Dear Democracy Forward Community,
We began this year uncertain about what exactly would unfold, but certain of two things: the unparalleled power of the American people and the Democracy Forward community’s commitment to doing whatever it takes to harness that power to fight autocratic threats. As the Trump-Vance administration trampled on Constitutional rights, dismantled core protections, deployed the military in our communities, oversaw raids, and made it harder for Americans to make ends meet, the American people have met the moment. And, because of you, we have too.
When the president threatened lawyers and law firms, our Democracy Forward community was strong, ensuring that the American people are able to access the courts, represented by exceptional lawyers who are winning court orders at historic rates. We have been able to mount scaled responses to the Trump-Vance administration’s federal attacks — filing hundreds of legal actions and winning — while also continuing our mission-critical work in states and communities across the nation.
“In the United States there is no king.” These words appeared in the lawsuit we filed in the early weeks of this administration, challenging the president’s mission to rewrite history and stamp out free speech. The call has been repeated across the nation as millions have mobilized in the largest peaceful protests in U.S. history, determined to defend our rights. As powerful institutions have stepped back, the people have stepped forward. And, with your support, the people of this nation have been able to make their case heard both in the court of law and in the court of public opinion.
These pages provide a mere glimpse of the wins that you have supported and the impact our work has had for the American people this past year. They also show how we have used momentary setbacks to push forward, and how we are working to transform this historic crisis in our nation as a catalyst for generational change.
Uncertainty is still with us. But our work this year has made us all the more certain that the people can — and will — prevail. Courage is now the new currency — you have shown us that with your support.
We are made for this moment and we are ready for what’s next. We are so grateful to have you with us.
Skye L. Perryman, JD
President and CEO
Democracy Forward Foundation & Democracy Forward
Taking Swift, Decisive Action to Protect the American People
At the outset of this year, it became clear that the president and his executive branch were ignoring the Constitution and harming people. We were prepared to protect the people. We know that one of the most important tools people have in this moment is the ability to initiate litigation against — to sue — their government. And we will use every legal tool available to ensure the government works for all people and advances the best of our nation’s values. Our cases have brought people hope and helped communities find their courage.
This year, we have filed more than 150 lawsuits against the executive branch, launched more than 250 investigations, and submitted more than 1,500 detailed records demands across federal agencies. We have secured nearly 100 positive court rulings, including many that provide for relief to people across the nation. As the administration’s autocratic playbook becomes more accelerated, you will find us accelerating our efforts and continuing to meet the moment.
Take a Look at the Highlights of Our Wins
Responding to the Militarization of the Government
Read More 1BLOCKED the unlawful deployment of the National Guard to Memphis on behalf of elected representatives and communities in Tennessee
CONTRIBUTED to court rulings challenging National Guard deployment in Washington, D.C., California, and Illinois through friend-of-the court filings to support state Attorneys General’s cases
Protecting Immigrant Communities
Read More 2SECURED a court order preventing the IRS from sharing taxpayer data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), protecting tax paying immigrants
BLOCKED the Trump-Vance administration’s efforts to unlawfully prolong detention of unaccompanied children
FORCED the administration to pause its plans to shutter the civil rights offices at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
STOPPED the administration’s unlawful $100,000 fee on each H-1B visa application through litigation pressure as our case challenging the scheme remains pending
SECURED opinions from the U.S. Supreme Court affirming that people cannot be removed from the United States without due process
Defending the First Amendment
Read More 3PROTECTED the freedom of association and religion by securing a court order to block Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in certain houses of worship
SECURED the first federal court order recognizing that executive orders against diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility violate the First Amendment
BLOCKED the U.S. Department of Justice’s effort to retaliate against the American Bar Association for its stance on the rule of law
SECURED court orders blocking the government’s unlawful attempt to shut down Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, and the Middle East Broadcast Network.
Combatting the Anti-Education Agenda
Read More 4PRESERVED funding and intellectual freedom in American classrooms and colleges by blocking the enforcement of the U.S. Department of Education’s “Dear Colleague” letter that conditioned funding on alignment with the president’s ideological agenda on civil rights
STOPPED the administration’s unlawful withholding of education funding, securing the release of nearly $6 billion in congressionally authorized funds for K-12 students
BLOCKED the administration’s attempt to gain leverage and political control over the University of California system.
Restoring Trillions in Health, Housing, Climate, and Vital Services Nationwide
Read More 5BLOCKED the White House’s nationwide funding freeze which would have affected trillions in essential services and programmatic funding across the nation
STOPPED the administration’s action to undermine the Affordable Care Act, protecting health care access for 2.2 million Americans
BLOCKED President Trump’s efforts to deny access to food assistance, preserving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for over 42 million Americans and critical waivers for communities in 17 states
BLOCKED the freeze of Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, preserving infrastructure, community, and climate investments nationwide
BLOCKED sweeping, unlawful restrictions on health and housing grants, protecting services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, LGBTQ+ youth, and unhoused communities
BLOCKED the unlawful withholding of Violence Against Women Act grants, safeguarding critical supports for survivors of domestic and sexual violence
REVERSED the unlawful freeze of $300 million for the Senior Community Service Employment Program, protecting vital work opportunities for older Americans
Challenging Attacks On The Non-Partisan, Independent Civil Service
Read More 6BLOCKED the administration’s efforts to weaponize the government shutdown by unlawfully firing thousands of federal workers on behalf of more than 2 million public employees
BLOCKED the administration’s effort to unlawfully compel civil servants at the U.S. Department of Education to transmit partisan political messaging from their government email accounts during the shutdown — violating core First Amendment protections
SECURED multiple court orders finding that the Trump-Vance administration’s indiscriminate government-wide firings are unlawful (currently stayed by the Supreme Court while lower court proceedings continue)
DELAYED the administration’s efforts to decimate the U.S. Department of Education and USAID
SECURED a federal appeals court ruling reinstating the Register of U.S. Copyrights in the U.S. Copyright Office.
EXPOSED and delayed the administration’s attempt to “buy out” federal employees.
DELAYED the administration’s efforts to decimate the U.S. African Development Foundation.
RESTORED funding to Americorps.
Together, we can ensure our best days are ahead.
Courage fuels courage. Join this growing movement dedicated to safeguarding the principles of equality, justice, and democracy — because true progress depends on all of us.
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