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There have been a plethora of infractions on American democracy and we haven't even made it past the first week. This administration seems bent on writing a New Edition of American values. Is this the end? We hope not. Can we stand the rain? Yes. But never trust a big mouth and a scowl. Alt-facts are Poison. Here’s your Wednesday read…
Deuces
All you jetsetters who fled the city this past weekend weren’t the only ones finding respite on the islands. Barack and Michelle Obama are all smiles as they arrive in the British Virgin Islands on Richard Branson's private jet and head straight for his lavish private island retreat. They touched down on Monday. More here.
National Day of Patriotism
Trump has officially declared the day of his inauguration a national day of patriotism. This is not a joke. This really happened. More here.
Making Many Gag
In less than one week in office, Trump has put gag orders on the EPA, the NIH, the USDA, and the Department of Interior. A DNC spokeswoman says, “the administration’s disturbing suppression of taxpayer funded federal agencies’ communication with the public and Congress undermines basic democratic norms. We cannot treat such borderline authoritarian actions as business as usual.” More here.
Slick As Oil
On Tuesday, Trump moved two controversial pipeline projects forward by signing a pair of executive actions that could speed up approval of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access projects. The actions are a sharp turn from the Obama administration's policies, as the former president had rejected the Keystone pipeline and delayed Dakota Access. More here.
Wall of Mentiras
Today, Trump will order the construction of a Mexican border wall. Who’s paying for it? You. This is the first in a series of actions this week that he thinks will crack down on undocumented immigrants and bolster national security. Others include slashing the number of refugees who can resettle in the US and blocking Syrians and others from what he calls “terror prone” nations from entering, at least temporarily. More here.
¿Dónde Está El Website?
The Spanish-language version of the White House website was taken down on day one of Donald Trump's presidency. The page, first implemented during the George W. Bush presidency and kept by the Obama administration, went dark by late Friday afternoon. More here.
Dude, Stop It
Trump continues to offer alternative facts on why he lost the popular vote by over three million votes. He used his first official meeting with congressional leaders on Monday to falsely claim that millions of undocumented immigrants had robbed him of a popular vote majority, a return to his obsession with the election’s results, even as he seeks support for his legislative agenda. More here.
Latino Workers Would Feel the Pain
As Trump moves to enact his campaign proposals on international trade, Hispanic leaders are worried Latino workers could be the first to feel the effects. Of the nearly 57 million Latinos in the United States, about 25 million live in California and Texas, two states whose economies rely heavily on exports to North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners. More from The Hill Latino here.
Protect DACA
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights sent a letter urging the Trump administration to protect the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which has provided relief to more than 740,000 undocumented young people. See the text of the letter here.
Schumer Stands with Immigration Advocates
On Monday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) participated in a press conference with immigration advocates calling on President Trump and Republicans to leave DACA alone, and vowing to fight against any and all anti-immigrant policy proposals. More here.
WGRG’s Diversity Task Force
Following its letter to Senate leaders, the Washington Government Relations Group (WGRG) recently launched a Diversity Task Force to help develop a systematic plan for attracting and retaining diverse public policy professionals to the nation’s two highest legislative bodies. Co-chairs include NUL’s Don Cravins and T-Mobile’s Marie Sylla. Other task force members include: William Clyburn, Isaac Fordjour, Michael Frazier, Monique Frazier, Spencer Overton, Jennifer Stewart, Cherie Wilson, and David Youngblood. More about WGRG here.
New FCC Chair
Ajit Pai, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, will be the country's new chief telecommunications regulator. He's a proponent of limited government and supports a free-market approach to regulations. More here.
NHMC Responds
The National Hispanic Media Coalition wasted no time to respond to Pai’s promotion. Carmen Scurato, NHMC’s Director of Policy and Legal Affairs, says, “NHMC urges Chairman Pai to begin his new term with a commitment to achieving the fundamental goals of the FCC: increasing diversity, enforcing rules that protect consumers, striving for truly universal service, and fostering real competition." More here.
Staffing Changes in Cárdenas’ Office
Congressman Tony Cárdenas (D-CA) has a new CoS. Miguel Franco, formerly Cárdenas’ Deputy CoS and LD, assumed the position this week. Virginia Zigras, his former CoS, is heading to NCTA, The Internet and Television Association, to do government relations on Internet and television issues. Congrats to both Miguel and Virginia on your new endeavors.
