Ian Bassin
@ianbassin.bsky.social
Founder and Executive Director @protectdemocracy.org. Former Associate White House Counsel. Tweets my own.
Pinned
Ian Bassin
@ianbassin.bsky.social
· Feb 28
Our system of checks and balances has stood as a bulwark against tyranny for 250 years.
The way it works is no one man can dictate how our government works.
Congress makes laws, the president executes the laws, and courts make sure laws and rights are protected.
We give that up at our peril.
The way it works is no one man can dictate how our government works.
Congress makes laws, the president executes the laws, and courts make sure laws and rights are protected.
We give that up at our peril.
Reposted by Ian Bassin
The person who helped locate the Brown shooter is an immigrant. The person in Sydney who tackled one of the shooters is Muslim. Sometimes the people who are most willing to help others are from communities that know first-hand how much hatred threatens the values we need to live together.
December 14, 2025 at 10:25 PM
The person who helped locate the Brown shooter is an immigrant. The person in Sydney who tackled one of the shooters is Muslim. Sometimes the people who are most willing to help others are from communities that know first-hand how much hatred threatens the values we need to live together.
When I wrote below that we, the forces of democracy and freedom, are going to win, it was based on this.
Autocrats need allies to help them consolidate power. That doesn't happen when they're weak and bleeding support. He's now losing ground w his own base. www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/we-are-goi...
Autocrats need allies to help them consolidate power. That doesn't happen when they're weak and bleeding support. He's now losing ground w his own base. www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/we-are-goi...
December 14, 2025 at 5:32 PM
When I wrote below that we, the forces of democracy and freedom, are going to win, it was based on this.
Autocrats need allies to help them consolidate power. That doesn't happen when they're weak and bleeding support. He's now losing ground w his own base. www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/we-are-goi...
Autocrats need allies to help them consolidate power. That doesn't happen when they're weak and bleeding support. He's now losing ground w his own base. www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/we-are-goi...
Reposted by Ian Bassin
No president in American history has profited off the presidency like this
Not close
Foreign money
Crypto schemes
Access for sale
And a net worth up billions
This week on @contrariannews.org we discuss Trump's top 10 profiteering scandals - TN
contrarian.substack.com/p/trump-and-...
Not close
Foreign money
Crypto schemes
Access for sale
And a net worth up billions
This week on @contrariannews.org we discuss Trump's top 10 profiteering scandals - TN
contrarian.substack.com/p/trump-and-...
Trump & Cronies Top 10 Worst…Presidential Profiteering Scandals
Publisher's Roundup 47
contrarian.substack.com
December 13, 2025 at 8:22 PM
No president in American history has profited off the presidency like this
Not close
Foreign money
Crypto schemes
Access for sale
And a net worth up billions
This week on @contrariannews.org we discuss Trump's top 10 profiteering scandals - TN
contrarian.substack.com/p/trump-and-...
Not close
Foreign money
Crypto schemes
Access for sale
And a net worth up billions
This week on @contrariannews.org we discuss Trump's top 10 profiteering scandals - TN
contrarian.substack.com/p/trump-and-...
We are going to win.
To understand why Trump is losing his race against time and the forces of freedom and democracy are going to prevail, read the latest from @protectdemocracy.org
www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/we-are-goi...
To understand why Trump is losing his race against time and the forces of freedom and democracy are going to prevail, read the latest from @protectdemocracy.org
www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/we-are-goi...
We are going to win
Trump is losing the race against time
www.ifyoucankeepit.org
December 13, 2025 at 2:32 AM
We are going to win.
To understand why Trump is losing his race against time and the forces of freedom and democracy are going to prevail, read the latest from @protectdemocracy.org
www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/we-are-goi...
To understand why Trump is losing his race against time and the forces of freedom and democracy are going to prevail, read the latest from @protectdemocracy.org
www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/we-are-goi...
“agencies are leveraging data collected for legitimate governmental purposes — tax compliance, pensions, medical and food security benefits, and now airport security — and repurposing it for surveillance.” www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/ice-is-mon...
ICE is monitoring all Americans’ air travel
Hope you wanted warrantless surveillance in your stocking
www.ifyoucankeepit.org
December 13, 2025 at 12:45 AM
“agencies are leveraging data collected for legitimate governmental purposes — tax compliance, pensions, medical and food security benefits, and now airport security — and repurposing it for surveillance.” www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/ice-is-mon...
