What a Day - Episode: ACLU Ready To Fight Host: Jane Coaston
Release Date: November 18, 2024
Podcast: Crooked Media

Introduction

In this episode of What a Day, host Jane Coaston delves into the American Civil Liberties Union's (ACLU) strategies and preparations to combat the anticipated policies of the incoming Trump administration. With a focus on Project 2025 and the broader political landscape, the discussion highlights the challenges and plans the ACLU has in safeguarding civil liberties and rights.

Conversation with AJ Hikes, Deputy Executive Director for Strategy and Culture at the ACLU

1. ACLU's Track Record Against Trump's Policies

Jane Coaston opens the conversation by referencing a statement from the ACLU, noting that the organization filed 434 legal actions against Trump’s first administration, achieving significant victories.

“We filed 434 legal actions against the first Trump administration and we often won.”
— AJ Hikes [02:15]

Key Successes:

• Muslim Ban: The ACLU was the first to successfully challenge Trump’s Muslim ban just one week into his presidency.
• 2020 Census Citizenship Question & Family Separation: Both were taken to the Supreme Court, resulting in victories that halted these policies.
• Immigrant Family Separation: Litigation effectively stopped this inhumane practice.

2. Anticipating a Conservative Supreme Court and a Republican Trifecta

With a conservative supermajority in the Supreme Court and a Republican-controlled Senate and House, the ACLU faces a more formidable opposition compared to 2016. This environment poses significant challenges, especially with the potential for broad immunity from prosecution for Republican officials.

3. ACLU's Strategic Response to Project 2025

Project 2025 outlines a policy agenda aimed at undermining access to reproductive healthcare and targeting trans and LGBTQ+ communities. The ACLU’s response includes:

• Litigation: Focusing on winning cases at lower court levels, understanding that only a fraction reach the Supreme Court.

  “Most cases don't go to the Supreme Court. We're always kind of hyper focused on the Supreme Court. Supreme court takes about 60 cases… we can win at the lower levels.”
  — AJ Hikes [03:34]

• State-Level Firewalls: Developing a 98-page plan to empower states and local governments to defend against federal encroachments.

  “We have a firewall for freedom. We have a 98 page plan about how the states can really be protagonists and the first lines of defense against federal government encroachment.”
  — AJ Hikes [03:34]

• Protecting Protest and Dissent: Ensuring that freedom of speech and the right to protest are maintained, especially against attempts to criminalize dissent.

4. Mobilizing Activists and Volunteers

The ACLU plans to leverage its extensive network of activists, members, and staff across all states to support litigation efforts and grassroots activism.

“Building our litigation team, but also our millions of activists and card carrying members… to make sure that we can fight for civil liberties and civil rights once again.”
— AJ Hikes [02:15]

5. Specific Challenges and Legal Battles

• Mass Deportations: Preparing to counteract strategies that require cooperation from governors and local officials.

  “Trump actually cannot enact this plan without the help of governors. He cannot do this without having governors helping him round folks up.”
  — AJ Hikes [06:16]

• National Abortion Ban & Free Speech: Addressing efforts to limit reproductive rights and stifle free expression.

6. Addressing the Impact of a Trump-Loyalist Department of Justice

With concerns about a Trump-aligned Department of Justice potentially becoming a "personal vendetta machine," the ACLU is ready to defend protesters, journalists, and challenge abuses of executive power both in courts and on the streets.

“We are very, very, very concerned about that. We are prepared to push back in the courts and in the streets, defend protesters, journalists, and really push back against the abuse of executive power.”
— AJ Hikes [07:52]

7. Reassuring and Mobilizing the Public

Recognizing the anxiety and fear among supporters, AJ Hikes emphasizes resilience and the importance of continued activism.

“Whatever folks are feeling, you are in very good company. We have so much work to do… please do not give up and lead democracy to Trump and the Trump administration.”
— AJ Hikes [08:42]

Additional News Highlights

While the primary focus was on the ACLU's strategies, the episode also touches upon other significant political developments:

• Vivek Ramaswamy's Plans: As part of the Department of Government Efficiency, Ramaswamy vows to delete agencies, implement mass reductions, and cut federal spending through executive actions, despite challenges posed by the need for congressional approval.

  “We expect certain agencies to be deleted outright. We expect mass reductions in force… achieved just through executive action, without Congress in general.”
  — Vivek Ramaswamy [12:02, 12:44]

• Biden's Authorization of Long-Range Missiles for Ukraine: President Biden’s decision aims to bolster Ukraine's defensive capabilities against Russia, despite threats from Vladimir Putin of nuclear retaliation.

• Democratic Fundraising and Campaign Strategies: Post-election fundraising efforts focus on combating Trump’s administration and investing in key congressional races, with internal campaign dynamics and expenditures scrutinized.

Conclusion

This episode of What a Day provides an in-depth look into the ACLU's proactive measures in anticipating and countering the incoming Trump administration's policies. Through strategic litigation, state-level initiatives, and mobilization of activists, the ACLU aims to protect civil liberties and uphold democratic values in a challenging political climate. Host Jane Coaston effectively highlights both the achievements and ongoing efforts of the ACLU, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the organization's crucial role in the current socio-political landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• “We filed 434 legal actions against the first Trump administration and we often won.”
  — AJ Hikes [02:15]

• “Supreme court takes about 60 cases… we can win at the lower levels.”
  — AJ Hikes [03:34]

• “Whatever folks are feeling, you are in very good company… please do not give up and lead democracy to Trump and the Trump administration.”
  — AJ Hikes [08:42]

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