New LD in Barragán’s Office
Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (D-CA) has named Javier Gamboa as her Legislative Director. Javier was previously with Congresswoman Kathy Castor (D-FL) and also spent time as the Tampa Bay Area Regional Political Director at Hillary for America. More on Javier’s background here.
Nikki Haley Confirmed
South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley's nomination to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. easily cleared the Senate on Tuesday. The final vote was 96-4. More here. Chao Confirmed
A Senate panel agreed on Tuesday to confirm Elaine Chao, bringing her one step closer to becoming President Trump’s Transportation Secretary. More here.
SCOTUS Pick Coming Next Week
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) and senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) -- the top two members on the Judiciary Committee -- sat down with Trump and Vice President Mike Pence at the White House on Tuesday to discuss the Supreme Court vacancy. More here.
Warren Supporting Carson
How’s this for a head scratcher? Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) said Tuesday she will support Dr. Ben Carson's nomination for secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), changing her tune after a harsh confirmation hearing. More here.
Obama Invited to Hit the Links
For weeks, the members of an exclusive, largely Jewish country club in Maryland have been entangled in a bitter dispute over whether to exclude former President Obama because of the Obama administration's policies toward Israel. On Monday, the management of the Woodmont Country Club sought to put an end to the rancor, sending a letter to members notifying them that it had invited Obama and his wife, Michelle, to join as “special members.” Under those terms, the former first couple would pay dues and other fees but would be spared the $80,000 initiation fee. More here.
Valerie Jarrett’s Next Move
What’s next for Valerie Jarrett? Check with Hollywood talent agency CAA, which announced that they had signed her. The agency will be representing her in public speaking engagements and whatever else comes her way. More here.
Departing Obama Admin Appointees
Values Partnerships announced the 2017 Departing Administration Staff Innovation Fellowship, an intensive three-month fellowship designed to help departing Obama administration staff launch and grow new ventures. A stipend, one-on-one mentorship, access to high-level networks and investors, pro bono resources, and free office space will be provided for departing Obama staffers who want to start a business, nonprofit ,or other independent venture. Two fellows will receive free office space on Barracks Row and a $2,000 per month stipend for three months beginning next month. Have questions? Email Brandon Andrews at: Brandon@valuespartnerships.com. Those interested should click here to apply by Friday.
Democracy in Color DNC Debate
Nearly 250 guests attended Monday night’s Democracy in Color DNC debate where the focus was issues relevant to communities of color. Over 56,000 people live streamed it, making it the most watched debate ever. Period! PS -- we actually don’t know if it’s the most watched DNC debate. But in the world of alternative facts, pretty much anything goes. For a great recap of the timely discussion, click here.
Next DNC Forum in TX
On January 28th, the Democratic National Committee will hold its second of four regional DNC Future forums at Texas Southern University in Houston. More here.
Becerra Confirmed
The California Senate voted 26-9 to confirm Congressman Xavier Becerra (D-CA) as the state's first Latino attorney general. Governor Jerry Brown hasn’t yet set the special election for Becerra's replacement in the House. The Beat will be keeping an eye on the already crowded field of contenders. More here.
Happening Tonight
The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting hosts a conversation tonight with award-winning photojournalist Dominic Bracco II. Bracco speaks about the effects of global policy and economics on the lives of individuals and their communities in Mexico, the borderlands of Texas and the killing fields of Honduras. To RSVP, click here.
Collective PAC
On Thursday, February 2nd, Quentin and Stephanie James join co-chairs Isaac Fordjour, Chaka Burgess, Symone Sanders, Chanelle Hardy, Thomas Penny, and co-hosts Brian Woolfolk, Lisa Hodges, Corey Dade, Moses Boyd, Carol McDonald, Don Calloway, Travis Nembhard, Markus Batchelor, and Adjoa Asamoah for an event to support The Collective PAC -- a new PAC working to increase the number of Black elected officials on the local, state and federal levels. To RSVP, click here.