"one of America’s two political parties now sees Russian autocracy as preferable to European democracy."
@jvl.bsky.social open.substack.com/pub/thebulwa...
@jvl.bsky.social open.substack.com/pub/thebulwa...
Trump’s Long-Term Damage
The things we won’t be able to fix even if we wanted to.
open.substack.com
December 12, 2025 at 7:26 PM
"one of America’s two political parties now sees Russian autocracy as preferable to European democracy."
@jvl.bsky.social open.substack.com/pub/thebulwa...
@jvl.bsky.social open.substack.com/pub/thebulwa...
One of this enterprise’s premier products is a book it spent years crafting that purports to explain the US Constitution.
What a bunch of frauds.
What a bunch of frauds.
December 12, 2025 at 5:27 AM
One of this enterprise’s premier products is a book it spent years crafting that purports to explain the US Constitution.
What a bunch of frauds.
What a bunch of frauds.
Reposted by Ian Bassin
This should be the biggest story in the country right now. The sitting US President was extorting state lawmakers from his own party by threatening to withhold public money if they didn’t gerrymander for him.
I don’t know how else to say it…
I don’t know how else to say it…
December 12, 2025 at 4:21 AM
This should be the biggest story in the country right now. The sitting US President was extorting state lawmakers from his own party by threatening to withhold public money if they didn’t gerrymander for him.
I don’t know how else to say it…
I don’t know how else to say it…
Reposted by Ian Bassin
I just don't see how the court can avoid at least sanctioning the attorneys at this point.
"Respondents did not just stonewall. They affirmatively misled the tribunal."
December 11, 2025 at 3:54 PM
I just don't see how the court can avoid at least sanctioning the attorneys at this point.
Reposted by Ian Bassin
Unfortunately, under our Kavanaugh Stops regime, it is entirely rational for anyone who appears Hispanic to carry proof of citizenship at all times. The worst part is that it might not be enough: ICE/CBP keep arresting people who have proof of citizenship, refusing to accept its validity.
U.S. Latinos are now more worried about being asked to prove their legal status during their daily activities (43% today vs. 31% in March), and roughly 1 in 5 have changed their daily routines because of it.
December 11, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Unfortunately, under our Kavanaugh Stops regime, it is entirely rational for anyone who appears Hispanic to carry proof of citizenship at all times. The worst part is that it might not be enough: ICE/CBP keep arresting people who have proof of citizenship, refusing to accept its validity.
Reposted by Ian Bassin
This story is insane, but the moral appears to be don’t fuck with @dfriedman.bsky.social.
Books about “Asian wife sharing.” Detailed descriptions of orgies. Scenes involving “ladyboys.”
That’s what @dfriedman.bsky.social discovered on a Goodreads page tied to the email address of a top Pentagon official and mentor to Pete Hegseth.
What came next was even wilder.
That’s what @dfriedman.bsky.social discovered on a Goodreads page tied to the email address of a top Pentagon official and mentor to Pete Hegseth.
What came next was even wilder.
I asked the Pentagon about Pete Hegseth's mentor. Then the threats started.
Journalism in the second Trump administration gets personal.
www.motherjones.com
December 11, 2025 at 5:28 PM
This story is insane, but the moral appears to be don’t fuck with @dfriedman.bsky.social.
Reposted by Ian Bassin
Their closing message to Indiana: change your maps to artificially benefit the President's political party or 'roads will not be paved' as punishment.
They are openly saying this.
Who would want to live in a country that works like that?
They are openly saying this.
Who would want to live in a country that works like that?
December 11, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Their closing message to Indiana: change your maps to artificially benefit the President's political party or 'roads will not be paved' as punishment.
They are openly saying this.
Who would want to live in a country that works like that?
They are openly saying this.
Who would want to live in a country that works like that?
Reposted by Ian Bassin
Important public education initiative on domestic military deployments from the good folks at @protectdemocracy.org:
Troops on our streets is not the mission.
Men and women in uniform signed up to defend us from foreign adversaries,
not police our communities.
mailchi.mp
December 11, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Important public education initiative on domestic military deployments from the good folks at @protectdemocracy.org:
Trump had tested many of our systems and broken more than a few. He’s doing immeasurable damage to people, to our institutions, and to our nation.
But the grand jury system—importantly reliant on all of us as citizens—is proving to be a powerful check.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/11/u...
But the grand jury system—importantly reliant on all of us as citizens—is proving to be a powerful check.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/11/u...
