Welcome to the Truth and Action Roundup, a reliable source of information, inspiration, and action for the post-election period. Did a friend forward you this email? Sign up here to continue receiving it.

It’s Friday, November 15, 66 days before Inauguration Day. Today, we look at more of the alarming nominations President-elect Donald Trump has announced to fill key positions in his incoming administration, face the reality of unified control of the levers of power in Washington, and celebrate some election results that represent historic firsts. We offer an opportunity for action related to the urgent need to restore and expand voting rights as well as some ideas for how you can make a difference in your local community. We also provide spiritual resources to sustain us for the road ahead. We find ways the people of God can get through the times ahead by remembering how they have done so in such moments throughout history — by leaning on God and on each other.

– Rev. Adam Taylor and Rev. Moya Harris, Sojourners

In the News

Here’s what we know at the time of writing:

1) President-elect Trump announced his intention to appoint former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard for director of National Intelligence and Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida for attorney general. These appointments are alarming because they signal an administration that may be focused on retribution against the incoming president’s political enemies. The appointments continue to highlight the premium Trump places on personal loyalty above other factors, including qualifications. Equally troubling is the fact that Gaetz’s resignation from the House of Representatives renders moot a House Ethics Committee investigation into whether he had engaged in sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, and acceptance of improper gifts, among other offenses — just as he seeks to be confirmed as the nation’s chief law enforcement officer.

2) Republicans have now been projected to win control of the House of Representatives, confirming their unified control over the government for the next two years. The majority in the House is likely to be extraordinarily slim, though its exact size is still uncertain with a few remaining races too close to call. This unified Republican control will make it considerably easier for Trump and the GOP to enact their legislative agenda and undermines the likelihood of congressional oversight and accountability.

3) Even amid these election results and everything they could mean for the years ahead, there were several historic firsts in this year’s elections that are worth noting. For example, Lisa Blunt Rochester will become the first woman to represent Delaware in the Senate, and Angela Alsobrooks will be the first Black woman to represent Maryland. Together, they will be the first two Black women to serve in the U.S. Senate at the same time. Sarah McBride of Delaware will be the first openly transgender member of Congress. Andy Kim of New Jersey will be the first Korean American to serve in the Senate. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance also represents a historic first as the first millennial vice president, and his wife Usha Vance will be the first Indian American and first Hindu second lady.

Take Action

What skills or abilities do you have to contribute to support your community at this moment? We won’t be able to get through this time without each other. Are you able to offer to carpool with other families? Can you cook dinner for a family in your neighborhood that’s struggling? Identify what you can offer to your community, and get plugged in.
Tell Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. Though we’re grateful this election was largely free and safe, we cannot give up on the effort to secure stronger protections for voters. Sign the petition from our partners at the Brennan Center for Justice here.

Deep Breaths

Greetings! Doing an end-of-the-week breath check. Is everyone still breathing? Let’s take a moment. Slow deep breath in ... slowly release. Here's a walking meditation strategy that might help you breathe and reset.

While things may seem bleak for many of us, it’s important to consider how relationships and community can be the glue to hold us together. As a country, we have historically had joy and pain, sunshine and rain. It can be easy to withdraw and isolate into despair in moments like this. I encourage you to make the small but significant step to reach out to someone who could use a moment of joy, for “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10b).

During times like these, the closing lines of Lucille Clifton’s “Won’t You Celebrate With Me” have uplifted me: “come celebrate / with me that everyday / something has tried to kill me / and has failed.” Take the time to celebrate SOMETHING this weekend.

— Rev. Moya Harris, Director of Racial Justice, Sojourners

The Truth and Action Roundup is compiled by Sojourners staff:
President: Rev. Adam Russell Taylor
Director of Racial Justice: Rev. Moya Harris
Senior Research Associate: J.K. Granberg-Michaelson
Senior Adviser and Director to the President’s Office: Elizabeth Denlinger Reaves
Director of Campaigns and Mobilizing: Sandy Ovalle Martínez
Director of Congregational Outreach & Education: Rev. Andrea Saccoccio
Digital Communications Associate: Lexi Schnaser
Senior Director of Marketing: Sandra Sims

Donate