Melissa Schwartz
@mschwartz3.bsky.social
📤 273
📥 267
📝 38
Seasoned strategic and crisis communicator; perpetual resistance fighter. Team
@DemocracyForward.org
reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
about 1 hour ago
This memo, drafted in secret, is an attempt by DHS to block members of Congress from conducting oversight of ICE facilities, as is their duty under federal law. We'll be back in court to demand the govt explain this effort to get around our win on behalf of members last month.
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Day after Minneapolis shooting, Noem ordered new restriction on congressional oversight
The Trump administration revealed the new policy late Saturday after three lawmakers were blocked from entering an ICE facility in Minnesota.
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/10/minnesota-democrats-ice-00721211?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
2 days ago
We, the people, will not be silent. We demand ICE and this admin face accountability for Renee Nicole Good and others who have been needlessly assaulted, for those who have died in ICE custody, and for all people living in fear in America.
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
3 days ago
We're demanding the Trump-Vance admin produce all communications between government leaders and Big Oil, including Chevron, ExxonMobil, and ConocoPhillips. Transparency isn't optional – it’s essential. CEO
@skyeperryman.bsky.social
joined
@legalafmtn.bsky.social
to discuss.
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PROBE LAUNCHED into Trump & Big Oil’s Takeover of Venezuela
YouTube video by Legal AF
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7-MAdc4jDA&list=PLBpiUxZcKxXSws6v98cTDtecgJT782-Zz
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
3 days ago
In this time of crisis, history will remember who joined the movement to uphold democracy.
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
5 days ago
On the anniversary of the Jan 6 Insurrection, CEO
@skyeperryman.bsky.social
calls out President Trump: "It’s a stroke of dark irony that as this president would pardon violent rioters and insurrections, he would have the audacity to call people across this country un-American for saying ‘No Kings.’”
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Skye Perryman
5 days ago
The attack on our democracy 5 years ago at the Capitol is now playing out on national and global stages due to the lawlessness of our president and his allies. But, as I will say on Capitol Hill today, there is a path forward if we all do our part. And Congress must do its part too.
add a skeleton here at some point
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
6 days ago
For once, we agree with Elon Musk on something. DOGE is a failure that wasted more money than it saved and did nothing to help the American people.
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Elon Musk says DOGE was only 'somewhat successful' and he wouldn't do it again
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO made his remarks in a friendly interview with his aide and conservative influencer Katie Miller, who is married to White House adviser Stephen Miller.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/elon-musk-says-doge-was-only-somewhat-successful-and-he-wouldnt-do-it-again
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
6 days ago
Science, not politics, should drive health care decisions. CEO
@skyeperryman.bsky.social
joined
@strictscrutiny.bsky.social
to talk about our suit against the Trump-Vance admin for retaliatory grant cancellations against
@ameracadpeds.bsky.social
and its advocacy for evidence-based vaccine policy.
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Skye Perryman
8 days ago
Congress must demand accountability for the President’s continued erosion of democratic norms in the US. Maduro is an illegitimate and harmful autocrat but misusing US forces contrary to US and international law and eroding US democratic norms doesn’t make our nation or the world safer.
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Skye Perryman
11 days ago
2025 was quite a year but what our team at
@democracyforward.org
saw is there’s nothing we, the people can’t do when we work together. With courage and community, we head into 2026 and are ready for what comes. Thank you for being part of us.
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
12 days ago
Our ins and outs for 2026 💙
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
13 days ago
This past year, we fought – and WON – in court to restore trillions in federal funding for vital services people across the country rely on.
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
15 days ago
CEO
@skyeperryman.bsky.social
joins
@theweekendmsnow.bsky.social
to discuss the Trump-Vance administration's failed immigration policies and how we will push back in 2026.
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
15 days ago
"This administration has been governing in a way that is on a collision course with the Constitution." Our CEO
@skyeperryman.bsky.social
in
@theguardian.com
on the Trump-Vance administration's illegal and unconstitutional agenda.
www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte...
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Dragged down by an unpopular president, Republicans are bracing for a midterm trouncing
As Americans tire of Donald Trump, a Democratic midterm ‘tsunami’ could sweep the GOP out of power
https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2025/dec/27/trump-republicans-midterm-elections-approval-rating
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
The Weekend on MS NOW
15 days ago
“They’re losing in all courts, they’re losing before judges President Trump himself appointed, and people are pushing back. “
@skyeperryman.bsky.social
on the growing backlash to President Trump’s immigration crackdown after the Supreme Court blocked his deployment of the National Guard to Chicago.
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
16 days ago
This year has made clear the American people aren’t letting our democracy go down without a fight. The Trump-Vance administration is losing in court far more than they are winning. CEO
@skyeperryman.bsky.social
talks to
@jenpsaki.bsky.social
on our legal strategy heading into the new year.
