Thursday, July 10, 2025

👋 Hi John!

We are happy to bring you The People’s Bi-Weekly Watchdog Newsletter, delivered to your inbox every other Thursday. This week, we want to show you the direct impact Trump’s cuts — through DOGE and the recently passed reconciliation bill — are having right now.

This week’s newsletter is just a 5 minute read at 750 words.

✂️ 4 Ways Trump’s Cuts Hurt Right Now

Usually, it takes time before new laws or presidential actions affect us. But with Trump’s big, ugly bill, and DOGE, we’re seeing real-time pain.

Here are four ways Trump’s actions are hurting Americans right now.

🌽 Nebraska hospital announces closure
A medical center in rural southwest Nebraska sent a press release minutes after Trump’s ugly bill passed announcing they would be closing ASAP over cuts to Medicaid. The nearest 24-hour medical center would be an hour away from the current facility. Learn more.

🔬 Trump says girls can’t learn STEM
Trump eliminated millions in science grants because they use certain phrases he doesn’t like. One of the grants they cut? Making sure girls have direct exposure to STEM topics. Learn more.

💵 Trump says you’re just a number
Again, because Trump treated federal employees as numbers to cut, not public servants, the union for Social Security Administration says there is now a ratio of 1 employee to nearly 1,500 Americans on Social Security issues. Learn more.

🇺🇸 Served your country? Trump doesn’t care.
Lastly, Trump took the same axe to veterans benefits as he did to education funding. VA cuts mean fewer nurses, less research into what's causing veterans' health issues, and less assistance for those who served. Learn more.

There are many more ways Trump and his administration have destroyed American life. If you have an example of how DOGE or the big, ugly bill will affect you, we’d love to hear from you.

🛑 Stopping big money from being an even bigger problem

“We’re at a place where a billionaire’s budget passed because money prevailed over morals,” said Common Cause’s Omar Noureldin, to Truthout.

Beyond the budget bill, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case that weaponizes the First Amendment in an attempt to dismantle one of the last remaining pillars of campaign finance law. The case could potentially blow the cap off of the remaining campaign finance spending limits, which would give the ultra-wealthy even more power to meddle in our politics than they already have.

We can’t let this happen. Since the 1970s, Common Cause has been instrumental in curbing Big Money’s influence. From passing the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, which created the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and became the foundation of modern campaign finance law, to today — we will fight to ensure this potential precedent won’t poison our politics even further. Our government is intended to serve the people, not billionaires.

📱 Our Favorite Post

👀 ICYMI

We're working so hard to protect our democracy, we could write you a novel instead of a newsletter. Instead, here are the top headlines you don't want to miss:

Washington, D.C. 🏛: Political violence isn’t new — but it is increasing across the nation, from some of the highest federal offices down to state and local government officials. Our President & CEO explains how we all have a role in stopping political violence, especially the leaders who stoke violence and endorse dangerous rhetoric. Read her full opinion piece in The Hill.
Indiana 🏎️: We’re fighting back against attempts to deny citizens the right to vote in Indiana. A new law requires election officials to consult outdated registries to check voter eligibility. We’re letting naturalized citizens know their voting rights are at risk. Learn more in the Indy Star.
Minnesota 🛶: As Minnesota recovers from recent political violence, we’re ensuring the public has a say in any new security measures. While security is important, it cannot make the Capitol less transparent or less accessible to all Minnesotans. See our statement here.
New Mexico 👽: Ranked choice voting is gaining popularity across the nation, including in New Mexico, and for good reason. Our Policy Director explains how ranked choice voting restores trust in our electoral system and why it should be adopted across the state for the Santa Fe New Mexican.

📊 By the Numbers

A majority of voters oppose Trump’s deadly budget. They know what’s at stake: our healthcare, our schools, and our safety. We need a budget and a government that serves the people—not billionaires.

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👕 Wear your values

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