A Grand Jury Again Declines to Re-Indict Letitia James
www.nytimes.com
December 11, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Trump had tested many of our systems and broken more than a few. He’s doing immeasurable damage to people, to our institutions, and to our nation.
But the grand jury system—importantly reliant on all of us as citizens—is proving to be a powerful check.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/11/u...
But the grand jury system—importantly reliant on all of us as citizens—is proving to be a powerful check.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/11/u...
Reposted by Ian Bassin
MAGAZINER: How many veterans have you deported?
NOEM: We haven't deported veterans
MAGAZINER: We are now joined on Zoom by a combat veteran you deported to Korea
NOEM: We haven't deported veterans
MAGAZINER: We are now joined on Zoom by a combat veteran you deported to Korea
December 11, 2025 at 4:22 PM
MAGAZINER: How many veterans have you deported?
NOEM: We haven't deported veterans
MAGAZINER: We are now joined on Zoom by a combat veteran you deported to Korea
NOEM: We haven't deported veterans
MAGAZINER: We are now joined on Zoom by a combat veteran you deported to Korea
Oof. Trump's handling of economy sinks to 31%.
As Trump's economic policies and reckless, corrupt, and self aggrandizing approach continues to fail for voters, expect more of even his supporters to start asking:
"Where's my 'golden age'"?!?!?!
apnorc.org/projects/tru...
As Trump's economic policies and reckless, corrupt, and self aggrandizing approach continues to fail for voters, expect more of even his supporters to start asking:
"Where's my 'golden age'"?!?!?!
apnorc.org/projects/tru...
Trump’s approval rating slips on the economy and immigration - AP-NORC
Approval of Trump’s handling of the economy and immigration are down about 10 points since March. Border security remains Trump’s best issue with 50% approval.
apnorc.org
December 11, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Oof. Trump's handling of economy sinks to 31%.
As Trump's economic policies and reckless, corrupt, and self aggrandizing approach continues to fail for voters, expect more of even his supporters to start asking:
"Where's my 'golden age'"?!?!?!
apnorc.org/projects/tru...
As Trump's economic policies and reckless, corrupt, and self aggrandizing approach continues to fail for voters, expect more of even his supporters to start asking:
"Where's my 'golden age'"?!?!?!
apnorc.org/projects/tru...
When I was a judicial law clerk in Montana, Pres Bush flew into the Billings airport for a rally.
I wanted to see Air Force One and asked the judge I clerked for if I could go. He said no, that it wouldn’t be appropriate.
And I was just a clerk. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/10/u...
I wanted to see Air Force One and asked the judge I clerked for if I could go. He said no, that it wouldn’t be appropriate.
And I was just a clerk. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/10/u...
Judge Emil Bove Faces Ethics Complaint for Attending Trump Rally
www.nytimes.com
December 10, 2025 at 11:31 PM
When I was a judicial law clerk in Montana, Pres Bush flew into the Billings airport for a rally.
I wanted to see Air Force One and asked the judge I clerked for if I could go. He said no, that it wouldn’t be appropriate.
And I was just a clerk. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/10/u...
I wanted to see Air Force One and asked the judge I clerked for if I could go. He said no, that it wouldn’t be appropriate.
And I was just a clerk. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/10/u...
Reposted by Ian Bassin
The last few months, I’ve been working on a major project: analyzing the Trump admin’s hostile treatment of the First Amendment. That has led to today’s release of our @freepress.bsky.social report “Chokehold.” @brianstelter.bsky.social @cnn.com details our findings: www.cnn.com/2025/12/08/m...
Analysis: Trump’s first year back in office contradicts his ‘free speech’ commitments | CNN Business
Nora Benavidez of the nonprofit advocacy group Free Press set out to catalog the Trump administration’s First Amendment infringements. She soon had a list of almost 200.
www.cnn.com
December 8, 2025 at 1:54 PM
The last few months, I’ve been working on a major project: analyzing the Trump admin’s hostile treatment of the First Amendment. That has led to today’s release of our @freepress.bsky.social report “Chokehold.” @brianstelter.bsky.social @cnn.com details our findings: www.cnn.com/2025/12/08/m...
Reposted by Ian Bassin
These days, it's notable whenever a major media company ignores Trump's pressure and stands with talent. So let's note that Disney has renewed Jimmy Kimmel's contract for another year
December 8, 2025 at 11:56 PM
These days, it's notable whenever a major media company ignores Trump's pressure and stands with talent. So let's note that Disney has renewed Jimmy Kimmel's contract for another year
This is such a great example of how our broken attention economy is giving platforms to extreme voices that are untethered from reality but whose wailing is twisting our national discourse and government policy.
