Holly Hexter
@holly-hexter.bsky.social
Former news junkie and policy analyst. Lapsed Texan. Seeking refuge in books, the arts, and community.
Reposted by Holly Hexter
NEW: By a 6-3 vote, the Supreme Court blocks Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Chicago to assist immigration agents. A majority holds that he likely lacks authority to do so. Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch dissent. www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25p...
![The Government asked this Court to stay the District Court's order. After the response and reply were filed, JUSTICE BARRETT referred the application to the Court. We directed the parties to file supplemental letter briefs on an issue that the District Court had addressed but the parties' initial briefs had not: the meaning of the term "regular forces" in §12406(3). In its supplemental brief, the Government argues that the term refers to civilian law enforcement officers, such as those employed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement or the Federal Protective Service.
Respondents, echoing the District Court, maintain that the term refers to the regular forces of the United States mili-tary.
We conclude that the term "regular forces" in §12406(3) likely refers to the regular forces of the United States mili-tary. This interpretation means that to call the Guard into active federal service under §12406(3), the President must be "unable" with the regular military "to execute the laws of the United States." Because the statute requires an assessment of the military's ability to execute the laws, it likely applies only where the military could legally execute the laws. Such circumstances are exceptional: Under the Posse Comitatus Act, the military is prohibited from "execut[ing] the laws" "except in cases and under circumstances expressly authorized by the Constitution or Act of Congress."
18 U. S. C. §1385. So before the President can federalize the Guard under §12406(3), he likely must have statutory or constitutional authority to execute the laws with the regular military and must be "unable" with those forces to perform that function.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:6h7b2i6ttw3l4t7pvbvxdith/bafkreiftbhzwvn3vgwhqsi7k2paizvdw4t26ailljvovso3chqupnmj364@jpeg)
December 23, 2025 at 8:16 PM
NEW: By a 6-3 vote, the Supreme Court blocks Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Chicago to assist immigration agents. A majority holds that he likely lacks authority to do so. Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch dissent. www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25p...
Reposted by Holly Hexter
“American people will have no patience” for any museum that is “uncomfortable conveying a positive view of American history,” Trump aides wrote.
"It was not immediately clear how much money the White House might try to withhold, from which parts of the Smithsonian or on what authority."
"It was not immediately clear how much money the White House might try to withhold, from which parts of the Smithsonian or on what authority."
White House threatens Smithsonian funds in sweeping content review
It is not clear on what authority the administration could withhold Smithsonian funds, as President Trump tries to purge “woke” content from cultural institutions.
wapo.st
December 21, 2025 at 1:47 AM
“American people will have no patience” for any museum that is “uncomfortable conveying a positive view of American history,” Trump aides wrote.
"It was not immediately clear how much money the White House might try to withhold, from which parts of the Smithsonian or on what authority."
"It was not immediately clear how much money the White House might try to withhold, from which parts of the Smithsonian or on what authority."
Reposted by Holly Hexter
@stateline.org probes the deal the Justice Department has offered multiple states on their voter rolls. It would allow the federal government to identify voters to be dropped. That's unprecedented and dangerous. Our Eileen O'Connor weighs in. stateline.org/2025/12/18/t...
Trump’s DOJ offers states confidential deal to remove voters flagged by feds • Stateline
The U.S. Department of Justice has sent confidential draft agreements on voter data sharing to more than a dozen states, part of the Trump administration’s effort to obtain unredacted voter rolls, wit...
stateline.org
December 20, 2025 at 8:04 PM
@stateline.org probes the deal the Justice Department has offered multiple states on their voter rolls. It would allow the federal government to identify voters to be dropped. That's unprecedented and dangerous. Our Eileen O'Connor weighs in. stateline.org/2025/12/18/t...
Reposted by Holly Hexter
NEWS: Coast Guard enacts policy downgrading swastikas, nooses to ‘potentially divisive’
New, from Tara Copp and me
and me
wapo.st/4540Xi5
New, from Tara Copp and me
and me
wapo.st/4540Xi5
Coast Guard enacts policy calling swastikas, nooses ‘potentially divisive’
The Coast Guard’s workplace harassment manual that downgrades the definition of swastikas and nooses quietly went into effect this week.
wapo.st
December 16, 2025 at 7:47 PM
NEWS: Coast Guard enacts policy downgrading swastikas, nooses to ‘potentially divisive’
New, from Tara Copp and me
and me
wapo.st/4540Xi5
New, from Tara Copp and me
and me
wapo.st/4540Xi5
Reposted by Holly Hexter
Remind me: Did Brett Kavanaugh include having your wedding band cut in pieces among the minor inconveniences of being arrested by ICE as a US citizen?
