Keith Thirion
@keiththirion.bsky.social
Progressive, nonprofit and courts advocate. Current Interim Co-President & VP of Strategy at Alliance for Justice / AFJ Action. History in LGBTQ and climate movements. Opinions my own.
The last few months have only brought more shock, awe, and harm - and so state courts remain even more critical.
“State courts handle so many of the cases and issues that end up impacting our daily lives, and we must in turn carefully consider who sits on them,” Democracy Docket contributor @keiththirion.bsky.social writes.
www.democracydocket.com/opinion/dont...
www.democracydocket.com/opinion/dont...
Don’t Let the Shock and Awe Distract You From the Importance of State Courts
Opinion | We must both hold the line on our federal courts and also turn to state courts as a critical defense for our civil rights, health and safety.
www.democracydocket.com
May 28, 2025 at 5:30 PM
The last few months have only brought more shock, awe, and harm - and so state courts remain even more critical.
Separation of powers is hanging on by a thread.
"The Trump administration has officially declared war on not just the courts as an institution, but individual judges he does not agree with. This is an unprecedented escalation, jeopardizing the separation of powers and the foundation of our democracy." @keiththirion.bsky.social at @afj.org
Arrest of Judge is Trump Administration’s Latest Attack on the Rule of Law - Alliance for Justice
afj.org
April 25, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Separation of powers is hanging on by a thread.
If only we had known about Rushing's anti-worker history. Oh wait: afj.org/nominee/Alli...
"She also worked as a corporate appellate lawyer, arguing in one case that employees who were denied overtime pay could then be deprived by their employers of the right to unite and join as a class action..."
"She also worked as a corporate appellate lawyer, arguing in one case that employees who were denied overtime pay could then be deprived by their employers of the right to unite and join as a class action..."
BREAKING: The 4th Circuit allows Trump to fire 25,000 probationary federal workers targeted in mass firings. The three-judge panel cited the Supreme Court’s ruling in a separate case that allows Trump to move forward with the terminations.
From: @jaknutson.bsky.social
From: @jaknutson.bsky.social
Federal Appeals Court Allows Trump to Fire Over 25K Probationary Employees
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
April 9, 2025 at 9:58 PM
If only we had known about Rushing's anti-worker history. Oh wait: afj.org/nominee/Alli...
"She also worked as a corporate appellate lawyer, arguing in one case that employees who were denied overtime pay could then be deprived by their employers of the right to unite and join as a class action..."
"She also worked as a corporate appellate lawyer, arguing in one case that employees who were denied overtime pay could then be deprived by their employers of the right to unite and join as a class action..."
Not even Musk's $25+ million could stop democracy yesterday in Wisconsin.
The people of Wisconsin have elected Susan Crawford to serve as the next justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. She beat out Brad Schimel, whom President Trump and Elon Musk heavily favored.
Our statement celebrating this win: afjactioncampaign.org/news/wiscons...
Our statement celebrating this win: afjactioncampaign.org/news/wiscons...
Wisconsin Supreme Court Election a Win for Democracy - Alliance for Justice Action
Today the people of Wisconsin elected Susan Crawford, the Democratically favored nominee, to serve as the next justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. She beat out Brad Schimel, whom President Trump a...
afjactioncampaign.org
April 2, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Not even Musk's $25+ million could stop democracy yesterday in Wisconsin.
Headed to the Court today to show up for reproductive health care as the Justices hear Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, determining whether South Carolina can block people who use Medicaid from accessing health care at PPSAT.
April 2, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Headed to the Court today to show up for reproductive health care as the Justices hear Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, determining whether South Carolina can block people who use Medicaid from accessing health care at PPSAT.
Trump has filled his Cabinet and federal agencies with loyalists doing everything in (and beyond) their power to dismantle our democracy and our rights. We can't let him stack our courts with judges more committed to his agenda than the rule of law.