Dominican Heritage Month
January 21st to February 27th is Dominican Heritage Month. Congressman Adriano Epsaillat (D-NY), the first Dominican to ever serve in Congress, says, “Dominican-Americans have worked hard to contribute to the nation and our contributions can be found in every facet of United States life. From notable individuals such as fashion designer Oscar de la Renta, Pulitzer Prize winner Junot Díaz, Secretary of Labor Thomas Pérez, and baseball giant David Ortiz, known as ‘Big Papi’ -- Dominican-Americans have made numerous economic, cultural, and social contributions to the US.” The Beat is proud to join the community in uplifting Dominican heritage. More here. CORRECTION: Patterson NOT Joining Trump Administration
In Monday’s Beat, we incorrectly reported that Jones Day attorney Chaka Patterson would be joining the Trump administration. Not so. Patterson will join the Cook County State’s Attorney’s team as the Civil Actions Bureau’s chief. Patterson will take over sometime next month. Our sincerest apologies for presenting that alternative fact. More here.
PBS to Air Doc on Congressman John Lewis
"Get in the way: The Journey of John Lewis" aims to tell the story of the man who advanced civil rights, led a 26-hour sit-in for gun control, marched with Dr. King, challenged political houses and continues to fight for human rights. The biographical documentary will air on PBS as part of the network’s Black History Month programming. More here.
So Long, Solange
Solange made a pit stop at Sankofa Video Books & Café in DC and purchased 250 books for her fans who showed up. Her goal was to share hope and wisdom during the era of Trump. More here.
She Didn’t Have Her Way
Singer Chrisette Michele is disappointed that she didn’t get to meet Trump during the inauguration. “Originally I was supposed to perform directly after his first speech, and I had done that with Barack Obama,” she explained. “The woman who organized the event told me, ‘Now you’re going to go first and he’s going to go after you.’ “I looked her in the eye and said, ‘My family has disowned me,’” recalled Michele. “I’m the black poster child for discord right now, and he’s not going to shake my hand?’ So no, I didn’t get to meet him.” More here. The Beat...Sports Edition
Brady’s Bromance with Trump
New England Patriots QB Tom Brady has been ambiguous about his friendship with Trump. But he did have a “Make America Great Again” hat hanging on his locker and -- according to reports -- he phoned Trump before the inauguration to congratulate him. So…who are you rooting for in this year's Super Bowl? More here.
Tackling Issues with the GOP
Brady isn’t the only football player flirting with the GOP. Peyton Manning is scheduled to speak at a Congressional GOP retreat in Philadelphia. The roster for the retreat, which runs today through Friday, includes Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. Manning has given $17,900 to Republican candidates since 2004, according to the Federal Election Commission. More here.
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Videos of the Day
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American Urban Radio Networks WH Correspondent April Ryan asks Press Secretary Sean Spicer about Trump's plans to meet with civil rights leaders. | |
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Laura Jarrett made her CNN debut on Monday discussing the Constitution with Wolf Blitzer. Her face may be familiar to some of you who may have seen her gracefully navigate DC events with her mom, Valerie. | |
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 | Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) blasts the vote banning federal funding for women's reproductive rights. | |
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Pics of the Day
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The former first couple posed with staff at the British Virgin Islands' main airport Monday night after a flight from California. | |
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A "No DAPL" protest assembled by the Green Latinos on Tuesday. | |
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Seven of the 11 candidates for DNC chair take the stage at the Democracy in Color debate at GW University on Monday night. | |
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 | MSNBC's Joy Ann Reid (l) poses with Democracy in Color's Jessica Byrd. | |
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 | Staying brown at Sundance. Benjamin Bratt, Peter Bratt, and Carlos Santana pose with Dolores Huerta who is in Sundance promoting her documentary, Dolores. | |
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About 2 in 3 African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latino/as say the lives of people of color will get worse and the lives of whites will improve under a Trump, compared to about half of whites who say the same thing.
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Latino/as are most likely to say the key problems are immigration (33 percent), terrorism (21 percent), and race relations (19 percent).
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Large majorities of whites (73 percent), African Americans (67 percent), Latino/as (65 percent), and Asian Americans (63 percent) lack trust in the media to report the news fully, accurately, and fairly.
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Young people of color overwhelmingly approve of Barack Obama’s handling of numerous public policy issues. By contrast, the only issue for which a majority of young whites approve of Obama’s performance is gay rights.
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Many young adults of all racial and ethnic groups believe the lives of people of color are going to become worse under Trump, while the lives of whites will improve. About half also expect the lives of women and poor people to become worse.
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