Democrat,

Donald Trump’s “LONG LIVE THE KING” remark is not just another reckless outburst, it’s a direct reflection of his authoritarian ambitions. From pausing foreign aid to stripping vital public health resources, these are calculated moves to consolidate power and weaken democratic institutions. He’s made it clear that he doesn’t see democracy as something to protect, but something to dismantle.

This isn’t just rhetoric, it’s a real threat. Trump, alongside his billionaire backer Elon Musk, is attacking the foundations of our society. They are freezing the funding of essential programs like Social Security and Medicare, and forcing the resignation of thousands of federal employees, including potentially 22,000 New Jerseyans who rely on these jobs. The economic security of working New Jersey families are being undermined by their actions and their policies, all while they try to consolidate power.

As Illinois Governor Pritzker said, history has shown us what happens when a leader scapegoats vulnerable communities, silences opposition, and weakens institutions—once the damage is done, what comes next?

This isn’t about one man; it’s about a movement fueled by fear, division, and a thirst for power at any cost. We will not stand idly by as New Jersey becomes part of Trump’s authoritarian vision. The fight ahead isn’t just about elections; it’s about defending the very foundation of our democracy and protecting our people.

Claim:
President Trump recently claimed that federal office space is “occupied by 4%” of federal workers, implying that most federal employees are working remotely or not showing up to work.

The Truth:
This is nowhere near the actual number. In reality, over half of federal workers aren’t even eligible to work remotely, according to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Of those eligible for telework, 61% still work in-person at their assigned jobs. The actual number of federal workers working fully remotely is only 10%. These statistics can be found HERE, along with more information.

Trump’s claim relies on a flawed, non-scientific survey, which isn’t representative of the entire federal workforce. As usual.

Impact on New Jersey:
Trump’s push for federal worker downsizing isn’t just theoretical—around 22,000 New Jerseyans in federal jobs are at risk of losing their positions as part of these sweeping cuts. This broken promise of “bettering the economy” is already costing jobs and hurting working families.

Governor Phil Murphy will deliver his Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Address next week on Tuesday, February 25, at 3:00 p.m. in the Assembly Chamber at the New Jersey State House. This address will outline the administration’s final budget proposal, focusing on economic security, opportunity, and ensuring New Jersey remains prepared for the future.

This is an important opportunity for New Jerseyans to hear firsthand about the state’s financial priorities and the policies that will shape the year ahead and defund us from the Trump Administration. The budget address will be livestreamed on the Governor’s official Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages for those who want to follow along.

This week, we shine a spotlight on Congress members Herb Conaway MD and LaMonica McIver for their unwavering dedication, leadership, and relentless advocacy. On the frontlines of Congress, they are actively standing up for the American people and fighting against injustices especially spewed by the Trump Administration.

As we continue celebrating Youth Leadership Month, we’re highlighting two college students who are making a real impact in their communities. Joshua Lipman and Raahim Hashmi are dedicated advocates working to engage and empower young people in the political process.

Joshua Lipman, from Edison, has been deeply involved in civic engagement through his work with the Boy Scouts of America, Swing Left, the NJ South Asian Caucus, and as a GW Votes Ambassador. A defining moment in his journey was attending the Building Our Future training, where he connected with inspiring leaders from across New Jersey. Now, he’s channeling that energy into creating new opportunities for youth to get involved in politics.

Raahim Hashmi has been a powerful voice for young people through his work with our own NJ Dems Muslim Caucus, Duke College Dems, the NJ Legislative Youth Council, and the Piscataway Mayor’s Public Relations Advisory Commission. One of his most impactful initiatives was hosting voter registration drives at mosques across Central Jersey, ensuring that underrepresented communities have a voice in the democratic process.

Together, Joshua and Raahim are leading efforts to organize a statewide youth engagement training session that will cover critical topics like keeping young voters engaged in politics and innovative ways to use social media for advocacy.

If you are interested in attending the training session please click HERE to register. The training session will be held Tuesday March 11th, 6:00-7:00 pm.

This week we hosted a Youth Leadership Month Interview with Sussex County Chair Zoe Heath, hosted by Young Dems themselves! Take a peek below at what you missed. From discussing day to day life as a county Chair, her take on Central Jersey, and tips for how young people can get involved in New Jersey politics. The energy in the event was undeniable, with audience members firing off questions, showcasing not just a willingness to learn, but a determination to take action immediately.

— Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr.

P.S. Please join us next week for an informative online session with our Older Adult Caucus to learn about critical tax relief legislation passed by New Jersey Democrats for seniors. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to stay updated on legislation that impacts our senior communities. Tune in on February 27th from 6:00-7:00pm. RSVP HERE.

Click here for more information.