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.

Today is Wednesday, Nov. 27, 54 days before Inauguration Day. In today’s Truth and Action Roundup, we preview some of President-elect Donald Trump’s concerning economic plans for his second term, give up an update on the war in the Middle East, and discuss special counsel Jack Smith’s motion to dismiss federal charges against Trump. We also invite you to share your own stories of hope and thanksgiving with us and with fellow readers of this newsletter. Finally, we offer some spiritual inspiration as to why there is always reason to be thankful to God, even when hope feels scarce.

Because of the holiday week, the Truth and Action Roundup will be taking a day off this Friday. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, and we’ll be back with you next Monday!

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

In the News

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

1) There are several concerning indications about Trump’s economic plans for his second term, which, if realized, could have widespread negative impacts, particularly on people with low incomes and people experiencing poverty. One example is the Trump team’s reported plan to use a tactic called “impoundment” to cut off funding already appropriated by Congress that he dislikes or deems wasteful. If he were to take such an action — and if the courts were to rule in his favor when he would likely be sued over it — it would significantly strengthen the presidency at the expense of Congress. Trump also announced plans this week to impose hefty tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China on his first day as president, which has the potential to send shockwaves through the economy that would raise prices for consumers.

2) By time you read this, Israel, Hezbollah, and Lebanon may have announced their mutual agreement to a 60-day U.S.-backed ceasefire deal. As we write today’s newsletter, Israel’s cabinet is set to meet to discuss the deal and is reportedly expected to approve it. In the leadup to the cabinet’s meeting, Israel continues to heavily bomb Beirut and its surroundings. Unfortunately, many experts doubt such a deal would herald an end to the death and destruction in Gaza.

3) On Monday, special counsel Jack Smith filed motions to drop all federal charges against Trump in his classified documents and election interference cases, which a judge subsequently granted. Smith wrote in his filing that he moved to dismiss the cases because of the Justice Department’s policy that a sitting president cannot not be charged with a crime, which will apply to Trump starting on January 20. Importantly, he also noted that “the merits of the defendant’s prosecution [have] not changed.” In other words, he has not changed his opinion that there is ample evidence that Trump committed the crimes he was charged for, but his election victory renders the case moot while he serves as president.

Take Action

What are you grateful for? In light of the holiday season, we thought we’d invite you to share what you find yourself thankful for in this time. What’s giving you hope? Email us at [email protected] and we’ll feature excerpts from as many as possible in our Advent editions of the Truth and Action Roundup!

Deep Breaths

“It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
to sing praises to your name, O Most High,
to declare your steadfast love in the morning
and your faithfulness by night” – Psalm 92:1-2

“The big hope that never quite deserts me, that I and my kind / Will study war no more, that love and tenderness and all the / inner graces of Almighty affection will cover the life of the / children of God as the waters cover the sea. / All these and more than mind can think and heart can feel, / I make as my sacrament of Thanksgiving to Thee, / Our [God], in humbleness of mind and simplicity of heart.” – Howard Thurman

This week, take the opportunity to celebrate gratitude, faith, and resilience with a soundtrack that uplifts the spirit and honors the everyday blessings of life. From gospel classics to soulful anthems, this playlist is a reminder that every day is a day of thanksgiving. Be encouraged.

— 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

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