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
17 days ago
From targeting pediatricians to survivors of sexual assault to those struggling with homelessness, President Trump’s behavior this holiday season has been absolutely grinch-like. Shame on you, Mr. Trump.
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
18 days ago
BREAKING: We’re honored to represent the American Academy of Pediatrics after nearly $12 million of their federal public-health funding was cut in an attempt to retaliate against them for speaking out against the admin’s health policies. We will stop this blatant abuse of power in court.
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
19 days ago
The power of the people defined 2025. Together, we have the power to defy isolation, the power to resist authoritarianism, and the power to build toward a better future.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=paNyppQ3EPg
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YouTube
Share your videos with friends, family, and the world
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paNyppQ3EPg
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
19 days ago
We’re calling for an investigation into DHS Sec. Kristi Noem for misusing government resources to display a video in airports across the country blaming TSA delays on Democrats shutting down the government. This is in clear violation of the Hatch Act and Sec. Noem must be held accountable.
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Skye Perryman
19 days ago
The American people deserve to know the truth—did Tom Homan accept a bribe from undercover FBI agents or not? Despite what the government claims, his personal interests are not more important than the American people.
add a skeleton here at some point
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
19 days ago
BREAKING: The Trump-Vance admin bans abortion care and counseling for veterans in secret. The VA now has the most extreme abortion restriction across federal agencies’ health care programs. Veterans deserve the freedom to make their own health care choices. We're nowhere near done fighting.
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“The American Civil Liberties Union and
@democracyforward.org
challenged the deportation of the Venezuelans, saying the Alien Enemies Act was invoked illegally and that the men should have been given the opportunity to argue against their removal.”
www.npr.org/2025/12/22/n...
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Federal judge says U.S. must give due process to deported Venezuelans
Judge James Boasberg said the U.S. denied due process to the Venezuelan men it deported to a prison in El Salvador after President Trump invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act.
https://www.npr.org/2025/12/22/nx-s1-5652187/alien-enemies-act-deportations-case
20 days ago
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
20 days ago
Oversight isn't optional. This ruling restores Congress’s ability to conduct visits to better understand how DHS is treating individuals – including U.S. citizens – in detention facilities. We’re honored to represent these members in defending transparency, human dignity, and the rule of law.
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ICE Must Allow Lawmakers to Inspect Detention Centers, Judge Rules
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/17/us/politics/ice-inspections-democrats-congress-lawsuit.html
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
22 days ago
We’re suing the Trump-Vance admin to expose who is behind the transphobic, dehumanizing decision to alter the official portrait caption of former Assistant Health Secretary Admiral Rachel Levine—the highest-ranking openly transgender government official in U.S. history. We'll get answers in court.
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EXCLUSIVE: Democracy Forward files FOIA lawsuit after HHS deadnames Rachel Levine
Trans former assistant health secretary's name changed on official portrait.
https://www.washingtonblade.com/2025/12/19/exclusive-democracy-forward-files-foia-lawsuit-after-hhs-deadnames-rachel-levine/
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Skye Perryman
23 days ago
We do not live in North Korea, yet we continue to see this dictator-like trend of the president’s name appearing on federal buildings that belong to the American people. The Kennedy Center Board must be held accountable for giving into the President's vanity exercise in violation of federal law.
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Democracy Forward Demands Transparency After Kennedy Center Was Unlawfully and Abruptly Renamed - Democracy Forward
https://democracyforward.org/updates/kennedy-center-info-request/
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
23 days ago
The Kennedy Center Board’s attempt to aid and abet President Trump’s vanity exercise violates federal law. The abrupt decisions to add Trump’s name to this treasured landmark must—at the very least—be transparent, accountable, and open to public scrutiny. Our investigation will make sure of it.
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Democracy Forward Demands Transparency After Kennedy Center Was Unlawfully and Abruptly Renamed - Democracy Forward
https://democracyforward.org/updates/kennedy-center-info-request/
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
23 days ago
BREAKING: We just won a court order blocking the Trump-Vance admin's harmful attempt to restrict federal funds for proven solutions to homelessness. This victory helps to keep hundreds of thousands of veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, and vulnerable families housed and out of the cold.
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Skye Perryman
25 days ago
We're grateful that the court stopped the Trump-Vance admin’s illegal attempt to fire civil servants, yet again.
@democracyforward.org
is honored to work with federal workers’ unions to protect the nonpartisan civil service that works for all Americans.
add a skeleton here at some point
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
23 days ago
We’re seeking emergency court action to block the Trump-Vance admin’s unlawful $100,000 H-1B fee – an unauthorized cost that is disrupting medical care, education, and local economies across the country. These irreparable disruptions must stop.
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Skye Perryman
24 days ago
This attempt to undermine and eliminate those responsible for independent oversight smacks of corruption and begs the question: What is the administration hiding?
