John,
Since its inception, Demand Justice has used its bold voice in pursuit of a federal judiciary that works for and represents everyday people — and today, I’m excited to take the helm. My name is Josh Orton, and I’m honored to be the new president of Demand Justice.
We are in a defining moment in our country, not only for the courts, but for the strength of democracy itself.
This moment calls for a bold new strategy for our grassroots organization. Today, I want to share with you my top strategic priorities for Demand Justice as its new president.
The threat we face is clear. In Donald Trump’s second term, he appears determined not just to break the law, but to dismantle it — going after institutions, individuals, and anyone else standing in his way.
Far too many law firms, media outlets, universities, and others live in fear of retribution if they do not bow to Trump’s wishes.
As for federal judicial appointments, Trump’s first criterion appears to be similar to that of a mob boss: loyalty. He is intent on nominating judges, like Emil Bove, who seem most likely to rule in his self-interest, no matter the legality of the case.
Republicans have spent decades bending the judiciary to their will, and Donald Trump now exploits it to his advantage. Donald Trump’s presidency threatens the fairness of our judiciary, the right of equal protection for all people, and the rule of law itself.
Unfortunately, we’ve seen largely tepid responses from most Democratic leaders and some Democratic-aligned organizations. Democrats and democratic institutions need to recognize that now is the time to mobilize and push back decisively.
My mandate is clear: to provide bold, creative, strategic, and morally clear leadership that builds power in the fight for our courts and the rule of law.
As I begin this new role, working with our exceptional team, I want to share three top strategic priorities for Demand Justice moving forward.
|
Priority #1: Accountability for Institutions and Elected Officials, Including Senate Democrats We cannot afford half-measures, especially from our own party. With targeted paid media and grassroots organizing, we will hold everyone — including Senate Democrats — accountable if they fail to meet this moment and demonstrate steadfast opposition to the dismantling of our legal system, courts, and the rule of law. Simply put: we will make sure that Democrats who shrink from this fight will face consequences. |
|
Priority #2: Making The Economic Case - Oligarchy and the Courts Trump’s judges and nominees aren’t just loyalists — they are enabling our country’s slide toward oligarchy and corruption. We’ve seen them consistently side with billionaires and giant corporations, including Elon Musk and multinationals like Amazon, who are crushing workers’ rights and rigging the economy for themselves. The pattern is clear: Judges confirmed in Trump’s first term have deprived workers of overtime pay they deserve, gutted union and organizing rights, slashed consumer safeguards, and tilted the economy in favor of entrenched power. And in turn, giant corporations continue to reward the president and his family financially. By highlighting these stakes, we will galvanize working people across the country to join our fight to restore balance and legitimacy to our courts. |
|
Priority #3: Grassroots Organizing and Infrastructure - The Engine of Accountability The courts may feel abstract to many people, but they directly shape our lives. At Demand Justice, our job is to connect the dots and channel grassroots progressive energy into action. If Trump’s nominees are to be stopped, it won’t happen inside the Beltway alone. We need people, just like you, to help hold lawmakers accountable. |
So, where do you come in, John?
Well, Demand Justice is only able to do this work with the help of people like you chipping in whatever you can afford to directly support our efforts along the way. Without you, we simply don’t exist.
In order to demand stronger Democratic opposition to Trump's takeover of the courts, raise awareness of the ways our courts are enabling oligarchy in this country, and mobilize a powerful grassroots movement to fight Trump’s judicial nominees, we need the resources to execute our strategy.
Not every person reading this can donate, and that is okay. But if you can afford to give today, I’m asking you to do just that. And if you can only chip in a few bucks, that matters too — all together, we can put Demand Justice’s work into motion.
Demand Justice was created for moments like this — and together, with your grassroots support, we will meet the challenge.
I’m fired up to work with you. Let’s do this.
In solidarity,
Josh Orton
President
