News, events, advocacy opportunities, and commentary from the Center for New Liberalism

Trump’s tariffs have created an economic mess, and too many Democrats haven’t taken a definitive stand on his reckless tariffs. Last month, we launched our Congressional Tariff Messaging Index, a first of it’s kind scorecard that grades House Democrats on their leadership, messaging, and response to Trump’s tariffs and other trade issues. 

We named 18 CNL Trade Champions who are leaders on trade, advocating for a clear, pro-growth, pro-consumer vision. Some of the members of Congress who took the time to celebrate their score include Rep. Ritchie Torres, Rep. Brad Schneider, Rep. Brittany Pettersen, and Rep. Lizzie Fletcher. 

Check out the full index to see who’s leading and who could have stronger messaging.

At the end of last month, CNL Director Colin Mortimer and Deputy Director Tobin Stone joined our friends at the Progressive Policy Institute to lead a Congressional Staff Delegation trip to Hawai’i, where the delegation had the opportunity to learn firsthand about the unique impact the Jones Act has on the state, as well as the other unique issues facing Hawai’i. 

With Congress set to vote on legislation this very week that would exacerbate the economic harms of the Jones Act on states like Hawai’i, this trip couldn’t have come at a better time.

Since November’s election, we’ve seen a surge of new—and renewed—interest in the Center for New Liberalism’s mission: building a home for the center-left and standing up for liberal values at a time when they’re under threat around the world.

If you’re interested in getting more involved—whether by joining your local chapter’s leadership, reviving a dormant chapter, or launching a new one from the ground up—fill out the form below. In the coming weeks, we’ll be hosting a webinar for prospective chapter leads to share how you can plug in and help shape the future of CNL.

Take a few minutes to check out what our chapters are working on right now, and send a letter to your elected officials!

Politico Digital Future Daily | The limits of Elon Musk’s political pullback
Ft. Jeremiah Johnson, Co-Founder of CNL | May 21
“Musk retreating from politics is like a glutton ‘retreating from food’ because they’re still digesting their last meal,” Jeremiah Johnson, co-founder of the center-left Center For New Liberalism, told DFD.

Reason | C. Bradley Thompson and Jeremiah Johnson: Rise of the 'MAGA Manosphere'
Ft. Jeremiah Johnson, Co-Founder of CNL | May 23
“The Internet is built to amplify extremism more than it is built to amplify moderation.” 

Inside Trade | Liberal group urges Democrats to sharpen ‘muddied’ anti-tariff attacks
Ft. Tobin Stone, Deputy Director of CNL | May 29
“‘There are genuine national security reasons to have tariffs, but our stance is that … when you in the same breath as trying to criticize the tariffs say ‘Well, these tariffs are bad but I support some strategic tariffs,’ it completely muddies the message,"  said Tobin Stone, deputy director of the Center for New Liberalism, told Inside U.S. Trade in a recent interview.”

Rep. Ritchie Torres Press Office | Rep. Ritchie Torres Recognized as a Top Congressional Leader on Promoting Trade & Combatting Trump’s Tariffs by the Center for New Liberalism
Ft. CNL | May 29
On the recognition, Rep. Torres said: “I’m proud to be recognized by the Center for New Liberalism for my work to advance trade policies that lower prices, create jobs, and keep America competitive on the global stage.”

What We Fight About When We Fight About Abundance

In the wake of Derek Thompson and Ezra Klein's book Abundance, there's been a significant amount of fighting amongst Democrats about the book and the broader Abundance movement. Jeremiah walks through the various camps involved in the fight, why some Democrats seem to hate the ideas of Abundance, and what this dispute is ultimately all about.

Making Immigration Popular Ft. Alexander Kustov

Immigration is increasingly unpopular around the world. How can we build a system of immigration that benefits immigrants and natives while also maintaining political support? Alexander Kustov joins the podcast to discuss his new book, 'In Our Interest', which tackles that question.

Should We Pay Kidney Donors? Ft. Elaine Perlman

Should we compensate living kidney donors for donating their kidneys? Elaine Perlman joins the show to discuss the End Kidney Deaths Act and the ethics of paying for organ donations.

Russia’s Indoctrination Machine Ft. Ian Garner

How does Russian propaganda work? Not the propaganda they aim at the West - but the propaganda they aim at their own citizens. Ian Garner studies Russian propaganda and he's the author of 'Z Generation: Into the Heart of Russia's Fascist Youth'. He joins the podcast to talk about Putin's control of the media, how social media influencers in Russia promote the war in Ukraine, and how Russia is creating a new cohort of fascists in their youngest generations.

For only $5 a month, you can join our growing movement to create a Democratic Party that offers commonsense policy solutions and embodies the values of liberalism.

Being a CNL member supports our work through events and builds community with people from across the country and overseas who share your vision for our future.

Join CNL today!

If you aren’t already involved, we encourage you to get more involved with your local CNL chapter, and consider joining their leadership team! Not sure if you have a chapter in your area? Check out the chapter map on our website to find out, and sign up for email updates from your local chapter!