Comment on Politics Up Close and Almost Personal

Trump’s reelection has been described by advocates and experts as a final blow to reproductive rights. These fears are not unfounded. Trump appointed three of the five conservative Supreme Court justices who overruled Roe v. Wade, ending the constitutional right to abortion and unleashing a health care apocalypse. Vulnerable women found themselves in even greater danger thanks to abortion bans in more than a dozen states that have enabled abusers and left doctors fearful of prosecution if they intervene in pregnancy-related emergencies that require abortion care.

In a campaign video from March 2023, Donald Trump laid out his goal to “dismantle the Deep State and reclaim our democracy from Washington Corruption.” Such rhetoric was common in 2016, too. But, this time, his incoming administration has an actionable plan for how to do it. The idea has existed for years and, as Donald Trump prepares to take office, it will begin on day one: Make thousands of federal career civil servants “at will” employees and, in turn, fireable for not doing what the new administration demands.

Diabetics left without treatment as global rate of disease doubles Financial TimesMore than 800 million people around the world have diabetes, study finds The GuardianMore than 800 million adults have diabetes globally, many untreated, study suggests ReutersIndians account for quarter of world’s adult diabetes patients: Lancet study Hindustan Times800 million diabetics worldwide and most aren't getting treatment, finds study The Times of India

The exchange produced some comedic gold.

Republicans—all of them—need to stand up to Democrats, not aid and abet them in their quest to return to power.

This isn’t about isolationism; it’s about strategic engagement in our sphere of influence.