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Welcome to the Truth and Action Roundup, your reliable weekly source for information, inspiration, and opportunities for action during the second Trump administration.  Did a friend forward you this email? Sign up here to continue receiving it.

As we reflect in anticipation of the Third Sunday of Advent, we consider the words of Psalm 146:7, which promise that the Lord shall execute justice for the oppressed, give food to the hungry, and set the prisoner free. While reflecting on these words, we consider the role we must play in bringing them to fruition as the body of Christ. Across the world, we see militarism increase often as a direct result of decisions made in our country’s name by President Donald Trump and his administration.

In Venezuela, we have seen a concerning increase in rhetoric that has led to deadly actions, including 20 illegal strikes against defenseless people that have killed at least 80 since early September, along with the seizure of an oil tanker and escalating rhetoric about starting an illegal war. This grotesque abuse of power, which has taken innocent lives, has been justified under the guise of fighting terrorism and drugs, merging two long-standing policies into one where wanton murder can be justified in the name of “protecting” people at home. While most Americans oppose these strikes, it is our duty to make it clear that we will demand full accountability for everyone involved and an immediate end to this unlawful aggression.

In Europe, we’re also seeing the Trump administration take a stance that is completely out of line with both tradition and Christian values. In a newly released National Security Strategy, he criticizes European leaders for being “weak” while their countries face “civilizational decline” due to policies that do not reflect his own white Christian nationalist agenda here in the United States. Meanwhile, he minimizes the importance of values like democracy in favor of commercial interests, while also advocating for snap elections in Ukraine.

What do we do when narratives of ongoing conflict are invoked in our name? We clearly reject them. We add our voices to those committed to seeking justice for the oppressed. And we act to help create a world that embodies a more just and life-affirming vision.

- Rev. Moya Harris and Chad Stanton, Sojourners

P.S. We want to make sure we lift up the people of Washington who are currently experiencing flooding in both our thoughts and prayers as they contend with this tragic natural disaster.

In the News

1. ICE is using new tactics to detain immigrants, reports of torture and human rights abuses are emerging, and communities are stepping up to protect their neighbors.

• Since January of this year, ICE has arrested over 220,000 people nationwide. Recent data show that nearly a third of those detained have no criminal record. Across the U.S., immigrants are being swept up by agents at courthouses, with nearly 80 percent in New York now skipping hearings out of fear, a trend that is not unique to New Yorkers. Citizenship ceremonies have been abruptly canceled, leaving people just short of becoming citizens with no guarantee of future opportunities.

• ICE’s tactics for detaining immigrants are evolving; smartwatches are being used to track pregnant women, those voluntarily deporting will be met by agents at the border, and they recently signed a $140 billion contract with Boeing for a fleet of planes for mass deportations. And a recent report from Amnesty International shows that agents have used CIA-level torture tactics on immigrants in the Everglades detention center.

• Churches and community members are openly resisting ICE, reimagining Nativity scenes depicting ICE and a missing Holy Family, and offering sanctuary and opportunity in church buildings. Store owners are turning away agents at their doors and communities are continuing to host events to train people on protecting their neighbors from ICE.

2. This week marks significant changes in U.S. Foreign Policy, piracy on open seas, and the destabilization of European countries:

• Rep. Massie (R-KY) has introduced a bill that would remove the U.S. from NATO, citing, “NATO is a Cold War relic. We should withdraw from NATO and use that money to defend our own country, not socialist countries.” The Trump Administration also supports leaders from authoritarian countries because of their immigration policies and removes sanctions on Serbia despite its history of inciting conflict in the region. Meanwhile, the administration released its National Security Strategy last week, calling for the cultivation of resistance in Europe and the expansion of military presence in the Western Hemisphere. Lastly, Denmark has listed the United States as a threat to economic and technological security for the first time in history.

• The Trump Administration continues military actions against Venezuela. In November, the administration and the Department of War struck 20 boats off the coast of Venezuela, resulting in 87 deaths. They prepared for further actions against the country by increasing military presence in the Caribbean for a potential ground invasion and closing its airspace. On Wednesday, an oil tanker was seized by the U.S. military while en route to Cuba from Venezuela.

• Sharing some encouraging news, Maria Corina Machado, leader of the Venezuelan resistance against the 26-year regime, has received the Nobel Peace Prize this week after being in hiding since January.

