Today, Trump is set to hop back on the executive action train signing a “Buy American, Hire American” order. The order will direct federal agencies to review and recommend changes to the HB 1 visa program, a program that gives foreign workers temporary visas to fulfill the “hire American” promise. To fulfill the “buy American promise,” the order will direct federal agencies to evaluate all rules and trade agreements that require a preference to purchase American goods.
This executive order is ripe with hypocrisy. Despite Trump’s constant pledge, on the campaign trail and in office, to make America great again by making great things in America again, he has made no legitimate efforts to support American workers. The clearest example of Trump’s anti-worker record is his own businesses, which he remains very closely tied to, and which neither buy nor hire American. Here are just a few examples of Trump’s outsourced products and where they’re made:
And it’s not just that Trump hasn’t supported American workers with his own company, he has also take action as president on several anti-worker policies, from overtime to fair pay. If Trump is serious about supporting American workers, he could start by putting his money where his mouth is.
ACTION OF THE DAY
Resistance Recess. Recess is well underway and Congressmen are feeling the heat. Yesterday, Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV) was grilled at his town hall. He was asked about his support for Trump’s Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch and obstruction of Obama’s nominee Judge Merrick Garland’s nomination and pressed on his support for repealing the Affordable Care Act. And after being pressed on Planned Parenthood funding, Sen. Heller tried to reverse his position. Rep. Jeff Denham (R-CA) also came out in opposition to Trumpcare after facing fierce opposition from his constituents. This shows the resistance is working.
Keep it up! This recess could determine the future of the Affordable Care Act or funding for women’s health services. Your member needs to hear from you. All the places to plug in: ResistanceNearMe.com and all tools you need: RecessToolkit.com.
WHAT’S TRENDING
#FlipThe6th. All eyes are on Georgia’s 6th Congressional District today and the race to replace Rep. Tom Price, Trump’s HHS Secretary. The 18-candidate race has made national news because 30-year-old Democrat John Osoff has a real chance to win today’s election and turn a very Red district Blue. Both parties are competing in today’s election, which means unless one of the 18 candidates gets a majority of the vote, the top two finishers will compete in a run off in June. Meet the Georgia Republicans voting for Osoff, then grab the popcorn.
Second Thoughts. Remember Brexit? Still a thing. This morning, British Prime Minister Theresa May, who has been facing pressure from opposition forces for a stronger mandate before moving forward with Brexit, surprised the nation by announcing an early, unscheduled parliamentary election this June. She’s hedging her bets that the U.K will decisively vote to support her Conservative Party—and take the final step to make Brexit in its entirety signed, sealed, and delivered once and for all.
Surprises. Shocking no one who has been following political news, faith in Trump’s promises has collapsed over the past few months. A new Gallup poll, released yesterday, found that 45 percent of Americans think Trump “keeps his promises” down from 62 percent two months ago. Bets on whether he keeps his “buy American, hire American” promise?
Hotlanta. As the Trump Administration takes extreme actions to slash climate resources, it is sending a clear message to cities hoping to improve their environmental resilience: you’re on your own. A new CAP brief shows that cities should look to Atlanta for guidance on effectively and equitably building a more resilient city.
UNDER THE RADAR
Pay to play. GEO Group, a private prison contractor, was recently awarded $110 million worth of federal contracts by the Trump administration. GEO Group also donated $225,000 to a pro-Trump Super PAC. Coincidence? We think not.
GOOD NEWS
USA facts. Former Microsoft CEO Steve Balmer set up a new database that lets you track how your tax dollars are being spent. Great ammunition for any political Facebook fights.