"The DOJ is supposed to serve the American people, but Trump has picked loyalists who appear prepared to instead serve as his personal attorneys — if not lapdogs." – @keiththirion.bsky.social for @democracydocket.com
Read the full piece:
www.democracydocket.com/opinion/vet-...
Read the full piece:
www.democracydocket.com/opinion/vet-...
Vet Trump’s Judicial Picks for Their Views on Presidential Power
Opinion | We can’t afford to give the judicial branch any more opportunity to advance the unitary executive theory.
www.democracydocket.com
March 26, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Trump has filled his Cabinet and federal agencies with loyalists doing everything in (and beyond) their power to dismantle our democracy and our rights. We can't let him stack our courts with judges more committed to his agenda than the rule of law.
Reposted by Keith Thirion
Hey, Politico --
I consider myself to have "long-term standing in the private legal community" and I have been willing to speak out almost every single day. And, I'm not alone.
Yes, there is widespread cowardice among law firms, but don't ignore those refusing to bow down.
Defiantly,
Marc Elias
I consider myself to have "long-term standing in the private legal community" and I have been willing to speak out almost every single day. And, I'm not alone.
Yes, there is widespread cowardice among law firms, but don't ignore those refusing to bow down.
Defiantly,
Marc Elias
March 23, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Hey, Politico --
I consider myself to have "long-term standing in the private legal community" and I have been willing to speak out almost every single day. And, I'm not alone.
Yes, there is widespread cowardice among law firms, but don't ignore those refusing to bow down.
Defiantly,
Marc Elias
I consider myself to have "long-term standing in the private legal community" and I have been willing to speak out almost every single day. And, I'm not alone.
Yes, there is widespread cowardice among law firms, but don't ignore those refusing to bow down.
Defiantly,
Marc Elias
The courts have been the only mechanism holding Trump just barely in check, at times, so now he's trying to intimidate lawyers fighting for our democracy into silence. www.reuters.com/legal/trump-...
Trump signs memo aimed at preventing abuse of legal system, federal courts
U.S. President Donald Trump signed a memorandum on Friday that the White House said aimed at preventing abuses of legal system and the federal courts.
www.reuters.com
March 22, 2025 at 9:36 PM
The courts have been the only mechanism holding Trump just barely in check, at times, so now he's trying to intimidate lawyers fighting for our democracy into silence. www.reuters.com/legal/trump-...
Give it our all to hold the line at the federal level, keep making progress in the states. Musk has already turned his sights - and wallet - on WI this year. Every vote, every dollar, every bit of attention on state courts matters.
NEW: As Trump attempts to remake the federal government into an instrument of destruction, we must turn to state courts as a critical defense for our civil rights, health and safety, @keiththirion.bsky.social of @afj.org argues.
www.democracydocket.com
February 21, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Give it our all to hold the line at the federal level, keep making progress in the states. Musk has already turned his sights - and wallet - on WI this year. Every vote, every dollar, every bit of attention on state courts matters.
Rage buying cookies is the most delicious way to support trans youth. Check out @erininthemorning.com's list of trans scouts to buy from: www.erininthemorning.com/p/2025-trans...
February 16, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Rage buying cookies is the most delicious way to support trans youth. Check out @erininthemorning.com's list of trans scouts to buy from: www.erininthemorning.com/p/2025-trans...
Reposted by Keith Thirion
the single most un-american and anti-constitutional statement ever uttered by an american president
February 15, 2025 at 6:39 PM
the single most un-american and anti-constitutional statement ever uttered by an american president
Criminal penalties. Let that sink in. Using the power of the DOJ, meant to protect civil rights and investigate the abuses of them, to criminalize measures aimed at addressing systemic inequalities. To criminalize noncompliance with Trump's racist agenda. slate.com/news-and-pol...