“She has marks on her neck and wrist from where agents restrained her. Agents cut off her wedding ring and held her in leg shackles at Whipple Federal Building for about five hours.”
Her crime: witnessing ICE, from a distance.
Her crime: witnessing ICE, from a distance.
Federal agents arrest citizen observer watching ICE detain neighbors on her north Minneapolis block
Susan Tincher, a 55-year-old American citizen, appears to be the first observer arrested by federal immigration enforcement officers since the agency launched an immigration surge in the Twin Cities l...
www.mprnews.org
December 10, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Remind me: Did Brett Kavanaugh include having your wedding band cut in pieces among the minor inconveniences of being arrested by ICE as a US citizen?
Reposted by Holly Hexter
New: Colin Allred is dropping out of the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate and pivoting to run instead for the Dallas-based 33rd Congressional District.
Colin Allred drops Senate bid, pivots to run for Congress
The former Dallas congressman said he wanted to help his party avoid a runoff. In his campaign to return to the House, he will face U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson, his successor in Congress.
www.texastribune.org
December 8, 2025 at 1:13 PM
New: Colin Allred is dropping out of the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate and pivoting to run instead for the Dallas-based 33rd Congressional District.
Reposted by Holly Hexter
The EPA is abandoning a rule that would strengthen limits on fine-particle pollution, a move scientists and experts say could lead to dirtier air and more deaths.
Trump EPA to abandon air pollution rule that would prevent thousands of U.S. deaths
The Environmental Protection Agency will no longer defend Biden-era limits on fine-particle pollution, which causes heart and lung disease.
wapo.st
November 25, 2025 at 5:30 PM
The EPA is abandoning a rule that would strengthen limits on fine-particle pollution, a move scientists and experts say could lead to dirtier air and more deaths.
Reposted by Holly Hexter
What's weirdly missing from coverage of the Dem video is any discussion of this Q: Is it reasonable to fear Trump is giving illegal orders, or not? The answer is, yes, of course it is.
On the boat bombings, for instance, evidence is extensive. Here's a look at it:
newrepublic.com/article/2035...
On the boat bombings, for instance, evidence is extensive. Here's a look at it:
newrepublic.com/article/2035...
November 21, 2025 at 6:54 PM
What's weirdly missing from coverage of the Dem video is any discussion of this Q: Is it reasonable to fear Trump is giving illegal orders, or not? The answer is, yes, of course it is.
On the boat bombings, for instance, evidence is extensive. Here's a look at it:
newrepublic.com/article/2035...
On the boat bombings, for instance, evidence is extensive. Here's a look at it:
newrepublic.com/article/2035...
Reposted by Holly Hexter
“Things happen.”
Jamal Khashoggi was a journalist and Washington Post columnist who was literally murdered and dismembered by agents of the Saudi government inside a Saudi consulate.
Shameful. So shameful.
Jamal Khashoggi was a journalist and Washington Post columnist who was literally murdered and dismembered by agents of the Saudi government inside a Saudi consulate.
Shameful. So shameful.
Trump suggests Khashoggi had it coming: "You're mentioning someone that was extremely controversial. A lot of people didn't like that gentleman that you're talking about. Whether you like him or didn't like him, things happen. But he knew nothing about it. You don't have to embarrass our guest."
November 18, 2025 at 6:05 PM
“Things happen.”
Jamal Khashoggi was a journalist and Washington Post columnist who was literally murdered and dismembered by agents of the Saudi government inside a Saudi consulate.
Shameful. So shameful.
Jamal Khashoggi was a journalist and Washington Post columnist who was literally murdered and dismembered by agents of the Saudi government inside a Saudi consulate.
Shameful. So shameful.
Reposted by Holly Hexter
Zero understanding of how risk pooling and insurance works.
Cassidy: "The president is proposing that we take the $26b that would be going to insurance companies if we just do an extension and give it directly to the American people in which 100% of the money is used for them to purchase healthcare on their own terms. That makes them an informed consumer."
November 16, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Zero understanding of how risk pooling and insurance works.
Reposted by Holly Hexter
One of the key things the Supreme Court is supposed to do on an emergency motion is to balance the hardships to each sides.