The reality is much less extreme as this recent GOP governor discovered first hand.
The reality is much less extreme as this recent GOP governor discovered first hand.
Column worth reading, by former two-term GOP governor who discovers that Harvard is not the hellscape of intolerance and group-think that the MAGA and its media are constantly telling him about.
(Think of parallels in so many other realms.)
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
(Think of parallels in so many other realms.)
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
Opinion | I was a red state governor. What I saw at Harvard surprised me.
The spirit of association remains alive in unexpected places.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:31 PM
This is such a great example of how our broken attention economy is giving platforms to extreme voices that are untethered from reality but whose wailing is twisting our national discourse and government policy.
The reality is much less extreme as this recent GOP governor discovered first hand.
The reality is much less extreme as this recent GOP governor discovered first hand.
Reposted by Ian Bassin
TODAY: Our team is at SCOTUS representing FTC Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter in her challenge to an unlawful firing by the Trump admin. The Court’s ruling could reshape dozens of independent agencies that protect us all from powerful corporate interests — impacting homes, businesses and more.
Supreme Court to hear major test of presidential power over Trump's firing of FTC commissioner
President Trump's efforts to reshape the executive branch and flex his presidential power are set to be tested at the Supreme Court on Monday.
www.cbsnews.com
December 8, 2025 at 2:53 PM
TODAY: Our team is at SCOTUS representing FTC Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter in her challenge to an unlawful firing by the Trump admin. The Court’s ruling could reshape dozens of independent agencies that protect us all from powerful corporate interests — impacting homes, businesses and more.
If you're listening to the Supreme Court's oral argument right now, I recommend our counsel Amit Agarwal, who is arguing this case in the Court, explain the stakes below.
As our case, Trump v. Slaughter, is before SCOTUS today, revisit Amit's explanation of what's at stake for Americans everywhere if the Court rules in Trump's favor:
Our case, Trump v. Slaughter will be before SCOTUS this month ⚠️
Amit Agarwal explains how this lawsuit could affect issues that hit closest to home, from what families pay for groceries and gas to how children’s online privacy and Americans’ personal data are protected. https://protdem.org/426ZGpe
Amit Agarwal explains how this lawsuit could affect issues that hit closest to home, from what families pay for groceries and gas to how children’s online privacy and Americans’ personal data are protected. https://protdem.org/426ZGpe
December 8, 2025 at 4:40 PM
If you're listening to the Supreme Court's oral argument right now, I recommend our counsel Amit Agarwal, who is arguing this case in the Court, explain the stakes below.
OMG: totally unsurprising and also needs to be the subject of national attention:
Trump’s Own Mortgages Match His Description of Mortgage Fraud, Records Reveal
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
Trump’s Own Mortgages Match His Description of Mortgage Fraud, Records Reveal
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
Trump’s Own Mortgages Match His Description of Mortgage Fraud, Records Reveal
The Trump administration has argued that Fed board member Lisa Cook may have committed mortgage fraud by declaring more than one primary residence on her loans. We found Trump once did the very thing ...
www.propublica.org
December 8, 2025 at 3:33 PM
OMG: totally unsurprising and also needs to be the subject of national attention:
Trump’s Own Mortgages Match His Description of Mortgage Fraud, Records Reveal
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
Trump’s Own Mortgages Match His Description of Mortgage Fraud, Records Reveal
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
This is a really excellent explanation of liberalism’s shortcomings, why it also remains essential, how the quest for justice lost its way, and how we can get back to a synthesis of justice and liberalism, from @waleedshahid.bsky.social www.waleed-shahid.com/p/the-henhou...
The Henhouse Liberalism Built
A response to Matthew Yglesias. What he calls “postliberalism” is often liberalism’s own elite, anemic offspring.
www.waleed-shahid.com
December 7, 2025 at 5:46 PM
This is a really excellent explanation of liberalism’s shortcomings, why it also remains essential, how the quest for justice lost its way, and how we can get back to a synthesis of justice and liberalism, from @waleedshahid.bsky.social www.waleed-shahid.com/p/the-henhou...
Reposted by Ian Bassin
Read this: www.wgbh.org/news/local/2...
December 7, 2025 at 12:22 AM
Read this: www.wgbh.org/news/local/2...