and Cindy Jacobs pushed the idea that sociopolitical "reformation" was the missing element.
Reposted by Robert Downen
"Baptized in the Holy Spirit" is a distinctively Pentecostal/charismatic concept, but "revival and reformation" is even more particular to NAR theology: "Revival" includes conversions and shifts within the church; "reformation" is the result of "NAR" people taking political dominion over society.
MercyCulture, the Christian nationalist church network in Texas that often flirts with QAnon, just opened a prayer house across from the Supreme Court. Among their prayer board items: Ending human trafficking and for Trump to be "baptized in the Holy Spirit."
January 5, 2026 at 3:49 PM
"Baptized in the Holy Spirit" is a distinctively Pentecostal/charismatic concept, but "revival and reformation" is even more particular to NAR theology: "Revival" includes conversions and shifts within the church; "reformation" is the result of "NAR" people taking political dominion over society.
MercyCulture, the Christian nationalist church network in Texas that often flirts with QAnon, just opened a prayer house across from the Supreme Court. Among their prayer board items: Ending human trafficking and for Trump to be "baptized in the Holy Spirit."
January 5, 2026 at 3:39 PM
MercyCulture, the Christian nationalist church network in Texas that often flirts with QAnon, just opened a prayer house across from the Supreme Court. Among their prayer board items: Ending human trafficking and for Trump to be "baptized in the Holy Spirit."