3. Litigation on gerrymandering and the outcome of this week’s special elections are bringing uncertainty and hope for the upcoming year:

• Sixteen states are considering or adopting newly redrawn election maps; the midcentury changes are facing litigation in the courts, with the Supreme Court overruling a lower Texas court’s decision allowing Texas to use a gerrymandered map despite racial profiling. Missouri organizers petitioned for an open vote opposing redistricting in the state that would favor GOP candidates, gathering enough signatures to push for a referendum.

• Recent special elections across the country suggest the House of Representatives might shift to Democratic control in the 2026 midterms. Voters are facing inflation, a recession, and cuts to social programs that support them, which could influence their voting decisions in 2026. This is especially true for Latino voters, with about a third voting for Trump in the 2024 election.

• Miami made history this week by electing its first female mayor and a Democratic mayor after 30 years of Republican leadership. In 2025, women are key factors in Democratic wins, with many elected to high-level leadership positions across the country. Rep. Jasmine Crocket has announced her bid for the Senate.

Take Action

• Sojo Action is continuing to demand that Congress keep health care affordable on our Take Action page.

• Sojo Action will also be hosting another talk in our book club series, Octavia Told Us, on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m.

• The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is launching its “Masks Off, Rights On” campaign for transparency and accountability from federal agents.

What We’re Reading

“Charlie Brown and Sufjan know the Good Grief of Christmas”| “There you have it: the splendor of the Christ child, the pain of old holiday memories, the general lunacy of the season. Stevens understands that it’s not really Christmas without all three.” (By Tyler Huckabee)

“Don’t Ignore the Darkness of Advent” |“I’m weary of seeing the gospel twisted and contorted to sanctify fear and even hatred toward those deemed “the other.” (By Rev Adam Taylor)

Deep Breaths

We are heading into the third Sunday of Advent. As we lean into the end of a challenging year with anticipation, it is important to look to examples of resilience. This week's reflection is written by SojoAction policy and action assistant, Trinity Williams.

—Rev. Moya Harris, Senior Director of Programs, Sojourners

Reflections on the Peace Lily

All of God’s creation has much to learn from one another, and as human beings, we rarely give ourselves the time to learn from the things around us.

I am a proud “plant mom” of twelve plants of different species, names, and stories, but the one that has captivated me the most lately is the Peace Lily (named Elphie after Wicked) that sits in my bedroom. It doesn’t require much light, is reasonably adaptable, and tells you exactly what it needs through its beautiful, unique green leaves. It is the most forgiving yet unforgiving plant I’ve ever had.

Before I went home over the Thanksgiving holiday, my housemates watched as I scurried around the house to the different windowsills and countertops where my plants sit, watering and fertilizing them, and praying I’d return to plants that withstood my brief negligence. Upon my return, sadly, my Peace Lily was incredibly disappointed in me. All of the leaves dried up, and the stems lay flat against the pot. I was ashamed of my plant care skills.

Still, I knew my plant and saw some life left within it. I gave it a little more water than usual, cut away the dead parts, and kept my fingers crossed, hoping for rejuvenation. In just a few days, what was once flat had risen again, and every single stem I thought was lost had forgiven me. New leaves are currently springing from underneath the dead, dry ones. I have been given another chance to care for it the way it deserves.

Each day, the Peace Lily is the first thing in my line of sight when I open my eyes. I smile at it for its resilience and how it keeps growing despite the imperfect hands of human care. It consistently leaves me in awe.

Let the Peace Lily be a lesson and reminder to all of us that the root of both self-care and community care is communication–sharing what you need, yet still being forgiving of others and especially yourself, when you miss the mark.

Even when you feel wilted, hopeless, and even abandoned, may you find the life within, and try again. Growth and rebirth are always a possibility.

– Trinity Williams, Policy and Action Assistant, Sojourners

The Truth and Action Roundup is compiled by Sojourners staff:

President: Rev. Adam Russell Taylor
Senior Research Associate: J.K. Granberg-Michaelson
Digital Content and Community Specialist: Kassandra Tapia
Chief Program and Impact Officer: Bryan Epps
Political Director: Chad V. Stanton
Senior Program Director: Rev. Moya Harris
Digital Education and Outreach Specialist: Cortnie Brooks
Policy and Action Assistant: Trinity Williams
Senior Director of Marketing: Sandra Sims