Pam Bondi Instructs Trump DOJ to Criminally Investigate Companies That Do DEI
Civil rights advocates may well file suit immediately against the Justice Department to secure an injunction.
slate.com
February 6, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Criminal penalties. Let that sink in. Using the power of the DOJ, meant to protect civil rights and investigate the abuses of them, to criminalize measures aimed at addressing systemic inequalities. To criminalize noncompliance with Trump's racist agenda. slate.com/news-and-pol...
Reposted by Keith Thirion
I suspect USAID is first because it's "foreign aid" and fewer Americans will object. But once the precedent is established, expect unilateral dismantling of domestic institutions too
February 3, 2025 at 1:19 PM
I suspect USAID is first because it's "foreign aid" and fewer Americans will object. But once the precedent is established, expect unilateral dismantling of domestic institutions too
So really they're just trying to get around the court ruling, and still defund critical programs that support communities across the country
*Stringer Bell voice*
Are you posting tweets admitting to fraud on the court?
Are you posting tweets admitting to fraud on the court?
January 29, 2025 at 7:37 PM
So really they're just trying to get around the court ruling, and still defund critical programs that support communities across the country
Judge Loren AliKhan, who just blocked Trump's federal funding freeze on programs that help meet people's basic needs, was a Biden nominee. Each one of those 235 confirmations matters. www.nytimes.com/2025/01/28/u...
Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Freeze of Federal Grant Funds
www.nytimes.com
January 28, 2025 at 11:32 PM
Judge Loren AliKhan, who just blocked Trump's federal funding freeze on programs that help meet people's basic needs, was a Biden nominee. Each one of those 235 confirmations matters. www.nytimes.com/2025/01/28/u...
Reposted by Keith Thirion
I love this so much!
At the inauguration, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wore a distinctive collar adorned with cowrie shells, which are believed to offer protection from evil in African traditions.
This choice mirrors the late Justice Ginsburg’s practice of using collars to convey a message.
At the inauguration, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wore a distinctive collar adorned with cowrie shells, which are believed to offer protection from evil in African traditions.
This choice mirrors the late Justice Ginsburg’s practice of using collars to convey a message.
January 21, 2025 at 1:19 AM
I love this so much!
At the inauguration, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wore a distinctive collar adorned with cowrie shells, which are believed to offer protection from evil in African traditions.
This choice mirrors the late Justice Ginsburg’s practice of using collars to convey a message.
At the inauguration, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wore a distinctive collar adorned with cowrie shells, which are believed to offer protection from evil in African traditions.
This choice mirrors the late Justice Ginsburg’s practice of using collars to convey a message.
Uh oh. They found Northeast. Good thing I'm wearing this.
January 19, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Uh oh. They found Northeast. Good thing I'm wearing this.
Reposted by Keith Thirion
ICYMI: Check out the latest op-ed from AFJ Co-President @keiththirion.bsky.social for @democracydocket.com
Read the full piece here: www.democracydocket.com/opinion/the-...
Read the full piece here: www.democracydocket.com/opinion/the-...
The Resistance We Need From Senate Democrats Under Trump 2.0
Opinion | Of the harms Trump can and will do over his next four years in office, the judges he appoints will have the most lasting effect.
www.democracydocket.com
January 16, 2025 at 4:45 PM
ICYMI: Check out the latest op-ed from AFJ Co-President @keiththirion.bsky.social for @democracydocket.com
Read the full piece here: www.democracydocket.com/opinion/the-...
Read the full piece here: www.democracydocket.com/opinion/the-...
The AG should be a lawyer for the people, not a loyalist to defend Trump's corruption - with an anti-LGBTQ, anti-democratic record to boot.
NEW: AFJ Opposes Pam Bondi’s Nomination to Attorney General
"Bondi would pose a threat to the health and safety of our nation while undermining the basic freedoms of political expression we hold dear." – AFJ Co-President @keiththirion.bsky.social
Read our full statement: afj.org/article/afj-...