Here it is not even close--people starving v. the government not tapping a reserve they are supposed to tap anyway in the event of an emergency
Here it is not even close--people starving v. the government not tapping a reserve they are supposed to tap anyway in the event of an emergency
Just going to be an incredible decision if SCOTUS says they needed to make an emergency intervention because of the risk that poor people might get food they are legally entitled to
November 8, 2025 at 12:18 AM
One of the key things the Supreme Court is supposed to do on an emergency motion is to balance the hardships to each sides.
Here it is not even close--people starving v. the government not tapping a reserve they are supposed to tap anyway in the event of an emergency
Here it is not even close--people starving v. the government not tapping a reserve they are supposed to tap anyway in the event of an emergency
Reposted by Holly Hexter
“They didn’t just walk in chasing one person, they went into multiple rooms asking and looking for teachers while children were present,” Ramirez said. “This is an agency that has gone rogue and it an agency that believes that as long as they can cover their face, they can get away with anything.”
Families "horrified" after daycare teacher pulled out of school by federal agents.
The incident happened in front of parents and children at Rayito de Sol in North Center, a parent said. They believe the employee, who cares for infants, is legally allowed to work in the United State...
www.chalkbeat.org
November 6, 2025 at 11:14 AM
“They didn’t just walk in chasing one person, they went into multiple rooms asking and looking for teachers while children were present,” Ramirez said. “This is an agency that has gone rogue and it an agency that believes that as long as they can cover their face, they can get away with anything.”
Reposted by Holly Hexter
Universal swing in action: "What we saw last night was a directional shift toward Democrats in 99.8% of counties that held partisan elections." www.gelliottmorris.com/p/seven-data...
November 5, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Universal swing in action: "What we saw last night was a directional shift toward Democrats in 99.8% of counties that held partisan elections." www.gelliottmorris.com/p/seven-data...
Reposted by Holly Hexter
After gleefully and illegally plowing over every statute and regulation they don't like—such as by destroying USAID, refusing to enforce CFPB regs, and withholding SNAP funding—the Trump admin has decided 88 FR 8255 is ironclad law that must be ruthlessly enforced to ensure more people go hungry.
The USDA sent an email to grocery stores telling them they are prohibited from offering special discounts to customers affected by the SNAP funding lapse.
I'm aware of at least 2 stores that had offered struggling customers a discount, then withdrew it after receiving this email
I'm aware of at least 2 stores that had offered struggling customers a discount, then withdrew it after receiving this email
November 2, 2025 at 9:49 PM
After gleefully and illegally plowing over every statute and regulation they don't like—such as by destroying USAID, refusing to enforce CFPB regs, and withholding SNAP funding—the Trump admin has decided 88 FR 8255 is ironclad law that must be ruthlessly enforced to ensure more people go hungry.
Reposted by Holly Hexter
Trump is holding a Great Gatsby/Roaring 20s-themed party at his private club in Palm Beach tonight as he tries to withhold SNAP and health care subsidies from millions of Americans. (via Kellie Meyer)
November 1, 2025 at 2:50 AM
Trump is holding a Great Gatsby/Roaring 20s-themed party at his private club in Palm Beach tonight as he tries to withhold SNAP and health care subsidies from millions of Americans. (via Kellie Meyer)
Reposted by Holly Hexter
USDA’s website spreads more propaganda saying that Democrats choose “genital mutilation procedures” over feeding mothers and babies.
#Autocracy
#Autocracy
October 31, 2025 at 2:45 AM
USDA’s website spreads more propaganda saying that Democrats choose “genital mutilation procedures” over feeding mothers and babies.
#Autocracy
#Autocracy
Reposted by Holly Hexter
Someone want to tell Mikey here that 86% of all SNAP benefits go to households that include a child, an elderly person, or a person with disabilities?
Or that almost 40% of SNAP recipients are children?
And that Whites account for 37% of SNAP recipients?
Or that almost 40% of SNAP recipients are children?
And that Whites account for 37% of SNAP recipients?
October 26, 2025 at 11:48 PM
Someone want to tell Mikey here that 86% of all SNAP benefits go to households that include a child, an elderly person, or a person with disabilities?
Or that almost 40% of SNAP recipients are children?
And that Whites account for 37% of SNAP recipients?
Or that almost 40% of SNAP recipients are children?
And that Whites account for 37% of SNAP recipients?