@democracyforward.org
is honored to work with advocates for gov oversight to challenge the admin’s actions in court.
add a skeleton here at some point
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
25 days ago
BREAKING: We won another court order blocking the Trump-Vance admin’s unlawful mass firings of civil servants. We'll keep showing up in court to hold the Trump-Vance admin accountable to the people and the laws of the nation.
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
25 days ago
BREAKING: Court rules the Trump-Vance admin cannot block Members of Congress from conducting oversight at federal immigration detention facilities. This victory in our case comes at a critical moment where reports of people being detained, and the abuses they endure, are only growing.
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
26 days ago
Always grateful for the Democracy Forward community.
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
27 days ago
Together, even in the face of harmful threats to our communities, we made real progress in 2025 – and together, we'll build on that momentum in 2026. Join us for a town hall Tues, Dec 15 @ 7 PM ET to discuss this year’s wins and how we can chart the path forward.
streamyard.com/watch/s8K6DHczZEhv
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Skye Perryman
26 days ago
WH Chief of Staff Susie Wiles confirms what we have long known: President Trump is corrupting the power of the Oval Office to seek revenge on his enemies. But he is not above the law. We will keep fighting to protect our democracy against his lawlessness.
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Susie Wiles Talks About The First Year of Trump’s Second Term (Part 1 of 2)
In the first half of ‘Vanity Fair’’s interview with Susie Wiles, the chief of staff discusses Elon Musk’s DOGE disaster, the FBI’s “incredible job” investigating January 6, and how Trump once berated ...
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/trump-susie-wiles-interview-exclusive-part-1
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
30 days ago
We spent 2025 fighting back with the power of the people and the courts behind us.
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
30 days ago
Come along to Democracy Forward’s first ever Civil Service Strong convening as we launch Democracy Works 250!
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
The Weekend on MS NOW
about 1 month ago
“This was never about immigration enforcement.”
@skyeperryman.bsky.social
reacts to the data showing that most immigrants arrested in Trump’s immigration city crackdowns have no criminal record counter to Trump's promises that he would focus on immigrants convicted of violent crimes.
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Skye Perryman
about 1 month ago
This has never been about immigration. It’s about vilifying our neighbors and abusing presidential power. Thank you to
@ms.now
's The Weekend for having me — our team
@democracyforward.org
will fight every day against these abuses for ALL of us.
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
about 1 month ago
The Trump-Vance admin is on a collision course with our Constitution. Judges are not having it. CEO
@skyeperryman.bsky.social
joined
@ms.now
’s The Weekend to discuss how lawyers are fighting back against the Trump-Vance admin’s retribution agenda.
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Skye Perryman
about 1 month ago
@democracyforward.org
is committed to fighting for the American people and civil service. I joined
@ms.now's
@theweekendmsnow.bsky.social
to discuss our latest win in court stopping the termination of civil servants who keep us safe.
@jonathancapehart.bsky.social
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Skye Perryman
about 1 month ago
This week,
@democracyforward.org
and 650+ organizations celebrated 1 year of our Democracy 2025 program — the united effort to ensure that harmful actions from the Trump-Vance admin are met with swift legal challenges. Thank you to
@aclu.org
and
@hasanminhaj.com
for the shoutout!
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Why Hate Speech is Free Speech - with ACLU’s Anthony Romero
YouTube video by Hasan Minhaj
https://youtube.com/watch?v=unRxlo67HkI&t=974s
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
about 1 month ago
People in vulnerable circumstances need a president committed to helping them — not one who threatens proven solutions to homelessness. CEO
@skyeperryman.bsky.social
joined
@scrippsnews.bsky.social
to discuss how we’re using the power of the courts to protect people when the Trump-Vance admin won’t.
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
about 1 month ago
The Trump-Vance admin’s dismantling of the federal civil service hurts everyone. It threatens to delay social security, increase public health risks, and devastate local economies. Read our new People's Guide to learn how we're fighting back ⬇️
https://bit.ly/4rwK9dc
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The People’s Guide to the Civil Service - Democracy Forward
This People’s Guide explains what the civil service is, how it came to be, what’s at stake now, and how we can all play a role in defending a professional, nonpartisan government that works for everyo...
https://democracyforward.org/the-peoples-guide-to-the-civil-service
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
about 1 month ago
As long as the Trump-Vance administration keeps threatening federal workers — we will keep winning in court.
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Skye Perryman
about 1 month ago
If you support causes on
#GivingTuesday
consider a donation to
@democracyforward.org
— power our work; we’re only just getting started!
add a skeleton here at some point
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reposted by
Melissa Schwartz
Democracy Forward
about 1 month ago
HUGE UPDATE: We’ve almost hit our Giving Tuesday goal! Each donation supports our work on behalf of communities harmed by the Trump-Vance admin. With your help, we can keep showing up in court for people and democracy–and win. DONATE:
https://bit.ly/4rvJusn
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Democracy Forward
We go to court for people and democracy.
https://secure.democracyforward.org/a/df-donate-giving-tuesday-match-2025?ms=social
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