"Bondi would pose a threat to the health and safety of our nation while undermining the basic freedoms of political expression we hold dear." – AFJ Co-President @keiththirion.bsky.social
Read our full statement: afj.org/article/afj-...
AFJ Opposes Pam Bondi’s Nomination to Attorney General - Alliance for Justice
afj.org
January 15, 2025 at 4:28 PM
The AG should be a lawyer for the people, not a loyalist to defend Trump's corruption - with an anti-LGBTQ, anti-democratic record to boot.
Knee jerk reactions to politicized misinformation about crime don't work? Shocking.
Walgreens CEO says anti-shoplifting strategy backfired: ‘When you lock things up…you don’t sell as many of them’
Walgreens CEO says anti-shoplifting strategy backfired: 'When you lock things up…you don't sell as many of them’
Walgreens' CEO talked about the flip side of investing in increased security on a recent earnings call.
fortune.com
January 15, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Knee jerk reactions to politicized misinformation about crime don't work? Shocking.
We've spent the past four years confirming outstanding demographically and professionally diverse judges committed to equal justice. Senate Dems must not compromise on that standard and oppose every one of Trump's nominees who doesn't meet it.
NEW: Of the harms Donald Trump will do over his next four years in office, the judges he appoints will have the most lasting effect. Democrats should use every tool they can to resist these judicial confirmations, argues @keiththirion.bsky.social of @afj.org.
www.democracydocket.com
January 14, 2025 at 8:06 PM
We've spent the past four years confirming outstanding demographically and professionally diverse judges committed to equal justice. Senate Dems must not compromise on that standard and oppose every one of Trump's nominees who doesn't meet it.
Reposted by Keith Thirion
“Will pay any amount.”
Feels like one of those futile pleas we’re going to hear from wealthy people more and more in the era of climate change.
Feels like one of those futile pleas we’re going to hear from wealthy people more and more in the era of climate change.
January 8, 2025 at 6:16 AM
“Will pay any amount.”
Feels like one of those futile pleas we’re going to hear from wealthy people more and more in the era of climate change.
Feels like one of those futile pleas we’re going to hear from wealthy people more and more in the era of climate change.
Keep an eye on these. Notably, WI's 4-3 liberal majority hangs in the balance and PA has 3 Democratic justices of its current 5-2 majority facing retention elections.
State supreme court races in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Louisiana could impact the fight for fair maps, voting rights and democracy.
Here are the races you should watch in 2025.
Here are the races you should watch in 2025.
State Supreme Court Races to Follow in 2025
State supreme court races were a major focal point in the 2024 general election. Next year’s could be just as consequential.
www.democracydocket.com
January 7, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Keep an eye on these. Notably, WI's 4-3 liberal majority hangs in the balance and PA has 3 Democratic justices of its current 5-2 majority facing retention elections.
Serena Murillo is the 235th Biden judge confirmed, surpassing Trump's 234 judges. Not just a number- these are labor, civil rights, LGBTQ, and unprecedentedly diverse judges committed to justice. So much to celebrate, tinged with the disappointment of leaving some outstanding nominees on the table
December 21, 2024 at 12:20 AM
Serena Murillo is the 235th Biden judge confirmed, surpassing Trump's 234 judges. Not just a number- these are labor, civil rights, LGBTQ, and unprecedentedly diverse judges committed to justice. So much to celebrate, tinged with the disappointment of leaving some outstanding nominees on the table
Reposted by Keith Thirion
Whoa—the Montana Supreme Court holds that its state constitution protects the right to "a stable climate system," and strikes down a law that barred consideration of greenhouse gas emissions when permitting new fossil fuel projects. juddocumentservice.mt.gov/getDocByCTra...
December 18, 2024 at 6:17 PM
Whoa—the Montana Supreme Court holds that its state constitution protects the right to "a stable climate system," and strikes down a law that barred consideration of greenhouse gas emissions when permitting new fossil fuel projects. juddocumentservice.mt.gov/getDocByCTra...