Reposted by Holly Hexter
More on this AP blunder from me and @susanrinkunas.com:
October 26, 2025 at 7:34 PM
More on this AP blunder from me and @susanrinkunas.com:
Reposted by Holly Hexter
And here I was, thinking it was just known as “breaking the law.”
You’re telling me there’s a *strategy* here? Golly, I’m such a rube.
You’re telling me there’s a *strategy* here? Golly, I’m such a rube.
By proceeding with the demolition of the White House East Wing before seeking approval from federal agencies for a new ballroom, President Donald Trump forced the issue. It's a strategy known as "stake-driving."
How Trump Demolished the White House East Wing
By putting the demolition of the East Wing before the necessary approvals for his ballroom, President Donald Trump borrowed a tactic known as “stake-driving” to force an outcome.
bloom.bg
October 26, 2025 at 2:05 PM
And here I was, thinking it was just known as “breaking the law.”
You’re telling me there’s a *strategy* here? Golly, I’m such a rube.
You’re telling me there’s a *strategy* here? Golly, I’m such a rube.
Reposted by Holly Hexter
A not insignificant number of people knew the demolition was coming, including people at the White House Historical Association, and did nothing to stop it.
I see that @whitehousehistory.bsky.social put out a statement yesterday stating that they were able to complete a “comprehensive digital scanning project” to document the East Wing, and that the historic artifacts have been preserved and stored.
October 23, 2025 at 9:55 PM
A not insignificant number of people knew the demolition was coming, including people at the White House Historical Association, and did nothing to stop it.
Reposted by Holly Hexter
WOW: The White House says the president's MAIN PRIORITY is his BALLROOM. SNAP is ending. Subsidies for health care are gong to double and in some instances quadruple plan premiums. The government is shut down. The cost of living is through the roof. And his priority is his ballroom.
October 23, 2025 at 6:46 PM
WOW: The White House says the president's MAIN PRIORITY is his BALLROOM. SNAP is ending. Subsidies for health care are gong to double and in some instances quadruple plan premiums. The government is shut down. The cost of living is through the roof. And his priority is his ballroom.
Reposted by Holly Hexter
Last night in Poland we saw the most serious European airspace violation by Russia since the war began, and indications suggest it was intentional, not accidental.
I am in contact with NATO Secretary General Rutte and Poland FM Sikorski.
The EU stands in full solidarity with Poland. (1/2)
I am in contact with NATO Secretary General Rutte and Poland FM Sikorski.
The EU stands in full solidarity with Poland. (1/2)
September 10, 2025 at 6:47 AM
Last night in Poland we saw the most serious European airspace violation by Russia since the war began, and indications suggest it was intentional, not accidental.
I am in contact with NATO Secretary General Rutte and Poland FM Sikorski.
The EU stands in full solidarity with Poland. (1/2)
I am in contact with NATO Secretary General Rutte and Poland FM Sikorski.
The EU stands in full solidarity with Poland. (1/2)
Reposted by Holly Hexter
“The Pentagon has for weeks been planning a military deployment to Chicago … The use of thousands of active-duty troops in Chicago also has been discussed”
Pentagon plans military deployment in Chicago as Trump eyes crackdown
President Donald Trump said Chicago is his next likely target to crack down on urban crime. Military planning has been ongoing for weeks, officials say.
wapo.st
August 24, 2025 at 12:37 AM
“The Pentagon has for weeks been planning a military deployment to Chicago … The use of thousands of active-duty troops in Chicago also has been discussed”
What could go wrong?
NBC News confirms: Pete Hegseth has authorized the approximately 2,000 National Guard troops in D.C. to be armed. @msnbc.com
August 22, 2025 at 7:12 PM
What could go wrong?
Reposted by Holly Hexter
So let me get this straight: Jack Smith investigates a guy who tried to overturn an election and incited an insurrection… and he’s the one being investigated?
We’re not a serious country. We’re a banana republic with better branding…but that’s going to shit, too.
We’re not a serious country. We’re a banana republic with better branding…but that’s going to shit, too.
August 2, 2025 at 6:38 PM
So let me get this straight: Jack Smith investigates a guy who tried to overturn an election and incited an insurrection… and he’s the one being investigated?
We’re not a serious country. We’re a banana republic with better branding…but that’s going to shit, too.
We’re not a serious country. We’re a banana republic with better branding…but that’s going to shit, too.